Cost Optimization of (C-30 & C-40) Concrete Mixtures Using Superplasticizers
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Date
2020-09
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Admixtures are playing vital roles in concrete, the second most consumed material on earth after water. Among these admixtures, High Range Water Reducers (Superplasticizers) have become one of the essential components in modern concrete.
Cement, the key ingredient in concrete, also represents 6 to 7% of the total global manmade emissions and the most expensive one compared to water and aggregates. Therefore, its optimization not only results in overall project cost reduction but also reduced cement consumption leading to reduced CO2 emission, raw material depletion, and reduced energy consumption.
Concrete mixture cost optimization means minimizing the cost of concrete mixtures while maximizing the desired performance criteria. Hence, the main objective of this study is, therefore to investigate if significant cost-saving can be made by using superplasticizers without affecting the desired compressive and workability requirements. Accordingly, laboratory examination was conducted on 17 concrete mixtures.
According to this study, considerable cost reduction was achieved using HRWRA without sacrificing the desired workability and strength properties of concrete. Using Type-F HRWRA, on average 98 to 152 birr/m3 cost-saving was recorded. However, higher slump-loss than the reference mixes was observed. In concrete mixes with Type-G HRWRA, 2 hours slump retention was achieved for 118-131 birr/m3 less cost than mixes without the admixture.
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Keywords
Cost optimization, Superplasticizers, Cost reduction, Cement consumption