Self-Compacting Concrete

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Self-compacting concrete (SCC), also known as self-consolidating concrete, is a specialized high performance concrete that does not need to be compacted by vibration as it compacts into every corner and space of a formwork as a result of its own weight. The most laudable property of SCC is that it leaves no void in the formwork, and that too, without the need of mechanical vibration (De Schutter, 2007; Okamura & Ouchi, 2003; Hurd, 2002). SCC, therefore, has superior engineering properties that make it a highly versatile and immensely useful material for construction. It was first developed in Japan in 1988 as a result of research on durability of concrete structures. Since then, research on SCC has progressed to a large extent, leading to its increased applicability in the construction industry.

Evolution of Self-Compacting Concrete – From Necessity to Invention

‘Necessity is the mother of invention’, goes the adage. Such is the story of Self-Compacting Concrete, whose invention materialized out of an urgent need. Increasing the durability of concrete structures was Japan’s major concern in the 1980s (Okamura & Ouchi, 2003). Japan faced a severe shortage of skilled workers in its construction industry, and compaction of concrete had to be performed by skilled workers to ensure durability of the concrete structures. Therefore, the development of self-compacting concrete that could fill every space of the formwork by virtue of its own weight without the need of mechanical vibration seemed a very promising alternative. This would also eliminate noise sensitivity, white finger syndrome and other environmental and biological inconveniences that resulted from the vibrations on site (De Schutter, 2007). The concept of SCC was first pr...

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...07). Report 38: Durability of Self-Compacting Concrete - State-of-the-Art Report of RILEM Technical Committee. Bagneux: RILEM Publications.

Hurd, M. K. (2002). Self-Compacting Concrete— Can you fill your forms without vibrating. Washington, DC: Hanley-Wood, LLC. Retrieved 28 November, 2011 from http://www.concreteconstruction.net/Images/Self-Compacting%20Concrete_tcm45-589881.pdf

Okamura, H., and Ouchi, M. (2003). Self-compacting concrete. Journal of Advanced Concrete Technology, 1 (1), 5-15. Retrieved 28 November, 2011 from http://www.eng-forum.com/articles/articles/selfconcrete.pdf

Shah, D. L., and Modhere, C. D. (2009). Parameter-Study on the Influence of Steel and Polyester Fibers in the Self Compacting Concrete. The Pacific Journal of Science and Technology, 10 (2), 178-186. Retrieved 28 November, 2011 from http://www.akamaiuniversity.us/PJST10_2_178.pdf

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