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The Marsh Cone as a viscometer: theoretical


analysis and practical limits

Article in Materials and Structures · January 2005


DOI: 10.1007/BF02480571

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Robert Le Roy N. Roussel


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Materials and Structures / Matériaux et Constructions, Vol. 37, Month 2004, pp XX-XX

SCIENTIFIC REPORT
The Marsh Cone as a viscometer: theoretical analysis and
practical limits

R. Le Roy and N. Roussel


Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussées, Paris, France

ABSTRACT RÉSUMÉ
In this study, we have investigated the possibility of Dans cette étude, on a évalué la possibilité d’utiliser le cône
using the Marsh cone as a viscometer. Rheological de Marsh en tant que viscosimètre. Des mesures rhéologiques,
measurements along with digital image recording of Marsh couplées avec des enregistrements d’images numériques
cone flow on glycerol-water mixes were carried out. The d’écoulements au cône de Marsh, de mélanges de glycérol et
equations needed to solve the flow problem are written in d’eau ont été effectués. Les équations nécessaires pour
the case of a purely Newtonian viscous fluid. We show that résoudre le problème ont été écrites dans le cas d’un fluide
flow time can be directly linked to the Newtonian viscosity. purement visqueux. On montre alors que le temps
Flow time is proportional to viscosity. The Marsh cone is d’écoulement est proportionnel à la viscosité. Le cône de
then used to test several cement pastes and measured flow Marsh est ensuite essayé sur des pâtes de ciment pour
time is compared to predicted flow time. The correlation lesquelles le temps d’écoulement mesuré est comparé à celui
between flow time and cement pastes apparent viscosity calculé. La corrélation entre le temps d’écoulement et la
stays valid only for no yield stress cement pastes and for viscosité apparente reste valide uniquement pour les pâtes de
flow time higher than about 15 s. ciment n’ayant pas de seuil d’écoulement et pour des temps
d’écoulement supérieurs à environ 15 s.

1. INTRODUCTION possible to estimate the viscosity. Such a calculation is of great


interest, since one is then able to calculate a physical parameter
The Marsh cone test is a simple approach to get some data (viscosity [Pa.s]) instead of an empirical one (fluidity [s]).
about cement pastes rheological behaviour. It has already been Before proposing that simple viscometer, it appears necessary
used in cement based materials mix design [1-3] in order to to assess its accuracy. Moreover, this accuracy is affected by
define the super-plasticizer saturation point, i.e. the dosage the often pseudo-plastic behaviour of some new grout mixes. It
beyond which the flow time does not decrease appreciably. It then becomes important to know the validity domain of this
is also widely used in grout control, especially those used in viscosity control device.
geotechnical reinforcement, prestressed cable protection, In this study, we carry out Marsh cone and rheometric
petroleum cimentation. The test geometry depends on grout measurements on glycerol-water mixes in a first part. In a
application and on standard [4, 5], but its principle is always second part a simple modelling is proposed linking flow time
the same. The time needed for a certain amount of material to to Newtonian viscosity. This calculation is then applied to
flow out of the cone is recorded. This flow time is linked with various grout mixes flow measurements. We show that the
the material fluidity. The longer the flow time is, the lower the Marsh cone test and the associated proposed calculation are
fluidity is. relevant only when the grout behaviour is close to a Newtonian
By modelling analytically the flow in the Marsh cone, it is behaviour.

Editorial Note
LCPC is a RILEM Titular Member.

1359-5997/04 © RILEM 1/6 MS 1615


Le Roy, Roussel

2. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES - The orifice is opened and a stop watch started ;


