Self-Consolidating Concrete - Form Pressure Research

Self-consolidating concrete, also known as self-compacting concrete and SCC, is a highly flowable, non-segregating concrete that can spread into place, fill formwork, and encapsulate even the most congested reinforcement, all without any mechanical vibration. As a high-performance concrete, SCC delivers these attractive benefits while maintaining all of concrete's customary mechanical properties and durability characteristics.

One current factor that limits the increased use of self-consolidating concrete in vertical construction is the lack of design information on formwork pressure. Currently ACI Committee 347-04 recommends using full-liquid head of concrete for design of formwork. The NRMCA’s RMC Research & Education Foundation and ACI's Strategic Development Council is co-funding a research project at Sherbrooke University, Purdue University, Northwestern University, and CTL Group to provide practical design information and monitoring methods for vertical placement. Approved in May 2006, the entire research study is expected to take approximately two years to complete.

SCC Update, March 18, 2008