ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The use of Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) has expanded rapidly over the past decade as a result of its many advantages over traditional concrete. The improved filling and passing ability, high quality finish and ease of placement often offset the increased initial cost of SCC. Past research on SCC has often recommended the use of rounded aggregate, such as river gravel, to improve flow characteristics. In many communities such aggregates are not available. In Hawaii, all concrete coarse aggregates, and much of the fine aggregates, are derived from crushing basalt rock. This can result in angular particles with poor aspect ratios. In addition, the high water absorption of the porous basalt aggregate can result in mix stability issues. In an effort to develop SCC mixtures for use in drilled shafts, a research study was initiated at the University of Hawaii. This paper provides an overview of this effort and highlights some of the difficulties encountered when using crushed basalt as the primary source of both coarse and fine aggregates.
