Development of high-performance self curing concrete using super absorbent polymer and silica fume additives

Abstract

Curing plays a vital role in determining the mechanical properties of hardened concrete. The use of Super Absorbent polymer (SAP) has been found to be highly effective in reducing the water requirement for curing. Silica Fume (SF) is commonly used as a mineral admixture in High Performance Concrete (HPC) to improve mechanical and durability properties. But when silica fume was incorporated in SAPs, contradictory results with respect to strength after curing has been reported and this study aims to evaluate the effect of altering dosage of SAP and SF to maximize the strength and to reduce the water requirements in HPC. Concrete tested include traditional HPC and specimens of HPC with SAP, HPC with SF and HPC with combined dosage of SAP and SF. Compressive strength test, Split Tensile test and Sulphate attack test were conducted as per relevant Indian Standards. The dosage of SAP and SF were individually varied in the initial stage and from the experimental results, optimal dosage of SAP and SF was determined. The combined specimen with the optimal dosage of SAP and SF was tested in the final stage. The results showed that self-curing effect of SAP and the filler effect of SF maximize the compressive and tensile strength of hardened concrete. The optimal dosage was derived as 0.35% (by weight of cement) for SAP and 10% (by weight of cement) for SF and higher SAP or SF content in HPC was found to be detrimental with respect to strength.