Report rep024 : Workability and Rheology of Fresh Concrete: Compendium of Tests - Report of RILEM TC 145-WSM

This report covers test methods and apparatus for assessment of workability of fresh concrete. The focus is firmly on practical methods enabling a rapid and cost-effective assessment on a site or during production. However, tests which are suitable for laboratory use, namely for development of mix designs with specific requirements for workability, are also included. Some of the tests described are also capable of measuring rheological characteristics of the fresh mixes, however any tests on pastes are outside the scope of this document.
This report is concerned with the whole range of concretes, from traditional / ordinary concrete, which had to be compacted by vibration, to 'ordinary' self-compacting concrete, which can be designed to achieve practically any performance specification for its hardened state, to 'special', 'high-performance' concretes. The RILEM TC 145-WSM defined special concrete as any concrete which had its composition substantially modified when compared to an 'ordinary concrete'.
There are many reasons for the modifications. These include outstanding parameters when in hardened state (very high compressive strength, toughness, durability, low-density etc.), when fresh (self-compacting, non-dispersing underwater, super-fluid etc.) and when used in special construction processes (spraying, extrusion etc.). It was appreciated that a precise definition was impossible and that there was going to be a degree of overlap.
In addition to 'ordinary / traditional' concrete, the following concretes were considered:
High strength concrete (HSC/HPC/RPC); Fibre reinforced concrete (FRC/GRC, SFRC etc.); Self-compacting and other highly workable flowing concretes; Non-dispersive underwater concrete; Lightweight aggregate concrete; Cementitious concrete repair mixes; Sprayed concrete/shotcrete/gunite; Very dry concrete; Foamed concrete; Concretes containing special cements; Roller compacted concrete

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