Plasticisers and Superplasticisers (see High workability concretes ) disperse and deflocculate the cement particles within a concrete mix, improving the efficiency of the water content.

High strength concretes traditionally required an increase in cement contents, resulting in increased costs.

Increasing cement produces a concrete that is sticky and difficult to handle. To increase workability, extra water is added, which actually weakens the hardened concrete, making it less strong, less durable, more permeable and susceptible to attack.

The addition of plasticisers increases workability without the addition of extra water. Strong and durable concretes can be produced without the need for higher cement contents.