Salt Freeze Thaw Response of Self Compacting Mortar Systems Using Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) and Secondary Raw Materials (SRMs)

Abstract

This study hearsays the effect of super absorbent polymers (SAPs) on salt freeze thaw resistance of self-compacting mortar systems (SCMs) in conjunction with the other fresh (flow properties, hydration kinetics, dimensional stability, capillary pore pressure and air content) and hardened (density, water absorption, strength and microstructure) properties. SCMs were prepared at (W/C) Basic = 0.42 and (W/C) Basic = water demand, with and without limestone powder and zeolite as secondary raw materials (SRMs) also recognized as secondary cementitious materials. The experimental investigation depicted significant reduction in salt freeze thaw scaling (87%) upon addition of SAP at 0.42 basic water to cement ratio. However, the freeze thaw scaling slightly increased with SAP at water demand when compared to the respective control formulation. The combination of SAP and SRMs shown moderately good salt freeze thaw scaling but it was slightly higher than the SAP composition when used alone. Lowest salt freeze thaw scaling was portrayed by pure composition at water demand. The combination of SAP and SRMs have shown moderately good freeze thaw resistance in conjunction with exceptionally good fresh and hardened properties. Addition of SAP significantly improved fresh properties including shrinkage, hydration peaks, pore pressure in addition to the better freeze thaw response. However, a decrease in compressive strength is observed upon addition of SAP. Combination of SAP and blend of limestone powder and zeolite powder improved both fresh and hardened properties including shrinkage, hydration peaks, pore pressure, air content, and compressive strength in addition to moderately good freeze thaw response which was 74% less scaling compared to the control formulation at 0.42 water to cement ratio. Best freeze thaw response was depicted by pure formulation at water demand however the other properties were compromised. Finally, for the sack of better salt freeze thaw resistance, fresh and hardened properties, a combination of SAP and SRMs is recommended for application to general construction.