CHAPTER – 5

FRESH PROPERTIES OF
SELF COMPACTING MORTAR AND
SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE

5.1 GENERAL

The research study reported in this chapter investigates on the fresh

properties of self compacting mortar and concrete. A simple test apparatus, a
mini-slump cone (diameters: 100mm and 70mm, height: 60 mm) along with the
graduated glass plate was used. The truncated cone mould was placed and
filled with paste and lifted. The resulting final diameter of the fresh paste
sample is the mean value of two measurements made in two perpendicular
directions, which gives the spread flow of Self Compacting Mortar (SCM).
Water /cementitious ratios by weight (w/cm) used in the investigation were
0.32, 0.36 and 0.40. The empirical tests, namely spread and flow time, were
performed on the fifteen cement pastes to characterise their rheological
behaviour just after mixing. The Self Compacting Mortar (SCM) with w/cm as
0.32, 0.36, 0.40 and dosage of super plasticizer cum retarder with 0.8%, 0.9%
and 1.0% for all the mix proportions are considered in the present study.

An experimental program on Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) was

conducted to investigate the effect of mineral admixtures used in binary (two
components), ternary (three components), cementitious blends on the fresh
properties of self compacting concrete with increasing levels of Metakaolin,
fly ash and a combination of both and these mixes were tested for fresh
properties. The fresh properties of the produced self compacting concretes were
observed through slump flow diameter, slump flow time, V-funnel flow time,
L-box height ratio. The combination of cementitious blends beyond 35 % of

 
214
partial replacements of total binder content would have an adverse effect on
spread flow, V-funnel and L-box ratio.

Use of mini-slump cone test is to find the optimization of Super

Plasticiser (SP) cum retarder in Self Compacting Mortar (SCM). Due to the
lesser content of coarse aggregate in SCC, mortar exerts more effects on the
fresh properties of SCC. Mortar not only provides lubrication by wrapping
coarse aggregates, but also predominantly influences the fresh properties of
SCC with a low yield stress and adequate viscosity so as to ensure the required
filling and passing ability without blocking and segregation. Mortar is, thus an
integral part of SCC mix design and it has also formed, a central part of Jin's
research (Jin, 2002; Jin and Domone, 2002). Hence, Self Compacting Mortar
(SCM) is a precondition of the successful production of SCC.

Thus, optimization of SP cum retarder in SCM must be performed to

ensure a stable SCC that has low yield stress and adequate viscosity for the
given w/cm and mix proportion and this is best done by self compacting mortar
tests.

5.2 EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON FRESH PROPERTIES OF MORTAR

5.2.1 Tests on properties of Self Compacting Mortar (SCM)

The objective of the study was to determine the optimum dosage of

SP cum retarder in SCM with the available materials. In this respect, 43 grade
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC 43), Metakaolin, class F fly ash as an
additive, river sand as fine aggregate , SP cum retarder were used by 0.8%,
0.9% and 1.0% dosage with w/cm 0.32, 0.36 and 0.40 for preparing trial
mixes. 15 types of mix designs using combinations of cement, Metakaolin
(MK) and Fly Ash(FA) such as SCC (100% OPC), MK 5%, MK 10%, MK
15%, MK 20%, MK 25% and MK30% FA10%, FA20%, FA30% ,FA40% ,
(MK 15% + FA 10%), (MK 10% + FA 20%), (MK 5% + FA 30%) and (MK
 
215
20% + FA20%) have been developed. The fresh properties were determined to
include the mortar spread, T20 and consistency.

5.2.2 Specimen Preparation

Mortars were prepared manually in a container in order to observe

their behaviour. Mortar volume of 0.0008 m3 (8 x 10-4 m3) (0.56 litre) is
sufficient for each mortar test using mini-slump cone. It is known that mixing
procedures have a significant influence on the fresh properties of SCM.
Modified Jin’s mixing procedure (2002) was carried out throughout this work
to achieve maximum efficiency of SP cum retarder as shown in Fig. 5.1.

Fig. 5.1 Mixing procedure for self compacting mortar

1. Cement and 1st part (80%) of water was mixed for two minutes.

2. SP along with the 2nd part (20%) of water was added and mixed
for two minutes.

3. Metakaolin or Fly Ash or combination of MK and FA and sand

was added to the mix and mixed thoroughly for two minutes.

4. Mixing was stopped and the mix was rested for 3 minutes.

5. The mix was remixed for one minute and discharged for mortar
test.

 
216
5.2.3 Tests on Fresh Mortar

The test apparatus comprising the mini-slump cone and graduated

glass plate was used for determining the mortar spread; viscosity (T20) and
consistence retention (refer 3.7.1.1 and 3.7.1.4).

5.2.4 Mortar Mix Design

The effect of SP cum retarder dosage on the fifteen SCM mixes were
examined to assess optimum dosage of SP cum retarder for developing and
studying of SCC properties as shown in Tables 5.1 to 5.9. The volume of paste
content was kept at 388 1itres/m3 for all the fifteen types of mixes. In order to
obtain paste volume of 388 litre/m3 the trial total binder quantity was adjusted
to each mix. All trial mixes from Tables 5.1 to 5.9 have been furnished the
w/cm ratios, percentage of SP cum retarder by cementitious weight, quantity of
replacement of cement with Metakaolin ,fly ash and combination of both
Metakaolin and fly ash .The quantity of fine aggregate is included in each
table and is kept constant for all fifteen mixes. The variation of water and unit
weight for each mix proportion is also presented in each table. The tables also
include the slump flow and T20 test results.

Table 5.1 reported the SCM trial mixes-1 of w/cm ratio 0.32 per cent
and 0.8 per cent of SP cum retarder dosage. In order to obtain paste volume of
388 litres /m3, the trial total binder quantity was adjusted to each mix. Similar
procedure was adapted for trial mixes-2 to 9 and presented in Tables 5.2 to 5.9.
w/cm ratios, percentage of SP cum retarder by cementitious weight, quantity
of replacement of cement with Metakaolin, fly ash and combination of both
cementitious blends and the fine aggregate were kept constant for all mixes.

 
217
 Table 5.1 Spread and T20 for the SCM trail mixes-1
W/cm or W/B=0.32 and SP cum retarder 0.8%
SP cum
Slump
Designation W/Cm retarder Total SP cum
Sl. Cement Metakaolin Fly ash Fa Water flow T20 Unit Wt.
of Mix Or (% by binder retarder
No. (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) spread (Sec) (kg/m3)
proportions W/b cementiti (kg/m3) (kg/m3)
(mm)
ous wt.)
SCC (100%
1 570.5 0 0 570.5 836.043 182.56 4.564 225 3.6 1601.6
OPC)
2 MK5 538.65 28.35 0 567 836.043 181.44 4.536 219 3.7 1566.304
3 MK10 506.7 56.3 0 563 836.043 180.16 4.504 218 3.9 1533.064
4 MK15 475.575 83.925 0 559.5 836.043 179.04 4.476 217 4.1 1500.808
5 MK20 444.8 111.2 0 556 836.043 177.92 4.448 204 4.6 1469.004
6 MK25 414.375 138.125 0 552.5 836.043 176.8 4.42 198 4.7 1437.344
7 MK30 384.65 164.85 0 549.5 836.043 175.84 4.396 196 5.3 1406.654
0.32 0.8
8 FA10 501.3 0 55.7 557 836.043 178.4 4.456 222 4.9 1581.424
9 FA20 435.6 0 108.9 544.5 836.043 174.24 4.356 232 4.6 1564.884
10 FA30 372.4 0 159.6 532 836.043 170.24 4.256 254 4.4 1548.344
11 FA40 312.3 0 208.2 520.5 836.043 166.56 4.164 250 4.5 1533.129
14 MK15+FA10 410.25 82.05 54.7 547 836.043 175.04 4.376 198 4.8 1486.144
13 MK10+FA20 376.6 53.8 107.6 538 836.043 172.16 4.304 202 3.9 1502.484
12 MK5+FA30 343.85 26.45 158.7 529 836.043 169.28 4.232 204 3.4 1517.924
15 MK20+FA20 318.9 106.3 106.3 531.5 836.043 170.08 4.252 196 5.95 1471.384

