CHAPTER 3

Special concrete & Concepts

Fibre Reinforced concrete (FRC):

• FRC can be defined as a composite material consisting of mixtures of
cement mortar or concrete and discontinuous, discrete, uniformly dispersed
suitable fibres. Also it improves the static and dynamic property of concrete.
• Fibers include
– Steel
– Polypropylene
– Nylons
– Asbestos
– Coir
– Glass
– Carbon
Why FRC
• Plain concrete possess a
– Very low tensile strength
– Micro-cracks
– Limited ductility
– Little resistance to cracking

Course code : ARCH 3151 | Course name: Materials & Methods of construction 2 Chapter 3
Volume fraction & Aspect Ratio
• The amount of fibers added to a concrete mix is expressed as a percentage of
the total volume of the composite (concrete and fibers), termed "volume
fraction" (Vf). Vf typically ranges from 0.1 to 3%.
• The aspect ratio (l/d) is calculated by dividing fiber length (l) by its
diameter (d). It ranges from 30-150
Factors affecting the properties of FRC
• Relative fibre matrix stiffness
• Volume of fibres
– Segregation & harshness of concrete and mortar
• Aspect ratio of fibres
• Orientation of fibres
– Direction parallel to the load
– Direction perpendicular to the load
– Randomly distributed
• Workability & compaction of concrete
• Size of coarse aggregates (10 mm)
• Mixing of Fibres with concrete
– Balling of fibres
– Segregation

Course code : ARCH 3151 | Course name: Materials & Methods of construction 2 Chapter 3
Course code : ARCH 3151 | Course name: Materials & Methods of construction 2 Chapter 3
Self compacting concrete (SCC)
Originally developed in Japan, SCC technology was made possible by the much
earlier development of Superplasticisers for concrete. SCC has now been taken up
with enthusiasm across Europe, for both site and precast concrete work.

The use of self-compacting concrete (SCC) is spreading world wide because of its
very attractive properties in the fresh state as well as after hardening.
The use of SCC will lead to a more industrialized production, reduce the technical
costs of in situ cast concrete constructions, improve the quality, durability and
reliability of concrete structures and eliminate some of the potential for human
error. It will replace manual compaction of fresh concrete with a modern semi-
automatic placing technology and in that way improve health and safety on and
around the construction site.

However, this type of concrete needs a more advanced mix design than traditional
vibrated concrete and a more careful quality assurance with more testing and
checking, at least in the beginning, when using (SCC).

Course code : ARCH 3151 | Course name: Materials & Methods of construction 2 Chapter 3
Self-compacting concrete (SCC) has been described as "the most revolutionary
development in concrete Construction for several decades".
Originally developed to offset a growing shortage of skilled labour, it has proved
beneficial economically because of a number of factors, including:
· faster construction
· reduction in site manpower
· better surface finishes
· easier placing
· improved durability
· greater freedom in design
· thinner concrete sections
· reduced noise levels, absence of vibration
· safer working environment
Course code : ARCH 3151 | Course name: Materials & Methods of construction 2 Chapter 3
For the purposes of the specifications, the following definitions apply:
1) Self-compacting concrete (SCC)
Concrete that is able to flow under its own weight and completely fill the
formwork, even in the presence of dense reinforcement, without the need of any
vibration, whilst maintaining homogeneity.
2) Binder
The combined cement and hydraulic addition in a self-compacting concrete.
3) Filling ability (unconfined flowability)
The ability of SCC to flow into and fill completely all spaces within the formwork,
under its own weight.
4) Passing ability (confined flowability)
The ability of SCC to flow through tight openings such as spaces between steel
reinforcing bars without segregation or blocking.
5) Segregation resistance (stability)
The ability of SCC to remain homogeneous in composition during transport and
placing.
Main advantages of SCC over conventional concrete
 Reduced labour requirements
 Quicker concrete placement
 Improved compaction around congested reinforcement
 Potential to enhance durability through improved compaction of concrete
cover.
 Improve buildability, e.g. concreting deep elements in single lifts
 Elimination of vibration, leading to environmental, health and safety
benefits.

Course code : ARCH 3151 | Course name: Materials & Methods of construction 2 Chapter 3
Course code : ARCH 3151 | Course name: Materials & Methods of construction 2 Chapter 3
Hot weather concreting is used during hot weather which is ,
• "any combination of the following conditions that tends to impair the quality
of freshly mixed or hardened concrete by accelerating the rate of moisture
loss and the rate of cement hydration or otherwise causing detrimental
results”
– high ambient temperature
– high concrete temperature
– low relative humidity
– wind speed and solar radiation.
Effect of High Concrete Temperature
• As concrete temperature increases there is a loss in slump
• At higher temperatures a greater amount of water is required to hold slump
constant than is needed at lower temperatures.

|Cold weather concreting

• "a period when, for more than 3 consecutive days, the following conditions
exist:
• 1) the average daily air temperature is less than 40ºF and
• 2) the air temperature is not greater than 50ºF for more than one-half
of any 24-hour period."

Course code : ARCH 3151 | Course name: Materials & Methods of construction 2 Chapter 3