The chemical admixture is a component of concrete other than Portland cement, water and aggregate added to the mixture before or during mixing. Producers use admixtures primarily to reduce the cost of concrete construction; to modify the properties of hardened concrete; to ensure the quality of concrete during mixing, transport, placement and solidification; and to overcome certain emergencies in specific operations. Successful use of admixtures depends on the use of appropriate ingredients and concrete casting methods. Most admixtures are supplied in ready-to-use liquid form and added to the concrete in the factory or on the job site. Certain mixtures, such as pigments, bulking agents, and pumping aids, are used only in very small amounts and are typically batched by hand from pre-measured containers. The effectiveness of the mixture depends on several factors, including: type and amount of cement, water content, mixing time, slump, and temperature of concrete and air.