Construction and Building Materials 48 (2013) 1035–1044

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Construction and Building Materials

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Effect of viscosity type modifying admixture on porosity, compressivestrength and water penetration of high performance self-compactingconcrete

0950-0618/$ - see front matter � 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.07.076

⇑ Tel.: +48 032 2372294; fax: +48 032 2372737.E-mail address: beata.lazniewska@polsl.pl

Beata Łazniewska-Piekarczyk ⇑Silesian Technical University, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Building Materials and Processes Engineering, Akademicka 5 Str., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland

h i g h l i g h t s

� The type of SP and VMA is very important because of the size parameters of HPSCC air pores.� The type of SP and VMA is very important because of the open porosity of HPSCC.� The type of SP and VMA are very important because of the strength of HPSCC.� The type of SP and VMA are very important because of the water penetration of HPSCC.

a r t i c l e i n f o

Article history:Received 26 March 2013Received in revised form 15 June 2013Accepted 21 July 2013Available online 24 August 2013

Keywords:High performance self-compacting concrete(HPSCC)Superplasticizer (SP)Viscosity modifying admixture (VMA)PorosityCompressive strengthResistance to water penetration

a b s t r a c t

The influence of viscosity modifying admixture (VMA) on the air-content and workability of highperformance self-compacting concrete (HPSCC) is analyzed in the paper. The purpose of this study isto examine the influence of the type of admixtures on air-voids parameter, open porosity, compressivestrength and resistance to water penetration of HPSCC at constant water on cement ratio, type andvolume of aggregate and volume of cement paste. The results presented in the paper showed that SPsand VMAs from different sources cannot be used interchangeably, even if they appear to have a similarchemical composition.

� 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a concrete that is able to flowand consolidate under its own weight, completely fill the form-work, even in the presence of dense reinforcement whilst main-taining homogeneity and without the need of any additionalcompaction [1,2].

The flow ability and viscosity of SCC mixture are controlledthrough the use of superplasticizer (SP) and viscosity modifyingadmixtures (VMA), respectively. VMAs are high molecular weight,water soluble organic polymers that are used to stabilize the rhe-ological properties and consistency of SCC. Mixtures with SP arevery sensitive to small changes in the w/b increasing the probabil-ity of segregation and bleeding. This is often observed in the pro-duction of SCC [3]. The research results in publication show that

SCC with slump flow value >700 mm might segregate [4]. The vis-cosity of SCC mixture is controlled through the use of VMA [5–8].

They essentially increase viscosity and thus thicken the mix toprevent segregation. This viscosity build-up comes from the asso-ciation and entanglement of polymer chains of the VMA at a lowshear rate, which further inhibits flow and increases viscosity. Atthe same time, added VMA causes a shear-thinning behavior,decreasing viscosity, when there is an increase in shear rate. Thereare various types of VMAs, most of which are composed of eitherpolymer or cellulose-based materials, which ‘‘grab and hold’’water. The most important aspect is that they do not change anyproperties of the mix except viscosity. VMAs can be used alone,but are more commonly used with superplasticizers. In this combi-nation, the superplasticizers take on the role of enhancing flow,whilst VMAs act to provide stability [9].

VMA can be used to enhance the resistance to segregation andbleeding [10–13]. SCC may be classified into three types: thepowder type, VMA type and the combination type [8]:

Table 4The properties of sand and gravel.

Property Sand 0/2 mm Gravel 2/8 mm

The content of mineral dust 0.67%, category f3 0.48%, category f3

The content of organic substances Absence AbsenceBulk density qnz 1.74 kg/dm3 1.69 kg/dm3

Flatness index – 6.2%, category FI10

Absorptivity – 0.62%

Table 3The chemical and physical analysis of sand 0/2 mm.

Parameters Result

SiO2 >99.3%Fe2O3 300 ppm MaxAl2O3 2500 ppm MaxCaO 250 ppm MaxMgO 50 ppm MaxClay 0.3% MaxCaCo3 0.5% MaxMoisture <0.1% MaxLoss on ignition <0.3% MaxpH NeutralDensity 2.65 g/cc

Table 5The properties of superplasticizers.

