FRESH CONCRETE VEBE TEST

Aim:

In this part of the experiment, the Vebe test is performed to measure the ability of the C20 concrete
to remould under given vibration conditions. It is a measure of low consistency of the fresh concrete
mix (similar to the slump test).

Apparatus:

1) Vebe Consistometer – Moving vertical rod,

clear plastic disk, rotating arm, slump cone,
container, vebe table
2) Tamping Rod
3) Stop Watch

Procedure: Figure (i) – Vebe Consistometer setup

The metal cylindrical container is mounted on

to the vibrating table which is placed on a horizontal base clear from any vibration which may impact
the results. The Vebe table produces a sinusoidal vibration. The slump cone is then placed at the
centre of the cylinder and filled with C20 concrete mix as performed in the slump test: three layers
of concrete which are to be tamped after each layer with 15 strokes with the tamping rod to
distribute the concrete evenly. The slump cone is then removed and a clear plastic disk is set on top
of the fresh concrete. The Vebe table is then set into motion and the time taken for the concrete to
remould from the slump cone shape into the shape of the outer cylindrical container is recorded
simultaneously. The plastic disk facilitates the determination of the end of the test. The timer is
stopped as soon as the lower surface of the disk is completely covered with concrete.

Data and results of test:

For the disc to be in full contact with the fresh concrete mix, the time recorded was of 3 seconds.
This therefore implies that the concrete mix falls within the V4 classification system as seen in the
table below;

Discussions and remarks:

When recording the time for the C20 concrete, the result was much less than what was expected.
The consistency of the mix was clearly seen to be lower than that predicted. This might be due to
having excess water added in the beginning of the mix. Although the workability of concrete changes
with time due to the hydration of the cement and also may be due to loss of moisture. Tests should
have been carried out on different samples at a constant time interval if comparable results were
required.
 Materials For Construction I | Marilyn Camenzuli 114295M

Conclusions:

Consistency is one of the main components in the workability of fresh concrete. It is about the ease
of flow of the mix, the flowability of the mix. The ability required to compact concrete is all
depended on the flow characteristics and the ease with which void reduction can be achieved
without damaging or destroying the stability under pressure. Stability is an index of both the water-
holding capacity and the coarse-aggregate-holding capacity of a plastic concrete mixture. A
qualitative measure of these characteristics is generally covered by the term cohesiveness (Mehta
and Monteiro, 1993). Workability is not a fundamental property of concrete, like durability. It is only
important when it is related to the type of construction and method of placement, compaction and
finish. Constructability depends highly on workability of the concrete. If the concrete mixture cannot
be handled/placed easily or in full compact, it is highly unlikely to yield the required strength and
durability characteristics.

References:

 http://www.scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/bitstream/handle/10635/15212/CHIA_kokseng.pdf?
sequence=1
 http://www.concrete.org.uk/fingertips-nuggets.asp?cmd=display&id=979
 Concrete Construction Engineering Handbook Second Edition, Editor in Chief Edward G. Nawy
 http://civil-online2010.blogspot.com.mt/2010/09/vebe-consistometer.html