CH-01: Introduction to Concrete Technology

1 .1 Use of concrete in structures and types of concrete

Concrete
• The uniform mixture of well-proportioned amount of cement, sand (fine aggregate), crushed
stones (coarse aggregate), water and sometime other admixtures is called Concrete. On
setting and allowing sufficient time to gain strength, the plastic mixture (called fresh or green
concrete) yields a solid strong hard mass, known as hardened concrete or simply Concrete.
1 .1 Use of concrete in structures and types of concrete
• Structural uses of concrete
Cement concrete is widely used in almost every civil engineering constructions like
buildings, bridges, canals, dams, tunnels, tanks, and even in road pavements also. It
is most commonly used construction materials because of the following major
reasons:

i) It is excellent resistant to water,

ii) It can be casted into various shapes and sizes,
iii) Its constituents are cheap and readily available
iv) Lesser energy and tools are sufficient for its preparation.
 1 .1 Use of concrete in structures and types of concrete

• Cement concrete finds its application in very wide areas of civil engineering
construction. Major areas of use of cement concrete are:

i) Buildings
ii) Bridges
iii) Foundation/abutments of steel structures
iv) Tunnel, sewer and underground structures
v) Slope stabilization/ Soil improvement by shotcreting, retaining structures, etc.
vi) Nuclear shield
vii) Refractory and fire proofing
viii) Reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, precast concrete, etc.
 1.2 Constituents of Concrete
Cement concrete is made by mixing four major constituents, i.e. cement, fine aggregate
(sand), coarse aggregate (crushed stones) and water. In modern days, different other
materials has been manufactured, which if mixed with concrete during its preparation,
changes the properties of concrete. These materials which are added to concrete-mix for
modification of desired properties of concrete are called admixtures.
 1.2.1 Aggregates
Aggregates are the inert (chemically inactive) materials obtained from disintegration of
relatively strong rocks e.g. pebbles, gravel, broken stones, sand, etc. It contributes to 70-
75% volume of hardened concrete.

Classification of Aggregates
1. Based on Grain Size
a. Fine Aggregate: passing through 4.75 mm IS sieve .
b. Coarse Aggregate: retained on 4.75 mm IS sieve.
c. All in Aggregate: coarse + fine
2. Based on Origin
a. Natural Aggregates: riverbed, riverbank, beaches, pits, rocks, etc. [It may comprise
igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic rocks]
b. Artificial Aggregates: burnt clays, clean broken bricks, slag from blast furnace, etc
1.2.1 Aggregates

3. Based on Density
1. Standard of Normal Aggregates: 1520-1680 kg/m3.
2. High Density Aggregates: >2080 kg/m3 .
3. Lightweight Aggregates: <1120 kg/m3 .
4. Based on shape
a. Rounded : minimum voids, require minimum cement, but poor interlocking and bonding.
b. Irregular: better interlocking than round, slightly greater voids.
c. Angular: Higher voids, require more cement, but best interlocking and bonding.
d. Flaky: Aggregates having its least dimension less than 0.6 times its mean dimension. It has poor
bonding and has adverse effect on homogeneity of mix and its strength. Flakiness index is a quantity
defined as percentage by weight of flaky particles in a sample.
e. Elongated: Aggregates having its larger dimension greater than 1.8 times its mean dimension. It has
poor bonding and not considered suitable for medium to high strength concrete.
1.2.1 Aggregates
5. Surface texture
Surface texture is the property, the measure of which depends upon the relative degree to which particle
surfaces are polished or dull, smooth or rough. Surface texture depends on hardness, grain size, pore structure,
structure of the rock, and the degree to which forces acting on the particle surface have smoothed or
roughened it. Hard, dense, fine-grained materials will generally have smooth fracture surfaces.
Properties of Aggregates [Refer IS 383:1970]

• Aggregates must be clean, hard, strong, dense, durable, properly shaped, well graded, free from coatings, chemically
stable, free from injurious amount of disintegrated pieces, alkali, vegetable matter and resistant to abrasion, freezing and
thawing. The major properties are:

A. Physical properties:

1. Size : For normal RCC purposes size of aggregate should be less than 20mm. For special RCC purpose size
of aggregate should be less than 10 mm.

