MaHmoud Khlifa Almoghazy AliraQi

2nd CiViL Engineering

Section 21

Properties OF Fresh
Concrete
Introduction
The potential strength and durability of concrete of a given

mix proportion is very dependent on the degree of its

compaction.
It is vital, therefore, that the consistency of the mix be such
that the concrete can be transported, placed, and finished
sufficiently early enough to attain the expected strength and
durability.

Significance
The first 48 hours are very important for the performance of

the concrete structure.

It controls the long-term behavior, influence f'c (ultimate
strength), Ec (elastic modulus), creep, and durability.

Properties OF Fresh
Concrete
Elasticity and Strength Of Concrete
The elastic properties of materials are a

measure of their resistance to deformation

under an applied load (but the elastic strain is
recovered when the load is removed).
Strength usually refers to the maximum stress
that a given kind of sample can carry.
Understanding these properties and how they
are measured is essential for anyone wishing to
use materials

Main Prop. OF Fresh

Concrete

Concrete Consistency
Consistency or fluidity of concrete is an important

component of workability and refers in a way to

the wetness of the concrete.
However, it must not be assumed that the wetter
the mix the more workable it is. If a mix is too
wet, segregation may occur with resulting
honeycomb, excessive bleeding, and sand
streaking on the formed surfaces

Concrete Consistency
On the other hand, if a mix is too dry it may be

difficult to place and compact, and segregation

may occur because of lack of cohesiveness and
plasticity of the paste.

3 Ways to determine Consistency of

Fresh Concrete

Slump Test
Definition
A slump test is a method used to determine the consistency of
concrete. The consistency, or stiffness, indicates how much water
has been used in the mix. The stiffness of the concrete mix should
be matched to the requirements for the finished product quality
Slump is a measurement of concretes workability, or fluidity.
Its an indirect measurement of concrete consistency or stiffness.

Principle
The slump test result is a measure of the behavior of a compacted
inverted cone of concrete under the action of gravity. It measures
the consistency or the wetness of concrete.

Slump Test
Apparatus
Slump cone : frustum of a cone, 300 mm (12 in) of

height. The base is 200 mm (8in) in diameter and it

has a smaller opening at the top of 100 mm
Scale for measurement,
Temping rod(steel) 15mm diameter, 60cm length.

Slump Test
Procedure
The base is placed on a smooth surface and the
container is filled with concrete in three layers,
whose workability is to be tested .
Each layer is temped 25 times with a standard 16
mm (5/8 in) diameter steel rod, rounded at the end.
When the mold is completely filled with concrete,
the top surface is struck off (leveled with mold top
opening) by means of screening and rolling motion
of the temping rod.
The mold must be firmly held against its base during
the entire operation so that it could not move due to
the pouring of concrete and this can be done by
means of handles or foot rests brazed to the mold.

Slump Test
Procedure
Immediately after filling is completed and the concrete

is leveled, the cone is slowly and carefully lifted

vertically, an unsupported concrete will now slump.
The decrease in the height of the center of the slumped
concrete is called slump.
The slump is measured by placing the cone just besides
the slump concrete and the temping rod is placed over
the cone so that it should also come over the area of
slumped concrete.
The decrease in height of concrete to that of mould is
noted with scale. (usually measured to the nearest 5
mm (1/4 in).

Slump Test
Precautions
In order to reduce the influence on slump of the

variation in the surface friction, the inside of the

mold and its base should be moistened at the
beginning of every test, and prior to lifting of the
mold the area immediately around the base of the
cone should be cleaned from concrete which may
have dropped accidentally.

Slump Test
Types Of Slump

The slumped concrete takes various shapes,

and according to the profile of slumped concrete,
the slump is termed as;
Collapse Slump
Shear Slump
True Slump

Slump Test
Types Of Slump
Collapse Slump

In a collapse slump the concrete collapses completely.

A collapse slump will generally mean that the mix is too wet
or that it is a high workability mix, for which slump test is not
appropriate.
Shear Slump
In a shear slump the top portion of the concrete shears off
and slips sideways. OR
If one-half of the cone slides down an inclined plane, the
slump is said to be a shear slump.
If a shear or collapse slump is achieved, a fresh sample
should be taken and the test is repeated.
If the shear slump persists, as may the case with harsh
mixes, this is an indication of lack of cohesion of the mix.

Slump Test
Types Of Slump
True Slump

In a true slump the concrete simply subsides, keeping more

or less to shape
This is the only slump which is used in various tests.
Mixes of stiff consistence have a Zero slump, so that in the
rather dry range no variation can be detected between
mixes of different workability.
However , in a lean mix with a tendency to harshness, a true
slump can easily change to the shear slump type or even to
collapse, and widely different values of slump can be
obtained in different samples from the same mix; thus, the
slump test is unreliable for lean mixes.

