Influence of Superabsorbent Polymer in Self-Compacting Mortar

Abstract

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is an innovative type of concrete that does not require vibration for compaction; however, it needs attention in relation to the control of thermally generated cracks, due to the hydration heat generated mainly during the curing process in pieces with large concrete volume. In this study we investigated the addition of Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP) as internal curing elements in self-compacting mortar (SCM), as well as its thermal and mechanical characteristics, looking to obtain the optimal proportion of materials in a way that is useful as the basis of self-compacting concrete use, focusing on large volume structures. This work stands out for studying an alternative for shrinkage control, in an unconventional cementitious composite, highlighting the thermal analysis of the mixture. In the experimental program, laboratory trials were conducted using self-compacting mortar with the addition of 0%, 0.1%, and 0.2% of SAP either for CPII-E-32 and CPV-ARI and with samples undergoing both dry and submerged curing. Among the results obtained, the reduction of variation in temperature in samples with added SAP stand out, and it is possible to presume it as being a viable way of mitigating the temperature spikes in large volume concrete parts. By contrast, the compression and tensile tests indicated a reduced strength, except in the tensile trial on the CPII-E-32, which the addition of SAP resulted in an increase in strength.

Keywords

• self-compacting mortar
• self-compacting concrete
• superabsorbent polymer
• SAP
• internal curing
• heat of hydration