EFFECT OF SUPERPLASTICIZERS ON WORKABILITY AND

STRENGTH OF CONCRETE

Saeed Ahmad*, University of Engineering & Technology,Taxila, Pakistan

Muhammad Nawaz, University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila, Pakistan
Ayub Elahi, University of Engineering &Technology, Taxila, Pakistan

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 30th Conference on OUR WORLD IN CONCRETE & STRUCTURES: 23 24 August 2005, Singapore

EFFECT OF SUPERPLASTICIZERS ON WORKABILITY AND

STRENGTH OF CONCRETE

Saeed Ahmad*, University of Engineering & Technology,Taxila, Pakistan

Muhammad Nawaz, University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila, Pakistan
Ayub Elahi, University of Engineering &Technology, Taxila, Pakistan

Abstract

It has long been a concrete technologists dream to discover method of making

concrete at the lowest possible water/cement ratio while maintaining a high workability. To a
considerable extent this dream has been fulfilled with the advent of superplasticizers. Have
indeed added a new dimension to the application of admixtures with regards to production of
high strength and flowing concretes. It is now possible to produce concrete with compressive
strength of the order of 13000 psi (90 Mpa). In addition, these are also suitable for use with
other cementations materials like fly ash and blast furnace slag.

In the wake of energy conservation policy and diminishing supplies of high quality raw
materials, there is a need to use marginal quality cements and aggregates for the production
of concrete. In such instances the use of superplasticizers permits the production of concrete
at low water/ cement ratios. Thus many waste materials of today become the useful by
products of tomorrow. It is the particular role of superplasticizers, which is very importance
for us here in Pakistan, because of our poor economy and less developed industrial base.
Besides, the addition of superplasticizers to produces concrete with less cement but normal
strength and workability is another application, which has received more attention.

In this research programme two types of superplasticizers(Rheobuild

1100,Rheobuild561M) of synthetic polymer base confirming to ASTM C-494 type A&F and
ASTM type B,D&G respectively has been used. Three nominal ratios of 1:1:2, 1:1.5:3 and
1:2:4 were used for mix proportioning of concrete constituents by weight. The water cement
ratio was maintained as 0.50, 0.55 and 0.60 to study the effect of these SP on various
properties of concrete. The dosage of superplasticizers was adopted as constant @ 0.80%
by the weight of cement. To study the effects of superplasticizers the experiments have been
divided into three series namely workability series, water reduction series and cement saving
series.

The result have shown substantial improvement in the properties of concrete after use
of the superplsasticizers.The Rheobuild 561M high range water reducer,superplasticizer has
given more promising results as compared to Rheobuild1100.

Key words: Superplasticizers, reinforcement, pre-cast, slab, beam, slender, mixproportioning,

compreseve strength, tensile strength, modulus of rupture.
1. Introduction

The earliest known published reference to the use of small amounts of organic material to increase the
fluidity of cement containing composition was made in 1932 [1] where polymerized naphthalene
formaldehyde sulphonate salts were claimed as useful in this role. This was followed during the mids
1930s to early 1940s by numerous disclosures regarding the use of lignosulphonate and improved
composition [1].In recent years, construction agencies in North America, Great Britain and other
countries have evinced great intrest in the use of superplasticizers, superfluidifiers, siper water-
reducers or high range water reducers [3].

The superplastisizers (SP) are refered to as high range water reducing admixture by ASTM-
C494,which mainly disperses the water in concrete matrix. This property is some time called as
dispersion-fluidification property of concrete admixture. The superplasticizers are classified in the
following four major groups;

Sulphonated Nephthalene Formaldehyde Condense(SNF).

Sulphonated Melamine Formaldehyde Condense (SMF).
Modified Lignosulphonates (MLS).
Others.

Today superplasticizers are used in all important projects across the world in high raise buildings, pre-
stressed concrete, slender components with congested and densely packed reinforcement, beams
and slabs pre-cast elements and long slender columns.

The superplasticizer affect the various properties of concrete both in fresh and hardened forms mainly
due to the following facts as commented by M.Collperdi [1] in Concrete Admixtures Hand Book;

Reduction in interfacial tension.

Multilayered adsorption of Organic molecule.
Release of water trapped amongst the cement particles.
Retarding effect of cement hydration.
Change in morphology of hydrated cement.

The workability of concrete is mainly governed by the max size, shape, texture and grading
of the aggretes. For a given value of water cement ratio, there is one value of coarse/fine ratio
for given material that gives the highest workability [2].Parenchio [3] developed a miniature
slump test for the cement paste which requires small amount of paste and less testing time. The
high workability of SP concrete is however lost in the early 30minutes due to formation of
hydrates [4].

