The Effect of Integral Waterproof Admixture on some Mechanical Properties of Concrete, Absorption and Sulfate Attack Using Different Mix Proportions

Abstract

. This investigation aims to improving mechanical properties of normal concrete such as compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength by using integral waterproof admixture (IWP) and also decreasing absorption of concrete, using different mix proportions of concrete, study shows a good increment of compressive strength for all mixes by using integral waterproof and also increasing the flexural and tensile strengths. The study contains also a sulfate attack study on normal mixes and integral waterproof mixes. Different percentages of IWP used in the study containing 0.0%, 1% ,1.5% and 2% for each 100 kg cement. Concrete mixes with 2% IWP admixture and 1:1:1.5 mix proportions give the highest values of compressive, tensile, and flexural strength in the study. compressive strength improved from 33.6MPa for reference 1:1:1.5 mix to 39.8 MPa by using IWP, also less absorption concrete obtained, the absorption was lowered from 3.5% to 1.7%, also deterioration in strength due to sulfate attack was small compared with reference mixes, same to other mixes 1:2:4, 1:1.5:3 that also improved by IWP admixture and lead to increasing mechanical properties and reducing absorption and sulfate attack.