Table 5.2 Spread and T20 for the SCM trail mixes-2
W/cm or W/B=0.32 and SP cum retarder 0.9%
SP cum
Slump
Designation of W/Cm retarder (% Total SP cum
Sl. Cement Metakaolin Fly ash Fa Water flow T20 Unit Wt.
Mix Or by binder 3 retarder
No. (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) 3
3 (kg/m ) (kg/m )
3
3 spread (Sec) (kg/m )
proportions W/b cementitious (kg/m ) (kg/m )
(mm)
wt.)
SCC (100%
1 569.5 0 0 569.5 836.043 182.24 5.126 232 3.5 1600.51
OPC)
2 MK5 537.7 28.3 0 566 836.043 181.12 5.094 226 3.6 1565.264
3 MK10 506.25 56.25 0 562.5 836.043 180 5.063 228 3.8 1532.684
4 MK15 475.15 83.85 0 559 836.043 178.88 5.031 222 4 1500.444
5 MK20 444 111 0 555 836.043 177.6 4.995 220 4.5 1468.004
6 MK25 414 138 0 552 836.043 176.64 4.968 212 4.8 1437.034
7 MK30 383.95 164.55 0 548.5 836.043 175.52 4.94 206 5.2 1405.844
0.32 0.9
8 FA10 500.4 0 55.6 556 836.043 177.92 5.004 228 4.8 1580.324
9 FA20 434.8 0 108.7 543.5 836.043 173.92 4.89 242 4.7 1563.784
10 FA30 372.05 0 159.45 531.5 836.043 170.08 4.784 260 4.6 1547.894
11 FA40 312 0 208 520 836.043 166.4 4.68 255 4.4 1532.684
14 MK15+FA10 409.5 81.9 54.6 546 836.043 174.72 4.914 227 4.9 1585.194
13 MK10+FA20 375.9 53.7 107.4 537 836.043 171.84 4.833 232 4.5 1501.474
12 MK5+FA30 343.525 26.425 158.55 528.5 836.043 169.12 4.76 238 4.3 1517.504
15 MK20+FA20 318.6 106.2 106.2 531 836.043 169.92 4.8 224 6.0 1441.034

 
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 Table 5.3 Spread and T20 for the SCM trail mixes-3
W/cm or W/B=0.32 and SP cum retarder 1.0%
SP cum
Slump
Designation of W/Cm retarder (% Total SP cum
Sl. Cement Metakaolin Fly ash Fa Water flow T20 Unit Wt.
Mix Or by binder retarder
No. (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) spread (Sec) (kg/m3)
proportions W/b cementitious (kg/m3) (kg/m3)
(mm)
wt.)
SCC (100%
1 568.5 0 0 568.5 836.043 181.92 5.685 235 3.3 1599.413
OPC)
2 MK5 536.75 28.25 0 565 836.043 180.8 5.65 227 3.4 1564.244
3 MK10 505.35 56.15 0 561.5 836.043 179.68 5.615 226 3.6 1531.684
4 MK15 474.3 83.7 0 558 836.043 178.56 5.58 225 3.9 1499.494
5 MK20 443.6 110.9 0 554.5 836.043 177.44 5.545 221 4.3 1467.684
6 MK25 413.25 137.75 0 551 836.043 176.32 5.51 214 4.7 1436.174
7 MK30 383.25 164.25 0 547.5 836.043 175.2 5.475 209 4.9 1405.044
0.32 1.0
8 FA10 499.99 0 55.55 555.5 836.043 175.76 5.555 232 4.5 1579.884
9 FA20 434.4 0 108.6 543 836.043 173.76 5.43 256 3.9 1563.334
10 FA30 371.35 0 159.15 530.5 836.043 169.79 5.305 272 3.7 1546.784
11 FA40 311.4 0 207.6 519 836.043 166.08 5.19 265 3.7 1531.564
14 MK15+FA10 408.75 81.75 54.5 545 836.043 174.4 5.45 232 5.20 1484.244
13 MK10+FA20 375.55 53.65 107.3 536.5 836.043 171.68 5.365 238 4.6 1501.084
12 MK5+FA30 343.2 26.4 158.4 528 836.043 168.96 5.28 243 4.4 1517.074
15 MK20+FA20 318 106 106 530 836.043 169.6 5.3 228 5.5 1440.124

Table 5.4 Spread and T20 for the SCM trail mixes-4
W/cm or W/B=0.36 AND SP cum retarder 0.8 %
SP cum
Slump
Designation of W/Cm retarder (% Total SP cum
Sl. Cement Metakaolin Fly ash Fa Water flow T20 Unit Wt.
Mix Or by binder 3 retarder
No. (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) 3
3 (kg/m ) (kg/m )
3
3 spread (Sec) (kg/m )
proportions W/b cementitious (kg/m ) (kg/m )
(mm)
wt.)
SCC (100%
1 537 0 0 537 836.043 193.32 4.296 243 3.2 1578.76
OPC)
2 MK5 507.3 26.7 0 534 836.043 192.24 4.272 226 3.3 1545.654
3 MK10 477.45 53.05 0 530.5 836.043 190.98 4.244 227 3.4 1514.524
4 MK15 448.38 79.125 527.5 836.043 189.9 4.22 225 3.5 1484.384
5 MK20 419.6 104.9 0 524.5 836.043 188.82 4.196 223 3.9 1454.504
6 MK25 391.125 130.375 0 521.5 836.043 187.74 4.172 216 4.3 1424.934
7 MK30 362.95 155.55 0 518.5 836.043 186.66 4.148 214 4.7 1396.034
0.36 0.8
8 FA10 472.95 0 52.55 525.5 836.043 189.18 4.204 241 4.3 1560.764
9 FA20 411.2 0 102.8 514 836.043 185.04 4.112 266 4.1 1545.084
10 FA30 352.1 0 150.9 503 836.043 181.08 4.024 284 3.8 1530.094
11 FA40 295.8 0 197.2 493 836.043 177.48 3.944 272 3.6 1516.464
14 MK15+FA10 387 77.4 51.6 516 836.043 185.76 4.128 238 4.2 1470.414
13 MK10+FA20 355.6 50.8 101.6 508 836.043 182.88 4.064 242 3.8 1486.109
12 MK5+FA30 325.325 25.025 150.15 500.5 836.043 180.18 4.004 217 3.4 1501.664
15 MK20+FA20 301.5 100.5 100.5 502.5 836.043 180.9 4.02 233 5.6 1428.914

 
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 Table 5.5 Spread and T20 the SCM trail mixes-5
W/CM or W/B = 0.36 and SP cum retarder 0.9 %
SP cum
Slump
Designation of W/Cm retarder (% Total SP cum
Sl. Cement Metakaolin Fly ash Fa Water flow T20 Unit Wt.
Mix Or by binder retarder
No. (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) spread (Sec) (kg/m3)
proportions W/b cementitious (kg/m3) (kg/m3)
(mm)
wt.)
SCC (100%
1 536 0 0 536 836.043 192.96 4.824 256 3.1 1575.293
OPC)
2 MK5 506.35 25.65 0 533 836.043 191.88 4.797 248 3.2 1544.554
3 MK10 477 53 0 530 836.043 190.8 4.77 242 3.3 1514.114
4 MK15 447.95 79.05 0 527 836.043 189.72 4.743 238 3.3 1483.974
5 MK20 419.2 104.8 0 524 836.043 188.64 4.716 235 3.7 1454.134
6 MK25 390.38 130.125 0 520.5 836.043 187.38 4.685 230 3.9 1424.034
7 MK30 362.25 155.25 0 517.5 836.043 186.3 4.66 224 4.4 1394.814
0.36 0.9
8 FA10 472.05 0 52.45 524.5 836.043 188.82 4.721 254 3.9 1559.614
9 FA20 410.8 0 102.7 513.5 836.043 184.86 4.62 265 3.65 1544.614
10 FA30 351.75 0 150.75 502.5 836.043 180.9 4.523 296 3.45 1529.614
11 FA40 295.2 0 196.8 492 836.043 177.12 4.428 282 3.4 1515.294
14 MK15+FA10 386.63 77.325 51.55 515.5 836.043 185.58 4.64 250 3.9 1470.014
13 MK10+FA20 355.25 50.75 101.5 507.5 836.043 182.7 4.57 254 3.4 1485.684
12 MK5+FA30 324.675 24.98 149.85 499.5 836.043 179.82 4.5 256 3.1 1500.544
15 MK20+FA20 300.9 100.3 100.3 501.5 836.043 180.54 4.514 236 5.2 1427.954

