Dry-state properties of limestone fillers in relation to their flow properties in suspension for an understanding of self-compacting abilities

Author(s): P. Diederich, M. Mouret, A. de Ryck, F. Ponchon
Paper category: Symposium
Book title: 3rd International RILEM Symposium on Rheology of Cement Suspensions such as Fresh Concrete
Editor(s): O.H. Wallevik, S. Kubens, S. Oesterheld
ISBN: 978-2-35158-091-2
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-092-9
Pages: 245- 253
Total Pages: 9
Language: English

Abstract: 
This paper is a part of a research program on the effect of the nature of limestone filler on the design and flow of self-compacting concrete. Based on a database of the usual physical and chemical properties of limestone fillers from several French production sites, five products were selected. Then, some methods of characterization that were original in construction materials were used, such as the flowability, rheology and tribo-electrification of powders. In parallel, the flow of filler suspensions in a liquid medium (water, water+superplasticizer, lime water, lime water+superplasticizer) was studied.
Results showed that the flowability of powders was conserved when they were suspended in water. This observation was no longer verified when a superplasticizer (polycarboxylate-type) was incorporated in the suspensions. Surprisingly, at constant volumetric solid concentration, even though the yield stress was decreased in all cases, the apparent viscosities were unchanged or slightly decreased for some fillers, indicating that the size distribution, the composition and the electrical properties of the powder could modify the basic dispersing action of the superplasticizer.

Online publication: 2009
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00