Set-controlling admixtures

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

Water-reducing admixtures
Effects on Concrete:
On fresh concrete, high slump and workability without
excessive segregation and bleeding can be achieved with SP. Flowability is improved
with
changing the w/c ratio which reduces the need for vibration of concrete when
placed. WRA reduces
the required amount of AEA when given at the same time, but the AEA must be added
before the
SP because of the latter’s air-detraining properties. Significant slump loss can
happen especially
if SP is added. Some mid-range WRA can act as a retardant which sufficiently
improves workable
time for mixing, transportation, and casting. Delaying its addition after water
increases water
reduction, enhances air entrainment, and further delays setting. However,
retardants may cause
workability problems and flash sets which are irreversible. On hardened concrete,
strength is
increased because of lower water requirements. Compressive strength is increased up
to 25% more
than usual and can even be more than 80 MPa because of the more homogeneous
microstructure
and decrease in w/c ratio (< .40). Permeability is reduced and density and
shrinkage are increased.

Miscellaneous. Some miscellaneous admixtures are viscosity modifier, corrosion

inhibitor,
shrinkage reducer, and alkali-aggregate reaction inhibitor. This variety of
chemical admixtures are
used in special applications.

Usage Precautions The amount of admixtures added must conform to the ASTM
standards. Tests
using job materials under job-site conditions must be carried out because the
effects of an
admixture are dictated by many factors such as cement composition, aggregate
characteristics, mix
proportions and presence of other admixtures. Accurate batching must be ascertained
especially
for air-entraining and chemical admixtures where overdosing can easily occur and
result in
undesirable outcomes. Its effects on other properties must also be considered