Table of contents

CHABTER 1-Introduction

1.1 General background

1.2 problem statement..

1.3 purpose of the study

1.4 objectives of the study

1.5 scope of the work.

CHABTER 2-LITRATURE REVIEW

2.1 Definition of self-compacting concrete

2.2 History of developing SCC

2.3 Advantages of self-compacting concrete

2.4 materials of self-compacting concrete

CHABTER 3-Methodology.

3.1 Introduction to constituent materials

3.2 characterization of constituent materials

3.2.1 Cement

3.2.2 Aggregates (specific gravity, moisture content and unit

weight)

3.2.3 Water

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 3.2.4 Admixture (Superplasticizer)

3.3 Mix Design of SCC

3.4Equipment and Test procedures

3.5 Tests we are going to apply (slump Test, V-funnel Test, L-box
Test)

CHABTER 4-Test Results

4.1 Properties of fresh concrete

4.2 The effect of the admixtures to concrete

4.3 slump flow result

4.4 v-funnel test result

4.5 L-box test result

CHABTER 5-CONCULUSION &RECOMMENDATIONS

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 Introduction

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY.

Self-compacting concrete also known as Self-consolidating concrete is a highly

flowable type of concrete that spreads into the framework without the need of
mechanical vibration.

This type of concrete is ideal to be used in the applications of Drilled shafts,

Columns, Earth retaining systems and areas with high concentration of rebar.

Its importance is that maintains all concretes durability and characteristics and
produce several benefits and advantages such as labor reduction, accelerates
project schedules, reduces equipment wear, minimizes voids on highly reinforced
areas, lowering noise levels produced by mechanical vibrators, improved
Structural integrity, produces a uniform surface etc.

Certain amount of chemicals (admixtures) are used for reducing bleeding and
segregation and concrete that segregates loses strength.

Self-compacting concrete (SCC ) or Self- consolidating concrete ,as its

sometimes known, arrived as a revolution in the field concrete technology.

The concept of self-compacting concrete was proposed by Professor Hajime

Okamura of Kochi University of technology, Japan, in1986 as a solution to the
growing durability concerns of the Japanese government.

During his research, Okamura found that the main cause of the poor durability
of performances of Japanese concrete in Structures was the inadequate
consolidation of the concrete in the casting operations.

By developing concrete that Self-consolidates, he eliminated the main cause for

the poor durability performance of their concrete.

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Self-compacting concrete has been used in many countries and spread on the
world and it is studied worldwide with papers presented in almost every
concrete-related conference.

In Somalia it is rare for using SCC and there is high level of interest of using
this type of concrete.

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT:

In the last three decades many observations, investigations and excremental

programs have been made on improving the quality of the concrete

Mostly concrete casts require compaction, insufficient compaction will lead to

the formation of voids and these voids results negative impacts on physical and
chemical properties of the concrete, also the small distances between
reinforcing bars and the small spaces provided by framework my lead to defects
in concrete such as segregation and other bad effects

So to prevent and reduce these bad effects mechanical vibrators are used
manually in the construction sites.

But the vibrators are still not sufficient and absolutely difficult to use them
under the conditions of large areas, inaccessible areas, and presence of
congested reinforcement

So our study focuses on the development of self-compatible concrete

(chemically consolidated concrete) which has an ability to flow under its own
weight.

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1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY.

The purpose of our study is to evaluate the properties of self-compacting

concrete under local materials

Comparisons will be made among the properties of conventional concrete with

self-compacting concrete

Also our aim of this work is to highlight the influence local constituents in the
composition of self-compacting concrete from viewpoints of fresh and hardened
state and therefore to develop optimized formulation with good rheological and
chemical properties expecting to start a phenomenon for using Self-compacting
concrete in the country and adapting the importance of SCC to the
construction projects that implement in the country.

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:

The aim of this research is to produce self -compacting concrete in Mogadishu

using available materials and to study the mechanical properties of SCC.

