ACI MATERIALS JOURNAL
Title no. 107-M56
New Method for Proportioning Self-Consolidating Concrete
Based on Compressive Strength Requirements
by Ghazi F. Kheder and Rand S. Al Jadiri
This study aimed to develop a new method for proportioning self-
consolidating concrete (SCC). This method is capable of proportioning
SCC mixtures with specified compressive strength, contrary to
previous SCC proportioning methods that emphasized the fulfillment
of fresh properties requirements more than strength requirements.
In addition, no previous method considered the grading of aggregate
in SCC mixtures (fineness modulus of fine aggregate and maximum
size of coarse aggregate) as in conventional concrete (CC)
proportioning methods, making a need for numerous trial mixtures
to adjust the fresh and hardened properties of SCC. Two well-known
concrete mixture proportioning methods, the ACI 211.1 method for
CC and the EFNARC method for SCC, were adopted to develop the
new method. The requirements of these methods were combined
with certain modifications and a new method was proposed. In this
new method, the actual range of compressive strength of the ACI 211.1
method was widened from 15 to 40 MPa (2145 to 5800 psi) to
cover a wider range of strength (15 to 75 MPa [2145 to 10,875 psi]),
thus covering both normal- and high-strength SCC mixtures.
Thirty mixtures were tested to examine the validity of the proposed
method; all these mixtures satisfied the fresh SCC requirements.
Concrete strength results were in good agreement with the nominal
design strength except for mixtures with a strength of 75 MPa
(10,875 psi); these mixtures required a slight adjustment in the
water-cement ratio (w/c). A modification on the proposed compressive
strength and w/c relationship were introduced depending on data
from previous literature on SCC.
Keywords: method; mixture proportioning; self-consolidating.
INTRODUCTION
Self-consolidating concrete (SCC), a recent innovation in
concrete technology, has numerous advantages over
conventional concrete (CC). SCC, as the name indicates, is
a type of concrete that does not require external or internal
compaction, because it becomes leveled and compacted
under its self-weight.1 Although SCC has passed from the
research stage to field applications, there are no systematic
standards or specifications to be followed in its mixture
proportioning.2
This study includes a proposal of a new mixture proportioning
method for SCC with a specified compressive strength in the
range of 15 to 75 MPa (2175 to 10,875 psi), in addition to
compliance with the fresh property requirements of SCC.
The proposed method gives a clear and precise procedure to
obtain specific quantities of concrete ingredients and minimize
the need for trial mixtures. This is contrary to previously
proposed SCC mixture proportioning methods that give only
general ranges and guidelines on quantities of concrete
ingredients and depend largely on trial mixtures to correct
any deviations in the fresh or hardened concrete properties.
In addition, the proposed method took into consideration the
grading of both fine and coarse aggregate in the design
procedure—two important factors that were not included in
any of the existing proportioning methods of SCC.
490
TECHNICAL PAPER
RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE
This research aimed to formulate a new straightforward
method for proportioning SCC, which can be used to design
concrete that achieves a particular compressive strength and
simultaneously meets the fresh concrete requirements of
SCC. This method covers the design of SCC with compressive
strength in the range of 15 to 75 MPa (2175 to 10,875 psi).
Also, for the first time, it considers the effect of grading of
fine aggregate (fineness modulus) and coarse aggregate
(maximum size) in proportioning SCC mixtures. No
previous mixture proportioning method of SCC considered
these three design parameters in their procedures.
EXISTING SCC MIXTURE
PROPORTIONING METHODS
In reviewing literature on the methods for proportioning
SCC, numerous proposed methods exist, most of which give
only general guidelines and ranges of quantities of materials
to be used in proportioning SCC. The emphasis of these
methods is on the properties of fresh concrete and how to get
a mixture that possesses the character of being self-
consolidating, not on concrete strength, as is the case in the
design of CC mixtures.
In Table 1, 14 methods for proportioning SCC were
reviewed.3-16 All of these methods, except one, overlooked
the compressive strength of concrete as long as it will satisfy
the structural designer requirements, no matter how high the
actual strength of the SCC mixture will be. Some of these
methods specify categories of strength; for example, the
LCPC gives material proportions for concrete mixtures with
a strength of more than 30 MPa (4350 psi). The only exception
was the method proposed by Su et al.9; they proposed the
following relationship to determine the cement content in
accordance to the compressive strength
W C = 7.5f c′
3
(W C in kg/m and f c′ in MPa) (1)
Su et al.9 put limitations on the use of this relationship,
stating that the minimum amount of cement to be used in an
SCC mixture is not to be less than 270 kg/m3 (455 lb/yd3).
This means that all SCC mixtures with a strength below
approximately 36 MPa (5220 psi) will require the same
amount of cement. This condition was enforced by Su et al.9
to ensure enough fine powder materials to obtain the self-
compacting ability of the mixture.
ACI Materials Journal, V. 107, No. 5, September-October 2010.
MS No. M-2009-229.R4 received October 27, 2009, and reviewed under Institute
publication policies. Copyright © 2010, American Concrete Institute. All rights reserved,
including the making of copies unless permission is obtained from the copyright
proprietors. Pertinent discussion including authors’ closure, if any, will be published in
the July-August 2011 ACI Materials Journal if the discussion is received by April 1, 2011.
ACI Materials Journal/September-October 2010

