In its December 2025 issue, ST Rivista di Costruzioni, Strutture e Materiali dedicates an in-depth study to the topic of ready-mix concrete and next-generation technologies for concrete. The protagonist of the interview is Gökhan Altan, co-founder of Ekan Kimya A.Ş., a company specializing in chemical additives for cement and concrete.
In the interview with the magazine, Altan explains how high-strength, low permeability and reduced environmental impact technologies contribute to increasing the durability of works, extending the useful life of structures and reducing maintenance costs. Below is a summary of the main points of the interview.
What are the main advantages of ready-mix concrete in terms of durability?
“The most important advantage of ready-mix concrete is the standardised and controllable quality.
A homogeneous mixture, a stable particle size curve, an optimized water/cement ratio and low production variability also significantly improve the seismic performance of structures.
As Ekan Kimya, thanks to our chemical admixtures for concrete (PCE superplasticizers, workability retainers, durability admixtures and permeability reducers), we optimize:
- the rheological workability of the mixtures;
- the development of mechanical resistance over time;
- durability to the most severe environmental cycles .
Our motto remains: “We contribute to the safety of the facilities”.
High strength, low permeability and low environmental impact
According to Altan, high-strength, low-permeability and low-impact technologies have profoundly transformed the industry:
“These solutions have extended the service life of concrete, drastically reducing maintenance costs and increasing structural resilience.
At the same time, formulations with a lower environmental impact (reduction of clinker, use of SCM, eco-sustainable additives) have become the new standard.”
At Ekan Kimya this transition is supported through:
- new generation PCE superplasticizers;
- crystallizing additives reducers of permeability for impermeable concretes;
- products with a low VOC content;
- Solutions developed for low-carbon concretes.
Innovations in chemical admixtures for ready-mix concrete
High-performance polycarboxylates (PCEs) are now the heart of the new generation of ready-mix concrete mixes:
- they allow you to achieve very high resistances while maintaining very low A/C ratios ;
- they allow you to extend the window of workability (slump retention) on site and during transport;
- They improve the stability of the mix, preventing segregation and bleeding.
At the same time, the following are intensifying:
- resistance to freeze-thaw cycles;
- the development of initial resistance (early strength);
- rheological stability in the event of prolonged transport or critical conditions.
Low-carbon cements, recycled aggregates and mineral additions
Altan highlights the role of low-carbon cements, recycled aggregates and mineral additions as key levers to reduce concrete’s environmental footprint:
“These technologies reduce the CO₂ footprint of concrete and, at the same time, improve its durability performance. Sustainability is no longer an option, but a structural necessity.”
Ekan Kimya develops additives that allow:
- a better use of cements with reduced clinker;
- full compatibility with metakaolin, fly ash, GGBFS and other SCMs;
- the optimization of sustainable mix designs in terms of performance and durability.
UHPC, SCC and fibre-reinforced concrete: towards high-performance concrete
Another important chapter concerns advanced concretes (UHPC, SCC, FRC) characterized by very high strength, densified microstructure and very low permeability. Their use is constantly expanding in various areas:
- bridges and viaducts;
- multi-storey buildings and complex structures;
- high-performance industrial flooring;
- prefabricated structural and architectural elements;
- special architectural applications.
Ekan Kimya’s special additives allow you to push the maximum:
- the rheology of SCCs (Self Compacting Concrete);
- vibration-free compaction of self-compacting mixtures;
- the density of micro-binders in UHPC (Ultra High Performance Concrete);
- matrix-fiber adhesion in fiber-reinforced concretes.
“We contribute to the safety of the structures”
The interview ends with a reference to Ekan Kimya’s corporate mission:
“With our solutions and our experience in the field of concrete admixtures, we want to contribute every day to the safety of structures, the durability of works and the reduction of the environmental impact of the built environment.”
Interview by: Murat Tanık
