Materials and Structures (2008) 41:225–233

DOI 10.1617/s11527-007-9319-9

RILEM TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

Final report of RILEM TC 205-DSC:

Published online: 24 October 2007

Abstract Because of the different mix design in Committee TC 205-DSC focuses on the Durability
comparison with traditional concrete and the absence of SCC, by first gathering the available information
of vibration, different durability characteristics might concerning pore structure, air-void system and trans-
be expected for self-compacting concrete. The state- port mechanisms. The available durability results are
of-the-art report, prepared by RILEM Technical studied and summarised keeping in mind the funda-
mental mechanisms and driving forces. All relevant
durability issues are considered, like carbonation,
*This document has been prepared by G. De Schutter and chloride penetration, frost resistance, ASR, sulphate
K. Audenaert both members of the RILEM TC 205-DSC attack, thaumasite formation, fire resistance, etc... It
Committee that consists of 34 members representing 19 is not the intention to give a review on these
countries.
durability aspects for concrete in general. The aim
TC-Membership: however is to point at the specifics related to the use
Chairman: Geert De Schutter, Belgium. of SCC, e.g. due to the addition of a large amount of
Secretary: Guang Ye, The Netherlands. limestone filler, etc... This paper summarizes the
Members: Katrien Audenaert, Belgium; Dirch Bager, main conclusions of the State-of-the-Art Report.
Denmark; Véronique Baroghel-Bouny, France; Frank
Bellmann, Germany; Veerle Boel, Belgium; David Bonen,
USA; Lars Boström, Sweden; Mario Corradi, Italy; Ellis
Gartner, France; Yukio Hama, Japan; Stefan Jacobsen, 1 Introduction
Norway; Robert Jansson, Sweden; Harald Justnes, Norway;
Kamal Khayat, Canada; Michael Khrapko, New Zealand; Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is an innovative
Andreas Leemann, Switzerland; Luiz Fernandez Luco, Spain;
Roberta Magarotto, Italy; Andrzej S. Nowak, USA; Bertil
concrete that does not require vibration for placing
Persson, Sweden; Anne-Mieke Poppe, Belgium; Chunxiang and compaction. It is able to flow under its own
Qian, China; Max J. Setzer, Essen, Germany; Kosmas Sideris, weight, completely filling formwork and achieving
Greece; Ake Skarendahl, Sweden; Mohammed Sonebi, UK; full compaction, even in the presence of congested
Jochen Stark, Germany; Luping Tang, Sweden; Jan Trägardh,
Sweden; Olafur Wallevik, Iceland; Wenzhong Zhu, UK;
reinforcement [1]. In North-America, self-compact-
Igor Zverev, Russia. ing concrete is referred to as self-consolidating
concrete. Self-compacting ability can be, but is not
RILEM Technical Committee 205-DSC (&) necessary, equivalent to self-levelling ability [2].
Magnel Laboratory for Concrete Research, Department
Sometimes, the term self-levelling is applied to
of Structural Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent,
Belgium describe a self-compacting concrete with a perfect
e-mail: [email protected] levelling after casting.
226 Materials and Structures (2008) 41:225–233

