The concrete slump test: what is it? methodical approach

I believe you will concur with me when I state that one of the most common building materials used worldwide is concrete.

We can review the survey report below to get a good picture of the annual volume of concrete used.

Why are we talking about consumption of concrete in the slump test article?

Why is this relevant?

It matters because slump test results are a clear indicator of the quality of the concrete mixture, and concrete is a combination. Commenting on the quality of fresh cement on site is best done this manner. 

This post aims to provide you with all the knowledge you need to conduct a slump test, including its definition, current international guidelines, and the tools you'll need. 

More crucially, the slump test's detailed instructions, a list of precautions to take throughout the test, and a method for calculating the test result's workability. 

Test for Concrete Slump

An instantaneous test to ascertain the consistency and workability of newly mixed concrete is the concrete slump test. In order to guarantee immediate concrete quality in a building project, this test is essential. It is practically always utilized on building sites.

The slump test is quite straightforward and manageable. It can also be completed quickly and with relatively little equipment. The slump test has gained worldwide popularity due to these benefits. Concrete's workability is not directly assessed using the slump test. Rather, concrete consistency is tested to provide an overall understanding of the workability state of the concrete mix. 

International Standard for Concrete Slump Test

Concrete slump test particular testing standards are defined by a number of international codes. These guidelines outline procedures and tools for using the slump test to assess the consistency of freshly laid concrete. Strict adherence to these requirements is necessary for acceptance and dependability when conducting the concrete slump test. The following are the requirements for the concrete slump test.

• American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM): ASTM C 143 and ASTM C143M are the ASTM standards for slump tests.

• The AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) has established AASHTO T119 and AASHTO BS 1881 as the standards for slump tests.

• British and European standard: BS EN 12350-2 is the British and European standard for slump tests.

• The 1959 Indian Standard, IS 1199

Equipment for Testing Concrete Slump

A few pieces of equipment are needed to conduct the slump test. These test kit sets are readily available in the market. The test apparatus needs to meet the previously stated requirements. The following pieces of equipment are primarily utilized for slump tests: • Mold: A cone-shaped mold is used for this purpose. The cone is referred to as an Abrams cone or droop cone. Steel, plastic, etc. are used to make slump cones. It stands twelve inches (30 cm) tall. The top hole measures 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, while the base opening measures 8 inches (20 cm).

• Base plate: Base plates might be composed of steel, aluminum, or polymers. There could be a holding attachment on it.

• Tamping rod: Steel is the material used for the temping rod in the slump test. Typically, a tamping rod measures 24" in length and 5/8" in diameter. Steel is the material of the temping rod used in the slump test. Typically, a tamping rod measures 24" in length and 5/8" in diameter.

• Tape measure: For measurements, a standard tap should be utilized.

Procedure for the Concrete Slump Test

Step 1: The mold's interior surface is first thoroughly cleaned. One can apply oil to the outside.

Step 2 After that, the mold is set on a base plate. The base plate ought to be spotless, non-porous, smooth, and horizontal.

Step 3: Three layers of freshly mixed concrete are poured into the mold. A steel rod is used to tamp each layer twenty-five times. This steel rod has a 5/8-inch diameter. The ends of the rod are rounded. Tamping needs to be carried out consistently.

Step 4: Excess concrete should be removed and the surface smoothed once the mold has been filled. The grips securely hold the mould's base in place while it is filled with freshly mixed concrete.

Step 5: Unsupported concrete will sink when the mold is gently moved in a vertical orientation. The term "slump" refers to the decline in height at the center point, which is measured to the nearest 5 mm or 0.25 inch.

Exercise Caution When Doing the Concrete Slump Test