Effect of coarse aggregate characteristics on concrete rheology

In the present study, concrete was considered as a two-phase material, consisting of coarse aggregate (CA) and mortar. Coarse aggregate properties were characterized by fineness, uncompacted void and friction angle. The combined effects of CA characteristics and mix design on the rheological properties of the corresponding concrete were investigated using a portable IBB concrete rheometer. Experimental results indicated that a higher CA and fine aggregate content normally result in higher concrete rheological parameters (yield stress and viscosity). For a given type and amount of mortar, concrete yield stress and viscosity generally increase with the uncompacted void content and friction angle but decreased with the size (or fineness) of CA. Well graded CA, generally having low uncompacted void content, provides concrete with considerably reduced yield stress and viscosity when compared with single-sized CA. In addition, a multiple-parameter linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate how different CA characteristics (fineness, uncompacted void and friction angle) and mix design parameters (mortar composition, and CA volume fraction) affect concrete rheological behavior.