Design and control shrinkage behavior of high-strength self-consolidating concrete using shrinkage-reducing admixture and super-absorbent polymer

In the present study, self-consolidating concrete (SCC) with 28 days compressive strength of 110 MPa was fabricated. Its workability, hydration heat evolution, chloride penetration resistance, and mechanical properties were analyzed. To enhance its volume stability, shrinkage-reducing admixture (SRA) and super-absorbent polymer (SAP) were used, and their effect on autogenous shrinkage, drying shrinkage, and strength of the concrete were evaluated. The results indicate that high-strength SCC can be achieved using a carefully designed ternary binder system (made with cement, fly ash, and silica fume), water-reducing admixture, and low water-to-binder ratio (W/B -0.20). Addition of SRA and SAP into the concrete significantly reduced autogenous shrinkage and slightly reduced drying shrinkage. SAP is more effective in reducing autogenous shrinkage at later age, and the effect of SRA is better than that of SAP for drying shrinkage reduction.