Self-compacting concrete has taken the world by storm and for all the right reasons. As the term suggests, self-compacting concrete is a type of ready-mix concrete that flows and takes the desired shape without needing any consolidation. This type of concrete when compared to the other types does not need manual labor or tools to settle as it all happens itself. We will discuss self-compacting concrete and discuss its applications along with why you should order this type of ready mix concrete delivery.
What Materials Are Used For Making Self-Compacting Concrete?
Self-compacting concrete is made with various ingredients. To begin with, ordinary Portland cement of either grade 43 or 53 can be used. Next, the aggregates used to make self-compacting concrete are limited to 20 mm in size. If the reinforcement use for a structure is congested, the aggregate size can be in the range of 10 to 20 mm.
In most cases, aggregates in either cubical or round shapes tend to be a great choice. Plus, the fine aggregates used in the manufacturing of self-compacting concrete can be either manufactured or natural. Usually, fine aggregates with particle sizes of less than 0.125mm are employed.
Next, mineral admixtures are used that are key to how the concrete performs. However, the usage of such admixtures differs when the requirements are different. So, it depends a lot on what is required by the builder and how it will be used. For instance, manufacturers can use various methods to make the rheological properties of the concrete better.
Fly ash is another type of admixture that helps fill the internal concrete matrix using fewer pores. This helps improve the quality and durability of the self-compacting concrete. Plus, Silica Fumes are also used that help increase the mechanical properties of the self-compacting structure.
Finally, chemical admixtures of the latest generation are also employed in the self-compacting concrete mix. Moreover, air entraining agents are employed for improving its resistance against the freeze-thaw cycle. And, retards are utilized to control the setting time.
What Are The Properties And How To Test Self-Compacting Concrete?
There are three major properties of self-compacting concrete i.e. filing ability, passing ability, and segregation resistance. The filling ability means the ability of the concrete to flow freely without needing any vibration as in the case of regular concrete.
The passing ability is about the concrete keeping its homogeneity. And, segregation resistance is about the concrete not getting segregated when it self-compacts so that cracks don’t form and the structure stays stable.
To determine or measure these, manufacturers tend to perform various tests.
If a client is to place an order for self-compacting concrete, the manufacturer has to run proper tests on it and show the results to the client. Because self-compacting concrete is expensive, the clients are entitled to proofs that show that the concrete was produced according to the highest standards.
Plus, self-compacting concrete is mostly used in commercial projects. This means you have little room for error as commercial projects take a lot of time to build or repair. If the properties of the self-compacting concrete are not what was demanded or expected, it could compromise the strength of the structure.
This can turn a serious problem for the owner of the building and the builder. Apart from wasting time, effort, and money, you might also be looking at some legal trouble if the concrete is not able to keep the structure together for some reason.
Advantages Of Self-Compacting Concrete
Self-compacting concrete is a popular ready-mix concrete choice nowadays due to the variety of advantages it has to offer. To begin with, it does not require additional tools or labor to consolidate. As soon as it flows, it will consolidate itself. Plus, the concrete is manufactured in such a way that it decreases the permeability of the concrete structure.
Considering the type of admixtures used in the production process, the properties of the self-compacting concrete improve to the point where reliability, strength, durability, and other factors are no longer a concern. This is why many contractors opt for self-compacting concrete when ordering concrete mix delivery Montgomery County.
Disadvantages Of Self-Compacting Concrete
While self-compacting concrete offers several advantages, there are many disadvantages to this type of ready-mix concrete as well. One thing you need to keep in mind while selecting the right type of concrete is the fact that not every concrete is going to be the perfect option if you need strength and durability.
For instance, customers tend to sometimes go for self-compacting concrete for minor repairs or filling up of cracks and damages. Although, there is no problem with selecting this type of concrete, but regular concrete will work as well.
At the same time, most clients are not aware of the fact that regular concrete can also be produced according to specific needs and preferences. If you are looking to repair a structure, you should communicate the purpose and your needs so that they can add properties and mixtures to change the structure of the concrete.
But, if you wish to build a structure, the composition of the concrete is going to be different. Therefore, do not assume that self-compacting concrete is going to be the best option in every case. The application of self-compacting concrete is wide but not suitable for every purpose.
Moreover, there is no globally accepted test standard that tests the mix design of self-compacting concrete. Plus, the use of a designed mix requires a lot more trial batches and lab tests. Such factors tend to increase the overall cost of self-compacting concrete.
What Are The Applications Of Self-Compacting Concrete?
While the advantages and disadvantages of self-compacting concrete are one thing, one should also be familiar with its application to make an informed decision. Self-compacting concrete is mostly employed for restoration and renewal construction projects.
If self-compacting concrete is to be used for building a structure, it requires a complicated reinforcement. In addition to that, self-compacting concrete is used to build highly stable and durable retaining walls, which is mostly the case in commercial projects.
And, self-compacting concrete is used for the construction of pile and raft foundations.
How To Choose A Reliable Supplier?
Before you can place an order for a batch of self-compacting concrete, you must pick a reliable supplier. Not every supplier out there is going to offer self-compacting concrete and not every supplier that offers it will be an expert.
That said, you must visit the manufacturing facility and witness the tests the facility performs to ensure that self-compacting concrete is authentic. From the exterior, it is difficult to tell a regular person if the concrete is regular or self-compacting.
Therefore, you should ask around in your social circle or find a reference. This will help you avoid wasting time looking at every other option out there and focus on the one that is already tried and tested.
Conclusion
Keeping the advantages, disadvantages, and applications in mind, you should choose self-compacting concrete for the right reasons. Plus, always take your time while choosing a reliable ready mix concrete supplier Rockville. This will help avoid a lot of unexpected complications when it is time to get down with repairing or building a structure.