New Trends in Concrete: Admixtures and High Performance Concrete

This lecture covers the use of adjuvants in concrete, such as accelerators, retarders, and superplasticizers, which modify its properties. It also explores recent developments like self-compacting concrete and ultra fiber-reinforced concrete. The presentation delves into the impact of adjuvants on concrete performance, durability, and cost. Additionally, it discusses the importance of air entrainers for frost resistance and the role of viscosity agents in preventing concrete segregation. The lecture highlights the advancements in high strength concrete technology, including the use of mineral additives and thickeners to enhance concrete properties. It also examines the history and mechanisms of superplasticizers, as well as the application of accelerators in concrete construction.