Behaviour of Normal Concrete Using Superplasticizer under Different Curing Regimes

The performance of concrete primarily depends upon the type and ratio of its constituents, compaction, curing conditions and admixtures used during curing process. Part of this research emphasis to calculate the consequences on strength of concrete when water-cement ratio is constant and the increase in slump occurs with the increase in amount of superplasticizer by percentage. The rest of the investigation is carried out to study the effects of superplasticizer with different dosages under different curing regimes at an ambient field temperature ranges between 45°C-50°C. For this purpose, a concrete mix at 20MPa with all parameters constant was prepared by using an ASTM C494 type A, and F, anionic melamine polycondensate non-toxic superplasticizer with no chlorides. Different dosages of superplasticizer were used in different batches of all 95 specimens, and cured under different curing conditions and then tested for compressive and tensile strengths following ASTM standards. In all cases, the water curing up to 28 days testing showed maximum strength. The highest and lowest values of compressive strength were obtained with the addition of 0.5% and 1% superplasticizer respectively. It was found that without increasing the W/C ratio, the addition of superplasticizer exhibits increase in strength.