- The material volume flowing through the nozzle as
In the present study, two types of material are tested : a function of time is recorded (Fig. 2). The final
water-glycerol mixtures and cement pastes. For water- filling height is noted Hf. By video recording the
glycerol mixtures tested on the Marsh cone, digital images flow, any Hf values may be chosen and studied.
were taken using a CCD camera. The test parameters are
given in Table 1 for each material testing. They will be 2.2 Rheometric measurements
reminded when needed.
A coaxial Haake viscotester ® VT550 was used for all
the experiments. A MV DIN cylinders standard equipment
Table 1 - Test parameters in the present study for the is used for glycerol – water mixes. Since the mix is a
two tested materials Newtonian fluid, the viscosity is obtained by calculating the
Glycerol testing Cement pastes testing slope of the stress-speed gradient curve. The corresponding
test standard N°1 test standard N°2 strain rate ranges from 0 to 200 s-1 (Fig. 3). Paste
h (m) 0.06 0.06
measurements were performed on special coaxial cylinders,
tan α 0.253 0.253
on which sand paper is stuck, in order to avoid slipping
r (m) 0.005 0.004
during measurements. The procedure is the following :
initial amount 1.7 0.8
(dm3) - pre shearing up to 100 s-1 in 10 s ;
flowing amount 1.0 0.4 - stage speed during 120 s ;
(dm3) - decreasing speed from 100 s-1 to 0.15 s-1 in 60 s. 15
H0 (m) 0.273 0.212 measurements are taken during this period, each of one taken
Hf (m) 0.197 0.165 after a 20 s stabilized speed period. This branch is used to
calculate the plastic viscosity and the yield stress (Fig. 4) ;

2.1 The Marsh cone


Tests procedure is described in EN 445 [4], ASTM 939
94a [5]. In the EN 12 715 standard [6], smaller nozzle
diameters are proposed since the fluidity of soil grout is
generally higher than for post tension applications. The
procedure is the following:
- A Marsh cone is attached to a stand (Fig. 1) ;
- Closing the nozzle, a certain amount of the tested
material is poured into the cone. This amount may vary
from 0.8 L to 1.7 L depending on the authors. The initial
filling height is noted H0 ;

152 Fig. 2 - Glycerol-water mix volume versus time for various mixes.
Viscosity in [mPa.s] is mentioned in caption. Nozzle diameter
equal 10 mm [experimental results and simulations].

200
shear stress [Pa]

150
280
H0
100
tan α
Hf 50

0 0
0 50 100 150 200
h 60
strain rate [s-1]
2 r = 4.75 Fig. 3 - Shear stress in terms of strain rate during a viscometer
8 or 10 test. Water-glycerol mixture (water : 5 %, glycerol : 95 % (weight
ratio)) at T = 21.7 °C. The strain rate is ramped from 0 to 200 s-1
Fig. 1 - Studied geometry and main notations (length in mm). [experimental results].

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Materials and Structures / Matériaux et Constructions, Vol. 37, Month 2004

then

8µ h  1 1 1 1 
 4+  3 −  Q = ρg (H + h )
3 
π  r 3h tan (α )  r (r + H tan (α ))  

(6)
with
dH
Q = −π (r + H tan (α )) (7)
2

dt
The following relation comes

  3h tan (α )  (r + H tan (α ))2 r3 


 1 + +  − dH

 r  (H + h ) (H + h ) (r + H tan (α )) 
3ρgr 3 tan (α )
=− dt

Fig. 4 - Shear stress in terms of strain rate during a viscometer test. (8)
Cement paste N°2. If the paste is considered as a Bingham fluid, the If H0 is the initial conical part filling height, the flow
plastic yield value Ki = 6 Pa and the plastic viscosity µp = 200 mPa.s. time may be integrated :
The strain rate is ramped from 0 to 100 s-1 [experimental results].
8µ 3h tan(α ) H +H
tv = ((1 + ) (tan2 (α )(H 0 − H )( 0 + h)
-1
- increasing speed from 0.15 s to 100 s in 60 s. Same-1 3ρgr 3 tan(α ) r 2
measurements as above. H +h
− 2 tan(α )(h tan(α ) − r )(H 0 − H ) + (h tan(α ) − r ) LN ( 0
2
In order to obtain the best accuracy measurements as ))
H +h
possible, viscosity temperature correction were done on
r3 H tan(α ) + r H +h
water glycerol mixtures so that rheometric and Marsh cone − ( LN ( 0 ) − LN ( 0 )))
results could be compared. h tan(α ) − r H tan(α ) + r H +h
(9)

