Stability of self-consolidating concrete containing different viscosity modifiers

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to assess the effect of different viscosity-enhancing admixture (VEA) types and concentrations on deformability and stability of self-consolidating concrete (SCC). Two polysaccharide-based VEAs, one cellulose-based VEA, and a modified-startch VEA are used in this investigation. Regardless of polymer type, results showed that the incorporation of VEA leads to reduced passing ability represented by higher difference between the slump flow and J-Ring tests. The rheological properties followed an enhancing trend with VEA additions, given the higher degree of association and entanglement of polymer chains that increase resistance to flow. For given VEA dosage of 0.035%, mixtures made with cellulose VEA showed the highest stability levels including deformability and resistance to bleeding and surface settlement. Series of predictive charts are established to predict the changes in SCC stability as a function of rheological properties.