EFFECT OF ADMIXTURE IN CONCRETE MIX DESIGN

BY
MAHADEV SHESHRAO SABLE
CONTENT :-

Introduction
 Function
 Types of admixture
 Accelerators
 Retarders
 Plasticizers
 Super plasticizers
 Air Entraining Admixtures
 Admixture Used In Concrete
 Mix Design For M60 Grade Of Concrete
 Mix Design For M30 Grade Of Concrete

 Properties Of Material Cement

 Preparation of test samples

 Cube casting Procedure

 Conclusion

 Refrence
 Literature Review

B.H.V. PAI ET AL. [2014]1 –

This paper is based on investigational results of concrete sample casted with use of Ordinary Portland
Cement, Silica Fumes (SF), Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), river sand having fineness modulus 2.91
and specific gravity 2.64, , Super plasticizer (SP) of commercially available brand, Cera Hyper plasticizer and portable
water free from impurities. The content of the cementitious materials was maintained constant (200 kg/m3), while
the GGBS and SF were used as per EFNARC specifications. The GGBS and SF based SCC mixes developed 28-day
compressive strength 26.23 and 18.32 Mpa respectively. He concluded that Compressive, Split tensile and flexural
Strengths are good with the Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) based SCC when compared to the Silica
Fumes contained SCC. Perhaps, the high amount of Silica Fumes ratio in th mix (50.19%) makes the strength of SCC
low. A higher pozzolonic activity of GGBS may be attributed to better strength gain of GGBS based mix as compared
to SF based mix.
RaminVafaei Pour Sorkhabi :-
This paper is based on study of behavior of SCC by the use of different ratios of super
plasticizers. He investigated the concrete samples casted with the use of Portland type 2 cement, micro silica,
broken type coarse aggregates with a maximum size of 20 mm, fine aggregates of normal type and carboxylate as
Super Plasticizer. Proportioning of the materials as cement and powder of silica fume or fly ash 500 kg (280 +270),
Sand, gravel (1618 kg), Micro Silica 3%, Water 167.3 liters, Plasticizer 7.5 to 5 kgs. The dosage of Super Plasticizer for
eight mixes was used ranging from 5.8 lits to 7.5 lits and the SCC mixes developed 28-day compressive strength
ranging from 27.3 to 31.9 MPa. According to the results, he concluded that the strength changes with the amount of
plasticizer. Strength decreases and slump increases with the increase in the quantity of plasticizer.

E. Todorova et al.[2012]
This, paper investigates “the properties, self-compacting, concrete, with stone flour and, Metakaolinite”. The goal of
this experiment was to assess the properties of mixture for self-compacting concrete with combination of powder
additives (stone flour and metakaolinite) and super plasticizers (viscocrete 5800 and viscocrete 5370). The impact of
powder additives and chemical admixtures on concrete properties was measured by the different procedures. Mixes
were tested for compressive strength and the results showed compressive strength ranging from 63.3 MPa to 71
MPa. From test results, he concluded that the best appropriate mixtures were those with metakaolinite and 1.25 %
Viscocrete 5370, with stone flour and admixture of Viscocrete 5370 and Viscocrete 5800 with 1.2 %.This
combination exibited strength pressure of 71 МРа, 65.1 МРа and 63. 3 МРа respectively.
Dhiyaneshwaran, S.[2013]
This paper investigates influence of using Viscosity, Modifying Admixture, (VMA) and Class F, fly ash on Self-
compacting Concrete (SCC). Mineral admixture, fly ash at various six replacement levels, (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%
and 50%) was used with other constituents like cement, coarse and fine aggregate, water. Super plasticizer used was
Glenium B233 as viscosity modifying agent and w/c ratio 0.45. The results obtained from experiments conducted on
Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) produced with fly ash ranging from 0 % to 50 % developed compressive strength 30
MPa to 35.9 Mpa. From results, he concluded that up to 30% replacement of cement contents by fly ash exhibits
noteworthy change in performance and better compressive strength. Increased replacement above 30% resulted in
a decrease in strength. Therefore, 30% replacement of cement with fly ash could be considered as optimum.

