Admixtures — identify the incorrect blanket statement about their effects Which of the following statements about concrete admixtures is NOT generally true?
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ACertain admixtures can accelerate hydration and early strength gain
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BSome admixtures can reduce permeability and improve watertightness
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CAdmixtures make concrete fully acid proof under aggressive chemical exposure
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DAppropriate admixtures can be used to achieve higher strengths or performance
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ENone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: Admixtures make concrete fully acid proof under aggressive chemical exposure
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Admixtures modify fresh and hardened properties of concrete, helping tailor workability, setting, strength, durability, and shrinkage. However, they have limits and must be selected judiciously for exposure conditions.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Common admixture classes: accelerators, water reducers, superplasticizers, air-entrainers, pozzolanic/mineral additions.
- Normal structural concretes; not specialty polymer concretes or linings.
- Exposure may include moisture and mild chemicals but not severe acids without protective systems.
Concept / Approach:
Admixtures can accelerate hydration, reduce water demand, entrain air, or reduce permeability, thereby improving watertightness. Some help achieve higher strengths via lower w/c. However, no conventional admixture renders concrete “acid proof”; strong acids attack hydrated cement paste. Chemical resistance requires low permeability plus protective coatings or special binders.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Evaluate (a): true for accelerators.Evaluate (b): true for water reducers, integral waterproofers, pozzolans.Evaluate (c): false; concrete is not acid proof without special systems.Evaluate (d): true via reduced w/c and optimized mixes.Verification / Alternative check:
Durability design guides caution that acids degrade cementitious matrices; protective linings are necessary for aggressive acidic environments.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- (a), (b), (d) are achievable with appropriate admixture selection and mix design.
- “None of these” is wrong because (c) is demonstrably false.
Common Pitfalls:
- Over-relying on admixtures while neglecting cover, curing, and joints.
Final Answer:
Admixtures make concrete fully acid proof under aggressive chemical exposure.