FORMULATION OF SELF-COMPACTING CONCRETE MIXTURES INCORPORATING DIVERSE CEMENT TYPES

Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) is a highly flowable, self-leveling and non-segregating type of concrete that requires no form of vibration to maintain its uniformity throughout the mixture as well as performs in an outstanding manner in densely reinforced structures. The properties of SCC such as cohesiveness, stability, flowability etc. can be modified by selecting definitive amounts of aggregates, cementitious materials and viscosity modifying admixtures.

The main objective of this study is to investigate the primary differences in engineering properties of SCC using CEM-I, CEM-II/A-M and CEM-II/B-M types of cement as primary binding material. It will also highlight the effects of mechanical and flow properties of the concrete mix due to the change in cement type with the similar composition and volumetric ratio of other constituent materials. The flow characteristics primarily rely on the cohesiveness of the mixture, making the addition of a superplasticizer highly advantageous in enhancing fluidity. However, the impact of additives may vary depending on the specific cement types utilized.

The necessary flow characteristics can be assessed through a sequence of tests, including the V-funnel test, L-box test, T-500 test, slump test, J-ring test, among others. Each of these test parameters possesses a specific range that must be satisfied by the concrete mix. After selecting the suitable mix design with CEM-I cement, wherein the flow values fall within the acceptable range, mix designs were subsequently prepared, maintaining a similar volumetric ratio of the constituent materials. The only variation in these designs was the type of cement used, and the corresponding strength properties i.e., compressive, tensile, and flexural strength were examined after a duration of 28 days. The variations and correlations among these values were then established and analyzed. Therefore, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the critical parameters necessary to achieve the ultimate strength capacities using both OPC and PCC cement types to meet the demands of real-life projects and seeks to identify cost-effective construction practices that could contribute to economic benefits.