Abstract
Laboratory investigations and results from a year-long field trial demonstrated that plain Type IL cement and slag cement concrete that was internally cured by superabsorbent polymer (SAP) has increased strength and durability compared to SAP-free mixtures, mixtures containing colloidal nanosilica, and mixtures that were externally cured with a surface-applied curing compound. SAP was successfully delivered to fresh concrete mixtures at the ready-mixed concrete plant by using dissolvable bags containing premeasured amounts of dry SAP particles. No batching adjustments were necessary to successfully utilize SAP in the concrete mixtures.
Keywords
concrete curing, admixtures, organic polymers, nanosilica, microstructures, workability, compressibility, shrinkage, slag, internal curing, superabsorbent polymer, superplasticizers
Report Number
FHWA/IN/JTRP-2025/19
SPR Number
4727
Sponsoring Organization
Indiana Department of Transportation
Performing Organization
Joint Transportation Research Program
Publisher Place
West Lafayette, Indiana
Date of Version
2025
DOI
10.5703/1288284317899
Recommended Citation
Ajuonuma, C. S., Tokpatayeva, R., Seshadri, A. N., Castillo, A., Olek, J., & Erk, K. A. (2025). Practical implementation of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) for internally cured concrete (Joint Transportation Research Program Publication No. FHWA/IN/JTRP-2025/19). West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284317899
SPR-4727 Technical Summary