Robustness of cement-based materials: From dosage variations to yield stress fluctuations

Abstract

The idea behind the present work is to assess robustness of fresh cement-based materials (i.e. their ability to display the same properties when submitted to variations in the way they are produced) from a generic and analytical point of view. First, analytical models from literature relating components proportions and yield stress are combined into a multi-scale and physical approach and compared to our experimental yield stress measurements. In the second part, the derivation of these analytical relationships is used to assess robustness as a function of components proportions, which allows for the most sensitive variations to be mapped onto component dosage from a yield stress point of view. In the case of fluid concretes, this approach showcases the interest of working at slightly higher water content and slightly lower aggregates fraction along with benefits of viscosity modifying agents / plasticizers combination.