E. Todorova et al.[2012]
This, paper investigates “the properties, self-compacting, concrete, with stone flour and, Metakaolinite”.
The goal of this experiment was to assess the properties of mixture for self-compacting concrete with combination
of powder additives (stone flour and metakaolinite) and super plasticizers (viscocrete 5800 and viscocrete 5370).
The impact of powder additives and chemical admixtures on concrete properties was measured by the different
procedures. Mixes were tested for compressive strength and the results showed compressive strength ranging from
63.3 MPa to 71 MPa. From test results, he concluded that the best appropriate mixtures were those with
metakaolinite and 1.25 % Viscocrete 5370, with stone flour and admixture of Viscocrete 5370 and Viscocrete 5800
with 1.2 %.This combination exibited strength pressure of 71 МРа, 65.1 МРа and 63. 3 МРа respectively.
Mayur B. Vanjare et al.[2012]
They carried out an experimental investigation to evaluate the performance of SCC made with Glass powder, fly ash,
super plasticizer and cement. He used Portland type 2 cement, white colour soda lime glass powder having specific
gravity 2.11 obtained from local factory, fly ash of blackish colour acquired from a Thermal Power Station, Akola,
India and modified polcarboxilate super plasticizer. Locally available crushed stone having maximum size 16mm and
natural sand having maximum size 4.75mm were used as coarse aggregate and fine aggregate respectively to target
concrete of grades M20, M25, and M30 using Nan et.al mix proportion technique.

Shriram H. Mahure et al.[2013]

carried out an investigational study on the likelihood of production of innovative concrete (SCC) by using waste
material. Cement Kiln dust and fly ash being kind of industrial waste were identified for use in different percentages
as cement replacement for making SCC. He targeted concrete of grades M20, M25, and M30 and used Portland type
2 cement, a cement industry waste Cement kiln dust (CKD), blackish colour fly ash acquired from Thermal Power
Station, Akola India and modified polcarboxilate superplasticizer. Locally available crushed stone having maximum
size 16mm and natural sand having maximum size 4.75mm were used, as coarse, aggregate and, fine aggregate
respectively
MD NOR ATAN et al.[2011]
An investigational work was carried out on properties of self-compacting concrete and used Mineral Additives like,
Pulverized-Fuel Ash (FA), Limestone Powder, (LP), Silica Fume (SF) anf Raw Rice Husk Ash, (RRHA) to replace
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). The control mix without replacement was made with 475 kg/m³ of Ordinary
Portland Cement. Second set of mix was made by incorporating RRHA replacing 15% of OPC. Third set by replacing
30% of OPC with the blends of RRHA and LP, FA or SF and fourth set with replacement of 45% OPC by combinations
of FA and/or SF raw RHA with LP. After 90 days, control mix showed compressive strength of 44.7 MPa and second
mix showed compressive strength of 42.5 MPa. Third and fourth sets of combinations exhibited compressive
strength ranging from 22.7 MPa to 42.4 MPa and 23.8 MPa to 39.6 MPa respectively.

B. Beeralingegowda et al.[2013]
This paper is based on an experimental study on SCC with replacement of cement content with different
percentage of limestone powder. He used Ordinary Portland cement (OPC), locally available fine aggregate, crushed
angular coarse aggregate, fine limestone powder and fly ash from Raichur thermal power station. Potable tap water
and Poly-carboxylic ether based superplasticizer were mixed. The different mix combinations made were with 0%,
5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% replacement of cement with limestone powder. Test results exhibited
compressive strength ranging from 41.93 MPa to 49.37 MPa for 0% to 20% replacement and 46.37 MPa and 42.96
MPa for 25% and 30 % replacement respectively.
Manjur A.Shendure et al.
carried out an experimental investigation to evaluate influence of Neutralized Red Mud (NRM), which is a waste
product from the aluminium industries, on the properties of self-compacting concrete. He conducted tests to check
the suitability and utilization of NRM as partial replacement of cement and fly ash in selfcompacting concrete. He
achieved 56 days compressive strength of 53.18 MPa, 60.07 MPa and 48.73 MPa from SCC mix with 30% Fly Ash &
15% NRM, SCC mix with 35% Fly Ash & 15% NRM and SCC mix with 40% Fly Ash & 15% NRM respectively. From test
results, he concluded that by using 35% fly ash and 15% neutralized red mud gives higher compressive strength than
30% fly ash and 15% neutralized red mud & 40% fly ash and 15% neutralized red mud
 Introduction

