Time-dependent rheological characteristics of self-consolidating concrete containing various mineral admixtures

Abstract

The study herein was intended to evaluate the influence of elapsing time on rheological properties and thixotropy of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) mixtures containing various mineral admixtures. For this purpose, variation of T50 flow time, torque plastic viscosity, apparent yield stress and thixotropy were investigated as a function of time in a standstill condition. Various amounts of silica fume (SF), metakaolin (MK), Class F fly ash (FAF), Class C fly ash (FAC) and granulated blast-furnace slag (BFS) were utilized in binary, ternary and quaternary cementitious blends in 17 different SCC mixtures having a constant slump flow value. The results showed that SCC mixtures containing various mineral admixtures were highly stable or moderately stable (VSI between 0 and 1) at 0 min according to ASTM C 1611. However, mixtures containing FAC, FAF and BFS exhibited some bleeding and segregation at 50 min. In a standstill condition, apparent yield stress and thixotropy increased significantly with time while torque plastic viscosity values changed only in a limited range. In addition, with elapsing time, MK and FAC were found to have more influence on torque plastic viscosity and yield stress values in comparison with the other admixtures. However, increase in the yield values were more pronounced in comparison with the torque plastic viscosity values. Increase in thixotropy with time for the SF and MK blended mixtures were higher when compared to the control mixtures and mixtures containing the other mineral admixtures.