Influence of superabsorbent polymer on the splitting tensile strength and fracture energy of high-performance concrete

¹ Unit for Construction Materials, Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa
² Department of Building, School of Environmental Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 65, Minna, Nigeria

^* Corresponding author: babatunde@futminna.edu.ng

Abstract

Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) addition as an internal curing (IC) agent in concrete is an approach being adopted for the mitigation of autogenous shrinkage. Micro-voids created by SAP are arguably believed to be detrimental to the mechanical properties especially the fracture tendencies of the concrete. This paper presents the report of an experimental study of SAP’s influence on the splitting tensile strength and fracture energy of low water/binder (W/B) high-performance concrete (HPC). Reference HPC mixtures (M1F, M1S, M2 and M3) designed for a 28-day minimum cube compressive strength of 70 N/mm² (MPa) were examined for the effect of SAP grain size, content and binder type on the above stated properties. Wedge splitting test was carried out on 100 mm cube specimen of HPC containing varied SAP contents (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 by weight of binder (bwob)) and SAP sizes, cured by water immersion for 28, 56 and 90 days respectively. The results obtained was plotted as splitting force (Fsp in kN) against the crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD in mm) for computing the work of fracture (Wf), which is the area under the Fsp CMOD curve. The study concludes that the splitting tensile strength and fracture energy of the HPCs are not directly affected by SAP addition (i.e. neither grain size nor content).