Ramco Hard Worker Micro Concrete HW401

Ramco Hard Worker Micro Concrete (HW401) is a high-strength, non-shrink, cementitious repair composite designed for structural restoration and retrofitting. Unlike standard concrete, which can be difficult to pour into tight spaces or thin sections, HW401 is engineered with excellent flow properties, allowing it to reach deep into congested reinforcement areas and fill voids completely.

It is the professional choice for repairing damaged columns, beams, and slabs where high early strength and structural integrity are non-negotiable.

Key Features & Benefits

• Dual Expansion System: HW401 features a specialized non-shrink mechanism that compensates for plastic and long-term drying shrinkage. This ensures a tight, gap-free bond between the old concrete and the new repair material.
• High Flowability: Its "self-compacting" nature allows it to be poured or pumped into restricted areas without the need for mechanical vibration, preventing "honeycombing" in repairs.
• Rapid Strength Gain: Designed for fast-track repairs, it achieves high compressive strength within the first few days, allowing for quicker removal of formwork and faster project completion.
• Low Permeability: The dense matrix of the cured micro-concrete provides an excellent barrier against water, chlorides, and carbonation, protecting the internal steel reinforcement from future corrosion.
• Chloride Free: It is formulated without the use of added chlorides, making it safe for use in all types of reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structures.
• Consistent Quality: Being a pre-mixed, factory-controlled product, it eliminates site-mixing errors associated with local sand, cement, and aggregate ratios.

Primary Applications

• Column & Beam Jacketing: Used to increase the load-bearing capacity of existing structural members by adding a new layer of high-strength concrete.
• Slab Repairs: Ideal for fixing deep spalls or structural cracks in roof and floor slabs.
• Repair of Concrete Voids: Fills pockets and "honeycombs" in new constructions where the original pour was insufficient.
• Foundation Strengthening: Used in retrofitting projects to bolster old foundations or footings.
• Machinery Foundations: Suitable for grouting and bedding where a high-strength, vibration-resistant base is required.

Application Guide

1. Surface Preparation: Chip away all loose or damaged concrete until the "sound" concrete is exposed. Clean the reinforcement steel of any rust using a wire brush or sandblasting.
2. Formwork: Fix a watertight formwork (shuttering) around the area to be repaired. Ensure the formwork is coated with a release agent for easy removal.
3. Pre-Wetting: Thoroughly soak the concrete surface with water for several hours before pouring. Ensure all standing water is removed just before application.
4. Mixing: Add HW401 powder to the measured quantity of water. Use a mechanical mixer (drill with paddle) for at least 5 minutes to ensure a lump-free, flowable consistency.
5. Pouring: Pour the mix continuously from one side to avoid air entrapment.
6. Curing: Once the formwork is removed, cure the repaired area with water or a curing compound for at least 7 days.

Why Choose HW401 Over Conventional Concrete?

Standard concrete mixes often shrink as they dry, leaving a tiny gap between the old and new material which weakens the structure. Ramco Hard Worker HW401 expands slightly to fill that gap perfectly, creating a monolithic bond. Its high-flow nature also ensures that even the most complex reinforcement cages are fully encased in protective, high-strength concrete.