Interaction diagrams to assess SCC mortars for different cement types

The present paper provides a comprehensive procedure for the design of mortar mixtures which are adequate for self-compacting concrete (SCC). A central composite design was carried out to mathematically model the influence of four mixture parameters and their coupled effects on deformability, viscosity and compressive strength of mortar mixtures. The derived models and a numerical optimization technique were used to determine the range of mortar mixture parameters where deformability and viscosity coexist in a balanced manner. Interaction diagrams are suggested to represent the optimized solutions. Six different types of cement were assessed in combination with limestone filler and a polycarboxylate type superplasticizer. Each type of cement has unique properties that interact with other constituents, resulting in different interaction diagrams and mix proportions in the concrete mixture. The utility of numerical models and optimized solutions for quality control, tailor-made concrete mixtures and selection of constituent materials is highlighted.