Optimizing Self-Compacting Concrete Mixtures for Enhanced Flowability

The research investigates the enhancement of flowability within self-compacting concrete (SCC) to optimize its application in contemporary construction. By adjusting the composition of SCC mixtures, including fine material content and aggregate gradation, researchers aim to reduce segregation potential and improve stability. The study applies a range of performance tests such as Slump flow, L-box, J-ring, and U-tube assessments to evaluate the efficacy of these adjustments. This paper offers insights into the formulation of SCC that meets rigorous construction standards while facilitating ease of placement without mechanical vibration. It also discusses the practical implications of improved concrete mixtures for the industry.

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SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE
A Report Paper on Concrete By
Student’s Name
Name of the Professor
Institutional Affiliation
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Year/Month/Day

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Executive Summary
The self-compacting concrete usage is very important compared to other ordinary one. It
provides a conducive working environment by reducing noise pollution. Self-compacting
concrete developed must ensure a good balance between the stability and deformity. This report
presents SCC workability which can be grouped into;
 Filling ability- This is the ability of concrete in fresh state to stream.
 Passing ability-The ability of fresh concrete to pass in a narrow sections without
blockage.
 Reduced segregation-The ability of fresh concrete to maintain its identity even
after the process of casting.
This report shows the various experimental procedure for designing self-compacting concrete
and highlights also the advantages of SCC such as reduction in noise pollution.

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INTRODUCTION
Self –compacting concrete (SCC) is simply an advanced material for construction which
does not need to be vibrated in order to achieve full combustion. Self- compacting concrete has
advantages compared to conventional concrete such as faster rate of construction, the overall cost
is low, reduction of on-site repair and it facilitates introduction of automation into concrete
construction. Since there is no vibration needed in self-compacting concrete, this causes
improvement in health and safety of workers and also a reduction in noise pollution. SCC is
composed of sizeable magnitudes inorganic materials which are fined grains and hence provides
likelihoods for deployment of mineral admixtures which are recently waste materials with no
concrete uses
Literature Review
In the year 2001, Bertil Persson conducted an experiment to study self-compacting
mechanical properties such as creep, elastic modulus, strength, and shrinkage. The results found
from the experiment showed that variable modulus, creep and shrinkage had no difference
considerably compared to NCC properties. Nan Su Et al also in the same year came up with
another mixing design method for self-compacting whereby the determination of the needed
amount of aggregate was done and the voids of aggregates were filled with a paste of binders to
ensure the ability to flow, self-compatibility by the concrete.
Increasing the stability of fresh concrete stability by the use of an increased amount
of fine materials in the mixes was attempted by Sri Ravindra rajah in 2003. The result showed
that self-compacting concrete having low separation strength could be created by replacing

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coarse and fine aggregate with finer materials. It was also noticed that to increase the strength of
SCC, flash ash could be used because it also has a concrete with high strength but of low
segregation. (Anagnostou, 2013, p. 55). In 2008, Paratibha Aggarwal came up with a procedural
method on how to design self-compacting concrete grounded on experimental investigation and
he concluded that SCC can be developed using VMA.
Sri Ravindra rajah made an effort to increase the fresh concrete stability by using
applying fine materials in the mixes. They also made a report concerning progress of self-
compacting concrete with a reduced segregation potential. In the year 2003, Okamura and Ouchi
talked about the two issues majorly affect the international community in the process of using
self-contracting concrete namely lack of appropriate design method and jovial testing method.
They rendered there help through proposing a new method of designing SCC mix based on paste
and mortar knowledge. They also stressed on the need to carry out testing on the final product
filling ability, flowability, and ability to pass through narrow places.
Cristian Druta (2003) did an experiment to make a comparison between Splitting
Tensile Strength and Compressive strength of self-compacting and normal concrete and study the
bonding between the cement paste and coarse aggregate. There were various materials that were
used such as ash and silica fume, chemical admixtures, mineral admixtures Blast Furnace.
Mayur and Shriram in 2012 also did an experiment focusing on the possibility of
using waste materials such as glass powder to prepare concrete. The addition of Glass powder
decreases the characteristics of self- compaction such as segregation resistance, filling ability and
passing ability. Suraj and Shweta also conducted the experiment with the aim of knowing the
effect of adding red mud and foundry waste sand on self-compacting concrete properties having
two admixtures that is VMA and Superplasticizer.

