Static Segregation Column for Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC)

Static Segregation Column for Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC)

Static Segregation Column for Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) measures the resistance of fresh SCC mixes to static segregation of normal-weight coarse aggregate. The test is used to measure the coarse aggregate content in different portions of the cylindrical specimen to assess segregation of self consolidating concrete. With these free-flowing mixes, coarse aggregate segregation can reduce flowability and block the passing ability during placement in vertical columns and wall sections. Voids and flaws form if concrete cannot flow properly around reinforcement and into restricted formwork.

A three-section column is filled with concrete and allowed to rest for 15 minutes. The column has three column sections, a stable base and two sliding separator blades for easy disassembly and sample collection. Concrete from the top and bottom sections is recovered and washed over a 4.75mm (No. 4) sieve to recover the coarse aggregate fractions. Concrete from the middle section is discarded. The three column sections allow for separation of the top, middle and bottom portions of the concrete sample. The mass of the coarse aggregate for the two sample sections is compared to determine the percent static segregation.

The unique design of the Static Segregation Column allows one-person operation with no loss of sample material. Once the full-height main column is filled with concrete and struck off, the top tier is pushed aside horizontally to deposit the top sample into the collection vessel.

After the collection vessel is retrieved, the middle tier is moved over the waste vessel to discard the middle section of the concrete sample. The bottom sample remains in the lower tier of the column, ready for retrieval and testing.

The frame and moving parts of the Static Segregation Column are made of 1in (25mm) thick high-density polyethylene plastic and the column is made of schedule 40 PVC for fast and easy cleanup and corrosion-free durability.

This is especially important for deep section applications such as walls and columns where static segregation can affect structural integrity and assessing the pass ability of self-consolidating concrete is critical. This test is not applicable to self consolidating concrete mixtures containing lightweight aggregate as the ASTM C1610 test method for static segregation of self consolidating concrete excludes such mixtures.

The procedure involves measuring the aggregate content in the top and bottom portions of the cylindrical specimen to determine segregation. The apparatus uses two sliding separator blades to facilitate separation of the column sections and sample retrieval.

Features: Fast test

• One person

• Easy to clean

Complies with:

• ASTM C1610

Size 26 x 13 x 35.25in (660 x 330 x 895mm)