Effect of Air Entrainment on Concrete Strength
The influences of air entrainment on concrete strength includes:- Effect of Air Entrainment on Concrete Compressive Strength
- Effect of Air Entrainment on Flexural Strength of Concrete
1. Effect of Air Entrainment on Concrete Compressive Strength
Air entraining admixture is usually introduced when it is desired to increase concrete workability without affecting much reduction in compressive strength. It is claimed that, the place-ability of an air entrained concrete having 7.5 cm slump is better than a non-air entrained concrete with a slump of 12.5 cm. By and large, the compressive strength of concrete is reduced by use of air entrained admixture, as shown in Fig. 1. The amount of reduction in strength depends on many factors such as mix proportions, type and grading of concrete, cement and actual air-entraining agent. Normal reduction in strength of concrete by use of air-entrained admixtures varies from 3 to 7%. This variation of strength shall be considered in the mix design of concrete so that a desired compressive strength is achieved with required amount of admixture and workability. Suitably, trial mix designs should be done to find exact variation of strength with the use of this admixture and suitable corrections should be done in mix design to ensure desired strength. Typically, it may be assumed that a loss of 5% in compressive strength of concrete occurs due to each 1% by volume of entrained air in the concrete mix. In order to estimate water-cement ratio required for an air entrained concrete, an allowance for strength reduction is incorporated in the mix design and higher target mean strength is assumed. The appropriate higher target mean strength for an air entrained mix is given by:2. Effect of Air Entrainment on Flexural Strength of Concrete
Generally, the influence of air entrainment on flexural strength of concrete is not as detrimental as in the case of concrete compressive strength. It is reported that, maximum flexural strength can be achieved even with air contant of 4%.
It is shown that, flexural strength of lean concrete mix increases provided that, maximum water reduction is considered and small maximum aggregate size is employed.