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Concrete Slump Testing

Concrete Slump Testing

Improve workability with our concrete slump testing equipment, designed to assist with consistency measurement in concrete batches and concrete mix. These concrete slump tester products, or concrete slump test kit, accurately measure the workability of fresh concrete for your project and determine how much water each batch contains.

At Certified MTP, we offer a wide range of concrete testing equipment, including slump testing equipment for various jobs. Our slump cone test sets are complete kits providing everything you need to perform a concrete slump test.

Our most popular Portable Slump Cone Test Set allows you to perform a slump test on freshly mixed concrete. Other slump tester products, or concrete slump test kit, include a variety of 16mm Tamping Rods, and Slump Cones made from corrosion-resistant steel. 

All of our concrete slump testing equipment meets ASTM standards.

Essential Features to Look for in a Slump Tester and Concrete Slump Test

A concrete slump test measures the consistency of the concrete mix. They are used to ensure that the right amount of water is added to the concrete mix, as well as to test strength and workability. When choosing a slump tester, or concrete slump test kit, there are several features to consider. These include accuracy, durability, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness of the concrete slump test is essential.

Accuracy is key when testing concrete mixes; a good slump tester, , or any concrete slump test kit, should be able to provide accurate results with minimal variation in readings between tests. An accurate slump test result is critical.

You should also look for durability, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness.

Benefits and Importance of Concrete Slump Testing

Slump is a measurement of the structure of freshly mixed concrete, which determines its suitability for a particular application. Slump test equipment is used to test workability and ensure the slump of newly poured concrete is flowing at the proper rate.

When a slump test fails, it indicates that the batch has not been mixed properly. For example, with a collapse slump, you know you must remix the concrete. Fortunately, you can easily change the mix and add water following a test.

A concrete slump test is popular among contractors because it’s easy to use the equipment. In field conditions, the slump test can ensure uniformity for multiple loads.

How to Slump Test Concrete

Several steps are involved in a concrete slump test, but it’s a simple procedure. Using a slump cone is the standard test method. The slumped concrete forms in various shapes, which are then measured. The tester uses a metal slump cone, which is open at both ends with attached handles. Typically, a slump test cone has a top diameter of 3.1 inches, a bottom diameter of 7.9 inches, and a foot all. 

Follow these steps to perform a slump test:

  1. Make sure the internal surface of the cone is clean. Moisten the cone to reduce surface friction and remove concrete that has dropped accidentally.

  2. Place the cone on a hard, non-absorbent, smooth, horizontal surface. A slump cone base plate and a tamping rod can assist greatly.

  3. Fill the slump cone with a fresh sample of mixed concrete.

  4. Tamp down the concrete 25 times with a bullet-nosed tamping rod.

  5. Add two more layers, tamping down 25 times between each layer with the steel rod. You should have three layers in total.

  6. Strike off the excess concrete so the top surface is level with the top of the metal mold.

  7. Lift the cone vertically without rotational movement so the unsupported concrete slumps.

  8. After the concrete slumps, place the cone next to it. Measure the slump using a tape measure on the base plate, starting from the top of the slump to the top of the cone. Any standard concrete slump test kit can help with this procedure.

You can retest if you get a shear slump or zero slump or if the concrete completely collapses.

What Are the Possible Outcomes of Concrete Slump Testing?

Four measured results can occur following a slump test. Slumped concrete takes one of these shapes:

  • True Slump: A true slump is the desired outcome. This result means the concrete simply subsides, indicating a high workability mix. The ideal slump measurement is 4”, with a range of 1-4” for beams, reinforced walls, and building columns. This is the only slump measured in this test.

  • Shear Slump: In this instance, the top portion of the concrete shear or collapse slump and the remainder slips sideways.

  • Collapse Slump: The mix is too wet, so the concrete collapses completely.

  • Zero Slump: Zero slump concrete has a very low water-cement ratio, resulting in dry mixes. This type of concrete is primarily used in road construction.

The concrete slump range will indicate the type of work for which the concrete is suitable.

Other Types of Concrete Slump Testing

There are several other ways to perform the test, including the following:

  • Flow Table Test: Used on fresh concrete that’s too liquid to be measured using a standard cone test. The following procedure is used:

    • Wet the flow table.

    • Place the concrete cone in the center point of the flow table and fill it with a layer of concrete.

    • Tamp the concrete ten times, then add a second layer and tamp it another ten times.

    • Lift the cone so the concrete can flow out.

    • Lift and drop the flow table fifteen times.

    • Measure the diameter of the flow on the base plate

  • Automated Slump Meter: This equipment has sensors and controls that measure and display the slump. There are automated slump meters that add water to the mix while the concrete truck is driving to its destination.

Get Concrete Slump Testing Products at CertifiedMTP

Whether you’re looking for a base plate, steel tamping rod, slump test cone, or complete kit, we have what you need for your next construction project. With our full range of slump test materials and other tools to test air content and more, you can manage any procedure successfully. Plus, our price range is suited to any budget.

Contact us with any questions, or shop Certified MTP today!

FAQs

1. Can I Perform Concrete Slump Tests On-Site?

Yes, absolutely! Doing the tests onsite has several advantages. Once the slump cone is removed in a vertical direction, the resulting concrete slump value provides valuable insights into the workability of the concrete. You can assess the moisture content of the concrete slump value easily, but make sure you do so on a flat surface in a place free of vibrations and other factors that could affect the slump value.

2. Are There Any Specific Standards or Guidelines for Conducting Concrete Slump Tests?

There are specific standards that apply to various types of concrete, including normal reinforced concrete and hydraulic cement concrete. Different regions also have their own standards, including the European Standard, Indian Standard, British Standards, and American association standards. American standards explicitly state the required slump cone height, testing procedures, and acceptance criteria for different applications, including constructing pavements and structures with light reinforcement. While minor differences exist, all standards align with international standards to ensure accurate and consistent slump testing.

Related Blogs for Concrete Slump Testing:

Uncovering the Best Slump Cone: A Comprehensive Guide 

Understanding the Slump Tester & Its Uses

Slump Test of Concrete: A Comprehensive Guide

Slump Test Table: Measure Workability of Concrete

Tampering Rod for Concrete Slump and Cylinder Mold Tests

Slump Test: Measuring the Consistency of Fresh Concrete

Concrete Slump: What Is It and Why Does it Matter?

Finding the Workability of Concrete with the Slump Test

How to Perform a Slump Test of Concrete: Steps and Results

Consistency of Concrete; How It's Measured, Why It's Important, and Relation to Workability

The Proper Pressure with Certified Concrete Testing Products

Materials Testing Experts Explain The Importance Of Concrete Testing

Mastering K Tester: Accurate Concrete Slump Measurements

Tamping Rod: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Concrete Testing

Choosing the Right Concrete Scoop for Reliable Slump Tests

Guide to Slump Test Concrete: Methods, Tips & Significance

Flow Test of Concrete: Unlocking Workability Wonders

Slump Concrete Meaning: Consistency & Quality Control

ASTM C 143 Slump Test:  Mastering Concrete Consistency

Metric System: A Guide to Units & Conversions

Tamping Rod for Concrete: Guide to Best Applications

Slump Concrete Test: Procedures and Significance

Concrete Slump: The Key to Quality and Workability

Concrete Water Permeability for Durability and Performance

Decoding the Surface: Is Concrete Porous or Nonporous?

 

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