A contribution from ACI Committee 238, Workability of Fresh Concrete

Role of Rheology in
Achieving Successful
Concrete Performance
Properties must be balanced to manage segregation, surface finish, pumping
pressure, or formwork pressure

by Chiara F. Ferraris, Peter Billberg, Raissa Ferron, Dimitri Feys, Jiong Hu, Shiho Kawashima, Eric Koehler, Mohammed
Sonebi, Jussara Tanesi, and Nathan Tregger

T
his article provides a basic introduction to concrete Measurement Tools and Procedures
rheology, as well as some insight into how rheology Tools and devices
can be applicable to concrete construction. The fresh Rotational shear rheometers are standard equipment used
state performance of concrete is not only important for proper to characterize the rheological properties of fluids. Such
concrete placement and finishing but also for its hardened equipment is commonly used in asphalt binder testing
state properties. Yet, the most commonly used workability test laboratories (state, federal agencies, and producers); for
methods are based on empirical methodologies, such as slump example, refer to ASTM D717513 and AASHTO T 315.14
tests. Even self-consolidating concrete (SCC), which is These devices apply continuous shear to the sample through
governed by the property of flowing under its own weight,1 is rotational movement at controlled torque or speed. Rheometers
typically classified based on the results of empirical tests such for concrete must be specifically designed due to the large
as slump flow, V-funnel, L-box, and J-ring tests. To improve particle size of the aggregates. Most geometrical configurations
quality control and performance of concrete, workability for concrete rheometers are based on coaxial cylinders shown
measurements based on fundamental principles instead of in Fig. 2(a). The coaxial cylinder geometry consists of an
empirical tests are pertinent. inner cylinder (a bob) inserted into an outer cylinder (a cup).
Rheology is the science that seeks to characterize the flow Various geometries can be used for the bob, including but not
and deformation of materials using fundamental principles of limited to a solid cylinder,16 vane,17 and a double spiral.18 The
stresses and shear rates. Similar to how the hardened state vane and double-spiral geometries can be used in place of the
mechanical properties of concrete are characterized by inner cylinder of a coaxial cylinder rheometer to prevent
stresses and strains, rheology provides the user a way to slippage.19 Another commonly used rheometer geometry for
objectively and quantitatively assess the fresh state properties concrete is the parallel plate, as shown in Fig. 2(b).20,21 The
of concrete by relating the shear stresses and shear rates.2 surfaces of the coaxial cylinder and parallel plate should be
Furthermore, rheology is a science that can be applied to textured or roughened to prevent slippage between the
various cement-based systems, including but not limited to concrete and rheometer surface.21 Concrete rheometers have
grouts, SCC, fiber-reinforced concrete, and traditionally been used on various types of concrete classes (for example,
vibrated concrete. SCC and fiber-reinforced concrete), but are not well-suited for
This introduction to concrete rheology begins with a listing stiff concretes (for example, zero-inch slump concrete).
of basic terminology (refer to the textbox), and is followed by Although rotational concrete rheometers have been
explanations of typical measuring instruments and testing successfully used to measure concrete rheology, a series of
procedures used to determine rheological properties. The tests has shown that results from different rheometers do not
concepts of rheology are then further applied to five different agree with each other in absolute terms, caused by differences
practical applications: mixture design and quality control, in experimental techniques and instruments.22-24 Nevertheless,
segregation, pumping, formwork pressure, and surface finish. these results have been shown to rank different mixtures in a

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 Terminology
Bingham Model

τ (Pa or psi)
Rheology—the science of flow and deformation of matter.2
For fluids, relationships can be described by plotting the shear 0τ = τ + μγ
stress versus the shear rate.
Bingham model—a linear approximation of the shear
* * Δτ

*
**
stress-shear rate relationship of a material or fluid (Fig. 1),
Δγ
described by two material parameters: yield stress and plastic

