Products
Construction Quicklime (CQL)
CQL represents an advancement over traditional quicklime, specifically engineered to meet the demands of modern construction projects. Quicklime has long been a staple in the construction industry, known for its ability to stabilize soil and improve the durability of construction projects. Traditional quicklime, however, comes with certain limitations, such as longer mellow periods and less efficient mixing. CQL addresses these issues, providing a more efficient and user-friendly alternative. CQL provides rapid soil drying, modification, and stabilization with a four-hour mellow period and without the need for a second mix.
One of the key features of CQL is its significantly higher surface area, which allows for faster hydration and accelerates chemical reactions. This enhancement reduces the time required for soil stabilization, making CQL a more efficient choice for construction projects.
In addition to its higher surface area, CQL boasts a finer particle size distribution, being twice as fine as traditional (¼ inch by zero) quicklime fines. This increased fineness improves the product’s performance by enhancing its ability to mix and homogenize with soil. The result is a more uniform mixture that accelerates the chemical reactions necessary to transform unsuitable soil into a viable construction material, which is crucial for the success of construction projects and their demanding schedules.
Benefits of CQL
Reduced Mellow Period, one of the standout features of CQL. Requiring only a 4-hour mellow period, CQL can be placed and compacted similarly to Portland cement. This allows contractors to expedite their project timelines, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
Accelerated Early Strength creates a stable working platform much faster than traditional quicklime. This enables contractors to proceed with subsequent construction phases sooner, ultimately speeding up project completion.
Reduced Mixing Requirements improve homogenization of the soil. CQL requires only single-pass mixing for most soil types. This reduces the time and effort needed for mixing, resulting in a more streamlined and efficient construction process.
Spreading Versatility: Compatibility with a broader range of spreading equipment offers greater flexibility on the job site. This versatility ensures that contractors can use their existing equipment without the need for specialized tools, saving both time and money.
Improved Transfer Rate: The unique sizing of CQL accelerates product transfer from pneumatic to spreader, decreasing detention time. This improved transfer rate allows more material to be processed in less time, enhancing overall efficiency.
Better Flow: CQL’s optimized sizing improves distribution and reduces void space, allowing more material to be added to a spreader than traditional quicklime. This enhanced flow not only boosts spreading efficiency but also ensures a more uniform application.
These features collectively translate to significant time and cost savings, making CQL an invaluable asset for modern construction projects. In addition to the CQL product features and benefits listed above, customers also receive the following benefits:
DECREASED PLASTICITY
GENERATES HEAT FOR COLD WEATHER LIMING
ELIMINATES REMOVE & REPLACE
REDUCED SHRINK-SWELL
ACCELERATED WORKING PLATFORM
INCREASES BEARING CAPACITY & PENETRATION RESISTANCE
Soil Drying
Lime provides the fastest drying option.
- Outperforms Portland cement in drying applications
- Lime-based products offer fast, effective drying to keep projects on time and on budget
- Once hydrated, the high availability of calcium oxide creates exothermic reactions and quickly drives off moisture
- Over 30% of its weight in water can be absorbed as CQL hydrates
- Hydration reaction generates heat to allow job sites to progress in cold, wet weather conditions
Soil Modification
Modification of problematic soils along with sediments and waste streams in environmental applications.
- CQL can modify soils to minimize, if not eliminate, shrink/swell potential, increase freeze/thaw resistance and provide short and long-term strength gains
- CQL boosts the optimum moisture content (OMC) and lowers the maximum dry density (MDD), making it easier for soil to absorb water and achieve targeted compaction
- CQL improves critical water contents and reduces the plasticity index (PI)
Soil Stabilization
Stabilization of problematic, wet soils along with sediments and waste streams in environmental applications.
- Pozzolans increase strength over time.
- CQL raises the pH of a soil to the point that naturally present pozzolanic compounds in clayey soils are solubilized making them available for long term cementitious reactions in the presence of calcium
- Lower moisture absorption increases freeze/thaw resistance
Spotlight
Calculate the reagent needed for your jobsite with the Dose Rate Calculator, powered by Mintek.
Safety
Material handling of CQL
As with any chemical, handling of CQL needs to be treated with respect. If handled properly, it is a very safe product. There are several precautions working with construction quicklime.
Technical Data
CQL
Calcium oxide and magnesium oxide (CaO + MgO):
> 90%
Carbon dioxide (CO2):
< 5%
Appearance:
white or grayish white material
Odor:
Odorless
pH at 25°C:
12.45
Bulk Density:
50-65 #/ft3 – depending on sizing
Solubility:
Negligible in water but reacts with water to produce Ca(OH)2 and heat. Soluble in acids, glycerin, and sugar solutions