AS 1478-1992 Chemical Admixtures For Concrete

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AS 1478-1992 Chemical admixtures for concrete
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Australian StandardR
Chemical admixtures for concrete

AS 1478—1992
This Australian Standard was prepared by Committee BD/33, Chemical Admixtures for
Concrete. It was approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on 13 July 1992
and published on 12 October 1992.
The following interests are represented on Committee BD/33:

Association of Consulting Engineers, Australia
AUSTROADS
Cement and Concrete Association of Australia
Confederation of Australian Industry
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
Public Works Department, N.S.W.
University of New South Wales
University of Sydney
Review of Australian Standards. To keep abreast of progress in industry, Australian Standards are subject to
periodic review and are kept up to date by the issue of amendments or new editions as necessary. It is important
therefore that Standards users ensure that they are in possession of the latest edition, and any amendments thereto.
Full details of all Australian Standards and related publications will be found in the Standards Australia Catalogue
of Publications; this information is supplemented each month by the magazine ‘The Australian Standard’, which
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This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 87286

AS 1478—1992
Australian StandardR
First published in part as AS A173—1969.

AS CA58 first published 1969.
AS A173—1969 revised and redesignated AS 1478—1973.
AS CA58—1969 revised and redesignated AS 1479—1973.
AS A173—1969 withdrawn 1976.
AS CA58—1969 withdrawn 1976.
AS 1478—1973 and AS 1479—1973 revised,
amalgamated and designated AS 1478—1992.
PUBLISHED BY STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

(STANDARDS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA)
1 THE CRESCENT, HOMEBUSH, NSW 2140
ISBN 0 7262 7693 6
PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Standards Australia Committee on Chemical Admixtures
for Concrete to supersede AS 1478—1973 and AS 1479—1973.
This Standard is similar to AS 1478—1973 except that—
(a) high range water–reducing and set–controlling admixtures (commercially known as
‘superplasticizers’) are included;
(b) limits are introduced to results of uniformity testing;

(c) the chloride content of admixtures is now required to be reported; and
(d) strength requirements have been modified.
E Copyright — STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

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CONTENTS
Page
SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL
1.1 SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.2 APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.4 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.5 TYPES AND SYMBOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.6 PACKAGING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.7 INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.8 MARKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SECTION 2 PROPERTIES OF ADMIXTURES
2.1 WATER–REDUCING AND SET–CONTROLLING ADMIXTURES . . . . . 6
2.2 AIR–ENTRAINING ADMIXTURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SECTION 3 GENERAL TEST REQUIREMENTS
3.1 SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2 MATERIALS FOR GENERAL ACCEPTANCE TESTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.3 MATERIALS AND MIXES FOR TESTS FOR SPECIFIC USES . . . . . . . . 8
3.4 CONCRETE MIXES FOR GENERAL ACCEPTANCE TESTS . . . . . . . . . 8
SECTION 4 TEST METHODS
4.1 SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2 PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMENS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.3 TEST METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.4 TEST REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
APPENDICES
A METHODS FOR DEMONSTRATING COMPLIANCE WITH
THIS STANDARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
B SAMPLING PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
C INFORMATION ON CHEMICAL ADMIXTURES FOR
USE IN CONCRETE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
D DETERMINATION OF CHLORIDE ION CONTENT IN ADMIXTURES . . 23
AS 1478—1992 4
STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
Australian Standard
SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL

1.1 SCOPE This Standard specifies requirements for chemical admixtures to be added to concrete mixes
incorporating portland and blended cements.
NOTE: Alt ernati ve methods for determining compliance with this Standard are given in Appendix A.
1.2 APPLICATION This Standard shall not be interpreted so as to prevent the use of commentates
material other than portland cement, such as ground granulated iron blast furnace slag or pozzolans such
as fly ash or silica fume.
1.3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS The following documents are referred to in this Standard:
AS
1012 Methods of testing concrete
1012.2 Method 2: Method for the preparation of concrete mixes in the laboratory
1012.3 Method 3: Methods for the determination of properties related to the consistency of concrete
1012.4 Method 4: Methods for the determination of air content of freshly mixed concrete
1012.5 Method 5: Method for the determination of mass per unit volume of freshly mixed concrete
1012.6 Method 6: Method for the determination of bleeding of concrete
1012.8 Method 8: Method for making and curing concrete compression, indirect tensile and flexure
test specimens, in the laboratory or in the field
1012.9 Method 9: Method for the determination of the compressive strength of concrete specimens
1012.13 Method 13: Determination of drying shrinkage of concrete for samples prepared in the field or
in the laboratory
1012.18 Method 18: Method for the determination of setting time of fresh concrete, mortar and grout
(metric units)
1152 Test sieves
1199 Sampling procedures and tables for inspection by attributes
1379 The specification and manufacture of concrete
1399 Guide to AS 1199—Sampling procedures and tables for inspection by attributes
2162 Code of practice for the use of volumetric glassware
2350 Methods of testing portland and blended cements
2350.2 Method 2: Chemical composition of portland cement
2350.8 Method 8: Fineness index of portland cement by air permeability
2758 Aggregates and rock for engineering purposes
2758.1 Method 1: Concrete aggregates
3900 Quality systems—Guide to selection and use
3904 Quality management and quality system elements
3972 Portland and blended cements
SAA
HB18 Guidelines for Third Party Certification and Accreditation
HB18.44 Guide 44—General rules for ISO and IEC international third-party certification schemes for
products
ACI
211.1 Standard practice for selecting proportions for normal, heavyweight, and mass concrete
ASTM
C457 Recommended practice for microscopical determination of air-void content and parameters of
the air-void system in hardened concrete
1.4 DEFINITIONS For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions below apply.
1.4.1 Acceptance testing
1.4.1.1 General acceptance testing—testing carried out to assess the performance of the admixture in
accordance with this Standard.
1.4.1.2 Specific acceptance testing—testing carried out to assess the performance of admixtures and mixes
for specific work.
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5 AS 1478—1992
1.4.2 Admixture—a material other than water, aggregates, and commentates materials, used as an
ingredient in concrete, and added to the batch in controlled amounts immediately before or during its
mixing to produce some desired modification to the properties of the concrete.
1.4.3 Air-entraining admixture—an admixture used for entraining air in concrete as discrete,
non-coalescing, small bubbles.
1.4.4 Composite sample—a sample obtained by combining three or more grab samples from one lot.
1.4.5 Control mix—a batch of concrete mixed without the admixture under test.
1.4.6 Grab sample—a sample obtained in a single operation.

1.4.7 Lot—quantity of admixture produced under essentially uniform conditions, usually a unit shipment
or a single production quantity.
1.4.8 Test mix—a batch of concrete mixed incorporating an admixture under test.
1.4.9 Uniformity testing—testing carried out by the manufacturer to assess the chemical and physical
uniformity of the admixture supplied.
1.5 TYPES AND SYMBOLS The following admixtures, together with their type symbol, are provided
for in this Standard:
Admixture Type symbol
Air-entraining AEA
Water-reducing WR
Set-retarding Re
Set-accelerating Ac
Water-reducing and set-retarding WRRe
Water-reducing and set-accelerating WRAc
High range water-reducing HWR
High range water-reducing and set-retarding HWRRe
1.6 PACKAGING An admixture shall be delivered in impermeable, clean, closed containers which are
not attacked by the admixture.
1.7 INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED The following information shall be made available to the
purchaser:
(a) Name and type of admixture.
(b) Compliance dose rate. The dose rate at which the material has been found to comply with the
acceptance tests of this Standard for the type of admixture indicated.
(c) Recommended dose range.
(d) The chemical composition shall be provided in the following forms:
(i) The chemical class of the principal active ingredient.
NOTE: A list of common classes is given in Appendix C.
(ii) Whether the admixture contains significant chloride ion, and if so, the chloride ion content of
the admixture as supplied.
For the purpose of this Clause, an admixture shall be considered not to contain significant
chlorides if the chloride ion content is not greater than 1.5 g chloride ion per litre of admixture
provided that the admixture is used at a rate not greater than 2 L/m 3 of concrete.
NOTE: Methods of determining chloride ion content in admixtures are given in Appendix D.
(iii) Whether the admixture contains triethanolamine (TEA). If so, it shall be stated that if the
admixture is used at the compliance dose rate, then the proportion of TEA (expressed as percent
TEA by mass of binder) shall not exceed one of the following levels: 0.025%, 0.050%.
(e) A warning against using the admixture in conjunction with other admixtures except where specific test
information is available.
(f) The sequence of addition recommended by the manufacturer for use with the admixture.
(g) Use-by date of the admixture.
1.8 MARKING The following information shall appear on the container in which an admixture is
supplied, or shall accompany bulk supplies of an admixture:
(a) Name and type of admixture (see Clause 1.5).
(b) Recommended dose rate.
(c) Use-by date of the admixture.
(d) Manufacturer’s reference number enabling the manufacturer to identify the material within the
company’s quality control records.
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AS 1478—1992 6
SECTION 2 PROPERTIES OF ADMIXTURES
2.1 WATER-REDUCING AND SET-CONTROLLING ADMIXTURES

