Slump Cone, Steel

ASTM C143 Compliant Slump Cone, Steel

Slump Cone (Abrams Cone) to determine fresh mixed concrete slump. 8” base, 4” top opening, 12” overall height. Spun from heavy gauge steel with handles and base tabs for easy assembly to base plate. Cones plated for corrosion resistance. Handles and foot pieces welded to cone.

• Field test slump.

• Seamless spun steel for easy cleaning.

• Handles and foot lugs plated for rust resistance.

• Conical shape 8” base, 4” top, 12” height.

• Meets ASTM C143, ASTM International standard available on the ASTM Compass, ensuring the concrete is adequately cohesive.

Slump Cone (Abrams Cone) Test Accessories:

• Graduated Tamping Rod, 24 x 5/8in round, straight steel rod for concrete cylinder molds, slump cones and unit weight tests.

• Tamping Rod, 12 x 3/8in rounded hemispherical tips, no scale, used on 4" test cylinders.

• Aluminum Scoop, 24oz, Round Mouth, #1 for easy concrete sampling for slump or air entrainment testing.

• Strike Off Bar, Aluminum, 1 x 12in to remove and provide explanatory material when molding concrete cylinder specimens and slump cone tests.

• Slump Cone Filling Funnel for Concrete to fill fast and easy.

Steel Slump Cone (Abrams Cone) Meets Test Methods:

AASHTO T119 ASTM C 143 ASTM C 143M BS 1881

Slump Cone (Abrams Cone) Steel to field test fresh mixed concrete slump using a standard test method. Seamless spun steel for easy cleaning and durability.

Slump Cone (Abrams Cone) has 8” base, 4” top opening, 12” height. Conical shape for precise slump measurement. Plated for corrosion resistance. Handles and foot pieces welded to cone for easy assembly and use.

This Steel Cone meets ASTM C143. Tested and proven to deliver consistent results for constructionindustry and international concrete testing standards.

To go with the Cone we offer a range of accessories. Graduated Tamping Rod, round, straight steel for concrete cylinder molds, slump cones and unit weight tests. Tamping Rod with rounded hemispherical tips for 4” test cylinders. Aluminum Scoop with round mouth for concrete sampling for slump or air entrainment testing. Aluminum Strike Off Bar to remove excess material when molding concrete cylinder specimens and slump tests. Slump Filling Funnel for the Cone to fill fast and easy.

This Steel Slump Cone (Abrams Cone) meets AASHTO T119, ASTM C143, ASTM C143M, BS 1881. We stand behind our concrete testing equipment quality and precision. ASTM standards means our equipment meets industry standards.

Check out our full range of Concrete Slump Testing Equipment, Slump Cones, Fresh Concrete Testing. Our blog has more information on concrete slump testing, what is a slump tester, importance of slump test, how to perform a slump test. We are here to help with your concrete testing needs and get you accurate results.

What is Concrete Slump in Concrete Testing

Introduction

Concrete slump is a key parameter in construction industry to measure the consistency and workability of fresh, unhardened concrete. The concrete slump test is a simple but important test method to determine the quality and suitability of a concrete mix for various uses. This article will cover concrete slump test, importance of slump, types of slumps, factors affecting slump values and key terms related to concrete slump.

Concrete Slump in Plastic Concrete

Concrete slump is the amount of freshly mixed concrete passing that subsides when the mold (slump cone) is removed. This test gives insight to the workability and fluidity of the concrete mix, ensuring it is adequately plastic, which is important for proper placement and compaction of concrete in various construction projects. The slump test method (ASTM C143 C143M) is used to measure the consistency of plastic concrete under laboratory and field condition.

1. Concrete Slump Test Procedure: Fill the cone with fresh concrete passing in three layers, each layer compacted with tamping rod. Lift the cone vertically and let the concrete slump. Measure the amount of slump to determine the consistency of fresh concrete.

2. Equipment: Slump Cone: Metal mold with base diameter 200mm, top diameter 100mm, height 300mm. Base Plate: Non-absorbent flat surface to conduct the test. Tamping Rod: Steel rod with diameter 16mm and length 600mm. Measuring Scale: To measure the average slump value.

3. Procedure Steps: Place the cone on the base plate. - Fill the cone with concrete in three layers, tamping each layer 25 times. - Strike off the excess concrete at the top. - Lift the cone vertically and measure the slump.

Types of Slump

1. True Slump: The slumped concrete subsides evenly, good workability and uniform consistency.

2. Shear Slump: The slumped concrete shears and slips sideways, often due to lack of cohesion or too much water.

3. Collapse Slump: The slumped concrete collapses completely, the mix is too wet and lacks stability.

4. Zero Slump: The slumped concrete maintains its shape with minimal subsidence, very stiff mix.

Importance of Concrete Slump Test

The concrete slump test is important for:

1. Quality Control: To ensure the concrete mix meets the specified consistency and workability requirements.

2. Workability Assessment: To determine how easy the concrete can be placed and compacted.

3. Performance Prediction: To identify potential issues with the concrete mix, especially when the slump is more than 9 inches. Slumps greater than about 9 inches might signify a lack of cohesion, thus making the test results less significant and necessitating careful consideration of such measurements.

