Civil Engineering Engineering

Self-Leveling Concrete

SLC

Self-leveling concrete is a polymer-modified high-performance concrete that has the ability to flow, compact, and provide a leveled surface when poured over an area. Self-leveling concrete does not require vibration as required for normal concrete

Properties of Self-Leveling Concrete (SLC)

  • Low Plastic Viscosity.
  • High Flow-ability.
  • Low segregation.
  • Low Bleeding.
  •  Stability.

Low Plastic Viscosity

The low plastic property of SLC increases the flow ability properties which imparts the self-leveling property. The balance and proportion of the above-mentioned properties in mix design help to design the desired SLC concrete.

High Flow-ability

Providing low viscosity of the concrete mix can result in stability issues. This can result in high segregation and bleeding problems. This low viscosity or high flow-ability is introduced by the addition of super plasticizes or polymer agents that maintain stability without affecting the flow-ability characteristics.

Stability

High-homogeneity is received by self-leveling concrete with its self-leveling property. The flow-ability properties of SLC are greater as compared with (SCC) self-compacting concrete. This increase in flow-ability is one reason to obtain good finish in final hardened SLC

Low segregation / Low Bleeding

The viscosity agents added prevents the settling down of aggregates that cause segregation and keep the cohesiveness of the mix within the bond which in turn helps in avoiding bleeding. Maintain the viscosity throughout the layer without letting the aggregates to settle at the bottom.

Advantages of Self-Leveling Concrete (SLC)

  • Ease of Application.
  • Labor required less.
  • Leveled and smooth surface.
  • Water Resistant surface.
  • SLC concrete gives a flat and smooth surface.
  • The best choice of heavily reinforced concrete construction.
  • The hardening of concrete is taking place in a homogeneous way.
  • The best option where form-work is arranged in unusual geometry.
  • Compressive strength is higher as compared to traditional concrete.
  • Self-leveling concrete gives cohesive concrete that resits bleeding and segregation issues.

See Also
Method Statement of Block Work
Epoxy Method Statement
Types of Deep Foundation