Experimental Investigation on Self-Compacting Self-Curing Concrete Incorporated with the Light Weight Aggregates

Abstract

ABSTRACT Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) flows around obstructions by its self-weight to fill entirely and self-consolidate (without any need for vibration), without any part of disconnection and chunking. The eradication of the need for consolidation leads to better quality concrete and substantial improvement of running conditions. The fresh state of SCC mixes will usually have huge amount of fine fillers, including cement, and produce excessively high compressive strength concrete. In order to overcome the workability problem Super Plasticizer (SP) and Viscosity Modifying Agent (VMA) are used. Here, the workability admixtures are fixed at a constant rate of 2% based on the weight of cement. This technique examines special applications in cases of bottleneck reinforced sections, rafts, tunnel linings, highly reinforced columns, underwater repairs, bridge piers and placements. LECA and Vermiculite have high porosity, and are added to concrete mixtures to create a lightweight concrete mix. An attempt has been made to develop a combination of self-compacting and self-curing concrete with each 5% and 10% of LECA and Vermiculite as a partial replacement to fine aggregate. As there was no proper mix design for the development of this modern concrete, the design has been carried out based on EFNARC specifications for the design strength of M40 grade concrete. The porosity of light weight aggregate provide source of water for internal curing of concrete which enhances concrete strength and durability. Based on more trials, it was noticed that the concrete with 10% of LECA and Vermiculite in individual provides good results.

Keywords

• Self-compacting concrete
• Vermiculite
• Diatomaceous
• Internal curing
• LECA