Table 5.6 Spread and T20 for the SCM trail mixes-6
W/CM or W/B = 0.36 and SP cum retarder 1.0 %
SP cum
Slump
Designation of W/Cm retarder (% Total SP cum
Sl. Cement Metakaolin Fly ash Fa Water flow T20 Unit Wt.
Mix Or by binder 3 retarder
No. (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) 3
3 (kg/m ) (kg/m )
3
3 spread (Sec) (kg/m )
proportions W/b cementitious (kg/m ) (kg/m )
(mm)
wt.)
SCC (100%
1 535.5 0 0 535.5 836.043 192.78 5.355 256 3.3 1574.826
OPC)
2 MK5 505.88 26.625 0 532.5 836.043 191.7 5.325 242 3.4 1544.104
3 MK10 476.1 52.9 0 529 836.043 190.44 5.29 240 3.5 1513.064
4 MK15 447.1 78.9 0 526 836.043 189.36 5.26 236 3.6 1482.964
5 MK20 418.4 104.6 0 523 836.043 188.28 5.23 234 3.8 1453.174
6 MK25 390 130 0 520 836.043 187.2 5.2 222 4.2 1423.684
7 MK30 361.9 155.1 0 517 836.043 186.12 5.17 220 4.7 1394.494
0.36 1.0
8 FA10 471.6 0 52.4 524 836.043 188.64 5.24 252 4.4 1559.144
9 FA20 410 0 102.5 512.5 836.043 184.5 5.125 265 4.6 1543.454
10 FA30 351.4 0 150.6 502 836.043 180.72 5.02 295 4.8 1529.134
11 FA40 294.9 0 196.6 491.5 836.043 176.94 4.915 284 4.4 1514.814
14 MK15+FA10 385.88 77.175 51.45 514.5 836.043 185.22 5.145 231 4.95 1469.004
13 MK10+FA20 354.55 50.65 101.3 506.5 836.043 182.32 5.065 240 4.8 1484.624
12 MK5+FA30 324.35 24.95 149.7 499 836.043 179.64 4.99 252 4.6 1500.094
15 MK20+FA20 300.6 100.2 100.2 501 836.043 180.36 5.01 224 5.4 1427.564

 
220
 Table 5.7 Spread and T20 for the SCM trail mixes-7
W/CM or W/B = 0.40 and SP cum retarder 0.8 %
SP cum
Slump
Designation of W/Cm retarder (% Total SP cum
Sl. Cement Metakaolin Fly ash Fa Water flow T20 Unit Wt.
Mix Or by binder retarder
No. (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) spread (Sec) (kg/m3)
proportions W/b cementitious (kg/m3) (kg/m3)
(mm)
wt.)
SCC (100%
1 507.5 0 0 507.5 836.043 203 4.06 254 3.6 1556.53
OPC)
2 MK5 479.275 25.225 0 504.5 836.043 201.8 4.036 240 3.9 1527.094
3 MK10 451.8 50.2 0 502 836.043 200.8 4.016 242 4.2 1498.614
4 MK15 424.15 74.85 0 499 836.043 199.6 3.992 235 4.8 1469.754
5 MK20 396.8 99.2 0 496 836.043 198.4 3.968 236 5.3 1441.194
6 MK25 370.125 123.38 0 493.5 836.043 197.4 3.948 220 5.6 1413.504
7 MK30 343.35 147.15 0 490.5 836.043 196.2 3.924 218 5.9 1385.524
0.4 0.8
8 FA10 447.3 0 49.7 497 836.043 198.8 3.976 252 4.6 1541.794
9 FA20 389.6 0 97.4 487 836.043 194.8 3.896 276 4.7 1527.764
10 FA30 333.9 0 143.1 477 836.043 190.8 3.816 287 4.65 1513.734
11 FA40 280.5 0 187 467.5 836.043 187 3.74 290 4.5 1500.404
14 MK15+FA10 366.75 73.35 48.9 489 836.043 195.6 3.912 244 4.8 1457.214
13 MK10+FA20 337.05 48.15 96.3 481.5 836.043 192.6 3.852 250 4.6 1471.894
12 MK5+FA30 308.425 23.725 142.35 474.5 836.043 189.8 3.8 255 4.5 1486.494
15 MK20+FA20 285.9 95.3 95.3 476.5 836.043 190.6 3.812 238 5.6 1417.724

Table 5.8 Spread and T20 for the SCM trail mixes-8
W/CM or W/B = 0.40 and SP cum retarder 0.9 %
SP cum
Slump
Designation of W/Cm retarder (% Total SP cum
Sl. Cement Metakaolin Fly ash Fa Water flow T20 Unit Wt.
Mix Or by binder 3 retarder
No. (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) 3
3 (kg/m ) (kg/m )
3
3 spread (Sec) (kg/m )
proportions W/b cementitious (kg/m ) (kg/m )
(mm)
wt.)
SCC (100%
1 507 0 0 507 836.043 202.8 4.563 258 3.9 1556.00
OPC)
2 MK5 478.8 25.2 0 504 836.043 201.6 4.536 246 4.2 1526.614
3 MK10 450.9 50.1 0 501 836.043 200.4 4.509 245 4.8 1497.504
4 MK15 423.725 74.775 0 498.5 836.043 199.4 4.487 243 5.3 1469.324
5 MK20 396.4 99.1 0 495.5 836.043 198.2 4.46 238 5.7 1440.784
6 MK25 369.75 123.25 0 493 836.043 197.2 4.437 222 6 1413.124
7 MK30 343 147 0 490 836.043 196 4.41 220 6.4 1385.164
0.4 0.9
8 FA10 446.4 0 49.6 496 836.043 198.4 4.464 274 4.8 1540.594
9 FA20 388.8 0 97.2 486 836.043 194.4 4.374 285 5.4 1526.554
10 FA30 333.55 0 142.95 476.5 836.043 190.6 4.289 297 5.4 1513.224
11 FA40 280.2 0 186.8 467 836.043 186.8 4.203 290 4.8 1499.884
14 MK15+FA10 366 73.2 48.8 488 836.043 195.2 4.392 252 5.2 1456.164
13 MK10+FA20 336.7 48.1 96.2 481 836.043 192.4 4.329 255 4.6 1471.434
12 MK5+FA30 308.1 23.7 142.2 474 836.043 189.6 4.266 226 4.1 1486.014
15 MK20+FA20 285.6 95.2 95.2 476 836.043 190.4 4.284 244 6.3 1417.314

 
221
 Table 5.9 Spread and T20 for the SCM trail mixes-9
W/CM or W/B = 0.4 and SP cum retarder 1.0 %
SP cum
Slump
Designation of W/Cm retarder (% Total SP cum
Sl. Cement Metakaolin Fly ash Fa Water flow T20 Unit Wt.
Mix Or by binder retarder
No. (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) spread (Sec) (kg/m3)
proportions W/b cementitious (kg/m3) (kg/m3)
(mm)
wt.)
SCC (100%
1 506 0 0 506 836.043 202.4 5.06 266 4.2 1554.83
OPC)
2 MK5 478.8 25.2 0 504 836.043 201.6 4.536 244 4.4 1526.614
3 MK10 450.9 50.1 0 501 836.043 200.4 4.51 246 4.9 1497.504
4 MK15 423.73 74.78 0 498.5 836.043 199.4 4.49 249 5.8 1469.324
5 MK20 396.4 99.1 0 495.5 836.043 198.2 4.46 242 6.1 1440.784
6 MK25 369.75 123.25 0 493 836.043 197.2 4.437 225 6.8 1413.124
7 MK30 343 147 0 490 836.043 196 4.41 224 6.9 1385.164
0.4 1.00
8 FA10 446.4 0 49.6 496 836.043 198.4 4.464 282 5.5 1540.594
9 FA20 388.8 0 97.2 486 836.043 194.4 4.374 294 5.8 1526.554
10 FA30 333.55 0 142.95 476.5 836.043 190.6 4.289 296 5.9 1513.224
11 FA40 280.2 0 186.8 467 836.043 186.8 4.203 302 6.2 1499.884
14 MK15+FA10 366 73.2 48.8 488 836.043 195.2 4.392 265 5.6 1456.164
13 MK10+FA20 336.7 48.1 96.2 481 836.043 192.4 4.329 260 4.9 1471.434
12 MK5+FA30 308.1 23.7 142.2 474 836.043 189.6 4.266 230 4.6 1486.014
15 MK20+FA20 285.6 95.2 95.2 476 836.043 190.4 4.284 252 6.5 1417.314

As per the general purpose mix design method developed by

Okamura et al. (1993), sand content in the mortar was kept at 45.3% of mortar
volume for each cycle as shown in Table 5.1 to 5.9. In order to obtain paste
volume of 388 lit/ m3, the w/cm ratio was adjusted to each mix with various
dosages by partial replacement of cement by cementitious proportions and fine
aggregate quantity was kept constant for all mixes to maintain the paste volume
within the acceptance criteria of EFNARC. The mortar tests were conducted to
study the interactions among cement, mineral and chemical admixtures and to
determine optimum dosages of SP cum retarder for the given w/cm ratios.

