4CE7 : CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY LAB

Experiment no.:-5

Standard: - IS: 1199:1959.

Object: - To determine the workability of given concrete mix by

Slump Test.
Necessity: - Slump is a measure indicating the consistency or workability of
cement concrete. It gives an idea of water content needed for
concrete to be used for different works.
Definition: - Unsupported fresh concrete, flows to the sides and a sinking in
height takes place. This vertical settlement is known as slump.

Apparatus: -
(i) Mould of the test shall be in the form of the frustum of a cone having
the following internal dimensions bottom diameter 20cms, top
diameter 10cms, and heights 30cms.
(ii) The mould shall be made of metal (Brass of Aluminum shall not be
used) of at least 1.6mm thickness and the top and bottom shall be
open and at right angles to the axis of the cone.
(iii) The mould shall have a smooth surface.
(iv) It shall be provided with suitable foot pieces and also handles to
facilitate lifting it during the test in a vertical direction as required.
(v) Tamping rod shall be of steel or other suitable material, 16mm
diameter, 0.6mm long rounded at one
end with graduations of least cont 1mm.
(vi) Weighing platform machine to weigh up
to 30 kg mass (sensitive to 10 gm.)

(vii) Iron pan to mix concrete.

(viii) Graduated cylinder.
(ix) Spatula; Trowels.

Sampling in the Field:-

1. If the test is to be conducted in the field collect ht truce
representative sample of the batch not less than 0.02cm3 in volume.

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2. Mix the sample on a non-absorbent base either with a trowel or by
other suitable implements to ensure uniformity.
3. Use the sample immediately for the purpose of carrying out the test.
4. In the case of concrete containing aggregate of maximum size more
than 38 mm wet sieve the concrete though 1 ½ inch screen to
exclude aggregate particles bigger than 38mm.
Sampling from Laboratory Mix:-
(i) If the slump is to be checked in the laboratory mix the sample
homogeneously and take the representative sample.
Preparation of the Mould:-
(i) Thoroughly clean the internal surface of the mould free from
superfluous moisture and any set concrete.
(ii) Place the mould on a smooth, horizontal rigid and non-absorbent
surface such as a carefully leveled metal plate and held the mould
firmly in the place while it is being filled.

Brief Procedure:-
(i) Four mixes are to be prepared with water-cement ration ( by mass)
of 0.50, 0.60, 0.70 and 0.80, respectively, and for each mix take 10kg
of coarse aggregate, a5 kg of sand and 2.5 kg of cement.
(ii) Mix the dry constituents thoroughly to get a uniform colour and then
add water.
(iii) Fill the mould in four layers each approximately one quarter of the
height of the mould.
(iv) Distribute the storks uniformly over the cross section of the mould
such that the second and subsequent layers shall penetrate into
underlying layer.
(v) Prod the bottom layer throughout its depth.
(vi) After the top layer has been prodded, struck off the concrete in level
with the slump cone with a trowel or with the tamping rod, so that
the mould is exactly filled.
(vii) Clean the mortar if any, which has been leaked out between the
mould and base plate.
(viii) Remove the mould from concrete immediately by raising it slowly
and carefully in a vertical direction.

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(ix) Measure the slump immediately by determining the difference
between the height of the mould and that of the highest point of the
specimen.
(x) Complete the whole process with in a period of 2mintues after
sampling.
Report:-
(i) Record the slump measured in terms of millimeters of subsidence of
the specimen during the test.
(ii) Any slump specimen, which collapses or shears off laterally gives
incorrect result and if this occurs repeat the test with another
sample.
(iii) If in the repeated test also the specimen collapses or shears off
laterally measure the slump and record the fact.
(iv) Only the slump should be measured.
Precaution:-
(i) Carry out the slump test at a place free from vibration of shock and
with in a period of 2 minutes after sampling.
Observation Table:-
Observation and calculations

Water- Cement Ratio Slump

0.50 -
0.60 -
0.70 -
0.80 -
Comments:-
(i) By the test we can determine the water content to give specified
slump value. In this test water content is varied and each case slump
value is measured till we arrive at water content giving the required
slump value.
(ii) This test is not a true guide to workability. For example, a harsh mix
cannot be said to have same workability as one with a large
proportion of sand even though they may have the same slump.

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Remark:-
(i) Slump is measure indicating the consistency or workability of
cement concrete. It gives an idea of water contents needed for
concrete to be used for different works.
(ii) A concrete is said to be workable if it can be easily mixed and
placed. Compacted and finished. A workable concrete should not
show any segregation or bleeding.
(iii) Segregation is said to occur when coarse aggregate tries to separate
out from the finer material and a concentration of coarse aggregate
at one place occurs. This results in large voids, less durability and
strength.
(iv) Bleeding of concrete is said to occur when excess water comes up
at the surface of concrete. This causes small pores through the mass
of concrete and is undesirable.
(v) Slump test is adopted in the laboratory or during the progress of
work in the field for determining consistency of concrete where
nominal maximum size of aggregate does not exceed 40mm.
(vi) The recommended slump values for concrete for various jobs.
S.No Water-Cement
Name of works Slump, mm.
. Ratio
Concrete for roads and mass
1 25 to 50 0.70
concrete
Concrete for R.C.C. beams and
2 50 to 100 0.55
slabs
3 Columns and retaining walls 75 to 125 0.45
4 Mass concrete in foundation 25 to 50 0.70
Questions:-

(i) What do you mean by the workability and consistency of freshly

mixed concrete?
(ii) What is slump of concrete?
(iii) How do you compare a slump test with a compaction factor test?
(iv) What are the limitations of this test?
(v) Describe the changes which take place in concrete mix as water
content is varied. Is it sensitive to low water content?

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Slump Test Apparatus

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