Use of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) as concrete additive

Abstract

Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) are new, very promising multipurpose chemical admixtures for concrete. They make available a number of new possibilities with respect to the control of free water in the mixture. In turn they contribute to the control of the rheological properties of fresh concrete and to the mitigation of autogenous and plastic shrinkage through internal curing. Furthermore, pore systems built up as a result of SAP addition seem to remain stable regardless of the consistency of the concrete, the addition of superplasticizers, or the method of placement and compacting. Thus, SAP can be used as an alternative to air-entrainment agents. This article presents these and other potential practical applications of SAP in concrete construction.