Ghazi F. Kheder, is a Professor of civil engineering at the College of Engineering,
University of Mustansiriya, Baghdad, Iraq. His research interests include volume
change cracking of concrete, SCC, nondestructive testing of concrete, and the evaluation
and repair of concrete structures.
Rand S. Al Jadiri is an Assistant Lecturer at the College of Engineering. She received
her BSc and MSc in civil engineering from the University of Mustansiriya. Her
research interests include SCC and building materials.
Referring again to Table 1, it can clearly be seen that none
of the 14 methods reviewed took into consideration the
grading of fine aggregate (fineness modulus) or coarse
aggregate (maximum size) as in proportioning CC mixtures.
In addition, all these methods gave general outlines on how
to determine the quantity of concrete ingredients, and there
is no particular procedure to be followed that will yield to
specific quantities of concrete ingredients.
PROPOSED SCC MIXTURE
PROPORTIONING METHOD
From the review of previous research on SCC,3-16 it was
found that the EFNARC11 method for proportioning SCC
can be used in conjunction with the ACI 211.117 method
for proportioning CC, after certain modifications on the
latter to meet the requirements of EFNARC’s proposal. By
these means, a new method is formulated to give a clear and
straightforward procedure for the design of SCC mixtures
with specified compressive strength that fulfills the SCC
fresh properties.
EFNARC requirements11
The EFNARC method gives the following guidelines for
proportioning SCC:
• Absolute volume of coarse aggregate (VG) = 28 to 35%
by volume of the concrete mixture;

Table 1—Existing methods for proportioning SCC

Cement, Filler, Water, Fine aggregate, Coarse aggregate,
Reference Method kg/m3 kg/m3 kg/m3 or % kg/m3 or % kg/m3 or % w/c w/p Remarks
Rational
mixture by 40% of mortar 50% of solid 0.9 to 1.0 The final w/p is determined
3 Okamura and Rest of mixture volume — — to ensure
volume volume by volume
Ozawa (1995) self-consolidating ability .

Water demand of
Combination of binders was binder combination
fixed based on previous with high-range water- Solid suspension model
used to optimize binder and
4 Sedran et al. knowledge to satisfy com- — Saturation level is determined reducing admixture
(1996) and half of this amount is used determined from aggregate. Water content is
pressive strength require- previous knowledge of minimized and arbitrary
ment and material availability viscosity was chosen
material and water-
reduction effect
Domone et al.
5 450 to 600 150 to 200 710 to 900 750 to 920 — — —
(1999)

Japanese 40% of mortar 35% of concrete Water cement and filler

6 60% of mortar volume — — contents depend on
method (1999) volume volume previous experience
7 Gibbs (1999) 40% of volume of mixture 40 to 50% 700 to 800 <0.50 — —

8 LCPC (2000) 430 50 170 847 825 — — Proportions for concrete

strength >30 MPa
Wc = 7.5fc″ According to Total aggregate 59 to 68%
Su et al.
9 (2001) Wc > 270 filler properties C*(w/c) Fine aggregate 50 to 57% — — —
of total aggregate

10 BMTI (2001) 15 to 16.5% by volume 13.5 to15% 20% by 50% by volume — — —

by volume volume
Maximum, To be determined
11 EFNARC 400 to 600 Rest of mixture 28 to 35% — using slump Air = 2%
(2002) 200 kg/m3 by volume cone and V funnel

Al Eriss 400 to 500 and paste >50% by <50% by weight High-range water-reducing
12 (2002) approximately 38% of mixture volume weight of total of total aggregate — — admixture = 1 to 3%
aggregate per 100 kg cement
Balance volume
of mixture,
13 ERMCO 380 to 600 150 to 210 approximately 750 to 1000 — 0.85 to 1.10 —
(2005) 48 to 50% of by volume
total aggregate
by weight
Kasemchaisiri Fly ash:
14 and Tangterm- 384 to 448 164 to 192 158 to 172 880 to 650 875 to 815 — — —
sirikul (2006) Bottom ash:
0 to 100
Binu et al.* 250 to 583 50 to 275 — 813 to 842 746 to 772 — 0.31 to 0.34 Total powder content
(2007), Series A 400 to 600
15
Binu et al.* 133 to 556 50 to 275 — 813 to 842 746 to 772 — 0.31 to 0.34
Total powder content
(2007), Series B 400 to 600

16 ACI Committee 386 to 475 — Mortar fraction 28 to 32% 0.32 to — —

237R-07 (2007) Paste fraction 34 to 40% 68 to 72% 0.45
*
Mixture proportions (Series A and B) for various grades of SCC (30 to 70 MPa) were determined. Series A obtained by using fly ash alone as mineral admixture and Series B using
quarry dust as inert filler along with fly ash.
Note: 1 cm = 0.393 in.; 1 kg = 2.204 lb; 1 kg/m3 = 1.65 lb/yd3; 1 m = 3.28 ft; 1 mm = 0.0393 in.; 1 MPa = 145 psi.

