SEMINAR REPORT

On

SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE

Submitted by

KISHAN KANHAIYA
In partial fulfillment of requirements
For the award of the degree of

Bachelor of Technology
In
CIVIL ENGINEERING

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
COCHIN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
KOCHI-682022
2014
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COCHIN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the seminar bearing the title SELF
COMPACTING CONCRETE submitted by KISHAN KANHAIYA,
REGISTRATION NO.-11120038,is a record of the bona-fide work
done in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of B.Tech
Degree in Civil Engineering at School of Engineering, CUSAT in the
year 2014.

Coordinator

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Head of the Department

CONTENTS

TITLE

PAGE

1. INTRODUCTION

2. HISTORY

3. DEVELOPMENT OF SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE

4. MATERIALS FOR SCC

AGGREGATE

12

CEMENT

13

FLY ASH

13

GROUND GRANULATED BLAST FURNACE SLAG15

SUPERPLASTICIZERS

16

WATER

18

ADMIXTURE

18

5. PROPERTIES OF SCC

PROPERTIES OF FRESH SCC

19

PROPERTIES OF HARDENED CONCRETE

20

6. MIX PROPORTION FOR ACHIEVING SELF COMPACTION

22

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7. MIX DESIGN OF SCC

23

8. TEST METHODS

SLUMP FLOW TEST

24

J RING TEST

26

V FUNNEL TEST AND V FUNNEL TEST AT T 5 MINUTES

L-BOXTEST METHOD

31

U-BOX TEST METHOD

33

FILL BOX TEST METHOD

35

28

9. APPLICATION OF SCC

37

10. ADVANTAGE AND BENEFITS OF SCC

39

11. CONCLUSION

40

12. REFERENCE

41

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ABSTRACT

Concrete occupies unique position among the modern construction materials, Concrete is a material
used in building construction, consisting of a hard, chemically inert particulate substance, known as
an aggregate (usually made for different types of sand and gravel), that is bond by cement and water.

To overcome the difficulties like low workability and low flow ability, a new form of concrete
designated as Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) was developed in 1988 by professor Okamura in
Japan.
Self compacting concrete (SCC) is a high performance concrete that can flow under its own
weight to completely fill the form work and self-consolidates without any mechanical vibration. Such
concrete can accelerate the placement, reduce the labor requirements needed for consolidation,
finishing and eliminate environmental pollution. The so called first generation SCC is used mainly
for repair application and for casting concrete in restricted areas, including sections that present
limited access to vibrate. Such value added construction material has been used in applications
justifying the higher material and quality control cost when considering the simplified placement and
handling requirements of the concrete.

The successful production of self compacting concrete (SCC) for use, is depended on arriving at an
appropriate balance between the yield stress and the viscosity of the paste. Specially formulated high
range water reducers are used to reduce the yield stress to point to allow the designed free flowing
characteristics of the concrete. However, this alone may result in segregation if the viscosity of the
paste is not sufficient to support the aggregate particles in suspension.
The process of selecting suitable ingredients of concrete and determining their relative amounts with
an objective of producing a concrete of required strength, durability, and workability as economically
as possible is termed as concrete mix design

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INTRODUCTION

The invention of self-compacting concrete (SCC) can be considered as a major evolution in the
construction industry. Self-compacting concrete is a concrete which has little resistance to flow
so that it can be placed and compacted under its own weight without any external vibration. SCC
offers many advantages compared to ordinary concrete. The main advantage is in the elimination
of mechanical compaction. There are many more advantages in terms of technology, working
environment and health monitoring. The high fluid nature of SCC makes it suitable for placing in
difficult conditions and also in slender sections with congested reinforcement. SCC can also help
in easier placement of concrete, better surface finish, uniform consolidation etc.
Self compacting concrete (SCC) is a fluid mixture, which is suitable for placing difficult
conditions and also in congested reinforcement, without vibration. In principle, a self
compacting or self consolidating concrete must:
lows self compaction without external energy

Self consolidating concrete has recently been used in the pre cast industry and in some
commercial applications, however the relatively high material cost still hinders the wide spread
use of such specialty concrete in various segments of the construction industry, including
commercial and residential construction.
Compared with conventional concrete of similar mechanical properties, the material cost of SCC
is more due to the relatively high demand of Cementation materials and chemical admixtures
including high range water reducing admixtures (HRWRA) and viscosity enhancing
admixtures (VEA).

