SLUMP TESTS
- Slump test or also known as slump cone test as a cone used in the test. It is the most
common, easy, and simple test used to measure the workability of fresh concrete.
o Workability is how easily the concrete can be mixed, handled, transported, placed
in position, and compacted. There are two other tests used to measure the
workability of concrete: Compaction Factor Test and Vee-Bee Test.
- Concrete slump test or slump cone test is an on-the-spot test to determine or to measures
the workability or consistency of concrete mix prepared at the construction site before the
concreting process. The test is carried out from batch to batch to check the workability or
consistency of freshly mixed concrete in a specific batch.
o It also performed to know the workability of fresh concrete so that we can
describe how fluid the concrete mix is before using it
It is also used as an indicator for improperly mixed match.
- Slump test has been widely used for workability test since 1992.
o The test demands comparatively less equipment and can be done in short period
of time. It also involves low cost and provides immediate results. These
advantages of slump test are the reason why this test have made it very popular all
over the world.
Why do a slump cone test?
this test plays a vital role in ensuring immediate concrete quality in a construction project. It is
used almost in every construction sites. Understanding the consistency of your concrete mix is
useful for several reasons. Essentially, it allows you to preview what your concrete will be like
before it sets, allowing you to make adjustments to the mix to create a better product with more
favorable consistency.
Slump Test International Standard
Various international codes have specific testing standards for concrete slump test. These
standards specify methods, equipment for determining the consistency of fresh concrete by the
slump test. For acceptance and reliability, It is essential to maintain strict compliance with these
standards during the slump test for concrete.
The standards for the concrete slump test are followings.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM): ASTM slump test standards are
ASTM C 143, ASTM C143M.
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO):
AASHTO slump test standards are AASHTO T119, AASHTO BS1881.
British & European standard: British & European slump test standard is BS EN 12350-2.
Indian standard: IS 1199 – 1959
Slump Cone Test Equipment
Slump test requires some equipment to perform the test. One can easily find these test kit
set in the market. The test equipment must comply with the standards mentioned above. The
equipment mainly used for slump test are followings.
Slump Cone/Mold: Shape of the mould is a frustum of a cone. The cone is known as
slump cone or Abrams cone. Slump cone is made of steel, plastic, etc. Its height is 12
inches (30 cm). The diameter of the base opening is 8 inches (20 cm) and the top opening
is 4 inches (10 cm).
Base plate: Base plate may be made of Aluminum, polymer, steel, etc. It may be
equipped with a holding attachment.
Tamping rod: Temping rod used in the slump test is made of steel. Tamping Rod is
usually 24" long and has a diameter of 5/8" diameter.
Tape measure: Used to measure the slump. Standard tape should be used for
measurement.
Preparations Prior to Slump Test
Prior to starting the test, the mold, base plate and all testing materials should be clean and free of
any remnants of prior testing. The inside surface of both the base and the mold should be
dampened before beginning the test to reduce surface friction.
Find a flat surface for testing and place the mold on top of the base plate. This area should also
be free from vibrations. The testing should only be performed on fresh, newly mixed concrete for
best results.
Cautions Required During Concrete Slump Test
To get the proper result, some cautions must be taken during the test. Following are the list of
major caution that can be maintained.
Inside of the mould and base should be moistened before every test. It is necessary to
reduce surface friction.
Prior to lifting mould, the area around the base of the cone should be cleaned from
concrete which may be dropped accidentally.
The mould and base-plate should be non-porous.
This test should be performed in a place free of vibration or shocks.
The concrete sample should be very fresh, the delay must be avoided, and the test should
be done just after mixing.
Concrete Slump Testing Procedure
1. Fill the mold with fresh concrete in three layers (see images 1-3). Each layer should be
tamped uniformly, 25 times using the rounded end steel rod
2. Once the cone is full, level the top by removing any excess concrete from the top of the
cone.
3. Hold the handles found at the base of the mold and carefully lift the cone vertically.
4. The resulting unsupported concrete will therefore slump and the decrease in height
should be measured to the nearest 5mm (0.25 inch) at the center point.
Interpreting Slump Test Results
True Slump – Here the general mass of the concrete drops evenly without any disintegration.
This is the desired test result.
Shear Slump – Here one side of the concrete shears or falls from the main portion of concrete.
This is an indication that the concrete lacks cohesion.
Collapse Slump – Here the concrete completely collapses. This is an indication that the mix is
too wet.
Zero Slump – Here the concrete maintains the shape of the mold. This type of concrete is too
stiff and has almost no workability.
If shear slump, collapse slump or zero slump are found, the slump test should be
repeated. If the second test also results in a failed slump test, then that batch of concrete should
be rejected according to the established safety standards.
Concrete Workability by Slump
True Slump
Zero Slump
Shear Slump
Collapse Slump
