Development of a mix design method for SCC based on the rheological characteristics of paste

• Mortar rheological characteristics impact force and movement condition of gravel.
• Rheological characteristics of paste were derived from mini-slump flow test results.
• SCC workability could be predicted from the rheological characteristics of paste.
• Pure limestone powder SCC was prepared using the developed method.

This paper presents a new mix design method for self-compacting concrete (SCC) based on the rheological characteristics of paste. The theoretical model suggests that the rheological characteristics impact the flowability and segregation resistance of SCC by influencing the bearing force and movement condition of gravel particles. The mini-slump flow of paste and the workability of SCC were tested to verify the model. The mix design method was subsequently proposed and demonstrated to be simple and effective by the successful preparation of pure limestone powder SCC without cement. Using this method, we achieved the aim of predicting the SCC workability from the rheological characteristics of paste.