Effect of superabsorbent polymer and Slag Cement on concrete properties

Abstract

Curing is an important yet un-engineered part in construction industry. Concrete gains its major strength during the process of curing. Researchers have actively been investigating in the field of Internal curing of concrete. The addition of admixture polymers in concrete to enhance their strength by contributing to internal curing has proven to give promising results. The use of Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) to act as a water reservoir for internal curing with different quantity namely 0.2% to 0.5% by weight of cement were studied to find change in properties of M30 concrete under consideration with two different w/c ratios of “0.37” and “0.42”. This variation of SAP dosage by weight of cement for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Portland Slag Cement (PSC) with and without water were comparatively studied. The behavior of fresh slump and compressive strength at 7th, 14th, 28th, and 90th day for OPC and PSC with varying dosage of SAP, with and without water for both 0.37 and 0.42 w/c ratio concrete has been studied. The cost analysis of water required for conventional curing of concrete and self-curing concrete showed the latter saving up to 97% water wastage and 38% cost. It was observed that beyond 0.35% SAP dosage by weight of cement, there was no significant increase in the compressive strength of concrete.