This can be achieved through the following objectives

To develop mix designs of self-compacting concrete in the building

projects of the country.

To evaluate physical and chemical properties of Self-compacting

concrete.

1.5 THE SCOPE OF THE STUDY.

This research produces self-compacting concrete and investigates the fresh

properties of this SCC

In order to obtain the characteristics of fresh concrete we will execute the

following tests

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 L-box test

V-funnel test

Slump

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 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

This chapter discusses the literature related to the Self-Compacting Concrete.

It particularly focuses on the history of Self-compacting concrete,
development of SCC, admixtures, materials used to produce SCC, properties
of Self- compacting concrete, advantage and dis-advantage of Self-
Compacting Concrete.

2.1 Historical Background of Self-Compacting Concrete.

Self-compacting concrete also known as Self-consolidating concrete is a

highly flowable type of concrete that spreads into the frame work without the
need of mechanical vibration.

Self-compacting concrete (SCC ) or Self- consolidating concrete ,as its

sometimes known, arrived as a revolution in the field of concrete technology.

The concept was proposed by Professor Hajime Okamura of Tokiyo

University of technology, Japan, in1986 as a solution to the growing
durability concerns of the Japanese government.

During his research, Okamura found that the main cause of the poor
durability of performances of Japanese concrete in Structures was the
inadequate consolidation of the concrete in the casting operations.

By developing concrete that Self-consolidates, he eliminated the main cause

for the poor durability performance of their concrete.

Ever since the invention of self-flowing and self-consolidating concrete in

late 1980s so as to overcome the difficulties of normal cement concrete that
can tend to cause honeycombs in spite of careful compaction process

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through vibration of fresh concrete in designed moulds, the SCC has made
steady inroads into critical constructions.

Self-compacting concrete is very dense structured fine or course aggregates

concrete with low water/cement ratio smaller than 0.4, high cement content
chemical and mineral admixtures which are selected to increase the bond
between the aggregates and cement paste and to facilitate flow and
penetrations through congested reinforcement zones (Okamura and Ouchi,
2003)

Development of Self Compacting Concrete

3.2.1 Kuroiwa [1993], Developed a new type of concrete with materials

normally used in conventional concrete, that is, cement, aggregates, water
and admixtures. The chemical admixtures were used to improve the
deformability and viscosity properties of the concrete. The newly developed
concrete was named super-workable concrete. This has shown considerable
resistance to segregation and deformability. It also filled heavily reinforced
formworks completely without the use of any vibrators.

The laboratory tests showed that the super-workable concrete has superior
fresh and hardened state properties with improved durability. Because of this,
this concrete was considered to be suitable for structures having heavy
reinforcement areas and used in the construction of twenty-storied buildings.

3.2.3 Khayat K. H (1999),

Studied the behaviour of Viscosity Enhancing Admixtures (VEA) used in

cement-based materials. He has concluded that by suitably adjusting the
combinations of VEA and High Range Water Reducing (HRWR) agents, a fluid
without washout resistant can be produced. This will enhance properties of
underwater cast grouts, mortars, and concretes, and reduces the turbidity,
and increases the pH values of surrounding waters.

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3.2.5 Paul Ramsburg and Robert E. Neal (2000) ,

Their research was focused on the development of SCC mixes making use of
a natural pozzolona to enhance the SCC properties at Rotunda Precast. The
calcined shale produced by the Lehigh Cement Company was used as natural
pozzolona under a trade name XPM. The calcined shale characteristics
improved the cohesion of the concrete mix with a better control of segregation,
avoiding the necessity of a viscosity modifying agent. In addition, it is found
that the total cementaneous material content needed in the concrete was
found to be less than the cement content required for the conventional SCC
mixes. A natural pozzolona of 30% was found to be optimum for eliminating
segregation and sufficient early age strengths.

