EVALUATION OF SUPER-WATER REDUCERS FOR HIGHWAY APPLICATIONS

"Super-water reducers" were characterized and evaluated as potential candidates for production of low water-to-cement ratio, high strength concretes for highway construction applications. Admixtures were composed of either napthalene or melamine sulfonated formaldehyde condensates. A mini-slump procedure was used to assess dosage requirements and behavior of workability with time of cement pastes. Required dosage was found to be a function of tricalcium aluminate content, alkali content, and fineness of the cement. Concretes exhibited high rates of slump loss when super-water reducers were used. Slump loss was found to be a function of cement and admixture composition, dosage of admixture, time of addition of admixture, concrete paste contents, and temperature. Based on results of this testing, the use of these admixtures in central mix paving operations is not recommended. Incorporation of super-water reducers into conventional concretes was found to alter the entrained air system. Use of higher initial plastic air contents of 7-8 percent is recommended. The most promising area of application of these products appears to be in production of dense, high cement content concrete using mobile concrete mixer/transporters.

• Corporate Authors:

  Portland Cement Association

  5420 Old Orchard Road
  Skokie, IL  United States  60077
• Authors:
  • WHITING, D
• Publication Date: 1981-3

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 181 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Admixtures; Cement content; Concrete; Concrete construction; Concrete mixing; Entrained air; Overlays (Pavements); Physical properties; Slump test; Thickness; Water reducing agents
• Uncontrolled Terms: Concrete properties; Slumps
• Old TRIS Terms: Super water reducers
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Highways; Materials; Pavements; I32: Concrete;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00607786
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: RD078.01T
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 30 1991 12:00AM