A new empirical test method for the optimisation of viscosity modifying agent dosage in self-compacting concrete

Viscosity modifying admixtures (VMAs) are high molecular weight, water soluble organic polymers that are used to stabilise the rheological properties and consistency of self-compacting concrete (SCC). Most studies on VMA focus on the influence of different types and dosages of VMA on the rheological properties and the compatibility issues between superplasticiser and VMA. To obtain the desired rheological properties and to reduce the cost, optimisation of the VMA dosage is essential. In the present study, a simple method was developed for optimising the VMA dosage for the cementitious pastes of different water to powder ratio. The principle of this method was based on Stokes' law. Rheological properties of SCC pastes with VMA were studied using a viscometer. The studies were also extended to concrete for validation of the optimised dosage obtained from the cementitious paste tests. The results obtained clearly indicate that the optimised dosage obtained by using the empirical method yields SCC without segregation. The lower dosages are not sufficient enough to control the segregation. On the other hand, dosages higher than optimal resulted in reduced slump flow. © 2009 RILEM.