Mortar tests started with the minimum dosage of SP by percentage

weight of cementitious and increased the dosage of SP till the maximum spread
of the mortar is reached. When the mortar spread shows halo, minimum dosage
of SP by percentage weight of cementitious was used to avoid the bleeding. For

 
222
each group of mixes, dosage of SP cum retarder with w/cm of fresh mortars
were prepared and tested.

5.3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

5.3.1 Effect of SP cum retarder on Spread and T20 for the SCM Mixes.

Fresh properties for various mix proportions of self compacting

mortar results are summarized as given in Table 5.10:

Table 5.10 Summary of spread and T20 for the all group of SCM mixes
W/CM = 0.32 and dosage of SP cum retarder 0.8, 0.9 and 1.0 %
w cm w cm w cm
Designation of Mix % SP % SP % SP
proportions 0.32/ 0.80 0.32/0.90 0.32/ 1.0
Spread Spread + Spread Spread + Spread Spread +
T20 (Sec.) T20 (Sec.) T20 (Sec.)
(mm) Halo(mm) (mm) Halo(mm) (mm) Halo(mm)
SCC (100% OPC) 225 3.6 - 232 3.5 - 235 3.3 -

MK5 219 3.7 - 226 3.6 - 227 3.4 -

MK10 218 3.9 - 228 3.8 - 226 3.6 -

MK15 217 4.1 - 222 4 - 225 3.9 -

MK20 204 4.6 - 220 4.5 - 221 4.3 -

MK25 198 4.7 - 212 4.8 - 214 4.7 224

MK30 196 5.3 - 206 5.2 - 209 4.9 218

FA10 222 4.9 - 228 4.8 - 232 4.5 -

FA20 232 4.6 - 242 4.7 - 256 3.9 -

FA30 254 4.4 - 260 4.6 - 272 3.7 -

FA40 250 4.5 276 255 4.4 284 265 3.7 295

MK15 + FA10 198 4.8 - 227 4.9 - 232 5.20 -

MK10 + FA20 202 3.9 - 232 4.5 - 238 4.6 -

MK5 + FA30 204 3.4 - 238 4.3 - 243 4.4 -

MK20 + FA20 196 5.95 224 224 6.0 236 228 5.5 240

Table 5.10 shows the various mix proportions and the influence of
super plasticizer cum retarder on mortar spread and T20 for all the mixes with
w/cm 0.32 against the dosage of SP as 0.8%, 0.9% and 1.0% respectively. It is

 
223
observed that as the dosage of SP cum retarder increases, the spread of mortar
increases and T20 decreases for all mixes.

The influence of SP cum retarder and Supplementary cementitious

materials on mortar spread flow is observed that as SP dosage increases, the
spread of mortar increases and T20 reduces to a minimum at a specific dosage
of SP cum retarder. This point is referred to as saturation point. The
replacement of MK increases, the mortar spread flow decreases due to MK
particle shape as platey. This statement agrees with the findings of Mindess
(2003), which could result, in less fluidity and leads to an increase in both the
yield stress and the plastic viscosity. This corresponds well to the effect of sand
on the flow parameters (Ferraris et al. 2001) .The spread of mortar increases
with an increase in fly ash content. The reason could be that Fly ash particles
are mostly in spherical shape (Mindess, 2003). It acts as a lubricant material
and does not react with SP and produce a repulsive force (Wattanalamlerd and
Ouchi, 2005) and the SP may only act on cement.

From results obtained the maximum spread was arrived at 1.0 %

dosage of SP for all mix proportions. So, it is practically seen that before
reaching the saturation point, addition of SP dosage decreases T20. For SCC
(100% OPC) the maximum spread 235mm at 1.0% of SP dosage without
bleeding (halo) was observed in the mortar before saturation point. For MK
replacements more than 20% were observed with bleeding (halo).Table 5.11
also shows the replacement of cement by fly ash. With an increase in fly ash
content up to 30% the spread reaches maximum value at 1.0% of SP dosage
then decreases with continued increase in fly ash content. For combinations of
both MK and FA mix proportions, it is observed that the mortar spread
increases as SP dosage increases for all the four proportions. The mortar spread
for MK20+FA20 is the lowest irrespective of SP dosage and bleeding (halo) is
observed.

 
224
 Table 5.11 Summary of spread and T20 for the all group of SCM mixes
W/CM = 0.36 and dosage of SP cum retarder 0.8, 0.9, 1.0 %
w cm w cm w cm
Designation of % SP % SP % SP
Mix proportions 0.36/0.80 0.36/ 0.90 0.36/ 1.0
Spread Spread + Spread Spread + Spread Spread +
T20 (Sec.) T20 (Sec.) T20 (Sec.)
(mm) Halo(mm) (mm) Halo(mm) (mm) Halo(mm)
SCC (100%
243 3.2 - 256 3.1 - 256 3.3 -
OPC)
MK5 226 3.3 - 248 3.2 - 242 3.4 -
MK10 227 3.4 - 242 3.3 - 240 3.5 -
MK15 225 3.5 - 238 3.3 - 236 3.6 -
MK20 223 3.9 - 235 3.7 - 234 3.8 -
MK25 216 4.3 228 230 3.9 237 222 4.2 240
MK30 214 4.7 224 224 4.4 230 220 4.7 238
FA10 241 4.3 - 254 3.9 - 252 4.4 -
FA20 266 4.1 - 265 3.65 - 265 4.6 -
FA30 284 3.8 - 296 3.45 - 295 4.8 -
FA40 272 3.6 285 287 3.4 296 284 4.4 298
MK15 + FA10 238 4.2 - 252 3.9 - 231 4.95 -
MK10 + FA20 242 3.8 - 254 3.4 - 240 4.8 -
MK5 + FA30 217 3.4 - 256 3.1 - 252 4.6 -
MK20 + FA20 233 5.6 240 236 5.2 245 224 5.4 246

The results obtained from Table 5.11 show various mix proportions
and the influence of super plasticizer cum retarder on mortar spread and T20 for
all the mixes with w/cm 0.36 against the dosage of SP as 0.8%, 0.9% and 1.0%
respectively. It is clear that as the dosage of SP cum retarder increases, the
spread of mortar increases and T20 decreases for all mixes up to 0.9 % of the SP
dosage beyond that the spread decreases while T20 increases. The replacement
of MK increases, mortar spread flow decreases whereas the FA replacements
increase, the mortar spread flow also increases. From the results obtained the
maximum spread was arrived at 0.9 % dosage of SP for all mix proportions.
So, it is practically seen that before reaching the saturation point, addition of
SP dosage increases spread increases and decreases T20. For SCC(100% OPC)
maximum spread 256 mm at 0.9 % of SP dosage was observed without
bleeding(halo) and T20 as 3.1 sec. arrived in the mortar before saturation point.
No bleeding (halo) was observed in the sample of MK replacements up to 20%.
The maximum spread was arrived at 0.9% of SP dosage. Bleeding (halo) was

 
225
observed with replacements of MK beyond 20% in the mix .Further increase in
the SP dosage, it is noticed that the spread flow decreases. Table 5.11 depicts
the replacement of cement by Fly ash. With an increase in Fly ash content up to
30% the spread flow reaches maximum value at 0.9% of SP dosage then
decreases with continued increase in fly ash content and the spread flow
decreases at 1.0 % of SP dosage. For combinations of both MK and fly ash mix
proportions maximum mortar spread is observed at 0.9 % of SP dosage. It is
observed that for the mixes MK5 + FA30 and MK20+FA20 the mortar spread
is decreased with bleeding (halo).

From the Fig. 5.2 it is observed that the maximum mortar spread was
arrived for the mix MK15 at w/cm 0.36 and 0.9% of the SP cum retarder
dosage without bleeding (halo). Fig.5.3 exhibits the maximum mortar spread
with light bleeding for MK20 mix at w/cm 0.36 and 1.0% of SP cum retarder
dosage. It clear that when the dosage of SP cum retarder increases, the spread
flow also increases from 0.8, 0.9 and 1.0 % respectively. Fig. 5.4 shows the
maximum mortar spread is observed for SCC (100% OPC) mix at w/cm 0.36
and 0.9% of SP cum retarder dosage without bleeding (halo).

Fig. 5.2 Maximum mortar spread for MK mix at W/cm 0.36 and 0.9% of SP cum
retarder dosage.