2.1.1 Acceptance testing Acceptance testing shall be carried out at the time of market introduction to assess
the performance of water-reducing and set-controlling admixtures in accordance with this Standard.
2.1.2 Requirements After being tested in accordance with Section 4 by comparing a concrete mix containing
the admixture with a control mix, an admixture shall comply with the following:
(a) Water content The water content of concrete specimens containing an admixture of Type WR, WRRe,
WRAc, HWR or HWRRe shall comply with Table 2.1.
The water content (in kilograms per cubic metre of fresh concrete) shall be calculated to the nearest 1 kg/m 3.
The net water content of the batch of concrete shall be determined as the mass of water in the batch in
excess of that present as absorbed water in the aggregates and shall include the water content of the
admixture. The mass per unit volume (in kilograms per cubic metre) and the volume of concrete (in cubic
metres) in the batch shall be determined in accordance with Section 4.
(b) Time of setting The time of setting shall comply with the following—
(i) for concrete containing an admixture of Type WR or HWR, neither the initial nor the final times of
setting shall differ from those of the control mix by more than 1 h;
(ii) for concrete containing an admixture of Type Re, WRRe or HWRRe, the initial and the final times
of setting shall be retarded by at least 1 h and not more than 3 h, when compared to the control mix;
and
(iii) for concrete containing an admixture of Type Ac or WRAc, the initial and final times of setting shall
be accelerated by at least 1 h and not more than 3 h, when compared to the control mix.
(c) Strength The compressive strength of concrete containing the admixture shall comply with Table 2.1.
Concrete containing an admixture of Type WR, HWR, Re, WRRe or HWRRe shall be tested for
compressive strength at the ages of 3 days, 7 days, 28 days, 90 days and 1 year.
Concrete containing admixture of Type HWR shall, in addition, be tested at the age of 1 day.
(d) Drying shrinkage Where so specified, concrete specimens containing water-reducing and set-controlling
admixtures shall be tested for drying shrinkage in accordance with AS 1012.13.
2.1.3 Uniformity testing In addition to the tests required in Clause 2.1.2, the manufacturer shall carry out
appropriate tests on the lot of material which has been tested for acceptance. This testing shall be carried out in
conjunction with the initial acceptance testing and for all subsequent batches of admixture. The manufacturer shall
report the results of these tests and the test procedure used.
Uniformity tests shall include the following:
(a) Determination of pH value Maximum variation at time of manufacture shall be ±1.0 from the current value
stated by the manufacturer.
NOTE: With admixtures manufactured at high pH (e.g. pH 9 to 11), the pH value tends to drift downwards with time. This change
in pH does not affect the admixture performance.
(b) Determination of relative density Maximum variation shall be ±0.02 from the value stated by the
manufacturer.
(c) Determination of non-volatile content The acceptable range about the value declared by the manufacturer,
(X%) shall be (X ±2)% for liquid admixtures and (X ±3)% for solid admixtures.
(d) Determination of chloride ion content The acceptable range about the value declared by the manufacturer
(Y%) shall be (Y ±0.2)% or ±3% of Y, whichever is the greater.
In addition uniformity tests may include one or both of the following:
(i) Infra-red spectroscopy.
(ii) Ultraviolet spectroscopy.
NOTE: Other test methods for uniformity may be agreed, in which case the appropriate limits should also be prescribed.
2.2 AIR-ENTRAINING ADMIXTURES
2.2.1 Acceptance testing Acceptance testing shall be carried out initially at the time of market introduction to
assess the performance of air-entraining admixtures in accordance with this Standard.
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7 AS 1478—1992
2.2.2 Requirements When tested in accordance with Section 4 by comparing a concrete mix containing the
admixture with a control mix containing the reference admixture (see Clause 3.2.4), Type AEA admixture shall
comply with the following:
(a) Bleeding The bleeding of the concrete shall be computed as a percentage of the net mass of the mixing
water in the concrete, the net mixing water being the water in excess of that present as absorbed water in
the aggregates. The bleeding of concrete containing the admixture under test shall not exceed that of the
control mix by more than 2% of the net mass of the mixing water.
(b) Time of setting The initial and final times of setting of concrete containing the admixture under test shall
not deviate from those of the control mix by more than 1 h.
(c) Compressive strength Specimens for compressive strength testing shall be tested at the following ages:
7 days, 28 days, 90 days and 1 year.
The compressive strength, at any test age, of concrete containing the admixture under test shall not be less
than 90% of that of the control mix at the same test age.
(d) Drying shrinkage Where so specified, concrete specimens containing air-entraining admixture shall be tested
for drying shrinkage in accordance with AS 1012.13.
2.2.3 Uniformity testing In addition to the tests required in Clause 2.2.2, the manufacturer shall carry out
appropriate tests on the lot of air-entraining admixture which has been tested for acceptance. This testing shall
be carried out in conjunction with the initial acceptance testing and for all subsequent batches of admixture. The
manufacturer shall report the results of these tests.
Uniformity tests shall include the following:
(a) Determination of pH value Maximum variation at time of manufacture shall be ±1.0 from the current value
stated by the manufacturer.
NOTE: With admixtures manufactured at high pH (e.g. pH 9 to 11), the pH value tends to drift downwards with time. This change
in pH does not affect the admixture performance.
(b) Determination of relative density Maximum variation shall be ±0.01 from the value stated by the
manufacturer.
(c) Determination of non-volatile content The acceptable range about the value declared by the manufacturer
(Z%) shall be (Z ±1)% for liquid admixtures.
(d) Determination of chloride ion content The acceptable range about the value declared by the manufacturer
(Y%) shall be (Y ±0.2)% or ±3% of Y, whichever is the greater.
In addition uniformity tests may include one or both of the following:
(i) Infra-red spectroscopy.
(ii) Ultraviolet spectroscopy.
TABLE 2.1
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMIXTURES
Type of admixture
Physical property WR Re Ac WRRe WRAc HWR HWRRe AEA
Water content (max.)
as % of control 95 — — 95 95 88 88 See Note 1
Time of setting,
allowable deviation
from control, h(initial and ±1 1 to 3 1 to 3 1 to 3 1 to 3 ±1 1 to 3 ±1
final set) later earlier later earlier later
Compressive strength
(min.) as % of control
at age: 1 day — — — — — 130 — —
3 days 110 100 100 110 125 125 125 —
7 days 110 100 100 110 110 120 120 90
28 days 110 100 100 110 110 115 115 90
90 days 100 100 90 100 95 110 110 90
1 year 100 100 90 100 95 110 110 90
Drying shrinkage Where required, drying shrinkage shall be tested and reported
NOTES:
1 Bleeding shall not exceed that of the control mix by more than 2% (Clause 2.2.2(a)).
2 Setting time shall be reported to the nearest 10 min in accordance with AS 1012.18.
3 Experience has shown that indirect tensile strengths of the order of 8% to 12% of compressive strengths may be expected.
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AS 1478—1992 8
SECTION 3 GENERAL TEST REQUIREMENTS