Property SP1 SP2

Main base Polycarboxyl ether Polycarboxyl etherSpecific gravity at 20 �C, g/cm3 1.07 ± 0.02 1.05 ± 0.02pH-value at 20 �C 6.5 ± 1.0 6.5 ± 1.5Chloride ion content, % mass 60.1 1.3Alkali content (Na2Oeqiv.), % mass 1.5 1.3

Table 6The properties of viscosity modifying admixtures.

Property VMA1 VMA2 VMA3

Main base Syntheticcopolymer

Silica Methylcellulose

Specific gravity at 20 �C, g/cm3

1.0–1.02 1.30 No data

pH-value at 20 �C 6–9 9.5 –Chloride ion content, % mass <0.1 – –Alkali content (Na2Oeqiv.),%

mass– – –

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� The SCC powder type is characterized with large amounts ofpowder (all material <0.15 mm) which are usually in the rangeof 550–650 kg/m3. This provides the plastic viscosity and hencethe segregation resistance. The yield point is determined by theaddition of SP.� In SCC viscosity type, the powder content is lower (350–450 kg/

m3). The segregation resistance is mainly controlled by VMAand the yield point by the addition of SP.� In SCC combination type, the powder content is between 450

and 550 kg/m3, but additionally the rheology is also controlledby VMA as well as an appropriate dosage of the SP.

VMAs are not a substitute for poor quality constituents or mixdesign. Aggregates with good grading curve should always be usedfor SCC and for high workability concrete as a lack of fines in aggre-gates will affect the rheology and may contribute to segregationand settlement. However, when suitable aggregates are not eco-nomically available the required rheology of the mix can often beachieved by utilizing VMA to provide a more homogenous andcohesive concrete [8]. Some studies have shown that by usingVMA more stable concrete is obtained in view of water variationsin mixtures than that obtained with fines only [4,14].

There are some discrepancies dealing with the effect of VMAson the strength of mortars and concretes. As it has been shownin many reports [9,11,15–17], these admixtures can affect thestrength of concrete. Leemann and Winnefeld [18] proved thatthe inorganic silica-based VMA accelerate early cement hydrationwith respect to the use of SP alone as determined by isothermalheat flow calorimetry. As a result, concrete compressive strengthat the age of 1 day increases. The organic VMA show no obviousinfluence on early cement hydration. Compressive strength at theage of 28 days is not affected by the use of VMA in used dosages.Lachemi et al. [13] presented the development of SCC with four dif-ferent types of new VMA. They studied the fresh and hardenedproperties of different SCC mixes with various dosages of a chosenVMA. The performance of various mixtures was compared withthat of known commercial SCC mixtures using a commercialVMA and Walen gum. According to S�ahmaran et al. [19] the effectof viscosity modifying agents depends not only on the type of thisadmixture but also on the type of superplasticizer.

In other works [16,20,21], the negative effect of VMA was proved.In research [10], the influence of VMA on compressive and flexuralstrength of self-compacting mortars and concretes were examined.It was established that the kind and content of VMA affects the prop-erties of self-compacting mortars. The addition of VMA as copolymerincreases the strength of mortars, but methyl cellulose type agent inmuch lower degree. In case of copolymer VMA decreases strength,however, this change is very small. These are consistent with thosereported by other authors [16,20]. Moreover, research results [10]proved that the effect of VMA on flexural strength is positive both

Table 1The chemical and physical properties of CEM I 42.5R.

Chemical analyses % Specific surface Blaine, cm2/g Specific gravity, g/cm3 Compressive strength, MPa Setting time, Vicat test, min

SiO2 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3 MgO Na2Oe SO3 Initial setting Final setting

21.61 64.41 4.46 2.24 1.25 0.4 3.1 3830 3.1 69.3 175 –

Table 2The chemical and physical properties of silica fume.

Chemical analyses % Specific surface, m2/kg

SiO2 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3 MgO Na2O SO3 K2O

92.8 0.7 0.6 0.3 1.32 0.3 0.8 0.5 18000

Table 7The components of HPSCC.

CEM I 42.5R Silica fume Sand 0/2 mm kg/m3 Gravel 0/8 mm Volume of paste % w/c w/b

581.0 65.0 710.1 887.6 40.0 0.31 0.28

Table 8The dosage of SP by weight of total binder, %.

Series SP1 SP2

H1 2.75 –H2 – 4.34

H1–SP1 ‘‘air-entraining’’, H2–SP2 ‘‘non air-entraining’’.