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) was developed in The different mix design, containing high filler
Japan in the 1980’s. The aim was to develop concrete content and new generation superplasticisers yield
that could be placed without vibration. In this way, some changes in pore structure of the self-compacting
some health risks as well as environmental problems concrete, in comparison with traditional concrete [3].
could be avoided (‘‘white finger syndrome’’, noise, Decreasing the cement/powder ratio and keeping the
vibrations ...). amount of water and powder constant induces a more
Worldwide, there is a wide range of mix propor- porous cement paste. Increasing the water/cement
tions that can produce successful SCC. However, in ratio and keeping the amount of cement and powder
most of these compositions, a number of key factors constant leads to a coarser cement paste. Besides the
fall within limiting values. Expressed in volumetric different mix design, also the absence of vibration is
terms, these are [2]: influencing the air void system of self-compacting
concrete compared to traditionally vibrated concrete
• A coarse aggregate volume of 30% to 34% of the
[4]. This might be noticed in the interfacial transition
concrete volume. This is significantly less than
zone between aggregate particles and matrix.
typical values for normal workability concrete of
Because of the different mix design in comparison
40% to 45%.
with traditional concrete and the absence of vibration,
• A water/powder ratio of 0.8 to 1.2, with mixes
different durability characteristics might be expected.
with values at the upper end of this range usually
Indeed, the degradation mechanisms of a cementi-
containing a viscosity agent for enhanced
tious material are greatly influenced by the
viscosity.
permeability of the material for potentially aggressive
• A water content of 155 to 175 l/m3 if no viscosity
substances. As the pore structure might be different
agent is used, or up to about 200 l/m3 with a
for SCC in comparison with traditional concrete,
viscosity agent.
some changes in durability behaviour might be
• A paste volume of 34% to 40% of the concrete
noticed.
volume.
A lot of fundamental knowledge is available
• A fine aggregate volume of 40% to 50% of the
concerning the durability of traditional concrete. A
mortar volume.
good and durable concrete mix can be designed based
These limiting values are equivalent to approximate on the state-of-the-art knowledge. However, some
proportions by weight of [2]: problems might occur in practice due to problems
with execution. One of the reasons for the introduc-
Coarse aggregate 750–920 kg/m3 tion of SCC was to avoid these durability problems
Fine aggregate 710–900 kg/m3
related with badly vibrated concrete. Actually how-
Powder 450–600 kg/m3
ever, SCC is used without a general and fundamental
insight of the intrinsic durability of the material itself.
Water 150–200 kg/m3
This could be called the durability paradox related to
the implementation of SCC.
Powder is referred to as the fine particles or fillers, Because of this durability paradox, the RILEM
including the cement. Commonly used maximum Technical Committee TC 205-DSC was established
particle sizes for fillers in Europe are 0.075 and in 2004, as a follow-up committee of earlier
1.25 mm, while a commonly used definition in Japan successful RILEM Technical Committees: RILEM
is 0.090 mm [2]. The definition of powder is reflected Technical Committee TC-SCC on Self-Compacting
in the water/powder ratio (in terms of mass), which is Concrete, and RILEM Technical Committee TC-CSC
a frequently used parameter for SCC. on Casting of Self-Compacting, both chaired by A.
To improve the resistance to segregation of SCC, a Skarendahl. The reports of these earlier RILEM
viscosity agent is sometimes used, similar to what is Technical Committees related to Self-Compacting
used in under-water concrete. Viscosity agents are Concrete can be found in literature [2, 5].
also sometimes used to reduce the effects of varia- The work of RILEM TC 205-DSC on Durability of
tions in raw materials properties, especially sand Self-Compacting Concrete is based on the following
moisture, during SCC production [2]. input:
Materials and Structures (2008) 41:225–233 227

