ASTM C -143

Slump of Hydraulic Cement

Prepared by: Engr. Ronald C. Rabo 1

ASTM C 143
Purpose:
 Determine the consistency of concrete
Measure the relative fluidity or mobility of
concrete mixture
 ** does not measure the water content or
workability of concrete
Workability (placeability)– determines the ease
with which it can be mixed, placed, consolidated
and finished to a homogeneous condition.

Prepared by: Engr. Ronald C. Rabo 2

ASTM C 143
Purpose:
 Generally, water content affects slump
proportionately
 Maximum aggregate size: 1 ½ in [37.5 mm]
 Factors affecting:
Aggregate properties
Mix proportion
Air content
Temperature
Admixture
Prepared by: Engr. Ronald C. Rabo 3
ASTM C 143
Apparatus:
 Mold
Made of metal
Shall not be thinner than 0.060 in [1.5 mm]
Dimension tolerance ± 1/8 in. [3 mm]
4 in [100 mm]
Smooth and non absorbent

12 in [300 mm]
With handles and foot pieces

8 in [200 mm]
Prepared by: Engr. Ronald C. Rabo 4
ASTM C 143
Apparatus:
 Mold
• Alternative material comparative test
− Independent testing laboratory
− 10 consecutive pairs (prevents ignoring those not meet criteria)
− 3 slumps range: 2 to 8 in [50 to 200 mm]
− No individual test result vary by more than 0.50 in [15 mm]
− Average test results not vary by more than 0.25 in [6 mm]
− Make same as regular
− If out of tolerance: do single comparative test, no more than 0.50
in [15 mm] compared to metal mold
− Average test results shall not vary by more than 0.25 in. [6 mm]

Prepared by: Engr. Ronald C. Rabo 5

ASTM C 143
Apparatus:
 Tamping rod 5/8 in
Round, straight, w/ hemispherical ends [16 mm] dia.

 Measuring device

24 in [600 mm] dia.

Ruler, tape, rigid or semi-rigid
Increment: ¼ in [5 mm] or smaller
Length: at least 12 in. [300 mm]
 Scoop

Prepared by: Engr. Ronald C. Rabo 6

ASTM C 143
Procedure:
 Dampen mold; place on flat, moist, non-
absorbent rigid surface.
 Filling – approx. 3 equal layers; 1/3 by
volume
move scoop around perimeter of mold for even
distribution and minimal segregation
 Consolidate according to “Methods of Layer 3

Consolidation” 160 mm Layer 2

70 mm
Layer 1
Prepared by: Engr. Ronald C. Rabo 7
ASTM C 143
Procedure:
 Removal
Raise the mold a distance of 12 in. [300 mm]
5 ± 2 sec steady upward lift
No lateral or torsional motion
 Time: filling to removal
2 ½ minutes

Prepared by: Engr. Ronald C. Rabo 8

 Tamping rod

ASTM C 143

slump
Procedure: Empty
mold Displaced
 Measuring specimen

At center Non-absorbent rigid surface

Vertical difference: top of mold &

displaced top of surface of specimen
 Note: falling away or shearing off – disregard test and make
from another portion of sample. Plasticity and cohesiveness for
test to be applicable.
 Report
Nearest ¼ in [5 mm]

Prepared by: Engr. Ronald C. Rabo 9

ASTM C 143
Types of slump:

HIGH LOW MODERATE

Prepared by: Engr. Ronald C. Rabo 10