What is Self-leveling Concrete? Advantage or Proprieties of SLC
What is Self-Leveling Concrete (SLC)?
Self-levelling concrete is a polymer-modified high-performance concrete that has the ability to flow, compact and provide a levelled surface when poured over an area. Self-levelling 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-levelling 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.
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 settle at the bottom.
Stability
High homogeneity is received by self-levelling concrete with its self-levelling property. The flow-ability properties of SLC is greater as compared with (SCC) self-compacting concrete. This increase in flow-ability is one reason to obtain a good finish in the final hardened SLC
Advantages of Self-Leveling Concrete (SLC)
- Ease of Application.
- Labour required less.
- Levelled 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 homogeneously taking place.
- The best option is where formwork is arranged in unusual geometry.
- Compressive strength is higher as compared to traditional concrete.
- Self-levelling concrete gives cohesive concrete that resits bleeding and segregation issues.