Admixture Function
Admixture Function
Admixture Function
Somnath Chatterjee
GMIT Kolkata
Introduction
It is defined as a material other than water,
aggregate and cement that is used as an
ingredient
of
concrete
to
modify
the
Types
Materials added to the concrete besides cement, water
and aggregate.
To improve the properties of the concrete required.
Admixtures can be divided in 2 groups that is:
a) Chemical admixtures
b) Mineral admixtures
FUNCTION OF ADMIXTURE
To improve workability of fresh concrete
To improve durability by entrainment of air
To reduce the water required
To accelerate setting & hardening & thus to produce high
early strength
To aid curing
To impart water repellent / water proofing property
ACCELARATOR
Added to increase the rate of hydration of concrete mix
which then lead to the increases in the rate of
development of strength and greater heat evolution.
And to shorten the setting time
More rapid gain of strength & rapid setting
Disadvantages is possible cracking due to heat evolution
& possibility of corrosion of embedded reinforcement
SUPERPLASTICIZER
By adding to a hydraulic binder, gives very high workability
and allows a large decrease in water content for a given
workability
Allows the particles to be more workable where it enable
working with low w/c ratio
Enhances hydration process, increases strength
Eliminate concrete segregation & allow good dispersion of
cement particles in water, accelerating the rate of hydration.
RETARDING ADMIXTURE
Prolong or delay the setting time of cement paste in
concrete
Used in hot weather to reduce any premature stiffening of
the concrete and consequent loss of workability
Often carried by ready mixed concrete vehicles to prevent
the concrete setting in the drum in the event of brakdown
Disadvantage is, it may promote bleeding
CORROSION INHIBITORS
Able to reduce the rate of corrosion to a level
that major damage to concrete will be
avoided or at least greatly reduced.
SHRINKAGE-REDUCING ADMIXTURES
MINERAL ADMIXTURES
Are natural pozzolanic materials or industrial byproducts that are commonly used in concrete to
replace part of the cement or sand.
Types of mineral admixtures are:
a) Fly ash
b) Silica Fume
c) Blended hydraulic cement