Concrete truck mixer as a rheometer – computational analysis using openFOAM

Author(s): Jon E. Wallevik and Olafur H. Wallevik
Paper category: Proceedings of the International RILEM Conference Materials, Systems and Structures in Civil Engineering 2016 Segment on Fresh Concrete
Editor(s): Lars N. Thrane, Claus Pade, Oldrich Svec and Nicolas Roussel
ISBN: 978-2-35158-184-1
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-185-8
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2016
Pages: 196-205
Total Pages: 10
Language : English

Abstract: In this work, the relationship between the drum power requirement of a concrete truck mixer and the rheological properties of fresh concrete is analyzed by CFD. The software used is the OpenFOAM 2.3.1 and the drum under consideration is the KARRENA 9/5. The power is calculated in kilowatts [kW] and can be related to the hydraulic pressure to turn the drum (i.e. slump meter). The current work is done to investigate the feasibility in using the truck mixer as a rheological device. The results presented here give that a value that correlates to the yield stress can be obtained, but the same does not apply for the plastic viscosity.

Online publication : 2016
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00