 
226
Fig.5.3 Maximum mortar spread with light bleeding for Fig.5.4 Maximum mortar spread for SCC (100% OPC)
MK20 mix at W/cm 0.36 and 1.0% of SP cum retarder group mixes at W/cm 0.36 and 0.9% of SP cum retarder
dosage dosage

Fig.5.5 Mortar spread for (MK20 +FA20) mix at W/cm Fig. 5.6 Maximum mortar spread for (MK15 +FA10) mix
0.36 and 1.0% of SP cum retarder dosage with light at W/cm 0.36 and 0.9% of SP cum retarder dosage with
bleeding.. without bleeding.

Fig.5.7Mortar spread for (MK10 +FA20) mix at Fig. 5.8 Maximum mortar spread for FA 20 mix
W/cm 0.36 and 0.9% of SP cum retarder dosage at W/cm 0.36 and 0.9% of SP cum retarder
without bleeding(halo) dosage without bleeding(halo)

 
227
 Fig. 5.5 shows the mortar spread for (MK20 +FA20) mix at w/cm
0.36 and 1.0% of the SP cum retarder dosage with light bleeding (halo).The
(MK15+FA10) mix was arrived with the maximum spread at w/cm 0.36 and
0.9% of SP cum retarder dosage without bleeding (halo) as shown in Fig. 5.6 .
For combination of MK and FA mix (MK10+FA20) , the spread flow of mortar
is exhibited in Fig. 5.7 at w/cm 0.36 and 0.9% of SP cum retarder dosage
without bleeding (halo). Fig. 5.8 indicates that maximum spread flow of FA20
mix without bleeding (halo) at w/cm 0.36 and 0.9% of SP cum retarder.

Table 5.12 Summary of spread and T20 for the all group of SCM mixes
W/CM = 0.40 and dosage of SP cum retarder 0.8, 0.9, 1.0 %
w cm w cm w cm
Designation of
Mix proportions % SP % SP % SP
0.4/0.80 0.4/0.90 0.4/1.0
Spread Spread + Spread Spread + Spread Spread +
T20 (Sec.) T20 (Sec.) T20 (Sec.)
(mm) Halo(mm) (mm) Halo(mm) (mm) Halo(mm)
SCC (100% OPC) 254 3.6 - 258 3.9 - 266 4.2 277

MK5 240 3.9 - 246 4.2 - 244 4.4 255

MK10 242 4.2 - 245 4.8 - 246 4.9 259

MK15 235 4.8 - 243 5.3 - 249 5.8 267

MK20 236 5.3 - 238 5.7 - 242 6.1 248

MK25 220 5.6 228 222 6 235 225 6.8 242

MK30 218 5.9 224 220 6.4 230 224 6.9 229

FA10 252 4.6 - 274 4.8 - 282 5.5 -

FA20 276 4.7 - 285 5.4 - 294 5.8 306

FA30 287 4.65 - 297 5.4 308 296 5.9 314

FA40 290 4.5 302 290 4.8 312 302 6.2 318

MK15 + FA10 244 4.8 - 252 5.2 - 265 5.6 -

MK10 + FA20 250 4.6 - 255 4.6 - 260 4.9 -

MK5 + FA30 255 4.5 - 226 4.1 232 230 4.6 240

MK20 + FA20 238 5.6 245 244 6.3 255 252 6.5 264

The test results tabulated the slump flow diameter and the influence
of SP cum retarder on mortar spread and T20 (viscosity) for all the trail mixes is
given inTable 5.12 and it shows various mix proportions and the influence of
super plasticizer cum retarder on mortar spread and T20 for all the mixes with
 
228
w/cm 0.40 against the dosage of SP as 0.8%, 0.9% and 1.0% respectively. As it
is clear that as the dosage of SP cum retarder increases, the spread of mortar
increases and T20 decreases for all mixes up to 1.0 % of the SP dosage. It can be
noticed that the spread increases with bleeding (halo). It is clear that as MK
replacements increase the mortar spread flow decreases, whereas FA
replacements increase, the mortar spread flow increases. From the results
obtained the maximum spread was arrived at 1.0% dosage of SP for all mix
proportions, but most of the mixes have been affected by bleeding.

For SCC (100% OPC) the maximum spread is arrived as 266 mm at

1.0% of SP dosage, but the bleeding (halo) is occurred due to the SP dosage as
it reaches beyond the saturation point and T20 is also increased to 4.2 sec. The
MK replacements up to 20% are observed without halo of 0.8 and 0.9% of SP
dosages and there is bleeding observed at 1.0% of SP dosage for all MK
replacements, due to increase in the dosage of SP content. The replacement of
cement by Fly ash increases up to 30% there is no adverse effect on spread
with 0.8and 0.9% of SP dosages . In the case of SP dosage at 1.0% leads to
bleeding (halo) except FA 10 mix. For combinations of both MK and Fly ash
mix proportions there is no bleeding at 0.8% of SP dosage for all mixes except
MK20+FA20 mix. For the mixes MK5+FA30 and MK20+FA20 ,bleeding is
noticed at SP dosages of 0.9% and 1.0%.

From the results presented in Tables 5.10 to 5.12, it clearly indicates

that in order to resist segregation, viscosity is increased. This is supported by
the statement of Khayat (1998) that SP can imbibe some free water and
increase the viscosity, thus reducing the risk of segregation or bleeding. So,
w/cm 0.36 and 0.9 % of the SP cum retarder dosage for all the mixes are
chosen to perform fresh properties of self compacting mortar. It is referred to as
the saturation point. Thereby, it is noted that the optimum dosages of SP are not
necessary to attempt VMA throughout this fresh properties of SCC.

 
229
5.3.2 Consistence Retention

The Table 5.13 gives the values of the spread, T20 for the relative time
at mixing 45 and 60 minutes after adding water for assessing the consistence
retention of mortar.

Table 5.13 Spread and T20 at 45 and 60 minutes after adding water
w cm = 0.36 w cm = 0.36 w cm = 0.36
Designation
% SP 0.80 % SP 0.90 % SP 1.00
of Mix Time after water mixing (min.) Time after water mixing (min.) Time after water mixing (min.)
proportions Initial 45 minutes 60 minutes Initial 45 minutes 60 minutes Initial 45 minutes 60 minutes
Spread T20 Spread T20 Spread T20 Spread T20 Spread T20 Spread T20 Spread T20 Spread T20 Spread T20
(mm) Sec. (mm) Sec (mm) Sec. (mm) Sec. (mm) Sec. (mm) Sec. (mm) Sec. (mm) Sec. (mm) Sec.
SCC
243 3.2 232 3.68 228 4.45 256 3.1 250 3.50 252 4.68 256 3.3 250 4.50 247 6.78
(100% OPC)
MK 5 226 3.3 216 3.70 210 5.35 248 3.2 241 3.65 238 5.20 242 3.4 234 4.75 229 7.67

MK10 227 3.4 216 3.96 208 5.86 242 3.3 236 3.82 233 5.66 240 3.5 231 5.20 226 8.20

MK15 225 3.5 212 4.20 207 6.20 238 3.3 233 4.20 230 6.24 236 3.6 225 5.95 220 8.88

MK20 223 3.9 212 4.56 204 6.55 235 3.7 230 4.66 228 6.78 234 3.8 225 6.80 220 9.20

MK25 216 4.3 204 4.96 200 7.20 230 3.9 222 5.80 218 7.20 222 4.2 213 7.45 210 9.96

MK30 214 4.7 205 5.30 199 8.50 224 4.4 217 6.70 213 8.50 220 4.7 210 8.20 204 10.15

FA 10 241 4.3 232 5.15 228 5.55 254 3.90 248 5.25 240 6.75 252 4.4 240 6.78 234 7.05

FA 20 266 4.1 255 5.10 252 5.78 265 3.65 259 4.68 255 6.34 264 4.6 260 6.50 254 7.88

FA 30 284 3.8 278 4.60 275 6.25 296 3.45 290 4.25 288 6.15 295 4.8 284 6.26 378 8.75

FA 40 272 3.6 262 5.24 257 7.88 287 3.4 283 6.38 280 8.67 286 5.4 279 7.90 373 9.45

MK15+ FA10 238 4.2 230 5.1 226 5.89 252 3.9 246 5.40 242 6.45 231 4.95 222 6.50 218 6.80

MK10+ FA20 242 3.8 230 4.96 223 5.70 254 3.4 247 5.12 241 6.20 240 4.8 231 7.45 228 8.2

MK 5 + FA30 237 3.4 226 4.82 220 4.98 256 3.1 250 5.05 248 6.00 252 4.6 241 7.22 235 8.88

MK20+ FA20 223 5.6 212 6.24 210 8.3 236 5.2 228 6.85 224 8,92 234 5.4 225 7.84 222 10.85

The results obtained from all the mixes of mortar spread and T20 was
summarized in Table 5.13, all the fifteen mixes attained good consistence
retention in the spread and T20 at 45 and 60 minutes at w/cm 0.36 and 0.9% of
the SP cum retarder dosage. So, it can be stated that the used chemical
admixtures had good compatibility with the cement and mineral admixture.
 
