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Self-Consolidating

The flowable concrete for efficient and innovative construction.

Self-Consolidating Photo

Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) is an extremely fluid blend that is designed to flow and solidify under its own weight. The mixture is very cohesive and is capable of filling any space without separation.

Product Benefits

  • Quicker placement 
  • Improved finish 
  • Ease of filling restricted sections 
  • Improved consolidation 
  • Highly pumpable 
  • Improved unification 
  • Reduced labor costs 
  • Increased job site safety 

 

Use Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) for:

  • Pumped Concrete
  • Architectural Concrete
  • Footers
  • Precast and tilt-up construction
  • Walls free of bug holes
  • Ideal for multiple layers of rebar mats

Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) is a unique mix that flows into even the most heavily reinforced areas without any vibration, all while retaining the strength and durability of traditional concrete. But that’s not all it can do…

 

Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) can:

Reduce Construction Time
Self-consolidating concrete’s workability increases the ease and efficiency of concrete construction. Because SSC spreads under its own weight, it finds its way through even the most complex forms and congested reinforcement without the help of mechanical vibration. The fluid nature of SCC also increases the speed of pumping. With rapid pumping and the elimination of the vibration step, SCC decreases construction time and the manpower needed on site. SCC flows more quickly from the concrete mixer as well, decreasing the time trucks spend at the job site.

Lower Costs
Time is money—and reducing manpower while accelerating construction will lower costs.
No energy is used for vibration, and the absence of vibratory stress on the formwork diminishes both the formwork’s initial costs and maintenance costs. Self-consolidating concrete’s ability to produce a flawless finish also reduces labor costs associated with patch repairs.

Improve Project Appearance
A smooth, flawless finish is effortless with the help of SCC. Because it reaches every nook and cranny, void spaces and air pockets are eliminated to produce a uniform surface that won’t need extra finishing. SCC can accomplish this for even the most intricate architectural designs without increasing labor intensity.

 

FAQ

How strong is self-consolidating concrete? SCC mixes are just as strong as traditional concrete mixes and have higher early strengths. The consistency of SCC reduces permeability, which increases its durability and extends its lifespan past that of traditional concrete. SCC can also be air entrained to withstand freeze-thaw cycles.

How is self-consolidating concrete strong, yet so flowable?
SCC gets some its fluid quality from superplasticizers (high range water reducers), which increase fluidity without comprising the strength of the concrete. Because high doses of superplasticizers can sometimes make concrete’s paste too thin to support the weight of the coarse aggregate, SCC usually includes viscosity modifiers as well as higher paste volume, more sand, and less coarse aggregate than traditional concrete to ensure that this does not happen.

Is it more expensive?
Normally SCC mixers are slightly more expensive the traditional concrete mixes. However, because SCC drastically reduces placement and finishing costs and virtually eliminates any repairs and patching, SCC ultimately saves money.

How is SCC slump measured?
SCC is measured in terms of spread rather than slump, though a modified version of the slump test determines the spread: instead of determining how many inches the concrete slumps, the diameter of the concrete’s spread is measured (usually ranging from 22 to 28 inches).

What precautions should be taken when installing SCC?
Though on-site water additions can potentially cause problems for any concrete mix, be especially cautious about adding water to SCC, as it can greatly alter the stability of the mix. To avoid concrete mixer spillage, trucks should not be loaded to full capacity when transporting SCC; transporting SSC at lower spread and adding high range water reducers at the job site can also help avoid this problem. Formwork should also be able to withstand fluid concrete pressure.

 

Additional Resources

NRMCA SCC Site

MSDS Sheets