Final Project

On
(IDENTIFICATION OF MOST EFFICIENT AND ECONOMICAL
LOCAL ADMIXTURE FOR CONCRETE)

Submitted By

FAISAL IJAZ T1CT033R14-064

M. AAMIR BASHIR T1CT033R14-063

SYED ALI RAZA T1CT033R14-060

B.Sc Civil Engineering Technology

-------------------------------

Submitted To: Registrar

Imperial College of Business Studies

1
 (IDENTIFICATION OF MOST EFFICIENT AND ECONOMICAL
LOCAL ADMIXTURE FOR CONCRETE)

This project is submitted to

Imperial College of Business Studies for the partial fulfillment of the

Requirement for awarding the degree of

B.Sc Civil Engineering Technology

-------------------------------

FAISAL IJAZ T1CT033R14-064

M. AAMIR BASHIR T1CT033R14-063

SYED ALI RAZA T1CT033R14-060

Assigned by: _____________________________

Faculty Member’s Signature

Internal Examiner

Sign: ____________________
Name: ___________________

External Examiner

Sign: _____________________
Name: ____________________

2
3
 In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

de its mates; and He has sent down for you eight head of cattle in pairs. He creates you in the wombs of y

4
 DEDICATION
This project is dedicated to our parents who thought us that the best king of
knowledge to have is that which is learned for its own sake. It is also dedicated to
our respected teachers who thought us that even the largest task can be
accomplished if it is done one step at a time.

5
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
All praises to Almighty Allah who bestowed upon us his blessing, which enable
us to accomplish this scientific assignment objectively and successfully.
We owe sincere gratitude to our supervisor Mr. Zaigham Nadeem who extended
every possible cooperation, guidance and advice during the completion of this
work, without whose cooperation this project can never been materialized.
Thanks are also to our teacher of department for their encouragement and co-
operation.
We shall always keep on record the nice company provided to us by our friends
and the cherished happy moments spent with them.
We pay our deepest gratitude with deepest sense of respect to our parent whose
love and affection kept us steadfast and enables us to attain target and goal of
academic life. We are extremely indebted to our loving brothers and sisters whose
constant encouragement provided us with the impetus that was necessary for
attaining academic initiatives.

Authors
FAISAL IJAZ
M. AAMIR BASHIR
SYED ALI RAZA

vi
 ABSTRACT
This study set out to determine general utilization and consciousness about
admixtures through a survey in PAKISTAN. The study was performed on
Chemrite and Conmix chemical admixtures. The questions about reasons for
preference of admixtures, types of preferred admixtures and dosage, beneficial
and adverse effects of admixtures, impacts on cost and judicious use of
admixtures are included in the present study. A number of statistical analyses are
carried out using Chemrite and Conmix chemical admixtures. According to
results, chemical admixtures are used over 70% of the total annual concrete
production. The initial expectation of the participants in the use of the admixtures
is to improve the properties of the fresh concrete. Additionally, the most preferred
admixtures are Conmix R1 gives more advantages as compare to Chemplast P-
200. The rate of Conmix R1 is also less than Chemplast P-200. Similarly Chemrite
520 gives more advantages as compare to Conmix SP2 (P). The rate of Chemrite
520 is also less than Conmix SP2 (P). Chemrite 520 is more efficient and more
economical than Conmix SP2 (P). The ensuing types of admixtures are agents
affecting the setting time of concrete. Although the participants' interest to using
chemical admixtures is very remarkable, the awareness on this subject is very
deficient. The similar studies can be suggested to apply more comprehensively.

vii
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEDICATION........................................................................................................v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT....................................................................................vi
ABSTRACT..........................................................................................................vii
LIST OF FIGURES..............................................................................................xi
LIST OF TABLES...............................................................................................xii
LIST OF GRAPHS.............................................................................................xiii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS.............................................................................xiv
Chapter-1................................................................................................................1
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................1
History 2

Problem Statement...........................................................................................................4

Objectives of Project........................................................................................................4

Scope of the Research................................................................................5

Methodology 5

Methodology Flow Chart...........................................................................6

Outline of Thesis..............................................................................................................6

Chapter-2................................................................................................................7
2. LITERATURE REVIEW..............................................................................7
Chapter-3..............................................................................................................14
3. BRIEF STUDY OF CHEMICAL ADMIXTURES...................................14
Definition Chemical Admixtures...................................................................................14

Classification of Chemical Admixtures.........................................................................15

Air Entrainers Admixtures.............................................................................................15

Water Reducers..............................................................................................................17

viii
Types of Water Reducers...............................................................................................17
Sequence of Addition of Water Reducers......................................................................20

Set Controlling Admixtures...........................................................................................20

Types of Set Controlling Admixtures............................................................................20

Sequence of Addition of Set-Controlling Admixtures...................................................23

Specialty Admixtures.....................................................................................................23

Viscosity Modifying Agents (Vma)...............................................................................23

Shrinkage Reducing Admixtures...................................................................................23

Corrosion Inhibitors.......................................................................................................24

Other Admixtures...........................................................................................................24

Antifreeze Compounds...................................................................................................24

Waterproofing Admixtures............................................................................................25

Alkali-Silica Reaction Mitigating Admixtures..............................................................25

Styrene-Butadiene Latexes.............................................................................................25

Admixtures For Self-Consolidating Concrete................................................................25

Admixtures For Underwater Concrete...........................................................................26

Permeability-Reducing Admixtures...............................................................................26

Colouring Pigments........................................................................................................27

Chapter-4..............................................................................................................29
4. METHODOLOGY OF THE RESEARCH................................................29
Mughal Brother's Technologies.....................................................................................29

Imporient Chemicals (Pvt) Ltd.......................................................................................30

Chapter-5..............................................................................................................31
5. ADMIXTURES COMPARISON................................................................31
Water Reducing Plasticizing and Retarding Concrete Admixture ASTM
C 494, TYPE A & D..................................................................................31

High Range Water-Reducing and Set Retarding Concrete Admixture

ix
 ASTM C 494, TYPE G............................................................................33

High Range Water-Reducing, Accelerating Concrete Admixture ASTM

C 494, TYPE A AND F............................................................................36

High Range Water-Reducing And Slump Retaining Concrete Admixture

ASTM C 494, TYPE B, D AND G.........................................................39

Chapter-6..............................................................................................................42
6. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS......................................42
REFERENCES.....................................................................................................45

x
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Relation between Flow Table and Water Content of Concrete with and
without Plasticizers (Neville, 1995)............................................................................11
Figure 2 Mode of action of an air-entraining agent...............................................16
Figure 3 Optical microscope image of an air entrained concrete..........................16
Figure 4 Dispersion of cement by a water-reducing admixture............................18
Figure 5 Schematic showing the working of a water reducer...............................18

xi
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Air Temperature and Retardation of Initial Setting Time........................10

Table 2 Comparison between Chemplast P-200 and Conmix R1.........................31
Table 3 Comparison between Chemrite-520 and Conmix SP2 (P).......................33
Table 4 Comparison between Chemrite-NN and Conmix SP1.............................36
Table 5 Comparison between Chemrite AG=200 and Conmix SP3.....................39

xii
 LIST OF GRAPHS

Graph 1 Water reducing plasticizing and retarding concrete admixture ASTM C

494, Types A & D...................................................................................................42
Graph 2 High range water-reducing and set –retarding concrete admixture ASTM
C 494, TYPE G.......................................................................................................43
Graph 3 High range water-reducing, accelerating concrete admixture ASTM C
494, TYPE A AND F...............................................................................................43
Graph 4 High range water-reducing and slump retaining concrete admixture
ASTM C 494, TYPE B, D AND G..........................................................................44

xiii
 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ASTM American society Testing of Material

MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets

COO Carboxylates

SO3 Sulfonates

SO4 Sulfates

NH3 Ammonium ion

SCMs Supplementary Cememtitious Materials

HRWR High Range Water Reducer

SCC Self-Consolidated Concrete

VMA Viscosity Modifying Admixture‟s

GGBFS Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag

HPC High plastersizer Concrete

WRA Water reducer Admixtures

TEA Triethanon Emine

NAOH Alkaline Agent

ACI American Concrete Institute

SMF Sulphonated Melamine Formaldehyde

SNF Sulphonated Naphthalene Formaldehyde

DEA Diethanol Amine

PRA Permeability Reducing Admixtures

PRAH Permeability Reducing Admixtures for Hydrostatic Condition

PRAN Permeability Reducing Admixtures for Non-Hydrostatic Condition

xiv
Chapter-1

INTRODUCTION
An admixture is defined as “a material other than water, aggregates, hydraulic
cementations material, and fiber reinforcement that is used as an ingredient of a
cementations mixture to modify its freshly mixed, setting, or hardened properties
and that is added to the batch before or during its mixing,” and a chemical
admixture is defined as “an admixture in the form of a liquid, suspension, or
water-soluble solid”[1]. ASTM C494 [2] separates chemical admixtures into eight
different types. The first seven types are based on water-reducing and set-
accelerating or retarding characteristics, and the eighth covers specific
performance admixtures. Specifications for air entraining admixtures are provided
in ASTM C260 [3].
Formulations for chemical admixtures are numerous, and it is impossible to cover
all the possible combinations. Additionally, manufacturers rarely disclose the
chemical composition of their admixtures, and information that can be obtained
from the material safety data sheets (MSDS) is limited. Interactions of chemical
admixtures with anhydrous cement and hydration products are not well
understood, and research in this area is hampered by the lack of complete
compositional data for the chemical admixtures. Therefore, this literature review
will focus on the active ingredients that are known to be most commonly used in
each type of chemical admixture.
Many chemical admixtures, such as air-entraining agents, water-reducing
admixtures, and shrinkage-reducing admixtures, belong to a class of chemicals
called surfactants. Surfactants are organic molecules that are amphiphilic, which
means that one end of the molecule is polar and is able to attract water molecules
(hydrophilic) and the other end is non-polar, making it hydrophobic. These
hydrophobic tails repel water enabling surfactants to be adsorbed at the solid-
water and air water interfaces [4], [5]. Anionic surfactants (containing a
negatively charged group on the polar end) are most common in concrete
technology [4]. Carboxylates (-COO), sulfonates (- SO3 - ), and sulfate ethers (-
SO4 - ) are common examples of anionic surfactants. When the polar head
contains a positively charged ion, like ammonium ion (NH3 + ), the surfactant is

1
 Introductio
n
termed cationic. When the polar portion does not have a charge, the surfactant is
nonionic. For example, polyoxyethylenated compounds are nonionic surfactants
used as chemical admixtures [5].
Depending on the nature of the polar head (anionic, cationic, or nonionic),
surfactants may exhibit different adsorptive behavior. After testing adsorption of
four different surfactants on portland cement particles, Zhang et al. concluded that
while anionic and cationic surfactants show adsorption to the portland
cement/hydration products surfaces, nonionic surfactants are not adsorbed [6].
Merlin et al [7] also concluded that nonionic surfactants of the alkyl-
phenolpoly(ethylene oxide) family did not adsorb to the surface of C3S or
hydration products due to the inability of these mineral phases to form hydrogen
bonds with these surfactants.
For a given admixture, adsorption also depends on the type of cement and the
presence of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Uchikawa et al. [8]
determined the degree of adsorption of β-naphthalene sulfonic acid condensate
admixtures and lignosulfonate admixtures on eight different cements including
blended cements containing slag and fly ash. The adsorption of both admixtures
varied with the type of cement. They also observed that admixtures were adsorbed
preferentially to the interstitial phase and free lime.
When several chemical admixtures are present in cement, admixtures with similar
chemical structures may compete for adsorption. In this case, admixtures with
high anionic charge density will adsorb preferentially, preventing adsorption of
low anionic charge density admixtures [9].

History
Admixtures have been used in concrete and mortar since at least the Roman
Empire. The Romans found that certain materials such as milk, blood and lard, as
well as organic materials such as molasses, eggs and rice paste allow greater
workability in cementitious mixtures.
While the first patent for calcium chloride in concrete goes all the way back to
1873 in Germany, modern admixture technology started with basic air-entraining
agents, retarders, accelerators and water reducers in the 1930s in North America.
However, it was not until the 1950s that these types of products began to see
widespread use in concrete. ASTM first published its C494 standard in 1962, now
titled “Historical Standard: Standard Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
Concrete,” which set performance criteria for five types of admixtures: A, B, C, D
and E. Types F and G, high-range water-reducing admixtures, were not added to
the C494 standard until 1980. In 1962, only 36 states required or allowed the use
of admixtures in concrete.
ACI Committee 212 publishes the “Report on Chemical Admixtures for
Concrete,” which did not include high-range water reducers (HRWRs) in their
document until 1981. While the 1970s saw a sharp increase in the use of
admixtures in concrete, a 1982 survey found that only 71% of the concrete
produced in the United States contained water-reducing admixtures, and that less
than 2% contained HRWRs.
In 1979, the first corrosion-inhibiting admixture was introduced to help mitigate
the impact of chloride salt (NaCl) attack on steel reinforcement. Almost 20 years
later (1996), shrinkage-reducing admixtures followed and helped to address
cracking issues associated with autogenous drying in high-performance concrete.
The 1980s and ‟90s continued to see increased use of admixtures in concrete,
which included significantly more frequent projects specifying the use of HRWRs
as the placement benefits of higher slumps and improved durability of lower
water-cementitious material (w/c) ratio concretes were realized.
Still, the biggest change in concrete in North America occurred with the
introduction of a new HRWR technology that greatly expanded the plastic and
hardened properties of concrete and, in the case of SCC, created a new concrete
terminology.
In the mid 1990s, polycarboxylates in HRWR admixtures were introduced in
North America, thus initiating a dramatic paradigm change in our understanding
of how to design and use highly workable concrete mixtures. Because of the
flexibility, enhanced workability, workability retention with minimal set
retardation, and very good finishing characteristics, the acceptance curve for these
admixtures was much shorter than anything previously introduced.
Shortly after the introduction of polycarboxylate-based HRWRs, concrete
producers began experimenting with SCC in all segments of concrete production;
however, nowhere was SCC more rapidly accepted than in the precast market. The
 ability to fill a mold quickly without vibration, while still maintaining or even
improving the plastic and hardened properties of the concrete, made SCC a perfect
match for precast concrete producers.
With the emergence of SCC, another class of chemical admixtures – viscosity-
modifying admixtures (VMAs) – has been commercialized to address the need for
improving the water tolerance and segregation resistance of this highly flow able
concrete. The rapid acceptance of VMAs prompted the inclusion of a new
admixture category, Type S, in the ASTM C494 standard to assure users that [10],
[11].

Problem Statement
Environment causes a great threat to the performance of a civil engineering
structure throughout their life cycle. Performance is an upcoming field in civil
engineering. Performance criteria are subjective to the need that the structure is
expected to fulfill. The concrete properties common to all definitions of
performance are compressive strength of concrete, initial setting time, final setting
time, bleeding, segregation, workability and durability etc. The fast pace of life in
today's world requires us to save as much time as possible and thus the importance
of exploiting the high early strength of concrete and other concrete properties
cannot be ignored. Fast track projects in downtowns of big cities where downtime
directly translates into monetary losses desperately needs to employ the high early
strength of concrete and other concrete properties. Thus, keeping in mind these
problems, we are going to study the compressive strength, porosity, initial setting
time, final setting time, bleeding, segregation and workability of concrete for
different using locally available admixtures.

Objectives of Project
The following objectives are targeted in this research
 Admixtures comparison
 Admixtures availability in market
 Convenient method /suitable method used for these admixtures
 Economical comparison
Scope of the Research
After doing this project it will helps in following ways.
 Selection of suitable admixture for the require strength and durability will
be easy.
 Help in gaining lot of knowledge about all types of admixture present in
local market.
 Easement in selection of admixtures on the basis of specification as well as
economics.
 Help in gaining lot of knowledge about all types of admixture's brand in
market.

