The Effect of SAPs on Drying Shrinkage, Porosity and Setting of Concrete

Title: The Effect of SAPs on Drying Shrinkage, Porosity and Setting of Concrete
Author(s): H.-W. Reinhardt, A. Assmann
Paper category : conference
Book title: International RILEM Conference on Material Science
Editor(s): W. Brameshuber
Print-ISBN: 978-2-35158-110-0
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-111-7
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2010
Pages: 155 - 162
Total Pages: 8
Nb references: 11
Language: English

Abstract: The application of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) as concrete admixture can enhance the durability properties such as freeze-thaw resistance or cracking due to shrinkage.
The improvements are greatly based on microstructure and on transport properties which are influenced by SAPs. Results of mercury intrusion porosimetry show that water stored in SAPs leads to voids which are different from capillary pores. The pore diameter distribution curve is highly dependent on particle size, water absorption capacity and amount of dryly added SAPs. Investigations on drying shrinkage indicated that adding SAPs delays shrinkage and further causes reduction of drying shrinkage rates. The paper presents experimental results on porosity and the drying shrinkage behaviour of concrete. Further the effect of SAPs on setting of mortar monitored by ultrasonic transmission testing will be discussed.

Online publication: 2010-12-02
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00