Cyclic Behavior of Self-Consolidated Concrete

2 graduate students

The goal of this research is to examine the short term properties of self-consolidating concrete produced with local materials. The investigation will provide information regarding strength and strength gain, modulus of elasticity and its development over time, durability including chloride ion permeability, alkali silica reaction (ASR), sulfate resistance and freeze-thaw resistance of SCC. In addition, the cyclic behavior of SCC will be examined. The effect of confinement pressure, and the level of the applied axial load will be investigated. The objectives of this research include the following:

• Determine the influence of local constituent materials on fresh and hardened properties of SCC.
• Develop a set of recommendations and guidelines for using SCC in bridge.
• Develop a constitutive low for cyclic behavior of SCC

Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is an innovative type of concrete technology with significantly enhanced fresh properties that eliminates the need for mechanical vibrations. SCC is characterized by its ability to flow through structural elements under its own weight, filling every corner of the formwork, even in the presence of congested steel reinforcement. Currently, NDOT uses SCC mainly for casting drilled shafts. Several federal agencies are currently promoting the expansion of SCC use for all the advantages it provides. This project has two folds. The first fold is sponsored by NDOT where the effects of concrete pumping, tremie use, form shape, local aggregate properties, casting height and/or reinforcement congestion would be investigated. The first fold will conclude with proposing different mixes to be used by NDOT for SCC applications. The second fold will be sponsored by Missouri University of Science and Technology NUTC. The second fold will investigate the cyclic behavior of SCC and will be compared to cyclic behavior of conventional concrete.

Relationship to other Research/Projects

N/A

Transportation-Related Keywords

Technology Transfer Activities

Several meetings with NDOT and MoDot engineers will be held to discuss the results of the project. Technical paper will be presented at TRB annual meeting as well as NUTC annual meeting.

Project Deliverables

Anticipated Benefits

The bridge industry is looking for a high-performance concrete that can flow easily into congested steel reinforcement areas. Honeycombing in structural columns and abutments is a major concern for bridge engineers. Several types of superplasticizers have been used to avoid honeycomb. However, seismic force demand on structural elements keeps increasing due to codes updating which create more congested reinforcement areas. Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) represents a new class of high performance concrete which overcome the honeycomb issues. SCC has many advantages over conventional concrete including rapid construction, reduced labor, reduced noise due to the absence of vibrators, and good finished surface. Despite that SCC have been in use for a while there is still research needs to develop best practice guidelines for DOTs personal and to examine structural behavior of members made out of SCC under extreme loads such as earthquake. In addition, the defects that take place in when SCC is utilized incorrectly results in costly repairs. Furthermore, it also involves litigations with contractors that are time and money consuming. Establishing an appropriate practice can help support the soundness of DOTs positions and ensure that construction progresses remains on schedule.

Milestones