And conversely if you add Tri-Chromium ( literally only drops) the concrete
is 70% stronger. The chemical stops oxidation along the rebar's. This is an
old Ferro cement boat builders trick. You can also re-enforce by adding 5 %
silica.

Even today, cement mixing is an art, NOT a science. I would certainly not
add anything but a small quantity of latex to cement.



"Hank" wrote in message
...
It so happens that someone has tried this. Believe it or not the CIA.
Addition of even small amounts of liquid soap (I believe Ivory was
used in the test) to concrete does not seem to change the curing time
or what it looks like BUT the strength of the resultant concrete after
setting will be severely reduced. We did it as a form of sabotage.
Ex-CIA 25 years in the business.

On 12 Apr 2007 14:13:24 -0700, "
wrote:

Greetings,

I was told by a friend that you should always put a small amount of
liquid dish detergent into your concrete or stucco mix to make it more
workable with less water.

a) Does it actually make the mixture more workable?
b) Does it decrease the strength or increase the strength due to the
need for less water?
c) How much should you put in?
d) Anything else I should know? Perhaps it is against city code
because it isn't an "approved admixture", etc?

Just hoping for some verification or denial.

Thanks!

PS: I understand that you can purchase superplasticisers but that is
beyond the scope of many small projects such as rebuilding steps,
stuccoing a framed in porch, etc.

email response not expected but to respond remove .uk at end
TIA
Hank