Papers

@article{caneda-martinez_fast_2026,

title = {Fast penetration testing of printable concretes with a portable device: robustness and calibration},

author = {Laura Caneda-Martínez and Marwa Hassan and Léo Demont and Emmanuel Keita and Patrick Belin and Victor De Bono and Romain Mesnil and J. F. Caron and Belén González-Fonteboa and Nicolas Roussel},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0008884626000104},

doi = {10.1016/j.cemconres.2026.108141},

issn = {0008-8846},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-04-01},

urldate = {2026-04-01},

journal = {Cement and Concrete Research},

volume = {202},

pages = {108141},

abstract = {Concrete 3D printing demands rheological control tools tailored to this emerging construction technology. Conventional rheometry is often unsuitable for routine monitoring in industrial environments. This study investigates the use of a fast penetration test with a portable device as a simple, effective method to evaluate yield stress and structuration rate of printable concretes. Emphasis is placed on robustness, assessed through measurement variability rather than absolute values. Tests on clay-based reference pastes identify probe geometries minimizing operator influence and data dispersion. Probe and sample size effects are also examined. Calibration on reference pastes establishes geometry-specific conversion factors between penetration force and yield stress. These factors are then used to monitor yield stress evolution in printed concrete, with results compared to those from a pocket vane test. Findings indicate that the fast penetration method yields more robust, consistent measurements, supporting its suitability for rheological quality control in concrete 3D printing.},

keywords = {3D printing, Fast penetration, Rheology, Structuration, Vane, Yield stress},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pasandin_preliminary_2025,

title = {Preliminary Characterization of Lignin-Modified Binder for Half-Warm-Mix Asphalt},

author = {Ana M. Rodríguez-Pasandín and Pablo Orosa-Iglesias and Ignacio Pérez-Pérez and Ana M. Rodríguez-Alloza},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/17/8/1019},

doi = {10.3390/polym17081019},

issn = {2073-4360},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-01-01},

urldate = {2025-01-01},

journal = {Polymers},

volume = {17},

number = {8},

pages = {1019},

publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute},

abstract = {There is a growing trend to promote circular economy practices and reduce petroleum-derived product consumption in the paving sector. In this context, a liquid lignin-rich industrial waste was incorporated at 0% (control), 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% into a bitumen emulsion to manufacture a lignin-based biobinder for half-warm-mix asphalt (HWMA). The mix of the bitumen emulsion and the industrial waste was made using an Ultra-turrax device, with the final mixing temperature monitored using a thermographic camera. Microstructure analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The bitumen was extracted and characterized using needle penetration tests at several temperatures. Additionally, the ring-and-ball softening point, penetration index, and ductility were assessed. Incorporating up to 5% of lignin-rich industrial waste led to a lignin-based biobinder that could be used for a more sustainable and bitumen-efficient HWMA production.},

keywords = {biobinder, half-warm-mix asphalt, lignin, microstructure, Rheology},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{rojo-lopez_effect_2024,

title = {Effect of aggregate content and fibre type on the rheological behaviour and structural build-up of fibre reinforced self-compacting concrete using two binder compositions},

author = {Gemma Rojo-López and Belén González-Fonteboa and Fernando Martínez-Abella and Sindy Seara-Paz},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061824026321},

doi = {10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.137490},

issn = {0950-0618},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-09-01},

urldate = {2024-09-01},

journal = {Construction and Building Materials},

volume = {442},

pages = {137490},

abstract = {Many parameters influence the fresh behaviour of fibre reinforced self-compacting concrete (FRSCC), such as length, aspect ratio, fibre content, solid volume fraction, and particle interaction. Most studies did not analyse rheological behaviour (just workability) and they are focused on paste or mortar. However, the analysis at the concrete level is also required to confirm the behaviour when the coarse aggregates and fibres are employed. This kind of analysis is scarce in the literature. Hence, this work aims to increase the knowledge about the effect of aggregate content and fibre type on FRSCC. To do so, the behaviour of self-compacting mixes with three different aggregate contents (550, 500, and 650 l/m3), two cementitious systems (100 % cement, and 60 % cement, 25 % limestone filler and 15 % metakaolin), and three different types of rigid fibres (two metallic and one polypropylene) were analysed. To characterise the concrete rheological performance, the stress growth test (SGT) was selected to avoid any fibre orientation. SGT was repeated twice under undisturbed and disturbed conditions to assess the structural build-up of the concrete. The results indicate that there is a critical value of the relative packing fraction that, once overcome, severely affects the fresh behaviour of FRSSC. This critical value can be calculated as the ratio between random loose packing fraction and dense packing fraction. It can be used to design a FRSCC mix guaranteeing that the fresh state remains in a suitable range where the hydrodynamic interactions dominate the behaviour and therefore, changes in the mix composition will not sharply modify the rheological performance of the concrete.},

keywords = {Packing fraction, Polypropylene, Rheology, Thixotropy},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{hu_optimising_2024,

