Rheological evaluation of rendering mortars by the squeeze flow method based on particle packing and water content of the mixture

Abstract Mortars’ workability results from other properties, such as consistency, plasticity, cohesion, water retention, exudation, initial adhesion and density. A workable mortar distributes itself in application, doesn’t segregate during transport, and remains plastic during the application time. This property depends on several application factors, together with the constituent materials. Therefore, this study aims to assess the influence of the formulation, aggregate type and water content on rheological behavior of rendering mortars, combined with particle packing studies. For this purpose, three usual mortar formulations were chosen. The minimum water content was calculated through the concepts of particle packing and the squeeze flow test. As a result, the influence of each constituent on the workability of the mortar was determined, together with the formulations optimized by the aggregate type. The water content analysis revealed the wet packing density and minimum value required for the formation of the water film around the particles.