1.

1 INTRODUCTION:

Self-compacting concrete refers to a special type of concrete that can be compacted to

every corner of the formwork. The most relevant performances of SCC are already well
known and have been confirmed in large scale applications. High filling capacity, no
vibration needed, reducing noise and unhealthy tasks for workers, high flow for longer
distance pouring, homogeneity due to absence of poor workmanship in casting, high
strength and durability, excellent surface are the main performances recognized to the
product. SCC is self-compacting itself alone due to its own self weight and it is
characterized by high segregation resistance.

1.2Advantages of self-compacting concrete SCC

 Reduced Permeability
 Improves Quality, durability, and reliability of concrete structure due to
better compaction and homogeneity of concrete.
 Ease of placement results in cost savings through reduced equipment and
labor requirement.
 Less noise from vibrators and reduced danger from Hand Arm Vibration
Syndrome
 Greater Freedom in Design
 improves working condition and productivity in construction industry
 Faster construction
 Elimination of problems associated with vibration

1.3 Disadvantages of self-compacting concrete SCC

 More Stringent Requirement on the selection of materials.
 Lack of globally accepted test standard and mix design
 Costlier than conventional concrete based on concrete
material cost (exception to placement cost)
 Requires more Trial batches at lab as well as at RMC plants
 More precise measurement and monitoring of constituent
materials.
1.4 Historical Development of self-compacting Concrete:

A. SCC was developed initially in Japan in the 1980s when contractors were
experiencing a severe shortage of skilled manpower. Due to its inbuilt assurance
of uniform placement and full compaction it is now becoming a revolution in
concrete technology.

B. In Europe it was probably first used in civil works for transportation networks in
Sweden in the mid1990’s. The EC funded a multi-national, industry lead project
“SCC” 1997-2000 and since then SCC has found increasing use in all European
countries.

C. In 1994 five European organizations BIBM, CEMBUREAU, ERMCO, EFCA and

EFNARC, all dedicated to the promotion of advanced materials and systems for
the supply and use of concrete, created a “European Project Group” to review
current best practice and produce a new document covering all aspects of SCC.
This document “The European Guidelines for Self-Compacting Concrete”
serves to particularly address those issues related to the absence of European
specifications, standards and agreed test methods.