EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF SAP ON CONCRETE

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
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EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF SAP ON CONCRETE
P. Indhra1, Dr. I. Padmanaban2
1
Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Sri Krishna College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
2
Head of the Department, Department of Civil Engineering, Sri Krishna College of Technology, Coimbatore,
Tamilnadu, India
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Abstract – The effect of super absorbent polymer (SAP)
on concrete is the subject of an experimental research in
this thesis. The addition of SAP to concrete has a variety
of advantageous effects on the concrete's varied
qualities. Both the interior and exterior of the concrete
have been cured. The strength of the concrete is
significantly impacted by this form of curing. This is also
made possible by SAP's crack-healing mechanism, which
is useful when cracks form inside of concrete as a result
of the hydration process. By employing various mineral
admixtures in the percentages of 30% fly ash, 10% GGBS,
and 10% silica fume, 50% of the cement content is partially
replaced. SAP, or SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, is used in
amounts of 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%. Concrete's workability
and placement are improved as a result of SAP's impact
on it. However, if too much SAP is added to the mixture,
it could cause more voids to form in the mass of the
concrete, which would then have a detrimental impact
on the hardened concrete. This study's main objective is
to test various hardened SAP-induced concrete strengths
and compare them to conventional concrete. Then, using
ANSYS software, the beam finite element approach can
be obtained.
Key Words: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP),
Internal curing, crack healing mechanism, Sodium
polyacrylate, Detrimental impact 0.1%, 0.3% &
0.5% finite element method – ANSYS
1.INTRODUCTION
Concrete repair solutions are becoming more and
more significant in contemporary technology as a
result of the significant amount of infrastructure that is
prematurely degrading. The use of SAP (SUPER
ABSORBENT POLYMER)to enhance the microstructure
and durability-related characteristics of mortars of
average strength prepared using supplemental
cementitious ingredients is not widely known, yet.
Crack repair, self-healing, internal curing, strength
characteristics, shrinkage reducing, and self sealing are
all included in this SAP.
SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER:
CHEMICAL FORMULA OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER
SAP: SODIUM POLYACRYLATE is a sodium salt of
polyacrylic acid, also known as water lock. The SAPs are
cross-linked polymers created by polymerizing sodium
hydroxide and polyacrylic acid in the presence of acrylic
acid. A SAP can become up to 99.99% fluid and absorb
450–500 times its weight (40–60 times its own specific
volume), yet when placed in a 0.9% saline solution, the
absorption may only be 40–50 times its weight. Later
researchers start using SAP as an addition in the production
of concrete. The SAP was used to stop water from passing
through spaces and fissures. It basically falls into two
categories. They are cross-linked, ionic polymers.
Preferably with cross linked polymer as sodium
polyacrylate.
2.OBJECTIVE
a. To give an alternate method of preventing
corrosionin reinforced steel;
b. To give an alternate method of preventing
corrosionin reinforced steel;
c. To reduce the cost of maintenance; To increase
thedurability and strength of the material.