3.2.6 Nan Su, Kung-Chung Hsu and His-Wen Chai (2001), Authors
proposed a simple mix design procedure for SCC and their main focus was to
fill voids of loosely filled aggregate with binder paste. They introduced a factor
called Packing Factor (PF) for aggregate. It is the ratio of mass of aggregates
in tightly packed state to the one in loosely packed state. The procedure totally
depends upon the Packing Factor (PF). A higher value of PF indicates the
larger aggregate content, which requires less binder and will have less flow
ability.

It was concluded that the packing factor determines the aggregate content
and influence the properties like flow ability, self-consolidating ability and
strength. In his mix design, the volume of FA to mortar was in the order of 54
60% and found that PF value will be the controlling factor for the U box
text.

3.2.7 Ho.D et al. (2002) ,Studied the usage of quarry dust in SCC
applications. Rheological studies on pastes and SCC mixes were made and
compared with SCC mixes with limestone powder.

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3.2.8 M. Sonebi and P.J.M. Bartos (2002) This paper shows results of an
investigation of fresh properties of self-compacting concrete, such as, filling
ability (measured by slump flow) and flow time (measured by orimet) and
plastic fresh settlement measured in a column. The results of SCC were
compared to a control mix. The compressive strength and splitting tensile
strength of SCC were measured.

The effects of water/powder ratio, slump and nature of the sand on fresh
settlement were also evaluated. Keeping the volume of coarse aggregate and
the dosage of Super Plasticizer constant, it was concluded that the settlement
of fresh self-compacting concrete increased with the increase in
water/powder ratio and the nature of sand influenced the maximum
settlement.

3.2.10 R.Sri Ravindrarajah, D.Siladyi and B. Adamopoulos (2003)

This paper reports an investigation into the development of self-compacting

concrete with reduced segregation potential. The self-compacting concrete
mix having satisfied the criterion recognized by the differential height method
is modified in many ways to increase the fine particle content by replacing
partially the fine and coarse aggregates by low-calcium fly ash. It is reported
that the systematic experimental approach showed that partial replacement
of coarse and fine aggregate could produce self-compacting concrete with low
segregation potential as assessed by the V-Funnel test. It further reports the
results of bleeding test and strength development with age and concludes that
fly ash could be used successfully in producing self-compacting high strength
concrete with reduced segregation potential.

3.2.11 Amit Mittal, Kaisare M.B and Shetty R.G (2004) Self compacting
concrete is suitable for the concreting congested reinforcement structures or

10
where the access is difficult for concreting. The authors in their topic Use of
SCC in a pump house at TAPP 3 & 4 Tarapur, explained in brief the
methodology adopted for the design and testing of SCC mixes and the
methods adopted for concreting walls and structures housing a condenser
cooling water pump at Tarapur Atomic power project 3 & 4 (TAPP).

3.2.14 Anne-Mieke Poppe and Geert De Schutter (2005) In this research,

results pertaining to the creep and shrinkage of SCC are reported.
Comparison of experimental results were made with some traditional models
and it is shown that the ACI model gives accurate prediction. The models
suggested by Delarrard and Model Code resulted in underestimation of
the deformations.

The use of SCCrequires no extra precautions while considering the shrinkage

and creep of the structure.

3.2.20 Anirwan Senguptha and Manu Santhanam (2006)

The authors worked to arrive at the optimum mix proportions of SCC for
various consistency classes with the materials locally available. Six different
classes of SCC according to EFNARC 2005 were developed in the laboratory
with the materials locally available. All mixes satisfied the EFNARC criteria
and showed good segregation resistance, passing ability, and so on. Higher
amounts of powder contents were required to design SCC. The SCC mixes
with higher powder contents resulting in higher compressive strengths. A
good correlation was observed between V- funnel time and T-50 slump flow
test.

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3.2.21 M.Collepardi (2007) Comparative studies have been made by the
author by producing a flowing concrete and two self-compacting concretes at
given Portland cement content (400Kg/m3) and watercement ratio (0.45) in
order to obtain it with 28-days strength. Ground limestone or fly ash was
used to manufacture SCC. A polycarboxylate based super plasticizer was
adopted to produce SCCs with a slump flow of about 750 mm and a flowing
concrete with a slump of 200mm, and found that compressive strengths of
SCCs were higher than that of the flowing concrete.

