Effect of a Plasticizer Additive on the Compressive Strength and Workability of 25 MPa Concrete

Gaona Abanto E.A.E.; Aliaga Briones B.M.; Delgado Herrera F.M.; Guevara Marrufo G.K.; Suarez Caruajulca Y.Y. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2025) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2025.1.1.1668

Resumen

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the plasticizer additive SikaCem on concrete with a 15% reduction in water content, through a comparative analysis of its fresh and hardened state properties, including temperature, slump, unit weight, compressive strength, void content, absorption, and absorption rate. To this end, a total of 10 concrete specimens were tested: five prepared with conventional concrete and five with the inclusion of the plasticizer additive, using the concrete laboratory at the Universidad Privada del Norte, Cajamarca campus. Initially, the raw materials (fine and coarse aggregates) were selected and subjected to tests for granulometry, moisture content, absorption, and specific and unit weight, in order to design the concrete mix. Subsequently, the tests were conducted in accordance with the applicable technical standards, which are detailed in later sections. The results indicate that the incorporation of the plasticizer additive significantly improves the mechanical properties of the concrete. Specifically, an increase of 23.49% in compressive strength was observed using the destructive test, and 16.11% using the rebound hammer test. In addition, the concrete with additive showed a 1.5 °C lower temperature compared to conventional concrete, and a 1.66% reduction in void content. Lower absorption values were also recorded, both after water immersion and after immersion and boiling. Regarding workability, an improvement was observed in the concrete with plasticizer additive, as evidenced by a higher slump value. Finally, the initial absorption rate was 42% lower in the additive-modified concrete compared to conventional concrete, confirming a significant variation in concrete properties due to the use of the additive. It is concluded that the plasticizer additive reduces absorption capacity, void content, and concrete temperature, while improving workability and compressive strength.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada del Norte