Shear stress,
viscosity. Most cement-based materials can be described as μ = plastic viscosity
Bingham materials that follow this model. The Bingham yield
= Δτ 
stress, or dynamic yield stress, of cement-based materials is Δγ
related to the slump or slump flow.
3,4 5
τ0 = yield stress
Yield stress—the stress required to initiate material flow.
Typically, two types of yield stresses are considered:
•• Static yield stress—the stress required to transition Shear rate, γ (1/s)
from a solid-like to a liquid-like behavior (going from
rest to flow)—that is, starting from a static state and Fig. 1: Representation of Bingham model. The stars represent
going to a dynamic state. As most cementitious experimentally determined data points that are approximated
using a straight line
materials exhibit thixotropy, the static yield stress
increases over time6,7; and
•• Dynamic yield stress—typically taken as the apparent stress where the material transitions from a liquid-like behavior
to a solid-like behavior (going from flow to rest). The dynamic yield stress is an extrapolated value based on the flow
curve (shear stress versus shear rate) and is often based on measurements performed on the “down” flow curve (the
shear stress-shear rate curve obtained from measurements in which the shear rate is decreased from a high shear rate
to a low shear rate; shown in Fig. 1).
Viscosity—a measure of a material’s resistance to flow after flow is initiated. The higher the viscosity, the higher the
material’s resistance to flow. This term is generally used to describe materials that show liquid-like behavior and it provides a
way to fundamentally quantify the “measure of the resistance of a fluid to deform under shear stress.”8
•• Plastic viscosity—the slope of the shear stress-shear rate relationship as described by the Bingham model (Fig. 1).
Thixotropy—the reversible material stiffening with time of the material at rest, and its ability to refluidize when
sheared.9,10 Per definition, thixotropy has a physical nature due to particle agglomeration11,12 and it is not the same as stiffening
due to hydration, which is chemical in nature. Cement-based materials are more complicated than ideal Bingham materials
because the rheological properties of cement-based materials will also vary with time.

Applied rotation
and measured
torque Applied rotation
Bob and measured
torque
Outer Top
cylinder plate

Fluid Fluid

Bottom
plate
(fixed)
(a) (b)
Fig. 2: Typical rheometer configurations: (a) coaxial cylinders; and (b) parallel plates (adapted from Reference 15)

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similar fashion. Another way to compare results from different

Shear stress, τ (Pa or psi)

rheometers would be to calculate relative plastic viscosity as
described in Ferraris and Martys.25 To enable more meaningful τ0 (s) = static yield stress
comparisons among laboratories and their rheometer, efforts
are underway at the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) to develop a standard reference material
(SRM) that would be used to calibrate the rheometers.26,27
RILEM Technical Committee 266-MRP, Measuring
Rheological Properties of Cement-based Materials, is in the
process of developing guidelines for the use of rheometers in
characterizing cementitious materials. Also, ASTM C174928
provides guidelines to use rheometers to measure paste.
Strain
Procedures
Fig. 3: The stress growth test is used to determine the static yield
There are two major types of measurements for concrete
stress
rheology: the flow curve test and the stress growth test. The
choice of test depends on the rheological property required to
be measured. Time
Silica
Flow curve test Fume
A flow curve test is performed by shearing concrete at VMA
different shear rates and measuring the resistance to flow. In
Yield stress

most cases, a constant, high rate of shear is initially applied to

bring the sample to a reference state to normalize the effects
of thixotropy on the measured shear stress.29-31 The shear rate
is then decreased in increments and the corresponding Air WRA + VMA
torsional resistance values are converted into shear stresses. Water
Because the data are taken at decreasing shear rates, the
results are often referred to as the down curve. As shown in WRA
Fig. 1, if the data are fitted with a linear function, the intercept
is the Bingham yield stress (dynamic yield stress) and the
slope is the plastic viscosity.
Plastic viscosity
Stress growth test Fig. 4: The effect of an increase in specific constituent materials on
The stress growth test is used to determine static yield concrete rheological properties (adapted from Reference 35)
stress (going from rest to flow), and how this property
increases with resting time. The static yield stress at rest is the
consequence of workability loss, which includes thixotropy,
hydration, and other factors. The test is performed with a and content, and admixtures play an important role in
rheometer by applying very low shear rate to concrete initially concrete rheology. Yield stress and plastic viscosity of the
at rest, increasing the strain until the concrete begins to flow paste increase as w/cm decreases and as the cement becomes
(yield). The maximum shear stress from the shear stress finer.33,34 These properties are further modified (up or down)
versus shear strain (or time) plot is equal to the static yield by the incorporation of SCMs. Due to the incorporation of
stress, as shown in Fig. 3. The static yield stress is dependent aggregate, the yield stress of concrete is higher than that of
on the shear rate or strain applied. These parameters need to the paste alone. Aggregate angularity, surface texture,
be selected carefully to minimize the effect of the material maximum particle size, gradation, packing, and content can
setting evolution on the measurement of the static yield stress.32 all have a significant effect on the viscosity and yield stress of
concrete. Admixtures such as viscosity-modifying agents
Implications of Inappropriate Rheological (VMAs) and water-reducing admixtures (WRAs)—normal-,
Properties mid-, and high-range—can also enhance placement,
In the applications discussed herein, rheological properties consolidation, and finishability of concrete and even increase
are tailored through the mixture design process. Nearly all thixotropy without the need to adjust the water content.
aspects of the mixture proportions, including powder content, Figure 4 summarizes some of the general effects that different
water-cementitious materials ratio (w/cm), supplementary components can have on properties. For example, increasing
cementitious materials (SCMs) content, aggregate properties the water content can decrease both the yield stress and