Slump Test
Uses
The slump test is used to ensure uniformity for different

batches of similar concrete under field conditions and to

ascertain the effects of plasticizers on their introduction.
This test is very useful on site as a check on the day-today or hour- to-hour variation in the materials being fed
into the mixer. An increase in slump may mean, for
instance, that the moisture content of aggregate has
unexpectedly increases.
Other cause would be a change in the grading of the
aggregate, such as a deficiency of sand.
Too high or too low a slump gives immediate warning
and enables the mixer operator to remedy the situation.
This application of slump test as well as its simplicity, is
responsible for its widespread use.

Slump Test
Degree of
workability

Very low
Low

Medium

Slump (mm)

0 - 25
25 - 50

50 - 100

Compacting
Factor

Use for which

concrete is
suitable

0.78

Very dry mixes; used in

road
making.
Roads
vibrated
by
power
operated machines

0.85

Low
workability
mixes;
used for foundations with
light reinforcement. Roads
vibrated by hand operated
Machines

0.92

Medium workability mixes;

manually compacted flat
slabs
using
crushed
aggregates.
Normal
reinforced
concrete
manually compacted and
heavily reinforced sections
with vibrations

High
workability
concrete; for sections
with
congested
reinforcement.
Not
normally
suitable
for
>Table : Workability, Slump and Compacting Factor of concrete with 19 or 38 mm vibration
(3/4 or 1 1/2 in) maximum
size of aggregate.

High

100 - 175

0.95

Slump Test
Slump
(mm)

0 - 20

20 - 40

40 - 120

120 - 200

200 - 220

Consisten
cy

Dry

Stiff

Plastic

Wet

Sloppy

>Table : Relation between Consistency and

Slump values

Slump Test
Difference in Standards
The slump test is referred to in several testing and building code,
with minor differences in the details of performing the test.
United States

In the United States, engineers use the ASTM standards and AASHTO
specifications when referring to the concrete slump test. The American
standards explicitly state that the slump cone should have a height of
12-in, a bottom diameter of 8-in and an upper diameter of 4-in. The
ASTM standards also state in the procedure that when the cone is
removed, it should be lifted up vertically, without any rotational
movement at all The concrete slump test is known as "Standard Test
Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement Concrete" and carries the code
(ASTM C 143) or (AASHTO T 119).

United Kingdom & Europe

In the United Kingdom, the Standards specify a slump cone height of

300-mm, a bottom diameter of 200-mm and a top diameter of 100mm. The British Standards do not explicitly specify that the cone should
only be lifted vertically. The slump test in the British standards was first
(BS 1881102) and is now replaced by the European Standard (BS EN
12350-2)

Flow Test
Definition
The flow table test or flow test is a method to determine
the consistence of fresh concrete.
Application When fresh concrete is delivered to a site by a
truck mixer it is sometimes necessary to check its
consistence before pouring it into formwork.
If the consistence is not correct, the concrete will not have
the desired qualities once it has set, particularly the desired
strength. If the concrete is too pasty, it may result in cavities
within the concrete which leads to corrosion of the rebar,
eventually leading to the formation of cracks (as the rebar
expands as it corrodes) which will accelerate the whole
process, rather like insufficient concrete cover. Cavities will
also lower the stress the concrete is able to support.

Flow Test
Equipment
Flow table with a grip and a hinge, 70 cm x 70 cm.
Abrams cone, open at the top and at the bottom - 30

cm high, 17 cm top diameter, 25 cm base diameter

Water bucket and broom for wetting the flow table.
Tamping rod, 60 cm height
Scale for measurement

Flow Test
Conducting
The flow table is wetted.
The cone is placed on the flow table and filled with

fresh concrete in two layers, each layer 25 times

tamp with tamping rod.
The cone is lifted, allowing the concrete to flow.
The flow table is then lifted up several centimeters
and then dropped, causing the concrete flow a
little bit further.
After this the diameter of the concrete is measured
in a 6 different direction and take the average.

Flow Test

Flow Test

Percent of
Flow

0 20 %

20 60 %

60 100
%

100 120
%

120 150
%

Consistenc
y

Dry

Stiff

Plastic

Wet

Sloppy

Ball Penetration Test

Ball)

(Kelly

Ball Penetration Test

(Kelly

Ball)
Definition

Another method used in the field and

laboratory to measure the consistency of
concrete is the ball penetration test (ASTM C360)
which is also known as the Kelly ball test*.
Procedure
It is performed by measuring the penetration, in

inches, of a 6-in. diameter steel cylinder with a

hemi spherically shaped bottom , weighing 30
lbs.

Ball Penetration Test

(Kelly

Ball)
Advantages
One of the advantages of the ball penetration test

can be performed on the concrete in a hopper,

buggy, wheelbarrow, or other suitable container.
Another advantage of this method is its simplicity
and the rapidity with which the consistency of the
concrete can be determined.
It is also not dependent on a procedure of filling
and rodding a container like the slump test.

