The influence of polycarboxylate-based superplasticizers on the water-holding capacity of cements and the properties of highly mobile and self-compacting concretes has been studied. In the course of studies it was found that the water-holding capacity of cement in the presence of a specific additive reflects its potential activity and is a very important characteristic when choosing a pair of "cement-superplasticizer". Rheological activity of superplasticizer with cement concrete were estimated according to the value of the maximum shear stress of cement slurries. To assess the composition of self-compacting concrete should be used cement utilization factor in concrete, reflecting its technical and economic efficiency. Concretes with a rationally selected grain composition and dosage of polycarboxylate-based superplasticizers can achieve high strength with a minimum specific consumption of cement.
Keywords: water-holding capacity of cement, rheological activity of superplasticizer, self-compacting concrete, concrete strength, cement utilization factor