Possibility of Using Other Additives as Replacement for Air Entraining Admixture in Concrete

Abstract

Concrete in which the air entraining admixture was used can exhibit behavior which alternate from the ‘standard’ concrete behavior when employed in the structural design. The origin of this problem can be found in the changeable properties of the componential materials, incompatibility of the utilized raw materials, influence of extreme conditions on the concrete curing (i.e., increased temperature), etc. The possibility of using other additives for the concrete exposed to various environmental influences was investigated. Sustainability of concrete production and resource efficiency urged the searching for an adequate waste material or an industrial byproduct which would improve freezing/thawing resistance of concrete. In this paper the possibility of Sika Aer Solid powdery additive and recycled rubber as a substitute for the air entraining admixture was investigated. Four mixtures were designed: referent concrete with no air entraining admixtures, concrete with Sika Aer Solid, concrete with recycled rubber, and concrete with air entraining admixture. The properties of fresh and hardened concrete were examined. The obtained results of compressive strength, resistance to freezing/thawing cycles and depth of water penetration under pressure for altered concretes indicate that it is possible to use alternative additives as substitutes for air entraining admixture.