3. SCOPE
a. To determine the impact of sap on the
shrinkage and creep of concrete, experimental
research will becarried out.
b. Researching techniques to fill in the gaps left
by the sap's release of water
c. To test the bond strength in addition to sap
with cement, experiments will be conducted.
4.LITERATURE REVIEW
The research on various applications and techniques
for assessing SAP concrete prepared with various
chemical and mineral admixtures is covered in this paper.
The work done by many researchers on SAP-influenced
concrete is thoroughly reviewed in this chapter.
Fazhon wang (2009), The water entrained by SAP in
this study is nearly depleted after 7 days, creating many
pores in the paste structure. But it causes AS, internal
relative humidity, and strength. When applying a high
dosage of SAP or entrained air, the compressive
strength decreases. The compressive strength of SAP
concrete reaches 24.7 N/mm2 after three days and 51
N/mm2 after 28 days. Flexural strength of SAP concrete
at 3 days was 5.6 N/mm2 and at 28 days was 9.6
N/mm2.
O.Mejlhede Jensen (2013), According to this study, SAP
is used in concrete that can hold 5000 times its weight
in water. The dry weight of the water absorbs between
100 and 400 g/g. The results produced two opposing
unfavourable consequences. The concrete's
compressive strength hasslightly diminished. Another
is empty production. Better strength qualities are
achieved by employing a cement ratio that is less than
0.45. participates in the creation of frost, the reduction of
shrinkage, and the change of freeze-thaw rheology. The
option of actively regulating the entrained air in the
hardened concrete is provided by the use of SAP.
Finalizing the outcome as tripled yield stress and a
25% increase in plastic viscosity for concrete with an
initial water-to-cement ratio of 0.4 and it seals the crack
formed on the surface inn high performance concrete.
Gemma Rodriguiz de Sensale (2014) employed two
methodologies in this paper. In terms of auto
shrinkage deformation and compressive strength, the
effects of adding more LWA and SAP are explored, and
their best uses are also described. To attain improved
durability and strength properties, the optimal SAP use is
0.3% and LWA is used inplace of fine aggregate.
kenneth seeria (2015), Review of internally cured concrete
is provided in this publication. It participates in the
production of high strength concrete by adding SAP as an
additive and substituting the main aggregate with
LWA.Next, it was addressed how to employ SRA and cut
back on external curing.
Ravindra D. Wark Hade (2016), SAP in concrete is being
tested in this investigation. The mechanical properties of
concrete are the primary focus of this study's SAP. Sap
doses range from 0.1% to 0.7%, with a water cement
ratio of roughly 0.45. The outcomes were controlled
rheological characteristics and decreased autogenous
shrinkages.
5.MATERIALS USED
5.1 ORDINARY PORTLAND CEMENT
The definition of cement is a bonding substance with
cohesive and adhesive qualities that enables it to bind
various building elements and create a compacted
assembly. One of the most popular varieties of Portland
cement is ordinary or normal Portland cement. A fine,
grey powder iscement. To form concrete, it is combined
with water and ingredients like sand, gravel, and crushed
stone. As the concrete dries, a paste made of cement and
water holds the other components together. Argillaceous
and calcareous are the two fundamental components of
regular cement. Clay predominates in argillaceous
materials while calcium carbonate does so in calcareous
materials. A maximum of 15% of the total mass of active
blended ingredients shouldbe added to cement. Kiln ash
17 and inactive blended ingredients, which should make
up no more than 5% and 10% of the cement mass,
respectively, are permitted to take their place.
FIG 1. Cement

5.2 FINE AGGREGATE
For the creation of concrete, manufactured sand is
used instead of river sand. It is made by smashing
brittle granitestone. Sand that has been crushed has a
cubical shape withgrounded edges and has been rinsed
and graded for use inbuilding. M-Sand has a particle size
of less than 4.75mm. It is less expensive to carry
manufactured sand from a distance than river sand
since it may be made by crushing strong granite
boulders. It is necessary to utilise M-Sand because
natural sand is becoming more and more expensive
and scarcer. Sand that has been manufactured has the
ability toreplace natural sand and aids in maintaining
both the ecological and economic balance.
FIG 2. Fine Aggregate
5.3 COARSE AGGREGATE
The shape of coarse aggregates might be angular,
rounded, or irregular. The course aggregate grading
restrictions for both single size aggregate and graded
aggregate are listed in IS 383 - 1970 - table 2, Clause 4.1
and 4.2. To produce cohesive and solid concrete, the
grading of coarse aggregate is crucial. Smaller course
aggregate particles, such as sand,fill the spaces left by
the bigger course aggregate particles. This reduces the
amount of mortar (a cement-sand-water mixture)
needed to fill the remaining spaces. The chance of
segregation is reduced by properly grading coarse
aggregate, especially for higher workability. The
compatibility of concrete is also enhanced by proper
grading of coarse particles.
FIG 3. Coarse Aggregate
5.4 WATER
In general, water that is suitable for drinking can be used to
make concrete. It is also typically acceptable to use water
from lakes and streams that have marine life. There is no
need for sample when water is acquired from the
aforementioned sources. Unless tests show that the water is
satisfactory, it should not be used in concrete when it is
suspected that it may contain sewage, mine water, or
waste from industrial facilities or canneries. Since tap
water is occasionally used for casting and low water levels
may cause quality changes, water from such sources should
be avoided. For mixing and curing the concrete samples,
ordinary drinkable water is employed.
FIG 4. Water
5.5 FLY ASH
Flyash produced by burning sub-bituminous coals is known
as ASTM Class C fly ash or high-calcium fly ash because it
often contains more than 20% CaO. On the other side, fly
ash from bituminous and anthracite coals is referred to as
ASTM Class F fly ash or low-calcium fly ash. It has less
than 10% CaO and is mostly made of an aluminosilicate
glass. Depending on the chemical and mineral components,
fly ash can take on a dark grey hue.
FIG 5. Fly Ash
5.6 GGBS
GGBS, or "Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag," is a by-
product of the iron-making blast furnaces and is a
cementitious material used mostly in concrete. It can
alternatively be referred to as GGBS or lag cement, even
though it is typically referred to as GGBS in the UK. This slag