Methodology
The study methodology will lead to accomplish the research objectives. The
following activities will be performing during project completion.
 Review literatures related to the research from different sources like: text
books, research papers, journals, magazine, internet, etc.
 Then, collections of data about specification of different brands of same
type of admixtures have been carried out.
 So, in order to obtain the final results, first visit the local admixtures
market and collect data about specifications and price of different brand of
admixtures.
 Then, analyze the admixture's data on basis of best specifications and
economics.
 The results obtained from analysis are discussed and presented in tables
and figures. Finally, conclusions are drawn and recommendations have
been forwarded.
 Methodology Flow Chart

Data Collection

Chemrite Conmix

Data Study Data Analysis Compariso n

Rate (Rs/ltr) Dosage (%) Advantages Properties

Conclusion and
Recommendations

Outline of Thesis
The thesis is divided into six chapters.
Chapter 1 describes the introduction of project, history, problem statement, main
objectives of this research work and layout of thesis.
Chapter 2 presents the literature review related to admixtures. In this chapter, the
manufacturing process of admixture, chemical and compound composition of
admixture
reported in the literature are reviewed, in order to achieve a good
understanding of the background information on admixture.
Chapter 3 present the brief study of chemical admixtures including introduction,
definition, and types of admixtures.
Chapter 4 presents the methodology of the thesis. This project is based on theory
so, no experiment will be conducted.
Chapter 5 of thesis is on comparison of admixtures. In this chapter, comparison
between different brands of admixtures of same type will be conducted on the best
specification and economical point of view. And then, results have been
discussed.
Chapter 6 of thesis is on the Conclusion and Recommendations. In this chapter,
the conclusions of the investigation described and Recommendations will make.
Chapter-2

LITERATURE REVIEW

Literature reviews of research are as follows:

Jan PizoĔ et al. 2016

The accelerating admixtures show the greatest effectives in the first 12 hours of
curing. In case of mortars with addition of ground granulated blast furnace slag
(GGBFS), the evident increase of compressive strength is seen between 2nd and
7th day. The examined accelerating admixtures increase the amount of hydration
heat exhale in 72 hours. The admixture modified mortars with CEM I and addition
of GGBFS show better compressive strength after 7 and 28 days in comparison to
non-modified mortar. On the basis of the results presented in figure 1 you can see
that hardening accelerating admixtures work more effectively together with
cement with addition of GGBFS than with Portland cement [12].

Hamid Eskandari et al. 2016

Air entraining agent prevents contraction due to water freezing in concrete. So air
entraining agent addition to concrete is useful. 2. However by air entraining agent
increasing, corrosion properties. The corrosion potential and polarization
decreased and corrosion current density increases. 3. The results show according
to LPR results addition of 5 ml air, entraining agent to concrete is suitable;
because corrosion properties decreasing are negligible in this condition [13].

N. Amarkhail, et al. 2015

In 2015, N. Amarkhail, studied properties of High Strength Concrete using Silica
Fume and reached at a result that Silica Fume incorporation in concrete mix
significantly improved the properties of concrete such as compressive and flexural
strength. Based on this research work, 10% & 15% of silica fume content as
replacement of cement were found to be optimum amount for significantly
enhancement of compressive strength.

7
 Literature Review

And the flexural strength respectively also. It also significantly reduced concrete
permeability and enhances its durability [14].

S.R. Hunchate et al. 2014

In 2014, S.R. Hunchate studied mix design of HPC using Silica Fume and super
plasticizer and concluded that the replacement of cement by silica fume up to 15%
in HPC, improved the compressive strength and after that the strength was
reduced both for 7 days and 28 days. It was due to the fact that the decrease of
strength is due to pozzolanic reaction and filler effect of silica fume [18].

Jang et al. 2014

Jang investigated the effect of polycarboxylate superplasticizer on setting time of
a 50% fly ash and 50% slag paste mixture. It was determined that increasing
levels of super plasticizer dosage lead to an increased in setting time. The 4%
dosage increased the setting time by 70 min [20].

N.K. Amudhavalli et al. 2012

In 2012, N.K. Amudhavalli, analyzed strength and durability parameters of
concrete, by adding silica fume in a range from 0-20%. The optimum 7 and 28
days compressive and flexural strength have been obtained in the range of 10% to
15% silica fume replacement level. Increase in split tensile strength beyond 10%
silica fume is almost insignificant whereas, gain in flexural tensile strength have
occurred even up to 15% silica fume replacement [21].

Heikal et al. 2006

Heikal investigated the effect of the dosage of 0.00, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, and 1.50 %
of polycarboxylate super plasticizer on setting time. It was determined that
increasing the dosage lead to an increase in the initial setting times of paste. The
initial setting time was measured using electrical conductivity-time curves. Heikal
et al. also investigated the effect of the polycarboxylate super plasticizer dosage
on 10% silica fume paste. It was found that up to 0.75% of the dosage, the initial
setting time increases, after which the initial setting time decreases [22].
Puertas et al. 2005
Puertas investigated the effect of the dosage of 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1%
polycarboxylate super plasticizer on paste setting time. It was determined that
increasing the dosage led to an increase in setting times. The setting time of 0, 0.3,
0.5, and 0.7 was 5 h 26 min, 9 h 17 min, 16 h 42min, and 23 h 26 min,
respectively. The 1% dosage was not determined. The setting time results
corresponds with the results from calorimetry in that the super plasticizer retard
initial cement hydration. It is shown that as the admixture dosage increased, the
time of the first peak increased with the 0% dosage having its first peak at 1.2 hr.
and the 1% dosage having its first peak at 7.7 hr [23].

M.J. Shannag et al. 2000

In June 2000, M.J. Shannag studied high strength concrete containing natural
pozzolan and silica fume. Based on the results of this study, a higher 28-day
compressive strength of about 110 MPa was achieved at 15% admixing level by
weight of cement. The increase in strength can be attributed to the improved
aggregate-matrix bond resulting from the formation of a less porous transition
zone in the silica fume concrete. The natural pozzolan and silica fume
combinations can be used to produce high to very high strength concretes. These
concretes also exhibited a 28-day splitting tensile strength of the order of 6.5% of
their compressive strength and showed relatively high values of modulus of
elasticity. Therefore, high to very high strength mortars and concretes with 15%
natural pozzolan and 15% silica fume by weight of cement can be produced [15].

Yunsheng Xu et al. 1998

In December 1998, Yunsheng Xu studied to improve the workability and strength
of silica fume concrete by using silane-treated silica fume. He studied the surface
treatment of silica fume with a silane was found to greatly enhance the
workability of the silica fume mortar mix and cause the tensile strength to increase
by 31% and the compressive strength to increase by 27%, relative to the values
obtained without treatment. The effect on workability is due to the enhanced wet
ability of silica fume by water. The effect on strength is due to the improved bond
between silica fume and cement and to the increased density of the mortar [24].
Gani, et al. 1997
Super plasticizers are soluble macromolecules, which are hundreds of times larger
than water molecule (Gani, 1997). Mechanism of the super plasticizers is known
as adsorption by C3A, which breaks the agglomeration by repulsion of same
charges and releases entrapped water. The adsorption mechanism of super
plasticizers is partially different from the WRA. The difference relates to
compatibility between Portland Cement and super plasticizers. It is necessary to
ensure that the super plasticizers do not become fixed with C3A in cement
particle, which will cause reduction in concrete workability.
Typical dosage of super plasticizers used for increasing the workability of
concrete ranges from 1 to 3 liters per cubic meter of concrete where liquid super
plasticizers contained about 40 % of active material. In reducing the water cement
ratio, higher dosage is used, that is from 5 to 20 liters per cubic meter of concrete.
Dosage needed for a concrete mixture is unique and determined by the Marsh
Cone Test [16], [26], [27], [28].

