Elsevier, Construction and Building Materials, (72), p. 148-157, 2014
DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.09.012
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Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are particles which can take up a significant amount of fluid. In this paper workability, microstructure and strength properties were compared for mixtures with(out) SAPs and with(out) additional water. SAP particles reduce the flow, cause a densification of the matrix due to internal curing and also reduce the strength due to macro-pore formation. These characteristics need to be taken into account when using high amounts of SAPs in a mixture. The microstructure of mixtures with SAPs and additional water tends towards the one of the reference mixture without SAPs. The strength upon water addition, however, decreases slightly.