The Self-consolidating concrete has the high ability to fill and flow through heavy reinforcement areas under its own weight as we mentioned early. The S.C.C has slightly similar cement binders and water-cement ratios as compared to the ordinary concrete mix. The S.C.C give us a slightly higher strength because, without the use of the vibrator at the concrete pouring time, it will improve the bond between the concrete Hardened paste and Aggregates.
The Self-consolidating concrete can be poured into the slabs or in columns more than the height of 5 m because in S.C.C the segregation of aggregate will not occur t. The S.C.C concrete can be poured at a fast velocity as compared to the regular concrete pouring time.
Materials
The Self-consolidating concrete S.C.C has different physical properties as compared to the regular concretes.
Cement
In S.C.C concrete the cement Grade 43 is used. The Physical properties of cement must meet according to IS: 8112.
| Physical property | Ratios |
| Fineness (Cement will retain on 90-mm sieve) | 8-10 mm |
| Normal Consistency | 28% |
| Initial setting time (minutes) | 75 (30 Min) |
| final setting time (minutes) | 215 (600 Max) |
| Crushing strength 3-days later | 23 MPa (22 Min) |
| Crushing strength 7-days later | 36 MPa (33 Min) |
| Crushing strength 28 days later | 45 MPa (43 Min) |
Aggregates
The Fine aggregates use in concrete must have 4.75 mm maximum in size and the coarse aggregate which is also called crushed stone having a 16 mm maximum size. The fine and coarse aggregate must be according to IS: 383-1970.
| Physical tests | Coarse aggregate | Fine aggregate |
| Specific gravity | 2.67 | 2.66 |
| Fineness modulus | 6.86 | 2.32 |
| Bulk density | 1540 (kg/m3) | 1780 (kg/m3) |
Advantages
1- S.C.Concrete always consolidates under its own weight.
2- Water reduction.
3- Simple and easy placing.
4- Excellent flow even around heavy reinforcement areas.
5- Beautiful finishing will be received.
6- Having high strength.
7- Having a consistent in the Flow and Slump.
8- Significantly reduce labour or equipment costs.
9- Reduce time of placing concrete.
10- Less concrete quantity consumption as we compare to the normal concrete consumption.
Factors Affecting Self Compacting Concrete
Using self-compacting concrete must not be used indiscriminately. These factors can affect the behaviour and performance of self-compacting concrete:
2- Long haul distances can reduce flowability of self-compacting concrete.
4- Delays on job site could affect the concrete mix design performance.
5- Job site water addition to Self-Compacting Concrete may not always yield the expected increase in flowability and could cause stability problems.
Self-Compacting Concrete Special Considerations
Self-compacting concrete can have benefits and will shorten your construction time. However, special attention should be focused on:
1- A full capacity mixer of self-compacting concrete might not be feasible due to potential spillage along the road, producing environmental and contamination hazards.
2- Formwork should be designed to withstand the fluid concrete pressure that will be higher than regular concrete.
3- Self-Consolidating Concrete may have to be placed in lifts in taller elements.
4- Production of SCC requires more experience and care than the conventional vibrated concrete.
5- self-consolidating concrete can add up to $50 per yards to your construction costs. This cost will vary among ready-mix concrete producers.
