Portable Slump Cone Test Set

Portable Slump Cone Test Set

The Portable Standard Slump Cone Testing Set includes a cast aluminum slump test base, spun metal slump cone, graduated tamping rod (5/8in x 24in) and cast aluminum 38 oz. scoop. Set components mount in compact fashion for easy carrying.

The Portable Slump Cone Testing Set includes all tools necessary to conduct a slump test on a sample of freshly mixed concrete.

 Slump Cone Set

 Steel Slump Cone

Accessories for the Slump Cone Tests:

Meets Standard Test Method: 

AASHTO T119
ASTM C 143
ASTM C 143M
BS 1881

View the full line of Concrete Slump Testing Equipment, Slump Cones, and Fresh Concrete Testing

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Overview of Slump Test Concrete in Fresh Concrete Testing

The concrete slump test is a simple, widely used method for measuring the consistency and workability of freshly mixed concrete. It is a crucial part of concrete testing in the construction industry, helping to ensure that the concrete mix has the right proportions of water, cement, and aggregates. This detailed overview will cover various aspects of the concrete slump test, including slump test procedure, types of slumps, significance, and the factors affecting the test results.

The Concrete Slump Test

Concrete slump test measures the consistency of fresh concrete before it sets. This test is critical for ensuring the mix is workable and can be properly placed and compacted. The test is simple and can be performed on-site, making it a popular choice for your construction project.

Procedure of Slump Test

1. Equipment and Preparation:
Slump Cone: A metal cone with a bottom diameter of 200 mm, a top diameter of 100 mm, and a height of 300 mm.
Base Plate: A flat, non-absorbent surface where the test is conducted.
Tamping Rod: A steel rod with a diameter of 16 mm and a length of 600 mm, with one end rounded.
Measuring Scale: A ruler or tape measure for measuring the slump.
Additional Items: A scoop for filling the cone, a damp cloth for cleaning, and a straight edge for leveling.

2. Filling the Cone:
The cone is placed on the base plate.
First Layer: Fill the cone one-third of its height with freshly mixed concrete. Tamp this layer 25 times using the tamping rod.
Second Layer: Fill the cone to two-thirds of its height. Tamp this layer 25 times, ensuring that the rod penetrates slightly into the first layer.
Final Layer: Fill the cone to the top. Tamp this layer 25 times, ensuring the rod penetrates slightly into the second layer.

Overfill the cone slightly and use the straight edge to strike off excess concrete, leveling the top of the cone.

3. Lifting the Cone:
Lift the cone vertically and slowly (within 5 to 10 seconds), ensuring minimal disturbance to the concrete.
Measurement: Measure the distance between the top of the cone and the top of the slumped concrete.

4. Recording Results:
The measured distance is the slump value, which indicates the workability of the concrete.

Types of Slump

1. True Slump:
The concrete subsides evenly, retaining the shape of the cone to a large extent. This indicates good workability and consistency.

2. Shear Slump:
The concrete shears and slips sideways. The shear and collapse slump indicates that the mix is likely too wet and may have poor cohesion.

3. Collapse Slump:
The concrete collapses completely. This indicates a very high water-cement ratio, resulting in a mix that is too wet and lacks strength.

4. Zero Slump:
The concrete maintains its shape without any subsidence. This indicates a very stiff mix with low workability.

Shear or Collapse Slump

In a collapse slump the concrete collapses completely. In a shear slump the top portion of the concrete shears off and slips sideways. In a true slump the concrete simply subsides, keeping more or less to shape.

Significance of Slump Test

The concrete slump test provides valuable information about the concrete mix's workability, helping ensure that the mix is suitable for the intended application. Key benefits include:

1. Quality Control: Helps in maintaining the desired water-cement ratio, ensuring consistent quality across different batches.
2. Workability: Indicates the ease with which concrete can be mixed, placed, and compacted.
3. Compliance: Ensures that the concrete mix meets industry standards and project specifications.
4. Quick and Simple: Can be performed on-site with minimal equipment, providing immediate results.

Factors Affecting Slump Test Results

Several factors can influence the results of the concrete slump test:

1. Water-Cement Ratio: Higher water content increases workability but can reduce strength and durability.
2. Aggregate Size and Shape: Larger or angular aggregates can affect the concrete slump value.
3. Mixing Time: Proper mixing ensures uniform distribution of materials, affecting consistency.
4. Admixtures: Chemical admixtures can modify the workability and other properties of concrete.
5. Temperature: Higher temperatures can cause rapid evaporation of water, affecting the slump.

Limitations of Slump Test

While the slump test is widely used, it has some limitations:

1. Not Suitable for Very Dry or Very Wet Mixes: The test is less reliable for extremely dry or fluid mixes.
2. Subjectivity: Results can be influenced by the operator's technique.
3. Does Not Measure Strength Directly: The slump test measures workability, not the compressive strength of concrete.

Detailed Procedure and Best Practices

1. Preparing the Equipment:
Ensure all equipment is clean and free from previous concrete residues.
Wet the internal surface of the cone and base plate with a damp cloth.

2. Performing the Slump Test:
- Place the concrete cone on the base plate.
- Fill the cone in three layers, tamping each layer 25 times with the tamping rod.
- Strike off the excess concrete with a straight edge to level the top.
- Carefully lift the cone vertically without disturbing the concrete.
- Measure the slump from the top of the cone to the top of the slumped concrete.

3. Recording and Interpreting Results:
- Record the measured slump value.
- Interpret the results based on the type of slump observed (true, shear, or collapse).
- Compare the concrete slump test results with the specified slump values for the project.

Practical Applications in Construction

Concrete slump tests are widely used in various construction applications, including:

1. Foundations: Ensures that the concrete mix is workable enough to fill the forms and provide a strong base.
2. Pavements: Helps in achieving the right consistency for smooth and durable pavements.
3. Columns and Beams: Ensures proper placement and compaction for structural elements.
4. Walls: Ensures the concrete can be poured and consolidated without voids or honeycombing.

Advanced Considerations

1. Slump Testing for Different Types of Concrete:
Normal Reinforced Concrete: Typically requires a medium slump for ease of placement and compaction.
High Workability Concrete: Requires a higher slump to flow easily into complex forms.
Low Workability Concrete: Used for mass concrete with minimal reinforcement, requiring a lower slump.

2. Impact of Admixtures:
Plasticizers: Increase workability without adding extra water.
Superplasticizers: Provide high workability and flow for high-performance concrete.

3. Quality Control and Assurance:
- Regular slump tests are conducted to monitor the consistency of concrete during large projects.
- Variations in slump values can indicate issues with batching, mixing, or materials.

Conclusion

The concrete slump test is a fundamental and widely adopted method in the construction industry for assessing the workability and consistency of fresh concrete. By understanding the procedure, significance, and factors affecting the test results, construction professionals can ensure the quality and performance of their concrete structures. Whether for foundations, pavements, or structural elements, the slump test provides invaluable insights into the concrete mix's suitability for the intended application, contributing to the overall success and safety of construction projects.