4. Robustness of self-consolidating concrete

Title: 4. Robustness of self-consolidating concrete
Author(s): D. Bonen, Y. Deshpande, J. Olek, L. Shen, L. Struble, D. Lange, K. Khayat
Paper category : conference
Book title: 5th International RILEM Symposium on Self-Compacting Concrete
Editor(s): G. De Schutter and V. Boel
Print-ISBN: 978-2-35158-047-9
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-088-2
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2007
Pages: 33 - 42
Total Pages: 10
Nb references: 42
Language: English

Abstract: Robustness refers to the ability of the self-consolidating concrete (SCC) mixture to retain its fresh properties and composition pre- and post casting of a single batch or successive batches.
Robustness stems from the ability of the fresh mixture to maintain the same stiffening rate and resist compositional changes, especially once small compositional variations in the contents of the ingredients in successive batches take place. SCC is more susceptible to changes in materials properties than ordinary concrete because of a number of factors, including higher requirements, inherent low yield stress and viscosity, and complex mix design. Variations in properties (and robustness) are attributed to the specific effects of the ingredients on the rheological properties of the mixture, aggregate density and size, paste density, type of mixer, mixing protocol, mixing time, and total mixing energy. Robustness also depends on thixotropy and applications. Mixtures that might be considered as robust for flat work by visual inspection might turn to be non-robust once cast vertically into walls. In general, robustness is increased by increasing the viscosity by materials selection at the expense of some of the superplasticizer, addition of VMAs, increasing the matrix density, and decreasing the size of coarse aggregate. Apart from visual inspection, robustness can be evaluated by a number of techniques, including simple penetration devices.

Online publication: 2009-06-16
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00