Table 9The dosage of SP and VMA by weight of total binder, %.

Series SP1 SP2 VMA1 VMA2 VMA3

H1V1 3.28 – 0.15 – –H1V2 3.67 – – 0.25 –H1V3 4.90 – – – 0.03H2V1 – 4.92 0.58 – –H2V2 – 5.22 – 1.37 –H2V3 – 5.05 – – 0.07

H1V1–SP1 + VMA1, H1V2–SP1 + VMA2, H1V3–SP1 + VMA3, H2V1–SP2 + VMA1,H2V2–SP2 + VMA2, H2V3–SP2 + VMA3.

Table 10Properties of fresh non air-entrained HPSCC with different type of VMA.

Series SF, mm T500, s Slump-flow classes Viscosity classes Ac, %

H1 660 6 SF2 VS2 3.5H1V1 650 4 SF1 VS2 2.4H1V2 770 4 SF3 VS2 2.7H1V3 680 8 SF2 VS2 2.6H2 680 3 SF2 VS2 2.2H2V1 730 3 SF2 VS2 1.8H2V2 640 4 SF1 VS2 1.9H2V3 580 7 SF1 VS2 3.6

H1–SP1 ‘‘air-entraining’’, H2–SP2 ‘‘non air-entraining’’, H1V1–SP1 + VMA1, H1V2–SP1 + VMA2, H1V3–SP1 + VMA3, H2V1–SP2 + VMA1, H2V2–SP2 + VMA2, H2V3–SP2 + VMA3.

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in case of co-polymers and methylcellulose type admixtures. How-ever, research results analyzed in publication [9] showed that thepresence of viscosity modifying admixture increases the strengthconsiderably during the first few days of curing. Later on, its effectdecreases. After 28 days of curing, the increase in the compressivestrength due to VMA is considerably small. Moreover, mixes con-taining VMA have better flexural strengths as compared to othermixes. This may be due to the fact that SCC samples were not vi-

Fig. 1. The air voids diamet

brated, thus giving an improved interface between the aggregateand the hardened paste.

Research results [22] indicated that certain superplasticizers(SP) of new generation produce an excessive air-entrainmentremaining in the volume of the fresh mix and concrete, althoughthe mix meets commonly accepted criteria of technical testsaccording to [23]. Thus, SP should be compatible with cement,but they should not increase the air content in SCC. According toauthors’ publication [24], polycarboxylate superplasticizers usuallyhave an air-entraining effect. Research results cited in publication[22], indicate that the air-content in hardened SCC, as a side effectof SP acting, may amount to even 8.0%. The use of VMA leads to thereduction of air content in concrete, as it has been shown byLachemi et al. [15]. The results [25] seem to support this conclu-sion too.

Admixtures significantly influence properties of concrete [26–30]. The results presented in study [31], demonstrated that admix-tures from different sources cannot be used interchangeably, evenif they appear to have a similar chemical composition. The influ-ence of two type of new generation SP type, one type of VMA onthe air-content, workability of self-compacting concrete (SCC)was analyzed in paper [16]. The research results proved thatadmixtures significantly influence air voids parameters of SCCand consequently affect its frost resistance. Research results [16]showed that VMA influences air-voids parameters of non-air-en-trained SCC. The question is whether another type of VMA has asimilar effect in this regard? Due to the controversial data dealingwith the relationship between the viscosity modifying agents andstrength of concrete, the experiments should be performed in or-der to find how the type of VMA alters mechanical properties.

The paper presents the development of high performance self-compacting concrete (HPSCC) with different types of new genera-tion SP: SP1 (with air entraining side effect) and SP2 (withoutentraining side effect) and different type new generation of VMA.The main objective of the research is to determine the influenceof admixtures on the rheological aspect, air-content in fresh con-crete mixture, porosity characteristics, compressive strength andresistance to water penetration of hardened non air-entrainedHPSCC. A study was then carried out on the fresh and hardenedproperties of different HPSCC at constant water on cement ratio,type and volume of aggregate, volume of cement paste.

2. Materials and description of the tests

The experimental investigation was carried out in two phases. In Phase 1, testswere carried out on fresh high performance self-compacting concrete with differenttype of SP and VMA. The Phase 2 investigated the properties of hardened HPSCC.

ers distribution in H1.