Neville et al.1995
A study performed on the influence of air temperature over the retardation of the
initial set time (measured by penetration resistance as prescribed in ASTM C 403
– 92) shows that decreasing effect with higher air temperature (Neville1995) [17],
[26], [27], [28]. The table below describes the effect of air temperature on
retardation of setting time:

Table 1 Air Temperature and Retardation of Initial Setting Time

Admixture Description Retardation of initial setting time (h:min) at

Type temperature of
30oC 40oC 50oC
D Hydrolytic acid 4:57 1:15 1:10
D Lignin 2:20 0:42 0:53
D Lignosulfonates 3:37 1:07 1:25
B Phosphate-based --- 3:20 2:30
Neville et al.1995
High Range Water Reducer (HRWR) and retarding admixtures are used to reduce
the amount of water by 12% to 30% while maintaining a certain level of
consistency and workability (typically from 75 mm to 200 mm) and to increase
workability for reduction in w/cm ratio. The use of super plasticizers may produce
high strength concrete (compressive strength up to 22,000 psi). Super plasticizers
can also be utilized in producing flowing concrete used in a heavy reinforced
structure with inaccessible areas. Requirement for producing flowing concrete is
defined in ASTM C 1017 [17], [26], [27], [28]. The effect of super plasticizers in
concrete flow is illustrated in the chart below:

Figure 1Relation between Flow Table and Water Content of Concrete with and
without Plasticizers (Neville, 1995).

Rixom, M.R., and Waddicor, J. et al. 1981

Rixom and Waddicor prepared various types of lignosulfonates and studied their
effect on concrete slump and water requirement. The significance of molecular
weight, cationic species, degree of sulfonation and carbohydrate contents on initial
set, workability and strength characteristics of concrete was studied. It was
concluded that increase in molecular weight of lignosulfonate resulted in a more
workable concrete, retardation of initial set and a slight reduction in compressive
strength at 24h. Increase in sulfonation did not affect workability or entrained air
but it reduced the setting time. It was also found that sodium lignosulfonate was a
better plasticizer than calcium lignosulfonate. Generally increased amounts of
sugars in lignosulfonate resulted in longer setting times [25].
V.S. Ramachandran et al. 1976
Adding plasticizer ɋ-3 in the amount of 0.5% and 0.8% of cement mass to
polysterene concrete enabled to get 2.1 MPa and 2.5 MPa increase in compression
and bending strength of the specimens, respectively, as compared to reference
ones. Water-need for binding agent mixing decreased by 40% and 55% of water-
need for reference composition due to increase in mix workability. Freeze-and-
thaw resistance of the cubes was at least 100 cycles. Adding 0.1% and 0.5% of
TEA ensures fast rates of polysterene concrete mix setting accompanied by high
heat emission at the time of initial setting. Nevertheless, the final setting time
comes approximately in 24 h and later (with increase in admixture concentration).
According to V. Ramachandran, the above effect is explained by the fact that
there occur acceleration of reaction between ɋ3Ⱥ and gypsum in the system and
fast formation of ettringite (chalcomorphite) phase in cement mortar [18].

V.S. Ramachandran et al. 1976

Use of admixture C-3 together with TEA in mortars compensates to some extent
for a slow-down of the final setting time, but no significant increase in specimen‟s
strength has been observed. Presence of slag aggregate grains in structural
polystyrene concrete weakens the effect of this chemical admixture on properties
of the material under study. A negative factor is also a higher cost of chemical
admixture, i.e. RUR75 per liter. While mixing the polystyrene concrete with
NaOH solution we observed a high exothermic effect and a considerably higher
speed of loss in workability. A destructive effect of alkaline agent NɚOH on
colloid film of silicic acid on the surface of slag aggregate grains largely
facilitated water diffusion into the grains and accelerated hydration and
polystyrene concrete setting processes.
Thus, one of the ideas of physical-chemical mechanics – Rebinder's paradox, i.e.
strengthening a structure through destruction of its components – was indirectly
confirmed. Use of chemical admixture NaOH in form of 3% to 5% concentrated
solution led to 15% increase in specimen material strength as compared to the
reference one. This is supposedly due to formation of linear-type crystal
concretions at cement matrix contact with aggregate grains. The concretions are a
product of alkali reaction with activated alumina, silica, silicates and calcium
sulfide that make part of blast-furnace slag. Physical-chemical analysis of the
material structure, in our opinion, would enable to prove this supposition and
would determine contents of crystal concretions within the matrix volume
(probably 15-20%). Alongside with that, use of sodium hydroxide with chemical
admixtures SDO or SDO-L enhances air entrainment owing to additional alkali
saponification of acidic resins contained in the above admixtures [18].
 Chapter-3

BRIEF STUDY OF CHEMICAL ADMIXTURES

Admixtures have long been recognized as important components of concrete used
to improve its performance. The original use of admixtures in cementitious
mixtures is not well documented. It is believed that the introduction of some of
these materials may have been part of rituals or other ceremonies. It is known that
cement mixed with organic matter was applied as a surface coat for water
resistance or tinting purposes. Materials used in early concrete and masonry
included milk and lard by the Romans; eggs during the middle ages in Europe;
polished glutinous rice paste, lacquer, Tung oil, blackstrap molasses, and extracts
from elm soaked in water and boiled bananas by the Chinese; and in Mesoamerica
and Peru, cactus juice and latex from rubber plants. The purpose of these materials
is widely unknown.
It is known that the Mayans used bark extracts and other substances as set
retarders to keep stucco workable for a long period of time. More recently
chemical admixtures have been used to help concrete producers meet
sustainability requirements that are necessary for modern construction. For
concrete these requirements can be related to extended life cycles, use of recycled
materials, storm water management, and reduced energy usage. Chemical
admixtures are used to facilitate the increased use of supplementary cementations
materials, lower permeability, and improve the long term durability of concrete.

Definition Chemical Admixtures

A chemical admixture is any chemical additive to the concrete mixture that
enhances the properties of concrete in the fresh or hardened state. It does not
typically include paints and protective coatings (for steel or concrete). ACI 116R
defines the term admixture as “a material other than water, aggregates, hydraulic
cement, and fiber reinforcement, used as an ingredient of concrete or mortar, and
added to the batch immediately before or during its mixing.”

14
 Brief Study of Chemical
Admixtures

Classification of Chemical Admixtures

Admixtures are commonly classified by their function in concrete but often they
exhibit some additional action. The classification of ASTM C 494-10 is as
follows:
Type A Water-reducing
Type B Retarding
Type C Accelerating
Type D Water-reducing and retarding
Type E Water-reducing and accelerating
Type F High-range water-reducing or super plasticizing, and
Type G High-range water-reducing and retarding, or super plasticizing
and retarding
In addition to the chemical admixtures which will be discussed in this chapter,
there exist also air-entraining agents [17], [26], [27], [28], [29].

Air Entrainers Admixtures

Air entraining agents are used in concrete to generate air bubbles within the
concrete, which help protect against damage due to freezing and thawing (see
Durability). They also help in reducing bleeding and segregation, and improve the
workability of concrete, since the air bubbles act in a manner similar to ball
bearings.
Air-entraining agents are also surface-active chemicals. Unlike the water-reducing
surfactants, the hydrocarbon chain does not have any polar groups, and is entirely
hydrophobic. The hydrophilic polar groups are similar to water reducers. The
mode of action of these chemicals is depicted in Figure 3.1. The polar group sticks
outward, lowers the surface tension of water and promotes bubble formation.
However, the polar ions get adsorbed on the cement surface with the hydrophobic
chain sticking out.
Air bubbles are generated during the agitation and mixing of the concrete. The air-
entraining agents simply helps to stabilize these bubbles by the above action.
Some common chemicals used as air entrainers are neutralized vinsol resin,
derivatized pine rosin, and fatty acids (detergents). Air entrainers are added to the
concrete mixture either early in the process – with the sand and coarse aggregate –
 Brief Study of Chemical
Admixtures

or after the cement has been added along with some of the mix water. Air
entraining chemicals should never be mixed with any other chemical additives.

Figure 2 Mode of action of an air-entraining agent

Just providing an adequate air content inside concrete is not sufficient. Small and
stable air bubbles are required for efficient protection against freezing and
thawing. The air void parameters that need to be determined for the concrete are –
total entrained air (found in fresh concrete during casting), and distance between
voids (not more than 200 micron), which is determined from a petro graphic
analysis of the hardened concrete.
Entrapped air is different from entrained air. Entrapped air consists of irregular
voids that are remnants of the compaction process. Some amount of entrapped air
is always present in concrete, and the mix design codes generally stipulate the
assumption of the amount of entrapped air based on the coarse aggregate size in
concrete. In general, about 1 – 2% of entrapped air is present inside concrete.
Entrained air, on the other hand, is generated using the admixture, and consists of
small and spherical voids. A clear distinction can be seen in Figure 3.