What Difference Between

What Difference Between

?
Penetration Test (Kelly Ball)
This is a simple field test consisting of the measurement

of the indentation made by15 cm diameter metal

hemisphere weighing 13.6 kg. when freely placed on
fresh concrete . The test has been devised by Kelly and
hence known as Kelly Ball Test. This has not been covered
by Indian Standards Specification. The advantages of this
test is that it can be performed on the concrete placed in
site and it is claimed that this test can be performed
faster with a greater precision than slump test.

What Difference Between

?
Slump Test
Slump test is the most commonly used method of

measuring consistency of concrete which can be

employed either in laboratory or at site of work. It is not
a suitable method for very wet or very dry concrete. It
does not measure all factors contributing to workability,
nor is it always representative of the placability of the
concrete.
The apparatus for conducting the slump test essentially
consists of a metallic mold in the form of a frustum of a
cone having the internal dimensions as under:

Bottom diameter : 20 cm
Top diameter : 10 cm
Height : 30 cm

Concrete Workability
Definition
The property of fresh concrete which is indicated by the

amount of useful internal work required to fully compact the

concrete without bleeding or segregation in the finished
product.
Workability is one of the physical parameters of concrete

which affects the strength and durability as well as the cost of

labor and appearance of the finished product
Concrete is said to be workable when it is easily placed

and compacted homogeneously i.e without bleeding or

Segregation. Unworkable concrete needs more work or
effort to be compacted in place, also honeycombs &/or
pockets may also be visible in finished concrete.

Concrete Workability
Factors affecting workability
Water content in the concrete mix
Amount of cement & its Properties
Aggregate Grading (Size Distribution)
Nature of Aggregate Particles (Shape, Surface

Texture, Porosity etc.)

Temperature of the concrete mix
Humidity of the environment
Mode of compaction
Method of placement of concrete
Method of transmission of concrete

Concrete Workability
How To improve the workability of concrete
increase water/cement ratio
increase size of aggregate
use well-rounded and smooth aggregate instead of

irregular shape
increase the mixing time
increase the mixing temperature
use non-porous and saturated aggregate
with addition of air-entraining mixtures
An on site simple test for determining workability is the SLUMP
TEST.

Compacting Factor Test

Introduction
These tests were developed in the UK by Glanville

( 1947 ) and it is measure the degree of

compaction For the standard amount of work and
thus offer a direct and reasonably reliable
assessment of the workability Of concrete . the
test require measurement of the weight of the
partially and fully compacted concrete and the
ratio the partially compacted weight to the fully
compacted weight, which is always less than one,
is known as compacted factor .
For the normal range of concrete the compacting
factor lies between 0.8 - 0.92

Compacting Factor Test

Apparatus
Trowels
Hand Scoop (15.2 cm long)
Rod of steel or other suitable material

(1.6 cm diameter, 61 cm long rounded

at one end ).
Balance.

Compacting Factor Test

Procedure
1)

2)
3)
4)
5)

6)

Ensure the apparatus and associated equipment are clean

before test and free from hardened concrete and
superfluous water .
Weigh the bottom cylinder to nearest 10gm , put it back on
the stand and cover it up with a pair of floats .
Gently fill the upper hopper with the sampled concrete to
the level of the rim with use of a scoop .
Immediately open the trap door of the upper hopper and
allow the sampled concrete to fall into the middle hopper .
Remove the floats on top of the bottom cylinder and open
the trap door of the middle hopper allowing the sampled
concrete to fall into the bottom cylinder .
Remove the surplus concrete above the top of the bottom
cylinder by holding a float in each hand and move towards
each other to cut off the concrete across the top of cylinder

Compacting Factor Test

Wipe clean the outside of cylinder of concrete and weigh to
nearest 10gm .
8) Subtract the weight of empty cylinder from the weight of
cylinder plus concrete to obtain the weight of partially
compacted concrete .
9) Remove the concrete from the cylinder and refill with
sampled concrete in layers .
10) Compact each layer thoroughly with the standard
Compacting Bar to achieve full compaction .
11) Float off the surplus concrete to top of cylinder and wipe it
clean .
12) Weigh the cylinder to nearest 10gm and subtract the weight
of empty cylinder from the weight of cylinder plus concrete
to obtain the weight of fully compacted concrete .
7)

Compacting Factor Test

Workability

Slump (mm)

C.F

Uses

Very Low

0 - 25

0.78

Roads - Pavements

Low

25 - 50

0.85

Foundations
Concrete

Medium

25 - 100

0.92

Reinforced Concrete

0.95

Reinforced Concrete
(High
Reinforcement)

High

100 - 175

VeBe Time Test

VeBe Time Test

Definition
It is based on measuring the time (Called VEBE time) needed to

transfer the shape of a concrete mix from a frustum cone to a cylinder

(these shapes are standardized by the apparatus of this test), by
vibrating and compacting the mix. The more VEBE time needed the
less workable the mix is. This method is very useful for stiff mixes.