230
The high performance superplasticizer cum retarder of aqueous based solution
of modified third generation of Sika viscocrete 10R3 was attributed good
results of fresh properties on mortar tests .Thus, the similar procedure was
adapted with polycarboxylate-type superplasticiser which can provide higher
consistence retention and agrees with findings of Hanehara and Yamada
(1999). Hence, during transporting and placing, the fresh properties of mortars
after mixing should be maintained close to their initial level usually for
60 to 90 minutes ,this was confirmed by Kasemchaisiri and Tangermsirikul
(2008).However present study reveals that the consistence retention in the
spread and T20 of mortars at 45minutes and 60 minutes were evaluated and
attributed good retention based on the results obtained which was nearer to the
initial values and was observed with w/cm ratio 0.36 and 0.9% of SP cum
retarder. Based on the results of this investigation the optimum dosage of SP
cum retarder was fixed at w/cm ratio 0.36 and dosage of SP cum retarder at
0.9% for further studies such as fresh properties of Self Compacting Concrete.

5.4 EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON FRESH PROPERTIES OF SELF

COMPACTING CONCRETE

5.4.1 Tests on Fresh Properties of SCC

Various tests were carried out on Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) to

determine filling ability, passing ability, segregation resistance and consistence
retention. The fresh properties of the self compacting concrete mixes were
observed through slump flow diameter, slump flow time, V-funnel flow time,
L-box height ratio. The mix proportions considered were according to number
of trial mixes as well as EFNARC guidelines to produce SCC without
segregation, bleeding and blocking. These mixes were designated as SCC
(100% OPC) and MK 5, MK 10, MK 15, MK 20, MK 25, MK 30, FA 10, FA
20, FA 30, (MK 15 + FA 10), (MK 10 + FA 20), (MK 5 + FA 30) and (MK 20

 
231
+ FA20). The procedure established by Khayat et al. (2000) was employed to
produce SCC with MK, FA and MK + FA.

5.4.2 Mixing Procedure for SCC

The mixing procedures have a significant influence on the fresh

properties of SCC. Liu's (2010) mixing procedure was carried out throughout
this work to achieve maximum efficiency of SP cum retarder as shown in
Fig.5.9.

Fig. 5.9 Mixing procedure for self Compacting Concrete

Mixing procedure for SCC shown in Fig. 5.9 is described as follows:

1. Binder and aggregate were mixed for one minute.

2. The 1st part (70%) of water was added and mixed for two
minutes.
3. SP along with the 2nd part (15%) of water was added and mixed
for two minutes.
4. The 3rd part (15%) of water was added and mixed for two
minutes.

5. The mix was stopped and kept rested for 2 minutes.

6. The mix was remixed for one minute and discharged for SCC
tests.

 
232
 In this way, natural coarse and fine aggregates were homogenized for
30 seconds at normal mixing speed. At the time of mixing about half of the
mixing water was added into the mixer while mixing goes on for one minute.
The mix was rested for one minute so, that the aggregates could absorb the
water in the mixer. Then, cement and MK/FA were added and mixed for one
more minute. The remaining water and SP cum retarder were introduced to the
wet mixture, while mixing was going on for three minutes. During Mixing of
SCC, the behaviour of SCC was observed with mineral additives (Fig.5.10).

Fig. 5.10 Observing the behaviour of SCC with mineral additives.

Finally, after two minutes, rested mixing sequence resumed for

additional two minutes. This optimum time was necessary to disperse SP. For
all mixtures, cube specimens of 150×150×150 mm size were cast for
determining the compressive strength at 7, 28, 90 and 180 days curing period;
cylindrical specimens of 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height were cast and
cured for 7, 28, 90 and 180 days for determining the splitting tensile strength
and Modulus of elasticity for 28, 90 days ; cylindrical specimens of 100 mm
diameter and 200 mm height were cast for permeability related properties tests
for 28 and 90 days, beams specimens of size 100×100×500 mm were also cast
for modulus of rupture at 28, 90 days curing period . After casting, all the

 
233
specimens were left in the casting room for 24h. After 24 h, the specimens
were demoulded and immersed in water curing tank for the purpose of curing..

5.4.3 Mix proportions and casting of the SCC specimens

Self Compacting Concrete mix proportions were carried out

according to a number of mortar trail mixes based on EFNARC guidelines to
produce SCC without segregation and bleeding. In the trail mixes, it was noted
that the w/cm ratio 0.36 and 0.9% of SP cum retarder was performed
effectively on workability properties of the SCC mixes .For this study, total
fifteen SCC mixes were studied for MK ranging from 5 to 30% , FA ranging
from 10 to 40% and Combination of both MK and FA mixes such as
MK15+FA10, MK10+FA20, MK5+FA30 and MK20+FA20 and prepared at
water to cementitious material ratio of 0.36 with 0.9% of SP cum retarder.

5.5 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

In the present study, the slump flow, V-funnel times and L-box
tests were carried out according to the procedure recommended by
EFNARC guidelines. Slump flow test has been proposed to assess filling
ability of concrete in the absence of obstructions. According to EFNARC
guidelines, there are typically three slump flow classes for a range of
applications which are given in Table 5.14. Slump flow is not a suitable
factor to exactly exhibit the fresh characteristic of SCC. But, if the slump
flow is kept within a desirable range, it is possible to evaluate the
requirements of SCC (Sonebi et al. 2007). SCC containing MK with slump
flow values between 584 and 755 mm were proposed in the present study.
Viscosity can be assessed by the V-funnel times. On the basis of EFNARC
guidelines, there are two viscosity classes which were determined by
V-funnel and T50cm flow times. The L-box test is utilized to determine
passing ability of SCC when flowing through confined or reinforced areas.

 
234
 The test results pertaining to the filling ability (slump flow, T50cm
spread time, and V-funnel flow time), passing ability (L-box test), and
segregation resistance (V-Funnel at T5 minutes) of different SCC mixes are
presented in Table 5.14

Table 5.14 Fresh properties of SCC (trail mixes)

Slump Flow
T50cm (sec) L-Box
Designation of (mm) V-Funnel
T5 min. Ratio
Mix At 60 At 60 Time (sec)
Initial Initial (h2/h1)
min. min.
SCC(100%
705 700 3.70 4.20 7.70 10.24 0.94
OPC)
MK5 692 680 3.90 4.25 6.90 8.15 0.92

MK10 684 672 4.10 5.46 7.20 8.94 0.90

MK15 670 660 4.40 5.58 7.70 9.54 0.89

MK20 657 645 4.80 6.24 8.20 10.26 0.86

MK25 636 - 5.40 - 9.30 13.97 0.74

MK30 584 - 5.68 - 10.20 15.24 Blocked

FA10 708 702 3.00 4.15 7.90 10.54 0.91

FA20 720 712 3.30 4.57 7.20 8.98 0.93

FA30 735 725 3.60 5.32 6.50 7.76 0.96

FA40 755 - 3.90 - 4.80 5.92 1.00

MK15+FA10 678 669 4.10 5.16 7.25 8.98 0.85

MK10+FA20 685 676 3.40 4.24 6.85 8.44 0.88

MK5+FA30 705 687 2.95 3.58 6.20 7.74 0.93

MK20+FA20 669 - 5.40 - 8.80 12.26 0.72

5.5.1. Abrams Slump cone Test

The fresh characterizations of SCC containing MK, FA and

combination of MK+FA mixes were studied and the results are shown in Table
 
235
5.14. The acceptable range for slump flow of SCC values is from 550 to 850
mm according to EFNARC guidelines. In this study the slump flow values for
different SCC mixes were measured and obtained in the range of 550 to 750
mm for all concrete mixes under investigation and can be categorized as slump
flow class 2 (SF2) (see Table 2.8). The flowability of the mixes was reduced
with the higher proportion of replacement of cement by MK. However, the
minimum slump flow observed was 584 mm for MK30 mix and the maximum
flow observed was 755mm for FA40 mix. For instance, at a given SP dosage of
0.9% with w/cm ratio of 0.36, the slump flow of SCC (100% OPC), MK5,
MK10, MK15, MK20, MK25 and MK30 was measured 705, 692, 684,
670,657,636 and 584 mm respectively. This was mainly due to the effect of
Metakaolin, w/cm ratio and SP dosage. The increased paste volume and SP
dosage enhanced the dispersion of aggregates with reduced collisions.
Furthermore, the slump flow decreased almost linearly with the increased MK
replacements, as can be seen from Fig.5.11. If the dosage of fly ash increases
the slump flow spread also increases as shown in Fig.5.12. It increases up to
40% of FA, but beyond 30% of FA, it has an adverse effect on spread flow.
The increase is primarily due to the high surface area of the fly ash. Fresh
concrete containing fly ash is more cohesive and less prone to segregation. As
the fly ash content in the mix is increased, the mortar may appear to become
sticky. In practice one can say that the synergic effect of these two
additions(MK+FA) complement each other as FA provide a mitigating effect of
using MK (Fig. 5.13) which shows homogeneous flow at w/cm 0.36 and 0.9 %
of the dosage of SP. The spread flow values of all fifteen mixes are presented
in Fig.5.14. In the present study the consistence retention in the spread at 60
minutes were evaluated and attributed good retention which was nearer to the
initial values observed with w/cm ratio 0.36 and 0.9% of SP cum retarder of all
mixes.

