Simple test methods to characterise the rheology of self-compacting concrete

Self-compacting concrete (SCC requires a mixture with high fluidity while avoiding segregation. In order to characterise the rheological properties of SCC, many test methods have been developed, such as slump flow test, U-box test, L-box test, V-funnel test, fill box test, etc. Measurements of rheological parameters are also sometimes performed using sophisticated and expensive rheometers. In this study, an attempt has been made to correlate multiple field test methods for flow behaviour of SCC, so that these can be used interchangeably. Results indicate that the slump flow and U-box tests are good qualitative measures of the acceptability of a particular SCC mixture, while the T50 slump flow and V-funnel tests may be used to develop quantitative measures of the flow properties. The results also show that the V-funnel test parameter and the T50 parameter from the slump flow test are strongly correlated, and thus, these tests can be used interchangeably.