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plastic viscosity. On the other hand, the use of a low dosage of designed, a relatively high viscosity and thixotropy is
silica fume can decrease viscosity, while higher dosages can necessary to minimize segregation effects.35
lead to increase in both yield stress and viscosity. It should be Common approaches to modify yield stress and viscosity
noted that, except for the WRA + VMA behavior, Fig. 4 include varying dosages or types of fines (such as limestone
shows the effect of individual components only and does not powder), SCMs,37-39 and use of chemical admixtures.40-42
consider the interactions between multiple components added. Additionally, decreasing the maximum aggregate size helps
The synergistic effect of adding WRA and VMA to a mixture decrease segregation,29 and having a well-graded aggregate
will depend on the dosages and types of the admixtures packing creates an enhanced particle lattice effect (smaller
employed; thus, the WRA + VMA line shown in Fig. 4 is for particles holding larger ones in position) that can help keep
illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as aggregates suspended.43,44
indicating, for example, that a WRA has a greater effect on
plastic viscosity than a VMA. Pumpability
Limiting variations in concrete properties for a job Two major problems can occur during concrete pumping.
requiring high volumes of concrete can present a difficult The first problem is blockage during start-up, which is mostly
challenge. Thus, once a mixture proportion has been approved the consequence of a nonpumpable mixture design (usually a
for a project, implementing a continual quality control process result of a high coarse aggregate fraction) or inappropriate
is crucial. Rheometers that are more rugged and designed for selection or preparation of the pumpline (lack of or inadequate
field use are available to accurately quantify and monitor the priming).45 The second problem is excessive pressure during
concrete performance during processing (mixing, pumping, pumping, which can be caused by high flow rates, small pipes,
casting, finishing, and so on). Frequent monitoring of the or inappropriate rheological properties of the concrete.
rheological properties not only serves to ensure that the proper Although the velocity profile in concrete during pumping is
concrete is being placed but also acts to inform the batch plant complex, as particles move to form the lubrication layer near
if changes are necessary and in what direction the changes the pipe wall,46 relatively simple correlations between
need to be made. However, in situations where one does not pumping pressure and plastic viscosity have been proposed.47
have access to a field rheometer, effort should be made to The lower the viscosity of the concrete, the lower the pressure
characterize the rheological properties of the mixture in the needed to pump (Fig. 5). If the viscosity is low, pumping
lab and then correlate those rheological properties with the pressure can increase when the yield stress increases (slump
field-friendly workability test method(s) that will be used on or slump flow decreases).48 It was shown that, in most cases,
the jobsite. In the following sections, specific applications will
be highlighted to show the influence of rheological properties
on the performance and quality of concrete.
Plastic viscosity, psi·s
Segregation 0 0.015 0.03
In many concrete applications, increased flowability 250
facilitates placing and finishing, but increasing the flowability Convenonal vibrated concrete 10
beyond the capabilities of a particular mixture design can Highly workable concrete
200 Self-consolidang concrete
Pressure loss, kPa/m

