Development of Rheology in the Area of High-Performance Concrete – A Review

The rheological or flow quality high-performance concrete (HPC) are significant as they affect several parameters, including ease of placing, compatibility, durability and strength. For the selection of component materials and prediction of the fresh and hardened characteristics of HPC, an adequate understanding of rheology is required. This literature review gives a gist of the works done in the field of rheological study of HPC. The flow models and equations to explain the flow behaviour of HPC mixes as proposed by the researchers are presented. Yield stress and plastic viscosity are the basic rheological parameters that are used in these equations. Various rheometers developed to measure and estimate these rheological parameters of HPC are also presented in this paper. This review provides a thorough analysis of the effects of various constituent materials on the rheological properties of HPC. This includes aggregates, cement, various supplementary cementitious materials like fly ash silica fume, slag etc. Also, the effect of mineral admixtures like superplasticizers and viscosity modifying agents along with the synergic effects is discussed. Finally, the prospects of the study on the unexplored areas and future challenges in the field of study are discussed.