Builders of industrial, residential and retail projects know the problem all too well. Slabs formed with conventional concrete dry at a rate of about 1 inch per month, forcing crews to wait 6 months or longer before flooring materials can safely be laid.

Traditionally, topical barriers have been used to speed the process. But these can only seal in the moisture that remains – and when they fail, adhesives and flooring materials fail right along with them. Debonding, blistering and mold formation typically follow, costing owners thousands of dollars to remediate.

Now, through an exclusive partnership with US Concrete, Prairie Material
​ is proud to offer Aridus– the first concrete solution ​that lets you apply
​floor coverings just 45 days after placement.

This revolutionary mix uses a self-dessicating technology that completely absorbs the water in the mix during hydration, preventing floor covering failures as it speeds job completion.

Strength with virtually no shrinkage or curling

Aridus does not rely on surface evaporation to reduce internal moisture. Instead, it dries evenly throughout the slab – which means virtually no curling or shrinking. The mix delivers finished strengths of up to 8,000 psi.

Easy placement with standard tools, methods

Crews can place Aridus with the same tools and techniques used for any low water-cement ratio concrete. The mix pumps smoothly and can be finished with standard equipment, including laser screeds, conventional vibratory screeds, pan floats and power trowels.

This proprietary product will soon be available in Illinois, northern Indiana and Wisconsin exclusively from Prairie Material, notes Marketing Manager Brad Huiner.

When it’s installed in conformance with outlined procedures, Aridus is also guaranteed by US Concrete to meet specific performance standards for 10 years, Huiner notes.

Competitive costs, easy renovations

Along with speed and ease of project completion, owners and contractors will like the competitive pricing, Huiner says. “On a per-square-foot basis, Aridus compares very favorably with topical solutions while delivering greater assurance against moisture problems,” he reports.

Another advantage for owners: with Aridus, renovations are fast and easy. Flooring can be replaced without tearing off and reinstalling moisture barriers, saving money and enabling new tenants to move in sooner.

“We have a number of major contractors who are eager to use Aridus on upcoming projects,” says Huiner. “We’re confident this innovative product will become another valuable tool our customers will use in fast-track construction.” ​