Department of Civil Engineering
Assignment no. 3
Name: Abdul Moaeed
Reg. no: FA22-CVE-072
Section: 5B
Subject: Properties of Concrete
Submitted To: Dr. Adnan Nawaz
Q1. Write the Mechanism of Super Plasticizers? How to Increase its workability and also
writes its chemical and physical reactions?
A. Superplasticizers are chemical admixtures used in concrete to increase its workability
(fluidity) without adding extra water. They are often referred to as high-range water reducers
(HRWR) and are essential in modern concrete mixes, particularly for high-performance
concretes. Superplasticizers allow for a significant reduction in water content (by up to 30%)
while maintaining or improving workability. This results in concrete with higher strength, better
durability, and enhanced setting properties.
➢ Key Characteristics of Superplasticizers:
• High-Range Water Reduction (HRWR):
o Superplasticizers can reduce the water content in a concrete mix by 20% to 30% without
compromising workability. This is essential for high-strength concrete as a lower water-
cement ratio leads to denser, more durable, and stronger concrete. Unlike conventional
water reducers, which reduce water content by around 5-10%, superplasticizers provide
a more substantial reduction, resulting in enhanced performance.
• Maintaining Workability Over Time:
o One of the challenges with concrete mixes is that workability tends to reduce as
hydration progresses. Superplasticizers, particularly polycarboxylates (PCEs), are
engineered to retain fluidity over an extended period. This is beneficial when long
transportation or delayed placement of concrete is involved, such as in large-scale
construction projects. These admixtures extend the working time, minimizing the risk of
cold joints or cracks due to premature setting.
• Improved Rheology:
o Superplasticizers modify the flow characteristics (rheology) of the concrete mix, making
it less prone to segregation or bleeding. They help create a cohesive mix where
aggregates, cement paste, and water are uniformly distributed, preventing the
separation of coarse aggregates from the mix and minimizing surface bleeding (where
excess water rises to the surface). This is especially critical for architectural finishes and
structures where surface quality is important.
• Superior Placement in Complex Formwork:
o When dealing with intricate or congested reinforcement, superplasticizers improve the
concrete’s ability to flow into tight spaces without needing excessive mechanical
vibration. This reduces the risk of voids, honeycombing, or poor compaction around
steel reinforcement, leading to a more durable and aesthetically superior structure.
Superplasticized concrete flows more easily around formwork and rebars, reducing
labor and equipment costs.
• Enhanced Pumpability:
o Pumping concrete over long distances or to elevated heights can be a challenge without
proper workability. Superplasticizers reduce friction between particles in the concrete
mix, improving its ability to move through pipelines without blockages. This allows for
the use of pumping techniques even in difficult-to-access sites, such as high-rise
buildings or tunneling projects, improving overall construction efficiency.
• Early Strength Development:
o In certain formulations, superplasticizers can accelerate the hydration process, allowing
for rapid strength gain. This is particularly useful in precast concrete production, where
quick demolding is required, or in projects requiring early loading of structures. By
facilitating early strength development, construction schedules can be shortened, and
formwork can be removed faster, improving productivity on-site.
• Compatibility with Other Admixtures:
o Superplasticizers are often used alongside other admixtures, such as retarders (to slow
down the setting time), accelerators (to speed up the setting time), or air-entraining
agents (for freeze-thaw durability). Modern superplasticizers are designed to be
compatible with a variety of cement types and admixtures, allowing for flexible mix
designs to meet specific project requirements. This versatility enables engineers to fine-
tune the concrete's properties for varying environmental conditions, load requirements,
or structural complexities.
• Reduction of Shrinkage and Creep:
o By allowing for a lower water-cement ratio, superplasticizers reduce the shrinkage and
creep of concrete. Shrinkage occurs due to the evaporation of water from the concrete,
while creep refers to the long-term deformation of concrete under sustained load. With
reduced water content, the risk of these deformations is minimized, leading to a more
dimensionally stable structure over time. This is critical in projects where concrete
deformation could impact structural performance, such as bridges, high-rise buildings,
or large floor slabs.
• Sustainability:
o Superplasticizers contribute to sustainable construction by reducing the amount of
cement required in concrete mixtures. Since the water-cement ratio can be reduced,
less cement is needed to achieve the same level of strength and workability. Cement
production is a significant source of CO2 emissions, so using superplasticizers helps
lower the carbon footprint of concrete. This is particularly important in the context of
green building certifications like LEED or BREEAM, where sustainability is a key criterion.
• Improved Durability Against Environmental Attacks:
o By reducing the water content in the mix, superplasticizers help in producing concrete
with low permeability. This means that harmful agents, such as chlorides (which cause
steel reinforcement corrosion) or sulfates (which can degrade the concrete matrix),
have more difficulty penetrating the structure. As a result, superplasticized concrete is
better suited for harsh environments, such as marine structures, wastewater treatment
plants, or industrial facilities exposed to chemical spills.
