Chapter (1) Introduction

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 General

Self compacting concrete or (SCC) is relatively recent development in

concrete technology. Developed in Japan in the late 1980 by okamura, and in the
early 1990 there was only a limited public knowledge about SCC. The
fundamental and practical know-how was kept secret by the large corporation to
maintain commercial advantages. The SCC were used under trade names such as
the NVC (non vibrated concrete), SQC (super quality concrete).

The SCC as the name suggested, does not require vibration to achieve a
full compaction. It is essentially a highly flow able yet stable concrete that is
easily spread into place and fill formwork without any consolidation and without
undergoing segregation. Segregation resistance combined with high fluidity
result in consolidation entirely due to the concrete own weight.

1.2 History of Self-Compacting Concrete

Although the fundamental materials used in SCC have been in the
marketplace for some time, this type of high-performance concrete has been in
use only since the late 1980s. The first prototype was developed in Japan in 1988
as a response to the growing problems associated with concrete durability and the
high demand for skilled workers.
The durability of concrete, it was noted, is directly related to the degree
and quality of consolidation efforts, which in turn is related to the skill level of
the person operating the consolidation equipment. The apparent difficulty in
attracting and retaining skilled workers compounds the problems with durability.
Unfortunately, many other parts of the world also have experienced the same
problems, including the United States. As a result, additional research and
advancements into SCC technology have since been made, most notably in
Europe. In the United States, much of the research is being conducted by
admixture manufacturers.

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Since the first prototypes were developed, many large-scale cast-in-place

and precast-concrete projects have been completed using SCC with great success.
We now know that it has tremendous potential for use in a wide variety of
concrete operations including precast-concrete production.

1.3 Self compacting concrete

SCC is a special type of concrete that should flow into place and around
obstacles under its own weight without segregation and blocking with no
significant separation of material constituents until its setting. Which mean
beside its flow ability, the baste has to have high viscosity to prevent the
settlement of coarse aggregate particles and to maintain the uniformity of the
concrete.

1.4 Requirements for SCC

Self- Compacting Concrete is characterized by filling ability, passing

ability and resistance to segregation. Many different test methods have been
developed in attempts to characterize the properties o SCC. So far no single
method or combination of methods has achieved universal approval and most of
them have their adherents. Similarly no single method has been found which
characterizes all the relevant workability aspects so each mix design should be
tested by more than one test method for the different workability parameters.
Alternative test methods for the different parameters are listed in Table (1-1) [1].
Table (1-1): List of test methods for workability properties of SCC [1].

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For the initial mix design of SCC all three workability parameters need to
be assessed to ensure that all aspects are fulfilled. A full-scale test should be used
to verify the self-compacting characteristics of the chosen design for a particular
application. For site quality control, two test methods are generally sufficient to
monitor production quality. Typical combinations are Slump flow and V-funnel
or Slump-flow and J-ring. With consistent raw material quality, a single test
method operated by a trained and experienced technician may be sufficient [1].

Typical acceptance criteria for Self-compacting Concrete with a maximum

aggregate size up to 20 mm are shown in Table (1-2). Special care should always
be taken to ensure no segregation of the mix is likely as, at present, there is not a
simple and reliable test that gives information about segregation resistance of
SCC in all practical situations [1].

Table (1-2): Acceptance criteria for Self-compacting Concrete [1].

1.4.1 Test Methods

1.4.1.a Slump flow test (1) and T50cm test (2)
This is a simple, rapid test procedure, though two people are needed if the
T50 time is to be measured. It can be used on site. It is the most commonly used
test, and gives a good assessment of filling ability. It gives no indication of the
ability of the concrete to pass between reinforcement without blocking, but may
give some indication of resistance to segregation.

Equipment
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The apparatus is shown in fig. (1-1).