Table 11The air-voids characteristics of HPSCC with different type of VMA.

Series A, % a, mm�1 L, mm A300, %

H1 3.69 14.99 0.440 0.85H1V1 2.53 18.03 0.430 0.87H1V2 1.36 14.52 0.720 0.09H1V3 3.00 9.51 0.667 0.37H2 2.23 8.74 0.930 0.16H2V1 2.66 11.21 0.670 0.36H2V2 1.68 10.23 0.920 0.15H2V3 2.18 19.27 0.379 0.75

H1–SP1 ‘‘air-entraining’’, H2–SP2 ‘‘non air-entraining’’, H1V1–SP1 + VMA1, H1V2–SP1 + VMA2, H1V3–SP1 + VMA3, H2V1–SP2 + VMA1, H2V2–SP2 + VMA2, H2V3–SP2 + VMA3.

Fig. 2. The air voids diameters distribution in H2.

Fig. 3. The air voids diameters distribution in H1 V.

1038 B. Łazniewska-Piekarczyk / Construction and Building Materials 48 (2013) 1035–1044

2.1. Examined materials

2.1.1. Cement, mineral additives and aggregatesCement type CEM I 42.5 R was used. Chemical and physical properties of

cement are shown in Table 1. The chemical and physical properties of a silica fume(SF) are shown in Table 2. Local natural sand, fine and eight-millimeter maximumsize gravel aggregates, were used in concrete mix, respectively (Table 3, Table 4)

Fig. 4. The air voids diamete

2.1.2. Chemical admixturesThe properties of admixtures are presented in Tables 5 and 6. The chemical

composition of SP and VMA is a proprietary commercial patent.

2.2. Phase 1: Mix proportion and its preparation

High performance self-compacting concrete mixtures (Tables 7–9) were madeto study the effect of SP and VMA type on the investigated HPSCC properties. Theproportion of cement, silica fume, water, coarse aggregate and sand was kept con-stant (Table 7).

The following admixtures were used (Tables 8 and 9): SP1 (with air-entrainingside effect), SP2 (without air-entraining side effect), VMA1, VMA2 and VMA3.

The concrete was produced in a horizontal pan mixer with capacity of 0.070 m3.The sand and coarse aggregate were first mixed for 1 min. Then, cement and fly ashwere added with water. After mixing for 10 min, the SP was introduced and allowedto mix for an additional 5 min. Finally, remaining admixtures (according to Tables 8and 9) were added and mixed for additional 3 min.

2.3. Methodology of test of properties of HPSCC

2.3.1. Tests on fresh HPSCC propertiesTests of fresh high performance self-compacting concrete were carried out after

20 min, because the SP liquefaction efficiency increases after 20 min [22]. Before thetest, concrete mixture was mixed for 5 min.

rs distribution in H2 V.

Fig. 5. The air voids diameters distribution in H1V2.

Fig. 6. The air voids diameters distribution in H2V2.

Fig. 7. The air voids diameters distribution in H2V3.

Fig. 8. The air voids diameters distribution in H1V3.

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The main aim of this step of the research is to compress the influence ofadmixtures type on workability and air volume of fresh HPSCC. The slump flowtest [23] was used to evaluate the free deformability and flow ability of SCC.Slump flow value represented the mean diameter (measured in two perpendicu-lar directions) of concrete after lifting the standard slump cone. The upper andlower limits of slump-flow classes (SF) are the following [23]: SF1-slump flow

from 50 to 650 mm, SF2-slump flow from 660 to 750 mm, SF3-slump flow from760 to 850 mm. Whilst the upper and lower limits of viscosity classes (VS) arethe following [23]: VS1 – T500 less than or equal to 2 s., VS2 – T500 greater than2 s.

The air content in fresh HPSCC was measured by the pressure method accordingto EN 12350-7 [32].

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2.3.2. Tests on hardened HPSCC propertiesThe temperature and relative humidity were respectively 20 �C and 100% (in

water). After 28 days, tests were conducted to determine air-voids parameters,open porosity, compressive strength and water penetration under pressure ofHPSCC.

