Mathematical models of apparent viscosity as a function of water–cement/binder ratio and superplasticizer in cement pastes

Abstract

Abstract The water–cement/binder ratio and the admixture of water-reducing agents strongly affect the rheological properties of cement pastes. This study develops mathematical models to predict the apparent viscosity of cement pastes with varying water-cement/binder ratios and polycarboxylate-based superplasticizer content by introducing the power law shear stress-shear strain relation of non-Newtonian fluids into the Navier–Stokes motion equations. The developed models are compared with the results of rheological experiments and verified for their accuracy in simulating the apparent viscosity of cement pastes. These models provide insight into the rheological behaviour of cement pastes and could have practical applications in the construction industry.