3.1 SCOPE This Section sets out the general test requirements for the laboratory testing of samples of materials
proposed for use as chemical admixtures in concrete, both for general acceptance and for use in specific work.
3.2 MATERIALS FOR GENERAL ACCEPTANCE TESTS
3.2.1 General For general acceptance tests, cement and aggregates selected for use in concrete shall be
commercially available and commercially used materials. If any material is rejected for use in plain concrete, it
shall be rejected for use in evaluation tests of admixtures. Any material which interferes with the normal
performance of an admixture shall also be rejected for evaluation tests.
3.2.2 Cement shall be Type GP in accordance with AS 3972. Cement used in any series of acceptance tests
shall be taken from a single delivery.
In addition, the following shall be determined:
(a) Sulfuric anhydride (SO3), by the method in AS 2350.2.
(b) Hypothetical compound composition, by the method in AS 2350.2.
(c) Fineness, by the method in AS 2350.8.
(d) Sodium oxide (Na2O) and potassium oxide (K 2O).
3.2.3 Aggregates
3.2.3.1 General Aggregates shall comply with AS 2758.1.
Fine and coarse aggregates used in any series of acceptance tests shall be taken from single lots of uniform
materials. Except when tests are made for specific work (in accordance with Clause 3.3), aggregates shall comply
with Clauses 3.2.3.2 and 3.2.3.3, as appropriate.
3.2.3.2 Coarse aggregates The coarse aggregate shall be produced from rock or gravel. The grading shall be
that specified for graded coarse aggregate of 20 mm nominal size.
3.2.3.3 Fine aggregates In tests for air-entraining admixtures only, the grading of the fine aggregate shall comply
with Table 3.1.
TABLE 3.1
GRADING REQUIREMENTS OF FINE AGGREGATES
(For air-entraining admixtures only)
AS sieve* % passing
4.75 mm 100
1.18 mm 65 — 75
300 µm 12 — 20
150 µm 2—5
* See AS 1152
3.2.4 Reference air-entraining admixture Where an air-entraining admixture is required in a control mix, the
reference admixture shall be a neutralised resin as an aqueous solution containing 12.5% solids.
NOTE: ‘Neutralised Vinsol’ resin, manufactured by Hercules Inc Wilmington, Delaware, USA, has been found to be suitable. No other
suitable resins are known and readily available.
3.3 MATERIALS AND MIXES FOR TESTS FOR SPECIFIC USES When testing an admixture for use
in specific work, the cement and aggregate shall be representative of those proposed for use in the work. The
admixture shall be added in the same manner, at the same dose rate, and at the same time during the batching
and mixing operations as on the job. The concrete shall be designed to have the same cement content and slump
as that specified for the work.
NOTE: It is preferable to use the largest size aggregate and largest test specimens appropriate to the work in question. Wet screening
should be avoided.
3.4 CONCRETE MIXES FOR GENERAL ACCEPTANCE TESTS
3.4.1 Number of batches and specimens At least two separate batches of concrete containing the admixture
under test and the same number of batches of the control mix shall be mixed. On any one day the number of
controls prepared shall be the same as the number of test batches prepared with any one admixture.
Notwithstanding the above, when testing more than one admixture at one time, it shall be permissible to use a
common control mix except when an air-entraining admixture is tested at the same time as another type of
admixture. When testing more than one make of air-entraining admixture at one time, it shall be permissible to
use a common control mix containing the reference air-entraining admixture.
Specimens of the type and the numbers listed in Table 3.2 shall be made for each batch. For compressive
strength, at least one specimen from each of two different batches shall be tested at each specified age.
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9 AS 1478—1992
TABLE 3.2
TYPES AND MINIMUM NUMBERS OF TESTS AND SPECIMENS
Minimum no. of specimens
Type of admixture
Test (see Clause 1.5) Total
Per batch (control & test)
Slump All 1 4
Air content All 1 4

Bleeding AEA 1 4
Time of setting All 1 4
Water content WR, WRRe, WRAc, HWR, HWRRe 1 4
Compressive strength AEA 4 16
HWR 6 24
Other 5 20
Drying shrinkage Optional 3 12
3.4.2 Proportioning of concrete mixes

3.4.2.1 Method Concrete for tests for general acceptance shall be proportioned on the basis of saturated
surface-dry aggregates, using a recognised method of mix design such as ACI 211.1.
NOTE: When calculating proportions for the first trial control mix using the method given in ACI 211.1, the air content should be assumed
as 1.5% for non-air-entrained concrete and 5.5% for air-entrained concrete.
3.4.2.2 Cement content The cement content of the concrete shall be 300 ±15 kg/m 3. The cement content for the
test mix shall not differ by more than 5 kg/m 3 from that of the control mix, after correction for yield.
3.4.2.3 Water content and slump A concrete mix, whether used as a control or to contain the admixture under
test, shall be suitable for consolidation by hand rodding, and shall not be prone to segregation.
The slump of all mixes shall be within the limit of 80 ±10 mm and the difference between the average slump
for control mix and average slump for test mix shall not exceed 10 mm. The specimen shall not shear during the
slump test, and when the side of the specimen is tapped gently with the tamping rod after the slump measurement
has been completed, the concrete shall gradually slump further and not fall apart.
The water content of the concrete shall be the minimum consistent with the slump requirements of this Standard.
For concrete containing the admixture under test, the proportion of fine aggregate to coarse aggregate shall be
the same as for the control concrete. The minimum water content shall be achieved by adjustments in the amount
of total aggregate only, while maintaining the yield and slump in the required ranges.
NOTE: Previous tests done to AS 1478—1973 are still valid.
3.4.2.4 Addition of admixture The admixture under test shall be added to the test mix in the manner
recommended by the manufacturer. The reference air-entraining admixture shall be added with the first increment
of mixing water that is added to the mixer after the addition of cement. The order of addition shall not be altered
within any test series and shall be reported.
3.4.3 Dose rate of admixture Concrete mixes shall be prepared both with and without the admixture under test.
The concrete without the admixture under test shall be referred to as the control mix. The dose rate shall be
constant for each test mix and shall be as follows:
(a) Admixtures to be tested for compliance with Clause 2.1 shall be applied at a dose rate necessary to comply
with the requirements for water content, or time of setting as appropriate to the admixture type. The control
mix shall be prepared without the addition of an admixture.
(b) Admixtures to be tested for compliance with Clause 2.2 shall be applied at the dose rate necessary to
produce an air content of 5.5 ±0.5% in the test mix. The control mix shall contain sufficient of the reference
air-entraining admixture to produce an air content of 5.5 ±0.5%.
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SECTION 4 TEST METHODS
4.1 SCOPE This Section sets out the methods for laboratory testing of the samples of materials proposed for
use as chemical admixtures in concrete. The methods are both for general acceptance testing and for use in
specific work. The tests are based on arbitrary stipulations which make possible highly standardised testing. They
are not intended to simulate actual job conditions.
4.2 PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMENS Concrete containing the admixture under test and control
concrete shall be machine-mixed in accordance with AS 1012.2.

4.3 TEST METHODS
4.3.1 Tests on freshly mixed concrete Specimens of freshly mixed concrete shall be tested in accordance with
the following methods:
(a) Slump Slump shall be measured in accordance with AS 1012.3.
(b) Air content Air content shall be determined in accordance with AS 1012.4.
(c) Bleeding The bleeding test shall be carried out in accordance with AS 1012.6.
(d) Time of setting Time of setting shall be determined in accordance with AS 1012.18.
(e) Water content The water content shall be calculated to the nearest 1 kg/m3 as follows:
(i) The net water content of the batch of concrete shall be determined as the mass of water in the batch
in excess of the saturated surface dried condition in the aggregates and shall include the water content
of the admixture.
(ii) The mass per unit volume (kilograms per cubic metre) and the volume of concrete (cubic metres) in
the batch shall be determined as described in AS 1012.5.
4.3.2 Tests on hardened concrete For tests on hardened concrete, specimens shall be made and tested in
accordance with the following methods:
(a) Compressive strength Specimens for compressive strength testing shall be made and cured in accordance
with the methods specified for concrete sampled in a laboratory in AS 1012.8, and shall be tested in
accordance with AS 1012.9.
(b) Drying shrinkage When requested, specimens for drying shrinkage testing shall be made and tested in
accordance with AS 1012.13.
4.4 TEST REPORT The test report relating to a sample of admixture shall include the following information:
(a) Admixture The following shall be included:
(i) Name of manufacturer, product name, lot number and type of admixture (see Clause 1.5).
(ii) Manufacturer’s recommended dose rate and actual dose rate finally used in tests.
(iii) Sample size and quantity represented by the sample.
(b) Cement The following shall be included:
(i) Name of manufacturer, product name, type and source.
(ii) Sulfuric anhydride (SO3) content.
(iii) Hypothetical compound composition.
(iv) Fineness.
(v) Sodium oxide (Na2 O) and potassium oxide (K2 O) contents.
(c) Aggregates The following shall be included:
(i) Geological description of the aggregates and whether crushed or otherwise.
(ii) Source.
(iii) Particle size distribution.
(iv) Moisture condition at time of mixing.
(d) Concrete mixes Detailed data on the concrete mixes used including amounts of admixtures used, sequence
of addition, actual cement contents, water-cement ratios and ratio of fine to total aggregate.
(e) Fresh concrete (control concrete and concrete containing the admixture) The results of tests specified in
Clause 4.3.1.
(f) Hardened concrete (control concrete and concrete containing the admixture) The results of tests specified
in Clause 4.3.2.
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(g) Comparison with specification In reporting the results of tests in Clause 4.3.1 and Clause 4.3.2, the
individual results of tests shall be given. For determining whether the admixture meets the requirements of
Section 2, the average of all the results obtained for a test at any age for the concrete containing the
admixture under test shall be determined and this shall be compared with the average of all the results
obtained for a test at the same age for the control concrete. The appropriate requirements of Section 2 shall
be shown for comparison with the test results.
NOTE: No absolute values have been given for drying shrinkage. For interpretation of results see Appendix C.
(h) Uniformity tests The following shall be included (see Section 1):
(i) Methods of test.
(ii) Results of tests.
(iii) Manufacturer’s recommended maximum acceptable variations.
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AS 1478—1992 12
APPENDIX A
METHODS FOR DEMONSTRATING COMPLIANCE WITH THIS STANDARD
(Informative)
A1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out the following different methods by which compliance with this Standard
can be demonstrated by the manufacturer or supplier:
(a) Assessment by means of statistical sampling.

