Report Likens Self-Consolidating Grout Production, Testing To Scc Protocol

National Concrete Masonry Association Research and Development Laboratory testing supports recommendations of a new report suggesting that the mix design

National Concrete Masonry Association Research and Development Laboratory testing supports recommendations of a new report suggesting that the mix design philosophy of self consolidating concrete (SCC) is applicable to coarse self-consolidating grout (SCG). Trial mix designs were also performed on fine SCG where there are no direct guidelines or experience in SCC using only concrete sand and no coarse aggregate. Research cited in Self-Consolidating Grout Investigation: Making and Testing Prototype SCG Mix Designs, Report of Phase II Research shows that coarse-SCG production guidelines are also directly applicable to fine SCG.

NCMA staff contend that commercial SCG availability will make concrete masonry more economical and increase construction speed by allowing grout placement in a single lift without having to consolidate in the current code-required maximum lift height of 5 ft. Provisions for SCG have been proposed for 2008 MSJC inclusion based on this research. Additional information on the research can be obtained from NCMA’s Dennis Graber, [email protected]; copies of the report can be downloaded by accessing www.ncma.org/research/reports/MR31.pdf.