What is Self-Compacting Concrete and How is it used

Self-compacting Concrete, or Self-Consolidating Concrete, generally called SCC, is a fresh concrete that runs under its own weight and does not want external oscillation to undergo compaction. Constructors use SCC in the building structures where it is troublesome to use vibrators for the consolidation of concrete.

Why is Compaction Needed?

After the liquid or paste concrete is poured in place and should be left to set, it should undergo the compaction process before it starts to harden. Compaction or Consolidation significantly enhances the final strength of concrete and improves bonding with reinforcement. It also increases the abrasion resistance and overall sturdiness of the concrete. Moreover, this process decreases the permeability of concrete and helps to minimize its shrinkage and creep characteristics.

What is SCC?

The SCC or Self-compacting concrete is a form of concrete that can flow under its weight, and that does not need to go through a separate compaction process to fill and flow through heavy reinforcement areas.

SCC has more or less equivalent cement binders and water ratios as the standard concrete mix. However, the variations in the mix cause the SCC to produce a higher strength without vibrating the concrete by forming better bonds between the hardened paste and the aggregates and reinforcements. You can pour SCC into structures more than five meters tall because due to its characteristics the aggregates will not get segregated. The self-compacting concrete can also be poured faster than the regular mix.

What are the Materials in SCC Mix?

To give the concrete paste diverse properties, somewhat different materials ratios are used in the SCC mix. These are as follows.

Cement: Grade 43 cement is used in self-compacting concrete, which must meet the physical properties according to IS:8112 code. The following table will give a better understanding of the cement used in SCC

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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