STUDY ON EFFECT OF PREVENTING EARLY AGE FROST DAMAGE USING ADDITIVE FOR SETTING TIME ADJUSTMENT

Abstract

An advanced concrete finish (ACF) construction method has been developed to shorten the setting time of concrete in low-temperature environments using an additive for setting time adjustment. This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of the prevention method for early age frost damage using ACF additive and to recommend an appropriate program to utilize it. This study measures various tests such as slump, air content, setting time, and compressive strength. The results show that the use of ACF additive unaffected the slump and air content of fresh concrete. The setting time of concrete was significantly shortened with an increase in the amount of ACF additive, and this effect can be observed even at low temperatures. Additionally, the ACF additive can improve the early age strength within 24 hours. However, there is no difference between ACF concrete and plain concrete in compressive strength at 7 and 28 days. Adding 4 and 6 kg/m³ of ACF additive successfully prevented early age frost damage. Frozen concrete samples developed the same degree of compressive strength compared to non-frozen concrete samples after recovery curing. Therefore, 4 and 6 kg/m³ of ACF additive can be used in cold weather concreting to prevent early age frost damage.