Use of Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs) to Mitigate Shrinkage in Self-Compacting Cement Paste Systems (SCPs) Containing Mineral Admixtures

Abstract

This thesis reports the effect of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) on the shrinkage response of self-compacting cement paste systems (SCPs) with and without the cement replacement using Fly Ash (FA) and Marble Powder (MP) in addition to giving other information about strength and Calorimetry. Twenty formulations were studied at varying water-cement ratios (0.27, 0.30, 0.35 and 0.40) to observe the effectiveness of SAPs as internal curing agent with varying water content. 10% cement replacement was done using FA and a 50-50 combination of FA and MP to study the effects of their addition on the SAPs containing self-compacting cement pastes. The results of this pioneer study in Pakistan indicate very promising results while giving insights about SAP-super-plasticizer interaction and the possible industrial short term uses which might revolutionize the construction industry of Pakistan