Assessment of Alternative Segregation Test Methods for Self-Consolidating Heavyweight Concrete

AbstractThis investigation is focused on the use of alternative segregation test methods on high-performance self-consolidating heavyweight concrete. Many segregation test methods have been developed by researchers up to now; however, the disadvantages of these methods, such as being time-consuming, the requirement of excessive labor, and the lack of precision, cannot ensure their worldwide prevalence. In the study, the segregation limitations stated in various test methods, that is, the column test, density variation method, and 3-compartment sieve test, were evaluated on self-consolidating heavyweight concrete produced with barite aggregate. For this purpose, in total, eight self-consolidating heavyweight concrete mixtures designed in two water/binder ratios were prepared by replacing viscosity modifier, silica fume, and fly ash with ordinary Portland cement in different amounts. The mixtures were constituted in satisfactory segregation grades, allowing researchers to evaluate the relationship between those methods. The segregation coefficient limits of the column test, density variation method, and 3-compartment sieve test are recommended as 7%, 1%, and 6.3% for the self-consolidating heavyweight concrete mixtures tested in the study.