Mitigating autogenous shrinkage by means of superabsorbent polymers - effect on concrete properties

Author(s): Laurence De Meyst, Maria Araújo, Arn Mignon, Kim Van Tittelboom, Sandra Van Vlierberghe, Nele De Belie
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the 2nd International RILEM/COST Conference on Early Age Cracking and Serviceability in Cement-based Materials and Structures Volume 1
Editor(s): Stéphanie Staquet and Dimitrios Aggelis
ISBN:978-2-35158-199-5
e-ISBN:978-2-35158-198-8
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2017
Pages: 227-232
Total Pages: 6
Language : English

Abstract: (Ultra-)high performance concrete ((U)HPC) is very prone to autogenous shrinkage cracking. These cracks can create preferential pathways for the ingress of harmful substances which can facilitate the corrosion process of the steel reinforcement, resulting in a decreased durability and structural integrity of the concrete structure. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) can reduce or even mitigate autogenous shrinkage as they absorb water in the fresh concrete mix and provide it to the cement particles at the right moment in the hydration process, acting as internal curing agent for the concrete. To study the mitigation of autogenous shrinkage by SAPs, five different superabsorbent polymers based on the copolymerization of acrylic acid (AA) with dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) were synthesized at Ghent University. This paper focusses on the compatibility tests aiming at evaluating the effect of these SAPs on initial flow and slump life (rheology), hydration kinetics (reactivity) and mechanical properties (3, 7 and 28 days strength). The most promising SAPs will be further studied on their effect to mitigate autogenous shrinkage.

Online publication : 2017
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00