ACI Materials Journal/September-October 2010 491

 Table 2(a)—Water requirements for CC17
Maximum aggregate size (MAS), mm
9.5 12.5 19.0
3 228 216 205
Water content, kg/m
Air content, % 3.0 2.5 2.0
Note: 1 kg/m3 = 1.68 lb/yd3; 1 mm = 0.0393 in.

Table 2(b)—Modified maximum water

Fig. 1—Proposed water quantities for different concrete
strengths and maximum aggregate sizes.
• Absolute volume of total powder (VC + V L) = 0.16 to
0.24 m3 (0.209 to 0.314 yd3);
• VW/VC + VL volumetric ratio = 0.80 to 1.10;
• 400 ≤ W C + W L ≤ 600 kg/m3 (675 ≤ W C + W L ≤
1011 lb/yd 3);
• VW ≤ 200 L/m3, that is, WW ≤ 200 kg/m3 (337 lb/yd3); and
• Sand quantity is the rest of the mixture volume.
Modification of ACI 211.117 method
Preliminary tests were carried out to determine the
modifications to be enforced on the ACI 211.117 method to
be used for proportioning SCC. The original range of strength
of the ACI method is 15 to 40 MPa (2175 to 5800 psi). This
range was expanded to cover a wider spectrum of 15 to 75 MPa
(2175 to 10,875 psi). Initially, more than 50 trial mixtures
were tested (for both fresh and hardened concrete properties)
to set the suitable limitations for the water-cement ratio (w/c)
and the mixture ingredient contents, except the high-range
water-reducing admixture dosage, which must be determined
experimentally depending on the type used in the mixture. The
modifications to the ACI 211.117 method were extracted from
the results obtained from the gradual modifications on the
proportions of the 50 preliminary SCC mixtures to obtain
the required fresh and hardened SCC properties, without
tolerating the requirements of the EFNARC11 method.
Modified water requirements for SCC
Water requirements for 75 to 100 mm (3 to 4 in.) slump of CC
with certain reduction was adopted for design purposes (crushed
aggregate) because they were the closest values to the
requirements of the EFNARC11 method. Table 2(a) gives the
original water requirements as specified by ACI 211.117 for CC.
Taking the EFNARC requirements into consideration—
maximum water content = 200 kg/m3 (337 lb/yd3)—the
ACI 211.1 17 quantities were modified (reduced) by 25 to
28 kg/m3 (14.8 to 16.6 lb/yd3), as shown in Table 2(b). The
effect of reduction in water content in the SCC mixtures will
be compensated by the compulsory use of a high-range
water-reducing admixture in the SCC mixtures.
Further correction of water quantity with
compressive strength
With the increase in compressive strength of the SCC
mixtures, the water content must be decreased to keep the
cementitious materials as low as possible; this reduction in
the mixture’s water content must be accompanied by an
increase of the high-range water-reducing admixture dosage
added to the mixture. It is also important to note that the
water content in SCC mixtures must be related to both the
requirements for SCC
Maximum aggregate size (MAS), mm
9.5 12.5 19.0
Water content, kg/m3 200 190 180
Air content, % 3.0 2.5 2.0
Note: 1 kg/m3 = 1.68 lb/yd3; 1 mm = 0.0393 in.
Table 3—w/c versus SCC compressive strength
relationship
fc′, MPa 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75
w/c 0.8 0.7 0.62 0.55 0.48 0.43 0.38 0.35 0.34 0.33 0.32 0.31 0.29
Note: 1 MPa = 145 psi.
concrete compressive strength and the maximum size of
coarse aggregate, not just the maximum size of coarse aggregate
as in CC mixtures. From Fig. 1, it can be seen that for a given
maximum aggregate size, the water quantity is assumed to
decrease linearly with the increase in SCC compressive
strength. The upper limit of water content of 200 kg/m3
(337 lb/yd3) must not be tolerated to be in line with the limita-
tions of the EFNARC method and also to put restrictions on
the maximum cement content to be used in high-strength SCC
mixtures (maximum WC ≤ 557 kg/m3 [939 lb/yd3] according
to ACI 36318). Finally, water content below 155 kg/m3
(261 lb/yd3) was found to be difficult to work with in SCC
mixtures and will require an uneconomical amount of high-
range water-reducing admixture.
Compressive strength and water-cementitious
material ratio (w/cm) relationship
The ACI 211.117 mixture design method limited the range
of design compressive strength between 15 to 40 MPa
(2175 to 5800 psi). In this work, the range of compressive
strength was wider than that of ACI 211.117; the new range
is 15 to 75 MPa (2175 to 10,875 psi). The new values for the
maximum w/c are given in Table 3.
It is important here to highlight the difference in the use of
the weight ratio of water to cementitious materials (cementitious
materials: cement and reactive powder only), and the volumetric
ratio of water to total powder (total powder: cement and any
reactive or nonreactive powder). The w/cm by weight is used
to relate the contents of water and cementitious materials to
concrete compressive strength (Fig. 1) to determine the total
quantity of the cementitious material required to obtain the
desired strength of SCC. On the other hand, the volumetric
water-to-powder ratio is used to ensure that there will be
enough fine materials in the SCC mixture to ensure its self-
compacting ability. For example, when inert powder such as
limestone is used in SCC mixtures, the w/cm will simply be
the w/c. On the other hand, if a reactive powder (for example,
silica fume) is used, then an equivalent quantity of cement to
this reactive powder must be found using the pozzolanic

