Advances in rheological measurement and characterization of fresh cement pastes

Rheological assessment and characterization of fresh cement pastes play a key role in designing mixes for a variety of applications, including 3D printing. However, there is conflicting information regarding certain rheological concepts in the literature. In this paper, the most recent advances in measurement and characterization methods of dynamic rheology, static rheology, shear thickening or shear thinning, viscoelasticity, and thixotropic structural build-up via the use of rheometers as measurement tools are systematically discussed. The links and differences between these methodologies are examined from the perspective of applied rheology, highlighting the significance of adopting appropriate testing methods for cement pastes with diverse rheological characteristics. The information and discussion presented in this study will also enable researchers and practitioners working in the field of rheology to distinguish some key concepts that relate to different substances with diverse rheological properties. These include properties that are critical for cement pastes, such as thixotropy and structural build-up, establishing the groundwork for different users to make more informed choices regarding the identification of reasonable test methods suitable for projects with various demands.