2. Shape:
a) Rounded aggregates: good workability, poor interlocking.
b) Angular aggregates : well defined edged, require more water for lubrication and provide less workability for a
given water cement ratio. Best interlocking properties used for high strength concrete.
 Properties of Aggregates [Refer IS 383:1970]
 Physical properties (contd.)

3. Texture:

a) Smooth texture : better workability and less bond strength.

b) Rough texture: better bond strength and less workability.

 Properties of Aggregates [Refer IS 383:1970]
 Physical properties (contd.)
4. Absorption and surface moisture

Moisture States:
Since aggregates contain some porosity, water can be absorbed into
the body of the particles or retained on the surface of the particle as
a film of moisture. The following four moisture states are defined:
• Oven-dry (OD): All moisture is removed from the
aggregate by heating in an oven at 105 C to constant
weight .All pores are empty.
• Air-dry (AD): All moisture removed from surface, but
internal pores partially full. AC = (WSSD - WOD) / (WOD) x 100%
• Saturated-surface-dry (SSD): All pores filled with water,
but no film of water on the surface. MC = (Wet mass - WOD) / (WOD) x 100%
• Wet: All pores completely filled with water with a film on
the surface.
Note
If MC < MC at SSD state then aggregate will absorb water

If MC > MC at SSD state then aggregate will release water

 Properties of Aggregates [Refer IS 383:1970]
 Physical properties (contd.)

5. Bulking of aggregate

Bulking of fine aggregate or sand is the phenomenon of increase in sand volume due to the
increase of moisture content. The moisture content in the sand makes thin films around sand
particles. Hence, each particle exerts pressure. Thus they move away from each other causing
increasing in volume. The bulking of the aggregates is dependent on two factors:

a) The fineness of the aggregates

b) Percentage moisture content

Note: Bulking increase with increase in moisture content up to a

certain limit and beyond that the further increase moisture content
results in decrease in volume.
 Properties of Aggregates [Refer IS 383:1970]
B. Mechanical properties
1.Bond strength: Bond is the interlocking capacity of aggregate and adhesion between
aggregate and cement paste. Bond strength is the resistance developed to split the aggregate
particle from hardened cement paste.
2.Crushing strength test: The aggregate crushing value gives a relative measure of resistance
of aggregate to crushing under a gradually applied load. These values plays important roles for
construction of road and pavement.
• Test is standardized by IS:2386 part-IV
• Aim: to determine the crushing strength of aggregates.
• Material: Dry aggregates passing through 12.5mm sieves and retained in 10 mm sieves.
 Properties of Aggregates [Refer IS 383:1970]
B. Mechanical properties
2. Crushing strength test( contd.)
Apparatus

Compression testing machine capable of applying

load of 40 tonnes ,Rate of loading 4 tonnes/ min.
 Properties of Aggregates [Refer IS 383:1970]
B. Mechanical properties
2. Crushing strength test( contd.)
Test procedure
1. Coarse aggregate passing 12.5mm IS sieve and retained on a10mm IS sieve are selected and heated at 100 to
110°C for 4 hours and cooled to room temperature.
2. Cylindrical measure is filled in 3 layers, each layer being subjected to 25 strokes using the tamping rod
3. Weight of the aggregate is measured in balance and taken as (W1)
4. The surface is levelled and plunger is placed on the surface.
5. The cylinder with plunger is placed on the loading platform of the compression testing machine.
6. Apply load at a uniform rate so that a total load of 40t is applied in 10 minutes.
7. Release the load and remove the material from the cylinder.
8. Sieve the material with 2.36mm IS sieve, care being taken to avoid loss of fines.
9. Weigh the fraction passing through the is sieve (W2).
 Properties of Aggregates [Refer IS 383:1970]
B. Mechanical properties
2. Crushing strength test( contd.)
Observation table

crushing value of aggregate is restricted to:

30% for road and pavement
45% for other structure
 Properties of Aggregates [Refer IS 383:1970] total_station.mp4

