The effect of crystalline material addition to concrete quality

Abstract

To improve the moisture susceptibility of concrete structure that will be exposed to water, an admixture should be added. One of the additives that can be added is Xypex C-1000 NF, which a crystalline material. A number of past studies have shown that this additive is effective in improving the moisture resistance of concrete structure. However, the application of this additive in Indonesia was found to be challenging as the performance of the concrete mixture was not as good as expected. This research aims to evaluate the effect of adding various percentages of this additive, various amount of water to be added to the concrete mixture, and the methods of mixing the materials, which are wet and dry methods, by looking at both the slump value and the compressive strength of the concrete specimens. From the research results, it was found that the methods used to mix the additive matter to produce a desirable concrete quality. The wet mix method is the preferable method as it produces less variations in compressive strength test results regardless of the additional water amount. It was also found that, by using both dry and wet mix methods, the usage of Xypex C-1000 NF can improve the compressive strength value.

An overview of a twofold effect of crystalline admixtures in cement-based materials: from permeability-reducers to self-healing stimulators

“…The findings obtained by Azarsa et al [26] indicated that 2% CA slightly increased the air content, and clearly reduced the slump in concretes regardless of the type of cement. In contrast, other result [54] noticed an increase in the slump values of concretes with CA. Innovative formulations promise to reduce the collateral effects of CAs in concretes when it comes to the negative impact on the workability, entrapped air and density [25].…”

Effect of crystalline admixture on early‐age residual stress and cracking potential of high‐strength concrete

“…First, the investigations on the effect of CA as a permeabilityreducer on cementitious materials focus on the mechanical properties and durability. [14][15][16][17] Munn et al 15 reveal a considerable rise in compressive strength of concretes when 1.2% CA is added, and sulfate resistance as well as chloride resistance are also improved with the incorporation of CA. García-Vera et al 14 investigate the mechanical properties of mortar with CA in an aggressive environment, and results indicate that mortar with CA exhibits a greater compressive strength than the control one after a 90-day sulfuric acid exposure, but in short term this enhancement is less pronounced.…”

“…Robertson and Newtson 16 indicate that after a 10‐year laboratory and field monitoring study in marine environment, concrete mixtures with fly ash or silica fume show a superior corrosion‐inhibiting performance compared with the concrete mixtures with CAs. Nataadmadja et al 17 find that the incorporation of CA enhances the compressive strength of normal strength concrete. Second, as a self‐healing stimulator, CA is always introduced in cementitious materials for crack healing 18–20 .…”

“…However, wide application of CA cannot provide quantitative information to ensure enough reliability in practice, which is ascribed to the diversity of manufacturers and scarcity of comprehensive investigations, as highlighted by Mohammadreza Hassani et al 26 The results of performance of CA exhibit discordant in investigations, 27,28 denting confidence in practice. Moreover, as reviewed previously, the existing investigations focus on the mechanical properties and durability of cementitious materials, which are performed without restraints 14–20 . Shrinkage, as a significant phenomenon of cementitious materials at early age, will occur and implicitly determine service life of concrete structures 29 .…”

“…Moreover, as reviewed previously, the existing investigations focus on the mechanical properties and durability of cementitious materials, which are performed without restraints. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20] Shrinkage, as a significant phenomenon of cementitious materials at early age, will occur and implicitly determine service life of concrete structures. 29 HSC is prone to cracking in practice especially when volumetric change is restrained at early age.…”