Onset and intensity of shear thickening in cementitious suspensions – A parametrical study

Understanding the intensity and onset of the shear thickening behaviour for cementitious suspensions is of prime importance in high shear processes like mixing and pumping of concrete in construction. In the present study, the onset and intensity of shear thickening of cementitious suspensions were investigated by a parametrical approach (water binder ratio (w/b), high range water reducer (HRWR) dosage, mineral admixture, shear rate) using an appropriate rheological protocol. Results show that, among the mineral admixtures, the suspension with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) features the highest shear thickening intensity and the earliest onset of shear thickening with respect to HRWR dosage. Moreover, this investigation shows that, among all the investigated parameters, the HRWR dosage influences the intensity and onset of shear thickening profoundly.