NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, SRINAGAR

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

“APPLICATIONS AND IMPACTS

OF CHEMICAL ADMIXTURES IN
CONCRETE”
-A SEMINAR PRESENTATION 1
PRESENTED BY ~
DATE : ❑ SALIQ FAYAZ
❑ KASHIYA HANIEF
❑ AAYANIE RIYAZ
 INTRODUCTION
• Chemical Admixtures are additives that improve fresh and hardened
concrete properties, addressing challenges in workability, strength, setting
time, and durability.

• Purpose: This presentation discusses the types, applications, and

limitations of chemical admixtures based on a detailed study.

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 IMPORTANCE OF CHEMICAL
ADMIXTURES
• Admixtures enhance workability, allowing easier handling and placement.
• They control setting time, which is essential in extreme weather conditions.
• Increased durability and strength: Admixtures like air-entraining agents improve
freeze-thaw resistance, while superplasticizers allow high-strength concrete with reduced
water content.

• Versatile applications: From high-rise buildings to marine structures, admixtures make

concrete adaptable to different project needs.
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 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

❑Ancient Beginnings: Romans experimented with adding materials like

blood and egg whites to improve concrete durability.

❑Modern Developments:
▪ In the 1930s, issues with Portland cement concrete in New York led to
mixing natural cements for better durability.
▪ Air-entraining agents were accidentally discovered, later improving freeze-
thaw durability.
▪ 1950s onward: Systematic use of admixtures evolved through research and
scientific formulation (Jackson, 1944; Holbrook, 1941).

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TYPES OF CHEMICAL ADMIXTURES

Overview
Chemical admixtures are categorized based on their function:
⮚ Water-Reducing Admixtures: Reduce water content for improved
strength.
⮚ Air-Entraining Admixtures: Introduce air bubbles for freeze-thaw
resistance.
⮚ Superplasticizers: Increase flowability without extra water.
⮚ Accelerators and Retarders: Control setting time in different
temperatures. Each admixture has specific applications tailored to
construction needs.

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 ❑ WATER REDUCING ADMIXTURES

• Function: Reduces water content without compromising workability;

enhances strength.

• Common Uses:
⮚ High-Rise Buildings: Needed for stronger, more workable concrete.
⮚ Precast Concrete: Simplifies molding and finishing.
⮚ Mass Concrete Projects: Reduces shrinkage in large concrete pours.

• Composition: Lignosulfonates, carboxylic acids, or polymers.

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 ❑ AIR-ENTRAINING ADMIXTURES

• Function: Introduces microscopic air bubbles to improve freeze-thaw

resistance.
• Applications:
⮚ Roads and Highways: Prevents scaling in cold weather.
⮚ Bridges: Provides durability in freeze-thaw environments.
⮚ Marine Structures: Reduces the risk of cracking due to water exposure.
• Common Compounds: Natural wood resins, detergents, and fatty acids.

AIR-ENTRAINED CONCRETE

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 ❑ SUPERPLASTICIZERS
• Function: Greatly increases workability with minimal water, essential for high-
strength concrete.
• Applications:
⮚ Self-Consolidating Concrete: Allows concrete to flow without vibration.
⮚ Precast Concrete Elements: Enhances strength with low water-cement ratios.
⮚ Slabs and Columns: Ideal for reinforced elements with dense spacing.
• Composition: Sulfonated naphthalene or melamine formaldehyde condensates.

USE OF
SUPERPLASTICIZER
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 ❑ ACCELERATING ADMIXTURES

⮚ Function: Speed up setting time, particularly useful in cold weather.

⮚ Applications: Ideal for winter concreting and repair work needing rapid
strength gain.

⮚ Common Compounds: Calcium chloride (with restrictions for reinforced

concrete).

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 ❑ RETARDING ADMIXTURES

⮚ Function: Delay setting time to prevent premature hardening in hot

weather.

⮚ Applications: Mass pours, bridge decks, and other large projects.

⮚ Common Compounds: Calcium sulfate, sugars

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 CASE STUDY

 Usage of admixtures in Eskisehir, Turkey

• Objective: This survey conducted in Eskisehir analyzed admixture usage

patterns, preferences, and challenges among 153 construction
professionals.

• Key Questions:
Types of admixtures commonly used ,Reasons for their usage, dosage rates,
and challenges faced.

• Participant Demographics: Engineers, contractors, and site supervisors

working in diverse construction projects in Turkey.

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 FINDINGS FROM SURVEY

• Popular Admixtures:

• Challenges:50% of respondents reported using low admixture dosages.

• Cost increase: Admixture usage raised concrete costs by 3-10% per cubic
meter, but benefits in durability and maintenance justified the cost.

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 LIMITATIONS AND CHALLENGES

• Cost Increases: Admixtures add to production costs, although long-

term benefits often offset initial expenses.

• Lack of Awareness: Many professionals lack training on proper

admixture usage, as shown in the Eskisehir study where 55% were
unaware of compatibility testing.

• Performance Variability: Performance can vary significantly with

environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity .

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 FUTURE TRENDS IN ADMIXTURE
TECHNOLOGY
• Sustainability Focus: Growing interest in eco-friendly admixtures to
reduce environmental impact.

• Use of Recycled Materials: Fly ash, slag, and silica fume as

supplementary cementitious materials.

• Advanced Formulations: Research is focusing on improving durability,

reducing carbon footprint, and enhancing the efficiency of admixtures .

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 CONCLUSION

• Summary: Chemical admixtures are essential for optimizing concrete

performance in modern construction.

• Key Benefits: Enhanced workability, strength, durability, and adaptability

in various climates.

• Challenges: Costs, compatibility issues, and the need for adequate training
are ongoing considerations.

• Outlook: Continued innovation in admixture formulations promises to

make concrete even more sustainable and resilient for the future.

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THANK YOU ALL!

QUESTIONS
WELCOMED!

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