Use of Superplasticizer in Concrete

(Use of Superplasticizer in Concrete)

Super plasticizer is a concrete admixture that is added to the concrete mix to reduce the water requirement of the concrete. It helps in reducing the water cement ratio and increases the strength of the concrete.

Superplasticizers are a class of high range water reducers that help in reducing the water content of concrete up to 30 percent. They increase the workability of the concrete without affecting the cement content and they also help in increasing the tensile and compressive strengths of the concrete.

use of superplasticizer in concrete

A concrete mixture consists of fine aggregates, cement and a large amount of water. This is necessary to allow a chemical reaction, known as hydration, to take place between the cement and the water that binds them together into concrete.

This process results in a solid material that is dense and strong, but it does not have the flexibility of other construction materials like asphalt or bricks. It can be molded into the desired shape, but it is often more durable when formed from a softer, lower-strength material.

When a superplasticizer is added to the mix, its effects depend on the type of superplasticizer, the dosage, the time of addition, the initial slump, humidity, temperature and the presence of other concrete admixtures. The higher the superplasticizer content, the greater the slump loss will be; it is important to place the concrete as early as possible after it has been added.

Flowing superplasticized concrete has more than normal workability, so it is necessary to place the concrete as early as possible after adding the superplasticizer. The concrete is generally stable for about 30 to 60 minutes.

(Use of Superplasticizer in Concrete)