(b) The use of Standards Australia’s StandardsMark scheme.
(c) Assurance using the acceptability of the supplier’s quality system.
(d) Other such means proposed by the manufacturer or supplier and acceptable to the customer.
A2 STATISTICAL SAMPLING Statistical sampling is a procedure which makes decisions about the quality
of batches of items after inspecting or testing only a portion of those items. This procedure will only be valid
if the sampling plan has been determined on a statistical basis and the following requirements are met:
(a) The sample must be drawn randomly from a population of product of known history. The history must
enable verification that the product was made from known materials at essentially the same time by
essentially the same processes and under essentially the same system of control.
(b) For each different situation, a suitable sampling plan needs to be defined. A sampling plan for one
manufacturer of given capability and product throughput may not be relevant to another manufacturer
producing the same items.
In order for statistical sampling to be meaningful to the customer, the manufacturer or supplier needs to
demonstrate how the above conditions have been satisfied. Sampling and the establishment of a sampling plan
should be carried out in accordance with AS 1199, guidance to which is given in AS 1399.
NOTE: A suitable sampling procedure appears in Appendix B.
A3 PRODUCT CERTIFICATION—STANDARDSMARK The general purpose of StandardsMark
certification is to provide independent assurance of the claim by the manufacturer that products comply with the
stated Australian or International Standard.
It is a certification scheme which meets the criteria of an ISO Type 5 scheme as specified by SAA HB18.44 in
that, as well as full type testing from independently sampled production and subsequent verification of
conformance, it requires the manufacturer to maintain an effective quality plan to control production to ensure
conformance with the relevant Standard.
The StandardsMark serves to indicate that the products consistently conform to the requirements of the Standard.
The StandardsMark can only be used by manufacturers approved and licensed by Standards Australia and only
when accompanied by the number of the applicable Standard.
A4 SUPPLIER’S QUALITY SYSTEM Where the manufacturer or supplier can demonstrate an audited and
registered quality management system complying with the requirements of the appropriate or stipulated Australian
or International Standard for supplier’s quality systems, this may provide the necessary confidence that the
specified requirements will be met. The quality assurance requirements need to be agreed between the customer
and supplier and should include a quality or inspection and test plan to ensure product conformity.
Guidance in determining the appropriate quality management system is given in AS 3900 and AS 3904.
A5 OTHER MEANS OF ASSESSMENT If the above methods are considered inappropriate, determination
of compliance with the requirements of this Standard may be assessed by being based on the results of testing
coupled with the manufacturer’s guarantee of product conformance.
Irrespective of acceptable quality levels (AQLs) or test frequencies, the responsibility remains with the
manufacturer or supplier to supply products that conform with the full requirements of the Standard.
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APPENDIX B
SAMPLING PROCEDURE
(Informative)
B1 SCOPE This Appendix describes suitable procedures for the sampling of chemical admixtures intended for
use in concrete, for the determination of properties in accordance with this Standard.
B2 SAMPLE SIZE AND REPRESENTATION Samples should be either grab or composite samples, as
specified. Liquid and solid admixture samples should be as follows:
(a) Liquid admixtures A grab sample of a liquid admixture should not be less than 0.5 L and should represent
not more than—
(i) one lot in a storage tank which is ready for shipment; or
(ii) one lot in a delivery tank at the point of delivery.
Samples should be taken in accordance with Paragraph B5.
(b) Solid (powder) admixtures A grab sample of a solid admixture should not be less than 200 g and should
not represent more than 1 t of admixture. Samples should be taken in accordance with Paragraph B6.
B3 ACCEPTANCE TESTING SAMPLE A sample for the purpose of acceptance testing should be either —
(a) a batch prepared in the manufacturer’s laboratory; or
(b) a composite sample taken at the point of manufacture.
B4 UNIFORMITY TESTING SAMPLE A sample of an admixture submitted for uniformity testing should
be a composite sample taken either—
(a) at the point of manufacture; or
(b) at the point of delivery to the purchaser.
The sample should be positively identified.
B5 SAMPLING LIQUID ADMIXTURES
B5.1 Sampling at point of manufacture For liquid admixtures, grab samples should be taken in one of the
following ways:
(a) Where the admixture is stored in a bulk tank with agitating equipment, the admixture should be agitated
thoroughly before the grab samples are taken.
(b) Where the admixture is stored in a bulk tank without agitating equipment, the grab samples should be taken
at equal intervals of depth below the liquid surface.
NOTE: The grab samples may be taken by means of drain cocks placed at the appropriate levels in the sides of the tank or by weighted
sampling bottles fitted with stoppers which can be removed after the bottles have been lowered to the desired levels in the tank.
(c) Where the admixture is not stored in a bulk tank, the grab samples should be taken at equal intervals during
the discharge of the lot to be tested from the final mixing equipment.
B5.2 Sampling at point of delivery Composite samples of liquid admixtures should be prepared from grab
samples taken in one of the following ways:
(a) From a bulk delivery tanker, by—
(i) sampling each compartment through the depth of the tank using a rigid plastic tube;
(ii) taking a dip sample from the freshly agitated contents; or
(iii) sampling at equal intervals during the discharge of the lot to be tested from the tanker.
(b) From a site storage tank, without agitation, by taking three grab samples through the depth of liquid by
using a plastic sampling tube or from the upper, middle or lower levels by means of sampling cocks or a
weighted sampling bottle fitted with a stopper that can be removed after the bottle is lowered to the desired
depth.
(c) From drums, by taking grab samples from at least three drums selected at random from the lot delivered.
Samples should be taken—
(i) after thorough agitation of the contents; or
(ii) by inserting a rigid plastic tube with nominal 20 mm ID almost to the bottom of the drum, then sealing
the top of the tube with a dampened thumb, slowly withdrawing the tube and contents, before
transferring the contents to a sample container.
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AS 1478—1992 14
B6 SAMPLING SOLID (POWDER) ADMIXTURES A composite sample of a solid admixture should be

