Self-consolidating and conventional concretes: evaluation of fresh and hardened states properties

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The self-consolidating concretes stand out for their essential characteristics: flowability, passing ability and segregation resistance, allowing the increase of the structural elements quality, as well as the optimization of their production. However, in order to obtain its essential characteristics, the main factor is the use of fines, in order to control the negative effects of segregation and bleeding to which fresh concrete is susceptible. In this context, the aim of this paper is to compare the properties, in the fresh and hardened states, of self-consolidating concretes, using fly ash as fine material with the properties of a conventional concrete, produced with materials available in the Toledo-PR, Brazil. The results showed that the self-consolidating concrete presented better performance in relation to the mechanical properties compared to conventional concrete. Using scanning electronic microscopy the affirmations about the improvement in the mechanical properties of self-consolidating concrete were proven, since a smaller amount of voids was evidenced due to the pozzolanic activity of fly ash. In this sense, this work contributes to the diffusion of self-consolidating concrete in the literature and its use in usual constructions, resulting in durable and reliable concrete structures, reducing the maintenance works.