Title: Slump Test for Concrete Mix Workability

Course Information:
• Course: Structural Design
• Title: Slump Test
• Lecturer: Caroline

Student Information:
• Name Registration No.:
• Amos KIbet -ENB211-0029/2020

Objective:
The objective of this experiment is to determine the workability or consistency of a concrete mix,
either prepared at the laboratory or on-site during construction. The concrete slump test is
conducted batch by batch to ensure the uniform quality of concrete throughout the construction
process.

Theory:
Concrete is a composite material consisting of aggregates (sand and rock), held together by a
cementing material, typically Portland cement. The properties of concrete depend on the
ingredients (cement, water, sand, and coarse aggregate) and their proportions. The selection of
proportions is crucial to achieve the desired workability, strength, durability, and economy.
Common aggregates include crushed stone, though alternative materials like cinders or blast-
furnace slag can be used. Slump, a relative measurement of concrete consistency, is not an
indicator of material quality but rather a tool for assessing workability.

Equipment/Apparatus:
• Iron Pan

• Trowel
• Slump Cone

• Tamping Rod (12 mm Diameter)

• Measuring Cylinder

• Base
Procedure:
Step 1: Sample Preparation
• The concrete mix was prepared in the ratio of 1:2:4 (4 pails coarse aggregate, 2 pails fine
aggregate, and 1 pail cement).
• Aggregates were in a laboratory dry condition; adjustments were made to allow for mix
water adsorption by aggregates.
• The pan and paddles were lightly moisturized.
• Materials were added in the following order:
• Coarse aggregate
• Fine aggregate
• Cement
• The materials were mixed with 0.5 ratio of water until a well-blended mixture was
achieved.

• Cement was evenly spread over the aggregates and continued to be mixed.
• To ensure homogeneity, the material was mixed by hand
• This procedure was done for 0.7 and 0.8 ratio of water .

STEP 2 : TESTING
1. Clean the internal surface of the mould and apply oil.
2. Place the mould on a smooth horizontal non- porous base plate.
3. Fill the mould with the prepared concrete mix in 3 approximately equal layers.
4. Tamp each layer with 25 strokes of the rounded end of the tamping rod in a uniform manner
over the cross section of the mould. For the subsequent layers, the tamping should penetrate into
the underlying layer.
5. Remove the excess concrete and level the surface with a trowel. 6. Clean away the mortar or
water leaked out between the mould and the base plate.
7. Raise the mould from the concrete immediately and slowly in vertical direction.
8. Measure the slump as the difference between the height of the mould and that of

RESULTS

Original Height Height after Test Change in Height

Test No. (cm) (cm) Water Ratio (cm)

1 20.4 20.3 0.5 0.1

2 20.4 19.5 0.7 0.9

3 20.4 6.8 0.8 13.6

Discission
The results of the slump tests conducted on the concrete mix with varying water ratios provide
valuable insights into the workability and consistency of the mixture. The original height of the
slump cone was recorded as 20.4 cm.
Test 1: Water Ratio 0.5
In the first test, the height after conducting the slump test was measured at 20.3 cm. This minor
reduction of 0.1 cm suggests a relatively small change in workability. It indicates that the
concrete mix with a water ratio of 0.5 maintains a close proximity to the original height,
implying good consistency.
Test 2: Water Ratio 0.7
The second test, conducted with a higher water ratio of 0.7, resulted in a decreased height of 19.5
cm. This notable reduction of 0.9 cm indicates a more significant change in workability. The
higher water content has likely led to increased slump, making the concrete mix more fluid and
potentially impacting its overall quality.
Test 3: Water Ratio 0.8
The third test, with a water ratio of 0.8, showed a considerable decrease in height, measuring
only 6.8 cm. This substantial reduction of 13.6 cm suggests a significant impact on workability.
The excess water has likely led to excessive slumping, indicating potential issues with the mix's
cohesion and overall quality.

Change in Height Analysis:

Analyzing the change in height across the tests emphasizes the importance of maintaining an
optimal water-to-cement ratio for desired concrete properties. While a slight reduction in height
(Test 1) indicates good workability, a substantial decrease (Tests 2 and 3) suggests potential
challenges such as segregation and decreased cohesion.
Implications and Recommendations:
• Optimal Water Content: Test 1 indicates that a water ratio of 0.5 is within an acceptable
range for maintaining workability without compromising too much on consistency.
• Caution with Higher Ratios: Tests 2 and 3 highlight the negative impact of higher water
ratios on workability, leading to increased slumping. It is crucial to exercise caution when
adjusting water content, as excessive water can compromise the quality of the concrete
mix.
• Consistent Monitoring: Regular slump tests, as demonstrated in this experiment, are
essential for monitoring and adjusting the concrete mix during construction. This ensures
that the desired workability and consistency are maintained batch by batch.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the slump test results and the associated change in height provide practical
insights into the influence of water ratios on the workability of concrete mixes. Careful
consideration of water content is vital for achieving a balance between workability and overall
concrete quality during construction.