Concrete Admixtures: Specification For Accelerating Admixtures, Retarding Admixtures and Water Reducing Admixtures
Concrete Admixtures: Specification For Accelerating Admixtures, Retarding Admixtures and Water Reducing Admixtures
Concrete Admixtures: Specification For Accelerating Admixtures, Retarding Admixtures and Water Reducing Admixtures
No part
of this publication may be photocopied
or otherwise reproduced without the
prior permission in writing of BSI.
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Concrete admixtures
Part 1 Specification for accelerating admixtures,
retarding admixtures and water reducing admixtures
Adjuvants de béton
Partie 1. Spécification pour les accélérateurs, les retardateurs et les réducteurs d'eau
Betonzusatzstoffe
.
Te¡I 1 Spezifikation für Beschleunigungsmittel, Verzögeru ngsmittel und Entwässerungsmittel
Contents
Page Page
Foreword 1 E. Determination of the chloride ion content
Cooperating organizations Back cover of admixtures 10
F. Notes on the use of accelerating, retarding or
Specification water-reducing admixtures 11
1. Scope 2
2. References 2 Tables
3. Definitions 2 1(a). Performance requirements and tests for
4, Sampling 2 t e s t mix concrete A 3
5. Performance requirements 2 1 (b). Performance requirements and tests for
6. Admixture uniformity t e s t s and requirements 2 t e s t mix concrete B 3
7. Information to be provided by the 2. Admixture uniformity t e s t requirements ~
4
manufacturer 4 5: Fine aggregate grading limits - -.
8. Manufacturer's compliance certificate 4 4. Approximate quantities of concrete required for 7
9. Manufacturer's storage certificate 5 each admixture acceptance t e s t on a batch
10. Marking 5 5. Example of experimental data for the '
determination of the chloride ion content of an 11
Appendices admixture'.
A. Methods of sampling admixtures 6 Figures
B. Preparation of concrete for admixture 1, Example of potentiometric titration of chloride
acceptance tests 6 with silver nitrate solution using silver and
C. Admixture acceptance tests on the control calomel electrodes 11
mix and test mix concretes 7 2. Typical relationship between compacting factor,
D. Admixture uniformity tests 8 penetration resistance (stiffening time) and
time, indicating temperature effects (cement
content: 300 kg/m3 1 13
Foreword
This Part of this British Standard has been prepared under were strictly comparable. Provided that this requirement
the direction of the Cement, Gypsum, Aggregates and was met it was considered that there was no need to
Quarry Products Standards Committee and is based on an specify the sources of the materials used any more
initial draft provided by the Cement Admixtures stringently than in appendix B.
Association, This Part of this standard incorporates such The stiffening time test, which is carried out on mortar
recommendations of other organizations as the Technical sieved from the concrete, determines the times required
Committee felt were appropriate, and is based on the for a standard needle to indicate a resistance to penetration
results of cooperative tests carried out in accordance with of 0.5 N/mm2 and 3.5 N/mm2. Work has shown that the
earlier drafts of this Part, Particular attention has been time to reach a resistance of 0.5 N/mm2 corresponds
given to the use of test methods already covered in approximately to the extreme limit for placing and
BS 1881 and BS 4551. compacting concrete, and the time to reach a resistance
This Part of this standard is concerned with accelerating, of 3.5 N/mrn* gives a guide to the time available for the
retarding and water-reducing admixtures. Air-entraining avoidance of cold joints.
admixtures are covered b y Part 2 of this standard. No requirements for tests on the hardened concrete have
Superplasticizers have not been considered in the drafting been introduced, apart from those relating t o compressive
of this Part of this standard as it is intended that they strength. Consideration was given t o the possibility of
will be covered in a further Part. Mortar plasticizers are including a drying shrinkage test, but the specification
covered in BS 4887. of limits, related to an acceptable degree of shrinkage of
BS 5075 : Part 1 : 1974 is superseded by this Part and is the concrete, was not yet f e l t to be possible. Appendix F
therefore now withdrawn. includes, in a note, a recommendation that the t e s t should
This Part of this standard specifies acceptance tests which be carried out, and that a copy of the results should be
demonstrate the ability of a particular formulation t o sent to BSI to assist the Technical Committee in consider-
meet stipulated performance requirements, and admixture ing the feasibility of including such a test in any
uniformity tests which demonstrate that a particular future revision.
