Preface

Author(s): Viktor Mechtcherine and Christof Schroefl
Paper category: Conference
Book Title: International RILEM Conference on Application of Superabsorbent Polymers and Other New Admixtures in Concrete Construction
Editor: Viktor Mechtcherine and Christof Schroefl
ISBN: 978-2-35158-147-6
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-148-3
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2014
Pages: XIX-XX
Total Pages: 2
Language: English

Abstract: In the past few decades great advances in concrete technology have been made, to a large extent as a result of the development and use of new chemical additives. Although added to concrete in very small quantities, they can improve crucial properties of concrete in its fresh and/or hardened state dramatically. Most prominent among the examples of this is the use of modern superplasticizers, which enable the development of new types of concrete such as Self-Compacting Concrete or Ultra-High-Performance Concrete. Despite these considerable advances and the already broad palette of existing concrete additives, however, there is great need for further progress. The proceedings as programmed summarise leading international experts' contributions at the conference dedicated to this topic: The application of superabsorbent polymers and other new admixtures in concrete construction.

Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) are indeed a remarkable example of such a new multi-purpose additive. SAP enable the discrete control of water availability and porosity formation. They can be used in modifying rheology, mitigating plastic shrinkage and self-desiccation, protecting concrete from frost damage, supporting the self-healing of concrete, and assisting in several other ways. Other examples of new admixtures covered at the conference include internal curing agents, shrinkage reducers, stabilisers, and agents to control the pore system. Contributions deal with insights gained from experimental studies, theory, or modelling, where such new functional additives are used in cement-based construction materials. A wide range of concrete properties affected by the new admixtures are treated: rheology, shrinkage and shrinkage-induced cracking, mechanical properties, durability, etc. Special focus is directed at chemical and other approaches in characterising the working mechanisms of the admixtures and improving their performance.

The scientific sponsor of the conference is Technical Committee 225-SAP “Application of superabsorbent polymers in concrete construction”, initiated within RILEM (International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems and Structures) in 2007. The committee’s objective was to coordinate research efforts and compile the results of studies with respect to the effects of SAP addition on the properties of concrete in its fresh and hardened states. The main product of the committee’s work was a State-of-the-Art Report (Mechtcherine, Reinhardt, eds., Springer, 2012) summarising the information and knowledge available in the field. It provided as well a solid basis and a good reference for further research and served also as a starting point for further activity of RILEM TC 225-SAP, including two round-robin tests. The first round-robin test focused on the mitigation of autogenous shrinkage of high-performance concrete and was performed by 13 international research groups, whose results were published in Materials and Structures. The second round-robin test, run at 14 international laboratories, focused on aspects of durability, more specifically on freezing-and-thawing resistance both with and without de-icing salt. The results of the tests are being evaluated currently for an article in preparation for Materials and Structures. Furthermore, RILEM TC 225-SAP organised an International RILEM Conference on “Use of superabsorbent polymers and other new additives in concrete”, Lyngby, Denmark, 15-18 August 2010. The conference coming up in Dresden, Germany, 14-17 September 2014, is the final event of the Technical Committee. A follow-up TC is being planned now to continue this successful work. The main goal of the new TC will be the elaboration/generation of recommendations for engineers and practitioners interested in use of SAP in concrete construction.

Along with RILEM three further organisations acted as informational sponsors of this conference: The International federation of structural concrete (fib), Deutsche Bauchemie, and the German Structural Concrete Committee (DAfStb). Their valuable support is highly appreciated. Finally, the organisers of the conference would like to thank BASF and Deutsche Bauchemie for their generous financial support.

Online publication: 2014
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00