Bond of self-compacting concrete incorporating silica fume: Top-bar effect, effects of rebar distance from casting point and of rebar-to-concrete relative displacements during setting

It was found that the top-bar effect of SCC mixtures incorporating silica fume is less intense than in NVC and it is almost eliminated for replacement levels between 8.9% and 10.6% (by weight). No bond loss is evident up to at least 1.60 m from the casting point. Finally, the effect of a rebar-to-concrete relative displacement during setting on bond is similar between SCC and NVC. Although higher initial setting times are observed in SCC, bond is not prone to reduction due to a rebar-to-concrete relative displacement during this period.