result in segregation. Segregation leads to a mixture that is not

homogenous and may hinder mechanical properties and 8
Pressure loss, psi/ft
reduce the service life of concrete. Segregation can be
150
observed in different forms whether it is the aggregate 6
migrating within the paste or mortar phase, or excessive
amount of the water phase of the cement paste migrating to 100
the surface of the concrete (for example, bleeding). 4
The yield stress of the suspending matrix (typically that of
the paste or mortar phase)36 is a key rheological parameter to 50 2
ensure that a concrete mixture would have adequate
segregation resistance. The magnitude of the desired yield
stress will depend on the application; however, the yield stress
0 0
alone of the suspending liquid (paste or mortar) may not be
0 50 100 150 200
sufficient to keep the fine and coarse aggregate particles Plastic viscosity, Pa·s
suspended in the paste or mortar, respectively. An elevated Fig. 5: The pressure loss (expressed per unit length of straight pipe,
plastic viscosity of the suspending liquid can slow down the 100 mm [4 in.] in diameter at a flow rate of 8 L/s [2 gal./s]) is well
segregation. Additionally, if the concrete is at rest, the yield correlated to the plastic viscosity of concrete, as shown above for
stress increases due to thixotropy limiting further migration of three concrete types with widely varying workabilities (adapted from
the aggregates. In this way, if a low yield stress concrete is Reference 51)

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viscosity is more dominant than yield stress to determine
350
pumpability.49 Zone I Zone II
The most significant way to reduce pressure during

Yield stress, Pa
pumping is by enlarging the pipe diameter. Increasing the pipe Low viscosity:
diameter from 4 to 5 in. (100 to 125 mm) can roughly Risk for High yield stress:
decrease pumping pressure by a factor of two.50 Decreasing segregation, Low filling ability
the flow rate and/or viscosity of the concrete are other especially for Low surface quality
alternatives to reduce pumping pressure. For conventional high free fall Consolidation recommended
concrete, decreasing the yield stress (increasing the slump) and sudden
change in
can also reduce pressure.44 casting
It should be noted, however, that the actual flow behavior 100 direction
in pipes is more complex. The reader is referred to recent, Low yield stress: Zone III
extensive studies on the characterization of the lubrication High filling ability
layer for more information.49,51 0 Good surface quality
0 10 60
Formwork pressure Plastic viscosity, Pa·s
In placing conventional concrete within formwork (and in Fig. 6: Influence of rheological properties on surface finish of SCC
general), vibration is required to achieve proper consolidation. cast in L-shaped elements (adapted from Reference 60)
As the vibration is applied, yield stress is lowered, allowing
consolidation to occur. When the vibration is removed, the
high thixotropic nature of normal concrete restores the high surface finish of concrete or mortar (for example, NF P 18-503,55
yield stress. Although the high yield stress of conventional AMA Hus 9856 or BS 8110-1,57 and CIB No. 2458).
concrete is responsible for requiring vibration, the high yield Surface finish is affected by a variety of parameters,
stress combined with high thixotropy is advantageous because including mixture proportions, setting time, formwork
it also results in low formwork pressure.12 surfaces, type of release agent, casting technique, placement
SCC is a highly flowable concrete. However, an SCC speed and temperature, yield stress, and plastic viscosity.59
mixture must be capable of handling high flow while Figure 6 shows three zones defined by ranges of yield stress
providing adequate segregation resistance. Because of its high and plastic viscosity of SCC, illustrating that the fresh
flowability, SCC does not require any external vibration to concrete behavior and surface finish are affected in different
consolidate it; thus, faster casting rates can be achieved during ways. If the plastic viscosity of the mixture is too low (Zone I),
construction. However, its low yield stress can result in high there can be an elevated risk for segregation during casting,
formwork pressure.12 Underestimating the pressure can lead to especially in placements with large free-fall height and/or
deformed formwork with malformed structures or, in the changes in the direction of concrete flow during casting.
worst case, a formwork collapse. Overestimating the pressure Segregation can affect the surface finish, as it can result in
is an economical issue due to the high share of formwork cost regions with very high or very low paste content. However, if
to overall cost of concrete construction.52 Besides the balance the yield stress of the mixture is too high (Zone II), the
between formwork strength and cost, use of SCC in areas mixture can stabilize large entrapped air bubbles, preventing
where formwork pressure is a concern requires careful them from leaving the system. In a non-SCC mixture, such
attention to thixotropy. In other words, as the SCC rests in the issues can be alleviated by additional consolidation using
form, yield stress and viscosity increase, reducing the amount vibration. This will temporarily lower the yield stress, thus
of vertical pressure that is translated horizontally to the enabling unwanted air bubbles to rise. The necessary
formwork. The faster this rate of increase in rheological consolidation energy is dependent on the yield stress and
properties occurs, the lower the formwork pressure. plastic viscosity of the mixture. However, because SCC
Increasing thixotropy from a mixture design perspective mixtures do not warrant vibration, it is important to ensure
has been the focus of much recent research. Some ways to that the balance between viscosity and yield stress is such that
enhance thixotropy include the use of chemical admixtures the mixture is in Zone III, as this will enable large entrapped
(such as VMAs), SCMs (such as silica fume), and reducing air bubbles to rise to the surface. While mixtures in Zone III
w/cm.11,13,53,54 will generally have good surface quality, it should be noted
that bubbles will rise slowly in mixtures with very high
Quality of surface finish viscosity or in mixtures that exhibit high thixotropy (the static
The quality of the surface finish of concrete is linked to a yield stress increases rapidly when the concrete is at rest).
project’s aesthetic requirements. Primary aesthetic issues A low yield stress with a balanced viscosity can be
include the homogeneity of the color (or tint), roughness of achieved through the use of SCMs or chemical admixtures
the surface, reproduction of formwork details, and the (for example, water reducers), decreasing w/cm, or increasing
presence and size of bug holes. Several standards define the the paste volume.61

