SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering (SSRG-IJCE) - Special Issue ICETSST - April 2018

Self-Compacting and Self-Curing Concrete with Steel Fiber Reinforcement

Dr.Maragatham.S 1, Kokilavani.S 2 , Lavanya.S 3 , Meena.G 4 , Ranjitha priya.R 5
Professor & Dean 1, U.G. student 2,3,4,5, Department of Civil Engineering,
Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women,
Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India.
Email: [email protected], [email protected].

ABSTRACT: Self-curing (SCUC) is done in order to fulfill which can easily achieved by super plasticizers addition to
the water requirement of the concrete and to increase the the concrete mixture to the volume of cement. In state of
degree of hydration whereas to reduce time and to improve hardened concrete, self-compacting concrete has durability
the filling capacity of highly congested structural and strength that are compared to conventional concrete. It
members, Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is adopted. is amicable in nature which facilitates expeditious
Super plasticizers are high molecular weight polymeric construction. Using high cement content increases the cost
materials which are added to a concrete mix that results in of the project so that SCC is adopted. Consequently, the use
of SCC as construction materials has gradually increased
influential water reduction and flowability. Polyethylene
over the last few years. Use of SCC can also help in
glycol is a self-curing agent which increases the physical
minimizing noise pollution on the worksite that is created
properties of the concrete. To achieve self-compacting by vibration of concrete. Another merit in using SCC is
viscosity modifying admixture is added in a constant super workable due to its low water-cement ratio, which
dosage and to achieve self-curing different dosages of gives rapid strength development, more durability and best
polyethylene glycol are used to produce different concrete quality. This concept is accepted in precast industry as well
mixes. Steel fibers are used to provide workability and as in-situ construction on taking the account on reduction in
enhanced flexural reinforcement, shrinkage and retard construction time, reduces noise pollution by eliminating
crack propagation. Workability tests like slump flow, L- vibrators, and increases the possibility of complex form
box and J-ring were conducted on the fresh concrete. works and structural members with highly restricted
Comparative studies on compressive, tensile and flexural reinforcement in seismic regions.
strength for conventional SCC and self-cured SCC were
SCC is combined with viscosity modifying agent in minor
done. The optimum dosages for M30 grade concrete were dosages and high range water reducer in huge volumes.
also determined. Super plasticizers supports in attaining outstanding flow at
INDEX TERMS: Self-compacting, self-curing, PEG, steel low water contents. VMA decreases bleeding and increases
the strength of the concrete mixture.
fiber, compressive, tensile and flexural strength.
III. MECHANISM FOR ACHIEVING SELF
I. INTRODUCTION
COMPACTABILITY
This study deals with the overview to altered methods of
Following are the ways to achieve self compactability:
curing and the complications in conventional curing. It also
deals with the enhancement of steel fiber reinforcement in i. Restricted aggregate content
self compacting concrete with its merits and demerits. This ii. Low water-cement ratio
study concentrates on the need of self curing and self- iii. Usage of super plasticizers
compacting along with steel fiber reinforcement and a
summary about its mechanism and materials. The rate of impact and contact between aggregate elements
can surge as the relative distance between the elements falls
II. SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE and then internal tension can rise when concrete is distorted,
particularly near obstacles. It has been publicized that the
Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is one of the most
energy required for flowing is inspired by the improved
outstanding advances in concrete technology. SCC is a
internal tension, causing in blockage of aggregate elements.
flowing concrete mixture that is able to consolidate under its
Regulating the coarse aggregate content whose energy
own weight with little or no vibration effect. The high flow
intake is particularly strong, to a level lesser than the typical
ability of SCC makes it suitable for placing in difficult
proportions is operative in avoiding this kind of obstacle.
conditions and in sections with congested reinforcement. At
Highly viscous paste is also required to avoid the
the same time cohesive enough to be handled without
obstruction of coarse aggregate when concrete flows
segregation or bleeding. Therefore SCC is produced using
through complications. When concrete is deformed, paste
new generation super plasticizers to reduce the water-binder
with a high viscosity also inhibits regulated increases in the
ratio. This type of concrete requires a greater slump value
internal tension due to the method of coarse aggregate

