Self-compacting concrete can save time, cost and enhance durability for the structures that it is intended for. Let’s get to know about one of the many types of concrete: Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC).
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- Self-compacting concrete is an innovative concrete that does not require vibration for placing and compaction.
- This concrete can be compacted into every corner of a formwork purely by means of its own weight, without using any external vibrators.
- It is a highly engineered concrete with a much higher fluidity
- It is cohesive enough to be handled without segregation or bleeding
- Admixtures used are superplasticisers and viscosity modifying admixtures
Properties of SCC in its fresh state
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- Filling ability – it flows easily at certain speed into formwork
- Passing ability – passes through reinforcement without blocking
- Segregation resistance – the distribution of aggregate particles is uniform in both vertical and horizontal directions
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Is SCC economical?
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- The cost of scc is lower than normal concrete of high strength
- The cost of construction of scc material is 10-15% higher than normal concrete
- The cost of compaction, finishing etc. is low for scc and leads to savings on labour
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Advantages of SCC
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- Problems caused by vibrators are reduced
- Easy to place
- Faster construction
- Better surface finish
- Improves durability due to better compaction and uniformity of concrete
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Disadvantages of SCC
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- Higher paste volume results in greater shrinkage and creep
- The mix design and procedure adopted is too complicated for practical implementation
- It requires more trial batches
- More costly than conventional concrete based on materials (except for placement costs)
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Key Uses:
NB. Where can SCC be used?
- Structures with complex reinforcement distributions (e.g. Bridges, dams, piers, tall buildings and stadiums)
- Construction of raft and pile foundations
- Drilled shafts
- Columns
- Construction of earth retaining systems
Author: Ms Qaqamba Selikane
Founder & Director of GloQ
Hope you Enjoyed reading our Post. Remember self-consolidating concrete is recommended as the best application for a tall wall pour.