The compressive strengths of SP concrete are usually higher than the corresponding
strengths of the reference mixes. When SP is used, a water reducer up to 32-33% can be
achieved [5].This fact leads to the increase in the compressive strength of SP concrete. Most
recently new generations of SP have been developed to give ultra high strength concrete
producing concrete with compressive strength of 15000 psi and more [6] and very high early
strength at 2 to 4 hours.

In water reduced SP concrete no undue segregation and bleeding of concrete occurs due to
decrease in water cement ratio. if there are sufficient fine aggregates in the concrete, the
segregation in high workability sp concrete can also be controlled [7]

There are three possible ways in which superplasticized concrete can be produced [19] High
workability concrete, Concrete with low water/ cement ratio ,Concrete with reduced cement
content.

2. Experimental Details

2.1 Material:

Cement: Ordinary Portland Type-1 cement was used.

 Fine Aggregates: Fine aggregates confirming to the gradation of ASTM-136 were used.
Coarse Aggregates: Lime stone crushed stones of size1/2 in and below were used.

Series No 1

To investigate the effect of SP on workability slump tests were carried out and to check the
effect on compressive strength cubes [6*6*6] were tested at the ages of 3,7,28 days. The results
are shown in Table1 to 3.

For Tensile strength of SP added concrete cylinders (6*12) was tested by splitting tests at the
age of 28days,the results are shown in Table 4.

To check the modulus rupture of SP added concrete, the standard plain concrete beams were
tested at third point load after 28days of pouring. The results are shown in Table 5.

Series No 2

To check the effect of water reduction on SP added concrete the water content was gradually
increased, at constant workability, keeping all other ingredients of the mix costant,.increasing the
dosages of the SP to compensate for the lost in workability. Workability was kept constant by the
method of successive trials; the results are shown in the Table 6&7.

Series No 3

In this test workability was kept constant both; cement content and water content were reduced
keeping water/cement ratio and workability as constant. The results are shown in the Table 6&9.
Table 1 TEST RESULTS SHOWING EFFECT OF SUPERPLASTICIZERS ON
COMPRESSIVE STREGNTH AND WORK ABILITY AT CONSTANT W/C RATIO (SERIES-
1) MIX RATIO (1:2:4)

Superplasticizer Used W/C Slump Compressive Strength (Psi)

Ratio (mm) 3 Days 7 Days 28 Days
Nil 0.55 8 2685 2940 4270
Rheobuild- 0.55 12 2705 3005 4290
1100@0.80%
Rheobuild-561 0.55 15 2715 3035 4345
M@0.80%

EFFECT OF S.P ON COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AT CONSTANT W/C RATIO

5000
Compressive Strength

4500

4000

3500
i (P i)

3000

Ages of testing2500 3 Days 7 Days 28 Days

Nil 2685 2940 4270

Rheobuild-1100 2705 3005 4290

Rheobuild-561 M 2715 3035 4345

EFFECT OF SUPPER PLASTICIZER ON COMPRESSIVE WORKABILITY AT CONSTANT

W/C RATIO

30
25
20
Slump (mm)

15
10
5
0
Superplasticizer

Nil Rheobuild-1100 Rheobuild-561M

 Table 2 TEST RESULTS SHOWING EFFECT OF SUPERPLASTICIZERS ON
COMPRESSIVE STREGNTH AND WORK ABILITY AT CONSTANT W/C RATIO
(SERIES-1) MIX RATIO (1:1:5:3)

Superplasticizer Used W/C Slump Compressive Strength (Psi)

Ratio (mm) 3 Days 7 Days 28 Days
Nil 0.55 15 2935 4135 6070
Rheobuild- 0.55 30 2980 4240 6125
1100@0.80%
Rheobuild-561 0.55 45 3035 4380 6230
M@0.80%

EFFECT OF S.P ON COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AT CONSTANT W/C RATIO

7000
Compressive Strength

6000

5000

4000
i (P i)

3000

2000
Ages of testing 3 Days 7 Days 28 Days

Nil 2935 4135 6070

Rheobuild-1100 2980 4240 6125

Rheobuild-561 M 3035 4380 6230

EFFECT OF SUPPER PLASTICIZER ON COMPRESSIVE WORKABILITY AT CONSTANT

W/C RATIO

60
50
40
Slump (mm)

30
20
10
0
Superplasticizer

Nil Rheobuild-1100 Rheobuild-561M

 Table 3 EFFECT OF SUPERPLASTICIZERS ON COMPRESSIVE STREGNTH AND
WORK ABILITY AT CONSTANT W/C RATIO
(SERIES-1) MIX RATIO (1:1:2)