492 ACI Materials Journal/September-October 2010

activity index of this powder. Therefore, in this case, the w/cm Table 4(a)—Bulk volume of coarse aggregates per
will be the ratio of the water content of the mixture divided by unit volume of CC17
the total amount of reactive materials (actual cement content FM
plus the cement content equivalent to the reactive powder).
MAS, mm 2.40 2.60 2.80 3.00
9.5 0.50 0.48 0.46 0.44
Modified volume of coarse aggregate for SCC
Table 4(a) gives the dry-rodded volume of coarse aggregate 12.5 0.59 0.57 0.55 0.53
per unit volume of concrete as specified by ACI 211.117 for 19.0 0.66 0.64 0.62 0.60
proportioning CC. Note: 1 mm = 0.0393 in.
No reduction in the quantity of coarse aggregate with a
maximum size of 9.5 mm (3/8 in.) is needed, because it’s Table 4(b)—Modified bulk volume of coarse
absolute volume is already within the range of the aggregate per unit volume of SCC
EFNARC11 method.
For maximum size coarse aggregate of 12.5 mm (1/2 in.), FM
a reduction of 10 to 11% was implemented, whereas for the MAS, mm 2.40 2.60 2.80 3.00
19.0 mm (3/4 in.) coarse aggregate, a higher reduction of 9.5 0.50 0.48 0.46 0.44
15 to 17% was needed. The new dry rodded volumes of 12.5 0.53 0.51 0.49 0.46
coarse aggregate in SCC are given in Table 4(b). This 19.0 0.56 0.54 0.52 0.50
reduction was necessary to increase the amount of fine Note: 1 mm = 0.0393 in.
ingredients in the SCC mixture to separate the larger size
coarse aggregate and provide for the required mobility. All
volumes of coarse aggregate given in Table 4(b) are within Table 5—Proposed water volume to total powder
volume for different compressive strength of
the range specified by the EFNARC11 method. SCC mixtures
fc′ , MPa VW/VC + VL
Fine powder quantity (LSP)
According to EFNARC,11 the volumetric ratio of water to 15 1.10
total powder (cement plus fine powder) is VW/VC + VL = 25 1.05
0.80 to 1.10, where 0.80 was adopted for fc′ = 75 MPa 35 1.00
(10,875 psi) and 1.10 for fc′ = 15 MPa (2175 psi). 45 0.95
The lower ratio was assigned to the high-strength concrete 55 0.90
category 75 MPa (10,875 psi), whereas the higher ratio was 65 0.85
assigned to the low-strength concrete because the high- 75 0.80
strength concrete usually contains a smaller quantity of
Note: 1 MPa = 145 psi.
water and a large amount of cement. For low-strength
concrete mixtures, the situation is reversed.
From the 50 trial mixtures investigated, a linear relationship 9. Calculate the weight of total powder content (WC + WL)
was found to be applicable for relating the VW/VC + VL ratio and total powder volume (VC + VL) and check with the
with concrete strength in the range of 15 to 75 MPa (2175 to limitations of the EFNARC11 method.
10,875 psi). Table 5 gives the proposed values for VW /VC+ VL 10. Calculate the fine aggregate content by absolute
for mixture proportioning of SCC with concrete strength level. volume method
1 m3 = Ww /1 × 1000 + Wc /3.15 × 1000 + WL/SGL × 1000
PROCEDURE FOR MIXTURE + Ws/SGS × 1000 + Wg/SGG × 1000 + a%
PROPORTIONING OF SCC
The steps to be followed for proportioning SCC according EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION OF
to the proposed method are as follows: PROPOSED METHOD
1. From Table 2(b), the maximum weight of water and air This study focuses on producing SCC with specific
content (a) in the mixture is obtained according to maximum compressive strengths using the proposed mixture design
coarse aggregate size (MAS). procedure and an inert powder (limestone powder). In many
2. Obtain the weight of water (WW) from Fig. 1. From papers or reports reviewed in the literature, the SCC
Table 3, the w/c is obtained according to the required compressive strength was divided into two categories of
compressive strength of SCC. concrete—housing or civil engineering—with characteristic
3. Calculate the cement content (WC) and calculate the strengths in the neighborhood of 30 or 60 MPa (4350 of
volume of cement (VC), where 8700 psi), respectively.11,19 As mentioned previously, most
WC = WW /w/c, Vc = WC /SGC × 1000. previous proportioning methods did not consider building
4. From Table 4(b), the dry-rodded volume of gravel (VG) mixture proportioning on a specific concrete strength. Also,
is obtained. no previous proportioning method took into consideration
5. Calculate the dry weight of gravel (WGD) by multiplying the grading of the fine and coarse aggregate used in
(VG) by the dry-rodded unit weight of gravel. producing SCC (fineness modulus of fine aggregate and
6. Calculate the saturated surface dry (SSD) weight of coarse aggregate maximum size [refer to Table 1]).
gravel: WG = WGD × ( 1 + Δ/100) The experimental program consisted of testing SCC
7. From Table 5, determine VW/WC + VL ratio for a known mixtures for both fresh and hardened concrete properties.
fc′ and maximum aggregate size, then calculate the volume The following three different variables were investigated:
of powder (VL). 1. Five nominal concrete compressive strengths of 15, 30,
8. Calculate the powder weight: WL = VL × SGL 45, 60, and 75 MPa (2175, 4350, 6525, 8700, and 10,875 psi).