 Concrete is a building material composed of cement, sand as fine aggregate, crushed rock as coarse aggregate
and water.
 organic or inorganic added in a small quantities to modify the properties of the morter in the fresh/hardened
state.
 The Use of admixture to enhanced the properties of morter, renders and screeds has taken place of many
centuries.
 High performance concrete is a concrete in which certain characteristics are developed for a particular application
and environment. High performance concrete possesses high workability, high strength and durability.
 The standard mix designs vary according to both the mix’s intended use as well as its projected properties in the
hardened state.
 One area where the focus required is the use of admixtures in concrete. The ultimate goals of using admixtures
are to improve one or more aspects of concrete performance or to maintain the same level of performance.
 Many admixtures available today are composed of both chemical and/or mineral ingredients. More test samples
were prepared with Two different admixtures and tested for 7 and 28 days compressive strength.
FUNCTIONS :-

 Increse slump and workability.

 Retard or accelerate intial setting.

 Reduce or prevent shrinkage.

 Modify the rate or capacity for bleeding.

 Reduce Segregation.

 Decrease weight of concrete.

 Improve Durability.

 Decrese the rate of heat of hydration.

 Reduce permeability.

 To make porous concrete.

 To Make coloring concrete.

 To protect Chemical attack.

 Increse bond of concrete to steel reinforcement.

 increase strength (Compressive, tensile,or Flexural).

 Increse bond between existing and new concrete.

TYPES OF ADMIXTURE :-

1. Accelerating admixture.

2. Retarding admixture.

3. Water reducing admixture.

4. Air-entraiment admixture.

5. Super Plasticizers admixture.

1. Acceletors :-
Main objective of using acceletors in concrete is to increase speed of setting and
hardening.

Advantages of using Accelerators :-

 To remove formwork quickly.

 To reduce the curing time.
 To use structure earlier.
 To finish the surface fast.
 To increase the speed of construction.
 For quick repairing work.
Main Accelerators :-
Calcium Chloride (CaCL2)
Soluble Carbonates
Silicates

CaCl2 is most using acceleration in construction. If 2%

CaCl2 by weight of cement is added in concrete, then it decreses
the setting time from 3 to 1 hour and final setting time from 6 to
2 hour.
We can get a two days strength in 1 day at 21 C temperature.

If the proportion of CaCl2 is more than 3% then the flash set of concrete
take place and drying shrinkage and creep will increses.
2. Retarders :-
To decrese the speed of hydration and setting, retarders are used in concrete.
Retarders make concrete plastic and workable for long time.

Objectives of using Retarders :-

• To decrese the setting time

• To increase strength by decresing W/C ratio.
• To do concreting in hot area.
• For grouting of oil wells.
Main Retarders :-

Calcium Sulphate
Starches
Sugers
Cellulose Products
Acids or Salts

Gyupsum is most commonly used retarder. Generally 2 to 3% gypsum is added.

We can als use gypsum as a plaster of parries. By use more of gypsum expansion of concrete
will occur and setting of concrete will be very slow.
3. Plasticizers :-
Workability is a most important property of concrete. Workabilty of concrete will changes
according to situation of construction. For deep beam, light partition wall, beam-column junction,
concrete pumping, tremie concreting high workable concrete is used.

Many time plasticizers also known as “ Water Reducing Admixture”. Plastisizers increses the
workability without adding much water. It decrese the w/c ratio which increase the strength.

Main Plastisizers used in construction :-

Calcium Ligno-sulphonates
Soduim Ligno-sulphonates
Ammonium Ligno-sulphonates
Quantity of type of plasticizers is up to 0.1 to 0.4% by using this mixture we can use water
up to 5 to 15% without changing workability.
Main Function of plastisizers is to improve the workability.
4. Super Plastisizers :-

in 1960, Japan made by a first super plastisizer and then in 1970 Germany made it. By using super
plastisizers, we can reduce the 3% of water. It is also called “ High range water Reducers”. It is strong
dispering agent.