Figure 3 Optical microscope image of an air entrained concrete

Water Reducers
An admixture that either increases slump of a fresh cementitious mixture without
increasing water content or maintains slump with a reduced amount of water, the
effect being due to factors other than air entrainment

Types of Water Reducers

Water reducers can be used in three ways:

 For a given workability, they can reduce the water demand, thus
resulting in higher strength and durability.
 For a given w/c and strength, they can increase the workability.
 For a given w/c, strength and workability, the quantity of cement can
be reduced.
Water reducers belong to a group of chemicals known as „dispersants‟. The action
of the dispersant is to prevent the flocculation of fine particles of cement. These
dispersants are basically surface-active chemicals consisting of long-chain organic
molecules, having a polar hydrophilic group (water-attracting, such as –COO-, -
SO3-, -NH3+) attached to a non-polar hydrophobic organic chain (water-
repelling) with some polar groups (-OH). As shown in Figure 3.3, the polar groups
in the chain get adsorbed on the surface of the cement grains, and the hydrophobic
end with the polar hydrophilic groups at the tip point outwards from the cement
grain. The hydrophilic tip is able to reduce the surface tension of water, and the
adsorbed polymer keeps the cement particles apart be electrostatic repulsion. With
the progress of hydration, the electrostatic charge diminishes and flocculation of
the hydrating product occurs.
1) Common Normal Water Reducers
 Lignosulphonate salts (sodium salts of sulphonated lignin)
 Hydroxycarboxylic acids – Citric, gluconic acid
 Carbohydrates – Corn syrup, dextrin
The dosage of normal WRs is 0.3 – 0.5% by weight of cement. At higher dosages,
there is danger of excessive retardation and bleeding. Also, returns diminish, and
excessive air entrainment can occur.

Figure 4 Dispersion of cement by a water-reducing admixture

Figure 5 Schematic showing the working of a water reducer

2) Mid-Range Water Reducers

Usually, HRWRs give erratic performance when low slumps are desired (< 200
mm). Conventional water reducers cannot provide slumps higher than 150 mm.
The intermediate gap can be covered by the application of Mid-range water
reducers. These admixtures provide better finishing and pumping characteristics,
in addition to controlled setting properties. Mid-range water reducers are typically
low dosage or low active ingredient products based on super plasticizers.

3) Common High-Range Water Reducers (Super plasticizers)

1st generation:
 Lignosulphonates at high dosages
2nd generation:
 Polysulphonates
 Sulphonated melamine formaldehyde (SMF)
 Sulphonated naphthalene formaldehyde (SNF)
3rd generation:
 Polycarboxylates
 Polyacrylates
 Monovinyl alcohols
Typical dosage: 0.7 – 1.0% by weight of cement.
The 1st generation HRWRs need a slump of around 75 mm for action (~0.45 w/c).
The slump is increased up to 150 – 200 mm. The 2nd generation admixtures can
work at reasonably low slumps (25 – 50 mm, corresponding to w/c of 0.35 – 0.40)
to increase the slump to ~ 250 mm. The 3rd generation HRWRs, on the other
hand, can even be used with no slump concrete (0.29 – 0.31 w/c), and the slump is
increased to more than 250 mm.
Concrete possessing slump above 225 – 250 mm is called „rheoplastic‟. Super
plasticizing admixtures are prone to slump retention problems. The efficient
dispersion of cement and reduced surface tension of water leads to hydration of
cement, which in turn causes the diminishing of the electrostatic charge, and
flocculation occurs.
New developments: Some new polycarboxylates have been developed that have a
dual mode of action. In addition to providing dispersion by electrostatic repulsion,
these chemicals provide added dispersion due to steric hindrance. This occurs
because of the bulkiness of the polymer side chains. Thus, the slump can be
retained for a longer time.
Sequence of Addition of Water Reducers
Generally, water reducers are added along with the mix water to the concrete
mixture. In the case of super plasticizers, since the slump loss is rapid, it may be
advantageous to add it to the mix in two, or even three, operations.

Set Controlling Admixtures

Set controlling chemicals are used to lengthen or shorten the setting time of
concrete in order to suit the concrete to a specific casting condition. For example,
when early strengths are desired, or when the temperature is low, accelerators may
be added to the concrete. Conversely, when casting is done in hot weather, and
there is a chance of increased transportation time of the concrete, retarders may be
used.
While water-reducing admixtures have a mostly physical effect on the cement-
water system, set-controlling chemicals cause a delay or increase of the setting
time by chemical alterations to the hydration.

Types of Set Controlling Admixtures

Forsen has classified set-controlling chemicals in five categories, and the effects
of these chemicals on the setting time of concrete. The same chemical can
sometimes act either as a retarder or an accelerator based on its concentration.
Type I: Gypsum
Type II: Calcium chloride, calcium nitrate
Type III: Potassium and sodium carbonate, sodium silicate
Type IV: Gluconates, Lignosulphonates and sugars, sodium salts of carboxylic
acids, Zn and Pb salts
Type V: Salts of formic acid and triethanol amine (TEA)
Typically, set controllers affect cement hydration during the early stages, namely,
during the processes of dissolution cement compounds and nucleation of
hydration products (see Cement Chemistry). According to Joisel, only the
dissolution is affected by these admixtures. If we consider the hydrating PC to be
a mixture of cautions (Ca) and anions (silicate and aluminates), then the following
scenarios can occur.
 An accelerator should promote the dissolution of both cautions and anions.
Since several anions are present, the accelerator should promote the
dissolution of that anion which has the lowest dissolving rate, i.e., silicate.
 A retarder impedes the dissolution of Ca ions and aluminates.
 The presence of monovalent cautions – K + and Na+ - reduces the solubility
of Ca, but promotes the dissolution of silicates and aluminates. At small
concentrations, the former effect is predominant, and at high
concentrations, the latter effect is predominant.
 Monovalent anions – Cl-, NO3-, etc. – reduce the solubility of silicates and
aluminates, and promote the dissolution of Ca. At small concentrations,
the former effect is predominant, and at high concentrations, the latter
effect is predominant.
 In the case of salts of weak bases and strong acids (e.g. CaCl2) or strong
bases and weak acids (e.g. K2CO3), at low concentration, the dominant
effect is the retardation of Ca and aluminates dissolution; at high
concentration, acceleration of the reaction occurs. Calcium chloride (at 1 –
3% by weight of cement) is the most effective accelerator.

1) Accelerators
An admixture that causes an increase in the rate of hydration of the hydraulic
cement, and thus, shortens the time of setting, increases the rate of strength
development, or both.

a) Types of Accelerators
Types of accelerators are as follows:
Chloride accelerators: CaCl2 (most popular), NaCl
Non-chloride accelerators
Inorganic: Nitrates and nitrites of Ca and Na, thiocyanates, thiosulphates, and
carbonates of Ca and Na.
Organic: Amines (triethanol amine – TEA, diethanol amine – DEA), carboxylic
acids (Ca salts of formic and acetic acid), formaldehyde

2) Retarders
An admixture that causes a decrease in the rate of hydration of the hydraulic
cement and lengthens the time of setting.

a) Types of Retarders

Organic retarders: Lignosulphonates, hydroxycarboxylic acids (citric, gluconic),

carbohydrates (corn syrup, dextrin). These are the same chemicals as normal
water reducers.
Inorganic retarders: Borates, phosphates, Zn and Cu compounds. These are not
generally used because of their high costs and low solubility.
Extended set admixtures: Phosphonates and other phosphorus containing
organic acids and salts, gluconic acid, etc. These admixtures are used for the
following purposes:
 Stabilization of wash water for concrete
 Stabilization of returned plastic concrete
 Use of fresh concrete for long haul (large travel times) applications
Sequence of Addition of Set-Controlling Admixtures
Accelerators and retarders are added to the concrete either separately or with the
mix water, soon after the cement and water come in contact. It must be noted that
it is absolutely essential to pay particular attention to dosage – the same chemical
may behave as accelerator or retarder depending on concentration (as described in
the earlier discussion).

