ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the various test methodologies proposed for evaluating the different consistency characteristics of self-consolidating concretes. In the first place the fundamentals of characterization and also the need for such standardization was discussed. A critical appraisal of each of the test methods and their effectiveness in depicting the characteristics of self-consolidating concretes was also looked into. In particular, the variations in the types of J-rings used by different standards was discussed along with the need for recognizing the effect of the maximum aggregate size and the spacing of bars in the J-ring test. It was also recognized that a complete characterization of the behavior of self-consolidating compositions cannot be achieved through a single test, and the need for complementary tests to have a reasonable handle on the characteristics was presented. The different national guidelines for the assessment of self-consolidating compositions for the various consistency requirements were explained. It was recognized that the consistency requirements are primarily dependent upon the type of member and its intricacies like the depth, thickness, and reinforcement cage. Naturally each of the test methods like slump flow, V-funnel, and L-box will only ascertain only a set of characteristics and an overview of such combinations available in the literature was compiled and presented.
