Increasing market share for self-compacting concrete

Aug, 06 2008

(UK)  --  THE British Ready Mixed Concrete Association (BRMCA), the principal trade body for the ready-mixed concrete industry, has identified increasing demand in the marketplace for self-compacting concrete (SCC), following research across the sector.

The research reveals that contractors and clients alike are increasingly recognizing SCC's potential on site, and BRMCA predictions suggest that this upward trend is likely to continue.

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 the product ensures a high level of workability and durability, while the rapid rate of placement provides and enhanced surface finish.

High ultimate strengths in excess of 60N/mm sq are already achievable and further development is expected to lead to strengths in excess of 100N/mm sq.

The BRMCA's research has indicated a number of positive market trends, including:

• A 10% year on year growth in SCC enquiries.

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

• Although current market share against standard concretes remains low, based on recent trends the further growth potential for SCC is said to be massive for concrete frame applications.

According to the BRMCA, contractors across the sector have realized 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 benefits from increased ease and rate of flow, and achieves compaction without the need for additional vibration.

This in turn means that SCC significantly reduces health and safety risks by simplifying the application process, a fact already recognized by the HSE, which has produced an 'SCC HSE Good Practice Guide' for the product.

Martin Hardwick, newly-appointed director of the BRMCA, has welcomed the positive market trends for SCC. He said: '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 in terms of time, safety and finish quality, 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.'