2b-Use of admixtures 1.

Introduction Admixture implies addition at the mixing stage. (Additive refers to a substance

which is added at the cement manufacturing stage.

They are used to modify the properties of either fresh or hardened concrete. Sometimes these properties cannot be modified or obtained economically by changes in the composition or proportions of the normal concrete mix, e.g., a harsh mix may be made more plastic and cohesive by addition of a plasticizer or an air-entraining agent.

The degree of control must be higher than is usual for ordinary concrete work because only a relatively minute quantity of admixture is added into a concrete mix.

3. 3.1

Admixtures Accelerators Accelerators are admixtures which accelerate the hardening or the development of early strength of concrete.

Sometimes used when concrete is to be placed at low temperatures (2 to 4 C) or when urgent repair work is required because it increases the rate of heat development during the first few hours after mixing.

The most common one of accelerators is calcium chloride (CaC12) which accelerates primarily the early strength development of concrete. Quantity of calcium chloride added to the mix must be carefully controlled. A calcium chloride content of 1 to 2% is generally sufficient.

Main disadvantage is that its use can result in the corrosion of the reinforcement steel within the concrete, particularly if the dosage is large and if it is not properly controlled.

Acceleration without risk of corrosion can be achieved by the use of very rapid
P.1

hardening cements or chloride-free admixtures. (Most of the latter are based on calcium formate.)

3.2

Retarders Retarders delay the beginning of the setting and hardening of concrete. Useful in hot weather where concrete has to be transported for some distance, also useful for concreting in large quantities.

Sometime surface retarders are used to obtain an architectural surface finish of exposed aggregate.

Most retarders commonly used are also water-reducing. Compared with an admixture-free concrete, use of retarding admixtures reduces the early strength but later the rate of strength development is higher, so that the long-term strength is not much different.

Most retarders tend to increase the plastic shrinkage because the plastic stage is extended, but drying shrinkage is unaffected.

3.3

Water-reducers (plasticizers) To achieve a higher strength by decreasing the w/c ratio at the same workability. (With about 10% water reduction for same slump concrete.)

To achieve same strength by decreasing cement content so as to reduce the cost and the heat of hydration in mass concrete.

To increase workability for easy placing in inaccessible locations. In normal cement paste, opposing charges on adjacent particles of cement exert considerable electrostatic attractions, causing the particles to flocculate and a considerable amount of water is tied up in these mixtures.

Water reducing admixture is absorbed onto the cement particles, giving them a negative charge, causing them to become mutually repulsive.

Consequently they are dispersed in the paste so that most of water becomes available to reduce the viscosity of the paste.
P.2

Although setting is retarded by the use of these admixtures, the rate of loss of workability with time is not always reduced. Generally the higher the initial

workability, the greater the rate of loss of workability.

Dispersing ability of water-reducing admixtures results in a more uniform distribution of the cement throughout the concrete, there is also a slight improvement in strength of the concrete.

3.4

Superplasticizers The functions of superplasticizers are similar to that of water reducer but they are much powerful. (With about 15-35% water reduction, depending on

dosage, for same slump concrete.)

They may be used to produce of very high strength concrete by significantly reducing the water content and water/cement ratio whilst maintaining the same workability; and

To increase the workability of concrete considerably to produce a flowing concrete (up to 200 mm slump) without the undesirable segregation that generally occurs with very wet concrete.

The chemicals disperse cement particles, causing them to become negatively charged and thus mutually repulsive.

P.3