4. Compliance: The concrete mix complies with industry standards and project specifications, including international standards like ASTM C 94 which governs the properties and consistency of plastic hydraulic-cement concrete.

Factors Affecting Slump

Several factors can affect the slump value:

1. Water Cement Ratio: Higher water content increases workability but may reduce concrete strength and durability due to excess water.

2. Aggregate: Size, shape and grading of aggregate can affect the slump.

3. Admixtures: Chemical admixtures and concrete mixture can modify the workability and other properties of concrete mixture to become normal reinforced concrete.

4. Mixing Time and Method: Proper mixing ensures uniform distribution of materials.

5. Temperature: Higher temperature can accelerate water evaporation, affects the slump.

Practical Use

1. Foundations and Footings: To make the concrete mix workable enough to fill forms and provide a solid base.

2. Pavements and Slabs: To achieve the right consistency for smooth surface.

3. Columns and Beams: To ensure proper placement and compaction for structural elements.

4. Walls: To make the concrete can be poured and compacted without voids.

Advanced

1. Digital Slump Testers: More precise measurements and can auto record data.

2. Integration with Quality Control System: Real time data analysis and auto reporting for consistency and compliance.

3. Environmental: Optimize water cement ratio and use recycled materials for sustainability.

4. Training and Certification: Proper training to perform the test correctly for reliable results.

Case Studies

1. Highway: -Slump test is done regularly to given concrete mixture used in highway meets the specification.

2. High Rise Building: To ensure the concrete has enough workability for complex structure.

3. Bridge: To monitor the consistency of concrete for durable bridges.

Concrete Slump Test Detailed Analysis

The concrete slump test may look simple but it provides a lot of information about the concrete mix and its application. This section will go into the technical aspects, best practices, and the test method for slump, including advanced methods of slump testing.

Technical Aspects of Slump Test

1. Concrete Mix: The concrete mix composition, type and proportion of slump of hydraulic cement, coarse aggregate and water affects the value of slump. The mix must be homogeneous and representative of the improperly mixed batch being tested.

2. Slump Cone Test: Slump test is a standardized method to measure the slump of concrete. The cone is filled in three layers, each tamped 25 times to ensure proper compaction. The cone is then lifted vertically and the slump is measured.

3. Slump Values: Slump values range from 0 to 250 mm. 0 slump means very stiff mix, 250 mm means very fluid mix. The ideal slump depends on the application and workability required.

4. Slump of Hydraulic Cement Concrete: Slump test is used for slump of hydraulic cement concrete which is designed to set and harden through hydration process. Water cement ratio is a critical factor that affects the slump and the overall quality of the concrete.

Best Practices for Slump Testing

1. Consistency: - Ensure the concrete sample is representative of the improperly mixed batch and the test is done consistently. Variations in technique or sample preparation can give inaccurate results even to an experienced concrete technologist.

2. Equipment Maintenance: - Clean and inspect the slump cone, base plate and tamping rod regularly to ensure they are free from previous concrete residues. Proper maintenance of testing equipment is important for accurate measurement.

3. Environmental Conditions: - Conduct the slump test in a controlled environment to minimize the effect of temperature, humidity and wind. Environmental conditions can affect the water content and workability of the concrete.

4. Recording and Reporting: - Record the slump value and any observation of the concrete during the test. Detailed records are important for quality control and for addressing issues during construction.

Advanced Methodologies

1. Digital Slump Testing: - Digital slump testers are more accurate and reliable than traditional method. These devices can record and store data automatically, reducing human error and variability.

2. Integration with Quality Control System: - Advanced quality control system can integrate slump test data with other testing methods, referencing the standards volume, to give a complete picture of the concrete properties. Real time data analysis can adjust the mix immediately to ensure consistency.

3. Environmental Impact Assessment: Modern slump testing can also assess the environmental impact of the concrete mix. Optimizing water cement ratio and using sustainable materials can improve the environmental performance of the concrete.

Practical Considerations

1. Field Conditions: Slump testing in the field requires attention to detail. Ensure the base plate is level and stable and the test is done away from direct sunlight or strong wind to prevent water evaporation.

2. Sample Preparation: Proper sample preparation is important for slump testing. The concrete mix should be homogeneous and free from segregation. Use a representative sample from the improperly mixed batch to ensure the test results are valid.

3. Data Interpretation: Slump test results must be interpreted based on the project requirements. For example, higher slump is acceptable for high workability mix while lower slump is required for structural elements. Ensure that any reproduced material includes the appropriate copyright notice.

Case Studies and Applications

1. Infrastructure: Slump testing is essential for large infrastructure projects like highways and bridges. Consistency and workability of the concrete mix is critical for the durability and performance of these structures.

2. Residential and Commercial Buildings: Slump test ensures the concrete used in residential and commercial buildings meets the required standard for strength and workability. This is more important for structural elements like columns, beams and slabs.

