Role of Rheology in Achieving Successful Concrete Performance

Published

June 1, 2017

Author(s)

Chiara F. Ferraris

Abstract

Workability is one of the most important properties of concrete as it determines how easily the material can be placed. Workability affects many aspects of a concrete construction, including productivity (e.g. casting rate), processing (e.g. finishing), fresh state properties and hardened state performance of the concrete. For example, the structural properties of concrete will depend highly on how well the material is consolidated, while the aesthetics will depend on the quality of finishing. Workability is often measured using empirical tests, such as slump, slump flow, V-funnel, and J-ring. But it is rheology - the science of flow - that lays the foundation to understanding, controlling and predicting concrete workability. This paper provides a basic introduction to rheology. It will provide examples of how the basic fundamental principles of rheology can be applied to concrete technology to achieve suitable concrete performance as it pertains to segregation susceptibility, pumpability, surface finishability and formwork pressure. It will also provide a summary of test methods and equipment typically used to measure rheological properties.(use the following external link provided by the publisher to access the paper https://www.concrete.org/publications/internationalconcreteabstractspor… )

Citation

Concrete International

Volume

39

Issue

6

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

Bingham, formwork pressure, pumpability, rheology, segregation, surface finish, viscosity, workability, yield stress

Citation

Ferraris, C. (2017), Role of Rheology in Achieving Successful Concrete Performance, Concrete International (Accessed May 1, 2024)