Self compacting concrete: Properties, advantage, disadvantages, application

Self compacting concrete can be termed as recent concrete because of its own weight can flow and need not require external vibration for compaction. Compaction process is very tidy in some construction site so this type of concrete can be used. Also in some cases vibrators cannot be used for consolidation of concrete so self compacting concrete can be used. The properties of self compacting concrete are resistance to segregation and passing and filling ability of concrete.

The fresh state of SSC is superior in flow ability than after the self compaction.material can be consolidate without having segregation issues.

Materials Used for Self Compacting Concrete

1. Cement

 Either 43 or 53 grade cement can be used.

2. Aggregates

The size of the aggregates utilised for SCC design is restricted to 20mm. Aggregate should be used in the range of 10 to 12 mm if the the area in the concrete is congested. cubical shape or round shape aggregates are a best choice.

Natural aggregate or produced aggregate can be used as a fine aggregate in the concrete mix. The range of fine aggregate should be less than 0.125 mm.

3. Water

The water should be of the same quality which is used while using the normal concrete.

4. Mineral Admixtures

Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS): rheological properties can be  improved by using ground granulated blast furnace slag.

Fly ash: the small pores in the concrete mix can be filled by by using the fine fly ash particles so it can become dense. Because of that the durability and quality of of self compacting concrete can be improved.

Silica Fumes: Mechanical properties can be improved by using silica fumes in the concrete.

Stone Powder: powder content can be improved by using the stone powder.

5. Chemical Admixtures 

Air entraining agents can be used improve thaw resistance and freeze resistance of the concrete structure. Some of the superplasticizers are also used in the mix and retarders are used to manage the setting time.

Properties of Self Compacting Concrete 

The three main properties of SCC are:

Filling Ability: it is the characteristics in which concrete can move along due to its own weight without giving any vibration deliberately.

Passing Ability: homogeneity is maintained by the concrete due to this property.

Segregation resistance: in this property concrete does not go segregation and the concrete flows due to self compaction process.

Advantages of Self Compacting Concrete

The main advantages of self compacting concrete are:

1. The permeability of the concrete structure is decreased
2. SCC enables freedom in designing concrete structures
3. The SCC construction is faster
4. The problems associated with vibration is eliminated
5. Placing of concrete is very easy so that it it results in cheap cost of construction.
6. The quality of the construction is increase
7. As compared to the normal concrete reliability and durability is much better.
8. Noise from vibration is reduced. The older hand vibrating can be eliminated by self compacting concrete.

Disadvantages of Self Compacting Concrete

1. SCC construction face the following limitations:
2. The test standard are not for SSC concrete mix globally.
3. Construction cost is more in self compacting concrete than the normal concrete construction.
4. The use of designed mix will require more trial batches and lab test
5. The measurement and monitoring must be more precise
6. The material selection for SCC is more stringent.

Applications of Self Compacting Concrete

The major applications of self compacting concrete are

1. Construction of structures with complicated reinforcement.
2. Restoration renewal construction and repairs can be done by self compacting concrete.
3. Highly stable and durable retaining walls are constructed with the help of SC
4. SCC is employed in the construction of raft and pile foundationsCnnt:et.sngn

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