Conplast SP360*

High performance water reducing admixture

Technical support

Uses

Fosroc provides a technical advisory service for on-site

assistance and advice on admixture selection, evaluation
trials and dispensing equipment. Technical data and
guidance can be provided for admixtures and other
products for use with fresh and hardened concrete.

!
!
!

To significantly reduce the water demand of a

concrete mix without reducing workability, allowing
increased early and ultimate strengths without
additional cement.
To significantly improve the workability of concrete
without increasing water demand.
To reduce concrete permeability and thereby
reduce water penetration and enhance durability.
Particularly suitable for increasing workability of
ready mixed concrete at elevated temperatures and
for workability control of mixes containing
microsilica.

Advantages
!

Use in production of flowing concrete permits

easier construction with quicker placing and
compaction and reduced labour costs.
Major increases in strength at all ages without
increased cement contents are of particular benefit
in precast construction.
Reduction in water: cement ratio enhances
durability, producing low permeability concrete with
reduced shrinkage cracking potential.
Suitable for use in combination with other Fosroc
admixtures to allow optimum control of strength and
workability.
Chloride-free, safe for use in prestressed and
reinforced concrete.

Standards compliance
Conplast SP360 complies with BS 5075 Part 3 and with
ASTM C494. Depending on the temperature of test and
the dosage used, ASTM compliance as Type A, D, F or
C is obtained.
Description
Conplast SP360 chloride-free superplasticising
admixture is based on specially selected and blended
organic polymers. It is supplied as a brown solution,
which instantly disperses in water.

Typical dosage
The optimum dosage of Conplast SP360 to meet specific
requirements should always be determined by trials
using the materials and conditions that will be
experienced in use. This allows the optimization of
admixture dosage and mix design and provides a
complete assessment of the concrete mix. Starting
points for such trials, based on the primary use of the
product, are to use a dosage within the normal typical
ranges.
For high strength, water reduced concrete the normal
dosage range is from 0.75 to 1.75 liters/100 kg of
cementitious material, including PFA, GGBFS and
microsilica. For high workability concrete the normal
dosage range is from 0.50 to 1.00 liter/100 kg of
cementitious material.
Where a combination of performance is required, such
as some increase in workability combined with reduced
water content, then the whole range of dosages given
above can be considered. In mixes containing microsilica
the normal dosage range may be higher. This may
typically be up to 2.00 liters/100 kg of cementitious
material, or higher depending on temperature, to
overcome the increased water demand of such mixes
Use at other dosages
Dosages outside the typical ranges quoted above may
be used if necessary and suitable to meet particular mix
requirements, provided that adequate supervision is
available. Compliance with requirements must be
assessed through trial mixes. Contact the Fosroc
Technical Service Department for advice in these cases.
Properties

Conplast SP360 disperses the fine particles in the

concrete mix, enabling the water content of the
concrete to perform more effectively. The improved
dispersion of cement particles enhances the efficiency
of hydration. A retardation of setting of between one
and two hours may typically be obtained, which may be
beneficial in reducing the rate of workability loss.

Appearance:
Specific gravity:
Chloride content:
Alkali content:

Brown liquid

Typically 1.19 at 20oC

Nil to BS 5075
Typically less than 2% additional
air is entrained at normal
dosages

Instructions for use

Effects of overdosing
Mix design
Where the primary intention is to improve strengths, initial
trials should be made with normal concrete mix designs. The
addition of the admixture will allow the removal of water from
the mix whilst maintaining the workability at the levels
obtained before the use of the admixture. After initial trials,
minor modifications to the overall mix design may be made to
optimize performance.
Where the primary intention is to provide high workability
concrete, the starting mix design should be suitable for a
pump mix. Advice on mix design for flowing concrete is
available from the Fosroc Technical Service Department.
In correctly designed flowing concrete, the improved
dispersion of cement particles and more efficient use of
mixing water will improve mix cohesion. The slight air
entrainment obtained with Conplast SP360 will also help to
minimize bleed and segregation. After initial trials, minor
modifications to the mix design may be made to optimize
performance.
Compatibility
Conplast SP360 is compatible with other Fosroc admixtures
in the same concrete mix. All admixtures should be added to
the concrete separately and must not be mixed together prior
to addition. The resultant properties of concrete containing
more than one admixture should be assessed by the trial mix
procedure recommended on this data sheet to ensure that
effects such as unwanted retardation do not occur.
Conplast SP360 is suitable for use with all types of ordinary
Portland cements and cement replacement materials such as
PFA, GGBFS and silica fume.
Dispensing
The correct quantity of Conplast SP360 should be measured
by means of a recommended dispenser. Normally, the
admixture should then be added to the concrete with the
mixing water to obtain the best results. Contact the Fosroc
Technical Service Department for advice regarding

suitable equipment and its installation.