Specialty Admixtures
Types of special admixtures are briefly discussed below:

Viscosity Modifying Agents (Vma)

These chemicals are added to the concrete for the following purposes:
 To provide stability to extremely flow able concrete (which maybe prone
to segregation)
 To prevent the wash-out of concrete in underwater applications – In this
case the VMA is also called „Anti-washout admixture‟
VMAs are long-chain water soluble polysaccharides (Cellulose ether derivatives
and microbial source polysaccharides, such as Whelan gum) that enhance the
water retention capacity of the paste. According to Khayat, these chemicals can
act in the following ways:
 Adsorption: Long-chain polymer molecules adhere to the periphery of
water molecules, thus adsorbing and fixing part of the mix water and
thereby expanding; this causes an increase in the viscosity.
 Association: Molecules in adjacent polymer chains develop attractive
forces, thus further blocking the motion of water by forming a viscous gel.
 Intertwining: At low shear rates, polymer chains intertwine and entangle,
causing an increase in the viscosity; shear thinning occurs at high shear
rates when the chains disentangle and align in the direction of flow.

Shrinkage Reducing Admixtures

Drying of water from concrete capillary pores (primarily pores between 2.5 – 50
nm containing adsorbed water) causes the formation of menisci that results in an
inward pull being exerted on the pore walls. The menisci form due to surface
 tension of water. Shrinkage reducing admixtures contain chemicals such as
polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether that reduce the surface tension of water in the
capillaries, thus reducing the tensile stresses on drying. These admixtures are
typically used at a high dosage – about 2 – 4% by weight of cement.

Corrosion Inhibitors
Corrosion of steel in reinforced concrete is initiated when the layer of passivating
film on the surface of the steel (composed of FeO) breaks down at low pH levels.
With the availability of moisture and oxygen, the corrosion reaction proceeds and
results in the formation of various rust products. Corrosion inhibitors added to
concrete can affect this process in various ways, such as:
 Oxidizing or non-oxidizing passivators of steel
 Oxygen scavengers
 Film forming compounds (adsorption)
 Catholic effects: paste can be made hydrophobic
Some typical corrosion inhibitors are:
Inorganic: Calcium nitrite
Organic: Amines, esters, alkanolamines
These compounds are usually added at high dosages, ~ 2% by weight of cement.
Some commercially available admixtures are two-part products, such as those
containing amines and esters. The amines coat the steel and provide a film on the
steel surface, while the esters make the paste hydrophobic and reduce the
availability of water for the cathodic reaction.

Other Admixtures
Some of other admixtures are given below:

Antifreeze Compounds
These lower the freezing point of water. For example, NH4OH, calcium and
sodium nitrates and nitrites, CaCl2, K2CO3, glycols, etc.
Waterproofing Admixtures
These are organic compounds that adsorb on the pore walls and make them
hydrophobic. Thus, once the concrete becomes dry, it is difficult to re-wet it. For
example, oleic acid, emulsions of waxy materials, Ca and Al stearate.

Alkali-Silica Reaction Mitigating Admixtures

Compounds of active alkalis such as Lithium (e.g. LiOH, Li 2NO3, etc.), which
bind the reactive silica to form non-expansive compounds. The cost of these
admixtures, however, is prohibitive.

Styrene-Butadiene Latexes
These are combinations of styrene and butadiene, as an emulsion in water. The
solids content of typical slurries is 40 – 50%. A polymer film forms along with the
hydrating cement, resulting in a monolithic matrix. This causes improved paste-
aggregate bond, resistance to crack propagation, and water tightness of concrete.

Admixtures For Self-Consolidating Concrete

Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) describes a specialized, high-slump concrete
mixture able to flow and consolidate under its own weight with little or no
vibration and without segregation or excessive bleeding. SCC is useful for placing
concrete through heavily congested reinforcement and for building structures that
require very smooth formed surfaces. The properties of SCC are made possible
through a combination of admixture selection and an increase in the fines content
compared to normal slump concrete.
SCC mixtures usually contain a polyether-polycarboxylate HRWR admixture
(Section 4.5) to provide the required slump and flow. Higher levels of fines are
used to increase cohesiveness and prevent segregation and bleeding in the highly
plasticized concrete, although alternatively a viscosity modifying admixture
(VMA) can be used to increase stability (see Section 5.4). SCC may contain other
categories of admixtures, depending on the application.
Admixtures For Underwater Concrete
Placing concrete underwater can be particularly challenging because of the
potential for washout of the cement and fines from the mixture, which can reduce
the strength and integrity of the in-place concrete. Although placement techniques,
such as tremies, have been used successfully to place concrete underwater, there
are situations where enhanced cohesiveness of the concrete mixture is required,
necessitating the use of an anti washout or viscosity modifying admixture (VMA).
Some of these admixtures are formulated from either cellulose ether or Whelan
gum, and they work simply by binding excess water in the concrete mixture,
thereby increasing the cohesiveness and viscosity of the concrete. The overall
benefit is a reduction in washout of cement and fines, resistance to dilution with
water as the mixture is placed, and preservation of the integrity of the in-place
concrete. Another use of VMAs is to prevent segregation in high-slump concrete,
SCC, or mixtures deficient in fines. Proper placement techniques should be
followed even with concrete treated with a VMA or Anti washout admixture.

Permeability-Reducing Admixtures
The penetration of water and water-borne chemicals is the root cause of most of
the destructive mechanisms that damage concrete. Additionally, the penetration of
water through concrete can compromise interior living spaces, contaminate
potable water reservoirs, or allow contaminated water to escape into the
environment. Water can enter concrete though the network of pores and capillaries
that forms during cement hydration, or through cracks and other voids in the
concrete. Therefore, almost all concrete structures require protection from water.
Common methods of protection include the application of surface applied sealers
and membranes that act as a physical barrier between the concrete and the source
of water.
Increasingly, concrete structures are being designed with permeability-reducing
admixtures (PRAs) to resist water penetration, in which the protection becomes an
integral part of the concrete itself rather than just a surface barrier.
There is a wide variety of PRAs available, and it is important to match the
properties of an admixture to the actual service conditions. For this reason, ACI
212 divides PRAs into two categories:
 1) Permeability-reducing admixture for hydrostatic conditions (PRAH)
2) Permeability reducing admixture for non-hydrostatic conditions (PRAN)

1) Permeability Reducing Admixture For Hydrostatic Conditions (PRAH)

PRAHs are primarily intended for use in concrete that is exposed to water under
pressure and are sometimes called waterproofing admixtures. They provide the
highest level of water resistance and are suitable for permanently damp or
submerged environments. Typical applications include concrete installed
underground, pools, tunnels, and water reservoirs. To resist water under pressure,
PRAHs use a pore blocking mechanism that is stable even under high hydrostatic
pressure. Materials include hydrophilic crystalline chemicals that react with
cement and water to grow pore blocking deposits or polymer globules that pack
into pores under pressure

2) Permeability Reducing Admixture For Non - Hydrostatic Conditions

(PRAN)
PRANs are intended for applications that are not subject to hydrostatic pressure,
and are sometimes called damp proofing admixtures. Most PRANs contain water
repellent chemicals that shed water and reduce water absorption into the concrete.
Water repellent ingredients can include various soaps, oils, and long chain fatty
acid derivatives. Other PRANs are based on finely divided solids such as talc,
bentonite, colloidal silica, and silicates. These fillers reduce water migration
through pores, although not to the same degree as a PRAH, and are sometimes
called densifiers. PRANs can be tested using non-hydrostatic absorption test
methods such as ASTM C1585.

