1

Seminar report
On

SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE- A REVOLUTIONARY

BUILDING MATERIAL

SUBMITTED
TO
VIVESWARAIAH TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
BELGAUM
FOR THE PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF M-TECH (STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING)

BY
F.MOHAMED ABDULLAH
Reg. No: -
1st Semester M-Tech Structures

Under The Guidance of:

G.A.SATISH
Senior lecturer
Department of Civil Engineering

BANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

(Affiliated To Visveswaraiah Technological University)
Bangalore-560004
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BANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

BANGALORE -560004

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Mr. F.MOHAMED ABDULLAH bearing university USN

has submitted the seminar report on SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE- A
REVOLUTIONARY BUILDING MATERIAL in partial fulfillment of the 1st
semester M-Tech course in structural engineering as prescribed by the
Visveswaraiah Technological University during the academic year 2006-2007, under the
guidance of G.A.SATISH (Senior lecturer)

Prof. K.JAYRAM G.A.SATISH

H.O.D civil engg department Senior lecturer
Department of Civil Engineering
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I express my deep sense of gratitude to G.A.SATISH, Senior lecturer

Department of Civil Engineering, BIT, for his guidance and help through out this seminar
work.
I will remain thankful to all the faculty members of Department of Civil
Engineering, BIT for their support during the course of this work.
Finally I express gratitude to my parents, fellow students and friends.

F.MOHAMED ABDULLAH
M-TECH STRUCTURES
BANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
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CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Page no.

ABSTRACT

1. Introduction 4

2. Requirements of self compacting concrete 4

3. Materials for SCC 5

4. Properties of SCC 6
Properties of fresh concrete
Properties of hardened concrete

5. Mix proportioning for achieving self compaction

6. Role of super plasticizers 8

7. Methods of SCC 11
Powder type
Viscosity enhancing agent type

8. Test methods 13

9. Advantages of SCC 32

10. Selected case study 32

11. Conclusion 33

12. References 34
 5

SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE A REVOLUTIONARY

BUILDING MATERIAL.

ABSRTACT:

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is defined as concrete that can be placed normally and
will flow under its own weight while maintaining its homogeneity. Full compaction and
strength may therefore be achieved without the assistance of mechanical vibration. Its
development was based on the desire to improve the quality of concrete work and
automate construction. It was developed in 1988. Since then, various investigations have
been carried out and mainly large construction companies have used the concrete in
practical structures in Japan. Here in this report an attempt has been made to study the
characteristics of self-compacting concrete and the specialties in the mix design, which
had given it the self-compacting capacity.

1. INTRODUCTION:

Self-compacting concrete refers to a special type of concrete that can be compacted to

every corner of the formwork, purely by means of its own self-weight and without the
need for vibrating or compaction. Scc is self-compacting itself alone due to its own self
weight and it is characterized by high segregation resistance. The need for self
compacting concrete is particularly because conventional concrete tends to present a
problem with regard to inadequate consolidation in thin sections or areas of congested
reinforcements, which leads to a larger volume of entrapped air and compromises the
strength and durability of concrete.

SCC was developed initially in Japan in the 1980s when contractors were experiencing a
severe shortage of skilled manpower. Due to its inbuilt assurance of uniform placement
and full compaction it is now becoming a revolution in concrete technology.

2. REQUIREMENTS OF SCC:

SCC mixes must meet three key properties:

1. Ability to flow into and completely fill intricate and complex forms under its own
weight (flow ability)

2. Ability to pass through and bond to congested reinforcement under its own weight-
(pass ability).

3. High resistance to aggregate segregation-(segregation resistance).

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SCC requires some special considerations in mix proportioning

1. It may be useful to keep in mind three important features of SCC over and above the
usual factors, which influence the design of normal concrete.

2. The required flow ability achieved with the help of super plasticizer.

3. The cohesiveness or viscous ness of the mixture ensured by increased powder content
and reduced coarse aggregate content.

4. Stabilizing agents (viscosity modifying agents) are usually needed so that small
changes in water content do not adversely affect the cohesiveness of SCC.

3.MATERIAL FOR SCC:

CEMENT:

Ordinary Portland cement, 43 or 53 grades can be used. The specific gravity was 2.96 and
fineness was 2800 cm2/gm.

