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Admixtures Notes

Admixtures are materials added to concrete to modify its properties, classified into chemical and mineral types. Key chemical admixtures include plasticizers, superplasticizers, and bonding admixtures, each serving specific functions to enhance workability, strength, and bonding. Selection criteria for admixtures involve compatibility, desired properties, exposure conditions, and cost-effectiveness, with relevant IS codes guiding their use.

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2 views3 pages

Admixtures Notes

Admixtures are materials added to concrete to modify its properties, classified into chemical and mineral types. Key chemical admixtures include plasticizers, superplasticizers, and bonding admixtures, each serving specific functions to enhance workability, strength, and bonding. Selection criteria for admixtures involve compatibility, desired properties, exposure conditions, and cost-effectiveness, with relevant IS codes guiding their use.

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cesaklinislam
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Admixtures in Concrete

1. Definition

Admixtures are materials (other than cement, water, and aggregates) that are added to concrete either
before or during mixing to modify its properties (fresh or hardened).

2. Classification of Admixtures

Type Function

Chemical Admixtures Modify setting time, workability, water content, etc.

Mineral Admixtures Improve strength, durability, workability (e.g., fly ash, silica fume)

3. Important Types of Chemical Admixtures

A. Plasticizers (Water-Reducing Admixtures)

Definition: Plasticizers are chemicals that reduce the water content (5–15%) in concrete for the same
workability or increase workability at the same water content.

Common Compounds: - Lignosulphonates - Hydroxylated carboxylic acids

Uses: - Improve workability - Reduce water-cement ratio - Increase strength - Useful in hot weather
concreting

Dosage: 0.1–0.4% by weight of cement

B. Superplasticizers (High-Range Water Reducers)

Definition: Superplasticizers are advanced admixtures that reduce water content by 12–30% while
maintaining or improving workability.

Common Types: - Sulfonated melamine formaldehyde (SMF) - Sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde (SNF)
- Polycarboxylate ethers (PCEs)

Uses: - For high-strength and high-performance concrete - Produces self-compacting concrete (SCC) - Used
in pre-stressed concrete - Helps in long-distance pumping

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Dosage: 0.5–2% by weight of cement

Note: Overuse can cause segregation and bleeding.

C. Bonding Admixtures

Definition: Bonding admixtures improve the bond between old and new concrete, or between concrete and
other materials.

Types: - Latex-based (e.g., Styrene Butadiene Rubber - SBR) - Epoxy-based bonding agents

Uses: - Concrete repair works - Patching of spalled concrete - For bonding overlays, rendering, or plastering
to base concrete

Properties: - Improve tensile strength, adhesion, flexural strength - Provide waterproofing and chemical
resistance

4. Other Common Admixtures (Brief)

Type Function

Accelerators Speed up setting (e.g., CaCl₂)

Retarders Delay setting time (e.g., gypsum, sugar)

Air-entraining agents Improve freeze-thaw resistance

Waterproofing admixtures Reduce permeability

Corrosion inhibitors Protect reinforcement

5. Selection Criteria of Admixtures

• Compatibility with cement


• Desired workability
• Required strength & durability
• Exposure conditions (chemical, temperature, etc.)
• Cost-effectiveness

6. IS Codes Relevant

• IS 9103: Specification for Concrete Admixtures


• IS 2645: Integral Waterproofing Compounds

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• IS 456:2000: General admixture guidelines for RCC

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