U Shape Box Apparatus
U Shape Box Apparatus
Product Code
KBL-C173
U Shape Box Apparatus
Standards
EN 12350-10
The U Shape Box Apparatus, tests the filling and passing capacity of self-compacting concrete. SCC presents various challenges as can be simulated by this apparatus. It simulates complex construction projects where SCC passes along narrow spaces filled with reinforcement bars. Through the U Shape Box, the engineers could determine how well SCC would pass through without any segregation or blockage while making sure that the concrete achieved uniformity and strength.
This U Shape Box is an important device both in construction materials testing and in laboratory where accuracy and reproducibility are of essence. The usage of this equipment often occurs together with other tests, such as slump flow to realize complete workability of SCC
How the U Shape Box Apparatus Works
The U Shape Box Apparatus was designed to test the fill-ability of SCC under conditions that the SCC will really encounter during construction. The apparatus was a vessel with two tanks divided in the middle vertically and possessing a sliding gate. These two tank simulations were likely to replicate a tight space that concrete had to pass over while flowing around reinforcements.
Approximately 20 L of concrete is poured in the first compartment to do the test. After pouring, the gate is then lifted to let the concrete flow into the second compartment. The test is done with the purpose of testing the flow of the concrete through the space without external vibration. This is important for construction projects involving densely packed reinforcement. The concrete height difference in both compartments is measured and the difference, such that H1-H2, is the filling height that supplies an idea of SCC flowability.
If the height difference of the filling is a small number, then the concrete is said to have free flow. In the term, the requirement is that the concrete should pass through spaces with a very small dimension without losing consistency. This test is done in laboratories to check whether a given SCC mix meets the set standards of the project and is within the regulations of the particular industry as stated by EN 12350-10 standards
Use of U Shape Box Apparatus
It is basically used in construction material testing for laboratory environments to evaluate the SCC filling and passing ability. It is very crucial when concrete must be flown through congested spaces with limited width or areas with a lot of reinforcement, including heavily reinforced buildings and bridges and complex infrastructure.
The U Shape Box will help engineers and project managers determine whether a SCC mix can flow through tight gaps without segregation during construction material testing. This is particularly useful for projects where consolidation needs to occur properly without external vibration, such as underwater or high-rise construction. The engineers can determine feasibility of different concrete mixes that will work the best by using the U Shape Box in order to then tailor formulations to optimize performance.
In laboratory testing, the apparatus is employed to carry out controlled tests where SCC is evaluated for conformity with the requirements of the industry, among them being that of EN 12350-10. This therefore provides a reliable method of evaluating the workability and homogeneity of SCC, since this will play a critical role in ensuring structural integrity and long-term durability in diverse construction projects