AGGREGATES:

The maximum size of aggregate is generally limited to 20mm. aggregate of size 10 to

12mm is desirable for structures having congested reinforcement. where possible size of
aggregate higher than 20mm could also be used.
Fine aggregate can be natural or manufactured. The grading must be uniform through out
the work. Moisture content or absorption characteristic is closely monitored as quality of
SCC will be sensitive to such changes. The specific gravity of 2.60 and fineness modulus
6.05 was used.

WATER:

Water quality must be established on the same line as that for using reinforced concrete
or prestressed concrete.

ADMIXTURES:

Super plasticizers are essential components of SCC to provide necessary workability. the
new generation super plasticizers termed poly-carboxylated ethers(PCE) is particularly
useful for scc.
 7

Other types may be incorporated as necessary, such as viscosity enhancing agents (VEA)
for stability, air entraining agents (AEA) to improve freeze-thaw resistance, and retarders
for control of setting.

FLY ASH:

Fly ash in appropriate quantity may be added the quality and durability of scc.

SILICA FUMES:

Silica fume may be added to improve the mechanical properties of scc.

STONE POWDER:

Finely crushed lime stone, dolomite or granite may be added to increase the powder
content. The fraction should be less than 125 micron.

FIBRES:

Fibres may be used to enhance the properties of scc in the same way as for normal
concrete.

4.PROPERTIES OF SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE:

Properties of Fresh SCC:

The main characteristics of SCC are the properties in the fresh state. SCC mix design is
focused on the ability to flow under its own weight without vibration, the ability to flow
through heavily congested reinforcement under its own weight, and the ability to obtain
homogeneity without segregation of aggregates.
Several test methods are available to evaluate these main characteristics of SCC. The
tests have not been standardized by national or international organizations. The more
common tests used for evaluating the compacting characteristics of fresh SCC in
accordance with the draft standards of the Japan Society of Civil Engineers are described
below.

1. The Slump Flow Test

2. Funnel Test

3. T50 Test

4. U-Type and Box-Type Tests

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Properties of Hardened SCC:

Structural properties:

The basic ingredients used in SCC mixes are practically the same as those used in the
conventional HPC vibrated concrete, except they are mixed in different proportions and
the addition of special admixtures to meet the project specifications for SCC. The
hardened properties are expected to be similar to those obtainable with HPC concrete.
Laboratory and field tests have demonstrated that the SCC hardened properties are indeed
similar to those of HPC. Table 3 shows some of the structural properties of SCC

Table: Showing structural properties of SCC

Items SCC

1. Water-binder ratio (%) 25 to 40

2. Air content (%) 4.5-6.0

3. Compressive strength 40 to 80
(age: 28 days) (MPa)

4. Compressive strength 55 to 100

(age: 91 days) (MPa)

5. Splitting tensile strength 2.4 to 4.8

(age: 28 days) (MPa)

6. Elastic modulus (GPa) 30 to 36

7. Shrinkage strain (x 10-6) 600 to 800

 9

Compressive strength:

SCC compressive strengths are comparable to those of conventional vibrated concrete

made with similar mix proportions and water/cement ratio. There is no difficulty in
producing SCC with compressive strengths up to 60MPa.

Tensile strength:

Tensile strengths are based on the indirect splitting test on cylinders. For SCC, the tensile
strengths and the ratios of tensile and compressive strengths are in the same order of
magnitude as the conventional vibrated concrete.

Bond strength:

Pull-out tests have been performed to determine the strength of the bond between
concrete and reinforcement of different diameters. In general, the SCC bond strengths
expressed in terms of the compressive strengths are higher than those of conventional
concrete.

5. MIX PROPORTIONING FOR ACHIEVING SELF

COMPACTION:

When concrete flows between reinforcement bars, the relative location of the coarse
aggregate should be changed. This relative displacement causes shear stress in the paste
between the coarse aggregate, in addition to compressive stress. In order for concrete to
flow through obstacles smoothly, shear stress should be small enough to allow the
relative displacement

6. Role of Super Plasticizers:

However, although manipulating the water-powder ratio leads to improved flow

ability of the cement paste, it also leads to decreased viscosity. For the achievement of
self-compactability, therefore, a super plasticizer is indispensable. With a super
plasticizer, the paste can be made more flowable with little concomitant decrease in
viscosity.
 10

Fig .1 showing the action of super plasticizer

An optimum combination of water-powder ratio and super plasticizer for the achievement
of self-compactability can be derived for a fixed aggregate contact concrete

Fig.2 Showing the optimum combination of the w/c ratio and

Super plasticizer powder ratio
Aggregates:

If the coarse aggregate contact exceeds a certain limit, then blockage will occur in spite
of the moderate viscosity of the mortar. The limit value of coarse aggregate is around
50% of the solid volume, which is shown by the schematic diagram below.
 11

Fig. Amount of coarse aggregate for SCC.