Advantages of super plastisizers :-

• very high workability
• Suitable for pumpable concrete (RMC)
• To get a strength up to 100Mpa by decreasing w/c ratio up to 0.28 and without changing
worakability of concrete.
• To make a high performance concrete by using Fly ash, slag, silica fumes…etc.
• segregation and bleeding resistance.
Polymer used in super plastisizers :-
• Sulphonates melamine formaldehyde condensates (SMF)
• Sulphonates naphalene formaldehyde condensates (SNF)
• Modified ligno – sulphonates (MLS)
• Acrylic polymer (AP)
• Poly carboxylate ester (PC)
 5. Air Entraining Admixtures :-
Air entraining agent is used to get an air entrained concrete. This air entraining agent produces small
air bubbles in concrete and works as ball bearing. So the properties of the concrete like workability,
segeregation, bleeding …etc will change.

Some Air Entraining agents :-

• Aluminium powder
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Alkali salts
• Vegetables oil and Fats.
• Zinc Powder.
• Natural wood resing …etc.
Effect of air entraning agents :-

• Decrese in strength of concrete.

• Decrese in volume of concrete.
• Increase permeability of concrete.
• Workabilty increses.
• Decrese in alkali-aggregate reaction.
• Resistance against sulphate attack.
• Decrese heat of hydration.
 Addmixture used in concrete

1) Visflow VW -310
This Admixture is a Superplastisizer admixture.
Increase flowability of concrete Reduce water-cement ratio
Polycarboxylate Ether.
that provides the workability enhancement at low water to
cement ratios.
2) Visflow VW -320
is a new generation super- plasticizer based on polycarboxylate
technology.
This product is designed to provide medium to high water reduction.
while providing excellent flow ability during placement.
excellent slump retention without affecting initial setting time.
 Mix Design Used For Concrete

M60 Mix Design

SSD %W.A Absorbed Corrected Wt Batch Size For Trial
(0.015)
Water

Cement 450 450.00 6.750

GGBS 150 150.00 2.250

C.Sand 700 5.04 35.28 664.72 9.971

20MM 450 1.83 8.235 441.76 6.626

10MM 600 1.94 11.64 588.36 8.825

Water 155 210.36 3.152

Admixture 1.2% 68 gms

 Mix Design Used For Concrete

M30 Mix Design

SSD %W.A Absorbed Corrected Wt Batch Size For Trial
(0.015)
Water

Cement 380 380.00 5.700

C.Sand 933 5.04 47.02 885.980 13.290

20MM 450 1.83 8.235 441.765 6.627

10MM 565 1.94 10.961 554.040 8.310

Water 156 222.216 3.333

Admixture 1.2% 68 gms

Properties of materials Cement:
The ordinary Portland cement (OPC) 53 grade is used in this investigation.

Aggregates:
The aggregate consists of both fine and coarse components. The fine aggregate, which often referred to
sand, is usually not a commercially manufactured product but one that is taken directly from nature. Coarse
aggregate is a material commonly produced by crushing larger rock, separating the crushed portion according to
size, and recombining in a carefully controlled manner.

Fine Aggregate:
The Locally available crush sand, India, is used as fine aggregate in the concrete design mix. The specific
gravity, water adsorption and fineness modulus are 2.62, 0.3% and 2.78 respectively.

Coarse Aggregate:
The coarse aggregate used in the experimental investigation is a mixture of 20mm and 10mm size. The
aggregates are angular in shape and free from dust. The specific gravity, water adsorption and fineness modulus are
2.65, 0.3% and 7.18 respectively.
 Water:
Water used in concrete shall be free from sewage, oil, acid, strong alkalies or vegetable matter, and also shall
be free from clay and loam. The water used is potable, and is satisfactory to use in concrete.

