A design approach for self-compacting concrete based on deformability, segregation resistance and passing ability models

Abstract

An approach for SCC mix proportioning based on the authors’ developed
models for predicting deformability, segregation and passing ability was
introduced. The deformability model was developed based on the concepts of
water retainability of solid particles, free water content and inter-particle forces
in the concrete. Both deformation capacity, measured by a slump flow value,
and velocity of deformation, measured by a time to attain slump flow of 50 cm,
were included. Segregation was considered to have relationship with bleeding,
so a bleeding prediction model was adopted. Passing ability was simulated by
adopting a model for predicting aggregate blocking during SCC flow through
narrow spaces. The parameters considered in the model are size distribution,
volumetric ratio and shape of aggregates. Also considered for passing ability
are the effect of viscosity of the concrete, clear spacing of the reinforcement
and size of the reinforcement. Experimental results from the authors and other
researchers were used in the verification of the proposed models. It was shown
that the proposed models were satisfactory for predicting the tested results.