Simulation of a turbine pan mixer and examination of the mixing ability, considering the concrete rheological properties

The measurement of rheological properties of fresh concrete and the performance optimization of concrete mixers are topics of great importance, because many parameters and characteristics such as durability, ease of placement, strength, and consolidation, depend on the flow properties. Thus, one of the most important aspects in the design of a concrete mixer is the mixing phenomenon analysis. In this paper, functional models for rheological properties of fresh concrete are proposed and applied in order to perform a multi-physical simulation of a turbine pan mixer exercise. The results demonstrate that the turbine mixer is designed to process high slump ready-mix concrete. In-fact, with different kinds of concrete, the mixing process results to be altered and the heaviest part of the mixture stratifies and settles at the bottom of the tank and a separated foam remains on the surface.