REG #: 13/0933/1323

Date: 11th March, 2014

RESEARCH PROBLEM
EMN3201 Research Methods
Mr. M. Kanhai

Topic: Self-Compacting
Concrete - SCC

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Step 1- Identify
Self-compacting concrete, or Self-consolidating concrete SCC
Step 2- Dissect
i.

Engineering requirements of SCC

ii.

Ingredients and constituents of SCC

iii.

Concrete mix design of SCC

iv.

Testing methods and testing of mechanical properties of hardened SCC

v.

Applications and industrial uses of SCC in Guyana

vi.

Selection

Strategic comparison of SCC with conventional concrete

Step 3- Selection
Self compacting concrete mix design
Step 4- Raise questions
i.

Why use self-compacting concrete over conventional concrete mixes?

ii.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using SCC?

iii.

How can SCC be applied to the current construction domains utilized in

Guyana?

iv.

What mechanical and physical properties can be achieved by using

SCC?

v.

How can a SCC mix be produced in order to improve concrete

Question Selection
properties and economy?

Step 5- Formulate Objectives

Main Objective:
1. To develop and test a concrete mix design for SCC utilizing
resources available to Guyana.
Specific objectives:
1. To use higher fly-ash contents in SCC mix design whilst
maintaining satisfactory properties and decreasing cement
amounts

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2. To create specific guidelines for SCC production in Guyana, using

European guidelines
3. To explore the use of other recycling additions such as ground
glass in the SCC mix design
Step 6- Make sure
Scope of work: The design of concrete mixes has been a choice of many
past students of the University of Guyana for their final year project. Students
have ventured into the use of fly-ash, ground glass and other additives, to
improve concrete strength, curing and flow. Additionally, a diploma course
specifically tailored to nurture students with pre-requisite knowledge and
practical experience in concrete mix design, is an asset for the researcher. The
laboratories at the University of Guyana and Ministry of Public works are well
equipped to conduct the experiments and tests required. Thus the work involved
is manageable and will permit a thorough study
Timeline: Upon approval from the H.O.D of Civil Engineering, the student
will be allotted well over ten months to conduct the study. This period of time
will foresee many number of trials of the concrete mix design and will allow for
the acquisition of other useful materials such as concrete admixtures.
Financial resources: The project will be conducted under the internal
supervision of the Materials Technology Lecturer at the University, and as such
some resources will be made available from the university. The student will be
seeking to attain some amount of financial aid from any corporation that is
interested in the concrete mix-design. Other costs involving travelling to the
laboratory testing site and the purchasing of admixtures is reasonable and
within the proposed students budget.
Supervision: As mentioned before, technical support will be rendered by
the universitys own lecturer and an external Senior Structural Engineer at
Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company where the student did his attachment.
Step 7- Double Check (first person case)
Concrete technology is a growing science and is expanding each year
globally. Guyana still utilizes some of is conventional concrete technology from
decades ago. Seeking to revolutionize this aspect of engineering in Guyana is
one of my keenest interest, since it is the field of study I wish to invest, in my
post-graduate studies. Brining new technology in this field is a stepping stone
that will lead to other marvels. There are many professional documents
available on the topic, including design guidelines and test specifications as well
as past projects on glass and fly-ash additions to concrete mixes, and these will
be of upmost use.
2

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As a result, developing a concrete mix design for SCC is of paramount priority in

this study, complying with the main objective. Correctly reproducing this mix
design in the future will be even more vital, to ensure the manifestation of the
project. Consequently, mix design guidelines will be necessary for future
justification and production. It is good to note that the availability of cement
mix, course aggregates, sand and a quantities of concrete admixture is readily
available to my disposal, and I am rounded with expertise in the field of mix
design preparation, required to undertake the study.

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Step 4
Raise Questions

Step 2
Step 1
Identify
SCC

Dissect

Step 3

eng. requirements of SCC

ingridents of SCC
mix design of SCCt
testing SCC
applications of SCC in
Guyana
SCC versus conventional
concrete

Select

SCC mix design

Why use self-compactin conrete over conventional

concrete?
What are the pros and cons of using SCC?
How can SCC be applied to the current constructoin
domain in Guyana?
What mechanical and physical properties can be
achieved by using SCC?
How can a SCC mix design be produced in order to
improve concrete properties and economy?

Step 5
Formulate Objectives

Step 6

Step 7

Make sure

Double check

I am really interested in SCC production

I reiterate the objectives attainable
reources are very adequate
expertise is basic and will be developing

the work involved (OK)

time available (OK)
financing (OK)
expertise (OK)

FIG 1: Summary of formulating of a research problem

Main Objective
To develop and test a concrete mix design for
SCC utilizing resources available to Guyana
Specific Objectives
To use higher fly-ash contentes in SCC mix
design whislst mainitaining satisfactory
results
To create specific guidelines for SCC
production in Guyana
To explore the use of other recycling
additions in SCC mix designs