The entrained air void distribution in hardened concrete was determined usinga computer-driven system of automatic image analysis. Tests were performed usingpolished concrete specimens 100 � 100 � 20 mm cut from cube specimens. Theautomatic measurement procedure was designed to comply with the requirementsimposed by EN 480-11 [33]. Results of measurements were available as a set ofstandard parameters for air void microstructure characterization: spacing factor(mm), specific surface a (1/mm), air content A (%), content of air voids with diam-eter less than 0.3 mm A300 (%), air void diameters distribution.

The porosity was tested by the mercury intrusion method (MIP). Mercury intru-sion porosimetry technique was carried out at each stage of the weathering test onthe PoreMaster 60 apparatus within the pore size range of 3.0–2500 nm. In general,penetration data: intrusion pressure and volume, open porosity, pore diameter andspecific surface area are automatically delivered according to the Washburn rela-tion [34].

The compressive strength and water penetration under pressure of HPSCC wereestablished using standard test methods: the compressive strength on cube speci-mens according to EN 12350-3 [35], water penetration under pressure on cubespecimens according to EN 12390-8 [36].

3. Test results and its discussion

3.1. The research results of fresh HPSCC

Test results of the test of properties of the fresh modified HPSCCby admixtures are summarized in Table 10. The analysis of test re-sults in Table 10 suggests that the type of the new generation SPinfluences essentially the air-content in fresh high performanceself-compacting concrete.

Fig. 10. The relationship between total v

Fig. 9. The relationships between air-content in fresh and hardened HPSCC.

SP1 increases the air content in HPSCC but less than that shownby the results of the research analyzed in the publication [16].With increasing water content in the mixture, SP increases morethe air-content in mixture. As it has been shown in the studies[16], the ‘‘air-entraining’’ SP1 is more effective in action (Table 8).On the other hand, the workability of HPSCC with, non air-entrain-ing’’ SP2 is better (Table 10).

Research results of the workability and air-content of HPSCCwith VMA1, VMA2, VMA3 are summarized in Table 10. The analy-sis of the results indicates that VMA (regardless of the VMA type)influences the air content in fresh HPSCC. VMA2 and VMA3 resultin the decrease of the air-content in HPSCC with SP1. A differentsituation is in case of VMA3. Adding VMA3 to HPSCC with SP2 re-sults in a significant increase in the air content in HPSCC due to theincrease of plastic viscosity (increase in T500) and yield stress (de-crease of SF). Moreover, a combination of SP and VMA type isimportant because of HPSCC workability. The workability ofH1V2 and H2V1 is better than workability of H1 and H2. Whilst,workability of H1V1 and H2V2 is similar to workability of H1and H2. The most beneficial situation to improve the workabilityis in case of HPSCC with SP2 and VMA3 (series H2V3). The mosteffective admixture is VMA3, and then respectively VMA1 andVMA2.

3.2. The research results of hardened HPSCC

In Table 11 and Figs. 1–8 the air voids parameters research re-sults are presented. Research results proved that admixture type isvery important to the values of the HPSCC air-voids parameters.

The analysis of results summarized in Table 11 leads to the con-clusion that the type of SP is very important because of the valuesof the parameters of the air voids of HPSCC. The characteristics ofHPSCC porosity shown in Figs. 1 and 2 also show the significanceof the impact of the SP type.

Research results of the air voids characteristics of HPSCC withVMA1, VMA2, VMA3 are summarized in Table 11. The analysis ofthe results suggests that the type of VMA is very important dueto the size of the air voids parameters of HPSCC. The type of SP isalso important because of the influence of VMA in this regard.The use of VMA leads to reduction of air content in concrete

olume and diameter of pores in H1.

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according to research results [15,25,37]. However, research resultsin Table 11 show that the parameters of HPSCC air voids of arecharacterized by very different values, depending on what typeof SP and VMA was used. Comparing the porosity parameters ofHPSCC with SP1 and different types of VMA (H1V1, H1V2 andH1V3), it appears that VMA2 causes the greatest reduction in theair content in HPSCC (Fig. 5). VMA2 increases the size of the airvoids spacing factor and decreases the content of voids smallerthan 300 lm (Table 11). VMA1 (based on synthetic copolymer)does not cause significant changes in parameters of the air voids,in addition to the total of their contents. VMA3 (based on methyl-cellulose) does not cause a significant reduction in the air contentof HPSCC. However, research results summarized in Table 11 andFig. 8 show that the pores are characterized by larger diameters(compare H1 and H1V3).