Superplasticizer Used Slump Compressive Strength (Psi)

W/C (mm)
Ratio 3 Days 7 Days 28
Days
Nil 0.55 35 4280 5515 6135
Rheobuild-1100@0.80% 0.55 75 4345 5530 6205
Rheobuild-561 0.55 115 4395 5540 6315
M@0.80%

EFFECTS OF S.P ON COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AT CONSTANT W/C RATIO

6500
Compressive Strength

6000

5500

5000
psi (Psi)

4500

4000
Ages of testing 3 Days 7 Days 28 Days

Nil 4280 5515 6135

Rheobuild-1100 4345 5530 6205

Rheobuild-561 M 4395 5540 6315

EFFECT OF SUPPER PLASTICIZER ON COMPRESSIVE WORKABILITY AT CONSTANT

W/C RATIO

120
100
80
Slump (mm)

60
40
20
0
Superplasticizer

Nil Rheobuild-1100 Rheobuild-561M

Table 4 TEST RESULTS SHOWING EFFECT OF SUPERPLASTICIZERS ON SPLITTING
TENSILE STREGNTH OF CONCRETE AT CONSTANT W/C RATIO
(SERIES-1)
MIX RATIO (1:2:4)

Superplasticizer Used W/C Ratio Slump 28 Days Splitting Tensile

(mm) Strength (Psi)
Nil 0.55 8 405

Rheobuild-1100@0.80% 0.55 13 415

Rheobuild-561 M@0.80% 0.55 15 430

MIX RATIO (1:1:5:3)

Superplasticizer Used W/C Ratio Slump 28 Days Splitting

(mm) Tensile Strength (Psi)
Nil 0.55 15 460

Rheobuild-1100@0.80% 0.55 30 485

Rheobuild-561 M@0.80% 0.55 45 500

(SERIES-1) MIX RATIO (1:1:2)

Superplasticizer Used W/C Ratio Slump 28 Days Splitting

(mm) Tensile Strength (Psi)
Nil 0.55 35 560

Rheobuild-1100@0.80% 0.55 75 575

Rheobuild-561 M@0.80% 0.55 115 585

 Table 5 TEST RESUTS SHOWING EFFECT OF SUPERPLASTICIZERS ON MODULUS
OF RUPTURE (FLEXURAL STRENGTH) OF CONCRETE AT CONSTANT W/C RATIO
(SERIES-1)

MIX RATIO (1:2:4)

Superplasticizer Used W/C Ratio Slump 28 Days Tensile

(mm) Strength (Psi)
Nil 0.55 9 655

Rheobuild-1100@0.80% 0.55 12 680

Rheobuild-561 M@0.80% 0.55 16 710

MIX RATIO (1:1.5:3)

Superplasticizer Used W/C Ratio Slump 28 Days Tensile

(mm) Strength (Psi)
Nil 0.55 15 810

Rheobuild-1100@0.80% 0.55 30 845

Rheobuild-561 M@0.80% 0.55 45 875

MIX RATIO (1:1:2)

W/C Ratio Slump 28 Days Tensile

Superplasticizer Used (mm) Strength (Psi)
Nil 0.55 35 965

Rheobuild-1100@0.80% 0.55 75 980

Rheobuild-561 M@0.80% 0.55 118 1005

 Table 6 TEST RESULTS SHOWING EFFECT OF SUPERPLASTICIZER ON WATER
REDUCTION AND COMPRESSIVE STREGNTH AT CONSTANT WORK ABILITY
(SERIES-2) MIX RATIO (1:1.5:3)

Superplasticizer W/C (%)Water Slump Compressive Strength (Psi)

Used Rheobuild Ratio Reduction (mm) 3 Days 7 Days 28 Days
1100
0.0% 0.60 - 18 2735 3925 5870
0.40% 0.58 3.33% 20 2815 3995 5935
0.50% 0.57 5% 19 2870 4060 5995
0.60% 0.56 6.66% 16 2910 4130 6070
0.70% 0.54 10% 18 2965 4215 6095
0.80% 0.53 11.66% 19 3025 4285 6140

EFFECTS OF SUPERPLASTICIZER ON COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AT

CONSTANT WORKABILITY

6500

6000
Compressive Strength

5500

5000

4500
i (P i)

4000

3500

3000
2500
Ages of testing 3 Days 7 Days 28 Days
Nil 2735 3925 5870
Rheobuild-1100 3025 4285 6140
 Table 7 TEST RESULTS SHOWING EFFECT OF SUPERPLASTICIZERS ON WATER
REDUCTION AND COMPRESSIVE STREGNTH AT CONSTANT WORK ABILITY
(SERIES-2) MIX RATIO (1:1.5:3)