Apparatus
Cylindrical container with diameter = 240 mm, and height = 200 mm
Mold: the same mold used in the slump test.
Disc : A transparent horizontal disc attached to a rod which slides

vertically
Vibrating Table : 380*260 mm, supported by four rubber shock
absorbers
Tamping Rod
Stop watch

VeBe Time Test

Procedure
1)

2)
3)
4)

5)
6)

Slump test as described earlier is performed, placing the

slump cone inside the sheet metal cylindrical pot of the
consist meter.
The glass disc attached to the swivel arm is turn and place
on the top of the concrete in the pot.
The electrical vibrator is then switched on and
simultaneously a stop watch started.
The vibration is continued till such time as the conical shape
of the concrete disappears and the concrete assume a
cylindrical shape.
This can be judge by observing the glass disc from the top
disappearance of transparency.
Immediately when the concrete fully assume a cylindrical
shape, the stop watch is switched off.

VeBe Time Test

The time required for the shape of concrete to change
from slump cone shape to cylindrical shape in second is
known as Vibe Degree.
8) This method is very suitable for very dry concrete whose
slump value cannot be measure by slump test, but the
vibration is too vigorous for concrete with slump greater
than about 50m.
7)

The test fails if VeBe Time is less than 5 seconds .. And the
test must be created when no collapse or shears slump
in concrete

Concrete Segregation
Definition
Segregation is when the coarse and fine aggregate, and

cement paste, become separated. Segregation may

happen when the concrete is mixed, transported, placed
or compacted

Segregation makes the concrete

WEAKER,
LESS DURABLE,
and will leave A POOR SURFACE FINISH ^_*

Concrete Segregation
Basic types of segregation
Coarse segregation: Occurs when gradation is shifted to include

too much coarse aggregate and not enough fine aggregate.

Coarse segregation is characterized by low asphalt content, low
density, high air voids, rough surface texture, and accelerated
rutting and fatigue failure (Williams et. al., 1996b). Typically,
coarse segregation is considered the most prevalent and
damaging type of segregation; thus segregation research has
typically focused on coarse segregation. The term segregation
by itself is usually taken to mean coarse segregation.
Fine segregation: Occurs when gradation is shifted to include
too much fine aggregate and not enough course aggregate.
High asphalt content, low density, smooth surface texture,
accelerated rutting, and better fatigue performance characterize
fine segregation (Williams, Duncan and White, 1996).

Concrete Segregation
To Avoid Segregation
Check the concrete is not 'too wet' or 'too dry'.
Make sure the concrete is properly mixed. It is important

that the concrete is mixed at the correct speed in a

transit mixer for at least two minutes immediately prior
to discharge.
The concrete should be placed as soon as possible.
When transporting the mix, load carefully.
Always pour new concrete into the face of concrete
already in place.
When compacting with a poker vibrator be sure to use it
carefully

Concrete Segregation
To Avoid Segregation
If placing concrete straight from a truck, pour vertically

and never let the concrete fall more than one-and-a-half

meters.

Concrete Bleeding

Concrete Bleeding
Introduction
This refers to the appearance of water along with cement

particles on the surface of the freshly laid concrete. This happens

when there is excessive quantity of water in the mix or due to
excessive compaction. Bleeding causes the formation of pores
and renders the concrete weak. Bleeding can be avoided by
suitably controlling the quantity of water in the concrete and
using finer grading of aggregates.
A thorough knowledge of why concrete bleeds and how mix

proportions affect it, is required to preventing the harmful effects

of bleeding. Adoption of right finishing methods also helps to
ensure that the bleeding problems won't ruin a slab surface.

Concrete Bleeding
Bleeding Process
Almost all freshly placed concrete bleeds. As aggregate and cement particles

settle, they force excess mixing water upward. The process continues until
settlement stops, either because of solids bridging or because the concrete
has set.
The total amount of bleeding or settlement depends on mix properties,
primarily water content and amount of fines (cement, fly ash, fine sand).
Increasing water content increases bleeding, and increasing the amount of
fines reduces bleeding. Amount of bleeding is also proportional to the depth
of concrete placed. More bleed water rises in deep sections than in thin ones.
Bleeding usually occurs gradually by uniform seepage over the whole
surface, but sometimes vertical channels form. Water flows fast enough in
these channels to carry fine particles of cement and sand, leaving
"wormholes" in the interior or sand streaks at the form face. Channels are
more likely to form when concrete bleeds excessively.
Channels that reach the surface are open paths for deicing solutions to
penetrate the concrete. This leads to freezing and thawing damage and rebar
corrosion.

Concrete Bleeding
Effects Of Excessive bleeding in Deep Section
Sometimes bleedwater can't entirely evaporate because it has been

trapped near the top surface by setting. This raises the watercement ratio, increases permeability, and lowers strength.
Excessive bleeding also causes some other problems in deep
sections: heavy laitance accumulation at horizontal construction
joints; bond loss at aggregate and rebar surfaces; and unsightly
sand streaks.

