TITLE

Slump Test

OBJECTIVES

 To determine the slump of a given fresh concrete mix sample.

 Technical procedure of carrying out the slump test.
 Interpretation of results of slump test.
 Determination of design strength (compressive) of concrete.

INTRODUCTION

Different grades of concrete used in various processes taken place at a typical construction site require
monitoring by means of tests to ensure that subsequent mixes are of the same consistency and this can
be carried out on site by means of the slump test. Same concrete tested for the slump test can be used
to cast test cubes in order to check that the cured concrete has obtained the required design strength.

THEORY

Slump test measures the work-ability of fresh concrete which is the easiness of a given concrete mix
to get mixed together, transported to the application place and to be placed/applied/compacted their
within the initial setting time of cement. This property depends largely on the amount of water added
i.e. water cement ratio of the concrete mix and kind of aggregates used. Generally work-ability
increases with the addition of the water, however it results in the less strength of concrete. Settling for
an intermediate value of water cement ratio at which it may have the sufficient work-ability as well as
sufficient strength.

Figure 1: Mix propotion relationships

 Figure 2: Types of slumps

APPARATUS

 Metal plate (450 mm x 450 mm)

 Steel slump cone (height: 310 mm, top diameter: 97 mm, bottom diameter: 195 mm)
 Tamping rod (length: 600 mm, diameter: 16 mm)
 Steel ruler

Figure 2: Measuring slump value

PROCEDURE

 Inner side of the slump cone apparatus should be oiled(so that concrete do not stick to its
sides) and put it on the floor with the larger diameter base at bottom.
 The slump cone is filled to a quarter depth and tamped 25 times.
 Filling and tamping is repeated three more times until the cone is full and the top smoothed off.
 The cone is removed and the slump measured.

For consistent mixes the slump should remain the same for all samples tested.
DISCUSSION

If the slump value is high the fresh concrete considered to be shown a liquid type behavior with low
compressive strength. If the slump values is low the fresh concrete show a solid behavior with less
workability and high compressive strength. In field conditions, usual specifications allow for +/- 25
mm tolerance of a slump value. The same concrete sample is then tested for the compressive strength
by casting 6 concrete cubes. Average compressive strength of the concrete cubes is then recorded at 7
days and 28 days as strength of concrete increases with age.
REFERENCES

BS EN 12350 – 2 (Slump)
BS EN 12390 – 1 (Cubes)
BS 6089: 1981 Guide to assessment of concrete strength in existing structures
BS 1881:1970 on Testing concrete