Title:
Performance of Cast-in-Place Self-Consolidating Concrete Made with Various Types of Viscosity-Enhancing Admixtures
Author(s):
Kamal H. Khayat, Soo-Duck Hwang, and Kheira Belaid
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
107
Issue:
4
Appears on pages(s):
403-412
Keywords:
high-range water-reducing admixture; plastic viscosity; segregation; self-consolidating concrete; stability; viscosity-enhancing admixture; workability
DOI:
10.14359/51663867
Date:
7/1/2010
Abstract:
Viscosity-enhancing admixtures (VEAs) are water-soluble polymers that increase viscosity and cohesion of cement-based materials. Such enhancement is essential in highly flowable concrete—including self-consolidating concrete (SCC)—to control the risk of segregation. For a given mixture composition, the performance of SCC can widely vary with the type and dosage rate of the VEA in use. The main objective of this investigation is to compare the performance of five VEA systems in SCC. More specifically, the investigation seeks to determine the effect of VEA type on key workability and engineering properties of SCC designated for cast-in-place building applications. The concrete is designed with a characteristic compressive strength of 35 MPa (5076 psi) at 28 days. In total, five VEAs incorporated with two compatible high-range water-reducing admixtures (HRWRAs) are investigated. A finely ground limestone filler that can be used as a stabilizer in flowable concrete is also included in the study.