A comprehensive review on the evolution, performance, and sustainability of high-strength self-compacting concrete (HSSCC)

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive review of High-Strength Self-Compacting Concrete (HSSCC), emphasizing its evolution, material composition, rheological behavior, mechanical performance, and sustainability potential. Beginning with the development of Self-Compacting Concrete in the late 1980s, the paper traces the integration of high-strength properties through the incorporation of mineral and chemical admixtures. The role of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash, silica fume, and GGBS in enhancing durability and reducing environmental impact is analyzed in detail. Particular attention is given to hybrid fiber reinforcement systems, their synergistic effects on strength and ductility, and their implications in demanding structural conditions. Flow characteristics and rheology are discussed using both experimental findings and rheological modeling approaches. Durability factors such as resistance to thermal exposure, sulfate attack, and freeze-thaw cycles are also reviewed. Notable research gaps are identified in the areas of field-based durability validation, predictive modeling, and life-cycle assessments.