The influence of the rheology of fresh concrete on the settlement of aggreg
ate is examined. Fresh concrete exhibits a yield stress that, under certain
conditions, prevents the settlement of coarse aggregate, although its dens
ity is larger than that of the suspending mortar. Calculations, based on es
timates of the yield stress obtained from slump tests, predict that aggrega
te normally used in concrete should not sink. To test this prediction, the
settlement of a stone in fresh mortar is monitored. The stone does not sink
in the undisturbed mortar (which has a high yield stress), but sinks when
the mortar is vibrated, presumably due to a large reduction in its yield st
ress. This implies that during placement of concrete, the aggregate settles
only while the concrete is being vibrated. A unique experimental method fo
r measuring aggregate settlement is also introduced and demonstrated.