consignment is similar to material that has previously This Part of this standard deals primarily with the water
been submitted t o the acceptance tests. Either may be content, the strength and the rate of stiffening and
carried out by the manufacturer or a t an independent hardening of normal concretes. The effects of admixtures
laboratory a t the request of the purchaser. on other properties or on special concretes are not covered
In the acceptance tests, the principle has been followed of and should be the subject of assurances from the vendor.
having one t e s t concrete containing admixture a t the same This Part of this standard requires that the chloride ion
waterkement ratio as a control mix without admixture to content of all admixtures be declared so that the user
establish the effect of the admixture on workability and will be fully aware of the chloride ion content that will be
strength. For water-reducing admixtures a second t e s t mix introduced into the concrete by any particular admixture.
a t a fixed water reduction is used to determine minimum Some guidance on the use of admixtures was considered
requirements for workability, stiffening times and strength. to be important and has been included as appendix F,
One difficulty is that workability can vary rapidly which also indicates the desirability of the purchaser
immediately after mixing. However, tests have shown that carrying out trials of the admixture with the specific
a relatively stable state is attained a t 10 min t o 15 min materials and conditions of the given concrete work before
after mixing and this time has been selected to establish actually introducing the admixture into a functional
workability, with the added advantage that this corresponds concrete mix a t the site.
approximately to the use of concrete in practice.
Certification. Attention is drawn to the certification
In specifying the concrete to be used for the admixture facilities described on the inside back cover of this
acceptance tests, it was decided that the most important standard.
requirement was to ensure that the control and test mixes
~~ ____ ~~
British Standard
Concrete admixtures
Part 1. Specification for accelerating admixtures, retarding admixtures
and water-reducing admixtures
*The term 'manufacturer' throughout this standard includes the supplier where appropriate. 7
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2
COPYRIGHT British Standards Institute on ERC Specs and Standards
Licensed by Information Handling Services
8s 5075 : Part 1 : 1982
Table l(a). Performance requirements and tests for test mix concrete A
Compacting Not more than Not more than A t least At least A t least
factor (see C.3) 0.02 below 0'02 below 0.03 above 0.03 above 0.03 above
relative to
control mix
concrete
Stiffening A t least 1 h
times (see C.4) longer than
for 0.5 N/mm2 More than 1 h control mix
for 3.5 N/mm2 At least 1 h
less than
control mix
Minimum com-
pressive strength
as % of control
mix concrete
(see C.5)
a t 24 h 125 - - 125 -
a t 7 days - 90 90 - 90
a t 28 days 95 95 90 90 90
Table 1(b). Performance requirements and tests for test mix concrete B
Compacting Not more than Not more than Not more than
factor (see C.3) 0.02 below 0.02 below 0.02 below
relative t o
control mix
concrete
Stiffening
time (see C.4)
for 0.5 N/mm2 c
Within 1 h More than 1 h A t least 1 h
of control mix longer than
control mix
for 3.5 N/mm2 Within 1 h At least 1 h -
of control mix less than
control mix
Minimum com-
pressive strength
as % of control
mix concrete
(see C.5)
at 24 h - 125 -
a t 7 days 110 - 110
a t 28 days 110 110 110
NOTE. The strength requirements take into account the usual variations in cube testing and the limited increase in air content allowed
with the test mix concretes.
r
"\
Dry material D.l (a) For liquid admixtures: to be within 3 % (m/m) of the value stated by
content the manufacturer.
(b) For solid admixtures: to be within 5 % (m/m) of the value stated by
the manufacturer.
Ash content* D.2 To be within 1.O % (m/m) of the value stated by the manufacturer,
Relative density D.3 For liquid admixtures: to be within 0.02 of the value stated by
the manufacturer.
Chloride ion Appendix E To be within 5 % of the value stated by the manufacturer or within 0.2 % (m/m),
content whichever is the greater.
*Marking BS 5075 : Part 1 : 1982 on or in relation to a product is a claim by the manufacturer that the product has been manufactured in
accordance with the requirements of the standard. The accuracy of such a claim is therefore solely the manufacturer's responsibility.