 
236
 850 780

800 770

750 760

S lu m p flo w (m m )

S lu m p flo w (m m )
750
700
740
650
730
600
720
550
710
500 700
450 690
400 680
SCC(100% MK 5 MK10 MK15 MK20 MK25 MK30 SCC(100% FA10 FA20 FA30 FA40
OPC) OPC)
Disignation of Mix Disignation of Mix

Fig. 5.11 Slump flow of MK blended Fig. 5.12 Slump flow of FA blended
mixes mixes
740 800

750

S lu m p F lo w (m m )
720
700
S lu m p flo w (m m )

700 650

600
680
550

500
660
450

S C C (1 0 0 % O P C )

MK 5

M K 10

M K 15

M K 20

M K 25

M K 30

FA 10

FA 20

FA 30

FA 40

M K 15+FA 10

M K 10+FA 20

M K 5+FA 30

M K 20+FA 20
640

620
SCC(100% MK15+FA10 MK10+FA20 MK 5+FA30 MK20+FA20
OPC)
Disignation of Mix Designation of Mix

Fig. 5.13 Slump flow of MK+FA blended Fig. 5.14 Slump flow of all MK and FA
mixes blended mixes
5.5
7 5

4.5
S lu m p F lo w T 5 0 c m (se c)

S lu m p F lo w T 5 0 c m (se c)

6
4

5 3.5

3
4
2.5

2
3
1.5

2 1
SCC(100% MK 5 MK10 MK15 MK20 MK25 MK30 SCC(100% FA10 FA20 FA30 FA40
OPC) OPC)
Disignation of Mix Disignation of Mix

Fig. 5.15 Slump flow(T50 cm) of MK Fig. 5.16 Slump flow(T50 cm) of FA
blended mixes blended mixes

 
237
 6 7.5

S lu m p F lo w T 5 0 c m ( S e c.)
5.5 6.5

S lu m p F lo w T 5 0 cm (se c)
5 5.5

4.5 4.5

4
3.5
3.5
2.5
3
1.5

S C C (1 0 0 % O P C )

MK 5

M K10

M K15

M K20

M K25

M K30

FA10

FA20

FA30

FA40

M K15+FA10

M K10+FA20

M K 5+FA30

M K20+FA20
2.5

2
SCC(100% MK15+FA10 MK10+FA20 MK 5+FA30 MK20+FA20
OPC)
Disignation of Mix Designation of Mix

Fig. 5.17Slump flow(T50 cm) of MK+FA Fig. 5.18 Slump flow (T50 cm)of all MK
blended mixes and FA blended mixes

Apart from the slump flow, the experiments were conducted to

determine the T50cm values .The range of T50cm values is 2 to 5 sec. as per
EFNARC guidelines (Refer Table 2.7). From the Table 5.14, it is observed that
the T50cm values for SCC (100% OPC), MK5, MK10, MK15, MK20, MK25
and MK30 mixes are 3.7, 3.9, 4.10, 4.40, 4.80, 5.40 and 5.68 seconds
respectively .The results of T50cm clearly indicate that replacement levels of MK
increases T50cm increases. The mixes MK25 and MK30 are not satisfying the
acceptance criteria of EFNARC as bleeding (halo) is observed. As the
replacement levels of FA increases, the T50cm also increases (Fig.5.16). All FA
mixes are within the limits of EFNARC acceptance criteria except FA40 mix.
Fig.5.17 depicts the T50cm values of combination mixes such as MK15+FA10,
MK10+FA20, MK5+FA30 and MK20+FA20 mixes and the values are 4.10,
3.40, 2.95 and 5.40 seconds respectively. It is illustrated that all the values are
within the acceptance limits of EFNARC except MK20+FA20 mix. So, it is not
qualified for SCC. The slump flow (T50cm) values for all the fifteen mixes
considered in this investigation are shown in Fig.5.18.

 
238
 Fig. 5.19 Slump flow of SCC Fig. 5.20. Slump flow of MK15+FA10
(100% OPC) mix mix

Fig.5.21 Slump flow of FA30 mix Fig. 5.22 Slump flow of MK25 mix

Fig. 5.23 Slump flow of MK30 mix Fig. 5.24. Slump flow of FA40 mix

 
239
 Fig. 5.19 exhibits that the Abrams slump flow of mix SCC (100% OPC) which
shows the maximum spread without bleeding. The mix MK15+FA10 indicates
that the stable flow is observed (Fig. 5.20), whereas the FA30 mix shows a
predominant influence on the spread flow of SCC, which is indicated in
Fig.5.21. The slump flow of MK25 mix is shown in Fig.5.22 and the formation
of aggregate pile at centre of the spread is observed. The MK30 mix is also
exhibiting the similar spread flow property ,that is concentration of aggregate
pile at centre of spread which is brought out in Fig.5.23. It indicates that higher
dosage of MK has a predominant influence on the slump flow of SCC. From
the results of the present study, the MK15 mix shows higher stable flow which
is presented in Fig.5.25, The Fig.5.26 indicates the stable flow spread of
MK10+FA20 mix at given w/cm ratio and SP dosage. Fig.5.27 exhibits the
stable flow of MK5+FA30 mix. From Fig. 5.28, it is observed that the slump
flow of SCC is highly un- stable flow with aggregate pile concentration at the
centre of the spread for MK20+FA20 mix. However present study reveals that
the consistence retention in the spread of T50cm at 60 minutes evaluated based
on the results obtained attribute good retention which was nearer to the initial
values of all SCC mixes.

Fig.5.26 Slump flow of MK10+FA20

Fig.5.25Slump flow of MK15 mix
mix

 
240
Fig.5.27Slump flow of MK5+FA30 mix Fig. 5.28Slump flow of MK20+FA20
mix

5.5.2 V-funnel Test.

The results of V-funnel times obtained for all mixes in the study are
collectively presented in Table 5.14. On the basis of EFNARC guidelines, there
are two viscosity classes which are determined by V-funnel and T5 min. The V-
funnel flow time for different SCC mixes vary in the range of 4.82 to 10.20 sec.
(Refer to Table 5.14), and the range is 6 to 12 seconds according to EFNARC
guidelines (Refer Table 2.7).It also indicates that the plastic viscosity of
concrete is comparatively low for all mixes. In addition, the V-funnel flow time
increases linearly with higher dosage of MK content at a given w/cm ratio as
evident from Fig. 5.29.It is observed that with increase in MK content, the V-
funnel time increases continuously, whereas the SCC mixes such as MK25 and
MK 30 provided the highest V-funnel flow time which exceeds the limits of
EFNARC guidelines. It indicates that there is an increase in the plastic viscosity
of concrete. This is due to the same reasons as discussed in the case of T50cm
spread time. The V-funnel time for FA blended mixes linearly decreases with
increase in dosage of SCMs as shown in Fig. 5.30 with binary blends. For
ternary blends with MK and FA shows that the V-funnel flow times decrease
with increase in dosage of SCMs up to MK5+FA30 .The MK20+FA20 mix
shows adverse effect on SCC and is reflected in V-funnel flow time (Fig.5.31).
This may be attributed to the increasing of the smaller particle size due to the
presence of MK and FA mixes. Finally, the incorporation of MK and FA in
 
241
ternary blends in general improved the V-funnel time of the SCC as shown in
Fig. 5.32 for all mixes with binary and ternary cementitious blends according to
acceptance criteria of SCM suggested by EFNARC. This finding is in
consistent with that of Sahmaran et al. (2009) who found the ternary
mixtures increased the workability of the SCC.

