An Experimental Study on the Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) under Hot Weather and Hauling Time

Abstract

Self-consolidating-concrete (SCC) has gained wide acceptance in the construction industry given its ability to reduce construction duration and cost. All ready-mix concrete commonly used in hot weather countries, such as United Arab Emirates (UAE), is subjected to continuous agitation during hauling to construction sites. Prolonged mixing, especially at high temperatures can lead to loss of workability and increased difficulties for concrete placement and consolidation. This may result in lower mechanical and durability properties. In this paper, the mechanical and durability properties of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) under hot weather conditions were investigated. Mixing and testing were conducted outdoor at the construction material lab of Abu Dhabi University during last summer of 2014. The test results showed that the mixing time and hot weather adversely affected the fresh properties. The SCC mixtures were continuously mixed for 2 hours under a temperature ranged from 25 to 40 °C, to simulate concrete in a transit truck during transportation to a construction site under hot weather. Polycarboxylate-based high-range water-reducing admixture (PC) and fly ash were incorporated in the investigated SCC mixtures. The results showed that both the compressive strength and durability of SCC were highly affected by fly ash dosage and temperature.Keywords: Hot weather; hauling time, self-consolidating concrete.