An overdose of double the intended amount of Conplast

SP360 will result in an increase in retardation as
compared to that normally obtained at the intended
dosage. This effect is found with most water reducing
admixtures, although the degree may vary. Retardation
is affected by factors other than the admixture,
depending on the mix details and conditions involved.
Trials to assess the effects in a particular mix are
strongly recommended if this aspect is of particular
importance. Provided that adequate curing is maintained,
the ultimate strength of the concrete will not he impaired
by increased retardation and will generally be increased.
The effects of overdosing will be further increased if
sulphate resisting cement or cement replacement
materials is used.
Over dosage may also cause increased air entrainment,
which will tend to reduce strength. The degree of this
effect will depend on the particular mix design and
overdose level.
An overdose will greatly increase the plasticising effect of
the admixture. As concrete is normally batched to a
target workability, increased plasticising will allow an
increased water reduction. This will have the effect of
increasing ultimate strength and partially or fully
offsetting the effect of any increased air entrainment. If
no increase in water reduction is taken and a significant
rise in workability is allowed, there is a strong possibility
of mix segregation. Increased initial workability will tend
to extend the working life of the concrete, which will
delay finishing and stiffening times to some extent.
Curing
As with all structural concrete, good curing practice
should be maintained, particularly in situations where an
overdose has occurred. Water spray, wet hessian or a
Concure*+ spray applied curing membrane should be
used.

Typical performance examples

situations. Because of the variability of concreting

materials, the results should only be taken as typical of
the performance to be expected. Results quoted in
individual examples should not be taken as necessarily
directly comparable with other examples given here or
results obtained elsewhere for Conplast SP360 or other
products.

Many variables in concreting materials and conditions

can affect the selection and use of an admixture. Trials
should be made using relevant materials and conditions
in order to determine the optimum mix design and
admixture dosage to meet specific requirements.
Typical performance examples from evaluation studies
of Conplast SP360 are included on this data sheet. The
examples quoted are representative of results obtained
and are provided as illustrations of performance in
different.

Unless otherwise specified, all testing was carried out to

the relevant parts of applicable British Standards.

Example 1: Laboratory testing for water reduction and strength increase, cement content 380 kg/m3
Mix
Control
Conplast SP360
Conplast SP360

Dosage

W/C

Air content

Slump

Ltr/100 kg
1.00
1.50

ratio
0.64
0.52
0.46

%
0.5
0.8
0.7

mm
125
130
130

Compressive strength N/mm

1 day
10.0
18.0
20.5

7 day
26.0
35.0
41.5

28 day
31.5
42.5
50.0

Example 2: Laboratory testing for workability control, cement content 380 kg/rn3
Mix
Control
Conplast SP360
Conplast SP360

Dosage

W/C

Ltr/100 kg
0.50
1.00

ratio
0.55
0.55
0.55

Slump, mm
Initial
50
120
190

60 mins.
25
55
105

Air content
%
0.9
0.9
0.5

Compressive strength N/mm

1 day
14.0
13.0
13.5

7 day
28.0
29.5
30.5

28 day
34.5
34.5
35.5

Example 3: Laboratory testing at varying dosage with 10% microsilica addition at 120 mm slump
Mix
Conplast SP360
Conplast SP360
Conplast SP360

Dosage
Ltr/100 kg
1.50
2.00
2.50

OPC/microsilica
2

kg/m
359/36
359/36
359/36

W/C

Air content

ratio
0.53
0.48
0.44

%
1.1
0.9
1.0

Compressive strength N/mm

1 day
14.5
17.0
18.5

7 day
35.5
42.5
48.5

28 day
52.0
58.5
63.5

Estimating - packaging

Precautions

Conplast SP360 is available in drums and bulk supply.

For larger users, storage tanks can be supplied. Details
of specific packaging volumes are available on request.

Health and safety

Conplast SP360 should not be swallowed or allowed to
come into contact with skin and eyes.

Storage
Suitable protective gloves and goggles should be worn.
Conplast SP360 has a minimum shelf life of 12 months
provided the temperature is kept within the range of 2 C
to 50oC. Should the temperature of the product fall
outside this range then the Fosroc Technical Service
Department should be contacted for advice.
Freezing point:

Approximately -3oC

Splashes on the skin should be removed with water. In

case of contact with eyes rinse immediately with plenty
of water and seek medical advice. If swallowed seek
medical attention immediately - do not induce vomiting.
For further information consult the Material Safety Data
Sheet available for this product.
Fire
Conplast SP360 is water based and non-flammable.
Cleaning and disposal
Spillages of Conplast SP360 should be absorbed onto
sand, earth or vermiculite and transferred to suitable
containers. Remnants should be hosed down with large
quantities of water.
The disposal of excess or waste material should be
carried out in accordance with local legislation under the
guidance of the local waste regulatory authority.

* see separate data sheet.

*Denotes the trade marks of Fosroc International Limited

Fosam Company Limitd

Jeddah Sale Office
Riyadh
Khamis Mushayt
Makkah
Jubail

Tel: (02)608 0999

Tel: (01)482 9303
Tel: (07)250 0469
Tel: (02)542 0869
Tel: (03)362 3904

Fax: (02)635 3330

Fax: (01)482 7562
Fax: (07)250 0469
Fax: (02)542 0869
Fax: (03)362 3875

Jeddah Showroom
Dammam
Yanbu
Medinah
Head Office & Factory

Tel: (02)665 0187

Tel: (03)847 2929
Tel: (03)322 4280
Tel: (04)845 1767
Tel: (02)637 5345

Fax: (02)667 4844

Fax: (03)847 1582
Fax: (03)391 2980
Fax: (04)846 3195
Fax: (02)637 5891

Important note: Fosroc products are guaranteed against defective materials and manufacture and are sold subject to its standard terms and conditions of
sale, copies of which may be obtained on request. Whist Fosroc endeavors to insure that any advice, recommendation, specification or information it may give
is accurate and correct, it cannot, because it has no direct or continuous control over where how its products are applied, accept any liability either directly or
indirectly arising from the use of its products, whether or not in accordance with any advice, specification, recommendation or information given by it
INT/11069/95/A