Description
ARDEX A 46 is a rapid-hardening, rapid-drying, slump-free repair mortar for external concrete. It is designed for repairing and resurfacing concrete stair treads and risers and concrete subfloors, and for filling and patching cracks in walls, ceilings, and window and door frames. It can also be used to form ramps from 2 mm to 30 mm. Manufactured by ARDEX Australia.
The slump-free formulation is what separates it from a general-purpose patching mortar: the mixed mortar holds its shape on vertical and overhead repairs rather than sagging, and it hardens fast enough to accept foot traffic after 2 to 3 hours at 20 degrees C. Also written ARDEX A46.
Technical Specifications
| Product type | Rapid-hardening, slump-free cement-based repair mortar |
|---|---|
| Application | External concrete floors, walls, stairs; ramp forming |
| Application thickness | 2 mm to 30 mm in one application |
| Mixing ratio | 4.8-5.6 litres of water per 20 kg, or 1 volume water to 3.5 volumes powder |
| Mixing time | 2-3 minutes with a mixing paddle and heavy-duty drill (650 rpm) |
| Working time | 15-20 minutes at 20 degrees C |
| Initial set | 15-20 minutes |
| Foot traffic | 2-3 hours at 20 degrees C |
| Before floorcoverings | 24 hours |
| Before coating | 2 days to 5 mm; 5 days to 10 mm; 7 days to 20 mm; 10 days to 30 mm |
| Substrate temperature | Minimum 10 degrees C, maximum 30 degrees C |
| Coverage | Approximately 1.4 kg powder per square metre per mm |
| Packaging | 20 kg bag |
| Shelf life | 12 months in dry conditions, unopened, at 23 degrees C and 50% relative humidity |
Coverage Rates
ARDEX A 46 consumes approximately 1.4 kg of powder per square metre for every millimetre of thickness. A 20 kg bag therefore covers:
| Thickness | Coverage per 20 kg bag |
|---|---|
| 1 mm | Approx. 14.3 m² |
| 2 mm | Approx. 7.1 m² |
| 3 mm | Approx. 4.8 m² |
| 5 mm | Approx. 2.9 m² |
| 10 mm | Approx. 1.4 m² |
| 20 mm | Approx. 0.7 m² |
| 30 mm | Approx. 0.5 m² |
Figures assume a flat, level surface. Allow additional material where the substrate is rough, uneven or porous.
Where to Use
- Repairing and resurfacing concrete stair treads and risers
- Repairing external concrete subfloors
- Filling and patching cracks in walls and ceilings
- Patching around window and door frames
- Forming ramps from 2 mm to 30 mm
- Smoothing worn or trafficked external concrete surfaces
How to Apply
- Prepare the substrate – the surface must be set, hardened, sound and free of dust, grease, oil and other contamination. Worn or trafficked surfaces should be abraded with a diamond grinder or scarifier to expose a clean, porous surface. ARDEX A 46 may be applied to dry or moist substrates.
- Mix – add 4.8 to 5.6 litres of water to a clean container, then add the 20 kg of powder while mixing with an ARDEX mixing paddle and a heavy-duty electric drill (650 rpm). Do not overwater. If the mix initially appears dry, continue mixing for a full 2 to 3 minutes until a creamy, non-slump mortar is achieved – do not add more water.
- Apply – trowel the mortar into holes, cracks and damaged areas, working it in so that it wets the surface, and leave the repair proud.
- Finish – after approximately 15 minutes, trim off the excess and finish with a wet trowel, sponge or sponge float to obtain a smooth surface.
- Cure – for ramps, leave for 24 hours. Protect exterior installations from direct sunlight and draughts, which cause accelerated surface drying. Observe the longer waiting periods above before coating.
Important Notes
- Suitable for foot traffic and light-duty, soft-wheeled vehicle traffic only. Do not use for heavy-duty areas such as those subjected to heavy vehicles, or heavily trafficked areas.
- Working time is 15 to 20 minutes at 20 degrees C. This extends in cooler conditions and shortens in warmer ones – mix only what can be placed within that window.
- Substrate temperature must be between 10 and 30 degrees C.
- Do not add additional water to restore workability once the mortar has begun to stiffen.
- Store in dry conditions in unopened packaging; shelf life is 12 months at 23 degrees C and 50% relative humidity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much ARDEX A 46 do I need per square metre?
Allow approximately 1.4 kg of powder per square metre for each millimetre of thickness. A 20 kg bag covers roughly 14.3 square metres at 1 mm, 4.8 square metres at 3 mm, or 2.9 square metres at 5 mm. These figures assume a flat, level surface – allow additional material where the substrate is rough or uneven.
How long before you can walk on ARDEX A 46?
Foot traffic is possible after 2 to 3 hours at 20 degrees C, with initial set at 15 to 20 minutes. Both are temperature-dependent. If floorcoverings are to be installed, leave the repair for 24 hours; if it is to be coated, allow 2 days up to 5 mm, 5 days up to 10 mm, 7 days up to 20 mm and 10 days up to 30 mm.
Can ARDEX A 46 be used outdoors?
Yes – it is formulated specifically for external repairs to concrete floors, walls and stairs. Protect exterior installations from direct sunlight and draughts during curing, and keep the substrate between 10 and 30 degrees C during application.
