Rheology and processing of cementitious materials

In this chapter, the fundamental techniques behind processing of cementitious materials are introduced. With a short initiation in rheometry and chemical admixtures the reader is prepared for addressing the many scientific experiments listed further in this book. However, by combining these two topics in the light of one particular type of concrete – namely self-compacting concrete (SCC) – the context and the purpose of this book is further exemplified. A next step is transferring these insights into all kinds of processing techniques, regardless the specific type of concrete. To that end, a relevant overview of processing techniques is given towards the end of this chapter.