3. Specialized Applications: For specialized applications like precast concrete elements or high performance concrete, slump testing provides valuable information about the mix properties and can be integrated with ASTM products. This helps to achieve the desired performance and quality of the finished product.

The slump test is a fundamental and widely used method to measure the consistency and workability of concrete. By understanding the technical, practical and advanced methodologies of slump testing, construction professionals can ensure the quality and performance of their concrete structures. Whether for large infrastructure projects, residential buildings or specialized applications, the slump test provides the data to achieve the desired outcome. Through continuous innovation and integration with modern quality control system, the slump test will continue to be important in the construction industry to ensure the concrete mix meets the required standard and specification.

What is Slump Test?

A slump test is a standard method to determine the consistency of fresh hydraulic cement concrete. It is an important test in the construction industry as it ensures the concrete meets the required quality. Slump test measures the slump of the concrete which is the distance the concrete settles after it is poured into the slump cone. The test is done by filling the slump cone with concrete and then lifting it up to allow the concrete to settle. The distance the concrete settles is then measured and this value is used to determine the consistency of the concrete.

A slump test is an essential ASTM product used to check the quality of concrete as it helps to detect any issue with the consistency of the concrete. If the concrete is too dry it is not plastic enough and will not be workable and compactable. If the concrete is too wet it is not cohesive enough and will not be strong and durable. By doing slump test, contractors and engineers can ensure the concrete meets the required standard and make necessary adjustments to the mix design.

Before Slump Test

Before slump test several steps are to be done, including selecting the right equipment, preparing the slump cone and ensuring the concrete is at the right temperature. The equipment used for slump test includes slump cone, tamping rod and base plate. Slump cone is a metal cone to hold the concrete, tamping rod is to compact the concrete in the cone and base plate is to support the slump cone during the test. It is also important to obtain the necessary copyright permissions for using ASTM standards, such as the ASTM C143 and ASTM C143M standard.

Before doing the slump test, the slump cone and base plate must be dampened to prevent the concrete from stick to it. This is done by spraying the cone and plate with water. The concrete must also be at the right temperature which is between 50°F to 90°F (10°C to 32°C). If the concrete is too hot or too cold it will not be accurately represented by the slump test.

Once the equipment is ready, the slump cone is filled with concrete and the tamping rod is used to compact the concrete in the cone. The cone is then lifted up and the distance the concrete settles is measured. This value is used to determine the consistency of the concrete and to detect any issue with the mix design.

Preparing for the Test

Equipment and Setup

To ensure accurate results, it is crucial to prepare the equipment and setup for the ASTM C143 Slump Test. The following equipment is required:

• Slump cone: A metal cone with a smooth, flat base and a height of 12 inches (300 mm).

• Tamping rod: A 5/8-inch (16 mm) diameter rod with a flat end.

• Base plate: A flat, rigid plate to support the slump cone.

• Measuring tape or ruler: To measure the slump of the concrete.

• Bucket or container: To mix and hold the concrete sample.

Before starting the test, ensure all equipment is clean and free from any previous concrete residues. Lightly oil the slump cone and base plate to prevent the fresh concrete from sticking. Place the base plate on a level, firm surface to guarantee accurate measurements. Proper preparation of the equipment and setup is essential for obtaining reliable results from the slump test.

Safety Considerations

When performing the ASTM C143 Slump Test, it is essential to take safety precautions to prevent injuries and ensure a safe working environment. The following safety considerations should be taken:

• Wear protective gear: Gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask to protect against concrete splashes and dust.

• Ensure proper ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhalation of concrete dust.

• Handle equipment with care: Avoid dropping or mishandling equipment to prevent damage and injury.

• Follow proper lifting techniques: Lift heavy equipment and concrete samples correctly to prevent back strain and injury.

By adhering to these safety guidelines and regulatory limitations prior, you can minimize the risk of accidents and create a safer working environment while conducting the slump test.

Performing the Slump Test

Step-by-Step Procedure

The ASTM C143 Slump Test is a standardized test method for measuring the consistency of hydraulic cement concrete. The following step-by-step procedure should be followed:

1. Prepare the equipment and setup: Ensure all equipment is clean, oiled, and placed on a level surface.

2. Mix the concrete sample: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the hydraulic cement concrete thoroughly.

3. Fill the slump cone: Place the slump cone on the base plate and fill it with the mixed concrete in three layers. Each layer should be tamped 25 times with the tamping rod to ensure proper compaction.

4. Remove the slump cone: Slowly and carefully lift the slump cone vertically to avoid disturbing the concrete.

5. Measure the slump: Use a measuring tape or ruler to determine the distance from the top of the slumped concrete to the level of the top of the slump cone.

6. Record the slump measurement: Document the slump value and interpret the results according to the ASTM C143 standard.

By following this step-by-step procedure, you can ensure accurate and reliable results from the ASTM C143 Slump Test. This test method is essential for assessing the consistency and workability of hydraulic cement concrete, providing valuable insights for construction projects.