The use of superplasticizers in multicomponent concrete mixtures

Abstract

In addition to the positive effect of the introduction of a superplasticizer, there are also negative ones: an increase in the period of structure formation, a significant air entrainment and, as a result, a decrease in strength. One of the ways to reduce the negative impact on the structure and properties of concrete composites is the method of preparing a suspension, which consists in first dissolving 10% of the amount of cement in all the mixing water in a concrete mixer for 1-2 minutes. Then load the rest of the cement and aggregate. Preliminary dissolution in water mixing with superplasticizer leads to the formation of a colloidal solution containing an increased amount of micro- and nanoparticles. When a superplasticizer is introduced into a cement-water suspension, particles with a high degree of dispersion are formed, as well as calcium hydrosilicate cristolites with a size of 1-3 nm. This sharply increases the activity of the superplasticizer and, consequently, improves the mobility of the concrete mixture. For example, from P2 to P3, from P3 to P5. This allows to reduce the consumption of the additive by 1.5 - 2 times. It has been established that the superplasticizer can be adsorbed only on hydrate neoplasms. For pre-treatment, it is necessary to use special equipment with high energy consumption such as RPA, fine grinding mills, disintegrators and various activators. Obtaining a cement-water suspension can be carried out in mortar, concrete mixers, in mixers of any type. The concrete mixture consists of cement, crushed stone, sand, water and superplasticizer C-3, determination of the draft of the cone using the Abrams cone, determination of the cubic strength using a hydraulic press in accordance with GOST 10180-2012. It becomes possible to increase the grade in terms of workability as a result of preliminary hydroactivation of the plasticizing additive, which leads to a decrease in its consumption. This method of hydroactivation of superplasticizers for the manufacture of cement concretes can be used to save the consumption of a plasticizing additive.