Performance and Uniformity of Self-Compacting Concrete

Abstract

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) can be achieved by adjusting mix proportions and incorporating adequate admixtures, such as viscosity-modifying (VM) admixtures, with no vibration. Yet, the impact of the mix proportions and the role played by the VM admixtures as opposed to those played by superplasticizer admixtures are not fully understood. There also seems to be no unique means for assessment of such concrete, and the correlation between various tests needs further work. This study aims to achieve a better understanding of the influence of mix proportions on the properties of SCC. Twenty-six mixtures were prepared with various water-to-cementitious material ratios, fine aggregate-to-coarse aggregate ratios, and admixture dosages. Fresh concrete tests, including slump flow, L-box, U-box, and hardened concrete tests, including hardened density, compressive and flexural strength, as well as the rebound hammer tests, were performed. The uniformity of SCC properties among the column specimens was examined. The results revealed that adjustment of the mix proportions has a major impact on the fresh and hardened properties of SCC. The fresh concrete tests were found to correlate well with one another, and the SCC strength was comparable to that of reference concrete made with mechanical vibration. Yet, the components of the SCC examined exhibited a remarkable uniformity of properties. Further work that should involve large specimens in which concrete properties are evaluated in various locations is needed.