The use of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) in the precast industry has increased significantly from its introduction in the market, in the mid 1990s’. It is estimated that, in Europe, more than 50% of the concrete used for structural precast elements is SCC. However, the situation is quite different in the ready-mixed concrete industry where less than 1% of the concrete produced is SCC. The reasons of such scenario are mostly related to the higher cost of the material, which, very often, is supplied with excessive mechanical performance due to the higher cementiticious paste content necessary to achieve self-compactability requirements. It has been demonstrated that the introduction of the Smart Dynamic Concrete (SDC) concept, associated to the production of SCC with low fine contents by making use of an innovative viscosity modifying admixture (VMA), can allow the ready-mix concrete industry to increase the energy efficiency, achieve a higher concrete durability and accomplish more rational and economical construction processes, reducing CO2 emissions, and also increasing productivity. This work presents and discusses the optimization of normal strength SCC mixes (25-35 MPa) with low content of fines through the application of the SDC concept, and corresponding field test results from experiences in different ready-mix and precast concrete plants. The analysis also includes the evaluation of the material robustness.
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