Experimental based assessment of formwork pressure theoretical design models for self-compacting concrete

Abstract

Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) offers favourable properties which help accelerate the casting time, especially in congested reinforced structures but when casting with SCC uncertainty remains a challenge on the behaviour of its formwork pressure. Researchers have introduced several design models to predict pressure and its behaviour. This research aims to assess the design models that have been reported in the literature. The assessment was carried out through a series of rigorous laboratory tests and the results from the tests served as input for the mathematical model evaluation. Twelve concrete columns with 2 m height were cast in the laboratory to study the effect of varying the input parameters in the existing design models. The formwork pressure was documented by a pressure monitoring system, with the capacity to produce instant results for real-time remote monitoring of the pressure development during and after concrete casting. The formwork pressures were calculated according to the current design models and were compared with pressure data acquitted from the laboratory tests. The results showed that the pressure predicted by the design models was typically greater than the pressure observed during the laboratory tests. The DIN18218 design model showed a relatively close approximation of the pressure distribution over the formwork height and casting time. The limitation of the models is observed when the casting rate varies, and models are sensitive to the input parameters. Thus, additional development of the current design models is needed to enable reliable estimations of the pressure, for example, in the case of low and high casting rates. The laboratory tests also showed that high casting rates and high slump flows generate higher pressures whereas higher thixotropy results in faster pressure reduction during construction.