A Practical Mix Design Method for Self-Compacting Concrete

Abstract

This paper describes how self-compacting concrete (SCC), a high-fluidity concrete that maintains its stability, was developed in Japan in 1998. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about SCC, especially regarding the few practical mix design methods available. Without a standardized mixture proportioning method, researchers have to use the trial-and-error method, spending time and resources without being certain about the concrete quality. In this paper, a new mix design method for SCC is introduced that allows the production of concrete from local materials, in an attempt to reach the desired mechanical and durability properties at the lowest cost. This method is explained in detail elsewhere. To explain how to use such a method, a study of SCC was carried out and presented at the end of the paper. Moreover, this methodology has been applied successfully in Brazil, obtaining SCC with costs very close to those of normal vibrated concrete (NVC) for the same strengths or durability measures.