Effect of calcium lignosulfonate on properties of concrete at early ages

The objective of this investigation was to determine the effects of calcium lignosulfonate on the physical properties of concrete. Calcium lignosulfonate used as an admixture was tested for its effect on the tensile and compressive strength of plain concrete cylinders, and for its effect on the flexural strength of plain concrete beams. The effect of the admixture on shrinkage, slump, air content and unit weight was also studied. the test results showed that calcium lignosulfonate reduces the amount of water required to make a workable concrete mix; a more workable mix saves money because it is easier to place, thus reducing labor requirements for the project. Reducing the water content while leaving the cement factor unchanged results in concrete of higher tensile, compressive and flexural strengths at all ages --Abstract, page ii