Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) have the ability to absorb and retain many times their own dry weight in aqueous solutions [1]. Due to these properties, they can be used as multifunctional powdered admixtures for a wide range of applications in concrete construction. To date, SAP have been widely used in the medical, hygiene, and agricultural sectors because of their high absorption capacity. Their use as an admixture in concrete offers the possibility to control the water balance and the functional pore structure within the concrete matrix [2]. Superabsorbent polymers have already been extensively applied in concrete technology for internal curing to reduce autogenous shrinkage [3, 4]. In addition, they can be used to modify the rheological properties of fresh concrete [8, 9] or to improve freezethaw resistance [5-7].
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Tobias Schack and Michael Haist, Haist Schack Strybny Betoningenieure GmbH, Hannover, Germany & Institut für Werkstoffe im Bauwesen, Universität Stuttgart, Germany Sebastian Dittmar and Matthias Schauerte, Master Builders Solutions Deutschland GmbH, Staßfurt, Germany Oliver Mazanec, Master Builders Solutions Deutschland GmbH, Trostberg, Germany