– The RILEM State-of-the-art-report on SCC [2] It is emphasized that this state-of-the-art report is
– The proceedings of major international RILEM dealing with durability of adequate SCC, showing no
symposiums on SCC (Stockholm [6], Tokyo [7], segregation, bleeding, blocking ... The SCC should be
Reykjavik [8], Changsha [9], Chicago [10]) well designed, well cured, and the casting should be
– Collection of data from relevant work, as pub- done in a good way. The contractor should have some
lished in international scientific journals experience with SCC.
– Relevant information concerning ongoing In this paper, the main results and conclusions of
research projects in the field of durability of the State-of-the-Art Report of RILEM TC 205-DSC
SCC, as provided by the committee members. [11] are summarized, giving a short overview of the
headlines of the complete state-of-the-art report. No
The results will hopefully contribute to a more
further reference is made to literature in this
precise durability design of concrete structures with
overview. The references of the scientific sources
self-compacting concrete. The potential durability
can be found in the complete report.
risks related to the use of SCC are made clear. The
advantages of using SCC with respect to a possibly
increased service life are outlined. It is the expecta-
tion that this will contribute to a more advanced use 3 Microstructure of self-compacting concrete
of SCC within concrete construction.
This paper summarizes the main conclusions of Compared to traditional concrete (TC) and high
the State-of-the-Art Report of RILEM TC 205-DSC performance concrete (HPC), the microstructure of
‘Durability of Self-Compacting Concrete’ [11]. This self-compacting concrete (SCC) is different. The
report will hopefully improve the fundamental under- main reasons for the changes of the microstructure in
standing of degrading processes in SCC, with respect SCC are:
to microstructure and transport mechanisms, which is
• The modified mixture composition, especially due
a requisite to design more robust concretes and to the
to application of fillers.
further development of SCC.
• The sometimes higher amount of superplasticiz-
ers, in order to obtain the extremely high
flowability of fresh self-compacting concrete.
2 Scope of the report
• The absence of vibration in SCC compared to
sometimes high compaction energies for TC and
The state-of-the-art report prepared by RILEM
HPC.
Technical Committee TC 205-DSC on Durability of
Self-Compacting Concrete [11] focuses on the Dura- The modified microstructure of SCC is to a great
bility of SCC, by first gathering the available extent the result of changes in the hydration process.
information concerning pore structure, air-void sys- The hydration of powder type SCC is depending on
tem and transport mechanisms. The available the type of filler added in the system. When limestone
durability results are studied and summarised keeping filler is applied, three phenomenons can be observed
in mind the fundamental mechanisms and driving related to the hydration of the cement:
forces. In this way some more general view on
• A considerable shortening of the dormant stage,
durability of Self-Compacting Concrete is obtained.
• An acceleration of the hydration reactions after
All relevant durability topics have been consid-
the dormant stage,
ered, like carbonation, chloride penetration, frost
• (Sometimes) the appearance of a third peak in the
resistance, ASR, sulphate attack, thaumasite forma-
heat production rate.
tion, fire resistance, and chemical resistance. It is not
the intention to give a review on these durability Different hypotheses can be formulated in order to
aspects for concrete in general. The aim however is to explain these observations. Concerning the shorten-
point at the specifics related to the use of SCC, e.g. ing of the induction period and the acceleration of the
due to the addition of a large amount of limestone hydration reactions, the following theories have been
filler, admixtures, and due to the absence of vibration. formulated:
228 Materials and Structures (2008) 41:225–233

• The impermeable hydrate layer theory, Portland clinker (and by sulphates and alkalis). It is
• The nucleation of CH theory, well known that slags react more slowly with water,
• The nucleation of CSH theory. and that the slag reaction is more sensitive to heat
than Portland clinker.
The appearance of the extra reaction peak due to the
The role of fillers on hydration and structure
addition of limestone filler is at this moment not very
formation can also be summarized in the following
well understood, and even leads to some controversy.
way:
The first theory starts from the hypothesis that
limestone filler is inert and therefore not taking part • When part of the cement is replaced by inert filler
in the reactions chemically. In this case the third peak material, the percolation of the hydration products
is attributed to a catalyst effect, accelerating some will not be improved.
reactions related to the C3A present in the cement. • When an additional amount of filler is used at
The second theory considers the limestone filler as constant cement content, there is an improvement
reactive material taking actively part in the reactions, because of the lower proportion of water com-
with the formation of monocarboaluminate. From pared to the total amount of solid powder
SEM images it can be seen that the limestone filler material.
particles remain inert, which would support the first • When reactive mineral fillers are used some
theory. From a chemical point of view, the formation changes in the percolation can occur due to extra
of the more stable monocarboaluminate in the reactions.
presence of limestone filler is clear, which would
Due attention should be paid to the proper distribu-
support the second theory. Concerning the active role
tion of the fillers within the matrix. The mixing
of limestone filler in the formation of carboaluminate,
procedure should be optimized in such a way that the
it is to be mentioned that relative to the cement mass,
particles are homogeneously distributed.
only a minor amount of limestone filler can react with
Due to the dispersing effect, admixtures also
the Portland clinker.
improve the microstructure of the system. As shown
In case of fly ash based SCC, it is clear that the
by mercury intrusion porosimetry, the maximum
pozzolanic reaction of the fly ash and the hydration
amount of intruded mercury decreases when admix-
reaction of the Portland clinker of the cement are
tures are added. The threshold diameter decreases and
showing interference. Because of this interference, it
the amount of pores smaller than 100 nm increases.
is most difficult to distinguish the contributions of
The use of superplasticizer provides a refinement of
cement and fly ash in the overall hydration reactions.
the pore structure. Especially in the case of poly-
However, some general agreement can be seen
carboxylate types of superplasticizer, the pore
concerning the following observations, with increas-
volume of hardened paste represented by pores
ing fly ash content:
smaller than 100 nm is increasing significantly, while
• The acceleration period of the cement hydration is the pore volume represented by bigger pores is
more retarded. decreasing significantly.
• The second peak in heat production rate is Due to vibration in case of traditional concrete
decreasing. (TC) there is a higher porosity in the interfacial
• The third peak, which appears during the hydra- transition zone. The reason for this higher porosity in
tion of the cement-fly ash binder, is increasing. the ITZ when the concrete has been vibrated is
thought to be the accumulation of pore fluid. This
It is not fully clear whether the third peak is caused
detrimental effect is not present in SCC, as it is not
by the pozzolanic reaction of the fly ash, or by a
vibrated.
catalyst effect of the fly ash on the cement hydration.
Results from some studies, including BSE image
Blast furnace slag based SCC can be obtained in
analysis and MIP, show that the pore structure in
two different ways: by adding blast furnace slag
powder type SCC, including the total pore volume,
separately in the mix, or by applying a blast furnace
pore size distribution and critical pore diameter, is
slag cement. The slag reaction is mainly activated by
very similar to high performance concrete (HPC).
the lime made available during hydration of the
Materials and Structures (2008) 41:225–233 229