Admixtures:
An admixture is a material other than water, aggregates and cement used as an ingredient of concrete and
added to the batch immediately before or during the mixing.
Admixture (IS 9103 – 1999) is used where a high degree of workability and its retention are required, where a
delay in transportation or placing is required, or when high ambient temperatures cause rapid slump loss. It
facilitates production of high quality concrete.
The admixtures enable quicker placing and compaction of concrete. They also minimize the risk of segregation
and bleeding; thus aids pumping of concrete.
Three different types of admixtures namely VISFLOW VW-310 and VISFLOW VW-320 are considered and a
comparative analysis is done in the present study.
.
VISFLOW VW-310 is a chloride free, superplasticising admixture based on selected sulphonated naphthalene
polymers. It disperses the fine particles in the concrete mix, enabling the water content of the concrete to perform
more effectively. The very high level of water reduction is possible with, VISFLOW VW-310 which increases the
strength of the concrete mix.
VISFLOW VW-320 has PCE base. It is chloride free and suitable for high performance concrete to produce pumpable
concrete. The workability increases without extra water. It improves cohesion, minimise segregation and give better
finish.

Mix proportions:-
The concrete mix is designed as per IS 10262 – 1982, IS 456-2000 . Target mean strength for M60
grade concrete is 68.25 N/mm2 .
Preparation of Test Samples :-

 Standard cast iron moulds of size 150x150x150mm are used in the preparation of cubes.
 The moulds have been cleaned to remove dust particles and applied with mineral oil on all sides before the
concrete is poured into the mould.
 The admixture is mixed with the constituents of concrete at the time of adding water.
 Full blending of the admixture and the concrete should be ensured by mixing for a period of at least two
minutes.
 Thoroughly mixed concrete is filled into the mould and compacted in three equal layers.
 Excess concrete is removed with trowel after proper compaction and top surface is smoothened.
 Overdose may also cause increase in air entrainment, which will tend to reduce the strength of the mix.
 After casting, the specimens are stored in the laboratory with room temperature for 24 hours from the time of
addition of water to the ingredients.
 After this period, the specimens are removed from the moulds, immediately submerged in the clean and fresh
water tank.
 The specimens are cured for 7 & 28 days.
 Cube Casting of Concrete Procedure
• 1) Take random samples from the mix in a harmona, while concreting.

• 2) Pour concrete in the cubes in 3 layers.

• 3) Compact each layer with 35 Nos. of strokes with the tamping rod.

• 4) Finish the top surface by thapi /trowel after compaction of the last layer.

• 5) Each specimen should be taken from different locations of the proposed concreting.

• 6) After 24 hours, remove the specimen from the mould.

• 7) While removing, take care to avoid breaking of the edges.

• 8) Code the cube with paint or marker. Coding should be self explanatory, building no. and the date of casting.

• 9) Submerge the specimen in clean, fresh water until the time of testing.

• 10) Test 3 specimens for 7 days & 3 specimens for 28 days curing.
• 11) Place the cube in testing machine, so that the load is applied to the opposite side of the cube as cast, i.e., not
on top & bottom.

• 12) Record the maximum load applied to the specimen.

• 13) Observe the appearance of concreted with the failure & note the same.

14) Calculate compressive strength = ((Maximum load at failure.))/((Contact area of the cube))

• 15) Take average strength of specimen cubes.

• 16) This average strength represents the strength of concrete of particular portion of the structure.

• 17) Prepare the test report & submit to higher authorities.

 CONCRETE TEST CERTIFICATE
DATE: 09.01.2022

CUBE REF. MIX CAST DATE OF AGE AT DIMENSIONS OF CUBE NOMINAL FAILING COMPRESSIVE AVERAGE COMMENTS
NUMBER DETAILS DATE TEST TEST DENSITY LOAD KN STRENGTH N/ Sq. mm (SEE BELOW)
HEIGHT LENGTH BREDTH Kg/ Cu.M N/ Sq. mm
mm mm mm

110 M60 09-Dec-21 16-Dec-21 7 150 150 150 2550 1168.0 51.91 15;22
15;22
150 150 150 2554 1160.4 51.57 15;22
51.95
150 150 150 2565 1178.3 52.37

