This book presents the work of the RILEM TC 266-MRP, whose purpose was to enhance the reliability of rheological measurements performed on cement-based materials. It makes users more aware of potential sources of errors in the measurements, and provide guidelines on how to observe, counteract or eliminate the errors. Improving the reliability of rheological measurements will further enhance the use of rheology to investigate different aspects of the fresh properties of cement-based materials. After an introduction into mix design and applications, the book delivers a comprehensive overview of rheology definitions, behavior, and parameters; rheometers; measuring and analysis procedures; difficulties and challenges during measurements; relationships with specific empirical tests; and the behavior of concrete near a surface. This report on the measurement of rheological properties of complex materials such as concrete enables readers to understand the applicable concepts of rheology, and address the challenges on the measuring procedures, the rheological models and some errors and limitations of rheometers used.

The use of concrete and mortar containing coal fly ash, blast furnace slag, and other dispersed technogenic materials is one of the major areas of potential resource savings and improving the environmental efficiency and sustainability of construction. Improving Concrete and Mortar using Modified Ash and Slag Cements presents the results of a study of high-tech concrete on composite Portland cement and slag Portland cement. It explains the possibility of significantly improving the properties of cements and concrete with the introduction of superplasticizers and hardening activators. Features: Describes how additives can reduce costs and lead to more environmentally sustainable production Explains the possibility of obtaining high-tech concrete with a high content of ash, slag, and clinker kiln dust Presents the possibility of significant reductions of the most energy-intensive component of cements Examines the calculated dependences for predicting the technical properties of concrete saturated with dispersed technogenic products Explains the methods of calculating the composition of concrete with specified properties of low-clinker cements Suitable for civil and structural engineers as well as for specialists working in the field of concrete technology, students of civil engineering, and researchers of new construction technologies, this book allows readers to understand new and sustainable ways to improve the properties of concrete and mortar by utilizing additives.