is occasionally tapped off as a molten liquid, and in
order to employ it in the production of GGBS, it must
be quickly quenched in a lot of water. Quenching
produces granules that resemble coarse sand and
optimises the cement's tensile qualities. The dried and
powdered granulated slag is next processed.
FIG 6. GGBS
5.1 SILICA FUME
Silica fume is a by-product of making ferrosilicon
alloys orsilicon metal. Concrete is among silica fume's
most advantageous applications. It is an extremely
reactive pozzolan due to its chemistry and physics. There
are wet and dry varieties of silica fume for usage in
concrete. Following the good concreting methods
recommended by the American Concrete Institute, silica
fume concrete should be delivered, placed, completed,
and cured.
FIG 7. Silica Fume
5.8 SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER
The SAPs are cross-linked polymers created by
polymerizing sodium hydroxide and polyacrylic acid in
the presence of acrylic acid. SAP: SODIUM
POLYACRYLATE is a sodium salt of polyacrylic acid,
sometimes referred to as water lock. Two different types
of polymers exist. They are cross-linked polymers of
the ionic type. The kind and strength of cross- linkers
determine the total absorbency and swelling capacity.
later pioneered by researchers.
FIG 8. Super absorbent polymer
5.9 SUPER PLASTICIZER
The use of SAP as an additive in concrete construction
is
Cross-linked SAP with a low density has a greater
capacity for absorption and expands more, and vice versa. A
SAP may absorb 450–500 times its weight (between 40 and
60 times its own specific volume), and it can develop into
up to 99.99% fluid, but when placed in a 0.9% saline
solution, the absorption lowers to perhaps 40– 50
times its weight.
Super plasticizers, often referred to as high range water
reducers, are chemical admixtures utilised when well-
dispersed particle suspension is required. These
polymers are employed as dispersants to prevent
particle segregation (gravel, coarse and fine sands) and
to enhance the flow properties of suspensions, such as in
concrete applications. Their inclusion to mortar or
concrete permits the development of self- consolidating
concrete and high performance concrete by reducing the
water to cement ratio while maintaining the mixture's
workability. When the water to cement ratio falls,
concrete gains strength. Conplast SP430 is based on
Sulphonated Napthalene Polymers and is supplied as a
brown liquid that dissolves rapidly in water. Conplast
SP430 has been specifically designed to produce
high-quality concrete with decreased permeability while
yet offering considerable water reductions of up to 25%.
Site trials with the concrete mix are the greatest way to
identify the ideal dosage since they allow for the
measurement of the effects of workability, strength
growth, or cement reduction. Conplast SP 430 site testing
should always be contrasted with mixes without any
admixtures. Conplast SP430 should be added in the
specified amount together with the measuring water. For
optimal results, prewette the mixture with 80% of the
required amount of water before adding Conplast SP430
super plasticizer in the final step.

