The effect of temperature on the rheological properties of self-compacting concrete

In the paper the methodology and results of investigation of the influence of temperature and time on the rheological properties of cement paste and different in cement paste volume fresh self compacting concrete are presented and discussed. The influence of temperature on the rheology of mortar analogous to mortar that fills voids of coarse aggregate in the self compacting concretes was additionally the subject of investigation. It was found that the influence of temperature on rheological parameters of fresh cement paste and concrete may be significantly different, whereas on rheological parameters of fresh mortar and concrete is generally similar for both these materials. Discussion on the test results concern possible mechanisms of temperature influence on rheological properties of fresh cement paste, mortar and concrete. It is concluded that testing cement paste is not sufficient for designing and development of self-compacting concrete in respect to changing temperature. For predicting trends of changes in rheological behaviour of fresh self compacting concrete in changing temperature tests made on mortars are necessary.