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Shear Rate Formula:
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Shear rate (γ) is a measure of the rate at which adjacent layers of concrete move relative to each other. It quantifies the velocity gradient within the concrete flow and is crucial for understanding the rheological properties of fresh concrete.
The calculator uses the shear rate formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the velocity gradient, which represents how quickly the velocity changes with respect to distance perpendicular to the flow direction.
Details: Shear rate is essential for characterizing concrete workability, predicting flow behavior, optimizing mix designs, and ensuring proper placement and consolidation of concrete in various construction applications.
Tips: Enter velocity in meters per second (m/s) and distance in meters (m). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is the typical shear rate range for concrete?
A: Concrete shear rates typically range from 0.1 to 100 s⁻¹, depending on the application and concrete consistency.
Q2: How does shear rate affect concrete viscosity?
A: Most concrete exhibits shear-thinning behavior, meaning viscosity decreases as shear rate increases, which is crucial for pumpability and workability.
Q3: Why is shear rate important in concrete pumping?
A: Understanding shear rate helps predict pressure losses, optimize pump selection, and prevent blockages during concrete pumping operations.
Q4: How is shear rate measured in practice?
A: Rheometers and viscometers are used to measure shear rate in laboratory settings, while field measurements often rely on empirical relationships.
Q5: Does shear rate affect concrete strength development?
A: While shear rate primarily affects fresh concrete properties, improper handling at high shear rates can lead to segregation and ultimately affect hardened concrete properties.