LAITANCE Meaning and
Definition
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Laitance is a term used in the construction industry, particularly in the field of concrete. It refers to a layer of weak and unstable material that forms on the surface of freshly poured or set concrete.
During the process of pouring concrete, a mixture of cement, water, aggregates, and sometimes other additives are combined, resulting in a semi-liquid paste. As this paste begins to harden and set, water rises to the surface, carrying with it fine particles and impurities. These particles, often composed of cement and aggregates, create a milky or hazy layer known as laitance on the top surface of the concrete.
Laitance is typically weaker and less dense than the underlying concrete, and it can significantly affect the durability and strength of the final structure. Its presence can lead to various issues, such as reduced bond strength between layers, decreased resistance to abrasion and wear, poor adherence of subsequent coatings or finishes, and even weak points that may compromise the overall integrity of the concrete.
To prevent or minimize the formation of laitance, various measures can be taken during the construction process. These may include using the proper mix design, ensuring appropriate water-cement ratio, employing suitable curing methods, such as sufficient moist curing or using chemical curing compounds, and employing proper concrete placement techniques, like vibration or troweling.
Overall, controlling and managing the formation of laitance is crucial for achieving high-quality and durable concrete structures.
Common Misspellings for LAITANCE
- kaitance
- paitance
- oaitance
- lzitance
- lsitance
- lwitance
- lqitance
- lautance
- lajtance
- laktance
- laotance
- la9tance
- la8tance
- lairance
- laifance
- laigance
- laiyance
- lai6ance
- lai5ance
- laitznce
Etymology of LAITANCE
The word "laitance" is derived from the French term "lait" which means "milk". The suffix "-ance" in French is used to form nouns indicating a state or condition. Hence, "laitance" refers to a milk-like substance or a milky deposit.
In English, "laitance" specifically refers to the milky layer that forms on the surface of fresh concrete when water rises to the top during the pouring and drying process.
