Influences of design parameters on the properties of self-compacting concrete produced with structurally different polycarboxylates

New mixes were prepared according to the EFNARC self-compacting concrete criteria with synthesized polycarboxylate-type superplasticizers. For this purpose, superplasticizers possessing different side-chain lengths and cross-linkages were produced to overcome the workability and workability-retention problems in self-compacting concrete (SCC) by time. Not only the fresh properties but also hardened properties of SCCs were improved. With this study it was determined that, cross-linked polycarboxylate-type superplasticizer shows better performance in SCC compared to its counterparts and commercial polycarboxylate. It provides better self-compaction by discharging its bubbles during molding. Besides, the effects of water-powder ratio and superplasticizer dosage were also examined and discussed in this study.