Influence of waterproofing compounds on the strength and durability of concrete: an experimental investigation

Abstract

Water seepage is a major problem in construction industries newlineparticularly when the buildings are constructed in the damped environment newlineThe basic solution to reduce number of voids and capillaries in concrete is to newlinecontrol water cement ratio along with proper mechanical compaction During newlinehydration the capillaries can become discontinuous or partly blocked due to newlinethe formation of cement gel newlineWaterproofing admixtures are the materials added in small newlinequantities during the mixing process of concrete This is related to the mass of newlinecement to modify the physical and mechanical properties in the fresh and newlinehardened state The waterproofing admixtures react with the calcium of the newlinefresh cement to form an insoluble material which adsorbs onto the surfaces of newlinethe capillaries They are frequently used to help to achieve the properties such newlineas strength enhancement density resistance to water penetration corrosion newlineprotection finish enhancement etc This thesis deals with the changes due to the addition of waterproofing admixtures on the workability, strength and durability of newlineconcrete The workability studies have been carried out by using various wc newlineratios such as 0 55 0 60 and 0 70 Five different chemical admixtures were newlinechosen and they were added in three different dosages from 0 12 to 0 59 by newlineweight of cement mixed thoroughly with the M20 designed concrete mix newlineiv cured for 7 days and 28 days and then tested newline newline