Compared to traditional vibrated concrete (TC), properties between SCC and conventional vibrated
the microstructure of powder type SCC is reported to concrete will depend on the selection of materials, the
be denser. The more dense microstructure and effective water/cement ratio, powder content and test
decreased porosity can to a great extent be explained conditions, etc. This, together with the limited
by the physical presence of mineral fillers. Further- available results, has made it extremely difficult to
more, especially the degree of hydration and the W/C fully analyse and understand all the results and their
ratio in combination with the amount of water discrepancies obtained from different sources. How-
strongly influence the pore structure. The hydration ever, a few general conclusions can be formulated.
products fill up more and more space when the
• As for conventional concrete, the most important
hydration degree increases. The dimensions of the
factors influencing the transport properties of
pores decrease, inducing a lower connectivity. A
SCC mixes appear to be: w/c ratio, degree of
lower W/C ratio gives a lower capillary porosity and
hydration and mineral additions.
connectivity.
• Compared to conventional vibrated concrete of a
In general, SCC has a better interfacial transition
same w/c ratio or strength grade, SCC mixes
zone (ITZ) compared to TC. It can be said that the
generally have significantly lower oxygen perme-
ITZ in SCC hardly differs from the bulk cement
ability coefficient and water sorptivity, if tested at
matrix. However, a higher W/C ratio increases the
the oven-dry state (i.e. 105oC preconditioning).
extent and the porosity of the ITZ.
The difference in water permeability between
The comparison of properties between SCC and
SCC and the vibrated reference concrete was not
TC in general is not easy due to the very different
as significant, and very much depends on the type
concepts of SCC existing worldwide. However, in
of cement and powder used.
order to quantify some microstructural properties,
• Among the three different types of SCC mixes, it
like gel porosity, capillary porosity, and total poros-
appears that the SCC mix using no additional
ity, it is shown that Powers’ model is still valid!
powder but a viscosity agent to maintain stability
of the fresh mix has the highest permeability,
sorptivity and chloride diffusivity.
4 Transport properties
• The refined pore structure and more uniform and
denser ITZ in the SCC mixes are believed to be
For self-compacting concrete (SCC), it is still uncer-
among the main contributors to their enhanced
tain whether the significant differences in the mix
resistance to fluid transport. Such effects seem to
proportions and in placing and compaction processes
be more significant at high w/c ratio.
between SCC and conventional vibrated mix have a
considerable effect on the transport properties and
their relationships with the microstructural character-
istics. Work to systematically assess the transport 5 Degradation mechanisms
properties of SCC, particularly in comparison with
conventional vibrated concrete, has been limited. 5.1 Carbonation
Furthermore, most of the work carried out in the area
has been usually a small part of a project designed for From the available experimental results, self-com-
SCC mix development or for studying/verifying pacting concrete has sometimes a larger and
mechanical or durability properties of a particular sometimes a smaller carbonation depth in comparison
SCC mix. As a result, there was a lack of suitable with traditional concrete with the same water and
reference conventional vibrated mix for comparison cement content, although the differences are small.
with SCC in some cases, while in other cases, no Such an empirical comparison however is not
detailed test condition was given for the results on straightforward. It is very difficult to compare self-
transport properties. compacting concrete with traditional concrete as it is
Due to the large number of parameters influencing not clear what should be the basis of comparison: the
transport properties and the presence of different same amount of water and cement, the same
transport mechanisms, the comparison of transport compressive strength,... If self-compacting concrete
230 Materials and Structures (2008) 41:225–233