3. FLOW EQUATIONS with


 1

1  3V tan (α )  3  (10)
The Poiseuille law for a Newtonian viscous fluid with a H=  ( H tan (α ) + r )3
−  − r
tan (α )   π 
0
 
viscosity µ writes in the conical part for small α values and  
if the flow is considered as a succession of steady states
(slow flow): where V is the volume that has flown out of the cylinder
during a time tv.
π  ∂p  The fluid level decrease rate in the conical part
 + ρg (r + z tan (α )) (1)
4
Q=
8 µ  ∂z  accelerates through the test as shown on Fig. 5. Note that
the debit decreases at the same time.
From (1) comes The volume V increases linearly during approximately
the first half of the test, as noticed by Nehdi [7] and as
∂p 8µ Q (2) shown on Fig. 5. During this phase, the debit through the
= − ρg
∂z π (r + z tan(α ))4 cylinder is constant. Nehdi considered only the flowing of

with p (H ) = 0 if the atmospheric pressure is the reference


pressure.
The pressure then writes
8µ Q  1 1 
p( z ) = − 
 −  (3)
3 
3π tan(α )  (r + z tan(α )) (r + H tan(α )) 
3

+ ρg (H − z )

and
8µ Q  1 1 
p(0) = ρgH −  −  (4)
3π tan (α )  r 3 (r + H tan (α ))3 

In the cylindrical part, (1) becomes:


Fig. 5 - Filling height in the conical part as a function of time for a
πr 4  ∂p  πr  p(0 )
4
 (5)
Q=  + ρg  =  + ρg  purely viscous fluid. h = 0.06m; tan(α) = 0.253 ; H0 = 0.273;
8 µ  ∂z  8µ  h  µ = 200 mPa.s ; ρ = 2000 kg/m3; r = 0.005 m [simulation].

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Le Roy, Roussel

the first 0.7 l out of the 1.1 l he tested. He attributed this


non-linear evolution to an increased effect of friction,
which is in a way correct. In fact, the friction stays the same
but the pressure gradient which is the “engine” of the flow
in the cylindrical part relatively decreases through the test
as the fluid level in the conical part decreases. The pressure
gradient variations at the beginning of the test are small
(small variations of the fluid filling height) and become
stronger at the end of the test when the phenomenon
accelerates. This leads to a constant debit during the first
part of the experiment which decreases only at the end of
the total time needed to empty the cone. Last but far from
the least, it should be noted that the flow time is
proportional to the viscosity.

Fig. 6 - Comparison between the measured viscosity (viscometer)


4. EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION ON and the viscosity calculated upon the flow time value using (9).
NEWTONIAN FLUID The x = y curve is also plotted in dash line [experimental results
and simulation].
In order to validate Equation (9), tests on water-glycerol
mixture are carried out. Testing different water/glycerol ratios 40 flow time 120
mixtures, several viscosity levels are studied to verify (9) error
validity on the largest scale. An example of shear stress / strain 35 100
rates measurements is given on Fig. 3. The Newtonian
behaviour is obvious as expected and the viscosity is easily 30
obtained through the test and its software. 25 flow time [s] 80

