Simulation of the Slump Test Based on the Discrete Element Method (DEM)

Abstract

The slump test is a very important industrial test for evaluation of workability of fresh granular-cement paste material, especially concrete. The test method is used as a generic tool for classification of a wide range of mixtures and can deal with a wide range of workabilities. The current paper presents a numerical approach, based on Discrete Element Method (DEM), with the aim to study the effect of the mix composition on the rheological behavior of a mixture after demolding, i.e. lifting the slump cone. The research approach is based on a conceptual idea, where the particle-paste interaction is explicitly modelled as an interactive two phase “paste –particle” system. Each mixture is considered to consist of these elements with the rheological behaviour characterized by the “excess paste” model. Simulations and experimental laboratory test results show good agreement.