QPA: Demand increasing for self-compacting concrete

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Tuesday, 05, Aug 2008 12:00

The British Ready Mixed Concrete Association (BRMCA), the principal trade body for the industry, has identified increasing demand in the market place for Self Compacting Concrete, or SCC, following research across the sector. The research reveals that contractors and clients alike are increasingly recognising SCC’s potential on-site. BRMCA predictions suggest that the upward trend is likely to continue.

The research* has indicated a number of positive market trends:

• SCC Enquiries - 10% Growth year on year

• Growth in volume terms – from near zero in 2000, to a projected in 400,000m³ 2008

• Although current market share against standard concretes remains low, based on recent trends the further growth potential for SCC is massive for Concrete Frame Applications

Contractors across the sector are highlighting that SCC’s long-term benefits can far outweigh initial production and supply costs. As a relatively new concrete product that includes a “superplasticiser” and a stabiliser, SCC has benefits from increased ease and rate of flow. And, by its very nature, SCC achieves compaction without the need for additional vibration.

It means that SCC reduces health and safety risks by simplifying the application process. This is a fact not lost on the HSE, which has recognised the significant health benefits of utilising SCC. The body has also produced an ‘SCC HSE Good Practice Guide’ on the increasingly popular product.**

As well as safety benefits, thanks to its increased workability and flow rates, SCC can even speed up construction time – a boon for contractors. And for construction project neighbours? The whole process is a lot quieter.

Martin Hardwick, newly-appointed Director of the BRMCA, has welcomed the positive market trends for SCC: “During the last decade, concrete technology has made an enormous advance through the introduction of self-compacting concrete. This application of nanotechnology in construction provides benefits time, safety and finish quality benefits, and the sales trends look set to continue in a positive direction. SCC really does look to be a way forward for both in situ and precast concrete and we expect it to continue to grow as a popular choice for engineers and architects.”

ENDS

Editorial Notes

Product photos available on request – contact Tim Parry on 020 7963 8014.

*Market data from the European Ready Mixed Concrete Association (ERMCO) statistics and survey-specific information gathered through BRMCA’s own research.

** HSE has recognised the significant Health benefits of utilising SCC and produced an ‘SCC HSE Good Practice Guide’ covering the ‘Control and management of noise risks in concrete and cement products”. The document is available through: www.hse.gov.uk/noise

Visit the BRMCA web site for more information and advice on Concrete Projects at www.brmca.org.uk or contact The Concrete Centre Helpline on 0845 812 000.

Press enquiries to Tim Parry at the QPA on 0207 9638000 or e-mail parry@qpa.org, www.qpa.org

Product Notes

SCC is a generic term for mix designs that differ from traditional concretes at the molecular interface between the cement compounds and the admixture polymers.

The fluidity of SCC ensures a high level of workability and durability whilst the rapid rate of placement provides an enhanced surface finish.

SCC's high overnight strength gains allow rapid striking of forms and early loading of cast elements. High ultimate strengths in excess of 60N/mm2 are achievable now, and it is anticipated that, with further development, strengths of 100N/mm2 and greater will be available.

BRMCA

BRMCA is a constituent body of the QPA, the principal trade association representing the UK aggregates industry. Our members produce over 90% of aggregates extracted - sand and gravel and crushed rock - as well as silica sand, recycled aggregates, agricultural and industrial lime, asphalt, mortar, and, of course, ready-mixed concrete.