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Regardless of its binder composition, SCC is characterized by its low yield value to secure high
deformability, and moderate viscosity to provide uniform suspension of solid particles, both
during casting and thereafter until setting. The mixture proportioning of SCC to simultaneously
meet the various performance requirements at minimum cost involves the optimization of several
mixture constituents that have a marked influence on performance. This process is quite complex
and can be simplified by understanding the relative significance of various mixture parameters
on key properties of SCC. This includes deformability, passing ability, filling capacity and
segregation resistance.
As with any new technology, there was clearly a learning curve to overcome, and refinement of
the materials and mix proportions used took care to finally achieve optimum performance. In
Japan, self compacting concretes are divided into three different types according to the
composition of the mortar:

modifying agent (stabilizer) type

For the powder type, a high proportion of fines produce the necessary mortar volume, while in
the stabilizer type, fines content can be in the range admissible for vibrated concrete. The
viscosity required to inhibit segregation will then be adjusted by using a stabilizer. The
combination type is created by adding a small amount of stabilizer to the powder type to balance
the moisture fluctuations in the manufacturing process.

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HISTORY

For several year beginning in 1983, the problem of the durability of concrete structure was a
major topic of interest in Japan. The creation of the durable concrete structure requires adequate
compaction by skilled workers .However the gradual reduction in the skilled labor in Japans
construction industry has led to a similar reduction in the quality of construction work. So it was
developed to overcome losses due to shortage of skilled worker in Japan .It was proposed by
professor Okamura in 1986 in Japan and it was developed by 1988 in workshops. It made
acceptable results in terms of physical and mechanical properties of concrete .The first workshop
that was dedicated to examine the concrete and the materials used in self-compacting concrete in
august 1998 was held in Kochi university in Japan . The most important application of selfcompacting concrete is in the developing world in the longest cable bridge (1998 meter), Akashi
Kicky Bridge. In this self-compacting concrete block have used in the bridge and total saving
time was observed about 20 %. Total time duration was reduced to 2 years from 2.5 years.

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DEVELOPMENTS OF SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE

For several years beginning in 1983, the problem of the durability of concrete structures was a
major topic of interest in Japan. The creation of durable concrete structures requires adequate
compaction by skilled workers. The designs of modern reinforced concrete structures become
more advanced, the designed shapes of structures are becoming increasingly complicated and
heavy reinforcing is no longer unusual. Furthermore, the gradual reduction in the number of
skilled workers in Japans construction industry has led to a similar reduction in the quality of
construction work. One solution for the achievement of durable concrete structure independent
of the quality of construction work is the employment of self compacting concrete, which can
be compacted into every corner of a form work, purely by means of its own weight and without
the need for vibrating compaction. Okamura proposed the necessity of this type of concrete in
1986. Studies to develop self compacting concrete, including a fundamental study on the
workability of concrete, have been carried out by Ozawa and Maekawa at the university of
Tokyo.
The prototype of SCC was first completed in 1988 using materials already on the market. The
proto type performed satisfactorily with regard to drying and hardening shrinkage, heat of
hydration, denseness after hardening, and other properties. This concrete was named High
Performance Concrete and was defined as follows at the three stages of concrete:
1. Fresh: Self Compactable.
2. Early age: Avoidance of initial defects
3. After hardening: Protection against external factors.
High Performance Concrete was defined as a concrete with high durability due to a low water
cement ratio. Since then, the term high performance concrete has been used around world to
refer to high durability concrete.

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MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS
60 Mpa.
Early age compressive strength shall be 5 20 Mpa at 12 15 hours (Equivalent age at 200 C)

HOW DOES IT WORK?

A self-consolidating must:
f consolidation without external energy.

Currently, the main reasons for the employment of self compacting concrete can be
summarized as follows.
1. To shorten construction period
2. To assure compaction in the structure: especially in confined zones where vibrating
compaction is difficult.
3. To eliminate noise due to vibration: especially at concrete products plants.
The production of self-compacting concrete as a percentage of Japanese ready mixed concrete,
which accounts for 70% of total concrete production in Japan, is only 0.1%.

Other applications of self-compacting concrete are summarized below.

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Building
Concrete filled steel column
Tunnel (lining, immersed tunnel, fill of survey tunnel)
dam (concrete around structure)
Concrete products (blocks, culvert, wall, water tank, slab and segment)
Diaphragm wall
Tank (side wall, joint between side wall and slab)

NECESSITY FOR NEW STRUCTURAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS

Self compacting concrete saves the cost of vibrating compaction and ensures the compaction of
the concrete in the structure. However, total construction cost cannot always be reduced, except
in large scale constructions. This is because conventional construction systems are essentially
designed based on the assumption that vibrating compaction of concrete is necessary.
Self compacting concrete can greatly improve construction systems previously based on
conventional concrete that required vibrating compaction. This sort of compaction, which can
easily cause segregation, has been an obstacle to the rationalization of construction work. Once
this obstacle is eliminated, concrete construction can be rationalized and a new construction
system including form work, reinforcement, support and structural design, can be developed.
One example of this is the so called sandwich structure, where concrete is filled into a steel shell.
Such a structure has already been completed in Kobe, and could not have been achieved without
the development of self compacting concrete.
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MATERIALS OF SCC
The materials used for SCC are selected from those by the conventional concrete industry.
Typical materials used for SCC are coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, cement, mineral admixtures
(fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag), and chemical admixtures (super plasticizer,
viscosity modifying agents). SCC can be designed and constructed using a broad range of
normal concreting materials, and that this is essential for SCC to gain popularity.

