A simple test method to assess slump flow and stability of self-compacting concrete

Establishment of test methods to assess the fresh properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) are required to ensure the homogeneity in fresh and hardened states. This paper discusses the suitability of a simple test method for assessing the slump flow and stability of SCC by testing on self-compacting mortar (SCM) fraction. The proposed test method aims at investigating slump flow diameter test and sieve stability test of SCC by testing SCM fraction with a plunger penetration apparatus. A central composite modeling design was performed to evaluate the effects of water/cement ratio (W/C), superplasticizer dosage (SP) and powder marble content (MP) on slump flow diameter, stability and plunger penetration test of fresh SCC. The responses of the derived statistical models are slump flow (Sf), sieve stability (S) and plunger penetration (P). Relationships obtained in this study show acceptable correlations between plunger penetration test value and slump flow diameter test results and stability. It should note that the developed relationships are very useful to predict slump flow diameter and stability of studied SCC mixtures by carrying out a simple plunger penetration test on its mortar, which can save labour and time in laboratory experiments.