Rheology as a versatile tool in concrete technology: a mini-review

The rheological characteristics of concrete offer insights into characterizing the flowability and finishability, predicting the placement and casting, as well as exerting significant influence on the mechanical properties and durability. This paper presents a brief overview on the applications of rheological properties in cement and concrete science and technology. The methods for designing and optimizing concrete mixtures based on the rheology of cement paste and/or concrete are summarized. The evaluations of structural evolutions of cementitious paste after the contact of water with cementitious particles, and the determination of setting time utilizing rheological properties, are discussed. The applications of rheological properties in transporting, pumping, placement, and casting processes are also illustrated based on the relationships between rheological parameters (i.e., yield stress, plastic viscosity, and degree of thixotropy) and concrete properties such as stability, pumpability, formwork pressure and mechanical strength between multi-layers. Additionally, the correlations between rheological properties and 3D printing parameters are also briefly highlighted. © 2024 by the authors. Published by ELSP.