Colouring Pigments
To produce colourful concrete, Colouring pigments are added to concrete mix. For
this purpose, synthetic oxide pigments or natural oxide pigments are used. But, the
pigments must be insoluble in water, free from soluble salts and acids, chemically
stable in the alkaline cement paste, and have no adverse effect on the setting time,
strength development or durability of the concrete.
Mixing admixtures with concrete must be carefully controlled to avoid adversely
affecting the concrete. so, it is best to use admixtures in concrete with experienced
person. [17], [26], [27], [28], [29].
 Chapter-4

METHODOLOGY OF THE RESEARCH

The study methodology leads to accomplish the research objectives. The first
activity in this research was review literatures related to the research from
different sources like: text books, research papers, journals, magazine, internet,
etc.
Then, collections of data about specification of different brands of same type of
admixtures have been carried out. So, in order to obtain the final results, first visit
the local admixtures market and collect data about specifications and price of
different brand of admixtures. Then, analyse the admixture's data on basis of best
specifications and economics.
Following companies are to be visited.
 Mughal Brother's Technologies
 Imporient Chemicals Pvt Ltd.

Mughal Brother’s Technologies

From Mughal Brother's Technologies data about following admixtures are to be
collected.

Sr. No BRAND NAME ASTM C494 TYPE

Water reducing plasticizing and

1 Conmix R1
2 Conmix SP 2 (P)
3 Conmix SP1
4 Conmix SP3
29
retarding concrete admixture ASTM C
494, TYPE
A&D
High range water-reducing and set –
retarding concrete admixture ASTM C
494, TYPE G
High range water-reducing, accelerating
concrete admixture ASTM C 494, TYPE
A AND F
High range water-reducing and slump
retaining concrete admixture ASTM C
494, TYPE B, D AND G
 Methodology of the Research

Imporient Chemicals (Pvt) Ltd

From Imporient Chemicals (Pvt) LTD data about following admixtures are to be
collected.

Sr. No BRAND NAME ASTM C494 TYPE

Water reducing plasticising and retarding

1 Chemplast P-200
2 Chemrite – 520
3 Chemrite – NN
4 Chemrite AG – 200
concrete admixture ASTM C 494, TYPE
A&D
High range water-reducing and set –
retarding concrete admixture ASTM C
494, TYPE G
High range water-reducing, accelerating
concrete admixture ASTM C 494, TYPE
A AND F
High range water-reducing and slump
retaining concrete admixture ASTM C
494, TYPE B, D AND G

The results obtained from analysis are discussed and presented in tables and
figures. Finally, conclusions are drawn and recommendations have been
forwarded.

30
 Chapter-5

ADMIXTURES COMPARISON
Chapter 5 of thesis is on comparison of admixtures. In this chapter, comparisons
between different brands of admixtures of same type are conducted on the best
specification and economical point of view. And then, results have been
discussed.
The comparisons of admixtures are as follow:

Water Reducing Plasticizing and Retarding Concrete

Admixture ASTM C 494, TYPE A & D.

Table 2 Comparison between Chemplast P-200 and Commix R1

Company name Imporient Chemicals (Pvt) LTD Mughal Brothers Technologies

Chemical name Chemplast P-200 Commix R1

Chemplast P- 200 is used as a Conmix R1 is a liquid retarding

Description concrete plasticizer - retarder and water reducing agent, used to
where slump retaining properties improve the workability of
are required. concrete mixes.

 Ready mixed concrete.  Extension of slump in high

 Difficult placing conditions
 Long transport distances
Uses  Reduction in water – cement
ratio.
temperatures.
 Workability improvement to
most types of concrete mixes.
 A 10-15% water reducing
effect can be obtained.

31
 Admixtures
comparison

 Longer slump retention at  Increased strengths.

higher temperatures.
 Increased ultimate strength
 Reduced shrinkage and creep
 Better surface finish
Advantages
 A 10-15% water reducing
effect can be obtained.
 Reduced water without loss in
workability.
 Can be used for pumped
concrete.
 Increased setting times in high
temperature.
 Effective in achieving cement
economies.

Properties

colour Brown liquid Dark brown liquid

Chloride content Nil (EN 934) Nil

Air entrainment 1-2% 1-2%

pH value 5.95 5.95

Approximately 1.18 ± 0.01 at

Specific gravity 1.13 - 1.15
25°C

Chemplast P – 200 is added to the Conmix R1 is supplied ready for

gauging water prior to its addition use, it should be added to
Method of use
to the dry mix. concrete mixes during the mixing
process at the same time as the
water or the aggregates.

Dosage (%) 0.5 –1.0 % by weight of cement. 0.2 - 0.5% by weight of cement,

It is advisable to carry out trial
mixes to establish the exact
dosage rate required.
Rate (Rs/Ltr) 40
High Range Water-Reducing and Set Retarding Concrete
Admixture ASTM C 494, TYPE G.
Table 3 Comparison between Chemrite-520 and Conmix SP2 (P)
Company name Imporient Chemicals (pvt) LTD
Chemical name Chemrite – 520
Chemrite-520 is a superplasticiser
with a set-retarding effect for
producing free-flowing concrete.
It also acts as a substantial water-
reducing agent for promoting
high early and ultimate strengths.
Description
Admixtures
comparison
is recommended. This rate of
addition can be varied to give
different results.
35
Mughal Brothers Technologies
Conmix SP 2 (P)
Conmix SP 2 (P) is composed
of synthetic polymers chloride
free specially designed to
impart rheoplastic qualities to
concrete.
A rheoplastic concrete is a fluid
concrete with a slump value of
at least 200 mm, easily flowing,
but at the same time free from
segregation, and having the
same water/cement ratio as that
of a no-slump concrete (25
mm) without additive.
  Beams, Columns, Slabs  Ready mix concrete and
 Bridge decks mass - concrete pours,
 Roads & Pavements  Highly reinforced structures
 High-rise Buildings and pumped concrete

 Rafts and Foundations  Long - distance transport,

 Retaining Walls  No risk of segregation and

Uses bleeding, Casting in hot
climates,
 Reinforced concrete and
prestressed reinforced
concrete structures in
regions where temperature
normally exceed 40°C and
relative humidity is low.

 Substantial improvement in  High range water reducing,

workability without increased  Increase workability,
water or the risk of  High ultimate strengths,
segregation.  Easy pumping,
 Long-lasting control of slump  Impermeability,
loss.  Durability.
 Early strengths significantly
Advantages increased up to 20% water
reduction.
 Especially suitable for hot
climates.
 No adverse shrinkage effect.
 Improved surface finish.
 Properties

Colour Dark Brown Brown

Chemical content Polymer type dispersion Lignisulphanate based

Chloride content Nil <0.1

Specific gravity 1.18 ± 0.01 1.175-1.185 at 20 C

Chemrite-520 can be added Conmix SP 2 (P) is a ready to

separately to the freshly mixed use liquid admixture which is
concrete or directly to the mixing dispensed in to the concrete

water prior to its addition to the
Method of use aggregates. When added
separately to the freshly mixed
concrete, further mixing should
take place for at least one minute
per cubic meter.
together with the mixing water.
The plasticizing effect, or water
reduction, is stronger if the
admixture is added to the
concrete after 50 - 70 % of the
mixing water has been
introduced into the concrete
mixer.

0.8 – 2.0 % by weight of cement. For 100 kg cement 0.8 -1.6 Ltr.
Exact dosage rates are dependent Conmix SP 2 (P) is
Dosage (%) on the type of effect sought, recommended. All those
quality of cement and aggregates, dosages can be changed by
Water/Cement-ratio and ambient experiments in concrete
temperature. laboratory.

Rate (Rs/Ltr) 45 75
 High Range Water-Reducing, Accelerating Concrete
Admixture ASTM C 494, TYPE A AND F.

Table 4 Comparison between Chemrite-NN and Conmix SP1

Company name Imporient Chemicals (pvt) LTD Mughal Brothers Technologies

Chemical name Chemrite – NN Conmix SP1

Chemrite-NN is a liquid super Conmix SP1 is a highly

plasticizer for production of free
flowing concrete, acting as a
substantial water-reducing agent
Description for promoting high early and
ultimate strengths.
effective water reducing super
plasticizer.
And an extremely powerful
deflocculating agent, it operates
by dispersing cement in to its
primary particles which
dramatically increases the flow
characteristics of the cement
paste.

