1.

SLUMP TEST
1.1 Introduction
The concrete slump test, also known as the slump cone test, is conducted to determine the
workability or consistency of concrete. It is carried out from batch to batch to ensure uniform
concrete quality during construction. The test is conducted following ASTM C 143/ AASHTO
T 119 standards. Typically, the concrete slump value is used to assess workability and
water-cement ratio, but other factors, such as material properties, mixing methods,
admixtures, dosages, etc., can also influence the concrete slump value.

1.2 Equipment Required for the Test

The equipment necessary for conducting the slump test includes a slump cone, a non-
porous base plate, a measuring scale, and a tamping rod. The mold used in the test is in the
form of a frustum of a cone with dimensions of 30 cm height, 20 cm bottom diameter, and 10
cm top diameter. The tamping rod is made of steel with a diameter of 16 mm and a length of
60 cm, rounded at one end. A general preview of the test equipment and procedure is shown
below in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Measuring Slump of Concrete

1.3 Sampling and Testing Frequency

By the guidelines provided by the General Specifications of NHA, the Slump Test is to be
carried out twice per shift or for every 50 cubic meters of concrete.

1.4 Test Procedure

The procedure of the test is as follows:
 Clean the internal surface of the mold and apply oil.
 Place the mold on a smooth, horizontal, non-porous base plate.
 Fill the mold with the prepared concrete mix in approximately four equal layers.
 Tamp each layer with 25 strokes of the rounded end of the tamping rod in a uniform
manner over the cross-section of the mold. For subsequent layers, the tamping
should penetrate the underlying layer.
 Remove the excess concrete and level the surface with a trowel.
  Clean away any mortar or water that may have leaked out between the mold and the
base plate.
 Raise the mold from the concrete immediately and slowly in the vertical direction.
 Measure the slump as the difference between the height of the mold and that of the
highest point of the specimen being tested.
Note: The above operations should be carried out in a place free from vibrations or shocks
and within 2 minutes after sampling.

Figure 2: Pictorial Representation of Slump Test

1.5 Cautions Required During the Test

To obtain accurate results, several cautions must be taken during the test. The following list
includes major cautions that should be observed:
 Moisten the inside of the mold and base before every test to reduce surface friction.
 Clean the area around the base of the cone before lifting the mold to remove any
accidentally dropped concrete.
 Ensure that the mold and base plate are non-porous.
 Conduct the test in a location free from vibration or shocks.
 Use a very fresh concrete sample to avoid delays and perform the test immediately
after mixing.

1.6 Slump Value Observations

The slump (Vertical Settlement) is measured and recorded in terms of millimeters of
subsidence of the specimen during the test.

1.7 Results of Slump Test on Concrete

Slump for the given sample= _____mm. When the slump test is conducted, various shapes
of concrete slumps can be observed, as shown below in Figure 3.
 Figure 3: Types of Concrete Slump Test Results

1.8 Slump Test Values for Diff Types of Concrete

The concrete of various classes should meet the slump requirements as tabulated in Table
1.
Sr. Class of Range in 28 days Compressive Max Permissible Water
No Concrete Slump [mm] Strength (Min) [Kg/Sq.cm] Cement Ratio
.
1 A1 25 – 75 210 0.58
2 A2 100 – 150 245 0.58
3 A3 100 – 150 280 0.58
4 B 25 – 75 170 0.65
5 C 25 – 75 210 0.58
6 D1 50 – 100 350 0.40
7 D2 50 – 100 425 0.40
8 D3 50 – 100 500 0.40
9 Y 25 – 75 210 0.58
10 Lean - 100 -

Table 1: Allowable Value of Slump Test for Various Classes of Concrete 1

1
Table 401-1, Page 401-1, NHA General Specifications, 1998
2. FIELD DENSITY TEST (FDT) BY SAND CONE METHOD
2.1 Introduction
The Field Density Test is a crucial geotechnical procedure utilized to assess the in-situ
density and compaction of soil or pavement materials at construction sites. Different types of
field density tests are practiced worldwide to evaluate in-situ soil compaction and relative
compaction levels. Knowing the field density of natural soil is essential for estimating soil
bearing capacity, which helps compute pressures on underlying strata for stability analysis
and settlement assessment of natural slopes.
The Sand Cone test, also known as the sand replacement method, is employed to determine
the in-place density of compacted soil and compare it with the desired compaction level. In
this method, a test hole is hand-excavated in the soil, and all excavated material is collected
in a container. The hole is then filled with uniformly graded, free-flowing sand of known
density, and its volume is measured. By calculating the wet density of the soil and
determining the water content of the excavated material, the in-place dry density can be
obtained and compared with the target compaction degree. This comparison reveals how
closely the soil compaction aligns with the desired level.