AGGREGATES:-

The coarse aggregate chosen for SCC is typically round in shape, is well graded, and smaller in
maximum size than that used for conventional concrete typical conventional concrete could have
a maximum aggregate size of 40 mm or more. In general, a rounded aggregate and smaller
aggregate particles aid in the flow ability and deformability of the concrete as well as aiding in
the prevention of segregation and deformability of the concrete as well as aiding in the
prevention of segregation. Gap graded coarse aggregate promotes segregation to a greater
degree than well-graded coarse aggregate. As with conventional concrete construction, the
maximum size of the coarse aggregate for SCC depends upon the type of construction. Typically,
the maximum size of coarse aggregate used in SCC ranges from approximately 10 mm to 20
mm.
Generally aggregates occupy 70% to 80% of the volume of concrete and have a natural rock
(crushed stone, or natural gravels) and sands, although synthetic materials such as slag and
expanded clay or shale are used to some extent, mostly in light weight concretes. In addition to
their use as economical filler, aggregates generally provide concrete with better dimensional
stability and wear resistance. Although aggregate strength can play sometimes an important role,
for example in high strength concretes, for most applications the strength of concrete and mix
design are essentially independent of the composition of aggregates.

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In order to obtain a good concrete quality, aggregates should be hard and strong, free of
undesirable impurities, and chemically stable. Soft and porous rock can limit strength and wear
resistance, and sometimes it may also break down during mixing and adversely affect
workability by increasing the amount of fines. Rocks that tend to fracture easily along specific
planes can also limit strength and wear resistance. Aggregates should also be free of impurities
like silt, clay, dirt or organic matter. If these materials coat, the surfaces of the aggregate, they
will isolate the aggregate particles from the surrounding concrete, causing reduction in strength.
Silt, clay and other fine materials will increase the water requirements of the concrete, and the
organic matter interfere with the cement hydration.

CEMENT

The most common cement currently used in construction is type I/II Portland cement. This
cement conforms to the strength requirement of a Type I and the C3A content restriction of a
Type II. This type of cement is typically used in construction and is readily available from a
variety of sources. The Blaine fineness is used to quantify the surface area of cement. The
surface area provides a direct indication of the cement fineness. The typical fineness of cement
ranges from 350 to 500m2/kg for Type I and Type III cements, respectively.

FLY ASH

Fly ash is a residue from the combustion of pulverized coal collected by mechanical separators,
from the fuel gases of thermal plants. The composition varies with type of fuel burnt, load on the
boiler and type of separation. The fly ash consists of spherical glassy particles ranging from 1 to
150 micron in diameter and also passes through a 45-micron sieve.
The constituents of fly ash are mentioned below.
Silicon dioxide - SiO2 - 30 60 %
Aluminum oxide - Al2O3 - 15 -30 %
Calcium oxide - CaO -1-7%
Magnesium oxide - (MgO) - small amounts
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Sulpher trioxide - -small amounts

Fly ash is one of the most extensively used by-product materials in the construction field
resembling Portland cement. It is an inorganic noncombustible, finely divided residue collected
or precipitated from the exhaust gases of any industrial furnace.
In concrete, class Fly ash is often used at dosages of 15% to 25% by mass of cementitious
material. Dosage varies with the reactivity of the ash and the desired effects on the concrete.
Because of their spherical morphology, when using fly ash admixtures as replacement for
cement, workability and long-term strengths are achieved in concretes. In such cases, they act
like small balls to reduce inter particle friction. Fly ashes are also used in concrete mixes in order
to reduce the heat of hydration, permeability, and bleeding. The durability is improved by
providing a better sulfate resistance, control of the alkali-silica reduction, decreased chloride
diffusion and reduction in calcium hydroxide (which is the most of the hydration products) and
changes in pore structure. However, there are some disadvantages related to the use of fly ash
regarding the reduced air entraining ability and early strength due to the influence of residual
carbon from the ash. Fig. 1 shows fly ash is given as below:-

Fig. 1- Fly ash

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GGBS: Ground granulated blast-furnace slag is a non-metallic product consisting essentially of

silicates and aluminates of calcium and other bases. The molten slag is rapidly chilled by
quenching in water to form glassy sand like material. The granulated material when further
ground to less than 45 micron will have specific surface about 400 to 600m2/kg. The chemical
composition of blast furnace slag is similar to that of cement clinker.
Cao 30-45%
Sio2 17-38%
Al2o3 15-25%
Fe2o3 0.5-2.0%
Mgo 4.0-17.0%
Mno2 1.0-5.0%
Glass 85-98%
Specific gravity 2.9
The performance of slag largely depends on the chemical composition. Fig. 2 showing ground
granulated blast furnace slag and fig. 3 showing formation of GGBS.