Similarly, if the fine aggregate content exceeds a certain figure, direct contact between
sand particles results in a decrease in deformability, again in spite of the moderate
viscosity of the paste. The limit value of fine aggregate content in mortar is around 40%
of the mortar volume

Fig. Amount of fine aggregate for SCC.

Therefore the mix design system can be summarized as

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Fig. Schematic diagram showing mix design system.

1. Coarse aggregate content is fixed at 50% of the solid volume.

2. Fine aggregate content is fixed at 40% of the mortar volume.

3. Water-powder ratio in volume is assumed as 0.9 to 1.0 depending on the

properties of the powder.

4. Super plasticizer dosage and the final water-powder ratio are determined so as to
ensure the self-compatibility

7. METHODS OF SCC:

Presently no well-established mix design procedures are available for self compacting
concrete. The first procedure proposed by prof.Okamura is still being widely employed.
Okamura (1997) broadly classified scc into two types based on the segregation
preventing mechanisms:

1. Powder based,

2. Viscosity enhancing agent based.

POWDER TYPE:

The basic concept of SCC was put forward by Prof.Okamura. The best part of this
method is that it is very simple to adopt. The mix component is computed on volume
basis. The fine and coarse aggregate are initially fixed so that self compactability can be
achieved easily by adjusting the water-powder ratio and superplasticiser ratio.
 13

Coarse aggregate content be fixed at 50% of solid volume.

Fine aggregate content be fixed at 40% of the mortar volume.

Water-powder ratio (by volume) is assumed to be around 0.9 to 1.0 depending on

the properties of the powder.

Superplasticiser dosage and the final water-powder ratio are determined so as to

ensure self compactability measured by using slump flow and v-funnel.

VISCOSITY ENHANCING AGENT TYPE:

Viscosity-enhancing admixtures (VEA`s) are also known as thixotropic agents, anti-

washout admixtures. They are relatively new admixtures used to enhance the cohesion
and stability of cement-based systems. Such admixtures can reduce the risk of separation
of the heterogeneous constituents of concrete during transport, placement, and
consolidation and provide added stability to the cast concrete while in a plastic state
where dosage is found by test.

Table: Proportioning of SCC recommendations.

constituents Powder type VEA type
Coarse aggregate 0.28 to 0.35 m3/m3 0.28 to 0.35 m3/m3
Water content 155 to 175 kg m3 -

w/p 28 37 % by mass of
cement or 0.85 to 1.15 by -
volume of cement.
Powder content 0.16 0.19 m3/m3 > 0.13 m3/m3
Air content ( for frost 4.5% -
resistance )
 14

8.TEST METHODS:

Slump flow test:

Introduction:

The slump flow is used to assess the horizontal free flow of SCC in the absence of
obstructions. It was first developed in Japan (1) for use in assessment of underwater
concrete. The test method is based on the test method for determining the slump. The
diameter of the concrete circle is a measure for the filling ability of the concrete.

Assessment of test:
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, though the size of the base plate is somewhat
unwieldy and level ground is essential. 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. It can be argued that the completely free flow, unrestrained by any
boundaries, is not representative of what happens in practice in concrete construction, but
the test can be profitably be used to assess the consistency of supply of ready-mixed
concrete to a site from load to load.
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 16

Equipment:

The apparatus is shown in figure.

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 none 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 litres 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. 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).

Sr.no. method Properties Acceptance criteria.

evaluated by
the test unit min max
1. Slump flow Filling
ability,
flowability, mm 650 800
segregation
and
bleeding.
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J Ring test:

Introduction:

The principle of the J-Ring test may be Japanese, but no references are known. The J-
Ring test itself has been developed at the University of Paisley. The test is used to
determine the passing ability of the concrete. The equipment consists of a rectangular
section (30mm x 25mm) open steel ring, drilled vertically with holes to accept threaded
sections of reinforcement bar. These sections of bar can be of different diameters and
spaced at different intervals: in accordance with normal reinforcement considerations, 3x
the maximum aggregate size might be appropriate. The diameter of the ring of vertical
bars is 300mm, and the height 100 mm. The J-Ring can be used in conjunction with the
Slump flow, the Orimet test, or eventually even the V- funnel. These combinations test
the flowing ability and (the contribution of the J-Ring) the passing ability of the concrete.
The Orimet time and/or slump flow spread are measured as usual to assess flow
Characteristics. The J-Ring bars can principally be set at any spacing to impose a more or
less severe test of the passing ability of the concrete. After the test, the difference in
height between the concrete inside and that just outside the J-Ring is measured. This is an
indication of passing ability, or the degree to which the passage of concrete through the
bars is restricted.

