Characterization of Self-Compacting Concrete

This paper evaluates the rheological and mechanical properties of SCC with various dosages of viscosity modifying admixture (VMA). The rheology of fresh SCC is primarily described by its yield point and plastic viscosity. The yield point defines the force required to make the concrete flow. The speed of flow of SCC is associated to its plastic viscosity which describes the resistance of SCC to flow under external stress. For this purpose, four SCC mixtures were produced with the equal water-powder ratio and other constituents, but with different dosages of VMA. The study shows that yield point and plastic viscosity of SCC increased with the dose of VMA. Mechanical properties (compressive and splitting tensile strength, modulus of elasticity) and ultrasonic pulse velocities (UPV) were improved upto a VMA dosage 0.4% and were reduced when this dose was increased to 0.6% by weight of binder. Results of mechanical properties and UPV show a good agreement when compared with the results of other researchers.