Mixing of concrete or mortars: Distributive aspects

This article describes an experimental methodology offering efficiency criteria for granular materials in terms of their mixing distributive capability. The methodology is based on analyzing the distribution kinetics of colored tracer particles which were demonstrated to respond similar to cement particles during mixing. The effect of certain critical parameters such as the mixer type, the volume and the mixer speed are investigated. The influence of mix design characteristics on distribution is also presented for several mixer types. Finally, a comparison of the dispersive versus the distributive capability is achieved for several (mixer, mix design) systems, which opens opportunities for defining rules for transfer and extrapolation.