Bleeding Problems in Flatwork

Never float or trowel concrete while there's bleedwater on the

surface. That's the cardinal rule of finishing. Finishing before

bleedwater has evaporated can cause dusting, craze cracking,
scaling, and low wear resistance. Working bleed-water into the
surface also increases permeability.

Concrete Bleeding
How to control bleeding
Excessive bleeding can be avoided. Don't add too much water to the

concrete. Most of the water added to make placing easier bleeds out of
the concrete. Any time saved during placement will be lost while waiting
for the bleedwater to evaporate. Place concrete at the lowest possible
slump. If you need a higher slump to speed placement, consider using a
super plasticizer. Add additional concrete fines to reduce bleeding. The
fines may come from a number of sources:

Use a more finely ground cement. Concretes made with high early strength (Type
III) cement bleed less because the cement is ground finer than normal (Type I)
cement.
Use more cement. At the same water content, rich mixes bleed less than lean
mixes.
Use fly ash or other pozzolans in the concrete.
If concrete sands don't have much material passing the No. 50 and 100 sieves,
blend in a fine blow sand at the batch plant.
For air- entrained concrete, use the maximum allowable amount of entrained air.
Consider using an air- entraining agent whenever excessive bleeding is a
problem. Entrained air bubbles act as additional fines. Air entrainment also
lowers the amount of water needed to reach a desired slump.

Determination Of Bleeding Water For Fresh Concrete

) ) ) ( 8 6 )

) (

Determination Of Bleeding Water For Fresh Concrete

) ) ) ( 8 6 )

10 40 30



=
)(V

V1 ) (

A

V

)( =W1

=W2
= )=W3 (
=W4
=W5

Determination Of Bleeding Water For Fresh Concrete

) ) ) ( 8 6 )

100

Determination Of Bleeding Water For Fresh Concrete

) ) ) ( 8 6 )

) 3 ( ) 30
(

Secondary Prop. OF Fresh

Concrete

)Determination Of Air Content (Volumetric Method

) ) ) ( 6 6 )

) ) (

)Determination Of Air Content (Volumetric Method

) ) ) ( 6 6 )

) 25 (
) (
)
(
) (
) 1 3
(
) ( % 0.01

= +

)Determination Of Air Content (Pressure Method

) ) ) ( 7 6 )

) (


2

)(

-



+ 37.5

)Determination Of Air Content (Pressure Method

) ) ) ( 7 6 )

) (
-1
-2
-3 30
-4
-5 p = 1380 ** H1
-6
H2 P = 0.00
-7 Aap
% 20

)Determination Of Air Content (Pressure Method

) ) ) ( 7 6 )

) (
-1
-2
-3 ) (

-4
-5
-6
-7
-8
-9
-10 ) ( A
Cf
-11 Ac 37.5

)Determination Of Air Content (Pressure Method

) ) ) ( 7 6 )

= V1 37.5
= V2
= Vg 37.5
-11 Am

= Vm

% 7 10
% 6 15
% 5 20
% 4 40

)Determination Of Air Content (Pressure Method

) ) ) ( 7 6 )

Determination Of Density

) ) ) ( 9 6 )

) = / (

Determination Of Density

) ) ) ( 9 6 )

-1
-2

-3
-4 = -
-5 D

)Determination Of Setting Time (Penetration Resistance

) ) ) ( 10 6 )

3.50 /2

27.6 /2

)Determination Of Setting Time (Penetration Resistance

) ) ) ( 10 6 )

-1 ) 15 10
-2
-3 25 ) (
-4 ) ( 10
-5
-6 3

) ( 2 1
)( 64
6
27.6 /2

6 Tests to determine SCC Properties

Consolidating Concrete)

(Self

Slump Flow Test

Definition
The slump flow test aims at investigating the filling ability of SCC. It

measures two parameters: flow spread and flow time T50 (optional).
The former indicates the free, unrestricted deformability and the
latter indicates the rate of deformation within a defined flow distance.

Apparatus
Base plate of size at least 900 900 mm
Abrams cone with the internal upper/lower diameter equal to 100/200

mm and the height of 300 mm

Weight ring (>9 kg) for keeping Abrams cone in place during sample
filling
Stopwatch
Ruler (graduated in mm)
Bucket with a capacity of larger than 6 liters
Moist sponge or towel for wetting the inner surface of the cone

Slump Flow Test

Procedure
Place the cleaned base plate in a stable and level position.
Fill the bucket with 6~7 litres of representative fresh SCC and

let the sample stand still for about 1 minute ( 10 seconds)

During the 1 minute waiting period pre-wet the inner surface
of the cone and the test surface of the base plate using the
moist sponge or towel, and place the cone in the centre on the
200 mm circle of the base plate and put the weight ring on the
top of the cone to keep it in place. (If a heavy cone is used, or
the cone is kept in position by hand no weight ring is needed)
Fill the cone with the sample from the bucket without any
external compacting action such as rodding or vibrating. The
surplus concrete above the top of the cone should be struck
off, and any concrete remaining on the base plate should be
removed

Slump Flow Test

Procedure
After a short rest (no more than 30 seconds for cleaning and

checking the moist state of the test surface), lift the cone
perpendicular to the base plate in a single movement, in
such a manner that the concrete is allowed to flow out freely
without obstruction from the cone, and start the stopwatch
the moment the cone looses contact with the base plate.
Stop the stopwatch when the front of the concrete first
touches the circle of diameter 500 mm. The stopwatch
reading is recorded as the T50 value. The test is completed
when the concrete flow has ceased
Measure the largest diameter of the flow spread, dmax, and
the one perpendicular to it, dperp, using the ruler (reading to
nearest 5 mm). Care should be taken to prevent the ruler
from bending.

