ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 is essentially a precursor to the discussions in the remaining chapters, explaining basic origins of self-consolidating/self-compacting concretes (SCCs), the definitions as perceived, and finally to bring into focus the fact that self-compacting or self-consolidating concretes also have their own classification in terms of consistency. In brief, this chapter offers a chronological review of the various changes that have taken place due to the introduction of superplasticizers first and the advent of silica fume, a high-end pozzolanic admixture, together facilitating the production of high-strength concretes. The need to understand the relations between filling, passing, and segregation resistance in obtaining SCCs of the three different grades generally accepted is also discussed. The advantages of utilizing low-end pozzolanic admixtures like fly ash and GGBS in preference to the oft-explained simple need for additional powder are also introduced. In fact not recognizing the different grades or classes makes it difficult to compare the different research findings appropriately, though the individual research efforts have richly contributed to a significant understanding of the various facets of these concretes. Finally, the potential and limitations of the material in terms of some of the mechanical characteristics like shear and bond are explained, presenting the need for further research in some of these areas.