110 M60 09-Dec-21 08-Jan-21 28 150 150 150 2548 1680.7 74.70 15;22
15;22
150 150 150 2568 1585.3 70.46 15;22
72.24
150 150 150 2555 1610.2 71.56
 CONCRETE TEST CERTIFICATE
DATE: 09.01.2022

CUBE REF. MIX CAST DATE OF AGE AT DIMENSIONS OF CUBE NOMINAL FAILING COMPRESSIVE AVERAGE COMMENTS
NUMBER DETAILS DATE TEST TEST DENSITY LOAD KN STRENGTH N/ Sq. mm (SEE BELOW)
HEIGHT LENGTH BREDTH Kg/ Cu.M N/ Sq. mm
mm Mm mm

110 M30 09-Dec-21 16-Dec-21 7 150 150 150 2550 689.0 30.62 15;22
15;22
150 150 150 2554 650.4 28.90 15;22
29.60
150 150 150 2565 659.2 29.3

110 M30 09-Dec-21 08-Jan-21 28 150 150 150 2548 879.75 39.1 15;22
15;22
150 150 150 2568 862.3 38.32 15;22
39.63
150 150 150 2555 933.7 41.5
Conclusions :-
• The slump and compressive strength of concrete increases with the use of admixtures.

• Workability of concrete with the admixture VISFLOW VW-320 is uniform compared to other admixtures.

• The standard deviation of the M60 concrete cubes by using VISFLOW VW-310 admixture is less than that of
VISFLOW VW-320 admixtures.

• It can be seen that proper use of admixtures offers certain beneficial effects to concrete including improved
quality. acceleration or retardation of setting time, enhanced frost & sulphate resistance improves workability

• It can be seen that proper use of admixtures offers certain beneficial effects to concrete including acceleration
or quality improve.

• It can be seen that proper use of admixtures offers certain beneficial effects to concrete including retardation or
setting time.

• It can be seen that proper use of admixtures offers certain beneficial effects to concrete including enhanced
frost & sulphate resistance improves workability
References

[1] IS 10262 – 2019: Recommended Guidelines for Concrete Mix Design.

[2] IS 2386 – 1963: Methods of Test for Aggregates for Concrete.

[3] IS 383 – 1970: Specification for Coarse and fine Aggregates from Natural Sources for Concrete (Second revision)

[4] IS 456 – 2000: Plain and Reinforced Concrete Code of Practice.

[5] IS 8112 – 1989: 53 Grade Ordinary Portland cement Specification.

[6] IS 9103 – 1999: Concrete Admixtures – Specification

[1] B.H.V. Pai, “Experimental Study on Self-compacting Concrete Containing Industrial By-Products”, European Scientific Journal
April 2014 edition vol.10, No.12 ISSN: 1857 – 7881 (Print) e - ISSN 1857- 7431.

[2] RaminVafaei Pour Sorkhabi , Alireza Naseri “Studying the Strength of Self Compacting Concrete According to the Ratio of
Plasticizers and Slump Flow Using Experimental Method” Department of Civil Engineering, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University,
Tabriz, Iran, Life Science Journal 2013;10

[3] Dhiyaneshwaran S, Ramanathan P, Baskar I and Venkatasubramani R, “Study on Durability Characteristics of Self-Compacting
Concrete with Fly Ash” Department of Civil Engineering, Sri Krishna College of Technology, Jordan Journal of Civil Engineering,
Volume 7, No. 3, 2013.
[4] Mayur B. Vanjare, Shriram H. Mahure, “Experimental Investigation on Self Compacting Concrete Using Glass Powder”,
Department of Civil Engineering, Babasaheb Naik College of Engineering Pusad, Amravati University, India, International Journal
of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) ISSN: 2248-9622. www.ijera.com

[5] E. Todorova, “Influence Of Metakaolinite And Stone Flour On The Properties Of Self-Compacting Concrete”, *University of
Chemical Technology and Metallurgy 8 Kl. Ohridski, 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria, **Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry,
Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Akad. G. Bonchev, Sofia, Bulgaria, Journal of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 48, 2, 2013
Thank you