Fig. (1-1): V-slump flow equipment

- mould in the shape of a truncated cone with the internal dimensions 200 mm
diameter at the base, 100 mm diameter at the top and a height of 300 mm,
conforming to EN 12350-2
- base plate of a stiff non absorbing material, at least 700mm square, marked with
a circle marking the central location for the slump cone, and a further concentric
circle of 500mm diameter
- Trowel
- Scoop
- Ruler
- Stopwatch (optional)
Procedure
- About 6 liter of concrete is needed to perform the test, sampled normally.
Moisten the base plate and inside of slump cone, Place base plate on level stable
ground and the slump cone centrally on the base plate and hold down firmly.
- Fill the cone with the scoop. Do not tamp, simply strike off the concrete level
with the top of the cone with the trowel.

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- Remove any surplus concrete from around the base of the cone. Raise the cone
vertically and allow the concrete to flow out freely. Simultaneously, start the
stopwatch and record the time taken for the concrete to reach the 500mm spread
circle. (This is the T50 time).
- Measure the final diameter of the concrete in two perpendicular directions.
- Calculate the average of the two measured diameters. (This is the slump flow in
mm). Note any border of mortar or cement paste without coarse aggregate at the
edge of the pool of concrete.
Interpretation of result
The higher the slump flow (SF) value, the greater its ability to fill formwork
under its own weight. A value of at least 650mm is required for SCC. There is no
generally accepted advice on what are reasonable tolerances about a specified
value, though ± 50mm, as with the related flow table test, might be appropriate.
- The T50 time is a secondary indication of flow. A lower time indicates greater
flowability. The Brite EuRam research suggested that a time of 3-7 seconds is
acceptable for civil engineering applications, and 2-5 seconds for housing
applications [1].

1.4.1.b V funnel test (4)

The equipment consists of a V shaped funnel, shown in fig. (1-2). The
described V-funnel test is used to determine the filling ability (flowability) of the
concrete with a maximum aggregate size of 20mm.

Equipment
- V-funnel
- bucket (±12 liter )
- Trowel
- Scoop
- Stopwatch

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Fig. (1-2): V-funnel equipment

Procedure flow time

- About 12 liter of concrete is needed to perform the test, sampled normally.
- Set the V-funnel on firm ground.
- Moisten the inside surfaces of the funnel.
- Keep the trap door open to allow any surplus water to drain.
- Close the trap door and place a bucket underneath.
- Fill the apparatus completely with concrete without compacting or tamping;
simply strike off the concrete level with the top with the trowel.
- Open within 10 sec after filling the trap door and allow the concrete to flow out
under gravity.
- Start the stopwatch when the trap door is opened, and record the time for the
discharge to complete (the flow time). This is taken to be when light is seen
from above through the funnel.
- The whole test has to be performed within 5 minutes.
Interpretation of result
This test measures the ease of flow of the concrete; shorter flow times
indicate greater flowability. For SCC a flow time of 10 seconds is considered

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appropriate. The inverted cone shape restricts flow, and prolonged flow times
may give some indication of the susceptibility of the mix to blocking [1].

1.4.1.c L-box test method (6)

The apparatus consists of a rectangular-section box in the shape of an ‘L’,
with a vertical and horizontal section, separated by a moveable gate, in front of
which vertical lengths of reinforcement bar are fitted. The vertical section is
filled with concrete, and then the gate lifted to let the concrete flow into the
horizontal section. When the flow has stopped, the height of the concrete at the
end of the horizontal section is expressed as a proportion of that remaining in the
vertical section (H2/H1in the diagram). It indicates the slope of the concrete when
at rest. This is an indication passing ability, or the degree to which the passage of
concrete through the bars is restricted.
Equipment
- L box of a stiff non absorbing material see fig. (1-3).
- Trowel
- Scoop
- Stopwatch

Fig. (1-3): L-box equipment

Procedure
- About 14 liter of concrete is needed to perform the test, sampled normally.

