Effects of pre-soaked super absorbent polymers on fresh and hardened properties of self-consolidating lightweight concrete

Abstract

In this research, the influence of pre-soaked super absorbent polymers (SAPs) on the properties of Self-Consolidating Lightweight Concrete (SCLWC) was evaluated. SAP with two different fineness of 1–4mm and 0.3–1mm was incorporated in SCLWC mixtures at a constant percentage of 1.5%, by mass of binder. SCLWC mixtures were evaluated in terms of slump flow, T50, V-funnel, J-ring, compressive strength, water absorption, electrical resistivity, and total shrinkage. The test results indicated that SAP improve passing ability and decreases the static stability of fresh SCLWC mixtures. Furthermore, the use of SAP reduced the compressive strength of SCLWC mixtures at 7 and 28days ages and induced a negative effect on the electrical resistivity and water absorption of SCLWC. However, the use of SAP resulted in up to 50% reduction in total shrinkage of SCLWC, compared to the reference mixture made without SAP.