Rachid RABEHI, Mohamed AMIEUR, Mohamed RABEHI

Characterizations of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) from a physicalmechanical perspective with various additions

Introduction

Characterizations of self-consolidating concrete (scc) from a physicalmechanical perspective with various additions. Characterizing self-consolidating concrete (SCC) physical-mechanical properties with limestone, dune sand, and silica fume additions. Discover its high fluidity, strength, and water absorption.

Abstract

Self-consolidating concretes (SCC) are special concretes that have the particularity of being very fluid and have been developed over the past thirty years. They are still qualified today as "new concretes" because their use remains modest, although they have strong development potential. The specificity of SCC compared to ordinary vibrated concrete (OC) lies in the fact that it is extremely fluid and does not require vibration to be implemented. Compacting under the effect of their own weight, they can be poured in areas with a high density of reinforcement. For the formulation of self-consolidating concretes, a large volume of mineral addition is necessary so as to reduce the quantity of cement induced by the increase in the volume of paste necessary to allow the flow of the concrete. The main objective of this work was to determine the effect of different cement additions (Filler limestone (Fc), crushed dune sand (Sd), and silica fume (Fs)) by partial substitution of a certain quantity of Portland cement on the physical-mechanical properties of SCC using the capillary absorption test. The results obtained demonstrate that all self-consolidating concretes give interesting results in terms of compressive strength and water absorption.

Review

The paper, "Characterizations of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) from a physical-mechanical perspective with various additions," addresses a highly relevant and evolving area within civil engineering. Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is recognized for its unique fluidity and ability to be placed without vibration, making it particularly advantageous for complex structures with dense reinforcement. The abstract effectively sets the context by noting SCC's ongoing classification as "new concrete" despite decades of development, underscoring its significant yet underutilized potential for broader application. Investigating the impact of various mineral additions on SCC's physical-mechanical properties is a pertinent objective, aligning with the continuous drive for improved performance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability in construction materials. The study's methodology focuses on a critical aspect of SCC formulation: the partial substitution of Portland cement with different mineral additions. Specifically, the authors investigated filler limestone (Fc), crushed dune sand (Sd), and silica fume (Fs) to understand their effects on key performance characteristics. The selection of these additions is relevant, as they represent materials commonly considered for enhancing concrete properties or reducing cement content. The abstract highlights the assessment of physical-mechanical properties, with a specific mention of compressive strength and water absorption, using the capillary absorption test. The reported findings suggest that all tested SCC formulations provided "interesting results" concerning these performance indicators, implying a positive or at least comparable outcome across the different types of additions. This work contributes to the ongoing efforts to optimize SCC mix designs and promote its wider adoption. The demonstration that various common mineral additions can positively influence critical properties like compressive strength and water absorption offers valuable data for both academic researchers and industry practitioners seeking to develop more efficient and sustainable SCC. While the abstract provides a concise overview, the full paper would benefit from a detailed quantitative presentation of the "interesting results," including specific values, comparative data, and the ranges of substitution examined. Overall, the study appears to offer practical insights into material selection for SCC, reinforcing its potential as a versatile and high-performance construction material for future infrastructure development.

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