What are admixtures and what are they used for?

Admixtures:

Admixtures are added to the concrete at the time of mixing to change some properties of the concrete mix. There are five types of admixtures. They are,

• Plasticizers
• Super plasticizers
• Air entrainers
• Accelerators
• Retarders

Uses of admixtures:

•  Admixtures are used to the concrete mix for following reasons.
• Increase the workability without any change in water content ratio.
•  Reduce water content without any change in workability.
• Adjust the setting time of concrete.
• It will reduce segregation and bleeding from the concrete structure.
• Increase strength.
• Reduce permeability.
• Increase durability.
• Reduce cost of materials
• Substitute the poor properties of aggregate.