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Synergistic Benefits of Using Expansive and Shrinkage Reducing Admixture on High-Performance Concrete
Tian-Feng Yuan1, Seong-Kyum Kim2, Kyung-Teak Koh3
1School of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-Ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea. yuantianfeng@korea.ac.kr.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 15, 2018
Summary
Combining expansive admixture (EA) and shrinkage reducing admixture (SA) significantly reduces autogenous shrinkage in high-performance concrete (HPC). This synergistic effect also enhances mechanical properties and prevents early-age cracking, improving overall concrete performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Materials
Background:
- High-performance concrete (HPC) offers excellent mechanical properties for construction.
- HPC is susceptible to shrinkage cracking caused by autogenous shrinkage stress.
- Mitigating autogenous shrinkage is crucial for HPC durability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the combined impact of expansive admixture (EA) and shrinkage reducing admixture (SA) on HPC autogenous shrinkage.
- To investigate the effect of EA and SA on the mechanical properties of HPC.
- To determine if combined EA and SA can prevent early-age cracking in HPC without heat treatment.
Main Methods:
- Investigated combinations of EA (0.0, 5.0%) and SA (0.0, 1.0%) by weight of cement.
- Compared autogenous shrinkage behaviors under four different time-zero conditions.
- Measured compressive and tensile strength, and observed cracking patterns.
Main Results:
- EA and/or SA slightly increased compressive strength (22.6–37.9%) and tensile strength (<4.8%).
- Synergistic effect of combined EA and SA significantly reduced autogenous shrinkage by over 50%.
- Specimens with combined EA and SA did not exhibit restrained autogenous shrinkage cracks at an early age.
Conclusions:
- The combination of EA and SA is highly effective in reducing autogenous shrinkage in HPC.
- The synergistic action of EA and SA improves HPC mechanical properties and crack resistance.
- Combined EA and SA offer a viable solution for enhancing HPC performance and durability.
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