The type of air-entraining and viscosity modifying admixtures and porosity and frost durability of high performance self-compacting concrete

The influence of a type of viscosity modifying admixture (VMA) on the air-content, workability of air-entrained high performance self-compacting concrete (HPSCC) is analyzed in the paper. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of type of the admixtures on porosity and pore size distribution of HPSCC at constant water on cement ratio, type and volume of aggregate and volume of cement paste. The parameters of the air-voids and frost-resistance of hardened HPSCC are also investigated. The results presented the article demonstrated that admixtures from different sources cannot be used interchangeably, even if they appear to have a similar chemical composition.

► AEA and VMA type affect the properties of fresh HPSCC. ► AEA and VMA type affect the properties of hardened HPSCC. ► AEA and VMA type significantly influence the porosity of HPSCC. ► AEA and VMA type influence the frost-resistance of HPSCC. ► AEA and VMA from different sources cannot be used interchangeably.