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- Set the apparatus level on firm ground, ensure that the sliding gate can open
freely and then close it.
- Moisten the inside surfaces of the apparatus, remove any surplus water
- Fill the vertical section of the apparatus with the concrete sample.
- Leave it to stand for 1 minute.
- Lift the sliding gate and allow the concrete to flow out into the horizontal
section.
- Simultaneously, start the stopwatch and record the times taken for the concrete
to reach the 200 and 400 mm marks.
- When the concrete stops flowing, the distances “H1” and “H2” are measured.
- Calculate H2/H1, the blocking ratio.
- The whole test has to be performed within 5 minutes.
Interpretation of result
If the concrete flows as freely as water, at rest it will be horizontal, so H 2/H1 = 1.
Therefore the nearer this test value, the ‘blocking ratio’, is to unity, the better the
flow of the concrete [1].

1.5 Requirements for Constituent Materials

The materials used for the production of SCC should be suitable for
intended use in concrete and should not contain harmful ingredients in such
quantities that may be detrimental to the quality or the durability of the concrete
or cause corrosion of the reinforcement.

1.5.1 Cement
All types of Portland cements including ordinary, blast furnace slag or fly
ash cements can be used in SCC.

1.5.2 Fine aggregates

All normal concrete fine aggregates including crushed or rounded either

siliceous or calcareous fine aggregate can be used in SCC.

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1.5.3 Coarse aggregate

All types of coarse aggregates are suitable for SCC where crushed
aggregates tend to improve the strength because of the interlocking of the angular
particles while rounded aggregates improved the flow because of lower internal
friction.

1.5.4 Chemical admixtures

The most important chemical admixtures used in SCC are the super
plasticizers (high range water reducers) to provide the necessary workability with
a water reduction greater than 20%.
The viscosity enhancing admixtures (VEA) are commonly used in SCC to
provide very good homogeneity and to reduce the tendency to segregation
(stability). This gives more possibilities in controlling segregation when the
amount of powder is limited.

1.6 Difference between SCC and NC

 the compressive and splitting tensile strength of SCC appear similar to

those of normal concrete while little difference between the elastic
modulus of the two types of concrete is observed when the strength is held
constant. The effect of curing conditions on the compressive strength of
SCC is less than that of normal concrete. The bond strength of SCC is
considerably higher than that of normal concrete.
 The drying shrinkage of SCC is lower than that of normal concrete which
contains less powder and less higher w/p ratio for the same water content.
For SCC lower paste volume and lower w/p ratio usually result in lower
drying shrinkage.
 The creep rate of SCC is higher than that of normal concrete.
 The in situ strength of SCC is closer to the 28 days strength than that of
the normal concrete. There are no significant differences in uniformity of

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in situ properties between the SCC and normal concretes the properties of
SCC are marginally more uniform.
 regarding applications, SCC has advantageous performances compared
with normal concrete as follows:
 Shorter construction times.
 Lower construction costs.
 Reduced construction noise.
 Improved concrete quality with fewer defect.
 Better in more complex design.
 Improved health and safety of labors in site.
 Moore suitable in dense reinforcement.

1.7 Advantages of SCC

 Faster placement.
 Good density, even when reinforcement is very congested.
 Increased pour heights, as the limitations of the vibrator's reach are
removed.
 Quieter construction sites where vibrators are not required.
 Improved finish.
 Reduced remedial costs, such as bagging and filling bug holes.
 Reduced wear and tear on forms, which can be significant cost saving for
precast concrete constructions.

1.8 Applications of SCC

Since the development of the prototype of self compacting concrete in 1988,

the use of self compacting concrete in actual structures has gradually increased.
The main reasons for the employment of self compacting concrete are:

 To shorten construction period.

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 To assure compaction in the structure, especially in confined zones where

vibrating compaction is difficult.
 To eliminate noise due to vibration, effective especially at concrete
product plants.

The objective of this project is to study the effect partial replacement of

different filler materials on the mechanical properties of SCC in hardened state
such as compressive strength, indirect shear strength and flexural strength.

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