Study on SAP with different absorption capacities and its effects on Self Curing HPC

Abstract

Internal moist curing by Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) plays an vital role in strength development and durability of High Performance Concrete (HPC). The aim of this study is to examine how the strength reduction happens by adding super absorbent polymer and rectification of strength reduction using micro fillers. The amount of SAP added to the concrete was calculated using the absorption capacity that was obtained as a result of tea bag test. The present study also involves the use of super absorbent polymer in gel and dry state to both mortar and concrete. First strength property was tested in mortar for both gel and dry state. It was found that SAP added in dry state to mortar has no adverse effect on compressive strength and tested. In the present work additional micro filler (silica fume) with different ratios: 0.0%, 10%, 15%, 20% of weight of cement is added to improve the mechanical properties of high strength concrete with SAP. The concrete samples are subjected to ambient curing and mechanical properties (compressive strength and modulus of rupture) were evaluated at different ages, up to 28 days. Durability property such as sorptivity, water absorption and carbonation was conducted on HPC. The effect of internally cured concrete was studied and compared with conventionally cured concrete.