errror [%]
Knowing the mixture flow time, the viscosity may be
calculated using Equation (9). The comparison between 20 60
measured viscosity and calculated viscosity is plotted on
Fig. 6. For the lowest values, the predicted viscosity values are 15
40
higher than the measured ones. One extreme example is the 10
case of pure water that is also plotted as a black dot on Fig. 6. 20
The calculated viscosity is 64 [mPa.s], whereas the measured 5
viscosity is about 1 [mPa.s]. In these regimes, the assumption nozzle diameter [mm]
of a succession of quasi steady states is not valid any more and
the flow time is not any more proportional to the viscosity. As 6 8 9 10
such, the flow time value is not a meaningful measurement Fig. 7 - Prediction accuracy evolution as a function of nozzle
from a rheological point of view. diameter. Glycerol-water mix of viscosity [72 mPa.s].
This conclusion is confirmed on Fig. 2 on which the filling
volume versus time is plotted for different viscosities. It is Table 2 - Cement paste compositions
observed that the evolution is linear up to a emptying ratio of Cement Cement Filler Water Super Visc.
50%-60%. The simulation accuracy increases with the pastes (kg.m-3) (kg.m-3) (kg.m-3) Plast. Agent
viscosity. For the given geometry (initial volume equal to 1.7 l N° Dry Dry
and nozzle diameter equal to 10 mm), the prediction is (kg.m-3) (kg.m-3)
acceptable beyond viscosity values of 200 [mPa.s], which 0 984 365 473 3.44 1.41
corresponds to a flow time of 15 s according to the EN 445 test. 1 985 366 473 2.70 1.41
Nevertheless, cement grout used in geotechnical 2 986 366 473 2.03 1.41
3 988 367 473 1.36 1.41
applications behave like low viscous fluid. The accuracy
4 989 367 473 0.68 1.42
prediction can then be preserved by diminishing the nozzle
5 985 366 473 0.68 2.82
diameter, as it is shown on Fig. 7 for a glycerol-water mix of 6 983 365 473 2.03 2.81
viscosity of [72 mPa.s]. 7 981 364 473 3.43 2.80
8 979 364 473 0.68 5.59
9 977 363 473 2.01 5.58
5. APPLICATION ON CEMENT PASTES 10 974 362 473 3.41 5.57
11 972 361 473 0.67 8.33
5.1 Pastes composition
- Cement : CEM I 52,5 N CE ;
11 different cement pastes, studied in [8], consisting of
- Filler : Betocarb P2 MEAC ;
cement, limestone filler, superplasticizer, viscosity agent and
- Superplasticizer : Cimfluid Adagio 2019 ;
water, were used for the validation. The water cement ratio is
- Viscosity agent: Collaxim L4.
around 0.56 and the water binder ratio is 0.4. The chosen
compositions are given in Table 2. The components are:

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Materials and Structures / Matériaux et Constructions, Vol. 37, Month 2004

5.2 Pastes behaviour identification diminishes very rapidly. In that domain, the modelling should
be improved to take into account the plastic yield value.
The pastes behaviour parameters are identified using the
viscometer test assuming that they behave as Bingham
fluids with low yield stress. A test result example is plotted 6. CONSEQUENCES ON MARSH CONE
on Fig. 4. The results for each paste are given in Table 3. PRACTICAL USE
5.3 Marsh cone test results We have seen that the flow time is proportional to the
viscosity in a certain domain. Considering the test used for
The filling volume is 0.8 L and the passing volume is 0.4 L.
post tension grouts control (EN 445) with the 10 mm nozzle
For this test standard, the initial height is H0 = 0.212 m and the
and viscosities lower than 200 [mPa.s], it can be shown,
final height is H = 0.165 m. The nozzle diameter is 8 mm. The
using the previous results, that the flow time is not always
measured flow times and rheological behaviour for each paste
directly linked to the viscosity. On one hand, a 10%
are given in Table 3 with experimental comments. Using the
accuracy is obtained for flow times higher than 15 s. But,
measured viscosity and the relation (9), one may then try to
on the other hand, for lower flow times, the discrepancy
predict the flow time and compare it to the experimental flow
increases rapidly. In practice, the French regulation for
time. This comparison is plotted on Fig. 8. It can be observed
public markets imposes a minimum flow time of 13 s, value
that low plastic yield is not detrimental to the viscosity
which is closed to the previous one. If a low viscosity grout
prediction in most of practical marsh cone use. Nevertheless,
is controlled using this test, it then becomes difficult to spot
beyond a plastic yield of 20 [Pa], the marsh cone accuracy
an accidental water content modification as a non negligible
water variation doesn’t affect in a great proportion the flow
Table 3 – Experimental results of cement pastes flow time. The 13 s value has then to be considered as an
time for the tested geometry. For the paste n°11, the absolute minimum in pre-grouting control tests. If a lower
flow will not occur or will stop before 0.4 dm3 has value is obtained, the batch has to be rejected, and the water
passed through the nozzle content decreased up to obtain a correct flow time. This
Cement Flow Experimental Plastic Plastic point has to be emphasized since the grout sedimentation is
pastes Time comment viscosity Yield sensible to water content. A way to avoid the test
N° (s) µp Value discrepancy is to change the nozzle diameter recommended
(mPa.s) Ki (Pa) by EN 445 in order to measure higher flow time than 15 s.
0 9.81 Normal flow 170 0 A correct post tension grout will then be easily
1 10.69 Normal flow 170 5 differentiated from an over watered one.
2 11.09 Normal flow 200 6 Moreover, apparent viscosity of grouts whose behaviour
3 11.63 Normal flow 220 10 may be approximated by a Bingham law is difficult to
4 16.34 Normal flow 270 19 assess using Marsh cone, because flow time becomes
5 20.41 Normal flow 290 28 strongly affected by plastic yield value higher than 20 [Pa].
6 11.56 Normal flow 200 7
Another test, such as Vane test may be used to evaluate the
7 10.59 Normal flow 170 5
influence of the plastic yield value on the calculated
8 51.97 Difficult flow 500 40
9 14.69 Normal flow 240 18
viscosity.
10 14.13 Normal flow 240 8 On another hand, for geotechnical applications, the
11 / No flow 610 60 viscosity is often lower than 100 [mPa.s]. Using a standard
EN 445 Marsh cone would lead to a viscosity overestimated
by about 100%. As mentioned previously, it is necessary to
reduce the diameter nozzle (Fig. 7). In EN 12 715, the
nozzle diameter recommendation of 4.75 mm has then to be
followed.

