Rheology of fresh concrete: from measurements to predictions of casting processes

This paper tries to make a link between the measurements of the rheological properties of fresh concrete (yield stress and thixotropy) and casting processes. In the first part, methods allowing for the measurement of the yield stress of a given concrete without the use of a rheometer will be described. In a second part, a thixotropy model allowing for the prediction of the apparent yield stress of the material as a function of its flow history will be presented. Finally, in the last part, prediction methods of casting process will be presented. These methods can be considered as practical tools allowing for the prediction of formwork filling, pressure formwork or multilayer casting occurrence. Moreover, they contribute to bringing rheology from research and development into the field of practical applications.