COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE

SUPERPLASTICIZERS ON THE PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE

Saeed Ahmed*, Engineering University Taxila, Paksitan
Attaullah Shah, Allama Iqbal Open University, Pakistan
Ajmal Saleemi, Engineering University Taxila, Paksitan

32ndConference on OUR WORLD IN CONCRETE & STRUCTURES: 28 - 29 August 2007,
Singapore

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32
nd
Conference on OUR WORLD IN CONCRETE & STRUCTURES: 28 29 August 2007, Singapore
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE
SUPERPLASTICIZERS ON THE PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE
Saeed Ahmed*, Engineering University Taxila, Paksitan
Attaullah Shah, Allama Iqbal Open University, Pakistan
Ajmal Saleemi
,
Engineering University Taxila, Paksitan
Abstract
High range water reducers (super plasticizers) are extensively used in concrete
industry to mainly develop high performance concrete and to improve different
properties of concrete in fresh and hardened state.
In this work, two commercially available super plasticizers of polycarboxylic base
have been tested and compared to study their effects on the concrete properties
such as workability, compressive strength, and water reduction, tensile strength.
Four series of different concrete mixes (1:2:4, 1:1:2, 1:1.25:2.50, 1:1.5:3) were tested
for three values of W/C ratio 0.3, 0.35, 0.4 at constant dosage of superplastisers @
0.7 % by weight of cement
The results demonstrate that super plasticizers have improved the properties of
concrete in fresh and hardened states and these can be used in the traditional
construction as well with little or no increase in cost as the additional cost of
admixtures ca be saved by reducing the cement content, construction period and
other indirect costs.
Keywords: Expansion, Alkali, Aggregate, Reaction, corrosion, ASR
1. Introduction:
Concrete admixtures are widely used in the construction industry across the world, to improve its
different properties both in fresh and hardened states. Superplasticisers are chemical admixtures
also referred to as high range water reducers, which can reduce the water cement ration by
25%. The superplasticisers are classified under four major groups as follows;
Sulfonated Naphthalene Formaldehyde Condensate ( SNF)
Sulfonated Melalmine Formaldehyde Condensate (SMF)
Modofoed Linosulfonates ( MLS)
Others including polyarcylates, polystyrene sulfonates, polymers etc.
These superplsicisers affect the various properties of concrete due to following facts
1
;
Reduction in interfacial tension of the concrete ingredients.
Multi-layered absorption of the organic molecules.
Protective adherent sheath layer of water molecules.
Retarding effect of cement due prolonged hydration.
Change in morphology of hydrated cement.
In this research two types of superpalsticisers (SP) of Carboxylic Ether based with brand names
Gelenium-51 (made by Degussa) and Viscocrete ( Made by Sika chemicals) have been used to study
and compare their effects on compressive strength of concrete, tensile strength of concrete, modulus
of rapture, water reduction, saving of cement. Overall the improvement in various properties of
concrete in fresh and hardened from is more pronounced with Glenium, but due its very high cost, it
cannot be used in ordinary concrete structures and is recommended for High Performance Concrete
(HPC), where very early strength and high compressive strength of concrete is desired. The
viscocrete of Sika on the other hand provides a relatively cheaper and moderate solution for medium
strength concrete.
2. Objective of Research:
The research objective was to compare the two types of commercially available SP widely used in
local construction industry of Pakistan for their effect on the properties of concrete.
3. Material:
Cement: Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) of Type-I was used and the following properties were
tested:
Setting Time: (Vicat Apparatus ASTM-C191) Initial setting time 50 minutes and final stetting
time:5 hour & 5 minutes(305 minutes).
Standard Consistency (ASTM-C187-83): 33.80%
Soundness test determined by Le Chatleir apparatus: 3.5 mm
Specific gravity of cement (ASTM-C188): 3.6
Fine aggregates: fulfilling ASTM-136 gradation requirements and collected from Lawrencepur river
source Pakistan. The bulk specific gravity of the fine aggregates was 2.75 and 24 hours soaking as
1.46%
Coarse aggregates: Lime stone aggregates collected from Margalla Hills source near Islamabad-
Pakistan and in down sizes.
High Range water Reducers:
Glenium-51( degussa made) conforming to ASTM C494-Type A and F, is carboxylic ether
group with long lateral chain.
Viscocrete-2100 is a high range water reducer (Sika made) conforming to ASTM C494-
Type A and F and belong Polycarboxlate polymer group.
Both the SP were used @0.70% of the weight of cement.
Three mix designs of concrete with nominal ratios of cement, sand and coarse aggregates as 1:1:2,
1:1.25:2.5 and 1:1.5:3 were used.
4. Testing of material and Experiment:
The following tests were administrated on concrete;
Work ability test ( Slump Cone test)
Compressive Strength ( 450 Cubes of 6inx6inx6in were tested)
Splitting tensile tests (36 Nos 6inx12in cylinders were tested.)
