Self-consolidating concrete

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Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is characterized by low yield value needed for high capacity of deformation, and moderate viscosity necessary to ensure uniform suspension of solid particles during casting, and thereafter until the setting. Such concrete can be used for casting in heavily reinforced sections and complex formwork without applying vibration. The first generation of SCC used in North America was characterized by the use of relatively high content and binder as well as high dosages of chemicals admixtures to enhance flowability and stability. Such high-performance concrete has been mostly used in repair applications and for casting concrete in restricted areas. The first generation of SCC is therefore characterized by a high added-value product that is specified for specialized applications.

The relatively high cost material for such concrete continues to hinder its widespread use in various segments of the construction industry, including commercial construction. The incorporation of finely ground powder materials, including supplementary cementitious materials and filler, can increase the volume of the paste, hence enhancing deformability, and can also increase the cohesiveness of the paste and stability of the concrete. The reduction in cement content and increase in packing density of materials finer than 80 µm can reduce the water content, and the high-range water reducer (HRWR) demand. The reduction in free water can reduce the concentration of viscosity-enhancing admixture (VEA) necessary to ensure proper stability during casting and thereafter until the onset of hardening.