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PUBLICATIONS

Testing and Modeling of Fresh Concrete Rheology

Published

Author(s)

Chiara F. Ferraris, F DeLarrard

Abstract

This report presents the results of an experimental program dealing with the rheology of fresh concrete. The three main goals were: 1) Obtain rheological data on concretes produced with various mixture compositions; 2) Establish models to link mixture composition with rheological properties; 3) Develop a new simple field test that will determine rheological parameters. Approximately 80 mixtures (mortars and concretes, with and without superplasticizer) were formulated and tested using a BTHREOM rheometer, with parallel tests on the slump cone. It appears that the relationship stress and strain rate for concrete is non-linear. A description of the behavior of the material that is better than the usual linear Bingham approach is provided by the Herschel-Bulkley model. Using the data obtained, the rheological characteristics of the mixtures as a function of their composition were modeled. A physical interpretation of the results is proposed. Finally, the development of a simple job-site test for estimating yield stress and viscosity is described. The results of this test for all mixtures used in the program were analyzed. Semi-empirical models are proposed for the yield stress and for the plastic viscosity.
Citation
NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 6094
Report Number
6094
NIST Pub Series
NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)
Pub Type
NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.6094

Keywords

building technology, field test, fresh concrete, modelling, rheology, slump
Buildings and Construction and Fire

Citation

Ferraris, C. and DeLarrard, F. (1998), Testing and Modeling of Fresh Concrete Rheology, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.6094 (Accessed October 11, 2025)

Issues

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Created February 1, 1998, Updated November 10, 2018
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