Numerical simulation of dynamic segregation of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) in T-box set-up

A CFD software was used to simulate free surface flow of SCC in the T-Box test. In total, seven simulations were developed to study the effect of rheological parameters on the non-restricted flow performance of SCC in both horizontal and vertical directions. Different suspending fluids having five plastic viscosity values between 10 and 50 Pa.s, three yield stress values between 14 and 75 Pa, one density of 2500 kg/m3, and one shear elasticity modulus of 100 Pa were considered for suspension of 178 spherical particles of 20-mm diameter and 2500 kg/m3 density. The results of the simulations are found to correlate well to changes in rheological parameters of the suspending fluid. Plastic viscosity was shown to be the most dominant parameter affecting flowability and dynamic stability compared to the yield stress. A new approach was proposed to evaluate performability of SCC based on a trade-off between flowability and dynamic stability.