It was further reported that the steel bond strength in SCCs is higher than
in the corresponding ordinary flowing concrete. It was concluded that the
mechanical behavior of the SCC with respect to that of the ordinary flowing
concrete could be ascribed to the filling effect of the fine particles of ground
lime stone or fly ash in the micro voids of the cement matrix.

3.2.23 Miao Liu (2009) PhD thesis

SCC has been developed using fly ash and ground glass by replacement of
15% cement and 14% of sand or with a glass/cement volume ratio up to 6.4%
without the need for Viscosity Modifying Agent (VMA). Inclusion of ground
glass leads to a required increase in w/p ratio and a slight reduction in super
plasticizers dosage.

Comparing the results with control mix, the mix with 40% fly ash with a
volume ratio in the concrete of 7%, had 32% decrease in the super
plasticizers dosage while the mix with white glass of 6.4% concrete volume
had a 17% decrease in the super plasticizers dosage.

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3.3.5 VMCF Cunha (2010) PhD Thesis

The author intends to obtain the knowledge on the behaviour of SFRSCC,

the use of this composite material is likely to replace the conventional
reinforcement thereby reducing man-labour cost. In this process,
investigations have been carried out to obtain the micro mechanics aspects
of fibre reinforcement and fibre distribution structure in the hardened
concrete. This study provides deeper understanding of mechanisms of
multiple reinforcement and composite behaviour of compression, uniaxial
tension and flexure.

Finally, a numerical model was developed to predict the mechanical

properties based on micro-mechanical properties of fibres.

3.3.6 Pedro J.D. Mendes, Joaquim A.O. Barros, Jose M. Sena-Cruz and
Mahsa Taheri (2011)

The paper deals with 12-metre long pedestrian bridge consisting of two
composite I-profiles. The combination of fibre reinforced SCC and Steel
Reinforced Polymer (SRP) has shown improved post crack tensile strength,
stiffness and ductility.

3.3.1 S.Grunewald, F.Laranjeira, J.Walraven, A. Aguado and C. Molins,

(2012)

This paper discusses the potential for an improved performance of fibres in

self-compacting concrete. Significant differences were observed between
conventional and SCC at a given fibre type and dosage concerning the
variation of results and flexural performance.

Mechanical testing and image studies on concrete cross-sections indicate how

the flow influences performance, the orientation and the distribution of the

13
orientation of fibres and differences between traditionally compacted and
flowable concrete are pointed out.

2.2 ADMIXTURES

Admixtures are those ingredients in self-compact concrete other than

portland cement, water, and aggregates that are added to the mixture
immediately before or during mixing.

Admixtures are classed according to function.

1. Air-entraining admixtures: An admixture for concrete or mortar mixes

that causes minute air bubbles to form within the mix. Air entrainmentis
desirable for workability of the mix and prevention of cracking in the
freeze/thaw cycle.

2. Water-reducing admixtures : Water-reducing admixtures are chemical

products that when added to concrete can create a desired slump at a lower
water-cement ratio than what it is normally designed.

3. Plasticizers : also known as plasticizers or high-range water reducers

(HRWR), reduce water content by 12 to 30 percent and can be added to
concrete with a low-to-normal slump and water-cement ratio to make high-
slump flowing concrete.

4. Accelerating admixtures: increase the rate of early strength development,

reduce the time required for proper curing and protection, and speed up the
start of finishing operations. Accelerating admixtures are especially useful for
modifying the properties of concrete in cold weather.

5. Retarding admixtures: which slow the setting rate of concrete, are used
to counteract the accelerating effect of hot weather on concrete setting. High
temperatures often cause an increased rate of hardening which makes
placing and finishing difficult. Retarders keep concrete workable during
placement and delay the initial set of concrete.

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6. Corrosion inhibitors: all into the specialty admixture category and are
used to slow corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete.

