Rapidset Concrete Solutions for High-Performance Construction Projects
Benefits:
- Quick-Setting: Minimises downtime and allows for rapid project completion.
- Durable: Offers long-lasting performance with zero shrinkage.
- Environmentally Friendly: Low CO2 emissions during production.
- Versatile: Suitable for various applications, including airport bays, roads, bridges and other high-traffic areas.
- High Strength: Gains sufficient strength quickly to support heavy loads.
Case Study: Gatwick Airport
Date: 25th November 2025
Contractor: PJ Hegarty & Sons (TAG Construction)
Concrete Supplier: Eastern Concrete Ltd
Project: Bay replacement & repair at Gatwick Airport
Bay Size: 16.5m³
Eastern Concrete successfully completed another bay replacement pour at Gatwick Airport using Rapidset Concrete.
The entire area was removed, prepared, and placed by PJ Hegarty & Sons as part of their ongoing Maintenance Framework with GAL during a nighttime possession. The speed of strength gain after mixing and placing allows the area to be returned to service within the same evening’s closure.
This forms part of several schemes to renew existing slab and repair the concrete areas, with over 120m3 supplied to date in 2025 to one of the UK’s busiest Airports.
Production: Three volumetric mixer trucks poured 16.5m³ in just 22 minutes.
Equipment: Placed using handheld hydraulic vibrating pokers for easy placing and consolidating.
Levelling: Concrete was levelled using a Twin Beam “Razor Back” Screed, followed by hand trowel and a brush finish.
Curing: Applied a curing agent to prevent plastic shrinkage, followed by curing blankets to retain heat and control moisture loss.
Rapid Set Mix: Water for the mix was heated to 40°C on all trucks to combat low ambient temperatures and enable correct mix temperature to achieve the rapid setting.
Case Study: Heathrow Airport
Date: 27th March 2017
Contractor: Dyer & Butler
Concrete Supplier: Eastern Concrete Ltd
Project: Bay replacement at UK Airport
Bay Size: 4.7m x 4.2m x 450mm deep = 8.9m³
Eastern Concrete successfully completed a bay replacement project at Heathrow Airport using Rapidset Concrete. The old concrete was removed during the night shift and replaced the following morning, showcasing the efficiency and effectiveness of our solution.
- Production: Two volumetric mixer trucks poured 8.9m³ in just 15 minutes.
- Equipment: Utilised 360 Excavator bucket with hydraulic vibrating pokers for easy placing and consolidating.
- Levelling: Concrete was levelled using a Rolling Striker Screed, followed by hand trowels and a brush finish.
- Curing: Applied a curing agent to prevent plastic shrinkage, followed by curing blankets to retain heat and control moisture loss.
Within 1.5 hours, the slab gained sufficient strength to support a 40-tonne truck with no cracking or failure. The brush finish remained intact, demonstrating the robustness of Rapidset Concrete.
Technical Specifications
- Setting Time: Rapid setting within hours, reducing project downtime.
- Strength: Achieves high strength quickly, supporting heavy loads.
- Shrinkage: Zero shrinkage ensures long-term durability.
- Environmental Impact: Low CO2 emissions contribute to sustainable construction practices.
Applications and Use Cases
- Airports: Ideal for quick repairs and bay replacements.
- Highways: Suitable for fast-track repairs and maintenance.
- Industrial Sites: Perfect for heavy-duty flooring and loading bays.
- Commercial Projects: Use for any project requiring quick turnaround and high strength.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Rapidset Concrete?
A: Rapidset Concrete is a quick-setting, high-strength concrete ideal for projects requiring minimal downtime.
Q: How quickly does Rapidset Concrete set?
A: It begins setting within minutes and achieves significant strength within a few hours.
Q: What are the benefits of using Rapidset Concrete?
A: It offers quick setting times, durability, zero shrinkage, and low CO2 emissions.
Q: In what applications can Rapidset Concrete be used?
A: It is perfect for airport bays, highways, industrial sites, and commercial projects requiring quick, durable solutions.
Contact Us
For more information or to discuss your project needs, contact Eastern Concrete Ltd. Our team is ready to provide expert advice and high-quality concrete for your next project.
