Development of self-compacting concrete using Bailey aggregate grading technique in comparison with Indian standard code of practice

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to present the results of an experimental evaluation of low (M30), mid (M40) and high (M50) grade self-compacting concrete (SCC) with three nominal maximum aggregate sizes (NMAS), namely, 20 mm, 16 mm and 12.5 mm, with Bailey gradation (BG) in comparison with Indian standard gradation (ISG).

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted in a laboratory by testing the characteristics of fresh and hardened properties of self-compacting concrete.

Findings

Rheological and mechanical properties of SCC were evaluated in detail and according to the results, a concrete sample containing lower NMAS with BG demonstrated improvement in modulus of elasticity and compressive strength, while improving the rheological properties as well. Meanwhile, SCC demonstrated poor performance in split tensile and flexural strengths with lower NMAS gradations and a direct correlation was evident as the increase in NMAS caused an increase in the strength and vice-versa.

Originality/value

Upon comparison of BG with ISG, it was revealed that BG mixes succeeded to demonstrate superior performance. From the material optimization, rheological and mechanical performance study, it is recommended that BG with NMAS 16 mm can be used for conventional SCC.

Citation

Tantri, A., Nayak, G., Shenoy, A. and Shetty, K.K. (2022), "Development of self-compacting concrete using Bailey aggregate grading technique in comparison with Indian standard code of practice", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 20 No. 6, pp. 1664-1697. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-02-2021-0095