Abstract:
A self-compacting concrete (SCC) is the one that can be placed in the form and can go
through obstructions by its own weight and without the need of vibration. Since its first
development in Japan in 1988, SCC has gained wider acceptance in Japan, Europe and USA
due to its inherent distinct advantages. The major advantage of this method is that SCC
technology offers the opportunity to minimize or eliminate concrete placement problems in
difficult conditions. It avoids having to repeat the same kind of quality control test on
concrete, which consumes both time and labour. Construction and placing becomes faster &
easier. It eliminates the need for vibration & reducing the noise pollution. It improves the
filling capacity of highly congested structural members. SCC provides better quality
especially in the members having reinforcement congestion or decreasing the permeability
and improving durability of concrete.
The primary aim of this study is to explore the feasibility of using SCC by examining its
basic properties. An extensive literature survey was conducted to explore the present state of
knowledge on the durability performance of self-consolidating concrete. However, because it
usually requires a larger content of binder and chemical admixtures compared to ordinary
concrete, its material cost is generally 20–50% higher, which has been a major hindrance to
a wider implementation of its use. There is growing evidence that incorporating high
volumes of mineral admixtures and micro fillers as partial replacement for portland cement
in SCC can make it cost effective. However, the durability of such SCC needs to be proven.
This research consists of: (i) development of a suitable mix for SCC that would satisfy
the requirements of the plastic state; (ii) casting of concrete samples and testing them for
compressive strength and split tensile strength. Local aggregates, cement, admixtures and
additives produced by the local suppliers were used in this work. The significance of this
work lies in its attempt to provide some performance data of SCC so as to draw attention to
the possible use of SCC.
