CEMENT ADMIXTURES ASSOCIATION

38a Tilehouse Green Lane, Knowle, West Midlands B93 9EY

Tel: 01564 776362
www.admixtures.org.uk
SECRETARY: JOHN DRANSFIELD

Admixture Technical Sheet ATS 13

Viscosity Modifying Admixtures (VMA)
1

Function

The key function of a VMA is to modify the rheological properties of the paste and hence the fresh
concrete. The rheology of fresh concrete can be described by its yield point and plastic viscosity:
The yield point describes the force needed to start the concrete moving. Yield point is related to
the workability of the concrete and may be assessed by tests such as the slump value (EN
12350-2 & ASTM C143/C143M).
Plastic Viscosity describes the resistance of a concrete to flow under external stress. Viscosity is
caused by internal friction. The speed of flow of concrete is related to its plastic viscosity and may
be assessed by the T500 time during a slump flow test (EN 12350-8 & ASTM C1611/C1611M).
The balance between the yield point and the plastic viscosity is key to obtaining the appropriate concrete
rheology. VMAs change the rheological properties of concrete by increasing the plastic viscosity but
usually cause only a small increase in the yield point. Admixtures which decrease the yield point are
called plasticizers/superplasticizers and are often used in conjunction with a VMA to optimise the yield
point.
VMAs are a family of admixtures designed for specific applications. They are used to:
reduce segregation in highly flowable/self compacting concrete
reduce washout in underwater concrete
reduce friction and pressure in pumped concrete
compensating for poor aggregate grading, especially a lack of fines in the sand
reducing powder content in self compacting concrete
reduce bleeding in concrete
improve green strength in semi-dry concrete
Act as an aid to compaction in semi-dry concretes

Standards

These classes of admixture are covered by the requirements of BS EN 934 Part 2: Concrete admixtures
Definitions requirements, conformity, marking and labelling. The specific requirement for this category is
stipulated in Table 13.
All CAA manufacturers CE mark their products to demonstrate that they conform to the relevant BS EN
standard.

Materials

Most VMAs are based on high molecular weight polymers with a high affinity to water. By interaction of
the functional groups of the molecules with the water and the surfaces of the fines, VMA's build up a three
dimensional structure in the liquid phase of the mix to increase the viscosity and/or yield point of the
paste. The strength of the three dimensional structure affects the extent to which the yield point is
increased. For SCC, polysaccharide biopolymers have been found to be particularly effective.

ATS 13. This information is provided for guidance only. CAA cannot accept responsibility for its practical application.
12/12/2012

Some VMAs are based on inorganic materials such as colloidal silica which is amorphous with small
insoluble, non-diffusible particles, larger than molecules but small enough to remain suspended in water
without settling. By ionic interaction of the silica and calcium from the cement a three dimensional gel is
formed which increases the viscosity and/or yield point of the paste.
This three dimensional structure/gel contributes to the control of the rheology of the mix, improving the
uniform distribution and suspension of the aggregate particles and so reducing any tendency to bleeding,
segregation and settlement.

Mechanism

The choice of VMA and hence the mechanism of operation depends on the application. Further
information can be found on other ATS as detailed below.
reduce segregation in highly flowable/self compacting concrete ATS 13
reduce washout in underwater concrete ATS 16
reduce friction and pressure in pumped concrete ATS 12
improve green strength in semi-dry concrete ATS 14
The use of VMA in Self-compacting concrete (SCC) has become one of the main applications and is
covered in more detail below. Self-compacting concrete combines two normally mutually exclusive
properties.
SCC uses very efficient cement dispersion agents (superplasticising admixtures see ATS 2) to achieve
the high levels of fluidity needed for flow and self-compaction. The concrete will then have a very low
yield point and this may induce bleed and segregation of the mix. This can be overcome by careful mix
design which usually includes the use of fine fillers or additions to give a high fines content of sub 150
micron material. However, the mix may also require the inclusion of a rheology or segregation-control
admixture (VMA) which can be added separately, or form part of a dual function admixture in combination
with a superplasticiser.
To prevent segregation and bleed, the rheology of the mix may need to be modified in a way that does
not reduce the fluidity and self compactability but does increase the plastic viscosity. Viscosity modifying
admixtures (VMA) are used for this purpose. These are based on shear-sensitive thickening polymers
which produce a low viscosity at the high shear rates which occur during mixing, but a high viscosity at
low shear rates when the concrete has been poured and is at rest. The speed at which the viscosity
reduces under shear but then rebuilds when shearing stops is critical to effective performance.

Use

4.1 Dosage
Most VMAs are supplied as a liquid to make dosing easier and improve dosing accuracy, they are also
available in powder form. The dosage depends on the application and the VMA being used, but typically
ranges from 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of cement. The VMA may be blended with dispersing and other
ingredients to be multi functional and optimise the admixtures performance.
4.2 Mix design
The mix design for self-compacting concrete is critical to its success. There needs to be a high proportion
of fine material, typically around 450 to 550 kg/m3 which includes the cement and other fine materials
such as slag, PFA additions or limestone powder. Sand content is normally in the range 50 to 60% of the
total aggregate content; the sub 125 micron content of the sand may be included in the calculation of the
fine material content of the concrete as described at the beginning of this paragraph. The lower the fines
content of the mix the more likely will be the need for a VMA. See other ATS for mix design for other
VMAs applications.
4.3 Overdosing
Overdosing of a VMA could result in increased plastic viscosity (thickening of the mix) and a loss of flow
properties. Depending on the VMA type there could also be an increase in set retardation and in air
entrainment. However the colloidal silica types may slightly accelerate setting.

ATS 13. This information is provided for guidance only. CAA cannot accept responsibility for its practical application.
12/12/2012

Effects on properties of concrete

5.1 Strength
VMAs usually have little effect on final strength.
5.2 Workability/Consistance
As VMA dosage is increased, the plastic viscosity and the yield will also increase. The use of a VMA is
usually a balance between its dosage and that of the dispersing agent in order to optimise these two
rheological properties.
5.3 Setting time
With the polymer VMA types there is usually some extension of setting time, the amount dependent on
type used and the dosage. The colloidal silica types may accelerate setting and strength development.
5.4 Air entrainment
The polymer VMA types may tend to increase air entrainment, especially if the plastic viscosity which is
often the case for underwater concrete. It is rarely a problem in SCC.
5.5 Bleeding
The VMA admixtures are designed to produce homogenous concrete, essentially free of bleed and
segregation but depending on the overall mix design, yield point and VMA dosage, there may still be
some bleed and segregation.
5.6 Durability
VMA have little effect on durability beyond the benefits brought about by reduced bleed and segregation.

Health and Safety of Admixtures

Most admixtures are non hazardous and pose no abnormal health and safety risk but as with all forms of
chemical it is essential that the material safety data sheets are read and understood before use. Risk
assessments should be conducted to ensure all users are provided with a safe means of use and relevant
PPE.

Other information

Other CAA information sheets are available including Environmental Product Declarations, use of
admixtures in drinking water applications, sustainability, storage and dispensing. These are available at
www.admixtures.org.uk under the Publications tab.

ATS 13. This information is provided for guidance only. CAA cannot accept responsibility for its practical application.
12/12/2012