B. Mechanical properties
3. Aggregate impact value : The aggregate impact value is a relative measure of the resistance
of aggregate to sudden shock or impact on it.
Aggregate impact value is restricted to:
30% for road, pavement and runways
45% for concrete
4. Aggregate abrasion value: It is an important property for concrete aggregate especially
when it is subjected to wear and tear. It is determined by los Angeles test.
The principle of los Angeles abrasion test is to find the percentage wear due to relative rubbing
action between aggregate and steel balls used as abrasive charge.
Aggregate abrasion value is restricted to:
30% for wearing surface
50% for concrete
 Properties of Aggregates [Refer IS 383:1970]
C. Chemical properties
1. Soundness
Soundness refers to the ability of aggregate to resist excessive changes in volume due to
alternate wetting and drying, freezing and thawing, variation in temperature under normal
conditions.

In lab soundness test is done by alternative immersion of carefully graded and weighed test
sample in a solution of sodium or magnesium sulphate and oven drying it under specified
conditions.
• Aggregates of specified size are subjected to cycles of alternate wetting in a saturated solution of either sodium
sulphate or magnesium sulphate for 16 - 18 hours and then dried in oven at 105 –110 °C to a constant weight.
• After five cycles, the loss in weight of aggregates is determined by sieving out all undersized particles and
weighing.
• And the loss in weight should not exceed 12 percent when tested with sodium sulphate and 18 percent with
magnesium sulphate solution.
 Properties of Aggregates [Refer IS 383:1970]
C. Chemical properties
1. Soundness
• Sample submerged in magnesium or sodium sulphate—causes salt crystals to form in the aggregate
pores
 Properties of Aggregates [Refer IS 383:1970]
C. Chemical properties
2. Alkali-aggregate reaction
 . [reactive silica in aggregate + alkali (Na20, K20) in cement aggr egate-alkali r e a c t i o n  alkali-
silicate gel  swells by absorbing moisture  Internal pressure  cracking and deterioration].
Gradation of Aggregates
• The particle size distribution of an aggregate as determined by sieve analysis.
• When all aggregates of same size are used in making concrete, they could not be packed
tightly, leaving high amount of voids.
• Principally, the voids between larger particles should be filled by just smaller particles and
so on. So each sized aggregate should be proportioned accordingly so as to obtain a good
dense concrete.
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1.2.2 Cement

Materials which posses the property of cohesion and adhesion between different materials to
form a strong bond between them are known as cementing materials or Cement. Hongshi.mp4

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is extremely fine powdery cementing substance obtained by
burning together of fixed proportion of calcareous and argillaceous raw materials at high
temperature, and grinding the product. It is now the most important civil engineering
cementing material, used in almost all types of construction works like buildings, bridges,
water tanks, tunnels, etc. and works requiring use of cement is commonly referred as “Civil
Works”. Cement_Manufactu.mp4 Hongshi+Shivam+Cement+-+Nepal+Live_01_01.mp4
 Composition of Cement
Sn Ingredient Limits (%) Typical / Avg (%) Functions

Lime • Combines with clay to form Calcium silicates (C3S, C2S) which imparts strength.
1 60-67 62 • Excess amount will lead to slaking and disintegration of cement on setting.
CaO
• Smaller amount results in poor strength.
Silica, • It is also responsible for strength.
2 17-25 22
SiO2 (clay) • Higher amount increases strength but will also increase hardening and setting time.

Alumina • It is responsible for quick setting of cement by forming aluminates with calcium.
3 3-8 5 • It also acts as flux and hence reduces the temperature required in clinker.
Al2O3
• Excess amount will impart quick setting, but reduces strength badly.

Iron Oxide • It gives extra hardness to cement.

4 0.5-6 3
Fe2O3 • It also gives colour to the cement.
Magnesia • It also imparts colour and hardness to cement.
5 0.1-4 2
MgO • Excess amount will make cement unsound [cement expands on setting]

CalciumSulphate • It acts as retarder, i.e. it increases the setting time of cement, which otherwise would be only
6 3-5 4
(Gypsum) CaSO4 few minutes.

• Very small amount of sulphur trioxide makes cement sound in nature.