is cured accurately, the pore structure is denser and pore solution and perhaps different chloride binding
less permeable. Furthermore, the buffering capacity is behaviour between SCC and conventional concrete.
very important and normally higher for SCC. From Therefore, care should be taken in interpreting the
the limited experimental work however, it seems that test results using the methods developed for conven-
a slightly increased vulnerability is noticed concern- tional concrete, especially the indirect methods based
ing carbonation of SCC with limestone filler. In on the principle of electrical resistivity, such as
general however, it seems that the carbonation of ASTM C 1202 or AASHTO T277, since the resis-
SCC is not significantly deviating from the carbon- tivity of concrete is strongly dependent on the pore
ation of traditionally vibrated concrete. volume and ionic composition in the pore solution.
As the carbonation process is influenced by the So far only very limited information is available in
diffusion velocity of CO2 molecules through the literature concerning chloride penetration in SCC.
concrete and by the amount of carbonatable material The practical long-term experience on real structures
present in the concrete, some more general conclu- is also very limited. From the scarce data, some
sions can be formulated concerning carbonation of general findings however can be formulated.
SCC.
• The chloride diffusivity is very much dependent
• The diffusion velocity is mainly influenced by the on the type of cement and additional powder used
porosity of the concrete and the amount of in concrete. Similar to traditional concrete, the
moisture in the pores. The larger the porosity application of blended cement or PFA and silica
and the lower the amount of water in the pores, fume leads to values of chloride migration
the higher the diffusion velocity. coefficient.
• The porosity is influenced by e.g. the W/C ratio, • The results also seem to suggest that equal
the curing,... Due to the large amount of fine strength grade or equal w/c ratio alone cannot
particles in powder type self-compacting con- ensure different SCC mixes to have equal or
crete, the pore structure is denser. lower chloride diffusivity in comparison with
• The amount of carbonatable material is depending traditional vibrated concretes.
on the binder system including filler. The more • Even though the microstructure of SCC is differ-
CSH and Ca(OH)2 present in the concrete, the ent from TC there is so far no indication that the
lower the carbonation depth. Depending on the test methods developed for evaluating chloride
composition of the binder system, including filler, penetration in conventional concrete are not
a high amount of Ca(OH)2 and CSH could be applicable to SCC. The standard test methods
present in SCC, reducing the risk of carbonation. for conventional concrete may, therefore, be
directly adopted for application to SCC.
Concerning the modelling of the carbonation behav-
• Care should, however, be taken in interpreting the
iour of self-compacting concrete, only one
test results, especially when using indirect meth-
fundamental research project is described in literature
ods based on the principle of electrical resistivity,
until now. The modelling is based on the capillary
such as ASTM C 1202 or AASHTO T277. The
porosity and the amount of carbonatable material,
high volume of powder (cement, pozzolanic
leading to good predictions of the carbonation
additions and fillers) and additional amount of
coefficient.
admixtures used in SCC may result in different
pore volumes, different ionic compositions in the
pore solution and perhaps different chloride
5.2 Chloride penetration
binding behaviour between SCC and TC.
Owing to the high requirement for workability, SCC
normally contains a high volume of powder (cement,
pozzolanic additions and fillers) and additional 5.3 Sulphate attack
amount of admixtures in comparison with conven-
tional concrete. These differences result in different Physical resistance to sulphate attack is especially
pore volumes, different ionic compositions in the important, as it may be regarded as one of the main
Materials and Structures (2008) 41:225–233 231