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 Segregation risk Pumping pressure
low

Yield stress
increased
Yield stress

high significantly
low low increased

(a)
Viscosity (c)
Viscosity

Surface finish quality Formwork pressure

reduced
Yield stress

bugholes

Thixotropy
segregation good ± hydrostatic reduced

(b) Viscosity (d) Viscosity

Fig. 7: Summary of the impact of rheological parameters on concrete performance: (a) segregation; (b) surface finish; (c) pumping pressure;
and (d) formwork pressure

Conclusions determine rheological properties would provide more relevant

The science of rheology can be used to gain a fundamental information on the quality of the concrete.
understanding of concrete workability. The rheological Figure 7 summarizes the key points of this article:
properties of concrete need to be balanced to achieve specific •• Segregation can be controlled by increasing the yield stress
goals such as limiting segregation, producing a good surface or the plastic viscosity, but it should be noted that
finish, minimizing pumping pressure, or controlling formwork increasing both parameters too much will lead to very
pressure. In other words, adjusting a property to achieve one stiff concrete;
goal can have detrimental effects on other goals. Reducing •• Good surface finish can be achieved by having adequate
yield stress and plastic viscosity to reduce pumping pressure viscosity—not too low, as the risk for segregation
will result in an increased risk for segregation, and increasing increases, but not extremely high, as the air bubbles will
the yield stress to reduce formwork pressure may result in the not be able to escape. If the yield stress is elevated,
need for additional consolidation to obtain adequate surface finish. consolidation is recommended to remove air;
Rheology can be an effective tool for specifying, •• Pumping pressure mainly decreases with a decrease in
designing, and managing concrete workability, revealing viscosity. Decreasing the yield stress also decreases
concrete characteristics that are not indicated by slump alone. pumping pressure, but to a lesser extent; and
Results from different rheometers can be correlated and can •• Formwork pressure can be reduced by using a high yield
be used to describe multiple aspects of workability. In stress concrete, or using a highly thixotropic concrete in
contrast, empirical tests, such as the slump test, measure a slow filling conditions.
value that is specific to the test method and may not be
sufficient to ensure proper performance for the multitude of References
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48 JUNE 2017 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