7 Sulphur & its Oxides 1.3-3 1
• They shall not be greater than prescribed value.
Alkalies • These are considered as impurities in cement.
8 0.4-1.3 1 • Excess amount causes efflorescence and may cause reaction with reactive silica of aggregate
Na20, K20, ... in cement concrete
Composition of Clinker (Bogue’s Compounds)
During the process of manufacturing, all the ingredients of cement except gypsum is heated in
a kiln up to a temperature of 1450-1550oC. This produces the fused mass in the form of balls
called Clinker. These compounds were first identified by R.H Bogue, and hence these
compounds are also called Bogue’s compounds. Grinding of clinker with little amount of
Gypsum is done to obtain Fine Cement. The major compounds of Clinker are as follows:
Composition of Clinker (Bogue’s Compounds)
Sn Compounds Range (%) Characteristics
(Chemical formula) (Average)
Abbreviation
1 TriCalcium Silicate 45-65 • Faster rate of reaction (hydration)
(3CaO.SiO2) • Gives early strength
(48)
• Higher rate of heat evolution.
C3S
2 DiCalcium Silicate 20-35 • Slower rate of reaction, and slower hardening
(2CaO.SiO2) • Provides most of ultimate strength
(25)
• Lesser rate of heat evolution
C2S
3 TriCalcium Aluminate 5-15 • First compound to start hydration.
• Responsible for setting of cement in early stage which would make
(3CaO.Al2O3) (10)
“flash set” in absence of gypsum.
C3A • Much Higher Rate of heat evolution.

4 TetraCalcium Alumino- 8-18 • Slow rate of reaction, and least heat evolution.
Ferrite • Poor cementing value
(10)
(4CaO.Al2O3.Fe2O3) • Comparatively inactive.

C4AF
Hydration of cement
When cement comes in contact of water, a chemical reaction occurs between them that result
in formation of new compounds responsible for gain of strength of hardened cement of
cement-concrete. This phenomenon of reaction of cement with water is called hydration of
cement. Hydration is an exothermic reaction and certain amount of heat is produced during
hydration called heat of hydration.
a. 2C3S + 6H → C3S2H3 (61%) + 3Ca(OH)2 (39%) + Heat (502 J/gm)
b. 2C2S + 4H → C3S2H3 (82%) + Ca(OH)2 (18%) + Heat (260 J/gm)
c. C3A + 6H → C3AH6 + Heat (867 J/gm)
d. C4AF + 2Ca(OH)2 + 10H → C3AH6 + C3FH6 + Heat (419 J/gm)
where,
C3S2H3 denotes 3CaO.2SiO2.3H2O also called C-S-H gel or
calcium silicate gel, that gives the strength to the hardened
cement paste.
Hydration of cement

Characteristics of hydration of cement compound

Heat of Hydration
• The chemical reaction between cement and water (i.e. hydration) is exothermic. Hence, certain
amount of heat is produced during reaction that depends on compound in cement that is taking
part in hydration. The major hydration reactions of different compounds of cement are as
shown:

a. 2C3S + 6H → C3S2H3 (61%) + 3Ca(OH)2 (39%) + Heat (502 J/gm)

b. 2C2S + 4H → C3S2H3 (82%) + Ca(OH)2 (18%) + Heat (260 J/gm)
c. C3A + 6H → C3AH6 + Heat (867 J/gm)
d. C4AF + 2Ca(OH)2 + 10H → C3AH6 + C3FH6 + Heat (419 J/gm)
where,
C3S2H3 denotes 3CaO.2SiO2.3H2O also called C-S-H gel or
calcium silicate gel, that gives the strength to the hardened
cement paste.
Heat of Hydration

Rate of heat evolution is related to several factors

• Cement composition
• Cement fineness
• Cement content in the mixture
• Casting temperature
1.2.3 Introduction to special type of cement
• Ordinary Portland Cement
Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is by far the most important type of cement. The OPC was
classified into three grades, namely 33 grade, 43 grade and 53 grade depending upon the
strength of the cement at 28 days when tested as per IS 4031-1988.Arghakhachi.mp4

Generally use of high grade cements offer many advantages for making stronger concrete. The
manufacture of OPC is decreasing all over the world in view of the popularity of blended
cement on account of lower energy consumption, environmental pollution, economic and other
technical reasons. 50kg.mp4

• Rapid Hardening Cement (IS 8041—1990)

As the name indicates it develops strength rapidly and as such it may be more appropriate to
call it as high early strength cement. (Where formwork is required to be removed early for re-
use elsewhere, Road repair works, In cold weather concrete)
1.2.3 Introduction to special type of cement
Sulphate Resisting Cement (IS 12330—1988)

To remedy the sulphate attack, the use of cement with low C3A content is found to be effective,
(Concrete to be used in marine condition, in foundation and basement, where soil is infested
with sulphates; construction of sewage treatment works).