factors which differentiate SCC from TC. Physical • In the case of TSA, a correlation exists between
resistance and durability properties of SCC are sulphate concentration and the degree of TSA in
influenced by the large amounts of added filler concretes with limestone filler, if stagnant water
materials, which in turn have an influence on the conditions are prevailing. In this case sulphate
microstructure and the connectivity/fineness of the concentrations somewhere between 700 and
capillary pore system. Other factors which influence 1,400 mg/l MgSO4 are able to promote TSA in
the nature of sulphate attack are chemical resistance approximately five years time. On the other hand,
(type of cement), composition of the sulphate solu- if mobile water conditions are prevailing, field
tion and addition of pozzolan materials. The evidence reported in the literature indicates that
following general conclusions can be made: no such correlation exists. The evidence suggests
that if the right conditions are met (e.g. percola-
• The initiation time for sulphate attack is pro-
tion and constant supply of sulphate ions), TSA
longed in SCC compared with an equivalent TC
can occur in concrete and mortars in contact with
due to a denser microstructure in SCC. A finer
waters having a low sulphate concentration and
capillary pore system is obtained in SCC due to
that the physical resistance against ingress of
incorporation of filler materials which results in a
sulphate ions is important. Sulphate solutions
better ability to withstand sulphate attack. The
which are dominated by magnesium ions seem to
capillary pore size distribution, connectivity and
be more detrimental than sodium or calcium
total capillary porosity in SCC is dependent on
dominated solutions.
factors such as w/p-, c/p-, f/c-ratios. Interdepen-
• From a performance-based comparison between
dence between these factors exists regarding the
SCC and TC, it is concluded that the increased
nature of the capillary pore size distribution.
risk concerning delayed ettringite formation in
• The deterioration rate and grade during sulphate
SCC with limestone filler is small. This comes
attack are influenced by the C3A content of the
from the fact that any extra heat production from
cement. The incorporation of high amounts of
limestone filler or superplastisizers in SCC is
limestone filler in SCC makes it more vulnerable
overshadowed by dominant factors such as
to thaumasite form of sulphate attack (TSA). In
cement content, type of cement and volume of
the case of TSA, ettringite is commonly formed as
concrete. However, in the case where the cement
a precursor mineral and nucleus for subsequent
content is equal in SCC and TC and the SCC
thaumasite formation. Direct formation of thaum-
contains high amounts of limestone filler, an
asite without ettringite seems to be a rare case
increased risk for DEF in SCC is possible
requiring supersaturated solutions with high ionic
considering that the maximum heat production
concentrations and low temperatures. Sulphate
is increasing with decreasing c/p-ratio.
resisting Portland cement does not make SCC
immune against TSA but the nature of attack is
different, the rate is much slower and the degree
5.4 Frost durability and salt scaling
of attack is smaller.
• Incorporation of pozzolan materials into concrete
As in the case of conventional, vibrated concrete,
such as silica fume, fly ash and blast furnace slag
critically saturated SCC is susceptible to damage by
is an effective way to densify the microstructure
exposure to repetitive freeze-thaw cycles. From the
and reducing the capillary pore sizes. In most
available literature results, the following conclusions
cases this physical effect is slowing down the rate
can be formulated related to frost durability and salt
of deterioration significantly. However these
scaling of self-compacting concrete:
materials contain reactive components such as
silica and aluminium which could provide a • Internal frost resistance and salt frost scaling of
source for reactants in thaumasite formation, if SCC do not differ much from the analogous
not the physical effect is considered. Contradic- properties of normal concrete provided that the
tory results have been reported in the literature concrete is prepared with sound aggregate,
regarding TSA and pozzolan materials. proper air-void system, adequate resistance to
232 Materials and Structures (2008) 41:225–233

