May 25 2019 0Comment

Current Advancement And The Pros And Cons Of Self-Compacting Concrete

Current Advancement And The Pros And Cons Of Self-Compacting Concrete

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) plays a significant role in the construction industry in these modern times where cost-effectiveness and time constraints are of principal concern.

Researchers are surveying all possible concentrations and properties of SCC relating to a country’s development and advanced technology worldwide.

SCC is a ground-breaking building material which is broadly regarded as one of the most meaningful technological innovations in the concrete industry. Its inherent characteristics and ability to flow under its weight is creating numerous opportunities that would otherwise not be possible with regular concrete.

Self-Compacting Concrete

SCC is fundamentally an extension of standard concrete technology, providing comparable or advanced engineering properties while offering higher plastic performance. To achieve its stand-out performance features and flow-ability, a significantly larger cementitious constituent is needed to provide higher paste content. Also, the water-to-concrete ratio of the mixtures are low, therefore necessitating a higher dosage of polycarboxylate-based, high-range water lowering admixtures to attain workability and fluidity. In some cases, lethargic mineral fillers like limestone powder, and viscosity modifying admixtures are implemented to upsurge the stability of the mixture or forbearance to segregation.

The Advantages Of Using Self-Compacting Concrete

  • Using SCC commands less manpower and faster construction, therefore reducing the overall costs involved with the production.
  • It can be easily placed in intricate formwork and tight reinforcement.
  • It has a little water-cement ratio which makes it more durable, promoting rapid strength development, the best quality and easy to work with.
  • There is no need to use vibration as it is self-compacted.
  • Problems such as segregation or bleeding are almost zero.
  • It harvests a well-finished and smooth surface as an end-result.
  • You can cast thinner concrete slabs without difficulty.
  • The working procedure is safe.
  • It is eco-friendly.
  • SCC does not necessitate vibration for setting and compaction. It is capable of flowing under its own weight, filling concrete formwork and reaching full compaction despite the presence of packed reinforcement.
  • When mineral admixtures are incorporated into the cement, the cost of SCC will be lower mainly when the mineral admixtures are industrial by-products or waste materials. By using this method, it will not only have an economic benefit but also decrease the heat of hydration, as the implementation of mineral admixture will eliminate the need for viscosity-enhancing chemical admixtures.
  • Concrete leads with a lower water content will intensify the durability as well as provide enhanced mechanical integrity to the structure.

Advantages Of Self-Compacting Concrete

The Disadvantages Of Using Self-Compacting Concrete

  • One of the main drawbacks of using self-compacting concrete is the costs involved when allied with the high volumes of cement utilized and using chemical admixtures. The cost can be reduced by using mineral admixtures like ground granulated blast furnace slag as well as fly ash or silica fume. These are finely divided ingredients which are added to the concrete in the mixing formula.
  • Self-compacting concrete needs high fluidity in constricted joints formwork, which can slow down the casting speed.
  • Plastic shrinkage cracks may happen to the low water-cement ratio. This can be circumvented by curing effectively.
  • Highly qualified and skilled workers are entailed for the manufacturing of self-compacting concrete.

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