➢ Types of Superplasticizers:
1. Lignosulfonates (First-Generation Plasticizers):
• Source: Lignosulfonates are derived from wood pulp during the paper-making process
and were among the earliest plasticizers used in concrete. They are typically referred to
as low-range water reducers, though they also exist in more effective forms as
plasticizers.
• Water Reduction: Typically reduces water content by about 5% to 12%.
• Usage: Although considered a first-generation plasticizer, lignosulfonates are still used
today in less demanding applications where moderate workability and water reduction
are sufficient.
• Limitations: Lignosulfonates have limited ability to retain workability for extended
periods and are more prone to causing segregation and bleeding if not carefully dosed.
They are less effective than modern superplasticizers, especially for high-performance
concrete applications.
2. Naphthalene Sulfonate Formaldehyde Condensates (NSF)
• Source: Naphthalene-based superplasticizers are produced by the sulfonation of
naphthalene and subsequent condensation with formaldehyde. They are known as
second-generation superplasticizers.
• Water Reduction: These can reduce water content by 15% to 25%, providing substantial
improvements in both workability and strength compared to lignosulfonates.
• Usage: Naphthalene-based superplasticizers are widely used in high-strength concrete,
precast concrete, and ready-mix applications. They are effective in providing high early
strength and improving the flow of concrete, especially in congested reinforcement
areas.
• Strengths: These superplasticizers significantly improve workability without increasing
the risk of segregation, making them suitable for complex formwork. They also have
good dispersion characteristics, ensuring uniform hydration of cement particles.
• Limitations: One of the key limitations is that naphthalene-based superplasticizers lose
their effectiveness relatively quickly, which means the concrete may start to lose
workability faster than with more advanced types. Their effectiveness may also reduce
in high temperatures or when used with certain types of cement.
3. Melamine Sulfonate Formaldehyde Condensates (MSF)
• Source: Like naphthalene-based superplasticizers, melamine-based superplasticizers are
produced through the sulfonation of melamine and condensation with formaldehyde.
• Water Reduction: They typically achieve a similar level of water reduction as
naphthalene-based products, around 15% to 25%.
• Usage: Melamine-based superplasticizers are known for their ability to produce high
early strength and are often used in precast concrete applications where rapid strength
gain is essential. They are also used in high-performance concrete and for achieving a
very smooth, high-quality surface finish.
• Strengths: Melamine-based superplasticizers improve workability and provide excellent
early strength, making them ideal for projects with tight schedules where early load-
bearing capacity is critical.
• Limitations: Melamine-based superplasticizers tend to be more expensive and are less
effective in retaining workability over long periods compared to modern alternatives
such as polycarboxylates. This means they are typically used in situations where early
strength gain is prioritized over long-term workability.
4. Polycarboxylate Ether (PCE) Superplasticizers
• Source: Polycarboxylate ether superplasticizers represent the third-generation and most
advanced class of superplasticizers. They are based on long-chain polymers that include
carboxyl groups. PCEs are synthesized through controlled polymerization processes,
allowing for the creation of customized molecular structures for specific concrete
performance requirements.
• Water Reduction: PCEs provide the highest level of water reduction, typically between
20% and 30%, or even more, without sacrificing workability.
• Usage: PCE-based superplasticizers are widely used in modern concrete technology,
including high-performance concrete (HPC), self-consolidating concrete (SCC), and ultra-
high-performance concrete (UHPC). They are also preferred for projects requiring
extended workability, such as large-scale pours or concrete transportation over long
distances.
• Strengths:
o High Workability Retention: PCE superplasticizers maintain workability for long
durations, often for several hours. This is particularly useful in projects involving
long transportation times or where the concrete must be workable for an
extended period before placement.
o Low Dosage, High Effectiveness: PCEs are highly efficient, meaning that even at
low dosages, they can achieve significant water reduction and improved
workability. This also leads to cost savings.
o Tailorability: One of the greatest advantages of PCEs is their molecular structure,
which can be modified to suit specific performance needs, such as high early
strength, extended setting time, or enhanced durability.
• Limitations: While PCEs offer superior performance, they are more sensitive to
variations in mix design and environmental conditions. For example, their performance
can be affected by the type of cement used, the presence of other admixtures, or the
ambient temperature. As a result, precise mix design control is needed.
5. Sodium Polyacrylate Superplasticizers
• Source: Sodium polyacrylate-based superplasticizers are part of an emerging class of
polymer admixtures. These superplasticizers are created from the polymerization of
acrylate monomers and offer high performance in terms of water reduction and
workability.
• Water Reduction: Comparable to PCE-based superplasticizers, achieving up to 30%
water reduction.
• Usage: Sodium polyacrylate superplasticizers are still relatively new to the market but
show great promise in high-performance concrete applications where extreme water
reduction and fluidity are required. They are especially useful in high-strength and self-
consolidating concrete.
• Strengths: These superplasticizers offer excellent dispersion of cement particles,
resulting in superior workability and strength. They are also less prone to causing slump
loss, making them ideal for long-duration applications.
