Which concrete characteristic is improved by air-entraining the concrete?

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Air-entraining concrete involves incorporating tiny air bubbles into the mix. This process significantly enhances the freeze-thaw resistance of the concrete. When water in the concrete freezes, it expands. If there are no air voids to accommodate this expansion, the pressure can cause the concrete to crack and deteriorate. By introducing air-entraining agents, these small air pockets act as pressure relief valves, allowing for the controlled expansion of water as it freezes. Consequently, this makes air-entrained concrete much more resilient in environments where freeze-thaw cycles are common, thus greatly reducing the risk of damage and extending the service life of concrete structures exposed to such conditions.

While air-entraining concrete can have some effects on workability, strength, and overall durability, the most significant and direct improvement attributed to this characteristic is in freeze-thaw resistance. This makes it a fundamental practice in areas subject to severe weather conditions.

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