Fig.2-GGBS is in powder form

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Fig. 3- formation of ggbs.

SUPERPLASTICIZERS:-

Fig. 4 - Super plasticizers

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Fig. 4 is super plasticizers. Super plasticizers (high-range water-reducers) are low molecularwater-soluble polymers designed to achieve high amounts of water reduction (12.30%) in
concrete mixture in order to attain a desired slump. These admixtures are used frequently to
produce high- strength concrete (>50 Mpa), since workable mixes with water-cement ratios well
below 0.40 are possible. They also can be used with water reduction to produce concretes with
very high slumps, in the range of 150 to 250 mm (6 to 10 inches). At these high slumps, concrete
flows like a liquid and can fill forms efficiently, requiring very little vibration. These highly
workable mixtures are called flowing concretes and require slumps to be in excess of 190mm
(8.5 inches).

Water-reducing admixtures are negatively charge organic molecules that adsorb primarily at the
solid-water interface, whereas solid particles carry residual charges on their surfaces, which may
be positive, negative, or both. In cement paste, opposing charges on adjacent particles of cement
can exert considerable electrostatic attractions, causing the particles to flocculate. A considerable
amount of water is tied up in these agglomerates and adsorbed on the solid surfaces, leaving less
water available to reduce the viscosity of the paste and hence that of the concrete. Molecules of
the water reducing admixtures interact to neutralize these surface charges and cause all surfaces
to carry uniform charges of like sign. Particles now repel each other, rather than attract, and
remain fully dispersed in the paste, thus most of the water is available to reduce the viscosity of
the paste and of the concrete.

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.
Role of super plasticizers in cement:-

We know that the main action of S.P is to fluidity the mix and improve the workability of
concrete. Port land cement, being in fine state of division will have a tendency to flocculate in
wet concrete. This flocculations entraps certain amount of water used in the mix and there by all
the water is not freely available to fluidity the mix. When plasticizers are used, they get absorbed
on cement particles. The absorption of charged polymer on cement particle creates particle to
particle repulsive forces, which overcome the attractive forces. This repulsive force is called zeta
potential, which depends on the base, solid contents and quality of super plasticizer used. The
overall result is that the cement particles are deflocculated and the water trapped inside the flocks
gets released and now available to fluidity the mix. Figure no. 5 showing role of super
plasticizers as below given as:-

Figure no.-5 Role of super plasticizers

Water
Potable water is used for mixing and curing.

Admixture
The most important admixtures are the super plasticizers (high range water reducers), used with
a water reduction greater than 20%
The use of a Viscosity Modifying Agent (VMA) gives more possibilities of controlling
segregation when the amount of powder is limited. This admixture helps to provide very good
homogeneity and reduces the tendency to segregation.
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PROPERTIES OF FRESH SCC

SCC differs from conventional concrete in that its fresh properties are vital in determining
whether or not it can be placed satisfactorily. The various aspects of workability which control
its filling ability, its passing ability and its Segregation resistance all need to be carefully
controlled to ensure that its ability to be placed remains acceptable.

WORKABILITY

The level of fluidity of the SCC is governed chiefly by the dosing of the Super plasticizer.
However overdosing may lead to the risk of segregation and blockage. Consequently the
characteristics of the fresh SCC need to be carefully controlled using preferably two of the
different types of test.

SEGREGATION RESISTENCE

Due to the high fluidity of SCC, the risk of segregation and blocking is very high. Preventing
segregation is therefore an important feature of the control regime. The tendency to segregation
can be reduced by the use of a sufficient amount of fines (<0.125mm), or using a Viscosity
Modifying Admixture (VMA).

