Slump Test:

- The concrete slump test measures the consistency of fresh concrete before it sets. It is
performed to check the workability of freshly made concrete, and therefore the ease with
which concrete flows. It can also be used as an indicator of an improperly mixed batch.
The test is popular due to the simplicity of apparatus used and simple procedure. The
slump test is used to ensure uniformity for different loads of concrete under field
conditions.

- Concrete slump test or slump cone test is to determine the workability or consistency of
concrete mix prepared at the laboratory or the construction site during the progress of the
work. Concrete slump test is carried out from batch to batch to check the uniform quality
of concrete during construction. The slump test is the simplest workability test for
concrete, involves low cost and provides immediate results. Due to this fact, it has been
widely used for workability tests since 1922. The slump is carried out as per procedures
mentioned in ASTM C143 in the United States, IS: 1199 – 1959 in India and EN 12350-2
in Europe. Generally concrete slump value is used to find the workability, which indicates
water-cement ratio, but there are various factors including properties of materials, mixing
methods, dosage, admixtures etc. also affect the concrete slump value.

- Simply put, concrete slump refers to the workability and/or consistency of the concrete
mix. Slump can also be described as how fluid the concrete mix is. If it has a higher slump
rating, it is more fluid and ‘workable’, and conversely, a lower slump rating means the
mix is less fluid and workable. The slump of the concrete mixture is established using a
slump test.

- The concrete slump test is an on-the-spot test to determine the consistency as well as
workability of fresh concrete. This test plays a vital role in ensuring immediate concrete
quality in a construction project. It is used almost in every construction sites.
The slump test is very simple and easy to handle. It also demands comparatively less
equipment and can be done in a short period of time. These advantages of slump test have
made it very popular all over the world. In the slump test, workability of concrete is not
measured directly. Instead, consistency of concrete is measured which gives a general idea
about the workability condition of concrete mix.

Concrete 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

Why do a concrete slump test?

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. In
effect, before you spend resources producing a whole batch of subpar concrete, you give yourself
time and opportunity to remix – saving time and money.

Concrete Slump 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/Mould: 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. 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 tap 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.
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

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.