Predicting Mortar Behavior through Intrinsic and Rheological Properties

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Title: Predicting Mortar Behavior through Intrinsic and Rheological Properties

Author(s): Mouhcine Ben Aicha, Ayoub Aziz, Olivier Jalbaud, and Yves Burtschell

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 122

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 67-78

Keywords: air-entraining admixtures (AEAs); mechanical characteristics; mortar; rheological parameters; ultrasonic velocity

DOI: 10.14359/51746715

Date: 5/1/2025

Abstract:
This study investigates the impact of air-entraining admixtures (AEAs) on mortar performance, focusing on fresh-state and hardened-state properties critical to durability and engineering applications. Ten distinct mortar mixtures were analyzed, following guidelines established by the European Federation of National Associations Representing Producers and Applicators of Specialist Building Products for Concrete (EFNARC). AEAs were introduced at varying proportions (0.01 to 0.5% of cement weight) to evaluate their effects on intrinsic properties (density, void ratio, and water absorption), rheological parameters (plastic viscosity and yield stress), and mechanical characteristics (compressive strength, ultrasonic velocity, and modulus of elasticity). Regression models were developed and yielded high predictive accuracy, with R2 values exceeding 0.98. Notably, ultrasonic velocity and modulus of elasticity demonstrated strong correlations with intrinsic properties across all curing ages. Similarly, compressive strength showed significant associations with rheological parameters, highlighting the influence of air content and flow behavior on structural performance. These findings offer precise quantitative models for predicting mortar behavior and optimizing formulations for enhanced performance.

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