Enquiries as to the availability of third party certification to support such claims should be addressed to the Director, British Standards
Institution, Maylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP2 4SQ in the case of certification marks administered by BSI or to the
I
appropriate authority for other certification marks.
mm
10
5
2.36
1.18
prn
600
300
150
%
1O0
90 to 100
85 to 100
75 to 100
60to79
12 t o 4 0
Oto10
A
\
6.2.3 Admixture. The admixture shiill be in the
appropriate condition recommended by the manufacturer
for general use in practice,
6.3 Mix proportions
NOTE. It is advisable to prepare trial mixes to ensure that the
control mix concrete complies with the requirements given in 8.3.1
for compacting factor, cement content and air content.
8.3.1 Control mix concrete. The proportions, by mass,
of the oven-dry aggregate shall be: 45 parts of 20 mm to
L ~ ~ = _ _ _ - ~ -~____
~ - = = - - -
10 mm coarse aggregate: 20 parts of 10 mm to 5 mm for the particular category of admixture (see.table I),
coarse aggregate: 35 parts of fine aggregate. The cement in the same mixer using the same procedure, Arrange the
content of the fully compacted concrete shall be mixing so that a set of a control mix and associated t e s t
300 i 5 kg/m3, The water content of each batch shall mix concrete batches A, and B if appropriate, is produced
be such as to produce a concrete having a compacting on the same day. Weigh the cement, aggregates and water.
factor in the range 0.88 to 0.90 when determined in B.5.2 Mixing control mix concrete. Place the aggregates
accordance with C.3. in the mixer, add approximately half the mixing water
The air content shall not be more than 2.0 %when tested and mix the material for 2 min. After standing for 8 min,
in accordance with C.2. with the pan covered to minimize evaporation, restart the
B.3.2 Test mix concrete A. Test mix concrete A shall mixer and add the cement gradually during the next 30 s.
contain the admixture a t the manufacturer's recommended Add the remainder of the mixing water during the next
dosage rate. It shall be of the same composition as the 30 s and mix the concrete for a further 3 min.
control mix and the water content shall include the B.5.3 Mixing test mix concretes A and B. Adopt the
quantity of water contributed by the admixture. mixing procedure described above but disperse the
The air content determined in accordance with C.2, shall admixture in the second addition of water.
not be more than 2.0 % higher than that of the corres-
ponding control mix concrete and in any case not more
than a total of 3.0 %. Appendix C
B.3.3 Test mix concrete B. Test mix concrete B shall
Admixture acceptance tests on the control mix
contain the admixture a t the manufacturer's recommended
dosage rate, It shall be of the same composition as the
and test mix concretes
control mix except that the total waterhement ratio C.l General. Use the same test procedure, in detail,
(including the quantity of water contributed by the for each of the concrete mixes. Carry out the tests
admixture) shall be adjusted to give a water reduction required by the standard in accordance with the
of 8.0 % (unless otherwise specified) relative to the instructions given in C.2 to C.5. Where compaction of
control mix concrete. the concrete is necessary, this is accomplished by
mechanical vibration using an identical method and
The relation between the percentage water reduction and
procedure each time.
the waterhement ratio, w/c, is given by:
C.2 Air content. Determine the air content of each batch
n
w/c of t e s t mix concrete B = of the control and test mix concretes A and B t o the
C.4.2 Apparatus*. The following apparatus i s required. C.4.3.5 Treatment of the test results. Calculate the
C.4.2.1 Full tolerance perforated plate test sieve, resistance to penetration in newtons per square millimetre,
5.00 mm aperture, complying with the requirements a t various test times, by dividing the recorded reading in
of BS410. kilograms by three.
NOTE. This simple calculation is made possible by using a brass
C.4.2.2 Self-indicatingplatform scale, preferably with a
rod with an end area of 3 0 mm2, and by assuming that the reading
tare device, reading to a t least 15 kg with graduations in kilograms is equivalent to a force of 10 N, which is sufficiently
not greater than 100 g. accurate for the purpose of this test.