7. Shrinkage reducers: Shrinkage reducing concrete admixtures are added

to concrete during initial mixing. This type of admixture could reduce early
and long-term drying shrinkage. Shrinkage reducing admixtures can be
used in situations where shrinkage cracking could lead to durability
problems or where large numbers of shrinkage joints are undesirable for
economic or technical reasons.

8. Alkali-silica reactivity inhibitors

9. Coloring admixtures

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 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter contains the experimental program and the constituent

materials used to produce HPSCC following methods and procedures used
before.

So we are going to investigate the properties of both fresh and hardened

properties so as to insure the self-compacting ability of various mixes,
slump and V-funnel to ensure filling ability in the plastic state, L-box to
ensure the passing ability of SCC, and V-funnel to test the segregation
resistance. The tests for hardened concrete included compression tests for
strength and flexural strength

In This experiment we are going to study the influence of the silica fumes
dosage, superplasticizer on the fresh and hardened of SCC like workability
filling ability passing ability and segregation by preparing several concrete
mixes.

The properties of several constituent materials which we are going to use to

produce SCC are also discussed such as moisture content, unit weight,
specific gravity. The test procedures, details and equipment used to assess
concrete properties are illustrated in the following sections.

3.2 Characterizations of constituent Materials

SCC constituent materials we are going to use in this research include

ordinary Portland cement, grey silica fume, both course and fine aggregates
available in study area (Mogadishu), in addition to superplasticizer to

16
ensure suitable workability. Proportions of these constituent materials will
follow the standards of IS or ASTM we did not decided yet

3.2.1 Cement: Cement paste is the binder in SCC that holds the aggregate
(coarse, fine) together and reacts with mineral materials in hardened mass.
The property of SCC depends on the quantities and the quality of its
constituents. Because cement is the most active component of SCC and
usually has the greatest unit cost, its selection and proper use is important
in obtaining most economically the balance of properties desired of SCC
mixture. In this we are going to use Ordinary Portland cement which meets
the requirements of either ASTM or IS specifications.

3.2.2 Aggregates

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Aggregate is relatively inexpensive according to the cement and strong
making material for concrete. The primary concerns of aggregate in mix
design for Self-Compacting Concrete are gradation, maximum size, and
strength. Providing that concrete is self-compacting, the large particles of
aggregate are undesirable for producing Self-Compacting Concrete. For
producing SCC, selection of very strong aggregate with rough texture is
significantly more important. The nominal size will ranges from 2 to 3mm,
which is locally available.
3.2.2.1 Specific gravity and Unit weight the density of the aggregate
required in mix proportions to establish weight volume relationships will
follow the specifications of either ASTM or IS. 3.2.2.2 Moisture content the
aggregate moisture is the percentage of the water present in the sample
aggregate, either inside pores or at the surface. Moisture content of the
coarse and fine aggregate will done either the specifications intended or
drying using natural sunlight in three days
3.2.3 Water we are going to use Tap water in all concrete mixtures and in
the curing all of the tests specimens.

3.2.4 Admixture in our test we are going to use chemical admixtures at

required levels and following specifications intended and they are

Superplasticizer: When added to concrete mix, it shows a strong self-

compacting behavior therefore suitable for the production of self-compacting
concrete and improves the properties of fresh and hardened concrete. This
plasticizing effect can be used to increase the workability of fresh concrete,
extremely powerful water reduction (resulting in high density and
strengths), excellent flowability (resulting in highly reduced placing and
compacting efforts, reduce energy and cost, improve shrinkage and creep
behavior, also it reduce the rate of carbonation of the concrete and finally
Improve Water Impermeability.

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3.3 Mix Design of USCC

The mix designs of concrete are followed standards and they are
approximately same here are the commonly used steps
Select the required performance based on related
specification
Select constituent materials
Design mix composition
Adjust performance by laboratory testing
Verify or adjust performance by trials on lab

Hence we will prepare self-compacting concrete follow these steps

conforming either AST or IS.
3.6 Equipment and testing procedure the laboratory testing consists of
tests for both fresh and hardened concrete. Fresh concrete was tested to
ensure the self-compacting properties of SCC. The tests for hardened
concrete include compressive strength,

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3.6.1 Tests we are going to apply On Fresh Concrete to ensure the self-
compacting properties of the SCC we want to develop the flowing test
methods.

