Daily Archives: August 9, 2020

What is self-consolidated concrete and what does it entail?

What is self-consolidated concrete
What is self-consolidated concrete

This is a type of concrete which is highly flowable and spreads easily to the form without the use of mechanical vibration. It is a form of non-segregation concrete that is placed using its own weight. one of the most important aspects of Scc is that it meets the performance prospects and at the same time maintaining all of its characteristics. In some occasions admixtures such as superplasticizers are used to reduce segregation and bleeding.  Concrete segregation leads to low strength and forms honeycombed area next to the form work. Well-designed Scc has excellent stability and does not segregate.

The properties of SCC

  • A good Scc must be able to resist segregation
  • It must flow easily and placed easily
  • Should fill the special forms on its weight
  • It must have an improved strength compared to the vibrated concrete
  • Must be placed on higher velocity than the regular concrete
  • Can be used in areas having congested reinforcement

The uses of Scc

The Scc has been for a long time been used to build bridges and on the pre cast sections. The Akashi kaikyo is an example of a bridge built using the Scc. There are other more uses of Scc which are:

  • Columns
  • Areas with high numbers of pipes and rebars
  • Drilled shafts

The scc has several advantages over using the regular concrete

  • It reduces labor
  • It leads to improved construction
  • Improves the integrity of a structure
  • Reduces the construction time compared to the time it would have taken if regular concrete was used to construct the same structure
  • Wearing of equipment is highly reduced
  • Minimizes errors on reinforced areas
  • The finishes produced are superior
  • It does not require skilled labor during working
  • Creates a good bond with reinforced steel
  • Pumping procedures are easier
  • Lowers the noise level which is produced by the vibrated concrete
  • The surfaces produced are uniform
  • Allows for designs and other architectural features
  • Highly recommended for long span and deep sections applications

Some of the factors affecting the Scc

  • Long transportation can reduce its flowability
  • Additional of water on site may not always yield to the flowability and may even affect its stability. Interested to learn more about this subject, read self-consolidating concrete guide from Wikipedia, one of the authentic sources of information on the web.