taken by using a tube or ‘thief’ sampler or an appropriately sized sample splitter.
B7 PACKAGING AND STORAGE OF SAMPLES Samples should be stored until tested in an impermeable,
clean, airtight container which is not attacked by the admixture.
B8 MIXING AND PREPARATION OF COMPOSITE SAMPLES Composite samples should be mixed and
prepared as follows:
(a) Samples should be prepared before testing by thoroughly mixing the constituent grab samples, to ensure
uniformity.
(b) The entire sample of a solid (powder) admixture should be dissolved in water prior to testing where
appropriate.
B9 IDENTIFICATION Samples should be identified and clearly labelled with—
(a) manufacturer’s name (and distributor’s name, where appropriate);
(b) name of the admixture;
(c) type of admixture, where known;
(d) source of sample;
(e) lot number or laboratory sample number;
(f) quantity of admixture represented;
(g) date of manufacture or sampling;
(h) name of person taking sample; and
(i) number and sources of grab samples making up a composite sample.
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APPENDIX C
INFORMATION ON CHEMICAL ADMIXTURES FOR USE IN CONCRETE
(Informative)
C1 SCOPE This Appendix gives information necessary for an understanding of the performance of chemical
admixtures for use in concrete.
It deals specificallywith air-entraining admixtures, set-controlling admixtures, water-reducing admixtures and high
range water-reducing admixtures (commercially known as ‘superplasticizers’).
C2 DESCRIPTIONS AND TYPES OF ADMIXTURE
C2.1 Admixture Material other than water, aggregates and portland cement (including blended cement), used
as an ingredient of concrete and added to the batch in controlled amounts immediately before or during its mixing
to produce some desired modification to the properties of the concrete.
C2.2 Air-entraining admixture (Type AEA) An admixture used for entraining air as discrete, non-coalescing,
small bubbles. These admixtures are used to entrain moderate amounts of air, usually not more than 13% by
volume of the mortar fraction of the concrete. The term does not apply to admixtures which produce foamed or
cellular concrete of low density and have thermal insulating properties.
C2.3 Water-reducing admixture (Type WR) An admixture which has a water-reducing function and does not
affect the normal setting of concrete.
Water-reducing admixtures reduce the attractive forces between cement particles and increase fluidity of concrete.
C2.4 Set-retarding admixture (Type Re) An admixture which decreases the initial rate of reaction between
portland cement and water. Such an admixture used in controlled amounts, retards the setting of concrete without
adversely affecting the subsequent development of strength.
C2.5 Set-accelerating admixture (Type Ac) An admixture which increases the initial rate of reaction between
portland cement and water. Such an admixture, used in controlled amounts, accelerates the setting rate of early
strength development in concrete, or both.
C2.6 Water-reducing and set-retarding admixture (Type WRRe) An admixture which combines the
properties of a water-reducing admixture with those of a set-retarding admixture.
C2.7 Water-reducing and set-accelerating admixture (Type WRAc) An admixture which has both a
water-reducing and set-accelerating function in concrete.
C2.8 High range water-reducing admixture (Type HWR) An admixture which has a marked water-reducing
function, sufficient to increase the slump of concrete significantly (i.e. to produce flowing concrete) without
changing the water/cement ratio.
Flowing concrete has a consistency such that it finds its own level with a minimum of external energy. However,
flowing concrete requires some means of applied compaction and therefore should not be considered
self-compacting.
C2.9 High range water-reducing and set-retarding admixture (Type HWRRe) An admixture which
combines the functions of a high range water-reducing admixture with those of a retarding admixture.
C3 USE OF ADMIXTURES An admixture is used to modify the properties of concrete in such a way as not
to impair the normal properties of concrete and to make it more suitable for the work. A suitable admixture may
in some instances impart certain desirable characteristics which cannot be secured by other methods, or not so
economically. In other instances the desired objectives may be achieved most economically by changes in
composition or proportion of the concrete mix rather than by the use of an admixture. Admixtures are no
substitute for good design or good concreting practices.
An admixture should only be employed after evaluation of its effects, if necessary by use with the particular
concrete and under the conditions of use intended (see Paragraph C5). Attention should be given to the
instructions provided by the manufacturer of the product. Admixtures are tested for conformity with specifications
by tests which are based on arbitrary stipulations which make possible highly standardised testing and are not
intended to simulate actual job conditions.
C4 CLASSES OF ADMIXTURE Admixtures are grouped according to the characteristic effects of their use.
Within each group are listed the classes of chemical materials which may constitute the major ingredient of an
admixture.
Commercial admixtures may contain materials that separately would belong in two or more of these groups. For
example, a water-reducing admixture may be combined with an air-entraining admixture. For the purposes of
classifying such admixtures, they should be considered as belonging to the group that describes their most
prominent effect on the concrete.
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AS 1478—1992 16
For the purposes of this and other applicable Standards, admixtures other than those listed in Items (a) to (g)
below have not at this stage been considered. Subsequent additions and amendments to these Standards will
enable further groups to be included.
Classes of admixture include but are not limited to the following:
(a) Air-entraining Air-entraining admixtures are—
(i) soluble salts of resin acids (abietic and primaric acids);
(ii) soluble salts of ‘Vinsol Resin’ (mixture of oxidised abietic acids and resin acids);
(iii) saponified tall oil (by-product of the papermaking industry and consists mainly of resin acids mixed
with unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid);
(iv) sodium lauryl sulfate;
(v) sodium lauryl benzene sulfonate; or
(vi) soluble salts of sulfated or sulfonated petroleum hydrocarbons.
(b) Set-retarding Set-retarding admixtures are—
(i) sugars and carbohydrates such as starch and derivatives of cellulose compounds;
(ii) soluble borates and phosphates; or
(iii) hydroxycarboxylic acids, e.g. citric, tartaric, gluconic acids, or their salts.
(c) Set-accelerating or strength-gainaccelerating Set-accelerating or strength-gain accelerating admixtures are—
(i) highly ionised salts such as chlorides and nitrates;
(ii) organic compounds such as triethanolamine and salicylic acid;
(iii) weakly ionised salts such as formates and thiocyanates; or
(iv) corrosion inhibitors such as nitrites.
(d) Modified water-reducing agents Modified water-reducing agents are—
(i) salts of lignosulfonic acids plus a small amount of set-accelerating admixture to produce normal or
accelerated setting times; or
(ii) hydroxycarboxylic acids or their salts plus a small amount of set accelerating admixture to produce
normal or accelerated setting times.
(e) Water-reducing and set-retarding Water reducing and set-retarding admixtures are—
(i) salts of lignosulfonic acids; or
(ii) hydroxycarboxylic acids or their salts.
(f) Water-reducing and accelerating Water-reducing and accelerating admixtures are modified salts of purified
lignosulfonic acids.
(g) High range water-reducing High range water-reducing admixtures are—
(i) sulfonated melamine formaldehyde condensates;
(ii) sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde condensates;
(iii) polyacrylates; or
(iv) high molecular weight hydroxylated polymers.
(h) High range water-reducing and set-retarding High range water-reducing and set-retarding admixtures are—
(i) modified salts of sulfonated melamine formaldehyde condensates;
(ii) modified salts of sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde condensate;
(iii) modified polyacrylates;
(iv) salts of lignosulfonic acids; or
(v) amide-polysacchoride mixtures.
C5 ACTION OF ADMIXTURES
C5.1 General The effects produced in concrete by admixtures are due primarily to modifications of the physical
and chemical properties of the cement paste, either through the introduction of finely divided material, or of air
bubbles, or through alterations of the attractive forces between cement particles and the modification of the rate
of formation and structure of the hydrated cement gel. Consequently, the specific effects of an admixture cannot
usually be predicted accurately prior to testing and may be markedly changed by variations in materials and
procedures.
The use of water-reducing admixtures enables cement and water contents to be reduced without any loss in
compressive strength or workability. A reduction in the cost of the concrete can often be obtained by using less
cement and more aggregate. But although strength requirements may be met, other properties such as durability
and permeability can be affected detrimentally by the reduction in the cement content of the mix. Where
durability is an important requirement, it is better practice not to reduce the cement content excessively with
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water reducers but rather to use them to reduce the water/cement ratio and reduce permeability but still
maintaining satisfactory slump. (Durability may take precedence over strength requirements, necessitating a higher
strength concrete than would otherwise be specified.) However, it should not be assumed from this that cement
reduction is automatically undesirable. Work by Ho (Ref. 3) et al. at CSIRO has shown that concrete containing
a water-reducing admixture and with reduced cement content can have lower permeability than untreated concrete
of similar strength. Impermeability can also be enhanced by the inclusion of ground granulated iron blast-furnace
slag or pozzolans (such as fly ash and silica fume).
C5.2 Effect of different cements The magnitude of the effect of a chemical admixture on concrete depends
on the fineness and the chemical composition of the portland cement used. This applies particularly to set
retardation and water reduction. In general, finely ground cements with high alkali and tricalcium aluminate
contents require greater amounts of admixtures to produce given amounts of set retardation or water reduction.
An increased amount of air-entraining admixture is often required to entrain a given quantity of air in concrete
containing finely ground cement or containing finely divided minerals such as pozzolans or pigments.
C5.3 Importance of mixing sequence The effects of chemical admixtures on setting times and water reduction
in concrete vary with the time of their addition during the batching and mixing operations. The addition of
admixtures a few minutes after cement has been in contact with water produces longer setting times and greater
amounts of water reduction than when the admixture is added with the mix water straight to the dry cement.
Therefore, a standard mixing sequence should be used when testing chemical admixtures in concrete.
Specifications for tests for particular work should require the admixture to be added at the same time during the
batching and mixing operations as it will be added on the job.
C5.4 Effects of temperature The amount of set-retarding admixture (Type Re, Type WRRe or Type HWRRe)
necessary to produce a given degree of set retardation must be increased as the temperature of the concrete rises.
In addition, the proportion of accelerator in Types WR and HWR water-reducing admixtures may need to be
varied for use at different temperatures. Some manufacturers produce a range of Types WR and HWR for use
in different temperature ranges. Type Ac, set-accelerating admixtures, and Type WRAc, water-reducing and
set-accelerating admixtures, generally should not be used in hot weather as the setting time of concrete may be
accelerated to an extent which will make placing and finishing operations difficult if not impossible. However
there are applications where these types of admixture will produce beneficial performance in hot weather.
For a given slump, as the temperature of the concrete increases, the quantity of air required to maintain the
specified air content will need to be increased.
C5.5 Effects of overdoses There is an optimum quantity (or dose) of an admixture which will produce
beneficial effects on some properties without adversely affecting other properties of concrete. This is usually
recommended by the admixture manufacturer and should be controlled accurately in order to obtain uniform
results and to avoid the following adverse effects caused by using overdoses of admixtures:
(a) Type Re admixtures—excessively long setting times.
(b) Type Ac admixtures—rapid setting followed by loss in ultimate strength. (See Paragraph C5.10.)
(c) Type WR admixtures—with modified lignosulfonates, variable setting times and excessive air-entrainment.
With modified hydroxycarboxylic acids, variable setting times.
(d) Type WRRe admixtures—with lignosulfonates, excessively long setting times, excessive air-entrainment and
consequent loss of strength. With hydroxycarboxylic acids, excessively long setting times.
(e) Type WRAc admixtures—with modified lignosulfonates, erratic setting and excessive air-entrainment.
(f) Type HWR admixtures—severe segregation and possible retardation.
(g) Type HWRRe admixtures—severe segregation and retardation.
When well-formulated products are used, the effects listed above will arise only when substantial overdoses
occur.
Some air-entraining admixtures when used in excessive quantities entrain large quantities of air and produce
cellular concrete of low strength.
C5.6 Storage Liquid admixtures are prone to chemical or bacterial decomposition during storage. Manufacturers
of such admixtures usually add a small amount of preservative to prevent decomposition and consequent loss of
activity. Since heat accelerates decomposition, drums or tanks of liquid admixtures should be protected against
exposure to heat during storage. Liquid admixtures should also be protected against freezing since freezing will
cause precipitation of solids from solution. The consequent loss of activity or non-uniformity of the solution
caused by low temperatures can be overcome by re-agitating the liquid admixture when warm.
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However, this treatment will not be satisfactory in some liquid admixtures, those that consist of emulsions
(latexes), which are affected detrimentally by temperature extremes. Admixtures of this kind should be protected
from extreme temperatures. These admixtures consist of a suspension of solids in a solution and the solids may
settle to the bottom or top of container with time. Such admixtures should be uniform before use.
Admixtures which have become discoloured, or have an uncharacteristic smell, should not be used. Admixtures
which deteriorate with time should be so labelled by the manufacturer and should not be used after the use-by
date.
C5.7 Effect of batch size and mixing action The action of a given proportion of water-reducing admixture
or air-entraining admixture is generally more effective in large batches than in small laboratory batches. Different
types of mixing action and times of mixing also alter the effectiveness of these admixtures.
C5.8 Steam curing Admixtures for use in concrete which is to be steam cured should be checked for
performance under these conditions of curing.
C5.9 Compatibility of admixtures Different admixtures should never be mixed together before adding to
concrete unless tests have shown that no precipitation or chemical reaction occurs in the mixture.
It should not be assumed that the effects of two or more admixtures used singly in concrete will be additive when
the admixtures are added together to concrete. Often, mixed admixtures behave in concrete in either a synergistic
or an antagonistic manner.
In particular, the effect of air-entraining agents is increased by the presence of—
(a) admixtures containing lignosulfonates;
(b) permeability-reducing admixtures containing stearates (strength will be adversely affected); or
(c) admixtures containing surfactant, such as wax emulsion.
The bubble structure resulting from these combinations may be less favourable for control of damage due to
freezing and thawing than the bubble structure provided by the AEA alone.
Incompatibility of admixtures when intermixed alone or in water does not indicate that such admixtures will
necessarily be ineffective when combined with the concrete mix. The combined use of normal water-reducing
admixtures and high range water-reducing admixtures may cause excessive retardation.
Combinations of admixtures should always be tested in concrete before use.
C5.10 Volume change Drying shrinkage may be increased by the use of some admixtures with particular
combinations of materials.
Drying shrinkage has been found generally, but not always, to increase when accelerators are incorporated in the
mix, such as calcium chloride used at high dose levels, e.g. 1% or 2% solids on cement.
If admixtures are proposed for use in structures in which drying shrinkage is critical, tests should be carried out
with the materials proposed, including the actual cement and aggregates to be used on the job. The influence of
drying shrinkage on concrete structures may depend on the total shrinkage and on the rate of shrinkage,
particularly at early ages, and both these quantities should be examined.
Samarin and Ryan (Ref. 6) drew attention to the fact that the potential for shrinkage increases as the strength of
the concrete increases. Hence, it is important to compare drying shrinkages for concretes of similar strength (at
the time of measurement) rather than simply for concretes of similar age.
C5.11 Durability of concrete Durability means different things to different people due to the influence of local
factors. In the United States of America, the main areas of concern are related to freezing and thawing and to
the corrosion of reinforcement caused by the ingress of salts used to control freezing. In the United Kingdom,
alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is known in the popular press as ‘concrete cancer’. In Australia, problems caused by
corrosion of reinforcement are often (erroneously) referred to as concrete cancer.
The influence of chemical admixtures upon durability varies from desirable to undesirable. There is a growing
bank of evidence to show that water-reducing admixtures enhance the resistance of concrete to the penetration
of liquids even where full advantage has been taken of the potential for cement reduction at equal strength. This
improvement can be explained by reduced bleeding potential and a modified pore structure.
Although it is of little concern in most of Australia, it is known that high range water-reducing admixtures (both
types) have an adverse effect on bubble size and spacing in air-entrained concrete. This can be of concern in
areas subject to frequent freezing and thawing.
Chlorides, when present in concrete in amounts exceeding 0.4% chloride ion by mass of cement, have been
shown to increase the likelihood and rate of corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete. Other strongly ionised salts
may behave similarly. The only admixtures which may introduce harmful amounts of ionic salts to reinforced
concrete are those of Types Ac and WRAc. The effect of chlorides is dealt with more fully in Paragraph C9.
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C6 AIR-ENTRAINING ADMIXTURES Air-entrained concrete containing a large number of very small air
bubbles is several times more resistant to frost action than non-air-entrained concrete made of the same materials.
Air-entrained concrete should be a dense, impermeable mixture that is well placed, finished and cured if
maximum durability is to be obtained.
Air-entrained concrete is considerably more plastic and workable than non-air-entrained concrete. The concrete
mix should be redesigned with reduced sand content and reduced water content to allow for this.
Air entrainment is commonly used to compensate for lack of fines in sands, and hence to reduce the tendency
to bleed of concretes made from sands lacking fine.

