Abstract
Abstract Self-consolidating concrete is characterized by its high flowability, which can be achieved with the addition of superplasticizer and the reduction of the amount and size of coarse aggregates in the concrete mix. This high flowability allows the concrete to properly fill the formwork without any mechanical vibration. The reduction in volume and particle size of the coarse aggregates may result in lower shear strength of beams due to a reduced aggregate interlock. Therefore, an experimental investigation was conducted to evaluate the influence of the reduction in the volume fraction and the nominal size of coarse aggregate on concrete shear strength of self-consolidating beams. Six concrete mixes were produced, four self-consolidating and two conventionally vibrated. A total of 18 beams, with flexural reinforcement but without shear reinforcement were cast. These beams were tested under a four-point loading condition. Their failure modes, cracking patterns and shear resistances were evaluated. The obtained shear resistances were compared to the theoretical values given by the ACI-318 and EC-2 codes. The results demonstrated a lower shear resistance of self-consolidating concrete beams, caused mainly due to the reduced aggregate size.
Highlights
Recent researches have enabled the development of new materials and improvements in properties of usually employed materials, in order to optimize the construction process
Despite the small number of beams tested, it was possible to evaluate the influence of volume fraction and size of coarse aggregate on shear resistance of beams produced with these materials, even though a larger number of samples would be necessary for a complete evaluation of the influence of the parameters that differentiate conventionally vibrated to self-consolidating concretes behavior
Conventional concrete beams showed a greater average value when compared to self-consolidating concrete beam values
Summary
Recent researches have enabled the development of new materials and improvements in properties of usually employed materials, in order to optimize the construction process. In the late 80, the reduction of skilled workers and the need to increase the durability of reinforced concrete structures led researchers at the University of Tokyo to develop a high-performance concrete, characterized by the ability to flow under its own weight. This new material, named self-consolidating concrete, was able to fill the formwork and to pass through reinforcing bars without the need of vibration [1]. According to EFNARC [3], self-consolidating concrete has the same engineering properties of traditional vibrated concrete It may have a higher compressive strength due to a better compaction.
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