Assessment of test:

These combinations of tests are considered to have great potential, though there is no
general view on exactly how results should be interpreted. There are a number of options
for instance it may be instructive to compare the slump-flow/J-Ring spread with the
unrestricted slump-flow: to what extent is it reduced? Like the slump-flow test, these
combinations have the disadvantage of being unconfined, and therefore do not reflect the
way concrete is placed and moves in practice. The Orimet option has the advantage of
being a dynamic test, also reflecting placement in practice, though it suffers from
requiring two operators.
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Figure: the J Ring used in conjunction with the Slump flow

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Equipment:

Mould, WITHOUT foot pieces, 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.
Base plate of a stiff non absorbing material, at least 700mm square, marked with a
circle showing the central location for the slump cone, and a further concentric circle of
500mm diameter
Trowel
Scoop
Ruler
J-Ring a rectangular section (30mm x 25mm) open steel ring, drilled vertically with
holes. In the holes can be screwed threaded sections of reinforcement bar (length 100mm,
diameter 10mm, and spacing 48 +/- 2mm)
 20

Procedure:

About 6 litres 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. Place the J-
Ring centrally on the base-plate and the slump-cone centrally inside it 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. Remove any surplus concrete from around the base of the
cone.
Raise the cone vertically and allow the concrete to flow out freely. Measure the final
diameter of the concrete in two perpendicular directions. Calculate the average of the two
measured diameters. (in mm). Measure the difference in height between the concrete just
inside the bars and that just outside the bars. Calculate the average of the difference in
height at four locations (in mm). Note any border of mortar or cement paste without
coarse aggregate at the edge of the pool of concrete.

Sr.no. method Properties Acceptance criteria.

evaluated by
the test unit min max
1. J- ring Passing
ability, mm 0 10
flowing
ability.

V funnel test and V funnel test at T 5minutes:

Introduction:

The test was developed in Japan and used by Ozawa et al (5). The equipment consists of
a V-shaped funnel, shown in Fig. An alternative type of V-funnel, the O funnel, with a
circular section is also used in Japan. The described V-funnel test is used to determine the
filling ability (flow ability) of the concrete with a maximum aggregate size of 20mm. The
funnel is filled with about 12 litres of concrete and the time taken for it to flow through
the apparatus measured. After this the funnel can be refilled concrete and left for 5
minutes to settle. If the concrete shows Segregation then the flow time will increase
significantly.
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Assessment of test:

Though the test is designed to measure flow ability, the result is affected by concrete
properties other than flow. The inverted cone shape will cause any liability of the
concrete to block to be reflected in the result if, for example there is too much coarse
aggregate. High flow time can also be associated with low deformability due to a high
paste viscosity, and with high inter-particle friction. While the apparatus is simple, the
effect of the angle of the funnel and the wall effect on the flow of concrete are not clear.

Figure: V-funnel test equipment

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Equipment:

V-funnel
bucket (12 litres)
trowel
scoop
stopwatch

Procedure flow time:

About 12 litres 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.

Procedure flow time at T 5 minutes:

Do not clean or moisten the inside surfaces of the funnel again. Close the trap door and
refill the V-funnel immediately after measuring the flow time. Place a bucket underneath.
Fill the apparatus completely with concrete without compacting or tapping, simply strike
off the concrete level with the top with the trowel. Open the trap door 5 minutes after the
second fill of the funnel and allow the concrete to flow out under gravity. Simultaneously
start the stopwatch when the trap door is opened, and record the time for the discharge to
complete (the flow time at T 5 minutes). This is taken to be when light is seen from
above through the funnel.