 Uses include to produce

flowing concrete for large
 R.C. slabs, raft, footings.
pours and precast elements.
 Walls, columns and piers
 Conmix SP1 may also be
 Pre-cast and prestressed
used where substantial
concrete elements
Uses water reductions are
 Bridges decks
required to provide high
 Concrete where formwork
early and ultimate strengths
must be removed quickly or
e.g. in precast factories.
 early loading can be applied
  Workability enhanced at  High strength concrete
reduced water/cement ratio. produced at normal
 Increased place ability in workability and cement
slender components with contents. The resultant
densely packed reinforcement. concrete is of a dense
 Normal set without impermeable nature.
retardation.  Substantial increase in
 Significantly reduces the risk workability without
of segregation & bleeding additional water.
 Normal setting without
retardation.
 Very good early strengths.
 Significant strength

Advantages increases.
 Increased production in
precast yards.
 Better surface finish.
 Waterproof concrete may
be achieved.
 Better resistance to wear &
abrasion.
 Chloride free.
 Reduced shrinkage & creep.
 Suitable for hot climates.
 Improved water borne salt
resistance.

Properties

Colour Brown liquid Brown liquid

Chemical content Polynapthalene based concrete Napthalene Formaldehyde

 admixture Sulphonate

Chloride content Nil (EN 934-2) Nil

Specific gravity 1.18 0.01 at 25 C 1.18 - 1.19 approx. at 20 C

pH value Approximately 8 7-9

Chemrite-NN can be added to the Conmix SP1 is supplied ready

mixing water prior to its addition
to the concrete mixer.
Method of use Chemrite-NN can also be added
to the concrete immediately prior
to discharge and further mixing
has taken place for at least three
more minutes.
for use, it should be added to
concrete mixes during the
mixing process at the same
time as the water or the
aggregates. It should not be
added directly to the cement.

0.8 – 2.0 % by weight of cement. 0.5 - 3.0% by weight of

Dosage (%) Trial mixes are recommended to cement.
establish exact dosage rates. Exact dosage rates should be
determined by trial mixes.

Rate (Rs/Ltr) 65 70
 High Range Water-Reducing And Slump Retaining Concrete
Admixture ASTM C 494, TYPE B, D AND G.
Table 5 Comparison between Chemrite AG=200 and Conmix SP3
Company name Imporient Chemicals (Pvt) LTD
Chemical name Chemrite AG – 200
Chemrite AG – 200 is a highly
effective liquid superplasticizer
for the production of free flowing,
pumpable concrete which
prolongs slump retention at low
water-cement ratios.
Description
 Slabs and Foundations
 Walls, Columns and Piers
 Thin structural elements with
densely packed reinforcement.
Uses
 Hot-weather concreting.
 High strength concrete
 Pre-cast concrete
 Pre stressed concrete
 Bridges, Roads & Pavements
Mughal Brothers Technologies
Conmix SP3
Conmix SP 3 is composed of
synthetic polymers chloride
free specially designed to
impart rheoplastic qualities to
concrete.
A rheoplastic concrete is a fluid
concrete with a slump value of
at least 200 mm, easily flowing,
but at the same time free from
segregation, and having the
same water/cement ratio as that
of a no-slump concrete (25
mm) without additive.
 Ready mix concrete and mass
concrete pours.
 Highly reinforced structures
and pumped concrete
 Long - distance transport
 No risk of segregation and
bleeding.
 Casting in hot climates
 Reinforced concrete and
  High - rise Buildings
 Long haul transportation of
ready-mixed concrete.
prestressed reinforced
concrete structures in regions
where temperature normally
exceed 40°C and relative
humidity is low.

 Improved workability at  High range water reducing,

reduced water content.  Increase workability,
 Reduced segregation/bleeding  High ultimate strengths,
Advantages  Improved surface finish  Easy pumping,
 Reduced shrinkage and creep  Impermeability,
 Upto 25% water reduction  Durability.
resulting in higher ultimate
strength.

Properties

Colour Brown liquid Dark Brown

Chemical content Sulphonated naphthalene based Lignosulphanate Based

Chloride content Nil <0.1% (EN 480-10)

Specific gravity 1.18 ± 0.01at 25 C 1.20 - 1.21 at 20 C

Chemrite AG – 200 is added to Conmix SP 3 is a ready to use

the gauging water at the plant or liquid admixture which is
added on site into the concrete dispensed in to the concrete
Method of use mixer. Allow enough mixing time together with the mixing water.
for the concrete to achieve The plasticizing effect, or water
uniformity. reduction, is stronger if the

admixture is added to the

 concrete after 50 - 70 % of the

mixing water has been

introduced into the concrete
mixer.

Recommended dosage 0.8-2.0% For 100 kg cement 0.6 – 2.5 Ltr.

by weight of cement. It is conmix SP 3 is recommended. All
advisable to carry out trial mixes those dosages can be changed by
to establish the correct dosage. experiments in concrete
Dosage (%)
Higher dosage can be used laboratory.
depending on the mix design &
concrete requirement. A pre-trial
to confirm the dosage by the
user is recommended.

Rate (Rs/Ltr) 70 80
Chapter-6

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

In the present study, the availability, properties of admixtures, dosage of
admixtures and comparison of different brands of admixture was investigated.
Based on these theoretical investigations, important conclusions and
recommendations have been arrived at as follows:
1. Conmix R1 gives more advantages as compare to Chemplast P-200. The rate
of Conmix R1 is also less than Chemplast P-200. So after studying all aspects
of the both admixtures it is recommended that the Conmix R1 is more efficient
and more economical than Chemplast P-200.
Below graph shows the price and dosage of these admixtures.

Chemrite P-200 Vs Conmix R1

40
40
35

30

20
PRICE (Rs/ltr)
10 DOSAGE (%)

0.5 0.5
0
CHEMPLAST P-200 CONMIX R1
PRICE (Rs/ltr) 40 35
DOSAGE (%) 0.5 0.5

Graph 1 Water reducing plasticizing and retarding concrete admixture ASTM C

494, Types A & D

2. Chemrite 520 gives more advantages as compare to Conmix SP2 (P). The rate
of Chemrite 520 is also less than Conmix SP2 (P). So after studying all the
aspects of the both admixtures it is recommended that the Chemrite 520 is
more efficient and more economical than Conmix SP2 (P).

Below graph shows the price and dosage of these admixtures.

42
 Conclusions and
Recommendations

Chemrite 520 Vs Conmix SP2 (P)

75
75
65
55
45 45
35
25
15 PRICE (Rs/ltr)
5 DOSAGE (%)
-5 1 1

CHEMRITE-520 CONMIX SP2 (P)

PRICE (Rs/ltr) 45 75
DOSAGE (%) 1 1

Graph 2 High range water-reducing and set –retarding concrete admixture ASTM
C 494, TYPE G

3. Conmix SP1 gives more advantages as compare to Chemprite NN. But the rate
of Conmix SP1 is more than Chemprite NN. So after studying all the aspects
of the both admixtures it is recommended that if the advantages of admixture
are required greater and cost is not have an major issue than the Conmix
SP1should be used. If the advantages of the admixture are less required as
compare to cost than Chemprite NN should be used.
Below graph shows the price and dosage of these admixtures.

Chemrite-NN Vs Conmix SP1

70
7065
60
50
40
30

PRICE (Rs/ltr)
20DOSAGE (%)
10
1 1.5
0
CHEMRITE-NN CONMIX SP1
PRICE (Rs/ltr) 65 70
DOSAGE (%) 1 1.5

Graph 3 High range water-reducing, accelerating concrete admixture ASTM C

494, TYPE A AND F
4. Conmix SP3 gives more advantages as compare to Chemprite AG-200. But
the rate of Conmix SP3 is more than Chemprite AG-200. So after studying all
the aspects of the both admixtures it is recommended that if the advantages of
admixture are required greater and cost is not have an major issue than the
Conmix SP3 should be used. If the advantages of the admixture are less
required as compare to cost than Chemprite AG-200 should be used
Below graph shows the price and dosage of these admixtures.

Chemrite AG-200 Vs Conmix SP3

80
80
70
70
60
50
40
30 PRICE (Rs/ltr)
20
DOSAGE(%)

1 10 1
0
CHEMRITE AG-200CONMIX SP3
PRICE (Rs/ltr)7080
DOSAGE(%)11

Graph 4 High range water-reducing and slump retaining concrete admixture

ASTM C 494, TYPE B, D AND G
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