Analysis of the rheological and mechanical properties of three commercial self-leveling mortars

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate three commercially available self-leveling mortars. Mixing was performed using a Pheso rheometer, which enabled the assessment of mixing efficiency. In the fresh state, the evaluated properties included fluidity, spreadability, rheological parameters, and regeneration time. In the hardened state, flexural tensile strength, compressive strength, and dynamic modulus of elasticity were measured. The results revealed significant variations in mixing efficiency, influenced by the physical characteristics of the mortars. Among all the fluidity and spread tests, the time measured using the Spanish cylinder exhibited the strongest and most consistent correlations. This greater precision was supported by the number of significant relationships observed across physical, mixing, and rheological parameters. The variations found among the mortars demonstrate that each formulation exhibits distinct characteristics, including variations in regeneration time. For example, mortar 1, with a shorter regeneration time, exhibited higher yield stresses and viscosity, with greater flexural strength. This finding highlights that the absence of specific Brazilian standardization require the users of this mortar type to have good knowledge about the material properties to ensure correct application and compliance with project specifications.