ACI Materials Journal/September-October 2010 493

Table 6—Cumulative percent passing of fine TESTING OF CONCRETE
aggregate Testing of fresh SCC mixtures
FM Two tests for determining the fresh properties of SCC
Sieve, mm 2.40 2.70 3.00 were implemented: the slump flow test and L-box test.11
9.5 100% 100% 100%
These tests were chosen for their simple use on construction
sites and for their good results and representation of SCC
4.75 99% 97.8% 96.5%
fresh properties.
2.36 96% 91.1% 86.2%
The slump flow and T50 time were tests to assess the
1.18 78% 69.3% 60.3%
flowing ability and flow rate of SCC in the absence of
0.60 53% 44.4% 35.9% obstructions. The slump test can also be used to indicate
0.30 26% 21.1% 16.2% segregation resistance of SCC to an experienced user.1,11,13
0.15 9% 6.5% 4.9% From Table 8, the ranges for the slump flow and T50 for the
0.075 0% 0% 0% 30 mixtures ranged between 651 to 788 mm (25.6 to 31.0 in.)
Note: 1 mm = 0.0393 in. and 2.0 to 6.9 seconds, respectively. These values were
within the ranges specified for SCC.11,13 No segregation was
observed on any of the 30 mixtures tested.
On the other hand, the L-box test was used to assess the
2. Two MAS = 9.5 and 19.0 mm (3/8 and 3/4 in.). flowing ability and passing ability of SCC when flowing
3. Three fine aggregate grading with a fineness modulus through tight openings between reinforcing bars and other
(FM) = 2.4, 2.7, and 3.0 similar to the range specified by obstructions without segregation or blocking.11,13 Table 8
ACI 211.117 (2.4 to 3.0). also shows the results of the L-box tests on the SCC
Thirty mixtures in two groups (Group A with an MAS of mixtures. From this table, it can be seen that the L-box
9.5 mm [3/8 in.] and Group B with an MAS of 19.0 mm [3/4 in.]) results of the 30 mixtures were also within the requirements
were designed according to the proposed method; these two of the SCC.11,13 All mixtures had H1/H2 ratios in the range
groups were tested for their fresh properties as well as of 0.80 to 1.0 and T20 and T40 times between 1.2 to 4.5
compressive strength. seconds and 1.5 to 6.5 seconds, respectively.
These results prove that the proposed method gives accurate
Materials material proportioning that satisfies the SCC fresh property
Cement—Ordinary portland cement, Type I, complying requirements.
with ASTM C150 was used in this study.
Fine aggregate—Natural siliceous sand complying with Testing of hardened SCC mixtures
ASTM C33 was used. Its specific gravity and absorption SCC cylinder specimens 152 x 304 mm (6 x 12 in.) were
were 2.66 and 1.7%, respectively. cast without vibration. The molds were covered with plastic
Three fine aggregate grading with a fineness modulus of sheets for a period of 24 hours. On the second day, the molds
2.4, 2.7, and 3.0 were investigated. These grading were were stripped and the cylinders were placed in water. The
obtained by sieving the original sand to break it into its extractable cylinders were then tested according to ASTM C39 to
sizes, and then remixed in certain amounts in accordance with determine their 28-day compressive strength.
Table 6 to obtain required FM. From Table 9, it can be seen that all the designed mixtures
Coarse aggregate—Two gradings of crushed gravel— yielded 28-day compressive strengths in the neighborhood
4.75 to 9.5 mm (3/16 to 3/8 in.) and 4.75 to 19.0 mm (3/16 to of their nominal design strength, except concrete mixtures
3/4 in.)—were used. Their specific gravities and absorptions with a nominal strength of 75 MPa (10,875 psi). These
were 2.65 and 0.57%, respectively. The grading of these mixtures failed to reach the required design strength level by
aggregate were within the limits of ASTM C33 requirements. approximately 8%. This may be attributed to the intrinsic
Limestone powder (LSP)— LSP has been used as filler for properties of the cement used in this work (ordinary portland
concrete production for many years. It has been found to cement, Type I, Grade 32.5 MPa).
increase workability and early strength and reduce the To adjust this problem, a modification was introduced for
required compaction energy.20 A fine LSP of sedimentary the “fc′ versus w/c” relationship proposed in Table 3. Data
origin was used to produce SCC with a surface area of from several literature researches22-24 (Table 10) (using
3100 cm2/g. LSP was chosen because of its availability in cement from different sources and LSP as filler material) in
most construction markets and for its cheap price. According addition to the data of this work were used to construct a
to EFNARC,11 the particle size of powder must be less than more reliable relationship between concrete compressive
0.125 mm (0.005 in.) to be of most benefit. The specific strength and w/c. Figure 2 plots this data and provides a
gravity of the LSP was 2.7. modified “fc′ w/c” relationship. This relationship is given in
High-range water-reducing admixture—To produce SCC, Eq. (2) as follows
the use of a high-range water-reducing admixture is essential.
The high-range water-reducing admixture used is based on
polycarboxylic ether.21 w/c = (16/fc′ )5/6 (in MPa) (2)