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Field-Oriented Test Methods to Assess Dynamic Stability of Self- Development Council, 2009, 541 pp.
Consolidating Concrete,” ACI Materials Journal, V. 101, No. 2, Mar.- 55. NF P 18-503, “Surfaces et parements de béton - Éléments
Apr. 2004, pp. 168-176. d’identification (Concrete surfaces and siding - Identification elements),”
39. Assaad, J.; Khayat, K.H.; and Daczko, J., “Evaluation of Static Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR), 1989, France. (in French)
Stability of Self-Consolidating Concrete,” ACI Materials Journal, V. 101, 56. AMA Hus 98, “Allmän material- och arbetsbeskrivning för
No. 3, May-June 2004, pp. 207-215. husbyggnadsarbeten (General material and labor description for house
40. El-Chabib, H., and Nehdi, M., “Effect of Mixture Design building),” Svensk Byggtjänst, Sweden, 1998. (in Swedish)
Parameters on Segregation of Self-Consolidating Concrete,” ACI 57. BS 8110-1:1997, “Structural use of concrete: Code practice for
Materials Journal, V. 103, No. 5, Sep.-Oct. 2006, pp. 374-383. design and construction,” British Standards Institution, London, UK,
41. Chia, K.S., and Zhang, M.H., “Effect of Chemical Admixtures on 1997, 168 pp.
Rheological Parameters and Stability of Fresh Lightweight Aggregate 58. CIB Report No. 24, “Tolerances on Blemishes of Concrete,”
Concrete,” Magazine of Concrete Research, V. 56, No. 8, Oct. 2004, International Council for Building, Delft, the Netherlands, 1973, 16 pp.
pp. 465-473. 59. Dieryck, V.; Desmyter, J.; Michel, F.; and Courard, L., “Surface
42. Tregger, N.; Gregori, A.; Ferrara, L.; and Shah, S., “Correlating Quality of Self-Compacting Concrete and Raw Materials Properties,”
Dynamic Segregation of Self-Consolidating Concrete to the Slump-Flow Proceedings of SCC 2005, 2005, pp. 287-295.
Test,” Construction and Building Materials, V. 28, No. 1, Mar. 2012, 60. Abd El Megid, W., “Effect of Rheology on Surface Quality and
pp. 499-505. Performance of SCC,” PhD dissertation, Université de Sherbrooke,
43. Shen, L.; Struble, L.; and Lange, D., “Modeling Dynamic Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, 2012. (in French)
Segregation of Self-Consolidating Concrete,” ACI Materials Journal, 61. Kwasny, J.; Sonebi, M.; Plasse, J.; and Amziane, S., “Influence of
V. 106, No. 4, July-Aug. 2009, pp. 375-380. Rheology on the Quality of Surface Finish of Cement-Based Mortars,”
44. Wang, X.; Wang, K.; Taylor, P.; and Morcous, G., “Assessing Construction and Building Materials, V. 89, Aug. 2015, pp. 102-109.
Particle Packing Based Self-Consolidating Concrete Mix Design Method,”
Construction and Building Materials, V. 70, Nov. 2014, pp. 439-452. Received and reviewed under Institute publication policies.
45. Kaplan, D.; de Larrard, F.; and Sedran, T., “Design of Concrete
Pumping Circuit,” ACI Materials Journal, V. 102, No. 2, Mar.-Apr. 2005,
pp. 110-117. Chiara F. Ferraris, FACI, is the Group
46. Choi, M.; Roussel, N.; Kim, Y.; and Kim, J., “Lubrication Layer Leader of the Inorganic Materials
Properties during Concrete Pumping,” Cement and Concrete Research, Group, Materials and Structural Systems
V. 45, Mar. 2013, pp. 69-78. Division, Engineering Laboratory,
47. Choi, M.; Ferraris, C.F.; Martys, N.S.; Lootens, D.; Bui, V.K.; and National Institute of Standards and
Hamilton, H.T., “Metrology Needs for Predicting Concrete Pumpability,” Technology (NIST). She is Chair of ACI
Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, V. 2015, 2015, 10 pp. Committee 552, Cementitious Grouting,
48. Feys, D.; Khayat, K.H.; Perez-Schell, A.; and Khatib, R., and a member of ACI Committees 201,
“Prediction of Pumping Pressure by Means of New Tribometer for Durability of Concrete; 236, Material
Science of Concrete; 237, Self-
Highly-Workable Concrete,” Cement and Concrete Composites, V. 57,
Consolidating Concrete; 238, Workability of Fresh Concrete; 304,
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Measuring, Mixing, Transporting, and Placing Concrete; and 309,
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du Béton (Fundamental and Practical Study on Pumping of Concrete),”
Technical Activities Committee and as Chair of ACI Committees
PhD dissertation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada, 2007.
238 and 236. She received the 2017 ACI Foundation Concrete
(in French)
Research Council Robert E. Philleo Award.
50. Feys, D.; Khayat, K.H.; Perez-Schell, A.; and Khatib, R.,
“Development of a Tribometer to Characterize Lubrication Layer
Properties of Self-Consolidating Concrete,” Cement and Concrete ACI member Peter Billberg is a Research
Composites, V. 54, Nov. 2014, pp. 40-52. Engineer with Germann Instruments,
51. Feys, D., “How do Concrete Rheology, Tribology, Flow Rate Evanston, IL, and Copenhagen,
and Pipe Radius Influence Pumping Pressure?” Cement and Concrete Denmark. He has extensive experience
Composites, V. 66, Feb. 2016, pp. 38-46. in concrete materials and test methods
52. ACI Committee 347, “Guide to Formwork for Concrete (ACI and is a member of ACI Committees 237,
347R-14),” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2014, 36 pp. Self-Consolidating Concrete; and 238,
53. Assaad, J.; Khayat, K.H.; and Mesbah, H., “Variation of Workability of Fresh Concrete.
Formwork Pressure with Thixotropy of Self-Consolidating Concrete,”
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50 JUNE 2017 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com

