Viscosity is defined as what?

Viscosity is defined as the measure of flowability of fresh concrete, which indicates how well the concrete can flow and be worked with during the mixing and pouring processes. In the context of concrete, viscosity refers to the resistance of the fresh mix to deformation or flow under applied stress. It is influenced by the water-cement ratio, the type of aggregates, and the presence of admixtures.

When the viscosity of concrete is too high, it can result in difficulties during placement and compaction, potentially leading to poor performance in the hardened state. Conversely, if the viscosity is too low, it may lead to segregation of the materials. Therefore, understanding viscosity is crucial for ensuring good workability and ultimately achieving the desired strength and durability characteristics in the finished concrete. This makes the definition as the measure of flowability particularly relevant and important in construction and materials science.