The addition of VMA to HPSCC with SP2 also changes theparameters of the air voids size, smaller, or larger, depending onthe type of VMA. VMA3 (based on methylcellulose) causes thegreatest change in pore size (Fig. 7). Furthermore, the air voidsspacing factor is reduced almost three times. The specific surfaceof the voids of H2V3 is greater than H2 (Table 11). The greatestreduction in porosity causes VMA2 (based on silica), as in case ofHPSCC with SP1 (Fig. 6).

The relationships between the measurements of total volume offresh and hardened air content are reported by several researchers

Fig. 11. The relationship between total v

Table 12The research results of open porosity of HPSCC by the mercury intrusion method(MIP).

Series drel,% Vpor., cm3/g Sw, m2/g V, %

H1 90.55 0.0398 5.2 9.45H1V1 95.66 0.0182 3.7 4.34H1V2 97.59 0.0128 2.5 2.41H1V3 91.97 0.0209 4.3 8.03H2 96.36 0.0152 3.2 3.64H2V1 96.66 0.0140 3.1 3.34H2V2 97.20 0.0137 2.9 2.80H2V3 96.90 0.0139 3.0 4.99

H1–SP1 ‘‘air-entraining’’, H2–SP2 ‘‘non-air-entraining’’, H1V1–SP1 + VMA1, H1V2–SP1 + VMA2, H1V3–SP1 + VMA3, H2V1–SP2 + VMA1, H2V2–SP2 + VMA2, H2V3–SP2 + VMA3.

[38,39]. The comparison of data in Fig. 9 suggests that it is difficultto predict the air-content in modified HPSCC by different type of SPand VMA on the basis of the air-content in high performance self-compacting concrete mixture.

In Table 12 and Figs. 10–13, the research results of open poros-ity of HPSCC by the mercury intrusion method (MIP), are shown.The following parameters have been identified: relative density(drel.), total volume of porosity (Vpor), specific surface (Sw) and totalvolume of pores (V). The analysis of the results summarized inTable 12 shows that the type of SP and VMA is very important be-cause of the open porosity of HPSCC. The content of pores in theHPSCC with SP1 is almost three times higher than in case of HPSCCwith SP2. The most significant differences between H1 and H2 areseen to be in the capillary pore volume (0.003–100 lm, Figs. 10and 11), but the compressive strength values of the H1 and H2are similar (Table 13). This is an important aspect, since, accordingto Kumar and Bhattacharjee [40] that the smallest pores have noeffect on the strength properties of concrete. Depending on thetype of VMA, there is reduction or increase in the porosity ofHPSCC. VMA2 reduces the content of pores in HPSCC with SP1the most. VMA3 increases the content pores in HPSCC with SP1the most.

Research results of compressive strength of HPSCC are summa-rized in Table 13. Leemann and Winnefeld [18] proved that com-pressive strength at the age of 28 days is not affected by the useof VMA. Research results analyzed in publication [19] and the anal-ysis of results in Table 13 lead to conclusion that the type of SP andVMA are very important because of HPSCC strength. The analysis ofresults in Table 13 suggests that the type of SP and VMA and its com-binations result in different strengths of HPSCC, regardless of theporosity characteristics of HPSCC (Tables 11 and 12). In publications[10,20] the negative effect of VMA (based on methylcellulose) wasproved. Analysis of results in Table 13 suggests that VMA3 (basedon methylcellulose) decreases the compressive strength of HPSCCwith SP1 (H1V3) the most, Table 13. VMA3 in case of HPSCC withSP1 causes an increase in the air content in its volume. Moreover,VMA3 also adversely affect the setting time of cement paste. HPSCCwith VMA3 spent 24 h longer as compared to other types of VMA.VMA2 (based on silica), has the opposite effect to VMA3 effect dueto the compressive strength of HPSCC. In case of HPSCC with

olume and diameter of pores in H2.

Fig. 12. The relationship between total volume and diameter of pores in H1V1.

Fig. 13. The relationship between total volume and diameter of pores in H2V1.

1042 B. Łazniewska-Piekarczyk / Construction and Building Materials 48 (2013) 1035–1044

VMA2, the smallest content of the air pores was also obtained(Table 11). However, the highest strength is characterized by HPSCCwith VMA1 (based on synthetic copolymer), despite the consider-able content of the air pores (Table 11). On the other hand, in caseof HPSCC with SP2, the use of VMA1 causes decrease of compressivestrength. VMA2 (based on silica) has a positive influence on thestrength in each case of HPSCC.

