Packing and Aggregate/Fibre –void Saturation to Proportion Self Compacting Fibre Reinforced Concrete

Required quality and volume fraction of lubricating cement paste, Vp, or matrix, Vm, (pozzolan- and filler modified paste) is affected by fibre. Thus, sustainability is affected since consumption of binder materials affects sustainability. Packing (C) (or void content (1-C)) of fibre-aggregate particle mixes was therefore measured, analyzed and calculated from relations between angular particle shape and particle void fraction (1-C). A modified compressible packing model was applied and the compaction factor determined. The relation aggregate-void saturation ratio (Vp/(1-C), Vm/(1-C) vs rheology of fresh self compacting fibre concrete mixes was investigated showing that increased aggregate/fibre – void saturation ratio relates to increased slump-flow and reduced plastic viscosity. Also reduced slump-flow time and yield related to void saturation. Thus a relation between the basic proportioning parameters particle packing, volume fraction of lubricating matrix phase and the rheology of fresh concrete was indicated when proportioning with the particle-matrix approach at relatively high packing fractions.