C.4.2.3 Containers, rigid, water-tight, non-absorptive, Estimate the times to reach resistances to penetration of
non-oiled and a t least 75 mm in diameter and 50 mm 0.5 N/mm2 and 3.5 N/mm2 by linear interpolation
to 100 mm deep. Sufficient containers are needed to between the results immediately above and below these
provide an area of surface large enough for the required values. Report the results to the nearest 15 min.
number of penetrations of the rod. C.5 Compressive strength. For each batch of the control
NOTE. It may be found advantageous to use disposable containers. and t e s t mix concretes A and B, prepare six 100 mm t e s t
C.4.2.4 Stop-Clock. cubes between 45 min and 60 min after the completion
C.4.2.5 Brass rod, 65 mm long and 6.175 f 0.025 mm in of mixing. Make, using mechanical vibration to produce
diameter, with one end ground flat perpendicular to the full compaction of the concrete, cure and test the cubes
*
axis of the rod. A t 25 0.25 mm from this end the in accordance with BS 1 8 8 î m P a r t 111 and Part 116teSt@
-a,
diameter shall be turned down m4.5 I 0.5 mm for the
maining 40 mm. A brass washer, approximately 20 mm
in external diameter, shall be slipped over the narrow end
three cubes a t each appropriate age as given in table 1.
If one result within the set of three obtained on specimens
tested a t the same age varies by more than f 5 % from the
of the brass rod and rest on the shoulder formed by the average of the set, discard the result and recalculate the
change in diameter of the rod, average of the remaining results: If more than one result
varies by more than I 5 % from the average, discard the
C.4.2.6 Clamp and stand, for the brass rod, such that the
set of results and repeat the t e s t s on the concrete.
brass rod is held vertically by the narrow end with the
Calculate the ratio of the average compressive strength of
washer well clear of the clamp. The clamp shall be mounted
the three cubes a t each appropriate age from test mix A,
in a stand, such as a lever-type drill-stand, that enables
and B where appropriate, to the average compressive
the rod t o be lowered vertically in a controlled and steady
strength of the three cubes from the control mix a t the
manner over a distance of a t least 40 mm.
same age as a percentage, to the nearest 1 %.
The stand shall be firmly fixed to a bench so that the
lower end of the brass rod, in i t s raised position, is about
Appendix D
6 mm above the rim of the container when this i s placed
on the platform scale. Admixture uniformity tests
NOTE. This apparatus is the same as that required for the D.l Dry material content
stiffening time test in BS 4551.
D . l . l Principle. The water content of the admixture is
C.4.3 Procedure determined by distilling a mixture of it with a carrier
C.4.3.1 Separation of mortar and filling of containers. liquid completely immiscible with and lighter than water,
Separate the mortar from the concrete by sieving through and collecting and measuring the volume of the evolved
the 5.00 mm t e s t sieve on to a non-absorptivesurface. water. The dry material content is then calculated by
Remix the mortar using a hand trowel and fill the difference.
containers to within 10 mm of the top of the container D.1.2 Reagents. The following reagents are required,
in about ten increments, tapping the container on the
bench four times after each addition. Complete the filling D.1.2.1 Toluene, analytical reagent quality, as carrier
within 15 min of the completion of mixing of the concrete. liquid.
C.4.3.2 Storage conditions. Cover the filled containers to D.1.2.2 Kieselguhrpowder (as selected for suitability as
prevent the evaporation of water, and keep them a t a filter aid).
20 f 2 O C . Do not remove the bleed water. D.1.3 Apparatus. The following apparatus i s required.
C.4.3.3 Times of determination of resistance to NOTE. The apparatus is essentially the Dean and Stark apparatus
specified in BS 756.
penetration. Determine the resistance to penetration a t
hourly intervals up to a resistance of 1 N/mm2 and D.1.3.1 Distillation flask, 250 ml capacity, with a short
thereafter a t half-hourly intervals until a resistance of neck and a 34/35 ground-glass socket joint.
4 N/mm2 is reached. D.1.3.2 Condenser, of the glass water-cooled reflux type,
C.4.3.4 Resistance to penetration. At the appropriate as shown in figure 3 of BS 756 : 1952.
times place the container on the platform scale and D.1.3.3 Spray tube, as shown in figure 4 of BS 756 : 1952.
remove the cover. Position the container so that the D.1.3.4 Graduated receiver;type 1, of 7.5 ml or 2 ml
mortar surface beneath the brass rod is a t least 20 mm capacity, as shown in figures 5 and 6 of BS 756 : 1952.
from the rim of the container or from the position of For most purposes the 7.5 ml receiver is suitable, but for
any previous penetration. Adjust the scalertare device or water contents less than about 10 % (dry material contents
record the mass of the filled container. Slowly lower the greater than about 90 %) the 2 ml receiver shall be used.
brass rod into the mortar until the brass washer just An appropriate ground-glass reduction adaptor may be
touches the surface; a t this moment note the scale employed t o connect the receiver t o the distillation flask,
reading, in kilograms, and correct it if necessary, for the
or, preferably, each receiver may be fitted with a 34/35
mass of the filled container,
cone joint.