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Lachemi and Bouzouba did again another experiment concerning evaluation and
producing SCC made with the fly ash of high volume. The high-volume of fly ash self-
compacting concrete having a slump flow ranging 500mm to 700mm
Research Questions
The research questions included
Q1.What is meant by SCC?
Q2.What are the merits of self-computing concrete?
Q3.What are the factors affecting self-compacting concrete?
Q4.What is the difference between SCC with the ordinary concrete?
Q5.Where are the self-compacting uses?
Q6.What are the experimental methods of determining SCC properties?
Advantages of self-compacting concrete
This type of concrete has numerous benefits over the regular concrete. They include:
 Reduction labor
 Equipment wear is reduced
 The voids are minimized on highly reinforced areas
 It has superior strength and durability.
 It produces superior surface finishes.
 It generates a uniform surface
 It permits creation of features in architectural sector.
 It reduces noise pollution
 It is commended for long-span applications
 The pumping procedure is easy.
 Fast placement without vibration.
Aims and objectives
The main aims of these project is;
 To establish self- compacting concrete which entails all properties which are favorable to workers
compared to the ordinary concrete.
 To test SCC in fresh state.

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 To carry out Self-compacting concrete evaluation.
 To investigate the fresh and hardened properties of SCC.
Self -compacting concrete has several objects such as
 To improve productivity
 To improve working environment.
 To improve homogeneity
Factors affecting Self-Compacting Concrete
The factors mentioned below influences self-compacting concrete performance
 When the temperature is high.
 Delays on job site affects the performance of concrete mix design
 Long haul distances decrease the SCC ability to flow.
Applications of Self- Compacting Concrete
The concrete is perfect to be used in the following applications;
 Bored shafts
 Earth retaining system
 Column
Theoretical content
Hypothesis
H1. Self- compacting concrete can be tested in fresh state
Bertil Persson (2012) established an evidence that self-compacting concrete passing ability,
filling ability and resistance to segregation can be tested using various s methods such as slump flow.
H2. Evaluation of self-compacting workability can be carried out
Evaluation of self-compacting concrete workability is an important task according to Mayor and
Shriram (2012). SCC workability can be tested by using lump flow method whereby the little time

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recorded shows greater flowability and in V-funnel test the little time used by the flow shows greater
flowability.
Theoretical approach
There are various methods to testing concrete properties. These methods includes
Slump Flow method
This method is used to access the horizontal flow of the SCC without obstructions and it was
developed in Japan to access underwater concrete.
U-box test method
This test is used in measuring the SCC filling ability and it was developed by Technology
Research Centre based in Japan
L box method
This method was meant for underwater concrete as described by Peterson. This method is used to
access the concrete flow and the extent at which it is subjected to blocking by reinforcement.
Orimet Test
This method was established by university of Paisley for valuation of highly practicable, flowing
fresh concrete mixes on construction sites
Materials Needed
Cement
In the experiment, 53 grade ordinary cement from Portland obtained from the local market was
applied. Tests were carried out to establish numerous properties.
Coarse Aggregate
The crushed angular granite used in the investigations was obtained from the local market. It was
tested and found to be compliant with the specifications
Fine Aggregate

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Sand from the river having fine aggregate was obtained from the market. The aggregate was
found in compliance with the specifications after carrying out the test. (Bharali, 2017, p. 78) Fly
Ash
Fly Ash obtained from Andhra Pradesh thermal station was used to carry out investigation by
using its chemical and physical properties.
Super Plasticizer
The superplasticizer together with Sulphonated Naphthalene based Formaldehyde (SNF) was
used to carry the experiment.
Viscosity Modifying Admixture (VMA)
This was agent from a standard agency compliant to standard provisions needed for use.
Water
A clean water conforming to IS: 3025-1986 also helped during the study
Glass Fibers
Anti-Crack High Dispersion Fibers comprising aspect ratio and modulus elasticity were applied
Fig 1: Showing Glass Fibers (Bharali)
Steel Fibers

