CONTENTS 1 Introiluctifcn and glossary of common terms 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Glossary of common terms related to self-compacting concrete 3 2 Self-compacting concrete 8 2.1 The need for self-compaction 8 2.2 Definition of self-compacting concrete 15 2.3 A brief history of self-compacting concrete 16 References 20 3 Constituent materials 22 3.1 Coarse aggregates 22 3.1.1 Type 22 3.1.2 Maximum size 22 3.1.3 Fine aggregate 22 3.1.4 Overall aggregate grading 23 3.2 Cements and additions 24 3.3 Admixtures .25 3.3.1 Superplasticisers 25 3.3.2 Viscosity modifying admixtures 26 3.3.3 Other admixtures 27 3.4 Fibres 27 References 28 4 Properties of fresh self-compacting concrete mixes 32 4.1 Introduction to rheology 32 4.1.1 Newtonian flow 34 4.1.2 Non-Newtonian flow 35 4.1.3 Rheology and consistence (workability) of fresh concrete 37 4.1.4 Concrete rheometers 38 4.2 Key characteristics of fresh self-compacting concrete 1 4.2.1 Filling ability 44 4.2.2 Passing ability 44 4.2.3 Segregation resistance 44 4.2.4 Interactions and additional properties 46 4.2.5 Flow-rate 47 4.2.6 Other characteristics 47 References 48 5 Tests for key properties of fresh self-compacting concrete 50 5.1 Introduction 50 5.2 Sampling 51 5.3 Test methods 52 5.3.1 Slump-flow 52 5.3.2 Flow-rate, determined during the slump-flow test 57 5.3.3 Orimet 58 5.3.4 V-funnel 61 5.3.5 J-ring 64 5.3.6 L-box 69 5.3.7 Sieve segregation tes 74 5.3.8 Settlement column 77 5.3.9 Penetration test for segregation .80 5.3.10 Other tests 82 5.4 Review of performance of tests for properties of fresh self-compacting concrete 84 5.4.1 Basic performance parameters 84 5.4.2 Variations in test results 85 5.4.3 Basic rheology and tests for key properties of fresh self-compacting concrete 86 5.5 Review of applications of tests for fresh self-compacting concrete 87 5.5.1 Tests for filling ability 87 5.5.2 Tests for passing ability 89 5.5.3 Tests for segregation resistance 90 5.5.4 Tests for flow-rate 91 5.6 Conclusions 93 References 94 6 Mix design 96 6.1 Introduction 96 6.2 Concrete requirements 96 6.3 General considerations for mix proportioning 99 6.4 Mix design procedures 101 6.4.1 General method 103 6.4.2 Modifications and developments of^the general method 105 6.4.3 CBI method 105 6.4.4 Extensions of the CBI method 109 6.4.5 Analysis of mixes 112 6.4.6 Other approaches 113 6.5 UCL method of mix design 115 6.5.1 Equipment 116 6.5.2 Procedure 116 6.6 Conclusions 121 References 122 7 Construction process 125 7.1 Batching and mixing 125 7.1.1 Requirements for the production plant 125 7.1.2 Control of materials 125 7.1.3 Mixers 125 7.1.4 Quality control of the production process 128 7.2 Transport 129 7.3 Placing 130 7.3.1 Pumpiy 130 7.3.2 Skip and crane and other methods 133 7.4 Formwork 134 7.4.1 General requirements 134 7.4.2 Formwork pressure 135 7.5 Curing 136 7.6 Finishing 137 7.6.1 Features and properties of surfaces 137 7.6.2 Factors affecting surface finish in concrete 139 7.6.3 Factors affecting surface finish in self-compacting concrete 140 7.6.4 Special case of large slabs and pavements 144 7.7 Conclusions 144 References 145 8 Hydration and microstructure 146 8.1 Introduction 146 8.2 Development of the microstructure of concrete 146 8.2.1 Hydration process of Portland cement 146 8.2.2 Microstructure and pore structure of hardened cement paste 150 8.2.3 Microstructure and pore structure of concrete 153 8.3 Calculation of the porosity 154 8.3.1 Powers' model 154 8.3.2 Phase distribution in hydrating cement paste 155 8.3.3 Capillary pores and gel pores in hydrated cement paste 156 8.3.4 Porosity in concrete 157 8.3.5 Interfacial transition zone 157 8.4 Hydration of self-compacting concrete 158 8.4.1 General aspects 158 8.4.2 Limestone powder 158 8.4.3 Fly ash 166 8.4.4 Blast furnace slag 169 8.5 Microstructure of self-compacting concrete 170 8.5.1 General aspects 170 8.5.2 Self-compacting concrete without an addition 173 8.5.3 Powder-type self-compacting concrete 173 8.6 Conclusions 186 References 186 9 Engineering properties 192 9.1 Introduction 192 9.2 Compressive strength and modulus of elasticity 193 9.2.1 In situ compressive strength, near-surface strength and surface hardness 195 9.2.2 Effect of curing conditions on compressive strength 197 9.2.3 Modulus of elasticity and toughness 197 9.3 Tensile and shear strength 198 9.4 Creep 199 9.5 Shrinkage 200 9.6 Bond with reinforcement 201 9.6.1 Ordinary steel reinforcement 201 9.6.2 Prestressing steel 202 9.7 Conclusions 202 References 203 10 Durability 206 10.1Introduction 206 10.2 Transport properties 206 10.2.1Gas transport 206 10.2.2 Liquid transport 213 10.2.3Ion transport 217 10.3 Deterioration processes 218 10.3.1Carbonation 219 10.3.2 Chloride penetration 221 10.3.3 Freeze-thaw 224 10.3.4 Alkali-aggregate reactions 226 10.3.5 External chemical attack 227 10.3.6 Fire resistance 233 10.4 Conclusions 235 References 236 11 Standards and specifications 243 11.1Introduction 243 11.2 Specification of self-compacting concrete 243 11.3International advisory documents for self-compacting concrete 245 11.3.1European guidelines 245 11.3.2 Other national guidelines 249 11.4 Advisory documents available from concrete and admixture suppliers 252 11.5 Standards for test methods 253 11.5.1 European EN standards 253 11.5.2 EN 13670, the execution standard 254 11.5.3 International standards 254 References 254 12 Benefits of using self-compacting concrete 256 12.1Working conditions 256 12.1.1 Noise 256 12.1.2 Vibration 258 12.1.3 Physical strain 259 12.2 Environmental benefits 260 12.2.1 Noise 260 12.2.2 Recycled and waste materials 260 12.3 Quality and economy 260 12.3.1 Quality 260 12.3.2 Direct costs 260 12.3.3 Indirect costs 263 12.4 Design and management 264 References 267 13 Practical applications 269 13.1Industrial structures 269 13.1.1 Gas tanks in Texas, USA 269 13.1.2 Industrial hall in Veurne, Belgium 271 13.2 Public buildings and housing 273 13.2.1 Residential buildings in Brazil 273 13.2.2 Trump Tower, Chicago, IL, USA 275 13.2.3 World Financial Centre, Shanghai, China 278 13.2.4 Villa Gistel, Belgium 280 13.3Bridges 281 13.4 Other examples 282 13.4.1 Multifunction sports complex for SK Slavia Praha football club a.s. in the Czech Republic 282 13.4.2 Citytunnel, Malmo, Sweden 284 References 285 Subject Index 287 Author Index 295