 Raissa Ferron, FACI, is Assistant Eric Koehler, FACI, is Director of Quality
Professor in the Department of Civil, at Titan America. He is a member of
Architectural and Environmental ACI Committees 211, Proportioning
Engineering, Cockrell School of Concrete Mixtures; 221, Aggregates; 236
Engineering, the University of Texas at Material Science of Concrete; 237, Self-
Austin, Austin, TX. She is a member of Consolidating Concrete; 238, Workability
ACI Committees 236, Material Science of Fresh Concrete; 301, Specifications for
of Concrete; 237, Self-Consolidating Structural Concrete; and 522, Pervious
Concrete; 238, Workability of Fresh Concrete. His expertise includes
Concrete; and 552, Cementitious Grouting. Ferron received concrete rheology, mixture design, aggregates, cement, and
her PhD from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, in 2008. chemical admixtures; and he holds several patents. He received
She is the recipient of the 2017 ACI Young Member Award for his PhD in civil engineering from the University of Texas at
Professional Achievement. Austin, Austin, TX.

ACI member Dimitri Feys is Assistant ACI member Mohammed Sonebi is

Professor, Materials Engineering, in the Senior Lecturer, Architecture, Civil
Department of Civil, Architectural and Engineering and Planning, School
Environmental Engineering, College of of Natural and Built Environment,
Engineering and Computing, Missouri Queen’s University Belfast, Ireland. He
S&T, Rolla, MO. He is a member of ACI is a member of ACI Committees 236,
Committees 211, Proportioning Concrete Material Science of Concrete; 237, Self-
Mixtures; 237, Self-Consolidating Consolidating Concrete; 238, Workability
Concrete; 238, Workability of Fresh of Fresh Concrete; 241, Nanotechnology
Concrete; and 309, Consolidation of Concrete. He received his of Concrete; and 552, Cementitious Grouting. He received
PhD from Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium, in 2009. his PhD from the University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC,
Canada, in 1997.

ACI member Jiong Hu is Associate

Professor, the Department of Civil Jussara Tanesi, FACI, is a Manager
Engineering, College of Engineering, at SES Group & Associates LLC. She
University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, is a member of ACI Committees 211,
NE. He is a member of ACI Committees Proportioning Concrete Mixtures; 231,
130, Sustainability of Concrete; 237, Properties of Concrete at Early Ages;
Self-Consolidating Concrete; 238, 236, Material Science of Concrete; 238,
Workability of Fresh Concrete; 239, Workability of Fresh Concrete; 241,
Ultra-High Performance Concrete; Nanotechnology of Concrete; and 325,
552, Cementitious Grouting; and 555, Concrete with Recycled Concrete Pavements. She received her
Materials. He received his PhD from Iowa State University, Ames, PhD from Universidade Estadual de Campinas, São Pãulo, Brazil.
IA, in 2005.

ACI member Nathan Tregger is Senior

ACI member Shiho Kawashima is R&D Engineer with GCP Applied
Assistant Professor, the Department Technologies Inc. He is a member of ACI
of Civil Engineering and Engineering Committees 212, Chemical Admixtures;
Mechanics, The Fu Foundation School 237, Self-Consolidating Concrete; 238,
of Engineering and Applied Science, Workability of Fresh Concrete; and 304,
Columbia University, New York, NY. She Measuring, Mixing, Transporting, and
is a member of ACI Committees 236, Placing Concrete. He received his PhD
Material Science of Concrete; 237, Self- from Northwestern University in 2010.
Consolidating Concrete; 238, Workability
of Fresh Concrete; and 241, Nanotechnology of Concrete. She
received her PhD from Northwestern University.

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