Abstract
The effects of superplasticizers on fresh and hardened concrete were investigated. The experimental program included tests on the workability and slump loss, bleeding, setting time, air content, compressive, tensile and flexural strength, permeability, shrinkage, freeze-thaw durability and creep deformation. Properties of superplasticized concrete were compared with those of conventional and base concretes. Superplasticizers were observed to have an appreciable fluidifying action in fresh concrete. They permitted a significant water reduction while maintaining the same workability. Bleeding of superplasticized concrete was much lower than that of conventional concrete of the same consistency. This indicates that the use of superplasticizers did not affect the tendency of segregation of fresh concrete. The compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths of superplasticized concrete were significantly higher than those of conventional concrete. The permeability and drying shrinkage and creep of superplasticized concrete were less than those of conventional concrete, but there were no significant differences between base and superplasticized concrete. Compared with base concrete, non-air-entrained superplasticized concrete had slightly higher freeze-thaw durability. and superplasticized concrete with an appropriate amount of entrained air Eave even better resistance to freezing and thawing.