experimental investigation on properties of self compacting concrete using mineral admixtures

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.