Elastic properties of self consolidating concrete

With the advancements in self consolidating concrete (SCC) technologies coupled with the demand for shorter construction schedules, there is a need to evaluate the applicability of predictive equations and non-destructive testing methods to assess SCC’s transient in situ mechanical properties. This study measures the evolution of density, compressive strength, dynamic elastic modulus, and static elastic modulus at day 1, 3, 7, 28, and 56 for SCC mix designs. Outcomes from this study revealed that utilization of the dynamic-to-static elastic modulus ratios in conjunction with ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements can be used to estimate the evolution of SCC’s compressive strength. Furthermore, this study presents the test-to-predicted ratios for the static elastic modulus of SCC mixtures based on predictive equations proposed in ACI363, ACI318/AASHTO, EuroCode2, and Gardner and Lockman. Of the proposed predictive equations, ACI318/AASHTO most closely estimates properties of SCC of compressive strengths greater than 50 MPa, and Gardner and Lockman’s equation for SCC of compressive strengths less than 50 MPa.

► This study evaluates density, compressive strength, dynamic and static elastic modulus of SCC.
► Predictive equations, destructive and non-destructive tests are investigated.
► The dynamic-to-static elastic modulus ratio decreases from 1.7 to 1.32 from day 1 to 56.
► EuroCode2 and ACI363 equations for static elastic modulus over and underpredict, respectively.
► SCC mixtures with VMA have lower early age elastic properties compared to mixtures without VMA.