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PROPERTIES OF HARDENED SCC

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

In all SCC mixes compressive strengths of standard cube specimens were comparable to those of
traditional vibrated concrete made with similar water-cement ratios if anything strengths were
higher.
In-situ strengths of SCC are similar to those of traditional vibrated concrete, indeed somewhat
higher when limestone powder is used as filler, probably because of a densifying mechanism and
the observed lower susceptibility to imperfect curing, both attribute to this type of filler.
The in-situ strengths of both types of civil engineering concrete, SCC and traditional vibrated
concrete were closer to standard cube strengths than those of the housing mixes again; this is
typical of higher strength concrete.
In vertical element, in-situ strengths of both SCC and traditional vibrated concrete are higher at
the bottom than at the top, vibration of in-situ strengths, for both types of concrete is much lower
in horizontal elements, in this case the beams. These observations are characteristic of traditional
vibrated concrete. The in-situ strengths of elements cast and cured outdoors in winter (the
beams), whether SCC or conventional, were lower than those cast indoors at the same time (the
columns). Fig. 6 showing comparison of compressive strength of conventional concrete and selfcuring concrete.

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Fig. 6- comparison of compressive strength of conventional concrete and self-curing concrete.

BOND STRENGTH
The strength of the bond between concrete and reinforcement was assessed by pullout tests,
using deformed reinforcing steel of two different diameters, embedded in concrete prisms. For
both civil engineering and housing categories, the SCC bond strengths, related to the standard
compressive strengths, were higher than those of the reference concrete.

FREEZE/THAW RESISTENCE
This property was assessed by loss of ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) after daily cycles of 18
years at 30C and 66 hours at room temperature. No significant loss of UPV has been observed
after 150 cycles for the SCC or reference higher strength concrete.

SHRINKAGE AND CREEP

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None of the results obtained indicates that the shrinkage and the creep of the SCC mixes were
significantly greater than those of traditional vibrated concrete.

MIX PROPORTION

To produce SCC, the major work involves designing an appropriate mix proportion and
evaluating the properties of the concrete thus obtained. In practice, SCC in its fresh state shows
high fluidity, self-compacting ability and segregation resistance, all of which contribute to
reducing the risk of honey combing of concrete. With these good properties, the SCC produced
can greatly improve the reliability and durability of the reinforced concrete structures. In addition
SCC shows good performance in compressive strength test and can fulfill other construction
needs because its proportion has taken into consideration the requirements in the structural
design.

The ingredients for SCC are similar to other plasticized concrete. It consists of cement, coarse
aggregate, fine aggregate, water, and mineral and chemical admixtures.
No standard or all-encapsulating method for determining mixture proportions currently exists for
SCC. However, many different proportion limits have been listed in various publications.
Multiple guidelines and rules of thumb about mixture proportions for SCC were found.
Fig. 7 representing mix proportion of scc as below given as:-

Figure no. 7 mix proportion scc

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MIX DESIGNS: -

Ingredients for self-compacting concrete are similar to conventional

concrete. It consists of cement, coarse and fine aggregates, water, mineral and chemical
admixtures. Similar to conventional concrete, SCC can also be affected by the physical
characteristics of materials and mixture proportioning. A rational mix design method for selfcompacting concrete using a variety of materials is necessary. The coarse and fine aggregate
contents are fixed so that self-compact ability can be achieved easily by adjusting water-powder
ratio, super plasticizer dosage. In the mix proportioning of conventional concrete, the water
cement ratio is fixed at from the view point of obtaining the required strength. With selfcompacting concrete, however, the water powder ratio has to be decided by taking into account
self-compact ability because self-compact ability is very sensitive to this ratio. In most case, the
required strength does not govern the water cement ratio because the water powder ratio is small
enough for obtaining the required strength of ordinary structures unless most of the powder
materials in use not reactive.
The characteristics of the powder, super plasticizer and VMA largely affect the mortar property
and so the proper water powder ratio and super plasticizer and VMA dosage cannot be fixed
without trial mixing at this stage. Therefore, once the mix proportion is decided, self-compact
ability has to be tested by slump flow, l-box test and v-funnel test.

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TEST METHODS:

SLUMP FLOW TEST :-

The slump flow test is used to assess the horizontal free flow of scc in the absence of
obstructions .It was first developed in Japan for assessment of underwater concrete .The test
method is based on the determination of slump .The diameter of the concrete circle is measure of
the filling ability of concrete.

ASSESSMENT OF TEST:-

This is simple, a rapid test procedure, through two people are needed if the T50 Time is to be
measured .It can be used on site, though the size of the base plate is somewhat unwidely, and
level ground is essential. It is the most commonly test used and gives a good assessment of
filling ability. It gives no indication of the ability to concrete to pass between reinforcement
without blocking, but may give some indication to resistance to segregation. It can be urged that
the completely free flow, unrestrained by any boundaries, is not representative of what happens
in concrete construction, but the test can be profitably used to assess the consistency of supply of
ready-mixed concrete to site from load to load. Fig. 8 showing slump cone apparatus and Fig. 9
showing type of slump is shown as below.

