Fresh concrete pumping arrest investigation for thixotropy by a CFD modelling apporach

Concrete pumping operations determine construction speed, finishing quality, durability and even structural integrity. When pumping operations cannot be continued, most problems occur due to complex time-dependent transformations. This causes significant industrial costs (e.g. material and delay). Since time-dependent aspects are currently not fully understood and cannot be predicted, a way to quantify time-dependent aspects is needed. Therefore, we make an attempt by numerical simulation by comparing thixotropic cases with different pumping arresting times. After an introduction to fresh concrete rheology and numerical modelling, ten representative thixotropy cases are analysed. Despite some unresolved numerical instabilities, the numerical framework allows to estimate pumping pressure peaks after resting time. The results evaluate a thixotropy model, which is generally applicable for less thixotropic SCC’s. It is clear that flow re-initiation after rest in concrete pumping is poorly understood. Numerical simulation could be one approach for further analysis and is potentially important for practice. Future work such as simulation of concrete mixers, pressure increase after pumping arrest, formwork pressure decay and leakage are therefore recommended.

ISBN:9783030225650

Jaar van publicatie:2019

Toegankelijkheid:Closed