Portland Slag Cement (PSC) (IS 455-1989)

Portland slag cement is obtained by mixing Portland cement clinker, gypsum and granulated
blast furnace slag. ( Reduced heat of hydration, Refinement of pore structure, Reduced
permeability)
1.2.3 Introduction to special type of cement
Quick Setting Cement

The early setting property is brought out by reducing the gypsum content at the time of clinker
grinding, It is used mostly in under water construction where pumping is involved.

Low Heat Cement - IS 12600: 1989

Formation of cracks in large body of concrete due to heat of hydration has focused the attention
of the concrete which produces less heat, at a low rate during the hydration process, A low-heat
evolution is achieved by reducing the contents of C3S and C3A which are the compounds
evolving the maximum heat of hydration and increasing C2S.
1.2.3 Introduction to special type of cement
Types of Cement Portland Pozzolana Cement — IS 1489 (Part I)

The history of pozzolanic material goes back to Roman's time. Portland Pozzolana cement
(PPC) is manufactured by the inter grinding of OPC clinker with 10 to 25 per cent of pozzolanic
material, A pozzolanic material is essentially a silicious or aluminous material which while in
itself possessing no cementitious properties, which will, in finely divided form and in the
presence of water, react with calcium hydroxide, The pozzolanic materials generally used for
manufacture of PPC are calcined clay (IS 1489 part 2 of 1991) or fly ash (IS 1489 part 1 of
1991).

In PPC, costly clinker is replaced by cheaper pozzolanic material - Hence economical, Soluble
calcium hydroxide is converted into insoluble cementitious products resulting in improvement
of permeability, Hence it offers, durability characteristics, particularly in hydraulic structures
and marine construction, It generates reduced heat of hydration and that too at a low rate.
Reduction in permeability of PPC offers many other around advantages. level.mp4
1.2.3 Introduction to special type of cement
White Cement — IS 8042: 1989

For manufacturing various colored cements either white cement or grey Portland cement is used
as a base, The use of white cement as a base is costly, With the use of grey cement only red or
brown cement can be produced. Coloured cement consists of Portland cement with 5-10 per cent
of pigment. The pigment cannot be satisfactorily distributed throughout the cement by mixing,
and hence, it is usual to grind the cement and pigment together.
1.2.3 Introduction to special type of cement
1.2.4 Use of water in concrete
• Water is another very important ingredient of concrete. Hydration of cement and hence, gain
of strength is only possible when cement reacts with water. Hence, both quantity and quality
of water shall be accurately maintained.

• Approximately 38% of water by weight of cement is required for complete hydration of

cement particles. Higher water-content will only help in formation of undesirable capillary
cavities.

• Normally, potable water (suitable for drinking) is considered satisfactory.

• Different carbonates, bi-carbonates, sulphates, chlorides, phosphates, etc present in water have
negative impact on strength and durability of concrete.

• Similarly, silts and suspended particles interfere with setting, hardening and bond
characteristics of concrete
1.2.4 Use of water in concrete
• Sea water is considered unsuitable for concrete works, as it contains large amount of salts and
other compounds. In RCC or pre-stressed concrete, the corrosion becomes significant if the
sea-water is used and hence its use is prohibited for such works. It is always advised to
provide higher cover (>7.5cm) for reinforcement in RCC in-case there is no-other option than
to use salty-water for RCC-works.
1.2.5 Admixtures
• The basic ingredients of cement concrete is cement, sand (fine aggregate), crushed stones
(coarse aggregate) and water. However, many a times, it is desirable to modify properties of
fresh and hardened concrete, quality performance and durability of concrete. In such case,
some additional substances are mixed in concrete at the time of mixing. Such additional
substance added to cement concrete during mixing is called admixture.