title = {Optimising the dosage of bio-rejuvenators in asphalt recycling: A rejuvenation index based approach},

author = {Yongping Hu and Jack Ryan and Anand Sreeram and Max Allanson and Ana M. Rodríguez-Pasandín and Lu Zhou and Bhupendra Singh and Haopeng Wang and Gordon D. Airey},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061824019032},

doi = {10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.136761},

issn = {0950-0618},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-06-01},

urldate = {2026-04-20},

journal = {Construction and Building Materials},

volume = {433},

pages = {136761},

abstract = {While significant research efforts have been devoted to the rejuvenation of aged bitumen using bio-rejuvenators, a universally recognised approach for dosage optimisation is still yet to be established. Aiming to develop standardised methods to determine the optimal dosages of six types of bio-rejuvenators, this study validated the use of a rheology-based rejuvenation index as a potential universal method. Rheological properties of rejuvenated binders, determined through frequency sweep tests, multiple stress creep and recovery tests, linear amplitude sweep tests, and bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests were carried out with the properties of virgin binder as reference targets. The results indicated that the applied rheology-based rejuvenation index is a feasible approach. This index can ensure improved low- and intermediate-temperature (fatigue) performance of aged bitumen while maintaining high-temperature performance within acceptable limits. Further characterisation of the binders by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis suggested that the bio-rejuvenation processes will commonly only involve physical softening rather than a chemical reversal of ageing. Therefore, the use of chemistry-based indices is likely not feasible.},

keywords = {Bitumen, Dosage, Fatigue, FTIR, Rejuvenation, Rheology},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Rojo-López2024,

title = {Genetic programming to understand the influence of new sustainable powder materials in the fresh performance of cement pastes},

author = {Gemma Rojo-López and Belén González-Fonteboa and Juan Luis Pérez-Ordóñez and Fernando Martínez-Abella},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85189693470&doi=10.1016%2fj.jobe.2024.109186&partnerID=40&md5=82b0d972a8049ef5dccd64581bae8dd4},

doi = {10.1016/j.jobe.2024.109186},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-01-01},

urldate = {2024-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Building Engineering},

volume = {88},

abstract = {This study focused on pastes that incorporate metakaolin, biomass ash, and granite powder as supplementary cementitious materials to obtain specific expressions to predict rheological properties in pastes and to define the most appropriate dosage parameters using genetic programming. For this purpose, a dataset was developed following a central composite design, and some fresh properties were measured: Marsh cone and rheological properties, such as yield stress and plastic viscosity. The models generated by genetic programming presented robust statistical indices for the properties studied. The influence of supplementary cementitious materials on rheological properties was also analysed through a parametric analysis. After analysing the factors affecting paste rheology, it was concluded that the most important aspects affecting fresh behaviour were water demand and particle interaction, as well as the relation between both effects. © 2024 The Author(s)},

note = {Cited by: 0; All Open Access, Green Open Access, Hybrid Gold Open Access},

keywords = {Biomass ashes, Cement paste, Cements, Fresh performance, Genetic algorithms, Genetic programming, Granite, Granite powder, Metakaolins, Parametric analysis, Performance of cement, Powder material, Rheological property, Rheology, Supplementary cementitious material, Yield stress},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{gonzalez-fonteboa_influence_2021,

title = {Influence of the mixing procedure on the fresh state behaviour of recycled mortars},

author = {Belén González-Fonteboa and Iris González-Taboada and Diego Carro-López and Fernando Martínez-Abella},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061821020250},

doi = {10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124266},

issn = {0950-0618},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-09-01},

urldate = {2021-09-01},

journal = {Construction and Building Materials},

volume = {299},

pages = {124266},

abstract = {The effect of two different mixing protocols on the fresh-state behaviour of self-compacting mortars with and without recycled sand was compared. For this purpose, the mortar mixes were designed considering three solid volume fractions, while maintaining the water to cement ratio and superplasticiser dosage constant. The results conclude that the inclusion of recycled sand harmfully affects the rheological behaviour of the mortars and this effect can be mitigated using mixing protocols with longer mixing times and delayed admixture addition times. Finally, a rheograph was developed to explain the expectable changes in a conventional mix when recycled sand is incorporated, the solid volume fraction is varied and changes are applied to the mixing procedure.},

keywords = {Delayed admixture addition time, Fine particles, Mixing time, Recycled sand, Rheology},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{di_mundo_masonry_2020,

title = {Masonry and render mortars with tyre rubber as aggregate: Fresh state rheology and hardened state performances},

author = {Rosa Di Mundo and Sindy Seara-Paz and Belén González-Fonteboa and Michele Notarnicola},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061820303640},