The air content and the size and distribution of air voids produced in air-entrained concrete are influenced by
many factors, among the more important of which are—
(a) the composition of the air-entraining admixture and the addition rate by mass of cement;
(b) the nature and properties of the other constituents of the concrete mix, and particularly the grading of the
fine aggregate and the amount of material finer than the 150 µm sieve present in the mix;
(c) the composition of other admixtures present;
(d) the consistency of the concrete;
(e) the type and degree of compaction used; and
(f) ambient temperature and temperature of the mix.
As a result, the control of air content in concrete requires more attention to quality control testing than plain
concrete to ensure durability.
Very lean concrete mixes may be stronger with entrained air but air entrainment generally reduces strength for
a given cement content. Uncontrolled air entrainment may adversely affect strength and durability.
A method of test for determining the spacing of air voids in hardened concrete is given in ASTM C457.
C7 WATER-REDUCING AND SET-CONTROLLING ADMIXTURES A water-reducing admixture permits
concrete to be made with a decreased amount of water while maintaining a constant slump or alternatively
permits concrete to be made with increased slump while maintaining constant water/cement ratio and cement
content.
Lignosulfonate admixtures entrain some air in concrete in addition to reducing the interparticle attraction forces
in the cement. When used in conjunction with air-entraining admixtures, water-reducing admixtures increase the
amount of air entrained.
C8 HIGH RANGE WATER-REDUCING AND SET-CONTROLLING ADMIXTURES
C8.1 Applications High range water-reducing admixtures (superplasticizers) may be used in portland cement
concrete, mortar and grout for the following purposes:
(a) To significantly increase the slump/flow without changing the water/cement ratio (superplasticizing or
flowing concrete application).
(b) To significantly reduce the water/cement ratio without changing the slump/flow (high strength concrete
application).
(c) To measurably reduce the water/cement ratio and to concurrently increase the slump/flow (intermediate
application).
C8.2 General characteristics When properly designed, superplasticized or flowing concrete has high flowability
with a slump exceeding 180 mm and has sufficient cohesiveness to prevent segregation; this is consistent with
the specification of a concrete of nominal slump of 210 mm.
Flowing concrete is produced by the addition of a high range water-reducing admixture in accordance with this
Standard, either—
(a) at the batching plant; or
(b) on site to freshly mixed concrete at a nominal slump of 80 mm and proportioned to exhibit characteristics
of high flowability and adequate cohesiveness.
After site addition of the admixture, the drum of the truck mixer must be turned at least 30 revolutions at mixing
speed to ensure that the admixture is completely intermixed to produce homogeneous concrete.
NOTE: The addition of a normal dose of high range water-reducing admixture more than 90 min after batching may fail to produce the
desired effect due to the onset of initial set.
Flowing concrete should be proportioned in a similar manner to concrete for pump placement. The aggregate
grading should be continuous and the proportion of sand should be higher than for normal structural concrete.
Fly ash is often used as an addition to increase the fines content of the mix.
Where high range admixtures are used to impart increased workability (150 mm to 200 mm slump), the effect
may be of limited duration, reverting to the original slump in 30 min to 60 min depending on factors normally
affecting rate of slump loss.
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AS 1478—1992 20
C8.3 Formwork The design of formwork for the placing of flowing concrete should take into account the fact
that flowing concrete exerts a higher form pressure than normal concrete. The formwork pressure of flowing
concrete is equivalent to the hydrostatic pressure of a liquid with a unit mass of 2400 kg/m 3. When concrete is
placed into deep and narrow forms, the use of drop chutes helps reduce segregation.
C8.4 Placing Where the fluidizing effect of flowing concrete is of limited duration, the concrete should be
discharged and placed promptly. Interruption to placement of the flowing concrete should be avoided. Because
of its fluidity, flowing concrete generally cannot be finished with an inclined free surface.
NOTE: The practicable slope of the inclined free surface depends on the degree of concrete fluidity, but for most applications 3° or less
is acceptable.
C8.5 Compaction Flowing concrete requires compaction, varying in degree depending on its consistency.
Vibrating compaction is essential for narrow, high and tightly reinforced structural members. Flowing concrete
may require more compaction when placing time is prolonged beyond the duration of fluidity. For mass
placement of flowing concrete, vibration is less important.
C8.6 High range water reduction To reduce significantly the water/cement ratio without changing the
consistency of the concrete to a lower slump, the recommendations given in Paragraph C8.2 apply except that
the concrete does not flow and the conventional slump range applies.
Although the concrete is of conventional slump, the plasticizing effect is still limited in time and reversion time
may be as little as 15 min because of the low water/cement ratio. Changes in mix design necessary in
Paragraph C8.2 are not required for this application. Formwork and compaction requirements are the same as for
conventional concrete.
C9 SET-ACCELERATING ADMIXTURES
C9.1 General The primary functions of the accelerator is to accelerate the setting time of portland cement
concrete or, when used in conjunction with other admixtures, to offset the retarding effects of these admixtures.
The effects described in Paragraphs C9.2 and C9.3 should be particularly noted.
C9.2 Principal effects on concrete The following have been observed:
(a) Water requirement Accelerators generally have no significant effect on the quantity of water required to
produce a given slump.
(b) Air content Under most conditions accelerators such as calcium chloride will slightly increase the air
content of air-entrained concrete (less than 1%).
(c) Workability At a constant cement content, air content and slump, the presence of accelerators in a concrete
mix has little effect on workability.
(d) Bleeding Accelerators, in conjunction with some cements, may promote early stiffening and reduce bleeding
of the concrete.
(e) Time of set The addition of accelerators to concrete at normal addition rates significantly reduces both initial
and final setting times.
(f) Finishing characteristics Due to the reduction in time of initial set, concrete containing accelerators can be
finished more rapidly than concrete without the admixture.
(g) Pumping characteristics When concrete containing accelerators is being pumped, there is a greater risk of
the concrete setting in the pipeline during a breakdown in the pumping system.
(h) Volume change characteristics Under most conditions accelerators such as calcium chloride increase the
drying shrinkage of concrete as measured in accordance with AS 1012.13. However, this does not
necessarily mean an increase in cracking. In many cases with slab and pavement concrete on ground, the
increased early strength provides sufficient increase in tensile strength to resist tensile stresses.
C9.3 Use of calcium chloride
C9.3.1 General Calcium chloride is potentially harmful as an admixture in reinforced concrete when present
above the limits specified in AS 1379. The effects described in Paragraph C9.3.2 should be particularly noted.
C9.3.2 Principal effects on concrete When calcium chloride is used as an admixture for concrete, the following
effects have been noted:
(a) Time of set An overdose of calcium chloride may cause very rapid setting of the concrete.
(b) Strength Adding calcium chloride to concrete may substantially increase its compressive strength at an early
age. The flexural strength is also increased but to a lesser degree.
Tests indicate that the increase in compressive strength resulting from the use of calcium chloride in concrete
is greatest at an age of 1 to 3 days and can vary between 30% and 100%. Under most conditions, some
increase in strength is evident after 28 days, but this increase is much less than that attained at earlier ages.
The percentage strength gain resulting from the addition of calcium chloride is more pronounced at low
temperatures than at higher ones and is generally greater with rich than with lean concretes.
Excessive additions of calcium chloride are detrimental to strength, particularly at later ages.
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21 AS 1478—1992
(c) Durability The presence of calcium chloride in concrete does not, of itself, invariably lead to problems with
durability. There are many examples of concrete structures containing calcium chloride, and even concretes
mixed with sea water, which show no signs of deterioration after some decades.
By contrast, severe corrosion of reinforcement and consequent spalling is evident in many concrete structures
which did not contain calcium chloride as an admixture. The concretes in question failed to provide
protection to the steel reinforcement because of one or a combination of the following factors—
(i) poor mix design;
(ii) excessively high unit water contents;

