Abstract

In this paper, operation, data interpretation, and validity of vibrating slope apparatus (VSA) tests for concrete flow property measurements were investigated Results from standard slump tests and VSA tests of 14 different concrete mixes in a total of 29 batches of mixtures are presented. The concrete mixes had different water-to-cement ratios (w/c), different dosages of water reducing agent (WRA), and different types and replacement levels of fly ash. The test results indicated that the original method for VSA data analysis was difficult to manage, and the test result interpretations were inappropriate. Two new parameters, the time for starting mass loss (Tstart) and the inverse of average flow rate for 20% mass loss (1/FRavg) at the chute angle of 10°, were therefore proposed to describe concrete flow property. These two parameters, resulting from the original VSA test data, are easy to identify and easy to use. A strong correlation was found between Tstart and concrete slump. Using Tstart and 1/FRavg, the effects of w/c, WRA, and fly ash on concrete rheological behavior were appropriately characterized. The concrete flowability loss with time was also properly expressed.

Issue Section:
Research Papers
Keywords:
flow property, slump, rheology, vibrating slope apparatus

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