Production of concrete mixes which require high early strength development, powerful water reduction and improved flowability. (TDS p.1)
Precast concrete production
Precast yards need early strength for quick stripping and mould turnover, or semi-dry mixes that fill moulds evenly for pavers, blocks and kerbs. Choose the admixture by process: wet-cast or semi-dry.
- 7 steps
- 13 products
- 4 answers
You need this when…
- Moulds tied up because elements are too weak to strip
- Pavers and kerbs with uneven density or broken edges
- White efflorescence on coloured pavers
- Shrinkage cracks or surface defects on wet-cast panels
The work, step by step
General guidance based on the manufacturer data sheets. Site conditions differ: confirm the system with MCT before you start. Where we do not name a product, ask us and we will confirm the right one.
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Step 1: Wet-cast elements: high early strength
Sika ViscoCrete-20 HE is designed for precast, fast-track work and early stripping (p.1): 0.2–0.8 % of cement for medium workability, 1.0–2.0 % for SCC (p.2). SikaPlast HRM PK and Sikament R4QV PK are used as water reducers for high-early-strength precast and prestressed elements (SikaPlast HRM PK p.1; Sikament R4QV PK p.1).
Sika ViscoCrete-20 HE Sika SikaPlast HRM PK Sika Request a quotation SikaPlast® HRM PK can be used as a superplasticizer for the production of free-flowing concrete for: Slabs, Foundations, Walls, Columns, Piers, Slender components with dense reinforcement. (TDS p.1)
- Pack
- 05 ltr jerry can
Sikament R4QV PK Sika Sikament® R4QV PK can be used as a Superplasticizer for the production of free flowing concrete for: Piles, foundations, Slabs, Walls, columns, piers and slender components with dense reinforcement It is also used as a Water Reducing agent leading to high early strength concrete for:, Pre-cast co… (TDS p.1)
- Pack
- 05 ltr jerry can
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Step 2: Unreinforced items only: accelerator
SikaRapid-786 PK gives earlier stripping and reuse of forms (p.1), but it is only for concrete without reinforcement (p.1). Dose 0.5–1.5 % of cement (p.2).
SikaRapid-786 PK Sika SikaRapid®-786 PK can be used: Only for Concrete without reinforcement, Reduced water content required, For Increased early and ultimate strengths, Fast-track concrete projects, For (SCC) Self consolidating concrete, Concrete linings. (TDS p.1)
- Pack
- 05 ltr jerry can 20 ltr plastic can 200 ltr drum 1000 ltr IBC Bulk supply in tanker is…
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Step 3: Semi-dry pavers, blocks and kerbs
SikaPaver HC-218 removes the stickiness of semi-dry mixes and gives even mould filling (p.1); dose 0.2–0.5 % of binder (p.2). For large pavers, pipes, manholes and hollow-core slabs use SikaPaver HC-339 at 0.2–0.6 % of binder (p.1, p.2).
SikaPaver HC-218 Sika Request a quotation Concrete Pavers Masonry Blocks Roof Tiles Kerbstones Landscaping elements (TDS p.1)
- Pack
- Drum: 200 kg net weight IBC: 1000 kg net weight Bulk: min 6 t
SikaPaver HC-339 Sika Request a quotation Large Concrete Pavers and Tiles Kerbstones and U-Stones Pipes and Manholes Hollow core slabs Railway sleepers with instant demolding (TDS p.1)
- Pack
- Drum: 200 kg net weight
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Step 4: Colour and efflorescence control
SikaPaver AE-500 reduces efflorescence and capillary water absorption in semi-dry precast with immediate demoulding (p.1); dose 0.2–1.0 % of binder (p.2).
SikaPaver AE-500 Sika Request a quotation Paving stones with long-lasting color effect High-quality concrete tiles Garden and landscaping elements Concrete components which should be protected against rain, surface water and ascending moisture (TDS p.1)
- Pack
- Drum: 190 kg net weight
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Step 5: Watertight and fibre-reinforced products
For pipes, manholes and tanks, SikaControl-760 is a crystalline waterproofing admixture for structural and precast concrete (p.1). Sika Crackstop Fiber 6 mm reduces shrinkage cracking in precast elements (p.1). SikaFiber Force-60 is a structural fibre for precast; replacing steel needs an engineer's design (p.1, p.2).
SikaControl-760 Sika SikaControl®-760 should be used in all structural concrete that is constantly or intermittently in contact with water such as sea walls, tunnels, basements, structural and precast concrete. SikaControl®-760 can also be used as crystalline waterproofing admixture for cement mortars and plasters. T… (TDS p.1)
- Pack
- SikaControl®-760 is available in 5 Kg & 25 kg pack.
Sika Crackstop Fiber 6 mm Sika Request a quotation For most types of non-structural concrete and cementitious mortars which need to reduce the incidence of shrinkage cracking: Ground bearing slabs, Screeds and overlays, Renders and plasters, Precast concrete elements, Sprayed applications, Extruded concrete. (TDS p.1)
SikaFiber Force-60 Sika Request a quotation For most types of in-situ cast structural concrete and sprayed concrete to distribute stresses, increase structural properties or increase abrasion resistance. Sprayed concrete: Excavation stabilisation in tunnelling and mining, Rock and ground stabilisation, Temporary stabilisation, Replacement … (TDS p.1)
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Step 6: Finish, cure and dust-proof
For exposed-aggregate faces, coat clean timber formwork with Sika Rugasol-2 W Liquid and cast within 48 hours (p.2). Sikafloor CureHard-24 is listed for dust-proofing prefabricated concrete elements (p.1).