• There are various types of admixtures that cause different modification to concrete properties.
Some promotes faster setting of concrete while some retards the setting process of concrete.
Some increases the workability (easiness for handling) while some increases strength of
cement. The choice of admixtures depends on nature of work and the environment in which
concrete is being casted.
1.2.5 Admixtures
• Classification of admixture

Admixtures

Chemical Mineral
Admixtures Admixtures

Accelerators
Retarders By product minerals
Plasticizers Natural minerals
Superplasticizers
Fly Ash
Waterproofing Admixtures
Volcanic gases Silica Fume
Air-entrainingAdmixtures
Diatomaceous earth Ground Granulated Blast
All natural pozzolanas Furnace
Minerals Metakaolin
1.2.5 Admixtures
• Effect of Chemical or Mineral Admixtures on the Properties of Concrete:
To increase workability without increasing the water cement ratio.
To retard / accelerate time of initial or final setting.
To modify the rate of bleeding.
To retard segregation or increase cohesion.
To improve pumpability.
To increase the strength, durability and permeability
To accelerate the rate of strength development especially at early stage.
To control expansion by alkali-aggregate reaction.
1.2.5 Admixtures
• Chemical admixtures
A chemical admixture is any chemical additive to the concrete mixture that enhances the
properties of concrete in the fresh or hardenedstate.
Types / Classifications
• Accelerators
• Retarders
• Plasticizer
• Superplasticizer
• Water proofers
• Air-entrainingAdmixtures
1.2.5 Admixtures
Accelerator
Accelerating admixtures are added to concrete to increase the rate of early strength
development in concrete to
• permit earlier removal of formwork
• reduce the required period of curing
•partially compensate for the retarding effect of low temperature during cold weather
concreting
• in the emergency repair work

Commonly used materials as an accelerator are:

Calcium chloride
Soluble carbonates
Silicates fluosilicates
Organic compounds such as triethenolamine
1.2.5 Admixtures
Retarder
• These admixtures are used where setting time of concrete need to be delayed. A retarder is an
admixture that slows down the chemical process of hydration so that concrete remains plastic
and workable for a longer time than concrete without the retarder. Retarders are used to
overcome the accelerating effect of high temperature on setting properties of concrete in hot
weather concreting.

Retarding admixtures delay hydration of cement

To delay or extend the setting time of cement paste in Commonly used materials as an
concrete. retarder are
Gypsum, starches, cellulose
These are helpful for concrete that has to be transported to products, sugars, Ligno
long distance, and helpful in placing the concrete at high sulphonic acids and their
temperatures. salts, hydroxylated
carboxylic acids and their
Used in grouting oil wells. salts
1.2.5 Admixtures
• Plasticizer (water reducer)
• Plasticizers are the organic or combination of organic and inorganic substances which permits
the reduction of water cement ratio at the same workability or ensures higher workability at
the same water cement ratio. In either of the case it provides strong mix or workable mix.
The basic products consisting
a. Lignosulphonates,
b. Salts of sulphonates hydrocarbon
c. Polyglycol esters,
d.Hydroxylated carboxylic acid products
Dosage: 0.1% - 0.4%
Water reducing capacity: 5% - 15%
1.2.5 Admixtures
Plasticizers (water reducer) and Superplasticizers (High Range Water Reducers)
• Mechanism ..\Downloads\Superplasticizers+the+wonder+of+fluid+concrete+-
+Lafarge.mp4
1.2.5 Admixtures