7. CONCLUSIONS
This study presents an analytical modelling of the flow
process in a Marsh cone. Based on this modelling,
Newtonian fluid viscosity can be precisely calculated from
the flow time. The authors of course recognize that more
work is still needed in order to classify the Marsh cone as a
on site viscometer. Repeatability and reproducibility still
have to be studied. On a practical point of view, two issues
are of high interest: effect of marginal change in water
content on flow time and acceptable change in water
content for a given grout. However, this is outside the scope
Fig. 8 - Comparison between the measured flow time and the of the present work that focused on the correlation between
predicted flow time using (9) and the measured viscosity in Table flow time and apparent viscosity.
3. The x = y curve is also plotted [experimental results and The limits of the approach presented in this work have
simulation]. two origins. On one hand, the excessive debit obtained on

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Le Roy, Roussel

low viscosity grouts is responsible for the model admixtures and superplasticizer – A study based on the
discrepancy. This can be corrected by choosing a narrower Marsh cone test’, Mater. Struct. 32 (221) (1999) 479-
nozzle. On another hand, plastic yield stress is not taken 485.
into account in the modelling. For yield stress values higher [4] EN 445, ‘Grout for prestressing tendons – tests
than 20 [Pa], it is considered that the test is no more methods’ (1996).
suitable. In practice it should be emphasised that the Marsh [5] ASTM C939-94a, ‘Standard test method of flow of
cone has to be used within its application domain to reach grout for preplaced-aggregate concrete (flow cone
its maximum efficiency as a control tool. method)’ 470-471.
[6] EN 12 715, ‘Execution of special geotechnical work –
grouting’ (2000).
REFERENCES [7] Nehdi, M., Mindess, S. and Aïtcin, P.C., ‘Statistical
modelling of the microfiller effect on the rheology of
[1] Aïtcin, P.C. and Baalbaki, M., ‘Concrete admixtures – composite cement pastes’, Adv. in Cem. Res. 9 (33)
Key components of modern concrete, Concrete (1997) 37-46.
technology: New trends, Industrial Applications’, [8] Cordin, J., ‘SCC segregation : mix fitting parameters
(E&FN Spon, London, 1994) 33 – 47. influence on SSC cement paste fresh behaviour’,
[2] De Larrard, F., Bosc, F., Catherine, C. and Deflorenne, Internal report LCPC, France, (2002) [only available in
F., ‘The AFREM method for the mix-design of high French].
performance concrete’, Mater. Struct. 30 (201) (1997)
439-446.
[3] Agullo, L., Toralles-Carbonari, B., Gettu, R. and
Aguado, A., ‘Fluidity of cement pastes with mineral

Paper received: September 15, 2003; Paper accepted: May 12, 2004

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