Slump Flow Test

Expression Of Results
The slump flow spread S is the average of diameters d and d , as
max

perp

shown in Equation (1). S is expressed in mm to the nearest 5 mm

The slump flow time T50 is the period between the moment the
cone leaves the base plate and SCC first touches the circle of
diameter 500 mm. T50 is expressed in seconds to the nearest
1/10 seconds

Slump Flow Test

Precision
In accordance with ISO 5725, the repeatability r is defined as

the difference between two consecutive test values by the

same operator with the same apparatus that should be
exceeded only once in 20 times, and reproducibility R is
defined as the difference between two consecutive test values
by different operators with different apparatus that should be
exceeded only once in 20 times
Based on the inter-laboratory test organized in the EU-project
Testing-SCC (GRD2-2000-30024/G6RD-CT-2001-00580) with
2 replicates and 16 operators from 8 laboratories, the values
of repeatability and reproducibility of the slump flow spread
and flow time T50 are listed in Table 1

Slump Flow Test

L-Box Test
Definition
The method aims at investigating the passing ability of SCC. It

measures the reached height of fresh SCC after passing

through the specified gaps of steel bars and flowing within a
defined flow distance. With this reached height, the passing or
blocking behavior of SCC can be estimated

Apparatus
Two types of gates can be used, one with 3 smooth bars and one

with 2 smooth bars. The gaps are 41 and 59 mm, respectively

Suitable tool for ensuring that the box is level i.e. a spirit level
Suitable buckets for taking concrete sample

L-Box Test

L-Box Test
Procedure
Place the L-box in a stable and level position
Fill the vertical part of the L-box, with the extra adapter

mounted, with 12.7 liters of representative fresh SCC

Let the concrete rest in the vertical part for one minute ( 10
seconds). During this time the concrete will display whether it
is stable or not (segregation).
Lift the sliding gate and let the concrete flow out of the vertical
part into the horizontal part of the L-box.
When the concrete has stopped moving, measure the average
distance, noted as h, between the top edge of the box and the
concrete that reached the end of the box, at three positions,
one at the centre and two at each side

L-Box Test
Expression Of Results
The passing ratio PL or blocking ratio BL is calculated using equation

(2) or (2), and expressed in dimensionless to the nearest 0.01

or
where Hmax = 91 mm and H = 150
h
Precision
The passing ratio PL or blocking ratio BL is calculated using equation

(2) or (2), and expressed in dimensionless to the nearest 0.01

Based on the inter-laboratory test organised in the EU-project

Testing-SCC (GRD2- 2000-30024/G6RD-CT-2001-00580) with 2

replicates and 22 operators from 11 laboratories, the precision of
the L-box passing or blocking ratio can be expressed by the
following equations

L-Box Test
Precision
r = 0.474 0.463PL, with R2 = 0.996, when PL 0.65; and r = 0.18

when PL < 0.65

(3)

or
r = 0.463BL 0.011, with R2 = 0.996, when BL 0.35; and r = 0.18

when BL > 0.35

(3)
and
R = 0.454 0.425PL, with R2 = 0.989, when PL 0.65; and R = 0.18
when PL < 0.65
(4)
or
R = 0.425BL 0.029, with R2 = 0.996, when BL 0.35; and R = 0.18
when BL > 0.35
(4)
where R2 is the square correlation coefficient.
Some values are listed in Table 2 for convenience of use

L-Box Test

J-Ring Test
Definition
The J-ring test aims at investigating both the filling ability and the

passing ability of SCC. It can also be used to investigate the

resistance of SCC to segregation by comparing test results from
two different portions of sample. The J-ring test measures three
parameters: flow spread, flow time T50J (optional) and blocking
step. The J-ring flow spread indicates the restricted deformability of
SCC due to blocking effect of reinforcement bars and the flow time
T50 indicates the rate of deformation within a defined flow
distance. The blocking step quantifies the effect of blocking.

Apparatus
J-ring with the dimensions as shown in Figure 6, where the positions

for the measurement of height differences are also given

Straight rod for aligning the reference line in the measurement,
with a length of about 400 mm and at least one flat side having the
flexure less than 1 mm.

