Optimization of concrete mixture composition with superabsorbent polymer admixture

Abstract

Concrete, especially high-performance concrete thanks to low water/cement ratio suffer due to self-desiccation and consequent autogenous shrinkage. The utilization of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) represents an attractive solution for the mitigation of such issues and improvement of the material durability as well as a service life. However, SAP incorporation struggle with the material workability, thus the mechanical properties of such modified mixtures. In this work, the influence of different SAP dosages on the fresh mixture workability is studied. Specifically, SAP dosages about 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 a 1 wt.% are applied and an optimal water content determined according to the flow table test. On this basis, the relationship between the SAP content and the total water dosage is calculated. Obtained results propose a correlation between an amount of additional water dosages and superplasticizer needed for compensation of the amount of used SAP admixture to maintain desired workability by meaning of the fitting lines.