Mathematical Modelling in Placing of Fresh Concrete

Abstract

The main problem in working with fresh concrete is the aggregate segregation during filling of formwork. The segregation is strongly related to W/C (Water/Cement) ratio. The fresh concrete is usually considered as a Non-Newtonian fluid since it is a mixture of aggregate, cement and water. The flow behavior of the fresh concrete to W/C ratio plays a crucial role in the quality of the high performance concretes by affecting the flow behaviour of the fresh concrete. The aggregates in the fresh concrete usually cause segregation in the final product depending on the flow condition. In this study, the mechanism of segregation in such systems was theoretically investigated. The mould filling of fresh concrete was numerically investigated and aggregates were considered as Lagrangian particles and segregation was identified from trajectories of such particles. It was found that the aggregates were trapped at the dead zones leading to segregation in the system. The particle size and geometry of the mould was found to have significantly affect the segregation in the system.