Effect of superabsorbent polymers on plastic shrinkage cracking and properties of fresh state mortars reinforced by polymeric fibres

Author(s): Rohollah Rostami, Agnieszka J. Klemm
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the International Conference on Sustainable Materials, Systems and Structures (SMSS2019) New Generation of Construction Materials
Editor(s): Marijana Serdar, Nina Štirmer, John Provis
ISBN: 978-2-35158-217-6,
Vol 1. ISBN: 978-2-35158-223-7
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-218-3
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2019
Pages: 630-637
Total Pages: 8
Language : English

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) in cementitious materials can be successfully used as internal curing agents by providing continuous supply of water for hydration processes. The kinetics of absorption and desorption of water play a critical role in formation of dense and uniform microstructure and hence significantly influence long term durability and sustainability of mortars. However, the effect of SAPs on shrinkage cracking in early age fibre reinforced mortars (FRM) still remains unclear and deficient. The current study aims to address this issue by evaluating the effect of SAPs on plastic shrinkage cracking in cementitious mortars reinforced by polymeric fibre and made with three types of cement (CEM I–PC, CEM II –FA and CEM III–GGBS). The plastic shrinkage cracking was analysed by the optical microscopy according to ASTM C1579-13 standard. Fresh state properties were characterised by flow table, air content and setting time tests. The results showed that SAPs significantly reduce development of plastic shrinkage cracking and enhance its serviceability. It was also found that the fresh state properties of fibre reinforced mortars with different type of cements are strongly affected by different SAPs as governed by their particles size and absorption/desorption kinetics.

Online publication : 2019
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00