Flexural strength test - Modulus of rapture ( 36 Nos 4inx4inx20in beams were tested)
5. Observations and Conclusions:
5.1: Effect of Superplasticisers on workability compressive strength:
Both SP have improved the compressive strength of concrete, however the increase is more
pronounced by Glenium-51. The workability of concrete increased but in case of Glenium, it
has collapsed, making it good SP for self compacting concrete. The comparison has been
shown in Table1 to Table7 and Fig1 to Fig 7 for different mixes of concrete.
Table 1: Effect of Superplasticiser on the compressive strength of concrete for 1:1:2
mix and w/c =40% .
Cube Compressive Strength
(psi)
Concrete
Mix
W/C
ratio
Dosage of SP
(% of cement)
Slump ( mm)
3 days 7 days 28
days
0.40 Nil 75 4315 5120 5815
0.40 0.7%(Visco) 100 4425 5220 6025
1:1:2
0.40 0.70%(Glenium) Collapse 4465 5635 6320
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
C
u
b
e
C
o
m
p
r
e
s
s
i
v
e
S
t
r
e
n
g
t
h
(
p
s
i
)
3 days 7days 28 days
Age of concrete ( Days)
Fig:1 Effect of Superplasticisers on the compressive strength of
Concrete for 1:1:2 concrete mix and w/c ratio: 0.40
Nil
Visco
Glenium
Table 2: Effect of Superplasticiser on the compressive strength of concrete for 1:1:2
mix and W/C= 35%.
Cube Compressive Strength
(psi)
Concrete
Mix
W/C
ratio
Dosage of SP
(% of cement)
Slump ( mm)
3 days 7 days 28
days
0.35 Nil 25 3650 4925 6015
0.35 0.7%(Visco) 75 4115 5222 6315
1:1:2
0.35 0.70%(Glenium) Collapse 4230 5445 6550
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
C
u
b
e
C
o
m
p
r
e
s
s
i
v
e
S
t
r
e
n
g
t
h
(
p
s
i
)
3 days 7days 28 days
Age of concrete ( Days)
Fig2: Effect of Superplasticisers on the compressive strength of
Concrete for 1:1:2 concrete mix and w/c ratio: 0.35
Nil
Visco
Glenium
Table 3: Effect of Superplasticiser on the compressive strength of concrete for 1:1:2
mix and W/C= 30%.
Cube Compressive Strength
(psi)
Concrete
Mix
W/C
ratio
Dosage of SP
(% of cement)
Slump ( mm)
3 days 7 days 28
days
0.30 Nil 0 3745 5010 6120
0.30 0.7%(Visco) 65 4020 5330 6465
1:1:2
0.30 0.70%(Glenium) 125 4335 5615 6710
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
C
u
b
e
C
o
m
p
r
e
s
s
i
v
e
S
t
r
e
n
g
t
h
(
p
s
i
)
3 days 7days 28 days
Age of concrete ( Days)
Fig3: Effect of Superplasticisers on the compressive strength of
Concrete for 1:1:2 concrete mix and w/c ratio: 0.30
Nil
Visco
Glenium
Table 4: Effect of Superplasticiser on the compressive strength of concrete for
1:1.5:2.5mix and w/c =40% .
Cube Compressive Strength
(psi)
Concrete
Mix
W/C
ratio
Dosage of SP
(% of cement)
Slump ( mm)
3 days 7 days 28
days
0.40 Nil 50 2950 4100 5210
0.40 0.7%(Visco) 95 3010 4400 5400
1:15:2.5
0.40 0.70%(Glenium) 150 3140 4730 5735
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
C
u
b
e
C
o
m
p
r
e
s
s
i
v
e
S
t
r
e
n
g
t
h
(
p
s
i
)
3 days 7days 28 days
Age of concrete ( Days)
Fig:4 Effect of Superplasticisers on the compressive strength of
Concrete for 1:1.5:2.5 concrete mix and w/c ratio: 0.40
Nil
Visco
Glenium
Table 5: Effect of Superplasticiser on the compressive strength of concrete for
1:1.5:2.5 mix and w/c =35% .
Cube Compressive Strength
(psi)
Concrete
Mix
W/C
ratio
Dosage of SP
(% of cement)
Slump ( mm)
3 days 7 days 28
days
0.35 Nil 50 3250 4532 5515
0.35 0.7%(Visco) 85 3640 4755 5824
1:1.5:2.5
0.35 0.70%(Glenium) 110 3775 5255 6242
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
C
u
b
e
C
o
m
p
r
e
s
s
i
v
e
S
t
r
e
n
g
t
h
(
p
s
i
)
3 days 7days 28 days
Age of concrete ( Days)
Fig:5 Effect of Superplasticisers on the compressive strength of
Concrete for 1.1.5:2.5 concrete mix and w/c ratio: 0.350
Nil
Visco
Glenium
Table6: Effect of Superplasticiser on the compressive strength of concrete for 1:1.5:2.5
mix and W/C= 30%.
