An Experimental Study on the Rheological Properties of Self-Consolidating Mortars, Affected by Superplasticizer, Waste Marble Powder, and a Viscosity-Modifying Agent

Recent advancements in concrete technology have led to the development of self-consolidating concrete (SCC), a significant innovation in the field. SCC has gained prominence due to its favorable characteristics, including improved placement efficiency, enhanced prefabrication potential, and the elimination of vibration requirements owing to its inherent fluidity. SCC typically features a high binder content, with its rheological properties playing a crucial role in its workability and performance. The paste component of SCC consists of water, cement, mineral additives, and chemical admixtures. In this study, all mixtures maintained a consistent water-to-cement ratio between 0.40 and 0.45. The research investigated the effects of marble waste on SCC through a comprehensive experimental program involving multiple tests. Two experimental series were conducted on mixtures incorporating marble powder waste as a mineral additive. The first series determined the flow time of the mixture using the Marsh cone test, while the second series evaluated the yield stress and viscosity of the same mixture using a rheometer. The results enabled the analysis of yield stress, viscosity, and Marsh cone flow time evolution as a function of mortar composition.