Properties of concrete with a new type of saponin air-entraining agent

In the present paper, a new type of air-entraining agent (trademark SJ-2) i s introduced, its main chemical component being triterpenoid saponin. Many properties of fresh and hardened concrete with SJ-2, such as workability, b leeding, air-bubble system, stability of air bubbles, strength loss, frost/ salt-scaling resistance, etc., are measured. Some of them are compared with those of concrete with Vinsol resin and abietic soap (AS). Results show th at SJ-2 is an air-entraining agent with high quality, and most of the prope rties of concrete with SJ-2 are not lower than those of concrete with Vinso l; at the same conditions, the flexural strength loss of concrete with SJ-2 is remarkably lower than its compressive strength loss. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.