**4.4 Esthetic characteristics**

Production of esthetically pleasing SCFRC mixtures was a major objective of this study. For each SCFRC batch, several samples were cast to evaluate the esthetic characteristics of SCFRC. **Figure 5** shows a desired surface appearance of the SCFRC samples made from the selected batches. Overall, the color variation from a specimen to another was negligible. The specimens were easily removed from the molds, but the quality of the artworks in terms of sharpness and details varied significantly among the concrete batches.

As can be seen in the SCFRC specimen from batch 5 (**Figure 5a**), the artwork was clear but some minor surface voids were present. The quality of the artwork was significantly improved after several trials. Slight air voids on the surface of concrete from batch 7 were observed (**Figure 5b**). Excellent results were obtained for the concrete shapes made from the SCFRC mixtures in batch 9. As shown in **Figure 5c**, the artwork had almost no surface voids and a smooth finish. **Figure 5d**

**97**

*Towards Innovative and Sustainable Construction of Architectural Structures by Employing…*

exhibited the esthetic results of the specimen from batch 14. The specimen looked

Several mix designs of self-consolidating fiber-reinforced concrete (SCFRC) were experimentally examined. Properties of SCFRC mixtures made from micro silica, fly ash, and PP fibers were evaluated. The trial-and-adjustment method was employed to seek finding favorable performances of the SCFRC mixtures. The fresh concrete properties, including filling ability and air content, were evaluated. In addition, both the hardened concrete properties and esthetic characteristics of the mixture designs were examined. The trial-and-adjustment process produced SCFRC mixtures with desired material properties and esthetic appearance. The seven-day compressive strength of SCFRC ranged from 36.31 MPa and 51.48 MPa, and the average air content was approximately 4.5 percent. The developed mixture designs in this study were proven to be advantageous for potential SCFRC applications in architectural structures including building façades and esthetically-pleasing bridges. Future work will focus on building a comprehensive database for desired SCFRC

mixtures taking into account additional variables including fiber type (natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or the combination thereof) and chemical admixtures (e.g., plasticizers and superplasticizers). Such a study could assist with mass application

The authors would like to acknowledge the support provided by all the members of the Concrete Materials Laboratory at Marshall University. Special acknowledgement is due to Dr. Tu Nguyen for his earlier contribution to drafting text that

The authors hereby declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the

flaw free with a smooth finish and virtually no surface voids.

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.95091*

**5. Conclusions and future works**

of SCFRC in sustainable architectural structures.

summarizes the research records compiled by the research team.

research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials

SCFRC Self-consolidating fiber-reinforced concrete

C-SCC Colored self-consolidating concrete

HRWR High-range water-reducing admixture

ACI American Concrete Institute AEA Air-entraining admixture

FRC Fiber-reinforced concrete GBFS Granulated blast furnace slag

SCC Self-consolidating concrete

VSI Visual stability index

VMA Viscosity-modifying admixture

PP Polypropylene

**Acknowledgements**

**Conflict of interest**

**Abbreviations**

**Figure 5.**

*Smooth finish appearance of SCFRC samples made from different batches: (a) batch 5, (b) batch 7, (c) batch 9, (d) batch 14.*

*Towards Innovative and Sustainable Construction of Architectural Structures by Employing… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.95091*

exhibited the esthetic results of the specimen from batch 14. The specimen looked flaw free with a smooth finish and virtually no surface voids.
