Title:
Air-Void Stability, Part II: Influence of Superplasticizers and Cement
Author(s):
Patrick K. Plante, Michel Pigeon, and Francois Saucier
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
86
Issue:
6
Appears on pages(s):
581-589
Keywords:
admixtures; air-entrained concretes; air-entraining agents; air entrainment; cements; concretes; plasticizers; stability; Materials Research
DOI:
10.14359/2233
Date:
11/1/1989
Abstract:
Eighteen concrete mixes were prepared to analyze the influence of superplasticizers on the stability of the air-void system during mixing and agitation. For each mix, four sets of samples were cast over a period of 90 min after initial water-cement contact. The modified point count method (ASTM C457) was used to determine the characteristics of the air-void system on each set of samples. Results indicate that superplasticizers can cause a significant increase of the value of the spacing factor. The influence of superplasticizers was found to vary significantly with the characteristics of the cement and also with the type of air-entraining admixture. A methodology similar to the one used in this study is recommended to assess the production and the stability of the air-void characteristics in relation to the composition of the mixes and the materials that are used.