Relative experimental evaluation of properties of concrete with addition of super – Plasticizers

Abstract

The second most – widely used man – made material worldwide is considered to be as Concrete. Concrete is a simple construction material, produced with four basic ingredients: Cement, Fine Aggregates, Coarse Aggregates and Water. But, with the need of modification on the properties of concrete under different circumstances and various application areas, admixtures were also added while making the concrete mix. As per the latest codal provisions of IS 10262: 2019, admixtures had been added as a core ingredient, along with the four basic ingredients of concrete mix, for the determination of the quantity of each ingredient in making a concrete batch of desirable grade. With more technological advancements in the industry of cement and concrete, researchers, academicians and engineers are in a constant trend in trying to modify the properties of concrete by using various additives (such as chemical admixtures) in order to develop specialized concretes, which enhances the strength of the concrete along with the workability of concrete, thereby increasing the lifespan of the concrete – made structure. This study gives a general idea of how the different doses of chemical admixture alters the various properties of both fresh concrete and hardened concrete, such as workability and strength of concrete in compression, tension and flexure. The laboratory experiments were conducted for the determination of the characteristics of the concrete in both fresh and hardened state as per the procedures laid in Indian Standard Codal Provisions. Different dosages of chemical admixture used varies from 0% to 3% and comparable results were obtained with plain cement concrete, having 3 batch of M 20 grade concrete, each batch were tested with number of samples for getting an average value of workability and compressive strength, tensile strength and flexural strength. The result with 2% addition of admixture shows the optimum results.