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 SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering (SSRG-IJCE) - Special Issue ICETSST - April 2018

elements. High deformability can be reached only by the enhances the flexural and compressive strength of concrete.
service of the super plasticizer, keeping the water-cement Thus does not give a mere change in workability. The
percentage to be small value. addition of fibers significantly reduces the crack spacing
where showing higher surface fiber corrosion. However,
IV. SELF CURING CONCRETE fibers at a depth less than 1mm from the external effective
Self or internal curing (SCUC) refers to the process by cover surface of the concrete are affected by corrosion.
which the hydration of cement occurs because of the VII. MATERIALS USED
availability of additional internal water that is not part of the a. CEMENT
mixing water. Generally, curing concrete refers to the state
such that water is not lost from the surface i.e., curing takes Cement is a fine, grey powder used as a binding material in
place from the outside of the concrete to inner side of the the concrete. It is mixed with water and material such as
concrete. In divergence, internal curing is allowing for sand, gravel and crushed stone to make concrete. The
curing from the inner side of the concrete to the outside of cement and water form a paste that binds the other materials
the concrete through the shrinkage reducing admixtures together as the concrete hardened. The cement should be of
(propylene glycol type i.e., polyethylene-glycol). This uniform colour i.e., grey with the light greenish shade and
mechanism deals with the continuous evaporation of free from any hard lumps. In this experiment, ordinary
moisture takes place from an exposed surface due to the Portland cement 53 grade conforming IS: 1489:1991 was
difference in chemical potentials between the vapour and used. Therefore, this type of cement is commonly used in
liquid phases. The polymers added in the mix mainly form building construction and readily available.
hydrogen bonds with water molecules and reduce the
chemical potentials of the molecules which in turn reduces b. FINE AGGREGATE
the vapour pressure, thus reducing the rate of evaporation Locally available natural river sand passing through
from the surface. 4.75mm sieve and conformed to Indian Standard
V. MECHANISM OF SCUC specifications IS: 383-1970 was used for all of the mixes of
self compacting and self-curing concrete. Thus, the sand
This mechanism deals with the continuous evaporation of was free from organic impurities. The fine aggregates
moisture takes place from an exposed surface due to the belonged to grading zone-II.
difference in chemical potentials between the vapour and
liquid phases. The polymers added in the mix mainly form c. COARSE AGGREGATE
hydrogen bonds with water molecules and reduce the The maximum size of the coarse aggregate is generally
chemical potentials of the molecules which in turn reduces limited to 20mm. But in this case, aggregate of size 10mm
the vapour pressure, thus reducing the rate of evaporation and below 14mm is desirable for self-compacting. Locally
from the surface. Certain water-soluble chemicals added in available coarse aggregate having the maximum size of
the course of the mixing can decrease water dehydration 10mm will be used in this study. Aggregates should be of
from and within the concrete, making it self-curing. The uniform quality with respect to shape and grading.
chemicals should have capabilities to decrease dehydration
from solution and to improve water preservation in ordinary d. WATER
Portland cement matrix. Chemical agent incorporated in the
self-curing concrete decreases the dehydration of water from Water fit for drinking is usually considered for preparing
its surface, initially by dropping the vapour pressure at the concrete. Therefore, the usage water should be free from
concrete pore solution surface. acids, oils, alkalis and other organic impurities. Portable
water of normally pH ranging 7-8 is used for mixing and
VI. STEEL FIBER REINFORCEMENT curing the concrete specimen.
Concrete, a cost effective material with satisfactory e. SUPER PLASTICIZERS
compressive strength is commonly used as a construction
material in the world. The standard disadvantages of plain Super plasticizers are also known as high range water
concrete are low tensile and impact strengths. These things reducers is a type of chemical admixture used where fine-
can be upgraded by combining steel reinforcing bars or steel distributed element suspension is required. Super
fibers in the concrete construction. The efficiency of steel plasticizers are admixture for concrete which are added in
fiber reinforcement in providing improved tensile, order to slow the setting time of the concrete mixture or to
interfacial bonds and impact strength including crack reduce the water content in a mixture, while holding the
control under various stresses (tensile, shear, etc.) is well flowing nature of a concrete mixture. Viscocrete 20 HE is a
recognized. The test date of various strength properties of 3rd age bracket super plasticizers for concrete and mortar.
SFRC are upgraded as compared to conventional plain The invention is suitable for tropical and hot climatic
concrete. Thus, the addition of steel fibers increases the circumstances. It is chiefly suitable for the production of
strength properties of the concrete. SFRC specifically concrete mixes which required development of high primary

