The results from the development of a novel technique for detecting and monitoring load bearing percolating networks in it dense Suspension (concentrated Suspension) sheared in a narrow gap arc presented. The technique employs in electrical method which allows for Much higher sampling rates than with traditional mechanical measurements and can therefore reveal the Occurrence of shorter lived phenomena. The Suspensions under investigation were solder pastes (used in electronics manufacturing) since they inherently lend themselves to this technique. Solder pastes consist of spherical metal alloy particles Suspended in an insulating non-Newtonian fluid (flux). Particles arc polydisperse and commonly have diameters in the range of 10-75 mu m. Volume fraction of solid is typically 45%-50%. The particles have it native insulating oxide layer that is removed by the mechanical action of neighboring particles, allowing conduction across the particle interfaces. The manner and rate at which conduction Occurs therefore provides information on the magnitude of the contact forces between the particles. Transient conduction spikes measured as current passes through, the particles detect the occurrence, magnitude and duration (lifetime) of load hearing percolating networks. (c) 2006 The Society, of Rheology,.