Ambuja Cement SLUMP TEST tyAugust 1997 SLUMP TEST 1.0 INTRODUCTION It is very essential for concrete to have good workability so that entrapped air can be easily removed by minimum effort of compaction. In field conditions it is often observed that workability may vary from batch to batch due to many reasons. The most common reasons being batching error of water, presence of surface moisture on aggregates and absorption of water by dry aggregates. However variation in grading and shape of the aggregates can also cause workability variations even if water addition and surface moisture are properly controlled. Even though it is the prime responsibility of the mixer operator to ensure production of concrete of uniform quality and workability from batch to batch, it is equally important to check regularly that correct workability is obtained by using a proper test. Slump test for workability is the simplest test and is most often used at construction sites and must be carried out using the apparatus complying to IS 7320-1974. 2.0 SLUMP TEST In this test the distance that a conefull of concrete slumps down is measured when the cone is carefully lifted from around it. The concrete slumps can vary from zero for dry (stiff) mixes to complete collapse for very wet and lean mixes. This test is not very accurate for very stiff mixes and therefore the compaction factor test is generally used. However unless absolutely necessary very stiff mixes are not desirable and quite often not used. Therefore, compaction factor test is not described in this booklet. The accuracy of the slump test is generally limited to within about 25 mm of the intended value when workability of each batch is compared with earlier batches. 3.0 USEFULNESS OF SLUMP TEST This test can serve as an indication for three factors : a) If grading of aggregates are uniform it will indicate variations of water content or water/cement ratio.b) If amount of water added to the mix is accurate and surface moisture of fine aggregates is constant then it will indicate variations in grading or variations in batching of cement or aggregates. c) _ If the cohesiveness of the mix for a particular workability is not adequate, due to inadequate concrete mix design and batching, the concrete cone will collapse or shear off. 4.0 FREQUENCY OF THE TEST It is important to do this test preferably in the first batch as soon as the concreting work starts. This is necessary so that correct water addition is finalised to give the required workability. Thereafter this test is performed whenever the mix does not seem to be right and adjustment of water is desirable. Slump test is also necessary for every batch of concrete sampled for cube test so that in case of cube failure some conclusions can be drawn whether the mix had more workability or in other words it had higher W/C than that of the recommended mix. The slump test must be taken as soon as possible at about the same time after mixing. 5.0 EQUIPMENT The following equipments are necessary to carry out the slump test: (a) A-standard slump cone - 300 mm (12 in.) height, bottom diameter of 200 mm (8 in.) and top diameter of 100 mm (4 in) (See Figure No. 1). The mould must be provided with foot pieces and handles similar to those shown in the above figure. The mould can be either with or without seam. The interior of the mould shall be relatively smooth and free from projections or dents. Se g| 702 PLAN 102 292 g Thickness = 1.8 3 4 Rivets 3 5 of | ese. 2 ile | i 209 292 ‘All dimensions in mm Figure 1 Diagram of a Standard Slump Cone.