Set-Controlling Admixtures (SCA)

There are 2 kinds: set-retarding and set-accelerating, both functioning as it is

called. Set#retarding admixtures are added to control the setting of concrete while
Set-accelerating admixtures
induce early hardening. Set-retarding admixtures reduces setting time to keep the
mix workable
and prolong plasticity of fresh concrete. This helps resist cracking due to
formwork deflection
when pouring of slabs is noncontinuous. It works by slowing the rate of early
hydration, extending
the induction period, which delays the setting stage. The amount of admixture added
affects how
long the induction period will be but overdosing can prevent concrete setting
entirely. However,
this can be overcome by adding in a set accelerator (activator) to resume its
hydration. This is
convenient for the ready-mix industry to prevent concrete from sticking to the edge
of the drum
and useful for when the truck is obstructed in the middle of the road. Set-
accelerating admixture
rapidly speeds up the setting time and its strength development. It is used in
shotcrete (tunnel
lining), covering leaks under hydrostatic pressure, emergency repairs and others
that require rapid
rigidity development. The rate of C3S hydration and strength development is
increased, and the
induction period is shortened. This allows for an earlier star of stage 3 where C3S
reacts rapidly.
The rate of hydration is increased during stage 3 & 4. But this rapid hydration may
cause a flash
setting of C3A which is undesirable in concrete. Because of its rapid setting, its
workability is
reduced, unless WRA is used. One must never add water in concrete to prolong its
workable period
once it starts to harden because this affects the W/C ratio which compromises its
strength. Effects
on concrete. For set-retarding admixtures, the hydration of C3A is also retarded
along with C3S.
Delayed C3S hydration reduces 1-day strength of concrete unless WRA is used
together with SCA.
But unless the retarder is overdosed its later strength should approach that of an
unretarded
concrete in 8 days. Hydration delay also increases the ultimate compressive
strength and rate of
deformation. The quick setting due to set-accelerating admixtures increases 1-day
strength but its
later strength may likely be lower than unaccelerated concrete because the
hydration products as
well as pore size and voids are not homogeneously distributed Consequently, reduced
durability
is to be expected. The rate of deformation is increased but not its ultimate
values. Its early
shrinkage will result in cracking due to high tensile stress experienced by the
restrained concrete.