Superplasticizer W/C (%)Water Slump Compressive Strength (Psi)

Used Rheobuild Ratio Reduction (mm) 3 Days 7 Days 28 Days
561 M
0.0% 0.60 - 18 2738 3925 5875
0.40% 0.57 5% 19 2825 4010 5945
0.50% 0.56 6.66% 20 2885 4085 6005
0.60% 0.54 10% 17 2920 4135 6085
0.70% 0.53 11.66% 18 2970 4225 6195
0.80% 0.52 13.33% 19 3055 4390 6255

EFFECTS OF SUPERPLASTICIZER ON COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AT

CONSTANT WORKABILITY

6500
Compressive Strength

6000

5500

5000
i (P i)

4500

4000

3500

3000
2500
Ages of testing 3 Days 7 Days 28 Days
Nil 2738 3925 5875
Rheobuild-1100 3055 4390 6255
 Table 8 TEST RESULTS SHOWING EFFECT OF SUPERPLASTICIZER ON CEMENT
SAVING AT CONSTANT WORK ABILITY AND CONSTANT W/C RATIO (SERIES-
3) TRIAL MIX RATIO (1:1.5:3)

Superplasticizer W/C Cement Slump Compressive Strength (Psi)

Used Ratio saving (mm) 3 Days 7 Days 28 Days
Rheobuild-1100 (%)
0.0% 058 - 22 - 4070 6005
0.40% 0.58 3.08% 21 - 4095 6065
0.50% 0.58 4.18% 19 - 4120 6082
0.60% 0.58 5.62% 22 - 4168 6098
0.70% 0.58 7.15% 23 - 4192 6105
0.80% 0.58 8.30% 24 - 3845 5430

Table 9 TEST RESULTS SHOWING EFFECT OF SUPERPLASTICIZER ON CEMENT

SAVING AT CONSTANT WORK ABILITY AND CONSTANT W/C RATIO (SERIES-
3) TRIAL MIX RATIO (1:1.5:3)

Superplasticizer W/C Cement Slump Compressive Strength (Psi)

Used Ratio saving (mm)
Rheobuild-561 M (%)
3 Days 7 Days 28 Days
0.0% 0.58 - 21 - 4064 6018
0.40% 0.58 3.21% 19 - 4136 6082
0.50% 0.58 4.58% 21 - 4172 6115
0.60% 0.58 5.82% 23 - 4196 6158
0.70% 0.58 7.96% 22 4230 6194
0.80% 0.58 8.85% 23 - 3995 5545

3. Conclusion
On the basis of observation on test result it can be stated that properties of concrete in fresh and
hardened stages have been improved with the addition of both types of superplasticizer for all nominal
mixes of concrete the rheobuild561M have shown however more pronounced in terms of increase in
the compressive strength, workability, water reduction, cement saving requirements of concretes.
4. References
[1] RIXOM, M.R and MAILVGANAM, N.P. Chemical admixtures for concrete, [Second
edition],Publisher E.and F.N. Spon[London],pp 1-91 and 195-236
[2] RAMACHANDRANV.S, FELDMANR.F, BEAUDOIN J.J Concrete Science-Treatise on
current research, pp. 91-110 and 145-166 Heyden and sons Limited, Philadelphia,
1981.
[3] Collepradi, M,Concrete Admixtures Hand Book2nd Edition Noys Publisher, 1995
pp.359
[4] Hewiett, P.C. Superplasticizing admixtures in concrete Cement and Concrete
Association Publication, Vol.45, NO. 30, 1976
[5] Basile et. Al Influence of different sulfonated Polymers on the fluidity of cement paste
Proceeding of third International Conference CANMET/ACI Ottawa, 1989 pp 209-220.
[6] Glanville, W.H., Collins, A>R and Mathews The grading of aggregates and workability
of concrete. Road Research Technology paper London.
[7] Aignesberger, A, and Kern, A Use of melamine based superplasticizers as water
reducers. ACI Special Publication 1981, pp 061-80.
[8] Kinoshita,M, et.al application of new superplacticizer fro Ultra high strength
concrete. Proceedings of Japan cement association Japan 1990.
[9] Rivera, R, Davila., and Durn. A High performance concrete using fly ash and
superplasticizers Proceeding of International Symposium on High Performance and
Reactive Powders concretes Sherbrook 1998.
[10] New Types of concrete. Concrete in developing countries material design and
construction, Vol-1. Proceeding of International colloquium, Lahore (Pakistan) 1985,
pp 14-25.