Abstract

Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) often known as self compacting concrete is becoming more widely used in construction in recent years due to its favourable attributes, such as productivity improvements, reduced labour costs, improved work environment and safety and improved product quality. The self consolidating concrete can be obtained by using high powder content or by Viscosity Modifying Agents (VMA), or a combination of both. Keeping in view the possible effect of manufacturing process on the performance of the SCC this study was carried out. Silica Fume (SF) was used as additional powder in powder type and combined powder and VMA type SCC. The fresh properties, strength and durability characteristics were studied. The compressive strength was compared to study the strength and durability relations. The chloride ingress, sorptivity and resistance to acid attack were investigated to assess the durability performance. In all the tests implied in this investigation combined powder and VMA type SCC exhibited the excellent performance among all the three categories of the SCC.