The use of VMA (except methylcellulose) can increase thecompressive strength of HPSCC with ‘‘air-entraining’’ SP (com-

pare H1 and H1V1 and H1V2). In case of HPSCC with non-air-entraining SP, the use of VMA does not increase itscompressive strength. Moreover, VMA1 and VMA3 decrease ofcompressive strength of HPSCC. The capillary pore volume ofH2 and H2V1 is similar (compare Figs. 11 and 13), but thecompressive strength values of H2 and H2V1 are not similar(Table 13). VMA2 (based on silica) has a positive influence onthe strength of H2. The HPSCC with SP2 and VMA2 has thesmallest content of air-voids (Table 11).

Table 13The research results of compressive strength of HPSCC.

Series fcm, MPa

H1 89.5H1V1 97.2H1V2 96.7H1V3 83.0H2 92.9H2V1 74.3H2V2 90.9H2V3 77.3

H1–SP1 ‘‘air-entraining’’, H2–SP2 ‘‘non-air-entraining’’, H1V1–SP1 + VMA1, H1V2–SP1 + VMA2, H1V3–SP1 + VMA3, H2V1–SP2 + VMA1, H2V2–SP2 + VMA2, H2V3–SP2 + VMA3.

Table 14The research results of water penetration of HPSCC.

Series Water penetration depth, mm

H1 70.5H1V1 95.3H1V2 84.7H1V3 150.0H2 25.4H2V1 45.6H2V2 33.3H2V3 146.7

H1–SP1 ‘‘air-entraining’’ H2–SP2 ‘‘non-air-entraining’’, H1V1–SP1 + VMA1, H1V2–SP1 + VMA2, H1V3–SP1 + VMA3, H2V1–SP2 + VMA1, H2V2–SP2 + VMA2, H2V3–SP2 + VMA3.

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Research results [42] proved that cement mortar with methylcellulose of viscosity 70 Pa s reveal very good physical properties.The methyl cellulose of lower viscosity, 40 and 50 Pa s respectively,does not guarantee good properties. According to producer infor-mation VMA3 is admixture of viscosity 30 Pa s that may explainits negative influence on the compressive strength of HPSCC.Methyl cellulose has a great impact on the microstructure. More-over, research results [42] indicated that the increasing viscosityof admixture brings higher volume of gel-like C–S–H. There aregypsum residual crystals which did not react with calciumaluminate.

Research results of water penetration of HPSCC are presented inTable 14. The resistance of HPSCC to water penetration depends onSP and VMA type, regardless of the porosity characteristic of HPSCC(Tables 11 and 12). VMA1, VMA2 and VMA3 increase the waterpenetration depth of HPSCC. VMA3 increases water penetrationdepth of HPSCC the most. In case of HPSCC with SP2, only VMA2decreases the water penetration depth. The maximum water pen-etration depth of 30 mm is applied [41]. HPSCC with SP2 and with-out VMA is adequate for water retaining structures.

4. Conclusions

In the range of investigation of HPSCC, used admixtures andreceived research results it was indicated that:

� The type of SP and VMA is important because of the workabilityof the air-entrained HPSCC. The type of SP significantly affectsthe air content in fresh HPSCC. The VMA type also affects verysignificantly the content of the air in HPSCC.� The type of SP and VMA is very important because of the size

parameters of HPSCC air pores. In case of HPSCC with ‘‘air-entraining’’ SP, the content of the air pores is higher only by1.46%, but the specific surface of the air voids, air voids spacingfactor and content of the air voids with a diameters less than

300 lm are much higher. The HPSCC air voids are characterizedby very different values, depending on the type of SP and VMAused.� The type of SP and VMA is very important because of the open

porosity of HPSCC. The content of the pores in HPSCC with ‘‘air-entraining’’ SP is almost three times higher than in case ofHPSCC with non-air-entraining SP. In addition, depending onthe type of VMA, there is reduction or increase in the porosityof HPSCC.� The type of SP and VMA are very important because of the

strength and water penetration of HPSCC. The methyl celluloseof lower viscosity, 30 Pa s respectively, does not guarantee goodproperties of HPSCC.

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