Sr.no. method Properties Acceptance criteria.

evaluated by
the test unit min max
1. V-funnel Filling
ability, sec 6 12
viscosity,
segregation.
2. V-funnel (T Segregation sec 0 +3
5 min) resistance
 23

L-box test method:

Introduction:

This test, based on a Japanese design for underwater concrete, has been described by
Peterson. The test assesses the flow of the concrete, and also the extent to which it is
subject to blocking by reinforcement. The apparatus is shown in figure. 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. The horizontal section of the box can be marked at
200mm and 400mm from the gate and the times taken to reach these points measured.
These are known as the T20 and T40 times and are an indication for the filling ability.
The sections of bar can be of different diameters and spaced at different intervals: in
accordance with normal reinforcement considerations, 3x the maximum aggregate size
might be appropriate. The bars can principally be set at any spacing to impose a more or
less severe test of the passing ability of the concrete.

Assessment of test:

This is a widely used test, suitable for laboratory, and perhaps site use. It assesses filling
and passing ability of SCC, and serious lack of stability (segregation) can be detected
visually. Segregation may also be detected by subsequently sawing and inspecting
sections of the concrete in the horizontal section. Unfortunately there is no agreement on
materials, dimensions, or reinforcing bar arrangement, so it is difficult to compare test
results. There is no evidence of what effect the wall of the apparatus and the consequent
wall effect might have on the concrete flow, but this arrangement does, to some extent,
replicate what happens to concrete on site when it is confined within formwork. Two
operators are required if times are measured, and a degree of operator error is inevitable.

Equipment:

L box of a stiff non absorbing material see figure.

trowel
scoop
stopwatch
 24

Figure:L-box
 25

Procedure:

About 14 litres of concrete is needed to perform the test, sampled normally. 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.
 26

Sr.no. method Properties Acceptance criteria.

evaluated by
the test unit min max
1. L-box Passing
ability, flow
ability, (h2/h1) 0.8 1.00
blocking
effects.

U-box test method:

Introduction:

The test was developed by the Technology Research Centre of the Taisei Corporation in
Japan. Sometimes the apparatus is called a box-shaped test. The test is used to measure
the filling ability of self-compacting concrete. The apparatus consists of a vessel that is
divided by a middle wall into two compartments, shown by R1 and R2 in fig. An opening
with a sliding gate is fitted between the two sections. Reinforcing bars with nominal
diameters of 13 mm are installed at the gate with centre-to-centre spacing of 50 mm. This
creates a clear spacing of 35 mm between the bars. The left hand section is filled with
about 20 litres of concrete then the gate lifted and concrete flows upwards into the other
section. The height of the concrete in both sections is measured.
Note: An alternative design of box to this, but built on the same principle is
recommended by the Japan Society of Civil Engineers.

Assessment of test:
This is a simple test to conduct, but the equipment may be difficult to construct. It
provides a good direct assessment of filling ability this is literally what the concrete has
to do modify by an unmeasured requirement for passing ability. The 35mm gap
between the sections of reinforcement may be considered too close. The question remains
open of what filling height less than 30 cm. is still acceptable.
 27

Figure

Equipment:

U box of a stiff non absorbing material see figure

trowel
scoop
stopwatch

Procedure:
About 20 litre of concrete is needed to perform the test, sampled normally. 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 one
compartment 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 other compartment. After
the concrete has come to rest, measure the height of the concrete in the compartment that
has been filled, in two places and calculate the mean (H1). Measure also the height in the
other compartment (H2) Calculate H1 - H2, the filling height. The whole test has to be
performed within 5 minutes.
 28

Sr.no. method Properties Acceptance criteria.

evaluated by
the test unit min max
1. U-box Passing
ability,
filling (h2-h1) 0 30
ability,
blocking
effects.

Fill box test method:

Introduction:
This test is also known as the Kajima test .The test is used to measure the filling ability
of self compacting concrete with a maximum aggregate size of 20mm. The apparatus
consists of a container (transparent) with a flat and smooth surface. In the container are
35 obstacles made of PVC with a diameter of 20mm and a distance centre to centre of
50mm: see Figure D.8.1. At the top side is put a filling pipe (diameter 100mm height
500mm) with a funnel (height 100mm). The container is filled with concrete through this
filling pipe and the difference in height between two sides of the container is a measure
for the filling ability.