*Whilst the apparatus described in C.4.2 is t o be used for reference purposes, the resistance to penetration of the sieved mortar may also be
determined using apparatus described in ASTM C403, 1977 'Time of setting of concrete mixtures by penetration resistance', provided that
the same apparatus is used throughout.
COPYRIGHT British Standards Institute on ERC Specs and8 Standards
Licensed by Information Handling Services
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E S 1 BS*5075 P A R T * l 82 Lb2Ltbbî 0009550 5 M
NOTE. It is also convenient to use PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) 0.2.2.2 Desiccator, containing magnesium perchlorate
sleeves on all groundglass joints to facilitate dismantling of the
(dried).
apparatus after each test.
D.2.2.3 Balance, capable of weighing to the nearest
D.1.4 Procedure. Before assembling the apparatus for
0.001 g.
the test, thoroughly clean all the glass components and
then dry them in an oven a t 105 O C to 110 "C. D.2.2.4 Muffle furnace.
NOTE. The inner tube of the condenser may also conveniently D.2.3 Procedure. Ignite the crucible and lid a t 600 f 25 OC
be dried by rinsing with pure acetone. for 15 min to 30 min. Transfer to the desiccator, allow to
For liquid admixtures, weigh, to the nearest 0.01 g, an 8 g cool for 30 min and weigh the crucible with i t s lid to
to 10 g representative sample of admixture into the dry the nearest 0.001 g. Add about 1.O g of solid or liquid
distillation flask containing about 10 g of Kieselguhr admixture t o the crucible, cover with the lid, and reweigh.
powder which has previously been dried a t 105 OC to In order to minimize the risk of mechanical loss on
110 O C . Using a small t e s t tube (e.g., 75 mm x 12 mm) heating, first wet the sample of any solid admixture with
as a pestle and a rubber-tipped glass rod as the handie, a few millilitres of water, then remove the bulk of the
mix the admixture thoroughly into the Kieselguhr water from the sample of solid or liquid admixture by
powder. Add about 50 ml of toluene from a measuring placing the crucible (without lid) under an infra-red
cylinder and after mixing again leave the t e s t tube in the heating lamp, or on a steam bath, or in an air oven a t
distillation flask. Attach the receiver to the condenser about 90 OC,and finally transfer the crucible t o a muffle
and the distillation flask, lubricating each joint with a furnace a t room temperature and heat gradually so that
few drops of toluene, and pour a further 50 ml of the temperature reaches 300 OC in 1 h and 600 OC in a
toluene into the apparatus via the condenser tube. further 2 h to 3 h. Maintain the temperature of the furnace
Insert a loose plug of cottonwool in the condenser tube a t 600 f 25 OC for 16 h to 24 h. Remove the crucible
and heat the distillation flask by means of a n electric from the furnace and allow to cool, covered with i t s lid,
heating mantle, or other suitable form of heat, so that in the desiccator. After cooling for 30 min, weigh the
condensate falls from the end of the condenser a t a crucible plus lid and contents to the nearest 0.001 g.
rate of 2 to 5 drops per second.
D.2.4 Calculation. Calculate the ash content of the
NOTE 1. I f required, one or two glass or porcelain beads, or other admixture on the original mass of the sample taken.
suitable material may be added to the distillation flask to promote
even boiling.
Report the result as a percentage to the nearest 0.1 %.
Continue heating until the volume of water collectea in Ash content =
w3 - wt x 100
the receiver shows no increase during a period of 1 h, w2 -w1
a refluxing time varying from 1 li to 4 h usually being where
required with different admixtures. Detach any globules W1 is the mass of crucible plus lid, in g
of water from the condenser wall by washing down with
toluene by means o f the spray tube, or by rubbing with
W 2is the mass of crucible plus lid and sample,
before igniting, in g
a copper wire.
NOTE 2. A copper wire may also be used to dislodge any droplets W3 i s the mass of crucible plus lid and sample,
of water adhering to the sides of the receiver, as well as to correct after igniting, in g
a faulty meniscus.
D.3 Relative density of liquid admixtures
. . Allow the contents of the collecting tube of the receiver D.3.1 Apparatus. The following apparatus is required.
to cool t o room temperature and then record the volume
D.3.1 .I Hydrometer, of appropriate nominal range,
-
of water collected.