DESIGN OF SCC MIXTURES
Thirty SCC mixtures were designed according to the
proposed method. These mixtures were divided into Groups A
and B, and they were tested to determine their fresh properties
and compressive strength. Table 7 gives the mixture proportions
of these 30 SCC mixtures.
Using this relationship, the first proposed w/c for different
concrete strengths will be modified. The modification
needed was found to be for SCC mixtures with compressive
strengths of 55 MPa (7975 psi) or higher; lower-strength
mixtures did not need this modification, and the first
proposed values for w/c were kept unchanged. Table 11

494 ACI Materials Journal/September-October 2010

Table 7—Mixture proportions by weight of SCC mixtures
Mixture Cement, kg/m3 LSP, kg/m3 Total powder, kg/m3 Sand, kg/m3 Gravel, kg/m3 Water, L/m3 SP,* L/m3 SP,* % w/p
* 250.0 277.0 527.0 725.0 833 200 5.30 1.0 0.38
15A2.4
30A2.4 346.0 204.0 550.0 743.0 833 190 6.60 1.2 0.35
45A2.4 474.0 105.3 579.3 758.4 833 180 8.10 1.4 0.31
60A2.4 515.2 82.00 597.2 773.1 833 170 14.9 2.5 0.29
75A2.4 535.0 64.00 599.0 814.0 833 155 18.0 3.0 0.26
15A2.7 225.0 249.0 474.0 753.0 933 180 4.70 1.0 0.38
30A2.7 318.2 189.0 507.2 747.1 933 175 6.10 1.2 0.35
45A2.7 447.4 100.0 547.4 739.0 933 170 7.70 1.4 0.31
60A2.7 500.0 80.00 580.0 727.6 933 165 14.5 2.5 0.28
75A2.7 535.0 64.00 599.0 740.4 933 155 16.8 2.8 0.26
15A3.0 250.0 277.0 527.0 774.3 784 200 5.30 1.0 0.38
30A3.0 346.0 204.0 550.0 792.0 784 190 6.60 1.2 0.35
45A3.0 474.0 105.3 579.3 807.4 784 180 8.10 1.4 0.31
60A3.0 515.2 82.00 597.2 822.1 784 170 14.9 2.5 0.29
75A3.0 535.0 64.00 599.0 863.0 784 155 18.0 3.0 0.26
15B2.4† 225.0 249.0 474.0 803.3 883 180 4.70 1.0 0.38
30B2.4 318.2 189.0 507.2 797.1 883 175 6.10 1.2 0.35
45B2.4 447.4 100.0 547.4 789.0 883 170 7.70 1.4 0.31
60B2.4 500.0 80.00 580.0 777.6 883 165 14.5 2.5 0.28
75B2.4 535.0 64.00 599.0 790.4 883 155 16.8 2.8 0.26
15B2.7 250.0 277.0 527.0 825.3 733 200 5.30 1.0 0.38
30B2.7 346.0 204.0 550.0 843.0 733 190 6.60 1.2 0.35
45B2.7 474.0 105.3 579.3 858.4 733 180 8.10 1.4 0.31
60B2.7 515.2 82.00 597.2 873.1 733 170 14.9 2.5 0.29
75B2.7 535.0 64.00 599.0 914.0 733 155 18.0 3.0 0.26
15B3.0 225.0 249.0 474.0 853.3 833 180 4.70 1.0 0.38
30B3.0 318.2 189.0 507.2 847.1 833 175 6.10 1.2 0.35
45B3.0 447.4 100.0 547.4 839.3 833 170 7.70 1.4 0.31
60B3.0 500.0 80.00 580.0 827.6 833 165 14.5 2.5 0.28
75B3.0 535.0 64.00 599.0 840.4 833 155 16.8 2.8 0.26
*Superplasticizer(high-range water-reducing admixture).
*Mixture 15A2.4 is 15 MPa SCC with 2.4 FM sand and 9.5 mm coarse aggregate.
†
Mixture 15B2.4 is 15 MPa SCC with 2.4 FM sand and 19 mm coarse aggregate.
Note: 1 cm = 0.393 in.; 1 kg = 2.204 lb; 1 kg/m3 = 1.68 lb/yd3; 1 m = 3.28 ft; 1 mm = 0.0393 in.; 1 MPa = 145 psi.