10
11.5
9
5 (m in )

10.5

5 ( m in )
8
9.5
V -F u n n e l T im e - T

V - F u n n e l T im e - T
7
8.5
6
7.5
5
6.5
4
5.5
3
4.5
SCC(100% MK 5 MK10 MK15 MK20 MK25 MK30 2
OPC) SCC(100% OPC) FA10 FA20 FA30 FA40
Disignation of Mix Disignation of Mix

Fig. 5.29 V-Funnel time(sec-initial) Fig. 5.30 V-Funnel time for(sec-

for MK blended mixes initial) FA blended mixes
11 12
11
V - F u n n e l T im e ( s e c .)

10
10
5 (m in )

9
9
8
V -F u n n e l T im e - T

8 7
6
7
5
4
6
S C C (1 0 0 % O P C )
MK 5
M K10
M K15
M K20
M K25
M K30
FA10
FA20
FA30
FA40
M K15+FA10
M K10+FA20
M K 5+FA30
M K20+FA20
5

4
SCC(100% OPC) MK15+FA10 MK10+FA20 MK 5+FA30 MK20+FA20
Disignation of Mix Designation of Mix

Fig. 5.31 V-Funnel time(sec-initial) Fig. 5.32 V-Funnel time(sec-initial)

for MK +FA blended mixes for all mixes

The test was conducted with a second sample held at laboratory in the
funnel for 5 minutes (Fig.5.37) and the results of V- funnel time was compared
to the initial reading. This test method evaluates the viscosity of the SCC and
its ability to flow through a restricted opening without segregation. This test
method is typically used for product prequalification. The results are presented
in Table 5.14.The results obtained from Figs. 5.33 to 5.36 are similar to that
was discussed in the case of V-funnel time (sec-initial) earlier.

 
242
 19
12
17

5 M in

5 M in
15 10

V -F u n n e l T im e - T

V -F u n n e l T im e - T
13
8
11

9
6
7

5 4

3
SCC(100% MK 5 MK10 MK15 MK20 MK25 MK30 2
OPC) SCC(100% OPC) FA10 FA20 FA30 FA40
Disignation of Mix Disignation of Mix

Fig. 5.33 V-Funnel time (T5 min.) for Fig. 5.34 V-Funnel time ((T5 min.) )
MK blended mixes for FA blended mixes
19
15

5 M in (s e c .)
17
15
5 M in

13
13

V -F u n n e l T im e T
V -F u n n e l T im e - T

11
11
9
7
9
5

S C C (1 0 0 % O P C )
MK 5
M K10
M K15
M K20
M K25
M K30
FA10
FA20
FA30
FA40
M K15+FA10
M K10+FA20
M K 5+FA30
M K20+FA20
7

5
SCC(100% OPC) MK15+FA10 MK10+FA20 MK 5+FA30 MK20+FA20
Disignation of Mix Designation of Mix

Fig. 5.35 V-Funnel time((T5 min.) ) for Fig. 5.36 V-Funnel time ((T5 min.) for
MK+FA blended mixes all mixes

Fig.5.37 V-funnel Test at laboratory

 
243
5.5.3 L-box ratio test

In this study, the L-box test method is used to evaluate the flow
properties and passing ability of SCC when confined by formwork and forced
to flow around reinforcing steel. The test method consists of placing SCC
inside the upper portion of an L- shaped box and measuring the height of the
concrete once the gate is opened and the SCC flows around the rebar and 800
mm down the bottom of the L-box for various mix proportions (Figs.5.42 and
5.43).

1.75 1.15

1.55 1.1

1.35 1.05

L -B o x ra tio (h 2 /h 1 )
L -B o x ra tio (h 2 /h 1 )

1.15
1
0.95
0.95
0.75
0.9
0.55
0.85
0.35
0.8
0.15
0.75
-0.05
SCC(100% MK 5 MK10 MK15 MK20 MK25 MK30 SCC(100% FA10 FA20 FA30 FA40
OPC) OPC)
Disignation of Mix Disignation of Mix

Fig. 5.38 L-Box Ratio for MK blended Fig. 5.39 L-Box Ratio for FA
mixes blended mixes

1.8
1.5 1.6
L -B o x ra tio (h 2 /h 1 )

1.4
1.3 1.2
L -B o x ra tio (h 2 /h 1 )

1
1.1 0.8
0.6
0.9
0.4
0.2
0.7
0
S C C (1 0 0 % O P C )
MK 5
M K10
M K15
M K20
M K25
M K30
FA10
FA20
FA30
FA40
M K15+FA10
M K10+FA20
M K 5+FA30
M K20+FA20

0.5

0.3
SCC(100% MK15+FA10 MK10+FA20 MK 5+FA30 MK20+FA20
OPC)
Disignation of Mix Designation of Mix

Fig. 5.40 L-Box Ratio for MK+FA Fig. 5.41 L-Box Ratio for all mixes
blended mixes

 
244
 This test method is only used for product prequalification as given in
Table 5.14 and Figs. 5.42 and 5.43. The L-box ratio ranged from 0.8 to 1.0 of
EFNARC guidelines (Refer Table 2.7). Fig.5.41 depicts the variation of L-box
ratio for MK blended mixes. From the figure, it is observed that the blocking
ratio decreases linearly with increase in MK dosage as compared to that of
reference mix SCC (100% OPC).The blocking ratio ranges from 0.94 to 0.74.
It is clear that decrease in blocking ratio with increase in MK replacements up
20%, there is no adverse effect on blocking ratio and for MK25 mix low
blocking ratio is observed which does not satisfy the EFNARC requirement. In
particular, when replacement of MK at 30%, the blocking occurs in L-box ratio
test and is not qualified for SCC.

When the FA dosage increases the L-box ratio increases linearly up to

40% (Fig.5.39). For FA40 mix the maximum L-box ratio is observed with an
adverse effect such as bleeding. The variation of L-box ratios for MK and FA
mixes is represented in Fig.5.40.The L-box ratios observed are 0.85,0.88,
0.93,0.72 for MK15 + FA10, MK10 + FA20, MK5 + FA30 and MK20 + FA20
mixes respectively, which indicates that with decrease in MK dosage and
increase in FA content in the mix, the L-box ratio increases except for
MK20+FA20 mix indicating an adverse effect on L-box ratio . MK dosages up
to 20% are in the specified limit and beyond that the EFNARC guidelines are
not satisfied as observed from the L-box ratios. In case of FA up to 30 % of
replacements are within the limit beyond this cannot support the EFNARC
guidelines.

From the aforementioned discussion, it is clear that the mixes MK 25,

MK 30, FA 40 and MK 20 + FA 20 do not fulfil the EFNARC requirements.

 
245
 Fig.5.42 L-Box
L test for
f FA30 mix Fiig.5.43 L-B
Box test for MK15
M mix

5.5.4 L-Boxx blocking ratio

r

Fig. 5.444 L-Box teest with Bloocking of MK

MK30 mix

 
246
 From Table 5.14, SCC mixes containing MK up to 20% replacements
show satisfactory blocking ratio and beyond these it will have an adverse effect
on L- box ratio. MK30 mix was blocking the flow of concrete as shown in Fig.
5.44. Although, in some mixes, blocking ratio was found to be out of the
EFNARC recommendation, it should be noted that Felekoglu et al. (2007)
concluded that the blocking ratio higher than 0.6 has been accepted for SCC to
achieve good filling ability. An overview of the fresh properties of SCC
containing MK replacement up to 20%, FA replacements up to 30% generally
satisfy the fresh-state behaviour requirements related to high segregation
resistance, deformability, passing and filling abilities for all binary and ternary
mixes.

From the results of this experimental investigation for all the mortar
and concrete mixes, it is observed that, based on the flow properties and
viscosity, the optimum dosage of super plasticizer is 0.9% with w/cm ratio as
0.36.

It may be concluded from the results obtained based on EFNARC

guidelines that the fresh properties of SCM and SCC considered eleven
successful mixes over 15 types of mixes such as SCC (100% OPC), MK 5, MK
10, MK 15, MK 20, FA 10, FA 20, FA 30, MK 15 + FA 10, MK 10 + FA 20,
and MK 5 + FA 30 can be considered for further studies of hardened, durability
properties and micro-level studies including cost analysis. The combination of
MK and FA can be fixed based on the synergic effect of mineral additives and
should not exceed 35% of powder for SCC. Out of four mixes MK 15 + FA 10,
MK 10 + FA 20 and MK 5 + FA 30 satisfy the specifications, whereas
MK20+FA20 mix does not satisfy the specifications.

 
247