I .
complying with the requirementsof BS 718 for the
For solid admixtures, use the same procedure but without M50 series and for use with liquids of medium surface
the addition of Kieselguhr powder. tension.
D.1.5 Calculation. Take the mass of 'I ml of water a t D.3.1.2 Graduated cylinder, 500 ml capacity, complying
room temperature as 1 g and calculate the dry material with the.requirements o€ BS 604.
content on the original mass of the sample taken. Report
D.3.1.3 Thermometer, complying with the requirements
. . Y . the results as a percentage to the nearest 0.1 %.
of BS 1704 covering the range -5 OC t o 105 OC and
Dry material content = 100 - -v
100 calibrated for 100 mm immersion, e.g. thermometer
W with schedule mark GP105C/1 .0/100.
where D.3.2 Procedure*. Adjust the temperature of the
.. V is the volume of water collected, in ml admixture, if necessary, to be 20 f 5 O C . Transfer the
admixture carefully to a clean 500 ml graduated cylinder
W is the mass of sample taken, in g
avoiding the formation of air bubbles in the liquid.
D.2 Determination of ash content Hold the hydrometer by the top of the stem and insert
D.2.1 Principle. The ash content, which gives an indication it into the liquid in the cylinder. Release the hydrometer
of inorganic constituents, i s determined by igniting the when approximately in the equilibrium position and, when
admixture a t 600 OC to remove any organic material. it has reached equilibrium, read the scale a t the bottom of
'The procedure described in D.3.2 is sufficiently accurate for use in the uniformity test methods, but it is recommended that BS 718
should be referred to if further advice is required.
160
120
E BO
\
>
E
1
a
\
4i 40
a
Table 5-Example of experimental data for the F.2 Site trials. The general behaviour or performance
determination of the chloride ion content of of an admixture in concrete should be reflected by the
an admixture data obtained from the admixture acceptance tests.
The specific effects produced by any admixture will,
A. 11.58 g admixture + B. 11.58 g admixture + however, depend to some extent on the particular
10 ml 0.1000 mol/l sodium 20 ml 0.1000 mol/l sodium concrete and circumstances of use. The performance of
-c
chloride solution chloride solution the admixture should be evaluated preferably by site
trials with the specific materials and conditions of the
Silver Silver E AE/AV
nitrate nitrate given concrete work in order to establish the admixture
solution solution dosage which will produce the required effect without
adverse effects on any other properties of the concrete,
ml mV mV/ml ml mV mV/ml Site trials should also be carried out to ensure that the
11.o0 216 21.o0 213 28 admixture dosage is the optimum for the relevant
18 temperature conditions. Once such an admixture dosage,
11.40 223 21.40 224
23 28 which may be different from that used in the material
11.80 232 21.80 235
40 48 acceptance tests, has been decided by these site trials
12.00 240 22.20 254
65 75 it should be accurately controlled in order to ensure
12.20 253 22.40 269
85 110 uniformity of behaviour.
12.40 270 22.60 291
125 135
12.60 295 22.80 318
8o F.3 Dispensing. Dispensing equipment should be
125
12.80 320 23.00 334
65 sufficiently accurate to deliver within 5 % of the specified
85
13.00 337 23.20 347 dosage rate in successive batches of concrete and it should
55 50
13.40 359 23.40 357 be cleaned and checked at regular intervals to ensure correct
28 25
13.80 370 23.60 362 functioning. To obtain satisfactory performance,
20 25
14.20 378 24.00 372 the admixture should be distributed uniformly throughout
I I
the batch of concrete during i t s initial mixing, and this is
best achieved either by introducing the admixture in
Appendix F solution in a major part of the mixing water or by adding
the admixture coincidentally with the mixing water, as,
Notes on the use of accelerating, retarding for example, by injection into the water line. Solid admix-
or water-reducing admixtures tures should be added in accordance with the directions
of the manufacturer. Admixtures should not be added
F.1 General. Admixtures are used t o modify the during the transportation, placing or consolidation of the
properties of plastic or hardened concrete, The benefits concrete. The effects of some admixtures on setting times
to be derived from any admixture are, however,
and water reduction in concrete may vary with the time
contingent on proper use and knowledge of any side
of their addition during the batching and mixing
effects or potential hazards that may arise. Admixtures
operations, and a standard mixing sequence for the
are never to be regarded as a replacement for good
admixture should therefore be used. Admixture manu- ., . I
concreting practice and are never to be used facturen will readily give advice concerninqsuitable
indiscriminately. r
dispensing equipment and satisfactory methods for or when metals are embedded in concrete and certain
introducing their products into concrete. One type of precautions are therefore necessary.*
admixture should not be employed with any other CP 110 states that experience shows that corrosion of
admixture unless the two admixtures have been shown prestressing tendons, reinforcement and embedded metal
by tests to be compatible and not detrimental to the usually results from a combination of factors including
concrete. excess addition of calcium chloride caused by failure to
F.4 Temperature. The rate of setting and hardening of maintain specified dosage, departure from the specified
concrete will vary with the ambient temperature mix proportions, poor compaction, inadequate cover
conditions, and consequently the relative effects produced and poor detail design.