FIG 9. Super plasticizer
6.RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
6.1 FRESH CONCRETE PROPERTIES
SAP Concrete with varying amounts of super absorbent
polymer and various mineral admixtures, such as fly
ash, GGBS, and silica fume. Super absorbent polymer
percentages of 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% were investigated
for Slump flow and compaction factor. The table below
includes the results of the fresh properties of all SAP
concrete with various percentages.
S.NO % OF
SAP
SLUMP
VALUE
COMPACTIO
N FACTOR
0.88
6.2HARDENED CONCRETE PROPERTIES
The results of compressive strength and split tensile
strength tests were presented in the table below with
SAP percentages of 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% with fixed
percentages of cement, fly ash, GGBS, and silica fume.
1. 0.1% 120 mm
Table 1 - Fresh concrete test calculation for M30
0.84
0.86
2. 0.3% 100 mm
3. 0.5% 90mm
28 DAYS
7 DAYS
1. 0.1% 18.56 31.72
2. 0.3% 22.29 34.3
3. 0.5% 20.42 32.25
2
CUBES N/ mm
S.NO SAP %
Table 2 -Test results for compressive strength
FIG 10. Bar chart showing compressive strength
The maximum values for compressive strength test
are obtained for the mix cement 50%, Fly Ash 30%, GGBS
10% & Silica Fume 10% with SAP percentage of 0.3%
gives an increase of 11% strength value at 28 days when
compared tonormal mix.
6.3 SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH TEST
Concrete cylinder specimens with a 150 mm diameter
and a
300 mm height were cast in order to determine the
material's split tensile strength. The ideal values
discovered by the compression test were used to cast
the cylinders. Cylinders were tested when they were 7
and 28 days old. The following table shows the impact of
several SAP dosages, such as 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%, on
the split tensile strength of M30 Grade Concrete Mix
(cement 50%, fly ash 30%, GGBS 10%, and silica fume
10%) at the age of 7, 28 days.
S.NO SAP % SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH
7 DAYS 28 DAYS
Load
KN
Strength
N/mm2
Load
KN
Strength
N/mm2
130 1.83 230 2.68
1. 0.1% 110 1.5 160 2.26
2. 0.3% 150 2.30 250 3.54
3. 0.5% 135 1.91 220 3.12
Table 3 - Test Results for Split Tensile Strength

FIG 11.Bar chart showing Split tensile strength test
The maximum values for split tensile test are obtained
for the mix cement 50%, Fly Ash 30%, GGBS 10% & Silica
Fume 10% with SAP percentage of 0.3% gives an
increase of 9% strength value at 28 days when compared
to normal mix.
6.4 FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Utilizing the ANSYS workbench, the beam's analytical
model was built, and the features of load deflection were
examined. Engineers frequently choose ANSYS
Workbench as their platform of choice. In essence, we set
up the materials using simulation and design model,
respectively.
FIG 12. Linear Isotropic Material Properties
FIG 13. Element Solution
FIG 15. Equivalent Elastic Strain
FIG 14. Total Deformation

FIG 16. Equivalent Stress
7.CONCLUSION
The Super Absorbent Polymer concrete, which uses fly
ash, GGBS, and silica fume, is discovered to be both
affordable and environmentally friendly.
 By adjusting the SAP doses with the concrete,
three different mixes were created.
 When compared to conventional concrete, the
strength is better when 50% of the cement is
replaced with 30% fly ash, 10% GGBS, and 10%
silica fume.
 When compared to conventional concrete, SAP
dosage of 0.3% results in an increase of 9% for
split tensile strength and 11% for compressive
strength.
 Concrete's strength may rise when a small
amountof SAP is employed.
 This optimal application of SAP concrete
producesstrength and durability attributes and
also contributes to shrinkage and crack
reduction.
 Finite Element Method (FEM) modal software is
used to determine the analytical flexural
behaviour of the beam (ANSYS)
8.REFERENCES
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3. Bart Craeye, Matthew Geirnaert, Geert De Schutter
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