J-Ring Test

J-Ring Test
Procedure
Place the cleaned base plate in a stable and level position
Fill the bucket with 6~7 litres of representative fresh SCC and let

the sample stand still for about 1 minute ( 10 seconds).

Under the 1 minute waiting period pre-wet the inner surface of
the cone and the test urface of the base plate using the moist
sponge or towel, and place the cone in the centre on the 200 mm
circle of the base plate and put the weight ring on the top of the
cone to keep it in place. (If a heavy cone is used, or the cone is
kept in position by hand no weight ring is needed).
Place the J-ring on the base plate around the cone
Fill the cone with the sample from the bucket without any external
compacting action such as rodding or vibrating. The surplus
concrete above the top of the cone should be struck off, and any
concrete remaining on the base plate should be removed

J-Ring Test
Procedure
Check and make sure that the test surface is neither too wet nor too dry.

No dry area on the base plate is allowed and any surplus of the water
should be removed the moisture state of the plate shall be just wet.
After a short rest (no more than 30 seconds for cleaning and checking
the moist state of the test surface), lift the cone perpendicular to the
base plate in a single movement, in such a manner that the concrete is
allowed to flow out freely without obstruction from the cone, and start
the stopwatch the moment the cone loose the contact with the base
plate
Stop the stopwatch when the front of the concrete first touches the circle
of diameter 500 mm. The stopwatch reading is recorded as the T50J
value. The test is completed when the concrete flow has ceased.
lay the straight rod with the flat side on the top side of the J-ring and

measure the relative height differences between the lower edge of

the straight rod and the concrete surface at the central position
(h0) and at the four positions outside the J-ring, two (hx1, hx2) in
the x-direction and the other two (hy1, hy2) in the y-direction
(perpendicular to x)

J-Ring Test
Procedure
Measure the largest diameter of the flow spread, dmax, and the

one perpendicular to it, dperp, using the ruler (reading to nearest

5 mm). Care should be taken to prevent the ruler from bending
NOTE For non-circular concrete spreads the x-direction is that of
the largest spread diameter

Expression Of Results
The J-ring flow spread SJ is the average of diameters dmax and

dperp, as shown in Equation (6). SJ is expressed in mm to the

nearest 5 mm

J-Ring Test
Expression Of Results
The J-ring flow time T50J is the period between the moment the

cone leaves the base plate and SCC first touches the circle of
diameter 500 mm. T50J is expressed in seconds to the nearest
1/10 seconds
The J-ring blocking step BJ is calculated using equation (7) and
expressed in mm to the nearest 1 mm.

J-Ring Test
Precisions
Based on the inter-laboratory test organised in the EU-project

Testing-SCC (GRD2- 2000-30024/G6RD-CT-2001-00580) with 2

replicates and 16 operators from 8 laboratories, the values of
repeatability and reproducibility of the J-ring flow spread and flow
time T50J are listed in Table 6

V-Funnel Test
Definition
The V-funnel flow time is the period a defined volume of SCC needs to

pass a narrow opening and gives an indication of the filling ability of

SCC provided that blocking and/or segregation do not take place; the
flow time of the V-funnel test is to some degree related to the plastic
viscosity.

Apparatus
V-funnel, as shown in Figure 7, made of steel, with a flat, horizontal

top and placed on vertical supports, and with a momentary

releasable, watertight opening gate
Stopwatch with the accuracy of 0.1 second
for recording the flow time
Straightedge for levelling the concrete
Buckets with a capacity of 1214 litres
for taking concrete sample
Moist sponge or towel for wetting
the inner surface of the V-funnel

V-Funnel Test
Procedure
Place the cleaned V-funnel vertically on a stable and flat ground,

with the top opening horizontally positioned

Wet the interior of the funnel with the moist sponge or towel and
remove the surplus of water, e.g. through the opening. The inner
side of the funnel should be just wet.
Close the gate and place a bucket under it in order to retain the
concrete to be passed
Fill the funnel completely with a representative sample of SCC
without applying any compaction or rodding
Remove any surplus of concrete from the top of the funnel using
the straightedge.
Open the gate after a waiting period of (10 2) seconds. Start the
stopwatch at the same moment the gate opens

V-Funnel Test
Procedure
Look inside the funnel and stop the time at the moment when

clear space is visible through the opening of the funnel. The

stopwatch reading is recorded as the V-funnel flow time, noted as
tV
Do not touch or move the V-funnel until it is empty

Expression Of Results
The V-funnel flow time tV is the period from releasing the gate

until first light enters the opening, expressed to the nearest 0.1
second

V-Funnel Test
Expression Of Results
Based on the inter-laboratory test organised in the EU-project

Testing-SCC (GRD2- 2000-30024/G6RD-CT-2001-00580) with 2

replicates and 20 operators from 10 laboratories, the precision of
the V-funnel flow time can be expressed by the following equations
the precision of the V-funnel flow time can be expressed by the

following equations:
r = 0.335 tV 0.62, with R2 = 0.823, when 3 tV 15; and r = 4.4 when

tV > 15 (8)
and
R = 0.502 tV 0.943, with R2 = 0.984, when 3 tV 15; and R = 6.6
when tV > 15 (9)

where R2 is the square correlation coefficient.

