Factors Influencing Strength of Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Concrete

Abstract

Super absorbent polymers (SAPs) are gradually being applied in concrete production as internal curing agents. SAP can effectively reduce early age autogenous shrinkage of concrete, alleviate the hazards caused by concrete cracking and improve its freeze–thaw resistance. However, the relationships between SAP dosage, SAP particle size and the water–cement ratio of concrete have certain influences on the evolution of the compressive strength of SAP-incorporated concrete. In this study, experiments were conducted to investigate the relationships between the water–cement ratio of concrete, the SAP dosage and SAP particle size. The significant factors influencing concrete strength are determined and equations are proposed for predicting the strength of SAP-incorporated concrete at 3, 7 and 28 days. The findings from this study, such as the SAP dosage should not be larger than 0.2%, are expected to form a theoretical basis for the rational use of SAP as an additive to concrete.

Keywords

Super absorbent polymer (SAP) / Compressive strength / Statistical analysis / Prediction equation

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