Self-compacting concrete (SCC) should generally be placed continuously, but it is not uncommon for contractors to be forced to use interruptions in concrete works due to delivery delays. The multilayer casting of SCC can cause weak bond conditions in the contact area of subsequent layers. Methods of preventing cold joint or lift line formation for normal concretes are not suitable for self-compacting concretes. This article provides research on the effect of multilayer casting technology on the bond strength between two layers of SCC. Three technological variants of connecting successive layers of SCC mixture on beam elements were analyzed: The free flow of the mixture, dropping the mixture from a greater height, and mechanical disturbance of the first layer. Three delay times were applied: 30, 45, and 60 min between two layers of SCC. In general, the research revealed that, regardless of the multilayer casting variant, the bond strength between two layers decreased as the delay time was extended. The best performance and the lowest drop in bond strength were obtained for samples with a mechanically disturbed first layer, independent of the delay time. This method gave similar results to a reference element made without a break in concreting. It was also demonstrated that current recommendations and standard guidelines for multilayer casting appear to be insufficient for ensuring an adequate bond between layers.
The development of concrete technology results in a new generation of cement-based concrete such as high-performance concrete, self-compacting concrete and high-performance, self-compacting concrete. These concretes are characterised by better parameters not only in terms of strength and durability but also rheology of the mixtures. Obtaining such properties requires the adoption of a different composition and proportion of ingredients than ordinary concrete. The greater share of cement in these concretes causes an increase in the energy consumption and emissions (per unit of concrete volume) at the production stage. However, use of new generation concrete allows for a reduction of overall dimensions of a structural element, due to the increased strength parameters. Such a solution may finally result in lower consumption of resources and energy, as well as a decrease of gas emissions. The article presents the results of a comparative environmental analysis of ordinary and new generation concrete structures.
In the study, experiments were performed on two eco-efficient self-compacting concrete mixes of reduced binder content containing supplementary cementitious materials. The behaviour of the eco-efficient self-compacting concrete (SCC) mixture was examined to determine whether it is suitable for multilayer casting. It is recommended that the SCC should be poured in an uninterrupted manner. However, it is not uncommon that contractors are forced to take breaks as a result of delivery delays. Casting the elements in multiple poorly prepared layers may cause the creation of cold joints between them. Two technological variants of the multilayer casting of eco-efficient SCC on beam elements were analysed: pouring the mixture from a minor height on the previously placed layer and placing the subsequent layer on the mechanically disturbed surface of the underlying material. Different delay times were used: 15, 30, 45 and 60 min between the execution of two layers of eco-efficient SCC. The load-bearing capacity of the joint was determined using a splitting tensile strength test on cubic elements. It was observed that, regardless of the mixture and casting variant, the interlayer bond strength decreased as the delay time increased. This effect was less pronounced when the first layer was mechanically disturbed. It was also demonstrated that concrete with reduced binder content is characterized by a lower drop in bond strength between successive layers. Finally, it is noted that the current recommendations and normative guidelines for the multilayer casting of self-compacting concrete should be specified with regard to the time delay allowed for the execution of the next layer in the absence of interference with the previously placed layer. Lack of clarity in this respect may result in the creation of a cold joint and hence a reduction in the load-bearing capacity between layers.
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