Self-Consolidating Concrete

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What Is SCC and Where Is it Used?

Working with SCC

SCC Materials and Testing

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Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is recognized as one of the greatest advances in the concrete industry over the past 20 years. Using new admixtures and some mix modifications, we can now produce concrete that flows easily without segregating (where the coarse aggregate separates from the cement paste). Concrete that segregates loses strength and results in honeycombed areas next to the formwork. It is the self-consolidating nature of SCC that makes it so valuable in construction. SCC can flow into very intricate forms or forms that have a lot of reinforcing bars (rebar congestion) and still leave no voids. Normal concrete would have to be heavily vibrated in those applications to work out all the entrapped air bubbles next to the forms and reinforcing and get the concrete to move in.

With these advantages, some would ask, "So why don't we use SCC everyplace?" The perception is that it's the cost that prevents wider use of SCC—these mixes use fines and admixtures that can increase the price of a yard of concrete by $10 to $15, although some producers may add a surcharge as high as $30. The best approach to controlling the cost is to work with your ready-mix producer to get the optimum mix for the intended use.

Use the links here to see where SCC works best, the best materials and methods for SCC, and how to test SCC to make sure it measures up to its capabilities.