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 SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering (SSRG-IJCE) - Special Issue ICETSST - April 2018

strength, influential water reduction and extraordinary control. HE can be used in any concrete mix and high
flowability. Viscocrete 20 HE is used as a super plasticizer concrete density is not necessary then for undulated or for
in this study. This does not contain chlorides or the other flat-end fibers. Therefore, HE provides better load transfer
ingredients which promote the corrosion of steel in the crack. Thus, after the development of initial crack the
reinforcement. loss of load-bearing capacity occurs quickly but then
stabilizes and in some cases even begins to increase again
f. VISCOSITY MODIFYING ADMIXTURE after large cracks have developed.
Viscosity modifying admixtures varies the rheological VIII. METHODOLOGY
properties of concrete by increasing the plastic viscosity but
typically cause only a minor rise in the yield point. It is vital
to regulate the strength and cohesion of modern concrete.
Master matrix 102 is a ready to use, liquid, organic
MATERIAL
substance. Master matrix 102 improves viscosity of a SELECTIO FRESH CASTING OF
N CONCRETE SPECIMENS
concrete which helps to make itself consolidated and also to TESTS
get anti washout properties. VMA particularly
technologically advanced for fabricating concrete with
greater viscosity and well-ordered rheological properties.
This admixture reveals higher stability and well-ordered MIX CURING OF
DESIGN PRIMARY
bleeding characteristics, thus increasing resistance to TESTS
SPECIMENS
isolation and smoothing placement. It comprises of a
combination of water soluble co-polymers which is
adsorbed on to the surface of the cement. Particles there by
altering the viscosity of the water and manipulating HARDENED
ESTIMATION MATERIAL
rheological properties of the mixture. And thus, it is OF CONCRETE
COLLECTION TESTS
recommended for smart dynamic concrete, concrete QUANTITY

containing gap-graded aggregates to increase its flowing

nature, in lean concrete mixtures, concrete containing
manufactured sand, etc.,
g. POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL IX. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS

The polymers added in the mix mainly form hydrogen

bonds with water molecules and reduce the chemical
potential of the molecules of water which in turn reduces the S.NO NAME OF THE RESULT
vapour pressure, thus reducing the rate of evaporation from EXPERIMENT OBTAINED
the surface. It was found that water soluble polymers can be
used as a self-curing agent in concrete technology. 1. Specific gravity of 3.12
Polyethylene-glycol (PEG) is a strengthening polymer of cement
ethylene oxide and water with common formula as ethylene 2. Specific gravity of 2.72
glycol or ethylene glycol oligomers. The response from this coarse aggregate
is catalyzed by acidic or basic catalysts. Taking account on
the molecular weight, PEG is also known as polyethylene 3. Specific gravity of 2.57
oxide (PEO) or poly-oxy-ethylene (POE). PEG-400 is the fine aggregate
greatest water retaining agent on concrete for incessant
hydration process to get less voids and pores in concrete 4. Specific gravity for 1.02
which leads to rise in concrete strength. Therefore, this is a VMA
type of shrinkage reducing admixture which helps in
enhanced hydration and blameless compressive strength. 5. Specific gravity for 1.1254
That even enhances better workability. PEG-400
h. HOOKED END STEEL FIBERS 6. Specific gravity for 7.86
steel fiber
Hooked end fiber has been there in the market over decades.
HE is the standard and succeeding among all the known 7. Specific gravity for 1.145
shapes in the history of steel fiber reinforcement. HE can be Super plasticizer
used in steel fiber reinforcement concrete of any application.
This type fiber provides excellent workability but does not
perform well as undulated fibers with regard to shrinkage

