Effects of pre-soaked super absorbent polymers on fresh and hardened properties of self-consolidating lightweight concrete

• The use of SAP improves the static stability and passing ability of SCLWC mixtures.
• The incorporation of SAP in SCLWC resulted in reducing the compressive strength.
• The increase in silica fume content in the mixture compensates for the strength reduction observed with the SAP.
• The fine SAP proved to be more effective in reducing the total shrinkage of SCLWC.

In this research, the influence of pre-soaked super absorbent polymers (SAPs) on the properties of Self-Consolidating Lightweight Concrete (SCLWC) was evaluated. SAP with two different fineness of 1–4 mm and 0.3–1 mm was incorporated in SCLWC mixtures at a constant percentage of 1.5%, by mass of binder. SCLWC mixtures were evaluated in terms of slump flow, T50, V-funnel, J-ring, compressive strength, water absorption, electrical resistivity, and total shrinkage. The test results indicated that SAP improve passing ability and decreases the static stability of fresh SCLWC mixtures. Furthermore, the use of SAP reduced the compressive strength of SCLWC mixtures at 7 and 28 days ages and induced a negative effect on the electrical resistivity and water absorption of SCLWC. However, the use of SAP resulted in up to 50% reduction in total shrinkage of SCLWC, compared to the reference mixture made without SAP.