New methods development for evaluation rheological properties of self-consolidating mortars

The superior performance of Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) and Self-Consolidating Mortars (SCMOs) over conventional concrete is generally related to their ingredients. Compared with normal mortar mixtures, the segregation resistance of self-consolidating mortar are more sensitive to small variations of properties such as gradation and moisture content of aggregates, type and dosage of superplasticizer. To study flowability and segregation of SCMOs, it is critical to be able to quickly quantify rheological properties of SCMOs. In this study, to evaluate the fresh properties of self-consolidating mortars, three apparatus (mini column segregation, mini J-ring and mini Orimet tests) have been developed as a simple and fast methods for testing rheological properties of SCMOs. In addition, the limitations of mentioned methods are proposed. The test results were in agreement with the Column Segregation test (ASTM C1610-10), the J-ring test (ASTM C 1621-09), and Orimet test (EFNARC SCC-02). Furthermore, thirty mortar mixtures containing zero to 6 percent nano silica and silica fume are prepared to verify the test methods. The results show that the mixtures containing nano silica and silica fume have higher viscosity than the control mixture. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.