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 SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering (SSRG-IJCE) - Special Issue ICETSST - April 2018

X. FRESH CONCRETE TESTS b. SPLIT TENSILE TEST

S.NO MIX SLUMP V-FUNNEL L-BOX TABLE NO 2. SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH

TEST (Sec)
T50(Sec) S.NO MIX SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH
(N/mm2)
1. MIX 1 4 8 0.8
3 DAY 7 DAY 28 DAY
2. MIX 2 7 10 0.72
1. MIX 1 0.71 0.85 1.34
3. MIX 3 6 8 0.9
2. MIX 2 0.35 0.99 1.27

4. MIX 4 7 9 0.875
3. MIX 3 0.85 1.63 1.77

4. MIX 4 0.42 1.27 1.56

XI. HARDENED CONCRETE TESTS

a. COMPRESSIVE TEST 2
TABLE NO. 1 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH 1.5
1
S.N MIX COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
0.5
O (N/mm2)
0
3 DAY 7 DAY 28 DAY MIX 1 MIX 2 MIX 3 MIX 4

1. MIX 1 7.8 11.3 15.4 3 DAY 7 DAY 28 DAY

2. MIX 2 11.4 12.8 17.8

3. MIX 3 12.3 15 20.8 Fig 2. Split tensile strength on concrete

4. MIX 4 11.3 13.2 15.5 c. FLEXURAL STRENGTH

TABLE NO 3. FLEXURAL STRENGTH

25
S.NO MIX FLEXURAL STRENGTH
20 (N/mm2)
15
3 DAY 7 DAY 28 DAY
10
1. MIX 1 3.75 3.95 4.5
5
2. MIX 2 3.85 4.1 4.65
0
MIX 1 MIX 2 MIX 3 MIX 4 3. MIX 3 4.05 4.3 4.95
3 DAY 7 DAY 28 DAY 4. MIX 4 3.9 4.1 4.55

Fig 1. Compressive strength on concrete

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6
4
2 XII. REFERENCE
0
1. O.M.Jensen, P.Lura, “Techniques and materials for
MIX 1 MIX 2 MIX 3 MIX 4 internal water curing of concrete”, Concrete International,
27(2), 35-40, 2005
3 DAY 7 DAY 28 DAY 2. EI-Dieb AS. Mechanical, durability and microstructural
characteristics of Ultra high strength Self-Compacting
Concrete incorporating steel fibers. Materials and Design,
Fig 3. Flexural strength on concrete 2009, Vol.30, pp.4286-429
3. EFNARC 2005, Specifications and guidelines for self-
compacting concrete. EFNARC(European Federation of
XI. CONCLUSION produces And Applicators of Specialist products of
structures)
Considering the economy and the durability of conventional 4. Okamura H and Ozawa K, “Mix-design for self-
concrete structure, it is absorbed that the quality and the compacting concrete”, Concrete Library of JSCE, No.25,
density of the concrete, as well as the compaction of the June 1995, pp.107-120
concrete are main parameters that cause deterioration. SCC 5. A.S.EI-Dieb, “Self-curing concrete: Water Retention,
hydration and moisture transport”, Construction Building
can be a boon considering improvement in concrete quality, Materials Vol.21(2007)1282-1287
lower construction cost reduces construction time and 6. IS: 12269-1987., Specification for 53 grade ordinary
improvement in working condition. And using steel fibres Portland cement, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi
reduces crack propagation in the concrete. SFRC 7. IS: 383-1970, Specification for coarse aggregate from
natural sources for concrete
specifically enhances the flexural and compressive strength 8. IS: 385-1970, Specification for fine aggregate from natural
of concrete. Increasing the dosage of polyethylene glycol sources for concrete
increases the weight loss for lower water-cement ratio. Thus 9. M.S.Shetty, Concrete technology
lower dosages shows good water retention for lower water-
cement ratio.

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