Fig8- Slump cone apparatus

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Fig.9 -Types of slump

EQUIPMENT:-

The apparatus is shown in figure.

Mould in the shape of a truncated cone with the internal dimensions 200 mm diameter a t
the base, 100 mm diameter at the top and a height of 300 mm,
conforming

Base plate of a stiff none absorbing material, at least 700mm square, marked with acircle
marking the central location for the slump cone, and a further concentric circle of 500mm
diameter.

Trowel

Scoop

Ruler

Stopwatch

PROCEDURES:-

About 6 lire of concrete is needed for this test. Place the base plate on level ground. Keep the
slump cone centrally on the base plate. Fill the cone with the scoop .Do not temp. Simply strike
off the concrete level with the trowel. Remove the surplus concrete lying on base place. Raise the
cone vertically and allow the concrete to flow freely. Measure the final diameter of the concrete

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in two perpendicular directions and calculate the average of the two diameters. This is the slump
flow in mm.
Procedure of T50 slump flow test is same as for slump flow test .When the slump cone is lifted
start the stop watch and find the time taken for the concrete to reach 500 mm mark. This time is
called T50 time. This is an indication of rate of speed of concrete .A lower times indicate greater
flow ability .It is suggested that T50 time may be 2 to 5 sec.

J-RING TEST
INTRODUCTION:The J-Ring test has been developed at the University of Paisley in Japan .The J-Ring test denotes
the passing ability of the concrete. The equipment consists of rectangular section of (30 mm X
25 mm) open steel ring, drilled vertically with holes to accept threaded sections of reinforcing
bars 10 mm diameter 100 mm in length. The bars and section can be placed at different distance
apart to simulate the congestion of reinforcement at the site .Generally these sections are placed
3X maximum size of aggregate .The diameter of the ring formed by vertical section is 300 mm
and height is 100 mm .Figure 10 and 11 showing J-Ring test as shown below .

Figure 10-J ring test

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te

Figure 11 J-ring test

EQUIPMENT:1. Slump cone without foot pieces.
2. Base plate at least 700 mm square.
3. Trowel
4. Scoop
5. Tape
6. J-ring circular section 30 mm X 25 mm placed vertically to form a ring 300 mm dia
generally at a spacing of 48+-2 mm.

PROCEDURE:
About 6 liters of concrete is needed for the test. Moisten the inside of the slump cone and base
plate. Place the j-ring centrally inside the j-ring. Fill the slump cone with scoop. Do not tamp.
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Simply strike off the concrete level with the trowel. Remove all surplus concrete. Raise the cone
vertically and allow the concrete to flow out through the j-ring. Measure the final diameter in
two perpendicular direction. Calculate the average diameter. Measure the difference in height
between the concrete just inside j-ring bars and just outside the j-ring bars. Calculate the average
of the difference in height at four location in mms. Note any border of mortar or cement paste
without coarse aggregate at the edge of the concrete. The acceptable difference in height between
inside and outside should be between 0 and 1.0 mm.

V-FUNNEL TEST AND V-FUNNEL TEST AT T 5MINUTES.-

INTRODUCTION
This test was developed in Japan .the equipment consists of a v-shaped funnel as shown in
figure. The v-funnel test is used to determine the filling ability (flow ability) of the concrete with
a maximum size of aggregate 20 mm size. The funnel is filled with about 12 liters of concrete.
Find the time taken for it to flow down.
After this the funnel can be filled with concrete and left for 5 minutes to settle. If the concrete
shows segregation then the flow line will increase significantly.

ASSESSMENT OF TEST:-

Though the test is designed to measure flow ability, the result is affected by concrete properties
other than flow. The inverted shape will cause any liability of the concrete to block to be
reflected in result if there is too much coarse aggregate. High flow time can also be associate
with low deformity due to a high paste viscosity and with high inter particle friction. While the
apparatus is simple the effect of the angle of the flow and the wall effect on the flow of concrete

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are not clear. Fig. 12 and 14 showing V-Funnel test apparatus with dimensions. Fig. 13 showing
V-Funnel test.

