Guidelines
In 2002 EFNARC published their “Specification & Guidelines for Self-Compacting concrete” which, at that time, provided state of the art information for producers and users. Since then, much additional technical information on SCC has been published but European design, product and construction standards do not yet specifically refer to SCC and for site applications this has limited its wider acceptance, especially by specifiers and purchasers. In 1994 five European organisations (BIBM, CEMBUREAU, ERMCO, EFCA and EFNARC), all dedicated to the promotion of advanced materials and systems for the supply and use of concrete, created a “European Project Group” to review current best practice and produce a new document covering all aspects of SCC. This document “The European Guidelines for Self Compacting Concrete” serves to particularly address those issues related to the absence of European specifications, standards and agreed test methods.
Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is an innovative concrete that does not require vibration for placing and compaction. It is able to flow under its own weight, completely filling formwork and achieving full compaction, even in the presence of congested reinforcement. The hardened concrete is dense, homogeneous and has the same engineering properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete. Concrete that requires little vibration or compaction has been used in Europe since the early 1970s but self-compacting concrete was not developed until the late 1980’s in Japan. In Europe it was probably first used in civil works for transportation networks in Sweden in the mid1990’s. The EC funded a multi-national, industry lead project “SCC” 1997-2000 and since then SCC has found increasing use in all European countries. Self-compacting concrete offers a rapid rate of concrete placement, with faster construction times and ease of flow around congested reinforcement. The fluidity and segregation resistance of SCC ensures a high level of homogeneity, minimal concrete voids and uniform concrete strength, providing the potential for a superior level of finish and durability to the structure. SCC is often produced with low water-cement ratio providing the potential for high early strength, earlier demoulding and faster use of elements and structures. The elimination of vibrating equipment improves the environment on and near construction and precast sites where concrete is being placed, reducing the exposure of workers to noise and vibration. The improved construction practice and performance, combined with the health and safety benefits, make SCC a very attractive solution for both precast concrete and civil engineering construction.
National adaptations:
Evropská směrnice pro samozhutnitelný beton. Specifikace, výroba a použití
Directrices Europeas para el Hormigon Autocompactante
The Spanish translation of the "European Guidelines for Self Compacting Concrete" was promoted by the Spanish Associations ANDECE (precast concrete), ANEFHOP (ready-mixed concrete), ANFAH (concrete admixtures), and IECA (cement).