European Guidelines for Specifying Self-Compacting Concrete
August 18, 2005

The Cement Admixture Association (CAA), the UK trade association that represents companies responsible for more than 80% of United Kingdoms admixture manufacturing output, has just placed The European Guidelines for Self-Compacting Concrete Specification, Production and Use as a free download on the publications page of its web site, which can be found on www.admixtures.org.uk

The Guidelines are aimed at Specifiers, contractors and engineers who wish to benefit from the advanced properties offered by Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC). The Guidelines were produced by a European Project Group with over 50 experts from 13 countries and involved the ready mix and precast concrete industries, cement and admixture producers, contractors and equipment suppliers.

Annex A of the Guidelines is a specification clause; drafted in EN format and designed to compliment EN 206-1 (BS EN 8500). The associated test methods can be found in Annex B. Information for concrete purchasers on how to use the specification is given in Chapter 6 of the Guidelines.

Chapters 1, 2, and 3 cover introduction, scope and reference standards, while chapter 4 gives terms and definitions used for describing SCC and chapter 5 covers engineering properties.

Chapters 7 to 9 are mainly for the producer, covering constituents, mix composition production and supply by ready-mix or on site. Chapters 10 and 11 are for the contractor and give advice on site requirements, preparation, acceptance, placing and finishing. Chapter 13 and Annex C are specific to surface appearance and finish which can be a feature of SCC if the appropriate care is taken. Chapter 12 gives specific advice for the use of SCC for precast concrete products.

It is hoped that the specification clauses and site information for the specifier, contractor and engineer will help to increase confidence in the use of SCC. The specification and test method annexes are being offered to CEN for possible adoption as European standards. This should help to stop the proliferation of National specifications and standards that are currently appearing across Europe.

To access these guidelines and the other information provided by the Cement Admixture Association, go to www.admixtures.org.uk Alternatively contact the CAA secretary John Dransfield via the web site or by telephone/fax on 01564 776362.

Archive News