Fig. 12-V-Funnel test apparatus dimension

Fig. 13-V-Funnel test

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Fig.14-V-Funnel test apparatus

EQUIPMENT: V-funnel
Bucket 12 liters capacity
Trowel
Scoop
Stopwatch

PROCEDURE:-

About 12 liters of concrete is needed for the test. Set the v-funnel on firm ground. Moisten inside
of the funnel. Keep the trap door open to remove any surplus water .close the trap door and place
a bucked underneath . Fill the apparatus completely with concrete no compaction or tamping is
done. Strike off the concrete level.
Open within 10 seconds the trap door and record the time taken for the concrete to flow down.
Record the time for emptying. This can be judged when the light is seen when viewed from top.
The whole test is to be performed within 5 minutes.
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PROCEDURE FOR FLOW TIME AT T 5 MINUTES:-

Do not clean or moisten the inside surface of the funnel. The close the trap door and refill the vfunnel immediately after measuring the flow time. Place the bucket underneath. Fill the
apparatus completely with concrete without tamping or tapping. Strike off the concrete level with
the top by trowel. Open the trap door after 5 minutes after the second fill of the funnel and allow
the concrete to flow. Calculate the time taken for completely discharge. It is called the flow time
at T 5 minutes. For v-funnel test the flow time should between 8 and 12 seconds. For v-funnel
flow time at T 5 minutes +3 seconds is allowed.
L BOX TEST METHOD
INTRODUCTION:This test is developed in Japan. The test assesses the flow of concrete and also the extent to
which the concrete is subjected to blocking by reinforcement. The apparatus is shown in figure.
The apparatus consists of a rectangular section box in the shape of an L with a vertical and
horizontal section, separated by a moveable gate in front of which vertical length of
reinforcement bar are fitted. The vertical section is filled with concrete and then the gate lifted to
let the concrete flow in to the horizontal section. When the flow has stopped the height of the
concrete at the end of the horizontal section is expressed as a proportion of that remaining in the
vertical section. It indicates the slope of concrete when it at the rest. This is an indication of
passing ability or the degree to which the passage of the concrete bar is restricted. The horizontal
section of the box can be marked at 200 mm and 400 mm from the gate and time taken to reach
these points are measured. These are the known as T 20 minutes and T 40 times and are
indication of filling ability. Fig. 15 showing L-box apparatus with dimension and showing Fig.
16 showing L-Box test.
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Fig. 15-L-Box apparatus dimensions

Fig. 16-L-Box test

EQUIPMENT:

L box of a stiff non absorbing material

Trowel

Scoop

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Stop watch

PROCEDURE:About 14 litres of the concrete is required for this test .Ensure that sliding gate can open freely
and then close it. Moisten the inside surface. Remove all surplus water. Fill the vertical section
of the apparatus with concrete. Leave it standing for 1 minute. Lift the sliding gate and allow the
concrete to flow out in to horizontal section. Simultaneously start the stopwatch and record the
time taken for the concrete to reach the 200 and 400 marks. When the concrete stops flowing, the
height are measured .the whole test is to be performed within 5 minutes.

UBOX TEST METHOD

INTRODUCTION:This test was developed in Japan. The test is used to measure the filling ability of selfcompacting concrete .The apparatus consists of a vessel that is divided by a middle wall in to two
compartments shown by R1 and R2 as shown in figure.
An opening with a sliding gate is filed between two compartments. Reinforcing bars with normal
diameter of 13 mm are installed at the gate with centre to centre distance of 50 mm. This creates
a clear spacing of 35 mm between the bars. The left hand section is filled with about 20 litres of
concrete. The gate is then filled and the concrete flows to the other section. The height of the
concrete in both the section is measured. Fig. 17 shows U-Box test.

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Fig. 17-U-Box test

ASSESSMENT OF TEST:This is a simple test to conduct, but the equipment may be difficult to construct. It provides a
good direct assessment of filling ability.

EQUIPMENT:

U-box of a stiff non absorbing material

Trowel

Scoop

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Stopwatch

PROCEDURES:About 20 litre s of concrete is needed for this test. Ensure that sliding gate can open freely and
then close it. Moisten the inside surface and remove any surplus water .fill the one compartment
of the apparatus with about 20 litres concrete. Leave in to stand for 1 minute. Lift the sliding gate
and allow the concrete to flow to the other compartment .Once the concrete has come to rest,
measure the height of the concrete in the second compartment in two places .calculate the mean.
Let it be H2.
The height of the concrete in the 1st compartment be H1. Calculate H1-H2 the filling height .The
whole test has to be completed within 5 minutes.

FILL BOX TEST:INTRODUCTION:This test is used to measure the filling ability of self-compacting concrete with the maximum
aggregate size of 20 mm. the apparatus consists of a container (transparent) with a flat and
smooth surface .in the container there are 35 obstacles made of PVC with a diameter of 20 mm,
placed at centre to centre distances of 50 mm. At the top side is a put a filling pipe 100 mm
diameter 500 mm high with a funnel 100 mm high. The container is filled with concrete through
the filling pipe and the difference between two sides of the container is a measure for the filling
ability. Fig. 18 shows Fill Box test apparatus. Fig. 19(a) and 19(b) shows difference between
dimensions of U-type test apparatus and Box test apparatus.

