Optimization of flowable concrete for structural design

Abstract

With the tendency to apply concrete with a higher workability and the use of new concrete components more options are available to design concrete. New concrete types like self-compacting concrete (SCC), ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) and high performance fibre reinforced cementitious composite (HPFRCC) also require adopted mix designs and in case, a new engineering approach. Flowable concrete not only is an innovative material, but its application can lead to innovative structures, combinations of building materials and alternative and efficient production methods. fib Task Group 8.8 aims at facilitating the use of innovative flowable materials for the design of concrete structures and considers three aspects of flowable concrete for structural design: material properties, production effects and structural boundary conditions. The main objectives of this group of experts are to combine research findings with practical experience and to write a state of-the-art report and a recommendation on the structural design with flowable concrete. Areas of structural design where flowable concrete differs from traditional vibrated concrete have to be identified. This paper reports about the progress of fib TG 8.8 and discusses important aspects related to flowable concrete.