Some values are listed in Table 5 for convenience of use.

V-Funnel Test

Orimet Test
Definition
The Orimet flow time is the period a defined volume of SCC needs to

pass a narrow opening (a tube narrowed by an orifice). The flow time

of the Orimet test is to some degree related to the plastic viscosity

Apparatus
Orimet, made of steel, with the tube of a length of 600 mm and an

inner diameter of 120 mm. The orifice, which narrows the opening of
the tube and shears SCC, is interchangeable; its diameter can be
chosen according to the mixture composition and the criteria on
SCC. Figure 8 shows the filling of the Orimet with a bucket
Stopwatch with the accuracy of 0.1 second for recording the flow
time
Straightedge for levelling the concrete
Buckets with a capacity of 1012 litres for taking concrete sample
Moist sponge or towel for wetting the inner surface of the Orimet

Orimet Test

Orimet Test
Procedure
Place the cleaned Orimet vertically on a stable and flat ground,

with the top opening horizontally positioned and check whether

the tripod is completely extended
Wet the interior of the Orimet with the moist sponge or towel and
remove the surplus of water, e.g. through the opening. The inner
side of the Orimet should be just wet.
Close the gate and place a bucket under it in order to retain the
concrete to be passed
Fill the Orimet completely with a representative sample of SCC
without applying any compaction or rodding
Remove any surplus of concrete from the top of the Orimet using
the straightedge
Open the gate after a waiting period of (10 2) seconds. Start the
stopwatch at the same moment the gate opens

Orimet Test
Procedure
Look inside the Orimet and stop the time at the moment when

clear space is visible through the opening of the Orimet. The

stopwatch reading is recorded as the Orimet flow time, noted as

Expression Of Results
The Orimet flow time tO is the period from releasing the gate until

first light enters the opening, expressed to the nearest 0.1 second
Based on the inter-laboratory test organised in the EU-project
Testing-SCC (GRD2- 2000-30024/G6RD-CT-2001-00580) with 2
replicates and 20 operators from 10 laboratories, the precision of
the Orimet flow time (with the orifice 70 mm) can be expressed by
the following equations

Orimet Test
Expression Of Results
r = 0.433 tO 0.594, with R2 = 0.996, when 3 tO 15; and r = 6.6

when tO > 15
(10)

and
R = 0.472 tO 0.28, with R2 = 0.947, when 3 tO 15; and R = 6.8

when tO > 15 (11)

where R2 is the square correlation coefficient.

Some values are listed in Table 6 for convenience of use.

Penetration Test
Definition
The test aims at investigating the resistance of SCC to

segregation by penetrating a cylinder with a given weight into

the fresh SCC sample. If the SCC has poor resistance to
segregation, the cylinder will penetrate deeper due to the less
amount of aggregate in the upper layer of the sample. Therefore
the penetration depth indicates whether the SCC is stable or not

Apparatus
Penetration apparatus, as illustrated in Figure 9, consisting of a

frame, slot and screw, reading scale and penetration head. The
penetration head is assembled with an aluminium cylinder and
rod. The rod should be able to move inside slot, as freely as
possible. The inner diameter, height and thickness of the
cylinder are 75 mm, 50 mm and 1 mm, respectively. The total
weight of the penetration head is 54 g.

Penetration Test
Apparatus
Bucket with a capacity of 10~12 litres

Penetration Test
Procedure
Place the bucket in a stable and level position
Fill the bucket with (10 0.5) litres of representative fresh SCC and

let the sample stand still for 2 minutes 10 seconds

NOTE Care must be taken to avoid segregation caused by external
impacts
2 minutes after filling of the bucket, locate the penetration
apparatus on the top of the bucket, adjust the penetration cylinder
until it just touches the upper surface of the concrete, and then let
the cylinder penetrate freely into concrete
After the stabilisation of the cylinder (generally < 15~20 sec), the
penetration depth of the cylinder head is recorded from the scale.
Measure the penetration depths at the centre (noted as P1) and two
sides (noted as P2 and P3) of the width of the bucket
NOTE The duration of the three measurements should be less than
3 minutes

Penetration Test
Expression Of Results
The penetration depth P is the average value of the three

measurements, rounded to 1 mm.

Precisions
Based on the inter-laboratory test organised in the EU-project

Testing-SCC (GRD2- 2000-30024/G6RD-CT-2001-00580) with 2

replicates and 22 operators from 11 laboratories, the precision of
the penetration depth can be expressed by the following equation
r = R = 0.59 P + 1.7, with R2 = 1, when P 17; and r = R = 12
when tO > 17 (12)
where R2 is the square correlation coefficient.
Some values are listed in Table 7 for convenience of use.

Penetration Test

MaHmoud Khlifa AliraQi

2nd CiVil Engineering
Section 21