Understanding the Rheology of Concrete

Estimating, modelling, controlling and monitoring the flow of concrete is a vital part of the construction process, as the properties of concrete before it has set can have a significant impact on performance. This book provides a detailed overview of the rheological behaviour of concrete, including measurement techniques, the impact of mix design, and casting.

Part one begins with two introductory chapters dealing with the rheology and rheometry of complex fluids, followed by chapters that examine specific measurement and testing techniques for concrete. The focus of part two is the impact of mix design on the rheological behaviour of concrete, looking at additives including superplasticizers and viscosity agents. Finally, chapters in part three cover topics related to casting, such as thixotropy and formwork pressure.

With its distinguished editor and expert team of contributors, Understanding the rheology of concrete is an essential reference for researchers, materials specifiers, architects and designers in any section of the construction industry that makes use of concrete, and will also benefit graduate and undergraduate students of civil engineering, materials and construction.

Provides a detailed overview of the rheological behaviour of concrete, including measurement techniques, casting and the impact of mix designThe estimating, modelling, controlling and monitoring of concrete flow is comprehensively discussedChapters examine specific measurement and testing techniques for concrete, the impact of mix design on the rheological behaviour of concrete, particle packaging and viscosity-enhancing admixtures

Part I: Measuring the rheological behaviour of concrete 1. Introduction to the rheology of complex fluids 2. Introduction to the rheometry of complex suspensions 3. Concrete rheometers 4. From industrial testing to rheological parameters for concrete 5. The rheology of cement during setting

Part II: Mix design and the rheological behaviour of concrete 6. Particle packing and the rheology of concrete 7. Superplasticizers and the rheology of concrete 8. Viscosity-enhancing admixtures and the rheology of concrete 9. Fibre reinforcement and the rheology of concrete

Part III: Casting and the rheological behaviour of concrete 10. Modelling the flow of self-compacting concrete 11. Thixotropy: from measurement to casting of concrete 12. Understanding formwork pressure generated by fresh concrete 13. Understanding the pumping of conventional vibrated and self-compacting concrete