Description
ARDEX A 48 is a premixed cement and aggregate engineered screed, mixed with water on site, that the data sheet says allows traffic shortly after application.
The data sheet describes it as dimensionally stable.
Technical Specifications
| Product type | Rapid set engineered cement screed mix |
|---|---|
| Mixing ratio | 1.8 L of water per 20 kg bag |
| Working time | Approx. 60 minutes, depending on site conditions |
| Walkability (technical data table) | Approx. 4 hours |
| Foot trafficable and ready to receive tiles (floor coverings section) | After 8 hours |
| Compressive strength (ISO 13007.4) | Approx. 20 MPa at 1 day, 30 MPa at 3 days, 35 MPa at 28 days |
| Suited for floor heating | Yes (the data sheet gives no application details for floor heating systems) |
| Shelf life | 12 months, dry, original unopened packaging, 23 degrees C and 50% RH |
Where to Use
Used as a bonded, unbonded (on a slipsheet), floating or heated screed, and for the installation of the following. A 20 kg bag covers approximately 1 m² per 10 mm of thickness.
- Tiles, natural stones and terrazzo
- Resilient and textile floor coverings and parquet
- ARDEX WPM 750 Undertile Butynol and other undertile waterproofing systems
How to Apply
- Prepare the floor: concrete must be solid, clean and free of oil, wax, grease, asphalt, latex, curing and sealing compounds. Roughen it mechanically; acid etching is not acceptable. Sub-floors must be dry as per AS 1884 and properly primed. Direct to earth subfloors must have an effective damp-proof membrane, or use the ARDEX Moisture Barrier system. Do not use solvents or sweeping compounds to clean the sub-floor.
- Mix: pour 1.8 litres of clean water into a clean bucket and add the 20 kg of powder gradually while mixing with a low speed paddle.
- Prime for a bonded screed: mix ARDEX P 51 with clean water 1:1, then combine ARDEX A 48 1:1 with that liquid to make a thin slurry, agitated regularly. Use the slurry and wet on wet process between additional layers.
- Lay in bays: mixing, application, levelling and smoothing must follow each other within 10 minutes. Bays are a maximum of 40 m², longest side 8 m, with a length to width ratio of no more than 2.
- Allow to set: tiles are given as 4 hours on the cover page and 8 hours in the floor coverings section. Smoothing cements go on after 24 hours and resilient or textile coverings and parquet after 2 days. Final strength has not been reached at this stage, so avoid placing heavy loads such as pallets of tiles and heavy machines.
Important Notes
- Do not install if ambient or substrate temperature is below 5 degrees C or above 35 degrees C.
- Do not bond directly to any ARDEX waterproofing membrane.
Safety and handling
The data sheet states: causes skin irritation; may cause an allergic skin reaction; causes serious eye damage; may cause respiratory irritation; may cause cancer; causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. Do not breathe dust or fumes. Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection. Wash all exposed external body areas thoroughly after handling. Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. Store locked up. Dispose of contents and container to an authorised hazardous or special waste collection point in accordance with any local regulation.
First aid per the data sheet: if in eyes, rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, and immediately call a doctor. If exposed or concerned, get medical advice or attention. If on skin, wash with plenty of water and soap; if skin irritation or rash occurs, get medical advice. Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. If inhaled, remove the person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. The data sheet refers to the Safety Data Sheet for additional information.