• Limitations: As a newer product, sodium polyacrylate-based superplasticizers are less
widely available and may be more expensive. Additionally, their performance in various
environmental conditions is still being researched.
6. Modified Lignosulfonates (Blended Superplasticizers)
• Source: These are modified versions of traditional lignosulfonates, often blended with
other chemical components such as naphthalene or melamine to enhance their water-
reducing capabilities.
• Water Reduction: While not as effective as pure PCEs or naphthalene-based
superplasticizers, modified lignosulfonates can still achieve moderate water reduction
(10-15%).
• Usage: These superplasticizers are typically used in less demanding concrete
applications where moderate workability and water reduction are needed at a lower
cost.
• Strengths: The blending process improves upon the basic lignosulfonates, offering
better performance in terms of water reduction and compatibility with modern cements
compared to unmodified lignosulfonates.
• Limitations: They are less efficient than newer generations of superplasticizers and may
not perform as well in high-performance or specialized concrete applications.
➢ How to Increase Workability in Concrete:
Workability refers to how easily the concrete can be mixed, placed, compacted, and finished.
Several factors influence workability, and various methods can be used to improve it:
1. Increase Water Content: Adding water increases workability but can weaken the
strength of the concrete by increasing the water-cement ratio.
2. Use Superplasticizers: These admixtures increase workability without adding extra
water, allowing for a lower water-cement ratio, which retains the strength of the
concrete.
3. Use Air-Entraining Agents: Adding air entraining agents increases the workability by
incorporating tiny air bubbles into the mix. This is beneficial for freeze-thaw resistance as
well.
4. Aggregate Gradation and Shape: Using well-graded aggregates (a mix of various sizes)
and aggregates with rounded shapes can improve workability. Angular aggregates make
the concrete harder to work with.
5. Reduce Aggregate Size: Using smaller aggregates can improve workability as they create
less friction between particles compared to larger aggregates.
6. Cement Content: Increasing the cement content improves cohesion and workability but
may lead to increased shrinkage if not controlled.
7. Temperature Control: Higher temperatures cause rapid hydration of cement, which
reduces workability over time. Keeping the concrete mix cool can help maintain
workability for longer.
➢ Chemical and Physical Reactions of Superplasticizers:
Superplasticizers primarily affect the hydration process of cement, influencing both chemical
and physical reactions.
• Chemical Reactions:
1. Dispersion of Cement Particles: The molecules of superplasticizers adsorb onto the
surface of cement particles, imparting a negative charge that causes them to repel each
other. This prevents flocculation (clumping) of cement particles and ensures better
hydration and dispersion throughout the mix.
2. Water Reduction Mechanism: By dispersing the cement particles, the water trapped in
the cement flocs is released. As a result, less water is required to wet the particles,
which leads to a reduction in the overall water content needed for the mix.
3. Hydration Rate Control: Some superplasticizers can retard or accelerate the hydration
process. Retarders extend the working time of the concrete, useful in hot weather or
large pours, while accelerators can speed up the setting time, aiding in cold-weather
concreting or fast-track construction projects.
• Physical Reactions:
1. Improved Workability: The increased dispersion of cement particles leads to a more
fluid mix with better workability, making it easier to transport, place, and finish the
concrete.
2. Increased Strength: By reducing the water-cement ratio without affecting the
workability, superplasticizers lead to stronger concrete. The lower water content results
in fewer capillary voids, enhancing the compressive strength of the hardened concrete.
3. Reduced Segregation and Bleeding: Proper use of superplasticizers helps create a
cohesive mix, reducing the tendency for aggregates to segregate and for water to rise to
the surface (bleeding). This is especially important for high-performance concrete.
4. Better Pumpability: The fluidity imparted by superplasticizers enables easier pumping,
especially in cases where the concrete has to be transported over long distances or to
elevated heights.
• Chemical Composition of Superplasticizers:
1. Naphthalene Sulfonates: Based on the condensation of formaldehyde with naphthalene
sulfonates. These are widely used for moderate water reduction and high fluidity.
2. Melamine Formaldehyde Sulfonates: Another class that can achieve high water
reduction but is more expensive and less commonly used.
3. Polycarboxylate Ethers (PCEs): These are the most advanced, based on long polymer
chains that provide excellent dispersion of cement particles and allow for sustained
workability.
➢ Conclusion:
Superplasticizers have transformed concrete technology by enabling high-performance
concrete with improved workability, strength, and durability. By reducing water content by
up to 30%, they enhance concrete density and strength without compromising workability,
while also contributing to sustainability by lowering cement usage. Different types, from
first-generation lignosulfonates to advanced polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizers,
offer various advantages based on project needs. Lignosulfonates are suitable for basic
applications, while naphthalene, melamine-based, and PCE superplasticizers provide higher
water reduction and better workability retention for complex, high-strength concrete. The
choice depends on project-specific requirements, ensuring optimal concrete performance
and longevity.
