How to Choose the Right FRAKTUREX® Formula | Temperature Guide
How to Choose the Right FRAKTUREX® Formula
Choosing the correct FRAKTUREX® non-explosive demolition agent formula is one of the most important steps before starting a concrete, rock or stone splitting project.
FRAKTUREX® is available in three temperature-specific formulations: Winter, Standard and Summer. Each formulation is designed to operate within a specific material temperature range.
The most important rule is simple:
Choose the FRAKTUREX® formula according to the temperature of the concrete, rock or stone you want to break — not simply according to the outside air temperature.
Quick Formula Selection Guide
| Winter | Material temperature from -5°C to 10°C |
| Standard | Material temperature from 10°C to 25°C |
| Summer | Material temperature from 25°C to 40°C |
Why Does FRAKTUREX® Have Three Different Formulas?
FRAKTUREX® develops expansive pressure after the product is mixed with the specified amount of water and poured into correctly prepared drill holes.
Temperature has an important influence on this reaction. A formulation intended for cold material therefore behaves differently from one designed for warm concrete or sun-heated rock.
For this reason, FRAKTUREX® is divided into three operating ranges. Selecting the correct formulation helps the expansive reaction develop under the conditions for which that particular formula was designed.
Winter Formula
-5°C to 10°C
Use the Winter formulation when the temperature of the material being demolished is between -5°C and 10°C.
Standard Formula
10°C to 25°C
Use the Standard formulation when the material temperature is between 10°C and 25°C.
Summer Formula
25°C to 40°C
Use the Summer formulation when the temperature of the concrete, rock or stone is between 25°C and 40°C.
Material Temperature, Not Air Temperature
One of the most common mistakes when selecting a temperature-specific demolition agent is looking only at the weather forecast or the current outdoor air temperature.
The temperature of concrete or rock can be significantly different from the surrounding air.
Material exposed to direct sunlight can become considerably warmer than the air, while thick concrete, shaded rock or material in contact with cold ground can remain much cooler.
Important
The weather forecast may help you understand the general working conditions, but the FRAKTUREX® formula should be selected according to the actual temperature of the material.
Example 1: Warm Air but Cooler Concrete
| Outside air temperature | 28°C |
| Measured concrete temperature | 22°C |
| Correct formula | FRAKTUREX® Standard |
Although the outside temperature is already above 25°C, the concrete itself measures only 22°C.
The correct choice is therefore the Standard formula for 10°C to 25°C, not the Summer formula.
Example 2: Mild Air but Sun-Heated Rock
| Outside air temperature | 20°C |
| Measured rock temperature | 27°C |
| Correct formula | FRAKTUREX® Summer |
In this case, the air temperature would suggest the Standard formula. However, the rock has been heated by direct sunlight and measures 27°C.
The correct choice is therefore the Summer formula for 25°C to 40°C.
Example 3: Cold Working Conditions
| Outside air temperature | 7°C |
| Measured stone temperature | 6°C |
| Correct formula | FRAKTUREX® Winter |
How to Measure the Material Temperature
Before beginning the application, measure the temperature of the concrete, rock or stone as close as reasonably possible to the area where the FRAKTUREX®-filled holes will be located.
For large surfaces or material exposed to different environmental conditions, taking several measurements can provide a more representative picture of the actual working temperature.
For example, one side of a large rock may be exposed to direct sunlight while the opposite side remains shaded. The temperature difference can influence which formulation is appropriate for the planned drilling area.
What If the Temperature Is Close to the Formula Boundary?
Particular attention should be paid when the material temperature is close to 10°C or 25°C, where two FRAKTUREX® operating ranges meet.
In these situations, consider not only the measured temperature at that moment but also how the material temperature is likely to change during and immediately after application.
For example, rock measuring approximately 24°C early in the morning may quickly exceed 25°C when exposed to strong sunlight.
When working close to a temperature boundary, measure the material immediately before application and consider whether direct sunlight, shade, cold ground or changing weather conditions are likely to change its temperature significantly.
Why Using the Correct Formula Matters
Temperature-specific expansive demolition agents are formulated to react appropriately within their intended operating ranges.
Choosing a formulation that does not match the actual material temperature may affect the speed and behaviour of the expansive reaction.
Correct formula selection therefore helps provide a more predictable cracking process and is an important part of proper FRAKTUREX® application.
The Formula Is Only the First Step
Selecting the correct temperature formula is essential, but it is only one part of a successful splitting project.
The final result also depends on correct drilling, hole spacing, hole depth, mixing, filling and sufficient reaction time.
For Reliable Results
- Select the FRAKTUREX® formula according to the material temperature.
- Use the recommended drill-hole diameter.
- Select the hole spacing according to the desired fracture pattern.
- Drill sufficiently deep, but do not drill completely through the material.
- Keep the holes clean and dry.
- Mix FRAKTUREX® according to the product instructions.
- Fill the prepared holes without unnecessary delay.
- Allow sufficient time for the cracks to develop.
Common Formula Selection Mistakes
| Mistake | Better approach |
|---|---|
| Choosing the formula only from the weather forecast | Measure the actual concrete, rock or stone temperature |
| Automatically using Summer because it is summer | Use Summer only when the material temperature is within the Summer range |
| Ignoring direct sunlight | Measure sun-exposed material rather than relying on air temperature |
| Measuring far away from the drilling area | Measure as close as practical to the intended FRAKTUREX® application area |
| Ignoring temperature changes during the day | Consider how sunlight, shade and weather may affect the material after application |
Three Steps to Select the Correct FRAKTUREX® Formula
Measure
Measure the temperature of the material you want to split.
Compare
Compare the measured temperature with the three FRAKTUREX® ranges.
Select
Use Winter, Standard or Summer according to the measured material temperature.
Final Recommendation
Choosing the correct FRAKTUREX® formula does not require complicated calculations. It requires one reliable piece of information: the temperature of the material being demolished.
If the concrete, rock or stone measures between -5°C and 10°C, select Winter.
If it measures between 10°C and 25°C, select Standard.
If it measures between 25°C and 40°C, select Summer.
Measure the material. Check the temperature range. Choose the corresponding FRAKTUREX® formula.