Assessment of test:

This is a test that is difficult to perform on site due to the complex structure of the
apparatus and large weight of the concrete. It gives a good impression of the self-
compacting characteristics of the concrete. Even a concrete mix with a high filling ability
will perform poorly if the passing ability and segregation resistance are poor.
29
 30

Equipment:

Fill box of a stiff, transparent, non absorbing material

scoop ca 1.5 to 2 litres
ruler
stopwatch

Procedure:

About 45 litres of concrete is needed to perform the test, sampled normally. Set the
apparatus level on firm ground. Moisten the inside surfaces of the apparatus, remove any
surplus water
Fill the apparatus with the concrete sample. Fill the container by adding each 5 seconds
one scoop with 1,5 to 2litrer of fresh concrete into the funnel until the concrete has just
covered the first top obstacle. Measure after the concrete has come to rest, the height at
the side at which the container is filled on two places and calculate the average (h1). Do
this also on the opposite side (h2). Calculate the average filling percentage: Average
filling %: F= {(h1+h2)/ 2*h1} * 100%) The whole test has to be performed within 8
minutes.

Sr.no. method Properties Acceptance criteria.

evaluated by
the test unit min max
1. Fill box Filling % 90 100
ability.
 31

Table: Test methods, properties evaluated and acceptance criteria of

SCC
Sr.no. method Properties Acceptance criteria.
evaluated by
the test unit min max
1. Slump flow Filling
ability,
flowability, mm 650 800
segregation
and
bleeding.
2. Slump flow Filling
(T 50 cm) ability, sec 2 5
consistency,
cohesiveness
3. J- ring Passing
ability, mm 0 10
flowing
ability.
4. V-funnel Filling
ability, sec 6 12
viscosity,
segregation.
5. V-funnel (T Segregation sec 0 +3
5 min) resistance
6. L-box Passing
ability,
flowability, (h2/h1) 0.8 1.00
blocking
effects.
7. U-box Passing
ability,
 32

filling (h2-h1) 0 30
ability,
blocking
effects.
8. Fill box Filling % 90 100
ability.

9. ADVANTAGES OF SELF-COMPACTING CONCRETE:

Self-compacting concrete has been described as the most revolutionary development in
concrete construction for decades, proved beneficial economically because of a number
of factors, which include

1. Shortening of construction period

2. Assures compaction in the structure: especially in confined zones where vibrating
compaction is difficult
3. It eliminates noise due to vibration: effective especially at concrete products
plants
4. Reduction in site man power
5. Better surface finishes.
6. Easier placing
7. Improved durability
8. Greater freedom in design
9. Thinner sections
10. Safer working environment

11. higher strength concrete.

10. SELECTED CASE STUDY:

The use of self-compacting concrete in actual structures has been gradually increasing
over the last few years. The Akashi-Straits Bridge, shown in fig. now under construction,
will be the longest suspension bridge (1,990 meters) in the world. Self-compacting
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concrete was used in the construction of the two anchorages of the bridge. A new
construction system, which makes full use of the performance of self-compacting
concrete, was introduced for this. The concrete was mixed at the batcher plant beside the
site, and was the pumped out of the plant. It was transported 200 meters through pipes to
the actual casting site, shown in fig.5

Fig- Akashi-Straits Bridge

The maximum size of the coarse aggregate in the self compacting concrete used at
this site was 40 mm. the concrete fell as much as 3 meters but the segregation did not
occur, despite the large size of coarse aggregate. In the final analysis self-compacting
concrete shortened the anchorage construction period by 20% from 2.5 to 2 years.

Fig - Photo Showing Pumping Of SCC to the Site

11. CONCLUSION:
Self-Compacting Concrete is considered to be the most promising building material for
the expected revolutionary changes on the job site as well as on the desk of designers and
civil engineers. Finally, since the degree of compaction of the Self-Compacting Concrete
used in a structure depends directly upon the quality of the concrete itself, with no
possibility of skilled workers compensating for poor ability, it is vital that we have a
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manufacturing system capable of producing self-compacting concrete of the required

quality. We can hope and trust that self-compacting concrete will one day become so
widely used that will be seen as the "standard concrete" rather than as a "special
concrete". When that happens, we will have succeeded in creating durable and reliable
concrete structures requiring very little maintenance work.

13. REFERENCE:
EFNRC, specification and guidelines for self-compacting concrete, February 2002.

Jagadesh vengala and R.V Ranganath (August 2004),Mixture Proportioning Procedures

For Self Compacting Concrete, Indian Concrete Journal,.

P.Kumar Metha (June 1997) Concrete Microstructure ,Properties And Materials,page no

381 to 393.

S. Nagataki (1995), Self Compacting Property Of Highly Flowable Concrete, American

Concrete Institute, sp 154 , page no. 301 to 304.