Cube Compressive Strength
(psi)
Concrete
Mix
W/C
ratio
Dosage of SP
(% of cement)
Slump ( mm)
3 days 7 days 28
days
0.30 Nil 0 3250 4520 5150
0.30 0.7%(Visco) 50 3550 4652 5465
1:15:2.5
0.30 0.70%(Glenium) 80 3615 5065 6320
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
C
u
b
e
C
o
m
p
r
e
s
s
i
v
e
S
t
r
e
n
g
t
h
(
p
s
i
)
3 days 7days 28 days
Age of concrete ( Days)
Fig6: Effect of Superplasticisers on the compressive strength of
Concrete for 1:1.5:2.5 concrete mix and w/c ratio: 0.30
Nil
Visco
Glenium
Table 7: Effect of Superplasticiser on the compressive strength of concrete for 1:1.5:3
mix and w/c =40% .
Cube Compressive Strength
(psi)
Concrete
Mix
W/C
ratio
Dosage of SP
(% of cement)
Slump ( mm)
3 days 7 days 28
days
0.40 Nil 0 3715 4335 5350
0.40 0.7%(Visco) 65 4450 4720 5755
1:1.5:3
0.40 0.70%(Glenium) 80 4710 5325 6262
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
C
u
b
e
C
o
m
p
r
e
s
s
i
v
e
S
t
r
e
n
g
t
h
(
p
s
i
)
3 days 7days 28 days
Age of concrete ( Days)
Fig:7 Effect of Superplasticisers on the compressive strength of
Concrete for 1:1.5:3 concrete mix and w/c ratio: 0.40
Nil
Visco
Glenium
5.2: Effect of Superplasticisers on tensile strength (Split Cylinder test) :
The tensile strength of concrete was investigated at 35% water cement ratio and the dosage
of SP was used as 0.70% of cement weight as before. Both the SP have improved the
splitting tensile strength of concrete, but the effect of Glenium is relatively more. The results
are shown in table 8
Table8: Effect of Superplasticisers on the Splitting tensile strength of Concrete
Slump Cylinder tensile strength (psi) Mix ratio W/C
ratio No SP Visco Glenium No SP Visco Glenium
1:1:2 0.35 42 75 82 572 595 625
1:1.5:2.5 0.35 50 95 Collapse 505 540 582
1:1.5:3 0.35 35 65 72 510 530 573
5.3 Effect on Modulus of rapture( Flexural Strength) :
The modulus of rapture measured with beam test, has been increased with both the SP, but
the increase is more in case of Glenium. The results are shown in Table9.
Table9: Effect of Superplasticisers on the Flexural strength of Concrete ( Modulus of
rapture)
Slump Flexural strength (psi) Mix ratio W/C
ratio No SP Visco Glenium No SP Visco Glenium
1:1:2 0.35 50 95 Collapse 983 1005 1045
1:1.5:2.5 0.35 35 65 72 850 890 925
1:1.5:3 0.35 42 75 82 735 840 880
5.3 Water reduction effect of Superplasticisers:
The dosage of superplasticiser was changed to maintain a constant slump of 25. The strength
was as result increased with the increased and the water cement ratio decreased. Water
reduction upto 22 % led to increase of compressive strength from 4900 psi to 6200 psi for
viscocrete and 25% reduction of water cement ratio increased the compressive from 5210 psi
to 6710 psi for Glenium. The results are shown in Table 10.
SP dosage W/C % water reduction Slump 28 days
Compressive
Strength (psi)
Viscocrete Glenium Viscocrete Glenium Viscocrete Glenium Viscocrete Glenium Viscocrete Glenium
0 0 0.40 0.35 0 0 25 25 4900 5210
0.80 0.80 0.38 0.31 5 11.42 27 22 5010 5900
1.00 1.00 0.36 0.30 10 14.26 26 25 5320 6130
1.20 1.20 0.34 0.28 12.5 20 25 22 2750 6320
1.40 1.40 0.32 0.27 20 22.35 27 27 6060 6425
1.60 1.60 0.31 0.26 22.5 25.71 27 25 6200 6710
References:
1. A.Borosoi. S.Collepradi,L.Coppola, R.Troli Effect of Superplasticisers type on performance
of High Volume fly ash concrete
2. P.Kumar Mehta Reducing Environmental Impact of Concrete Concrete International 2001.
3. A.M.Neville, Use of superplasticisers and its effects 1995.
4. Habil, Jansuzszwabowski Rhelogical properties of fresh cement mortars containing new
generation superplasticisers-May 2003.
5. CBI Repport/Report2:95 Effect of second generation superplasticisers on concrete
properties Feb 2006.
6. Saeed Ahmad, A. Shah. K.Ali Effect of water reducing concrete admixtures on the properties
of concrete: 29
th
Conference Our world in Concrete & Structures-Aug 2004