Assessment of High Performance Self-Consolidating Concrete through an Experimental and Analytical Multi-Parameter Approach

Abstract

High-performance self-consolidating concrete is one of the most promising developments in the construction industry. Nowadays, concrete designers and ready-mix companies are seeking optimum concrete in terms of environmental impact, cost, mechanical performance, as well as fresh-state properties. This can be achieved by considering the mentioned parameters simultaneously; typically, by integrating conventional concrete systems with different types of high-performance waste mineral admixtures (i.e., micro-silica and fly ash) and ultra-high range plasticizers. In this study, fresh-state properties (slump, flow, restricted flow), hardened-state properties (density, water absorption by immersion, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, stress-strain relationship, modulus of elasticity, oven heating test, fire-resistance, and freeze-thaw cycles), and cost of high-performance self-consolidating concrete (HPSCC) prepared with waste mineral admixtures, were examined and compared with three different reference mixes, including normal strength-vibrated concrete (NSVC), high-strength self-compacted concrete (HSSCC), and high-performance highly-viscous concrete (HPVC). Then, a multi parameter analytical approach was considered to identify the optimum concrete mix in terms of cost, workability, strength, and durability.

Influence of Mixture Proportions on Fresh and Mechanical Properties of Self-consolidating Concrete

“…Another important factor that must be remembered herein is the surface planeness of the cylinders that grinded mechanically, but perfect smoothness was not obtained. Ahmed et al (2021) got the factor 0.794 for NSC, factors of 0.86-0.90 for SCC, when converting 100 mm cubes to Ø100 mm cylinders. Holschemaeher et al (2003) obtained the factors of 0.80-0.85 for vibrated concrete and 0.90-1.00 for SCC when converting of 150 mm cubes to Ø150 mm cylinders.…”

Increasing the Corrosion Resistance and Durability of Geopolymer Concrete Structures of Agricultural Buildings Operating in Specific Conditions of Aggressive Environments of Livestock Buildings

“…For example, some authors [12,15,[18][19][20][23][24][25]34,36] were engaged in research aimed at improving the corrosion resistance of cement-based concrete, which are the most traditional type of concrete in current construction but are not environmentally friendly and cheap, leaving a high carbon footprint and not in line with the modern ESG agenda. Other authors [7][8][9][10][11]22,27,29,31,35] were engaged in developing compositions of geopolymer concrete aimed at improving the mechanical properties of such concrete: their strength and improvement of deformation properties.…”

“…At the same time, concrete of increased resistance, as a rule, has good resistance to aggressive environments, regardless of the type and origin of the aggressive environment. Therefore, it seems expedient to increase the inherent resistance of concrete structures, using the variability and adaptability of its structure to environmental conditions, ensuring the durability of structures at several levels [34][35][36][37].…”

Special Issue: Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete, Part I

“…Ahmed et al [ 32 ] showed detailed characteristic of the high-performance self-consolidating concrete incorporating waste mineral materials (i.e., micro-silica and fly ash). They analysed fresh and hardened properties of concrete, and introduced a multi-parameter analytical approach to identify the optimum concrete mixture in terms of cost, workability, strength, and durability.…”