Evaluation of effect of superplasticizer on performance of self-compacting concrete

This research was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of three typical brands of polycarboxylate-based superplasticizers on the performance of mixtures of self-compacting concrete, with the goal of selecting a suitable type and dosage of superplasticizer. Using different dosages of the three selected superplasticizers, several mixtures of self-compacting concrete were prepared and evaluated to study the effect of the type and dosage of superplasticizer on the properties of fresh and hardened concrete. Slump flow and V-funnel time tests were conducted on fresh concrete for self-compactability, and compressive strength, water penetration depth, and water absorption tests were conducted on hardened concrete for strength and durability. The test results indicate that the type and dosage of superplasticizer have significant effects on the properties of both fresh and hardened self-compacting concrete. The experimental study presented in this paper depicts a typical methodology for selecting a suitable type and dosage of superplasticizer for producing efficient and economical mixtures of self-compacting concrete.