10/11/2018 Methods of Testing Self Compacting Concrete Workability

Methods of Testing Self Compacting Concrete

Workability
A self compacting concrete has the properties such as filling ability, passing ability and
segregation resistance. Various workability tests methods are available for self compacting
concrete such as slump flow tests, V-funnel test, L-box test, U-Box test, Fill box test etc.

Table of Contents 

Test Methods for Self Compacting Concrete

The tests methods presented here are devised specifically for self compacting concrete.
Existing rheological test procedure have not considered here, though the relationship
between the results of these tests and the rheological characteristics of the concrete is likely
to figure highly in future work, including standardization work.

Get Notifications
In considering these tests there are number of points which should be taken into account:

There is no clear relation between test results & performance on site.

There is little precise data, therefore no clear guidance on compliance limits.

A concrete mix can only be classified as self compacting concrete if the requirements
for all the following three workability properties are fulfilled.

1. Filling ability
2. Passing ability and
3. Segregation resistance.

Filling Ability of Self Compacting Concrete

It is the ability of SCC to flow into all spaces within the formwork under its own weight.
Tests, such as slump flow, V-funnel etc, are used to determine the filling ability of fresh
concrete.

https://theconstructor.org/concrete/self-compacting-concrete-testing-methods/6045/ 1/3
10/11/2018 Methods of Testing Self Compacting Concrete Workability

Passing Ability of Self Compacting Concrete

It is the ability of SCC to flow through tight openings, such as spaces between steel
reinforcing bars, under its own weight. Passing ability can be determined by using U-box, L-
box, Fill-box, and J-ring test methods.

Segregation Resistance
The self compacting concrete must meet the filling ability and passing ability with uniform
composition throughout the process of transport and placing.

Workability of Self Compacting Concrete

Test methods to determine workability of Self Compacting Concrete are:

Get Notifications
1. Slump flow test
The slump flow test is used assess the horizontal free flow of self compacting concrete in the
absence of obstructions. The test method is based on the test method for determining the
slump

2. V Funnel Test
V funnel test on self compacting concrete is used to measure the flowability. But the
flowability of concrete is affected by its other properties as well which may affect the
flowability of the concrete during testing.

3. L Box Test
This test assesses the flow of the concrete and also the extent to which it is subjected to
blocking by reinforcement.

4. U Box Test
U Box test is used to measure the filing ability of self compacting concrete. U box test was
developed by the Technology Research Centre of the Taisei Corporation in Japan. Some time
the apparatus is called a “box shaped” test.

5. Fill Box Test

Fill box test is also known as ‘Kajima test’ is used to measure the filling ability of self
compacting concrete with a maximum aggregate size of 20 mm.

https://theconstructor.org/concrete/self-compacting-concrete-testing-methods/6045/ 2/3
10/11/2018 Methods of Testing Self Compacting Concrete Workability

Gopal Mishra
https://theconstructor.org/

Gopal Mishra is a Civil Engineer from NIT Calicut and has more than 9 years of experience in Civil Engineering and
Construction. He is the founder of The Constructor.

Get Notifications

https://theconstructor.org/concrete/self-compacting-concrete-testing-methods/6045/ 3/3