3.6.1.1 Slump flow and T500 test the slump-flow is a test to assess the
flowability and the flow rate of self-compacting concrete in the absence of
obstructions. It is based on the slump test to measure two parameters the
flow speed and the flow time. The result is an indication of the filling ability
of self-compacting concrete. The fresh concrete is poured into a cone as
used for the normal slump test When the cone is withdrawn upwards the
time from commencing upward movement of the cone to when the concrete
has flowed to a diameter of 500 mm is measured; The largest diameter of
the flow spread of the concrete and the diameter of the spread at right
angles to it are then measured and the mean is the slump-flow The detailed
procedure of this test was as mentioned in the European guidelines for SCC,
(EFNARC, 2005)
3.6.1.2 V-funnel test The V-funnel test is used to assess the viscosity and
filling ability of self-compacting concrete with a maximum size aggregate of
20mm. A V shaped funnel is filled with fresh concrete and the time taken for
the concrete to flow out of the funnel is measured and recorded as the V-
funnel flow time. V-funnel, made to the dimensions (tolerance 1 mm),
fitted with a quick release, watertight gate at its base and supported so that

20
the top of the funnel is horizontal. The V funnel shall be made from metal;
the surfaces shall be smooth, and not be readily attacked by cement paste
or be liable to rusting.
Test process First Clean the funnel and bottom gate, the dampen all the
inside surface including the gate. Then close the gate and pour the sample
of concrete into the funnel, without any agitation or rodding, then strike off
the top with the straight edge so that the concrete is flush with the top of
the funnel. Place the container under the funnel in order to retain the
concrete to be passed. After a delay of (10 2) s from filling the funnel, open
the gate and measure the time tv, to 0.1s, from opening the gate to when it
is possible to see vertically through the funnel into the container below for
the first time. tv is the V-funnel flow time.

The detailed procedure of this test was as mentioned in the European

guidelines for SCC,
(EFNARC, 2005)
3.6.1.3 L-box test The L-box test is used to assess the passing ability of
self-compacting concrete to flow through tight openings including spaces
between reinforcing bars and other obstructions without segregation or
blocking. There are two variations; the two bar test and the three bar test.
The three bar test simulates more congested reinforcement. The main
concept of this test is to allow a measured volume of fresh concrete to flow
horizontally through the gaps between vertical, smooth reinforcing bars and
the height of the concrete beyond the reinforcement is measured. The L-box
shall be of rigid construction with surfaces that are smooth, flat and not
readily attacked by cement paste or be liable to
rusting. The vertical hopper may be removable for ease of cleaning. With
the gate closed. The assemblies holding the reinforcement bars shall have 2
smooth bars of 12 mm diameter with a gap of 59 mm for the two bar test
and 3 smooth bars of 12 mm diameter with a gap of 41 mm for the three bar
test.

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Test process Support the L-box on a level horizontal base and close the
gate between the vertical and horizontal sections. Pour the concrete from
the container into the filling hopper of the L-box and allow standing for (60
10) s. Record any segregation and then raise the gate so that the concrete
flows into the horizontal section of the box. When movement has ceased,
measure the vertical distance, at the end of the horizontal section of the L-
box, between the top of the concrete and the top of the horizontal section of
the box at three positions equally spaced across the width of the box. By
difference with the height of the horizontal section of the box, these three
measurements are used to calculate the mean depth of concrete as H2 mm.
The same procedure is used to calculate the depth of concrete immediately
behind the gate as H1 mm. The passing ability PA is calculated from the
following equation.

=

The detailed procedure of this test was as mentioned in the European

guidelines for SCC,
(EFNARC, 2005)

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