Modern admixtures for durable and sustainable concrete

Abstract

Admixtures have been in use in building construction industry from time immemorial. Modern day admixtures are generally organic compounds which are synthesized from the by-products of other industries. The difference between the pre-modern and modern admixtures stems not only from their inherent structures, their style of dispersion, their water reducing capabilities but also from the type of cementitious medium through which they act. The problem with the modern admixtures is that they face numerous issues when applied mainly from the cement’s inherent chemistry be it the compositions or finesses or both. This paper discusses the effect of cement types like its fineness, its mineralogical content, etc. on the properties of superplasticizers added mixes like its setting times, workability, flowability, compressive strength, durability, micro structures, ability of nano modifications etc.