by admixtures will also be modified by changes in On account of this corrosion risk CP 110 recommends
temperature. The dosage of retarding admixtures that in admixtures for use in concrete, made with any
necessary to produce a given degree of retardation is to type of cement, containing prestressing tendons,
be increased as the temperature of the concrete rises reinforcement or embedded metal the chloride ion
(see figure 2). content should not exceed 2 % by mass of the
For concrete work a t low temperatures, the normal admixture or 0.03 % by mass of the cement when
precautions taken in cold weather to ensure that the calculated on the mix composition. It is also recommended
concrete does not freeze are to be observed. The use of that the limits given above of chloride ion content should
accelerating admixtures will help the concrete to reach a be applied to concrete without embedded metal made
strength sufficient to withstand the effects of frost in a with cement which complies with the requirements of
reduced t ¡me. BS 4027 and BS 4248. This recommendation does not
F.5 Workability. Admixtures can be used to modify the apply to concrete that is not prestressed or reinforced
workability of concrete or to extend the period over which or that does not contain embedded metal.
the concrete remains workable, or to reduce the F.7 Special cements. Most admixtures can be used with
accidental occurrence of cold joints. An appropriate a t least some special-purpose cements in the Portland
workability test, for example the compacting factor test, range such as rapid-hardening,white, sulphate-resisting
can be used a t various intervals of time to ensure that the and low heat cements, and a number are compatible
workability required on site is obtained. with other types of cement such as high alumina and
There is an approximate relationship between the loss of supersulphated cements. In these cases, however,
workability and the stiffening time of concrete. It will in the admixture manufacturer and the cement maker should
many cases be valuable to relate change in stiffness to be consulted before an admixture is used.
time after mixing using either the stiffening time t e s t NOTE. Shiinkage-test data. The Technical Committee responsible
for this standard would welcome the receipt of any test data
described in C.4 or an appropriate workability test.
which would assist them, when preparing a revision, to make
This is indicated in figure 2 where, in the example recommendations on the effect of admixtures on the shrinkage
given, the time a t which the compacting factor drops to of concrete.
below the value of 0.75 corresponds approximately to In particular, the results of tests to compare the shrinkage of a
the initial stiffening time. Figure 2 also indicates how, batch of concrete containing an admixture with the shrinkage of
as the ambient temperature increases, the rate of the same concrete without an admixture would be valuable.
reduction of workability increases and the stiffening Such tests for the initial drying shrinkage or the drying shrinkage
should be made in accordance with BS 1881 : Part 5 on specimens
time decreases. Effects similar to those found when the *
made on the:same day. The drying times should be 14 1 days,
ambient temperature changes may also be observed *
2 8 1 days and any longer period necessary to achieve stability
when the temperature of the concrete materials alters in shrinkage.
due to such factors as the use of hot materials and,the In addition to the data to be given in accordance with the
frictional heating effects produced by mixing for longer reporting procedure specified in BS 1881 the report should describe
periods in mixers of large capacity. .the type of admixture, the concrete materials, the mix, and the
water content and workability of each batch. The report should be
F.6 Chloride-based admixtures. The presence of chloride sent to British Standards Institution, 2 Park Street, London
in concrete presents potential hazards with some cements W I A 2BS quoting Technical Committee CAB/3.
