Superplasticized high-workability concrete: some properties in the fresh and hardened states

Synopsis The paper describes the first stage of a wide-ranging investigation into superplasticized high-workability concrete. The properties studied were, in the fresh state, flow characteristics, stability (bleeding and segregation) und air content and, in the hardened, compressive strength (both early and subsequent up to 90 days) and drying shrinkage. A ranking order of the superplasticizers used was obtained, together with proposals on the flow and segregation behaviour in response to variations in cement content and sand grading. The bleeding of the superplasticized highworkability concrete was found to be higher, and the air content generally lower, than for the corresponding normul concrete. Compressive strength was found to be generally of the same order as that of normal concrete, whilst drying shrinkage was higher for the superplasticized high-workability concrete.