(iii) poor compaction;
(iv) insufficient or nil curing; or
(v) inappropriate cover for the exposure conditions.
However, owing to the propensity for calcium chloride to promote corrosion of reinforcing steel, there are
a number of applications listed in Paragraph C9.3.4 in which its use is not recommended.
Partially cured concrete containing calcium chloride resists damage from freezing better than concrete
without calcium chloride. However, this characteristic does not apply to fully matured concrete.
Calcium chloride does reduce the durability of concrete exposed to sulfate attack.
C9.3.3 Applications Calcium chloride has useful applications when decreased setting time or increased rate of
early strength development is desired. It has, therefore, been widely used in cold weather concreting operations.
The addition of calcium chloride under such conditions provides a significant increase in the rate of early strength
gain at normal or low temperatures. Thus curing and protection periods to permit development of specified
concrete strength, and maturity to resist freezing, will be reduced.
NOTE: It should be noted that concrete containing high early strength cement or large amounts of normal cement may have satisfactory
strength gain without the admixture.
C9.3.4 Limitations Calcium chloride should not be used under the following conditions:
(a) In large masses of concrete placed in mild or hot weather.
(b) In concrete subjected to sulfate attack or in reinforced concrete exposed to sea water.
(c) In prestressed concrete.
(d) Where uniformity of colour is required.
In addition, the use of calcium chloride under the following conditions should only be undertaken after careful
consideration of the environment of the concrete, and of the potential for corrosion of embedded metals:
(a) In reinforced concrete where stray electrical currents may occur.
(b) In reinforced concrete subjected to steam curing.
(c) In concrete in which combinations of dissimilar metals are embedded.
(d) In concrete floor slabs with a metallic finish.
(e) In concrete slabs supported on permanent metal forms.
Calcium chloride does not act as an ‘anti-freeze’ in concrete and will not, in itself, prevent newly placed concrete
from freezing when the surrounding air temperature is below the freezing point. Other measures are required and
these include preheating of base and formwork, heating of concrete ingredients, insulation or enclosed protection,
and application of external heat.
C10 TESTING OF ADMIXTURES FOR ACCEPTANCE AND UNIFORMITY The test methods specified
in the Standard, require the comparison of a concrete mix containing the admixture under test with a control
concrete mix which either contains a reference admixture, as when testing an air-entrained admixture, or is
otherwise plain concrete. These tests are rather extensive and require up to one year for completion. It is therefore
not intended that every lot manufactured be subjected to these tests. Instead, the Standard requires the
manufacturer to carry out certain tests with a view to establishing the uniformity of subsequent lots with the lot
tested. Thus the tests laid down are known as ‘acceptance tests’ and the tests for physical and chemical
uniformity are known as ‘uniformity tests’.
Specification tests and test methods are laid down for those properties which are regarded as essential in all
applications of admixtures. In some conditions, users may consider that additional tests, such as those for
durability and drying shrinkage, are required and provision for such additional tests is made in the Standard.
Appropriate limits are to be set by individual users when such tests are called for.
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AS 1478—1992 22
In view of the considerable changes in the action of admixtures which can occur when tested with different types,
brands and even different deliveries of the same brand of cement, the methods of test require that the hypothetical
compound composition of the cement, its fineness, and its alkali content are to be reported. In cases where
cements whose characteristics are markedly different from the test cements are proposed for use, additional
testing with the cements proposed should be considered. Testing to determine the performance of admixtures in
specific job conditions is called ‘specific acceptance testing’. The test procedures and form of report should
follow the appropriate requirements specified.
C11 FURTHER INFORMATION It is recommended that those concerned with the use of admixtures should
examine some of the more detailed information contained in the following references:
1. RIXOM, M.R., and MAILVAGANAM, N.P. Chemical admixtures for concrete, Second edition. London:
E and F.N. Spon, 1986.
2. RAMACHANDRAN, V.S., (Ed). Concrete admixtures handbook—Properties, science and technology. New
Jersey: Noyes Publications, 1984.
3. HO, D.W.S., and LEWIS, R.K. The effects of fly ash and water reducing agents on the durability of
concrete. Melbourne: CSIRO, 1981.
4. AMERICAN CONCRETE INSTITUTE. Admixtures for concrete. ACI Manual of Concrete Practice, Part 1,
ACI 212.2R. Michigan: ACI, 1979.
5. NATIONAL BUILDING TECHNOLOGY CENTRE. Admixtures for concrete 1 and 2. Notes on the Science
of Building 100 A and 100 B. Sydney: NBTC, November, 1981.
6. BRUERE, G.M., and MORGAN, D.R., (Eds). The use of chemical admixtures in concrete. Proceedings of
the Workshop by Unisearch and CSIRO. Sydney: The University of New South Wales, December 1975.
7. B.M.I. LTD., CEMENT & CONCRETE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA and CONCRETE INSTITUTE
OF AUSTRALIA. Transporting, placing and curing—How they affect the properties of concrete.
Proceedings of the Seminar. Sydney: The University of New South Wales, August 1982.
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23 AS 1478—1992
APPENDIX D
DETERMINATION OF CHLORIDE ION CONTENT IN ADMIXTURES
(Informative)
D1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out two methods for determining chloride ion content in admixtures.
D2 APPARATUS The following apparatus is required for both test methods:
(a) Selective ion electrodes—a chloride ion sensing electrode together with a double junction reference electrode
and precision digital mV meter.
(b) pH electrodes—combined electrodes capable of measuring accurately to the nearest 0.1 pH unit.
(c) Analytical balance—a balance with a capacity appropriate to the weighing required and having an accuracy
of ±0.2 mg in the range used.
(d) Glassware—glassware and other vessels should be resistant to the chemicals used and where applicable,
should comply with the requirements of AS 2162.
(e) Magnetic stirrer—a magnetic stirrer with appropriate plastic-coated slug and of speed and size appropriate
to the container used.
D3 SELECTIVE ION ELECTRODE METHOD
D3.1 Application This method is applicable to admixtures without added chlorides or containing less than 2 g
chloride ion/L.
D3.2 Principle A 100 mL sample is adjusted for pH and ionic strength then the ionic activity is determined
using a chloride selective ion electrode. If the concentration is greater than 1.5 g chloride ion/L, determine by
comparing the reading with a standard chloride solution, the sample is titrated with silver nitrate solution, using
the chloride selective ion electrodes to measure the end point.
D3.3 Reagents The following reagents used should be of an analytical reagent grade of purity. Distilled water
or water of equivalent purity should be used.
(a) Standard solution 1.5 g chloride ion/L Dissolve 3.16 g of potassium chloride in 500 mL of water and dilute
the solution with water to 1000 mL.
(b) Nitric acid (HNO3 ) 5 mol/L Add 155 mL of concentrated 71% (m/V) nitric acid to 250 mL of water. When
the solution has cooled to room temperature, transfer to a 500 mL volumetric flask and dilute the solution
with water to 500 mL.
WARNING: OBSERVE SAFE PROCEDURES FOR DILUTING ACIDS
(c) Sodium nitrate (NaNO3) 5 mol/L Dissolve 106 g of sodium nitrate in 250 mL of water and dilute the
solution with water to 500 mL.
(d) Silver nitrate (AgNO 3) 0.1 mol/L Dissolve 16.9 g of silver nitrate in 250 mL of water and dilute the solution
NOTE: Store the silver nitrate solution away from light or in a black bottle.
Dissolve 0.1 g of sodium chloride in 100 mL of water. Adjust the pH and add sodium nitrate solution as
prescribed in the procedure. Titrate the sodium chloride solution with silver nitrate solution and calculate
the molarity as follows:
D3.4 Procedure The procedure is as follows:

