Effect of Superplasticizers to Enhance the Properties of Concrete

Abstract

This study aimed to study the effects of asuperplasticizing admixture, namely, Sikament-NN superplasticizer, on concrete properties, such as workability and compressive strength. Experiments were performed on different concrete mixes with water–cement ratios of 0.50, 0.55, and 0.60. The superplasticizer dosages by weight of cement were 0%, 0.8%, 1%, and 1.2%. The experiments were classified into two phases: the first phase focused on the effects of superplasticizer admixture on workability and compressive strength, and the second phase determined the influence of superplasticizer admixture on concrete quality by reducing the amount of mixing water. Results showed that the addition of superplasticizer admixture improved workability and compressive strength. The experiment program included tests on workability, slump test, and flow table. For hardened concrete’s compressive strength test, we compared the properties of superplasticizer-based concrete with those of concrete without superplasticizer. The superplasticizer led to a significant water reduction but maintained workability.