segregation and bleeding, and proper strength. scientific findings obtained from conventionally
Despite the highly flowable nature of SCC, proper vibrated concrete on SCC. However, this transfer is
air-void system can be produced in a stable not straight forward because the peculiar properties of
manner, especially in concrete with relatively low SCC have to be taken into account.
w/cm or in SCC containing VMA. However, even when the behaviour of SCC is not
• As in the case of conventional concrete, the identical to traditional concrete due to its peculiar
de-icing salt scaling resistance of SCC depends on properties, there is no indication that the relation
the air-void system, porosity, transport properties, between moisture present, alkalinity of the pore
and mechanical properties of the mixture, which solution, presence of reactive aggregates and expan-
depend on the w/cm, binder composition, and sion of concrete is fundamentally different.
curing conditions. The scaling resistance of SCC Therefore, the same measures that have been proven
is particularly sensitive to local variations in air- effective for traditional concrete should be taken for
void system, bleeding, and segregation that can SCC.
occur as the concrete spreads under its own
weight away from the casting position.
• Greater air-void stability can be obtained when 5.6 Fire resistance
the concrete is proportioned with relatively high
cementitious materials content or low w/cm. It is Fire attack on concrete is more considered as an
essential to use an effective AEA capable of accidental action, in stead of a degradation process.
stabilization micro air voids in SCC. Nevertheless, the microstructure and transport mech-
• The increase in slump flow consistency can anisms of the cementitious material are also very
reduce the AEA demand. The optimum sequence important for the resistance to fire load. As the
of AEA injection in the mixer depends on the microstructure of SCC is different from traditional
admixture combination and mixer characteristics. concrete, it is worthwhile looking into the fire
Care must be taken then in adjusting the dosage of resistance of SCC. In this respect, the following
AEA to secure proper air-void system in SCC conclusions can be given:
made with such HRWRA as well as VMA or
• The thermal properties of self-compacting con-
polypropylene fibres which can affect the air
crete are similar to those of high strength
content and air-void characteristics needed to
concrete. Hence the thermal properties of high
secure proper frost resistance.
strength concrete can be applied in calculations of
• As so many interfering parameters affect the frost
the thermal performance of structures of self-
resistance, it is advised to evaluate the frost
compacting concrete.
durability and salt scaling resistance of the SCC
• The effect on strength of self-compacting con-
by means of standard test methods, before using it
crete when exposed to high temperatures may
in structures that are highly susceptible to salt
differ slightly from conventional concrete. There
frost scaling or internal deterioration from repet-
are some results showing that the residual
itive freezing and thawing cycles.
strength is lower for limestone filler based self-
compacting concrete when exposed to tempera-
tures of 800C. This can be explained by the
5.5 Alkali-silica reaction decomposition of limestone filler (CaCO3)
around 750C.
Little is known about the behaviour of SCC in regard • Self-compacting concrete has a high probability
to ASR. As SCC is widely used in concrete structures of spalling when exposed to fire. The probability
only since a few years, field reports about damages is lower if the moisture content is low. Since the
are nonexistent. The data base of laboratory tests self-compacting concrete has a low permeability
evaluating the potential reactivity of SCC is still it takes a long time to dry. Therefore the
scarce. At the moment the possible reactivity of SCC probability of spalling is high for a long time
can only be assessed by transferring experiences and even for concrete in a dry environment.
Materials and Structures (2008) 41:225–233 233

• It is therefore recommended that precautions shall information about long-term performance of SCC in
be taken when self-compacting concrete shall be real structures. Therefore, the service life models
used in situations where no fire spalling is used for conventional concrete may be applicable to
accepted. Possible solutions are to use a thermal SCC, probably with certain modifications taking into
barrier between the fire and the concrete, i.e. account its different characteristics of microstructures
insulation, or by adding a suitable amount and and transport mechanisms.
type of polypropylene fibres into the concrete.

References
5.7 Chemical resistance 1. The European Guidelines for Self-Compacting Concrete –
Specification, Production and Use (2005) BIBM, CEM-
Based on a very limited number of experimental BUREAU, EFCA, EFNARC, ERMCO, May 2005
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