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Aspect ratio of 30, and 0.4mm diameter, cut from steel wire were used in the investigation
Fig 2: Showing Steel Fibers (Angela)
EXPERIMENTAL SET- UP
Experimental investigation on self-compacting concrete
In this section, the behavior of Fiber Reinforced Self- Compacting Concrete Walls Panel of
M30 made with glass fibers, steel fibers, and hybrid fibers which is a mixture of steel fiber and
glass is examined. The experiment was carried out on a hardened and fresh components of fiber
reinforced self-compacting concrete of M30 grade. The investigation was conducted after casting
the wall to investigate the behavior of wall panels of plain SCC, Glass Fiber Reinforced SCC
(GFRSCC) Steel Fiber Reinforced SCC (SFRSCC) and Hybrid Fiber Reinforced SCC
(HFRSCC) under Eccentric and Axial loads. (Angela, 2013, p. 55). The experiment was
conducted in numerous footsteps to meet the goals below;
1. Creating of plain SCC of M30 grade and achieve its fresh and hardened components.
2. Creating separately s Glass Fiber Reinforced SCC of M30 grade and Steel then
investigate their hardened and fresh characteristics.
3. Examining SCC, GFRSCC, SFRSCC Stress- Strain behavior and create mathematical
models
4. To create Hybrid Fiber Reinforcement SCC by combining steel fibers and glass and
learn their fresh and hardened properties.

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5. To examine the wall panel cast behavior of SCC, SFRSCC, GFRSCC, and HFRSCC
under axial and eccentric loads.
PHASE 1
Development of Plain and Investigation on its fresh and hardened system
This is a section whereby chemical and mineral admixture is used to develop M30 grade SCC
mix to study its fresh and hardened characteristics. In order to develop SCC of M30 grade, mix
fly ash as mineral admixture and chemical admixture e.g. Viscosity Modifying Agent and Super
Plasticizers (SP). The mixes of SCC are moved to the next investigation phase after provision of
the compressive strength with acceptable fresh properties and it explained below into details.
(Bharali, 2017, p. 122)
Mix design and Trial Mix Proportion of Self Compacting Concrete
The aim was to acquire an SCC mix of M30 standard grade and the mix design method as
mentioned above. Different guidelines needs to be followed in order to acquire the mix that
meets all the required features. (Nayak, 2012, p. 88)Appendix 1 gives calculations of detailed
mix design. The ultimate mass of constituents for 1m³ of SCC are as follows:
Cement mass=330kg
Flash ash mass=150kg
Water mass=186kg
Coarse aggregate mass=794.4kg
Fine Aggregate mass=860kg
Super plasticizer dosage=1.5% by the weight of the cement
VMA dosage=0.6% by the weight of the cement

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Mixing of ingredients
A pan type concrete mixer operating using power was used to mix the ingredients. The
fine aggregate, coarse particles, cement and flash ash were placed in the mixer pan and mixed for
a few seconds in the dry state. A mixture of water and superplasticizer was added to the material
available in the concrete after a thorough mixing. A uniform steadiness was achieved after the
addition of VMA and further mixing carried out. (Deeb, 2013, p. 7)
Anti-crack high spreading glass fiber amount was added to mix was added to the mixture
in order to obtain the Glass fiber Reinforced SCC. Adding a suitable amount of steel fibers leads
to the creation of Steel Fiber Reinforced SCC. Addition of steel and glass fibers in different
magnitudes till fresh SCC leads to the formation of Hybrid Fiber Reinforced SCC.
Methods used to Evaluate SCC Workability
The accessible testing method for conventional concrete is limited to carry out the
evaluation of self-compacting concrete workability. To characterize the SCC fresh properties,
different methods were introduced but none the methods up to now is able to assess relevant
workability requirements that is why SCC needs to pass through various test methods to measure
dissimilar workability factors. Below are test methods conducted to achieve the needed
workability necessities (Granthman, 2016, p. 178)
Slump Flow Test and T50cm Test
To decide the free flow of SCC without hindrances, the slump flow method is used,

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Fig 3: showing slump flow test (Grantham)
 The SCC needed to perform this test is about 6 liters.
 First, the moistening of the slump cone inner surface and base plate needs to be done.
Slump cone should be placed on the center of the base plate and hold down firmly after
making sure that base plate is stable on the ground.
 Removal of excess concrete in and around the slump cone is carried out.
 Allow the cone to flow by lifting the cone perpendicularly.
 Put down the time used by the concrete to spread out to the marked 500mm circle using a
stopwatch (this is T50 cm test)
 The final concrete spread diameter is measured in two or additional upright directions.
 Find the measured diameter average and this is recognized as the slump flow.
Results explanation
If the value of slump recorded is higher, it shows that aptitude to fill the formwork under
its own weight will be greater. The recommended minimum value for SCC is 650mm.The T50
time is also of SCC flow. In case the time recorded is little, it means the flowability is greater.
For general civil engineering, the research proposed range of time 3-7 seconds and for housing
applications in general, 2-5 seconds. (Hofstetter, 2011, p. 213)
V-Funnel Test