• Plasticizer
Effect of plasticizer on concrete properties:
• To achieve a higher strength by decreasing the water cement ratio
• To reduce the heat of hydration in mass concrete.
• To increase the workability so as to ease placing in accessible locations.
• Water reduction more than 5% but less than 15%
1.2.5 Admixtures
• Superplasticizer (High Range Water Reducers)
• Chemically different from the plasticizer and capable of reducing water content by about 30%
has been developed.
• Types of superplasticizers:
1. Sulphonated melamine: It is suitable in low temperature areas
2. Sulphonated naphthalene: It is more suitable in high temperature areas
3. Ligno sulphates: It is suitable for conditions where temperature variation is high
4.Carboxylated admixture: It is suitable where workability is required to be retained for large
duration.
1.2.5 Admixtures
• Water proofer
•It is essential to water proof a structure to prevent the seepage of water for its durability.
Provide water proofing solutions for basements, sunken portions, roofs, terrace gardens and
expansion joints etc.
Water proofers:
• Polymer Modified Cementitious Membranes
• Polyurethane Membranes
• Injection Grouting
• Bituminous membranes
• EPD (ethylene-propylene-diene) Membrane
• PVC Membrane
1.2.5 Admixtures
Effect of water proofer on concrete properties:
To reduce either the surface adsorption into the concrete and the passage of water through the
hardened concrete.
Reducing the size, number and continuity of the capillary pore structure
Blocking the capillary pore structure
Lining the capillaries with a hydrophobic material to prevent water being drawn in by
absorption / capillary suction.
1.2.5 Admixtures
• Pozzolanic or mineral admixtures
• Siliceous or siliceous-aluminous materials
In finely divided form and in the presence of moisture, chemically react with calcium hydroxide
liberated on hydration at ordinary temperature.
Types of mineral or pozzolanic admixtures

Natural Pozzolans Artificial Pozzolans

a. Clay and Shales a. Fly ash
b. Opalinc Cherts b. Silica Fume
c. Diatomaceous Earth c.Ground Granulated Blast Furnace
d.Volcanic Tuffs and Slag (GGBS)
Pumicites d. Metakaolin
e. Rice Husk ash
f. Surkhi
1.2.5 Admixtures
Fly ash
•Fly ash is finely divided residue resulting from the combustion of powdered coal in thermal
power plant.
Fly ash is the most widely used pozzolanic material all over the world.
Effects of Fly Ash on fresh properties of concrete:
• Reduction of water demand for desired slump.
• Used to reduce unit water content, bleeding and drying shrinkage.
• Fly ash is not highly reactive; the heat of hydration can be reduced.
1.2.5 Admixtures
Effects of Fly Ash on harden properties of concrete:
• Contributes to the strength of concrete due to its pozzolanic reactivity.
• Continued pozzolanic reactivity concrete develops greater strength at later age not at initial
stage.
• Decrease of permeability
• Gives more resistance against corrosion of steel
•Gives more resistance against various acid attack
(Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid)
• Contribute durability by means of resisting of sulphate attacks.
1.2.5 Admixtures
Silica fume
• Silica fume is a byproduct of producing silicon metal or ferrosilicon alloys.
• Treated as very fine pozzolanic materials.
• Cost of the product is high
• At least 85% SiO2 content
• Mean particle size between 0.1 and 0.2 micron
• Minimum specific surface area is 15,000 m2/kg
• Spherical particle shape
1.2.5 Admixtures
Effect of Silica Fume on concrete:
• The increase in water demand of concrete.
• Lead to lower slump but more cohesive mix.
• Make the fresh concrete sticky in nature and hard tohandle.
•Large reduction in bleeding and concrete with micro silica could be handled and transported
without segregation.
• Plastic shrinkage cracking and, therefore, sheet or mat curing should be considered.
• Produces more heat of hydration at the initial stage of hydration.
• The total generation of heat will be less than that of reference concrete.
• Improvement in durability of concrete
• Resistance against frost damage.
1.2.5 Admixtures
• Ground granulated blast furnace slag
•Blast-furnace slag is a non-metallic product consisting essentially of silicates and aluminates of
calcium and other bases.
• The molten slag is rapidly chilled by water to form a glassy sand like granulated material.
• Effects of GGBS on fresh concrete
• Reduces the unit water content necessary to obtain the same slump.
• Water used for mixing is not immediately lost
• Reduction of bleeding.
1.2.5 Admixtures
Effects of GGBS on harden concrete
Reduced heat of hydration Refinement
of pore structures
Reduced permeabilities to the external agencies
Increased resistance to chemical attack.
Continued pozzolanic reactivity concrete develops greater strength at later age not at initial
stage.