Evaluating the flow properties of self-compacting mortars using a new optical method

The flow properties of mortars containing different amounts of superplasticizer and viscosity modifying agent are investigated using a new optical method based on the flow/ spread table method. The flow of the mortars is tracked down using a high-speed camera and the flow curves are generated using post-processing software. Our findings show that the optical method has a very high accuracy in estimating the flow behavior of cementitious materials at each point in time, while bringing also new features to the traditional method. The flow behavior of the mortars containing different amounts of superplasticizer (SP) and viscosity modifying agent (VMA) investigated with the optical method confirmed the findings of previous studies. The addition of superplasticizer improved the workability of the mortars but had the adverse effect of bleeding and segregation. The addition of the viscosity modifying agent helped against these phenomena, but care must be taken with the amount used, as the viscosity modifying agent drastically affected the flow behavior of the investigated mortars.

Metallari A., Wahab M., Bier T. A. Evaluating the flow properties of self-compacting mortars using a new optical method. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2022;(10-1):194—204. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2022_101_0_194.

Metallari A.¹ , Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Researcher, e-mail: alban.metallari@ikfvw.tu-freiberg.de;
Wahab M.¹ , Dr. Sci (Rer.nat.), Researcher, e-mail: mirco.wahab@ikfvw.tu-freiberg.de;
Bier T. A.¹ , Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, Head of Laboratory, e-mail: thomas.bier@ikfvw.tu-freiberg.de;
¹ Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, 09599, Freiberg, Germany.

Metallari A., e-mail: alban.metallari@ikfvw.tu-freiberg.de.

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