ADMIXTURES
Admixtures are chemicals added to concrete during mixing to modify its properties. They can enhance
workability, durability, strength, and other characteristics of concrete. There are several types of
admixtures, each serving different purposes:
1. Water-Reducing Admixtures (Plasticizers or Superplasticizers):
These admixtures reduce the amount of water required to achieve a desired level of
workability in concrete without sacrificing its strength.
Plasticizers typically reduce water content by 5-10%, while superplasticizers can reduce
water content by up to 30% or more.
They disperse cement particles more effectively, allowing for a more fluid concrete mixture
which is easier to place and finish.
Used in high-performance concrete, self-consolidating concrete, and in situations where high
workability is required without increasing water content.
2. Air-Entraining Admixtures:
Air-entraining admixtures are added to concrete to create small, stable air bubbles within the
mixture.
These air bubbles improve the freeze-thaw resistance of concrete by providing space for the
expansion of freezing water, reducing the risk of cracking and spalling.
They enhance workability and improve the cohesion and pumpability of concrete.
Commonly used in cold climates or in concrete exposed to de-icing salts.
3. Retarding Admixtures:
Retarders slow down the setting time of concrete, allowing for more time for transportation,
placement, and finishing.
They delay the hydration of cement particles, extending the plastic phase of concrete.
Useful in hot weather conditions, large construction projects, or when there are logistical
challenges in placing concrete within a short timeframe.
4. Accelerating Admixtures:
Accelerators speed up the setting time and early strength development of concrete.
They are used in cold weather conditions to prevent delays in construction due to low
temperatures, or in situations where early strength is critical.
Accelerators can be chloride-based (such as calcium chloride) or non-chloride-based (such as
calcium nitrate or triethanolamine).
5. Pozzolanic Admixtures:
Pozzolanic materials, such as fly ash, silica fume, or slag, are added to concrete as
supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs).
They react with calcium hydroxide produced during cement hydration to form additional
cementitious compounds, improving the strength, durability, and chemical resistance of
concrete.
Pozzolanic admixtures also reduce heat of hydration and mitigate alkali-silica reaction.
6. Corrosion Inhibiting Admixtures:
These admixtures are added to concrete to protect embedded steel reinforcement from
corrosion caused by chloride ions or carbonation.
They create a protective layer on the surface of reinforcing steel or reduce the permeability of
concrete, preventing the ingress of harmful substances.
7. Pigments:
Pigments are added to concrete to change its color, allowing for decorative or aesthetic
purposes.
8. Fiber Reinforcement:
Fibers such as steel, glass, or synthetic fibers are added to concrete to improve its tensile
strength, toughness, and resistance to cracking.
9. Integral waterproofing admixtures
Integral waterproofing admixtures are additives mixed directly into concrete during batching
to enhance its waterproofing properties. These admixtures work by reducing the permeability
of concrete, thus preventing water from penetrating or passing through the structure. Integral
waterproofing admixtures offer several advantages over traditional surface-applied
waterproofing methods, such as:
Uniform Protection, Simplified Application, Improved Durability, Increased Structural Strength,
Cost-effectiveness
Each type of admixture serves specific purposes and can be used individually or in combination to tailor
concrete mixtures to meet the requirements of a particular project or application.
