Effect of W/C and superplasticizer type on rheological parameters of SCC repair mortar for gravitational or light pressure injection

The influence of pressure on the yield stress and plastic viscosity of SCC repair mortars was investigated using an adapted Marsh cone with cylindrical shear paddles. Twelve mortars proportioned with water over cement ratios from 0.45 to 0.55 and either Polycarboxylate ether (PCE), polyacrylate (PA) or polynaphtalene sulfonate (PNS) high-range water-reducing admixture (HRWRA) were prepared. Test results show that the exerted pressure, W/C and HRWRA type strongly influence the rheological response: the yield stress is mainly affected by HRWRA residual concentration, except for PCE mortars where sulfate ion concentration can play an important role. Plastic viscosity is mainly affected by solid friction between particles, the latter is influenced by HRWRA dosage and W/C. PA appears to be the most accurate HRWRA for light pressure injection, with less sensitivity to changes in pressure or W/C than PNS or PCE superplasticizers.

► Three types of HRWRA and variable W/C for light pressure injection mortars.
► Yield stress mainly affected by HRWRA residual concentration.
► Sulfate ion concentration can play an important role.
► For PCE mortars plastic viscosity mainly affected by solid friction between particles due to pressure.
► Exerted pressure affects concentration and solid friction, thus rheology.