Analysis of the workability and strength of concrete with the addition of superplasticizer

Abstract

Concrete is the second most used material in construction, second only to water. With technological advances in buildings, it is necessary to use concrete with improved characteristics. Therefore, to improve concrete performance, superplasticizers have proven to be an extremely relevant component due to the effects generated in the composite. These additives reduce the quantity of water in the mixture, maintaining or increasing its consistency. Therefore, they directly influence the water/cement ratio, which is the main factor in determining the properties of hardened concrete. Thus, this article studies the influence of superplasticizers on the conventional concretes workability and compressive strength by comparing different additive dosages. For this, four experimental models were made, one without additive and another three with the following dosages: 0.20%, 0.40%, and 1.20%, keeping the trace constant. For each model, the slump was measured using the slump test, and its resistance to axial compression was determined at 14 and 28 days. Given the results obtained, there was a high increase in concrete slump and a reduction in strength with the additive addition, especially at 14 days.