doi = {10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118359},

issn = {0950-0618},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-06-01},

urldate = {2026-08-06},

journal = {Construction and Building Materials},

volume = {245},

pages = {118359},

abstract = {This work shows how it is possible to tailor cement-rubber composites suitable as renders and masonry mortars with a reduced liquid water absorption. Recycled tyre rubber is used as aggregate in mixture with siliceous sand and its content is tuned in order to limit depletion of mechanical properties and, at the same time, ensure a sufficiently massive utilization of this secondary raw material. An extended investigation of the properties both at the fresh and hardened state is conducted. We show that presence of rubber sensitively reduces fluidity (hence workability) of the mortar. In particular, rubber modifies rheological properties such as thixotropy and dynamic torque, while does not affect viscosity. Overall, the fresh state properties are compatible with the casting and application of these mortar typologies, even for the highest rubber content (20–25% by volume). This rubber content is shown to be sufficient to ensure, just after few days of curing, an almost complete abatement of water drop absorption, specific functionality of these novel and more sustainable mortars.},

keywords = {Hydrophobic, Masonry mortar, Plasters/renders, Recycled tyre rubber, Rheology, Thixotropy, Viscosity, Water absorption, Water contact angle, Workability},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Puertas201822,

title = {Alkali-activated slag concrete: Fresh and hardened behaviour},

author = {Francisca Puertas and Belén González-Fonteboa and Iris González-Taboada and María M. Alonso López and Manuel Torres-Carrasco and Gemma Rojo-López and Fernando Martínez-Abella},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85030679824&doi=10.1016%2fj.cemconcomp.2017.10.003&partnerID=40&md5=55e3f2fd798b6078f508e2db2e4c24b7},

doi = {10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2017.10.003},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

urldate = {2018-01-01},

journal = {Cement and Concrete Composites},

volume = {85},

pages = {22 – 31},

publisher = {Elsevier Ltd},

abstract = {The behaviour of fresh and hardened alkali-activated slag (AAS) and OPC concretes was compared and the effect of mixing time assessed. OPC and AAS concrete slump and rheological results proved to differ, particularly when the slag was activated with waterglass (WG). The nature of the alkaline activator was the key determinant in AAS concrete rheology. Bingham models afforded a good fit to all the OPC and AAS concretes. In OPC and NaOH-activated AAS concretes, longer mixing had an adverse effect on rheology while improving hardened performance only slightly. In WG-AAS concrete, longer mixing times, improved mechanical properties and also rheological behaviour was enhanced, in which those conditions were required to break down the microstructure. Longer mixing raised thixotropy in OPC and NaOH-activated AAS concretes, but lowered the value of this parameter in waterglass-activated slag concrete. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd},

note = {Cited by: 201; All Open Access, Green Open Access},

keywords = {Alkali activated slags, Alkali-activated slag concretes, Alkaline activation, Alkaline activators, Atomic absorption spectrometry, Bingham model, Bins, Blast furnaces, Concrete mixing, Concretes, Elasticity, Hardened behaviour, Hardening, Key determinants, Mixing, Rheological behaviour, Rheology, Slags},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{González-Taboada20171,

title = {Tools for the study of self-compacting recycled concrete fresh behaviour: Workability and rheology},

author = {Iris González-Taboada and Belén González-Fonteboa and Javier Eiras-López and Gemma Rojo-López},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85019157098&doi=10.1016%2fj.jclepro.2017.04.045&partnerID=40&md5=dc483461bc80b8981beee59d6b2ab36b},

doi = {10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.04.045},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

urldate = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Cleaner Production},

volume = {156},

pages = {1 – 18},

abstract = {This work studies the fresh behaviour of self-compacting recycled concrete (SCRC) with different replacement percentages of recycled concrete coarse aggregate (20, 50 and 100%). To control the high absorption of recycled aggregate, three different mixing methods are also used in each studied concrete: M1 (dry aggregate and extra water), M2 (pre-soaked aggregate) and M3 (aggregate with a 3% of natural moisture and extra water). The fresh-state properties are measured with empirical and rheological tests, both carried out at 15, 45 and 90 min from the water-cement contact. Results obtained lead to conclude that rheology is the best tool to control fresh state behaviour of SCRC mixes and that Bingham 5-lowest is the suitable model to describe their rheological behaviour. Additionally, it has been concluded that the best method to produce SCRC is to compensate the recycled aggregate absorption during mixing using an extra quantity of water. With this method, self-compacting behaviour can be maintained with all replacement percentages until 45 min, and even until 90 min when the replacement ratio does not exceed 50%. Moreover, the use of the recycled coarse aggregate with a previous moisture content involves a greater difficulty to control workability and rheology than its use in dry-state condition. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd},

note = {Cited by: 88},

keywords = {Aggregates, Concrete mixing, Concretes, Elasticity, Fresh behaviour, Mechanical properties, Mixing, Moisture, Recycled aggregates, Recycled coarse aggregate, Recycled concrete coarse aggregate, Recycled concretes, Recycling, Replacement ratio, Rheological behaviour, Rheology, Self compacting concrete, Water absorption, Workability},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}