Effect of the SikaCem Plasticizer Additive on Workability, Compressive Strength, and Flexural Strength in Conventional Concrete f'c=210 kg/cm² (#898)

Authors

Cabrera-Alcantara, Tomy

Lavado-Vera, Alex

Alvarado, Cinthya

Abstract

The present study, conducted in Trujillo, Perú, addresses issues related to the workability of concrete, a key factor influencing pathologies such as honeycombing. The main objective was to evaluate the impact of adding SikaCem plasticizer on the physical and mechanical properties of conventional concrete with f’c = 210 kg/cm². The research followed a quantitative, applied, and explanatory approach. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of SikaCem significantly improves the workability of concrete. Additionally, it increases compressive strength by 44.09% and flexural strength by 14%, with the optimal design being the one using 500 ml of the additive. In conclusion, the addition of SikaCem plasticizer, in dosages of 250, 375, and 500 ml, optimizes both physical properties (workability) and mechanical properties (compressive and flexural strength), offering practical solutions to improve the quality of concrete in construction.