Table 8—Fresh properties of SCC mixtures

Mixture Slump flow, T50, L-box, T20, T40, Mixture Slump flow, T50, L-box, T20, T40,
symbol mm seconds H1/H2 seconds seconds symbol mm seconds H1/H2 seconds seconds
15A2.4 788 2.0 1.00 1.3 1.5 15B2.4 768 2.3 0.99 1.5 1.9
30A2.4 751 2.6 0.96 1.8 3.5 30B2.4 746 3.4 0.96 2.0 3.3
45A2.4 710 4.0 0.92 2.1 3.9 45B2.4 709 4.9 0.91 2.4 4.3
60A2.4 695 4.8 0.85 3.2 5.9 60B2.4 671 5.6 0.85 3.3 5.2
75A2.4 655 5.8 0.81 4.1 6.2 75B2.4 654 6.6 0.81 4.3 5.5
15A2.7 770 2.2 0.99 1.5 1.7 15B2.7 784 2.1 1.00 1.2 1.5
30A2.7 745 2.9 0.97 1.9 3.7 30B2.7 738 2.7 0.97 1.7 3.6
45A2.7 698 4.2 0.93 2.3 4.2 45B2.7 711 4.5 0.93 2.0 4.0
60A2.7 665 4.9 0.83 3.4 5.1 60B2.7 687 5.6 0.88 3.1 5.3
75A2.7 651 5.9 0.80 4.3 6.5 75B2.7 660 6.5 0.83 4.2 6.2
15A3.0 781 2.1 1.00 1.4 1.6 15B3.0 766 2.4 0.99 1.4 1.6
30A3.0 756 2.5 0.97 1.9 3.5 30B3.0 734 3.1 0.96 1.8 3.7
45A3.0 720 4.1 0.93 2.2 4.0 45B3.0 692 4.8 0.92 2.3 4.1
60A3.0 670 5.5 0.86 3.5 5.1 60B3.0 664 5.7 0.86 3.5 4.5
75A3.0 658 6.1 0.82 4.5 6.3 75B3.0 653 6.9 0.81 4.4 5.6
Note: 1 mm = 0.0393 in.

ACI Materials Journal/September-October 2010 495

Table 9—Compressive strength of present work
MAS = 9.5 mm MAS = 19 mm
Nominal
fc′ , MPa Mixture fc′ , MPa Mixture fc′ , MPa Mixture fc′ , MPa Mixture fc′ , MPa Mixture fc′ , MPa Mixture fc′ , MPa
15 15A2.4 13.9 15A2.7 18.9 15A3.0 16.3 15B2.4 19.2 15B2.7 15.4 15B3.0 18.4
30 30A2.4 29.1 30A2.7 32.8 30A3.0 32.5 30B2.4 32.7 30B2.7 33.3 30B3.0 32.6
45 45A2.4 48.5 45A2.7 49.8 45A3.0 46.3 45B2.4 45.2 45B2.7 44.4 45B3.0 44.6
60 60A2.4 58.2 60A2.7 58.1 60A3.0 59.7 60B2.4 57.3 60B2.7 58.3 60B3.0 59.3
75 75A2.4 63.7 75A2.7 62.5 75A3.0 64.5 75B2.4 62.3 75B2.7 61.5 75B3.0 63.5
Note: 1 mm = 0.0393 in.; 1 MPa = 145 psi.

Table 10—Compressive strength versus w/c data for SCC from previous research works
Druta22 Rahman23 Al Salami24
Mixture w/c fc′ , MPa Mixture w/c fc′ , MPa Mixture w/c fc′ , MPa
S1 0.30 65.76 * 0.80 23.4 * 0.78 21.03
S1.20 S1.20
S2 0.40 55.45 S1.40 0.53 36.5 S1.40 0.47 42.06
S3 0.45 48.46 S1.60 0.40 53.7 S1.60 0.36 51.30
S4 0.50 36.98 S1.80 0.30 72.4 S1.80 0.30 67.75
S5 0.60 29.08 S2.20† 0.80 22.4 S2.20† 0.87 19.43
— — — S2.40 0.53 40.3 S2.40 0.53 46.40
— — — S2.60 0.40 55.2 S2.60 0.36 58.47
— — — S2.80 0.30 70.2 S2.80 0.29 70.70
*
S1.20 is SCC mixture with maximum aggregate size of 9.5 mm and nominal strength of 20 MPa.
†
S2.20 is SCC mixture with maximum aggregate size of 19 mm and nominal strength of 20 MPa.
Note: 1 mm = 0.0393 in.; 1 MPa = 145 psi.

Table 11—First proposed and modified w/c for different SCC strengths
fc′ , MPa 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75
Proposed w/c* 0.8 0.7 0.62 0.55 0.48 0.43 0.38 0.35 0.34 0.33 0.32 0.31 0.29
Modified w/c 0.8 0.7 0.62 0.55 0.48 0.43 0.38 0.36 0.34 0.33 0.31 0.29 0.27
*
Table 4.
Note: 1 MPa = 145 psi.

