Effect of admixtures on the setting times of high-strength concrete

Abstract The effect of silica fume (SF), metakaolin (MK), fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) on the setting times of high-strength concrete has been investigated using the penetration resistance method (ASTM C 403). In addition, the effect of a shrinkage-reducing admixture (SRA) on the setting times of normal and high-strength concrete was also studied. The setting times of the high-strength concrete were generally retarded when the mineral admixtures replaced part of the cement. While the SRA was found to have negligible effect on the setting times of normal strength concrete, it exhibited a rather significant retarding effect when used in combination with superplasticiser in high-strength concrete. The inclusion of GGBS at replacement levels of 40% and greater resulted in significant retardation in setting times. In general, as replacement levels of the mineral admixtures were increased, there was greater retardation in setting times. However, for the concrete containing MK, this was only observed up to a replacement level of 10%.