Effect of a Polyethylhydrosiloxane Admixture on the Durability of Concrete with Supplementary Cementitious Materials

Abstract

This paper assesses durability of a high-strength concrete with large volumes of supplementary cementitious materials modified by a polyethylhydrosiloxane-based admixture and a superplasticizer. The study introduces the concept of a modified multicomponent binder, comprised of portland cement, finely ground supplementary cementitious material (fly ash, ponded ash, or granulated blast furnace slag), and a highly reactive powder component (usually silica fume), modified by a superplasticizer. The research program included tests of water permeability, freezing and thawing resistance, and the investigation of the effect of the binder on the passivation of steel reinforcement. The observations indicated that the use of the superplasticizer and polyethylhydrosiloxane admixtures yields the required air content and air void spacing factor for the freezing and thawing resistance, and the passivation of steel reinforcement. The research confirmed that the polyethylhydrosiloxane admixture has a beneficial effect on the durability of concrete with large volumes of supplementary cementitious materials. The results have important implications for offshore structures, bridges, roadways, pavements, foundations, precast concrete, and other applications.