Internal curing by super absorbent polymers (SAP) – effects on material properties of self-compacting fibre-reinforced high performance concrete

Title: Internal curing by super absorbent polymers (SAP) – effects on material properties of self-compacting fibre-reinforced high performance concrete
Author(s): Viktor Mechtcherine, Lukasz Dudziak, Joachim Schulze
Paper category : conference
Book title: International RILEM Conference on Volume Changes of Hardening Concrete: Testing and Mitigation
Editor(s): O. M. Jensen, P. Lura, K. Kovler
Print-ISBN: 2-35158-004-4
e-ISBN: 2351580052
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2006
Pages: 87 - 96
Total Pages: 10
Nb references: 7
Language: English

Abstract: Autogenous shrinkage is one of the major sources of volume changes in High Performance Concrete (HPC), which leads to the development of eigenstresses as well as stresses due to external restraints, and finally to concrete cracking. The internal curing of concrete using small, well distributed water reservoirs seems to be able to solve this problem. In this research project, the effects of the internal curing on autogenous shrinkage and other properties of a self-compacting fibre-reinforced HPC were investigated, which was developed and applied for construction of a thin-walled structure without conventional steel reinforcement. For internal curing, Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) were used as materials, which first absorb water in the fresh mix and subsequently release it when the relative humidity in the pore system decreases due to the hydration process. The results of the investigation display that rheological properties of fresh concrete does not change negatively upon adding SAP if extra water is added for the purpose of internal curing. Autogenous shrinkage after setting was strongly reduced by the internal curing, while drying shrinkage increased. A slight decrease in the compressive strength, tensile strength and flexural strength was observed for the investigated HPC due to the addition of SAP and extra water.

Online publication: 2006-07-30
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/2351580052.010