Evaluation of Mechanical Properties for Self-Consolidating, Normal, and High-Performance Concrete

Abstract

The use of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Several departments of transportation are currently accepting SCC mix design in some of their projects. Moreover, FHWA is also promoting SCC. However, because SCC is a relatively new material, its mechanical properties and durability are not fully understood. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate and compare the mechanical properties of SCC with normal–conventional concrete, as well as with high-performance concrete. The effect of supplementary cementitious materials on the mechanical properties of SCC is also investigated, and the experimental results of this study are compared to prediction equations. The results show that SCC has a lower modulus of elasticity compared with normal or conventional concrete but higher tensile splitting strength. SCC also has higher drying shrinkage and passes a higher charge (coulombs when using the rapid chloride permeability test).