Sika Rugasol-2 W Liquid Sika Request a quotation Surface retarder when applied to horizontal fresh concrete surfaces and / or wooden formwork for: Exposed / washed aggregate concrete finishes, Architectural finishes, Screed overlays, Renderings, Rough key for subsequent works on concrete construction joints. (TDS p.1)
Sikafloor CureHard-24 Sika Professionals only Horizontal old or new concrete surfaces, where a hard surface with light to moderate abrasion resistance is required e.g. (TDS p.1)
- Temperature stated in TDS
- +5 °C min. / +35 °C max (TDS p.2)
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Step 7: Erection: grout the connections
Grout column sockets and gaps in precast construction with a non-shrink grout (SikaGrout-114 PK p.1).
SikaGrout-114 PK Sika SikaGrout®-114 PK is used for grouting in the following: Machine foundations, Columns in pre-cast construction, Concrete anchors, cavities, gaps, and recesses, Base plates, General concrete repairs, Bridge bearing pads. (TDS p.1)
Precast concrete production: scope and system
A starting point for a site proposal. Quantities, prices and the final specification follow a site visit or photos.
Scope of work
- Process review: wet-cast or semi-dry, curing and stripping cycle
- Admixture selection and trial batches
- Supply of admixtures, fibres and surface retarder
- Dosing guidance for the yard mixer
System build-up
| Step | Product | Pack | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Wet-cast elements: high early strength | Sika ViscoCrete-20 HE | — | TDS p.1 · May 2021, Version 01.02 |
| 1. Wet-cast elements: high early strength | SikaPlast HRM PK | 05 ltr jerry can | TDS p.1 · June 2025, Version 02.02 |
| 1. Wet-cast elements: high early strength | Sikament R4QV PK | 05 ltr jerry can | TDS p.1 · June 2025, Version 02.01 |
| 2. Unreinforced items only: accelerator | SikaRapid-786 PK | 05 ltr jerry can 20 ltr plastic can 200 ltr drum 1000 ltr IBC Bulk supply in tanker is… | TDS p.1 · October 2025, Version 01.02 |
| 3. Semi-dry pavers, blocks and kerbs | SikaPaver HC-218 | Drum: 200 kg net weight IBC: 1000 kg net weight Bulk: min 6 t | TDS p.1 · December 2022, Version 04.01 |
| 3. Semi-dry pavers, blocks and kerbs | SikaPaver HC-339 | Drum: 200 kg net weight | TDS p.1 · December 2022, Version 05.01 |
| 4. Colour and efflorescence control | SikaPaver AE-500 | Drum: 190 kg net weight | TDS p.1 · December 2022, Version 02.02 |
| 5. Watertight and fibre-reinforced products | SikaControl-760 | SikaControl®-760 is available in 5 Kg & 25 kg pack. | TDS p.1 · March 2025, Version 04.01 |
| 5. Watertight and fibre-reinforced products | Sika Crackstop Fiber 6 mm | — | TDS p.1 · November 2025, Version 02.02 |
| 5. Watertight and fibre-reinforced products | SikaFiber Force-60 | — | TDS p.1 · May 2021, Version 02.01 |
| 6. Finish, cure and dust-proof | Sika Rugasol-2 W Liquid | — | TDS p.1 · July 2021, Version 01.01 |
| 6. Finish, cure and dust-proof | Sikafloor CureHard-24 (professionals) | — | TDS p.1 · May 2021, Version 01.01 |
| 7. Erection: grout the connections | SikaGrout-114 PK | — | TDS p.1 · March 2026, Version 04.03 |
What we need from you
- Products made (pavers, blocks, kerbs, pipes, panels, beams)
- Reinforced, prestressed or plain
- Current mix, cement and aggregates
- Target stripping or demoulding time
- Problems seen: cracks, efflorescence, broken edges
Site conditions
- Trial batches approved before production (Sika ViscoCrete-20 HE p.2)
- Calibrated dosing at the mixer
Not included
- Moulds, curing chambers and plant equipment
- Structural design of precast elements
Questions customers ask
Can the accelerator go into prestressed beams?
No. SikaRapid-786 PK is for concrete without reinforcement only (p.1). For prestressed elements use a high-early-strength superplasticiser such as Sika ViscoCrete-20 HE, which is suitable for reinforced and prestressed concrete (p.1).
Why does my paver mix stick in the mould?
Semi-dry mixes get sticky at higher water contents. SikaPaver HC-218 is designed to remove this stickiness and fill moulds evenly (p.1).
How do I stop white bloom on coloured pavers?
Add SikaPaver AE-500 at 0.2–1.0 % of binder; it reduces efflorescence and water absorption (SikaPaver AE-500 p.1, p.2).
Can fibres replace the mesh in my panels?
Only when designed by a qualified engineer (SikaFiber Force-60 p.2).
Steps and product facts are taken from the manufacturer data sheets (page cited). Products are named only where the data sheet confirms the use; quantities follow a site visit or photos. General guidance: check the data sheet or ask us before you start.