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Standards publications referred to
BS 12 Specification for ordinary and rapid-hardening Portland cement -
BS 410 Specification for test sieves
BS 604 Graduated measuring cylinders
BS 718 Soecification for densitv hvdrometers
BS 756 b m ì a n d Stark apoaratbs '
BS812 ;- - <
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~
~
1 ,-
~-
-~ -
'Part 103 Method for determination of compacting factor
Part 106 Methods for determination of air content of fresh concrete \
BS 2787
Part 108 Method for determination of density of compacted fresh concrete .
Part 111 Method of normal curing of test specimens (20OC method)
~
A
BS 4027 Specification for sulphate-resisting Portland cement
BS 4248 Supersulphated cement
BS 4550 Methods of testing cement
Part 6 Standard sand for mortar cubes
BS 4551 Methods of testing mortars and specification for mortar testing sand
BS 4887, Mortar plasticizers
BS 5075* Concrete admixtures
Part 2 Specification for air-entraining admixtures
BS 5337 Code of practice for the structural use of concrete for retaining aqueous liquids
BS 5400 Steel, concrete and comoosite bridqes -
B36ÖaO
BS 6001
CP 110-
L ~ ä r7 Specification
- e r
t for materials and wockman'chip: concrete, reinforcement and Prectressing tendo>
Guide to the use of Bs 6001. Sampling p r o c e d u r e x a b l e s for inspection by attributes
Sampling firbcëdüres and tables for inspection by attributes
The structural use Òf concrete
Part 1 Design, materials and workmanship
A
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The Kitemark
es
The 'Safety Mark'
Cooperating organizations
The Cement, Gypsum, Aggregates and Quarry Products Standards Institute of Quarrying
Committee, under whose direction this British Standard was *Institution of Civil Engineers
prepared, consists of representativesfrom the following: Institution of Highway Engineers
Association of Consulting Engineers Institution of Municipal Engineers
Association of County Councils Institution of Public Health Engineers
Association of District Councils *Institution o f Structural Engineers
Association of Metropol itan Authorities Institution of Water Engineers and Scientists
Autoclaved' Aerated Concrete Products Association *National Federation of Building Trades Employers
*British Precast Concrete Federation Ltd. Natural Environment Research Council (Institute of Geological
British Quarrying and Slag Federation Sciences)
British Railways Board Royal Institute of British Architects
*British Ready Mixed Concrete Association Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
British Steel Industry Sand and Ballast Hauliers and Allied Trades Alliance
*Cement Admixtures Association Sand and Gravel Association Limited
*Cement and Concrete Association *Society of Chemical Industry
*Cement Makers' Federation Stone Federation
Chemical Industries Association
*Concrete Society Limited The organizations marked with an asterisk in the above list,
*County Surveyors Society together with the following, were directly representedon the
*Department of the Envlronment (Building Research Establishment) Technical Committee entrusted with the preparation of this
*Department of the Environment (PSA) British Standard:
Department of the Environment (Transport and Road Research Brick Development Association
Laboratory) British Ceramic Research Association
*Department of Transport Electricity Supply Industry in England and Wales
*Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors Mortar Producers' Association Ltd.
Gypsum Products Development Association Plasterers' Craft Guild
British Standards Institution - 2 Park Street London W I A 2BS . Telephone 01-629 9000 . Telex 266933
8307- 7-1.2k-B
Revised text
'Table 4'.
I.j .,
A M D 4910
October 1985
Clause C.2 Air content
In line 3 delete 'BS 1881 : Part 2' and substitute 'BS 1881 : Part 106'.
A M D 4910 Clause C.3 Compacting factor, plastic density and cement content
October 1985
In line 2 delete 'BS 1881 : Part 2' and substitute 'BS 1881 : Part 103'. In the last line,
delete 'BS 1882 : Part 2'and substitute 'BS 1881 : Part 103'.
AMD 4910 Table 4. Example of experimental data for the determination of the chloride
October 1985 ion content of an admixture
In the table heading delete 'Table 4' and substitute
1
of testing hardened concrete for other than strength' insert the following.
'Part 103 Method for determination of compacting factor
Part 106 Methods for determination of air content of fresh concrete
Part 108 Method for determination of density of compacted fresh concrete
Parr 11 1 Method of normal curing of test specimens (20 O C method)
Part 116 Method for determination of compressive strength of concrete cubes'.
.. Under the entry for BS 5400 delete Part 4 and i t s t i t l e and substitute the following,
-! 'Part -7 Specification for materials and workmanship: concrete, reinforcement and prestressing tendons'.
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8510-2-2.1k-B 3 .. I CAB13
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