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Towards a prediction of superplasticized concrete rheology

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Abstract

The rheology of concrete is influenced by water content, the amount, size and size distribution of all the solid components as well as by the dispersion of the finer particles through the addition of superplasticizers. In addition, the rheological behariour over time ovolves as a result of cement hydration. Consequently the a-priori prediction of concrete rheology is a complex task.

In this article, models that have been and are being developed to achieve this task are discussed. The key role of the degree of dispersion will be underlined. A treatment of interparticle forces and a yield stress model integrating these will be presented. Such work is necessary to integrate the dispersion efficiency of superplasticizers based on their dosage and molelar, structures into existing models for predicting concrete rheology.

Résumé

La rhéologie du béton est influencée par la teneur en eau, la quantité, la taille et la distribution de taille de tous les matériaux granulaires ainsi que du degré de dispersion qui peut être obtenu par l'ajout de superplastifiant. De plus, le comportement rhéologique de ce matériau évolue dans le temps à cause de l'hydration du ciment. Il en résulte que la prédiction de la rhéologie du béton est particulièrement complexe.

Dans cet article, des modèles existant et en cours de développment dont le but est précisément d'atteindre cet objectif sont discutés L'importance du degré de dispersion sera soulignée. Un traitement des forces interparticulaires et de leur lien au seuil d'écoulement est présenté. Le but d'un tel travail est de pouvoir en fin de compte inclure l'effet du dosage et de la structure moléculaire de superplastifiants dans les modèles existants pour la prédiction de la rhéologie du béton.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Corporate Research & Analytic, Sika Technology A.G., Zurich, Switzerland

    R. J. Flatt

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Editorial Note Dr. Robert J. Flatt presented a lecture of this paper at the 2003 RILEM Annual Meeting in Madrid, as he was awarded the 2003 Robert L'Hermite Medal in recognition of his work on cement and concrete technology. The L'Hermite Award Committee for 2003 decided to recommend the prize to Dr. Flatt since he has demonstrated original approach and independence for fundamental studies of issues which are relevant to cement and concrete technology. In particular he should be noted for his contributions to the basic understanding of the mechanisms of dispersants in concretes. His scientific work added valuable insight into chemical effect dispersants and their impact on, physical characteristics of particle interactions and rheology. His studies are highly valuable from a basic point of view and are bound to have practical implication. Dr. Flatt is a RILEM Senior Member.

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Flatt, R.J. Towards a prediction of superplasticized concrete rheology. Mat. Struct. 37, 289–300 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02481674

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