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Fig.18 Fill Box apparatus

Fig.19 (a) U-type test and 19(b) Box-type test

EQUIPMENT:

Fill box of a stiff transparent, non-absorbing material

Scoop 1.5 to 2 litre capacity

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Ruler

Stop watch

PROCEDURE:About 45 litres of concrete is required for this test. Set the apparatus on a firm ground. Moisten
inside. Remove any surplus water. Fill the apparatus by pouring 1.5 to 2 litres concrete taken in
the scoop in to the filling pipe at every 5 seconds until the concrete has just covered the top first
obstacle. After the concrete has come to rest measure the height at the side at which the container
is filled on two places and calculate the average height (h1) .do this also on the opposite side
(h2).
Average filling % = {(h1+h2)/2*h1}*100%
The whole test has to perform within 8 minutes.

APPLICATION OF SCC

SCC technology originated in Japan in the early 1980s, arising out of durability concerns due to
poor compaction on the job site. Use of SCC quickly became widespread in Japan, especially
since the government implemented a plan to use SCC for 50% of all concrete jobs by 2003. It
then spread to Europe in the 1990s after invention of polycarboxylate super plasticizers. In the
UK, The Concrete Society has issued official measures to expand the use of SCC as a means of
replacing vibratory compaction. In the US and Canada, SCC technology is available mostly in
the form of proprietary concrete mixes from ready-mix producer subsidiaries of cement
manufacturers such as Lafarge and Lehigh. It is also available as specialized admixtures
combining super plasticizer and viscosity modifiers.
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Given how important maintaining mixes quality of SCC is for its successful
performance, using SCC demands increased attention and skill. In particular, super plasticizer
dramatically increases the sensitivity of the mix to water. Some notable projects have utilized
SCC in Canada. One is the Toronto International Airport, where concrete had to be pumped
upwards from the ground to form 101-foot tall columns. Another project in Vancouver, B.C used
SCC so little patching would be required for highly visible, outrigger columns. In Asia, SCC was
used for a monolithic foundation mat in Singapore where the concrete needed to reach massive
dimensions in a short amount of time. In the US, a high-strength SCC was imperative for
constructing tightly reinforced elements poured in below-freezing weather for the 68-story
Trump Tower in New York City. SCC has also shown successful application for residential
projects, such as homes for Habitat for Humanity in the Houston area.
In India the use of SCC has been limited to extraordinary constructions only, until
recently when in 2004, its successful and effective utilization in the grand DELHI METRO
project proved its mettle. The trial use of SCC has been successively done in TARAPUR
ATOMIC POWER Plant, KAIGA NUCLEAR POWER PLANT and BANDRA WORLI SEA
LINK.

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ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS:

At present self compacting concrete (SCC) can be classified as an advanced construction
material. The SCC as the name suggests, does not require to be vibrated to achieve full
compaction. This offers benefits and advantages over conventional concrete.
Different benefits:d reduction of onsite repairs.
Faster construction times.

on into concrete construction.

achieved through elimination of handling of
vibrators.
loading on and around a site.
hich are costly
to dispose of.
nishes.

bility of concrete structures.

ed equipment and labor requirement.
on site conditions relate to the quality of labor, casting and compacting systems available.
external segregation and the mixture self compacting ability allow the
elimination of macro defects, air bubbles, and honey combs responsible for penalizing
mechanical performance and structure durability .

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CONCLUSION

In conclusion, self-consolidating concrete is an exciting technology that has found many

successful applications. Although the concept has been around for a few decades, new products
are still emerging and better mix proportioning strategies are still in development.
In recent developments it has been observed that potential for future applications of SCC fornew
structural design and construction systems is vast. It meets the demands placed by the
requirements of speed and quality in concrete construction. Moreover, there is now accumulated
evidence that properties of SCC in hardened state are similar to those of conventional concrete
Therefore the task at hand is to promote the rapid diffusion of the techniques for the
production of self-compacting concrete and its use in construction such that it becomes so widely
used that it is seen as the Standard concrete rather than a Special concrete.

And in that context, educating manufacturers and contractors is the crucial first step in expanding
the use of SCCs extremely promising technology.

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REFERENCE:-

1. Okamura et al. Self-compacting concrete, Journal of Advanced Concrete Technology,

vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 515,2003
2. SK Singh Self Compacting Concrete - A Paradigm Shift, Journal of New Building
Materials & Construction World, Vol. 15, No. 3, pp 164-180,September , 2009.
3. The European Guidelines for Self Compacting Concrete, May 2005
4. Eric P. Koehler et al. Aggregate in Self Consolidating Concrete, ICAR Project 108,
March 2007
5. KHALEEL, O.R. et al. The Effect of Coarse Aggregate on Fresh and Hardened
Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC), Elsevier, pp 805-813, 2011

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