Construction Industry/SCC

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Expert: - 2/3/2012


Question
Hi
is Self Compacting Concrete good? Or any bad effects with it?
ref: http://www.theconcreteportal.com/scc.html
regards
Tarun

Answer
Hello Tarun,

Please excuse my delay in responding.  I was on a short holiday to South Carolina and there was no wi-fi at our lodgings.  

Self Compacting High Performance Concrete is a relatively new (1988) design use of concrete.  When you consider that concrete was used by the Romans, it is a new concept.

The mixture of concrete materials is adjusted and while less aggregate is used while, more cement is used.  This mixture was designed to allow a better flow (or compaction) of the mixture around reinforcing bars.  It must be cautioned that the cement is a major factor for the strength of the mixture and it must be mixed and tested (slump test) to assure that the proper ultimate design strength is maintained.

This type of concrete has been used in Japan because of the frequency of earthquakes.  I highly recommend that you engage a structural engineer to verify your needs.  Interview engineers and ask if they have experience with the Self Compacting concrete.  During construction I have seen the concrete workers add water to the read-mix concrete in order to make the material flow better.  This weakens the mixture and can be cause structural failures.  If you have a project with extensive reinforcing I suggest you use a smaller aggregate such a pea-gravel along with the sand, water and cement.

I hope this has been helpful.

Roger
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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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