SCC, with an emphasis on the fresh properties of SCC rather

Fig. 2—Modified fc′ versus w/c relationship for SCC adopting
present and previous research works. (Note: 1 MPa = 145 psi.)
gives the new values for the w/c versus different concrete
compressive strengths.
CONCLUSIONS
In this work, the goal was to develop a mixture proportioning
method for designing SCC mixtures with particular reference
to compressive strength and to take into consideration the
effect of the grading of fine and coarse aggregate. All previous
methods gave only general guidelines for the proportioning of
than concrete strength. From the results of the experimental
work, the following conclusions were drawn:
1. A new method for proportioning SCC was developed. This
method was built on two well-known mixture proportioning
methods: the ACI 211.117 method for proportioning CC and the
EFNARC method11 for proportioning SCC. The original ACI
211.117 method had a range of design compressive strength of
15 to 40 MPa (2175 to 5800 psi). This range was expanded to
cover the proportioning of SCC with a compressive strength
range of 15 to 75 MPa (2175 to 10,875 psi).
2. The water content of SCC mixtures was related to both
the maximum aggregate size and concrete strength. This
concept differed from that used in proportioning CC in which
the water content was related to the maximum aggregate size
and workability of the mixture. This modification was necessary
due to the use of high-range water-reducing admixture in
SCC, which will determine the final concrete flowing ability.
The maximum water contents of the mixtures were changed
(reduced) with the increase in concrete strength.
3. The maximum cement content was limited to 557 kg/m3
(935 lb/yd3) to be in line with that specified in literature for
high-strength concrete.18
4. The coarse aggregate content depended on the MAS and
fine aggregate fineness modulus. The quantity of coarse
aggregate specified by ACI 211.117 was acceptable for
coarse aggregate with an MAS of 9.5 mm (3/8 in.), whereas

496 ACI Materials Journal/September-October 2010

coarse aggregate with an MAS of 12.5 and 19.0 mm (1/2 and
3/4 in.) average reductions of 11% and 16% were introduced,
respectively. These reductions were important to make the
coarse aggregate content meet the requirements of the
EFNARC method.11 All previous mixture proportioning
methods for SCC overlooked the grading of both aggregate types.
5. The proposed method used LSP (inert) as a filler due to
its availability and economic price. The LSP quantity in the
mixture decreased with the increase in concrete strength due
to the increase in cement content in high-strength mixtures,
thus keeping the total powder quantity in the mixture within
the specified for SCC mixtures.11
6. When using a reactive powder, then a quantity of
cement equivalent to that of reactive powder must be deter-
mined using pozzolanic activity index. This quantity is
added to the actual cement content in determining the w/cm.
7. The total powder content (cement + LSP) in the mixture
increased by increasing the concrete compressive strength
but in different ranges for different maximum aggregate size.
8. SCC mixtures with an MAS = 9.5 mm (3/8 in.) had higher
total powder content (cement and limestone) compared to
mixtures with an MAS = 19.0 mm (3/4 in.), except for SCC
mixtures with a compressive strength of 75 MPa (10,875 psi).
The total powder in these mixtures was the same because it
reached the upper limits specified by EFNARC.11 The total
powder content in the SCC mixtures ranged between 527 to
599 kg/m3 (885 to 1006 lb/yd3) for mixtures with an MAS =
9.5 mm (3/8 in.) and between 474 to 599 kg/m3 (796 to 1006
lb/yd3) for mixtures with an MAS = 19.0 mm (3/4 in.).
9. Total powder content in SCC mixtures was not affected
by the fineness modulus of fine aggregate.
10. The experimental fresh properties results of the tested
SCC mixtures for slump flow were between 651 to 788 mm
(25.6 to 31.0 in.). The corresponding T50 results were between
2.0 to 6.9 seconds. The L-box (H1/H2) results were between
0.8 to 1.0, and the T20 and T40 were between 1.2 to 4.5 seconds
and 1.5 to 6.5 seconds, respectively. These ranges were within
the practical values specified by EFNARC.11
11. A first proposal relationship between concrete compres-
sive strength versus w/c was suggested to cover compressive
strength with the range of 15 to 75 MPa (2175 to 10,875 psi).
This proposal was slightly modified using data obtained from
the present work in addition to other previous research works on
SCC with compressive strengths in the range of 15 to 75 MPa
(2175 to 10,875 psi).
NOTATION
A = absorption of course aggregate
a = percentage entrapped air in concrete
fc′ = concrete cylinder compressive strength
H1, H2 = heights of concrete in horizontal part of L-box
SGC = specific gravity of cement
SGG = specific gravity of gravel
SGL = specific gravity of lime stone powder
SGS = specific gravity of sand
SSD = saturated surface dry condition
T20,T40 = flow time of 20 and 40 cm (7.8 and 15.7 in.) distances in L-box
T50 = flow time of 50 cm (19.6 in.) in slump test
VC = absolute volume of cement
VG = absolute volume of gravel
VL = absolute volume of powder
VW = absolute volume of water
WC = weight of cement in 1 m3 (35 ft3) of concrete
WG = weight of SSD coarse aggregate in 1 m3 (35 ft3) of concrete
ACI Materials Journal/September-October 2010
WGD = weight of dry coarse aggregate in 1 m3 (35 ft3) of concrete
WL = weight of powder to in 1 m3 (35 ft3) of concrete
WS = weight of sand in 1 m3 (35 ft3) of concrete
WW = weight of water in 1 m3 (35 ft3) of concrete
w/c = w/cm by weight
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