NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, SIKKIM
Admixture
Course: Advanced Concrete Technology
Presented by:
B210097CE B210098CE B210099CE B210100CE
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What is admixture?
IS code: IS 9103:1999 (Indian Standard – Specification for Concrete Admixtures)
Definition:As per IS code;
“A material other than water, aggregates, cement, and fiber reinforcement, used as an
ingredient of concrete and added to the batch immediately before or during its mixing to
modify one or more properties of the concrete in the fresh or hardened state.”
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Why is Admixture Used?
● Improves workability without extra water.
● Enhances durability and resistance to chemicals and weather.
● Controls setting time in different environments.
● Reduces construction costs and material waste.
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Benefits of Admixtures
1. Enhances workability.
2. Increases strength and durability.
3. Reduces water demand and permeability.
4. Allows for special concrete types.
5. Improves resistance to harsh environments.
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Types of Admixtures & Special Admixtures
Admixtures
chemical Mineral
Water reducers Super plasticizer Fly ash Silica Fume
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Retarding Admixtures
● Purpose: Slows down the setting time of concrete.
● Applications:
○ Large concrete pours
○ Hot weather concreting
● Examples: Gypsum, Sugars, Calcium sulfate
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Accelerating Admixtures
● Purpose: Speeds up setting and early strength gain.
● Applications:
○ Cold weather concreting
○ Emergency repairs
● Examples: Calcium chloride, Sodium nitrate
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Air-Entraining Admixtures
● Purpose: Introduces microscopic air bubbles for freeze-thaw
resistance.
● Applications: Concrete in cold regions, pavements, bridges.
● Examples: Resins, Fats, Alkali salts
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Advantages:
● Enhances durability, workability, and strength
● Reduces construction costs
● Allows for special concrete types
● Improves resistance to extreme conditions
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Disadvantages:
● Can increase cost
● Requires accurate dosage
● Misuse may lead to durability issues
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Real-Life Applications
● Use in High-Performance Concrete (HPC) – Superplasticizers
● Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) – Special admixtures
● Marine structures & bridges – Corrosion inhibitors
● Sustainable Concrete – Fly ash, Silica fume
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Case study
Case Study 1: Use of Superplasticizers in Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Project Overview:
● Structure: Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building (828m)
● Challenge: Pumping concrete to extreme heights while maintaining workability and strength
● Solution:
○ High-range Superplasticizers (Polycarboxylate-based) were used
○ Benefits:
■ Improved workability without increasing water content
■ Allowed pumping concrete up to 600m in a single pour
■ Achieved high strength and durability required for the extreme environment
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Conclusion
● Admixtures enhance concrete properties and enable innovative
construction.
● Future trends include eco-friendly and self-healing admixtures.
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Thank you
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