Scaling behaviors of unconditioned and conditioned water treatment residuals (WTRs) based on rheological and microscopic characterization

► A scaling theory was developed in the changes of τy and Ec with TSS. ► Gel-like structure was observed in WTR based on dynamic rheological test. ► Both raw and conditioned WTR behave like weak-link flocs/aggregates. ► Conditioning did not decrease Df and increase porosity of WTR flocs. ► It was consistent for Df values of WTR aggregates determined from different ways.