(a) Transfer 100 mL of sample to a 150 mL beaker and stir the sample by a magnetic stirrer at a constant
stirring speed.
(b) Insert a pH electrode and adjust the sample to pH 4 by adding nitric acid solution via a 5 mL graduated
pipette.
(c) Boil the sample for 5 min and keep warm for 10 min to 15 min. Adjust pH if necessary.
(d) Add sufficient sodium nitrate solution so that the total volume of nitric acid solution and sodium nitrate
solution equals 5 mL.
(e) Remove the pH electrode and insert a chloride ion selective electrode and a double junction electrode in the
sample.
(f) Set the meter to measure millivolts and record the value when the reading has stabilised.
(g) Repeat Steps (a) to (f) using the standard solution 1.5 g chloride ion/L as sample.
(h) If the mV meter reading for the sample is greater than the standard solution reading, record the chloride ion
content of the sample as less than 1.5 g/L.
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AS 1478—1992 24
(i) If the mV meter reading for the sample is lower than the standard solution reading, titrate the sample with
silver nitrate solution using the mV meter reading to determine the end point.
NOTE: The end point has been reached when one drop produces a greater mV change than the previous or following drops. This point
normally occurs at 250 mV.
(j) Calculate the chloride ion content and record the value.
D3.5 Calculation The chloride ion content is calculated by the following equation:
D4 POTENTIOMETRIC METHOD
D4.1 Application This method is applicable to admixtures containing added chloride.
D4.2 Principle A 50 mL sample is adjusted for pH and titrated with silver nitrate solution using the chloride
selective ion electrodes to measure the end point.
D4.3 Reagents The following reagents should be of an analytical reagent grade of purity. Distilled water or
water of equivalent purity should be used.
(a) Acetic acid (C2 H4O2) 1:10 Add one volume of concentrated acetic acid to ten volumes of water.
WARNING: OBSERVE SAFE PROCEDURES FOR DILUTING ACIDS
(b) Sodium carbonate (Na 2CO3) 10% (m/V) Dissolve 10 g of sodium carbonate in water and dilute the solution
(c) Silver nitrate (AgNO3 ) 0.1 mol/L Dissolve 16.9 g of silver nitrate in 500 mL of water and dilute the solution
NOTE: Store the silver nitrate solution away from light or in a black bottle.
Dissolve 0.1 g of sodium chloride in 100 mL of water. Adjust the pH by adding three drops of acetic acid
solution. Titrate the sodium chloride solution with silver nitrate solution and calculate the molarity as
follows:
D4.4 Procedure The procedure is as follows:

(a) Transfer an amount of sample containing 0.1 g of calcium chloride or equivalent to a 250 mL beaker and
dilute with water to 50 mL.
(b) Add four to six drops of 50% sodium hydroxide solution and 10 mL of 30% hydrogen peroxide to the
sample solution.
(c) Heat the sample solution for 15 min in a fume cupboard.
(d) Remove the sample solution from the heat. Add 10 mL of formaldehyde and swirl to mix. Allow the
solution to cool to room temperature.
(e) Adjust the pH to between 3 and 4 by using acetic acid or sodium carbonate solution.
(f) Position the reference and chloride selective ion electrodes in the sample solution and connect them to a
mV meter.
(g) Slowly add AgNO3 solution to the sample solution and note the change in potential difference between
electrodes.
NOTE: The end point of the titration is when addition of a drop of AgNO3 solution causes the maximum change in potential.
(h) Calculate the chloride ion content and record the value.
D4.5 Calculation The chloride ion content is calculated by the following equations:
D5 RECORDS For the two test methods, the following information should be recorded for each sample
analysed:
(a) Identification of sample.
(b) Identification of analyst(s).
(c) Test method.
(d) Results of analysis calculated in accordance with Paragraphs D3.5 and D4.5.
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LICENCE

Licensee: Mr Albert Leurquin

Date: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 9:58 AM

1. Definitions and Interpretations

Licence means the right to access and use the Product.

Licensee means the purchaser and user of the Product.

3.2. The Licensee isLearn

Chemical admixtures for concrete

The following interests are represented on Committee BD/33:

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 87286

Chemical admixtures for concrete

First published in part as AS A173—1969.

PUBLISHED BY STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

(b) limits are introduced to results of uniformity testing;

E Copyright — STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL

1.4.6 Grab sample—a sample obtained in a single operation.

SECTION 2 PROPERTIES OF ADMIXTURES

2.1 WATER-REDUCING AND SET-CONTROLLING ADMIXTURES

SECTION 3 GENERAL TEST REQUIREMENTS

Air content All 1 4

3.4.2 Proportioning of concrete mixes

SECTION 4 TEST METHODS

concrete shall be machine-mixed in accordance with AS 1012.2.

(a) Assessment by means of statistical sampling.

B6 SAMPLING SOLID (POWDER) ADMIXTURES A composite sample of a solid admixture should be

to bleed of concretes made from sands lacking fine.

(ii) excessively high unit water contents;

D3.4 Procedure The procedure is as follows:

D4.4 Procedure The procedure is as follows:

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