2.2 Equipment Required for the Test

The following equipment is required for the test
 Sand-cone density apparatus, consisting of the sand container, sand cone (funnel),
and base plate.
 Small digging tools (e.g., shovels, trowels).
 Balance.
 Large sealable plastic bag or airtight container

Figure 4: Sand Cone Container and Funnel

2.3 Sampling and Testing Frequency

By the guidelines provided by the General Specifications of NHA, the Field Density Test is to
be carried out at every 200 m reach. In-place density determinations of the compacted
layers shall be made following AASHTO T-191 or other approved methods. For all soils,
except rockfill materials containing more than 10% oversize particles (retained on a 3/4 inch/
19 mm sieve), the in-place density thus obtained shall be adjusted to account for such
oversize particles or as directed by the Engineer. Subsequent layers shall not be placed and
compacted unless the previous layer has been properly compacted and accepted by the
Engineer

2.4 Test Procedure

2.4.1 Specimen Preparation

The sand must be clean, dry, and uniformly graded sand with a coefficient of uniformity < 2,
a maximum particle size < 2.0 mm, and <3% by weight passing the 250 μm (Sieve No. 60).
The sand should consist of rounded particles rather than angular.

2.4.2 Calibration of Sand Cone Apparatus

 Fill the sand cone container with dry sand by placing the funnel on the container.
Record the mass of the filled sand cone device, 𝑴𝟏.
 Place the base plate on a clean, flat surface and place the inverted sand cone device
over the base plate.
 Open the control valve fully and allow the sand to fill the base plate and funnel until
the sand flow stops. Close the valve.
 Remove the sand cone device from the base plate and record the mass of the device
with the remaining sand, 𝑴𝟐.
 Calculate the mass of sand used to fill the funnel and base plate as the difference
between the initial and final mass, 𝑴𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒆 = 𝑴𝟏 – 𝑴𝟐.
 Refill the container and obtain the mass of the refilled device, 𝑴𝑵𝟏. Place the base
plate over a calibration container of a known volume, 𝑽𝟏. Many base plates are
machined to tightly fit over a proctor mold.
 Place the inverted sand cone device over the base plate, open the valve, and fill the
chamber calibration, funnel, and base plate with sand. After the calibration chamber,
base plate, and funnel are filled, close the valve. Remove the sand cone device from
the base plate and weigh the sand cone device with the remaining sand, 𝑴𝟑.
 Calculate the mass of the sand in the calibration chamber, 𝑴𝟒 = 𝑴𝑵𝟏 − 𝑴𝟑 −
𝑴𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒆.
 Calculate the total unit weight of the sand, 𝜸𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒅 = 𝑴𝟒 / 𝑽𝟏
Note: The calibration procedure should be repeated at least 3 times and the average value
is considered.

2.4.3 Test Procedure

 Select a location/elevation that is representative of the area to be tested, and
determine the density of the soil in place as follows:
 Fill the sand cone device with the same type of sand used for the calibration. Obtain
the mass of the filled sand cone, 𝑾𝟏.
 Prepare the surface of the location to be tested, so that it is a level plane. Place the
base plate on the surface.
 Excavate a test hole through the center of the base plate. The shape of the test hole
should approximate the shape of the calibration chamber. The base plate should not
overhang the test hole, and the bottom of the test hole should be flat. Place all the
excavated soil in a sealed plastic bag to be used for water content measurement.
  Clean the flange of the base plate hole, and invert the filled sand cone device over
the excavated test hole. Open the valve and fill the test hole, base plate, and funnel
with sand. Do not perform the test if there are significant ambient vibrations (e.g.,
heavy equipment operation), and take care not to move or shake the device during
filling. When the sand stops flowing, close the valve.
 Determine the mass of the sand cone with the remaining sand, 𝑾𝟐.
 Determine and record the mass of the moist soil material that was removed from the
test hole, 𝑾𝒔𝒉.
 Mix the soil material thoroughly, and either obtain a representative specimen for
water content determination 𝒘, or use the entire sample.

2.5 Calculations
 Calculate the mass of sand used to fill the test hole, funnel, and base plate:
𝑊3 = 𝑊1 − 𝑊2
 Calculate the mass of sand used to fill the test hole only:
𝑊𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑑 = 𝑊3 – 𝑀𝑐𝑜𝑛e
 Calculate the volume of the test hole as follows:
𝑉ℎ = 𝑊𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑑 / 𝛾𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑑
 Calculate the in-place wet and dry unit weight/density of the material tested as
follows:
𝛾 𝑤𝑒𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 = 𝑊𝑠ℎ / 𝑉ℎ
𝛾 𝑑ry 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 = 𝛾𝑤𝑒𝑡 / 1 + 𝑤
 Calculate the relative compaction, if possible:
𝑅 = 𝛾𝑑ry 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 / 𝛾𝑑 max 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 × 100
3. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE CYLINDER
3.1 Introduction
The compressive strength of the concrete cylinder is one of the most common performance
measures performed. The compression test shows the best possible strength concrete can
achieve in perfect conditions. The compression test measures concrete strength in the
hardened state. A compressive axial load is applied to the samples at a continuous rate until
failure occurs. The compressive strength will be determined by dividing the maximum load
by the cross-sectional area of the sample. Compressive strength testing of concrete is
generally a performance check of the mix delivered to the project. So, as purchased, most
field cylinders are made for quality control and product acceptance. The test is performed
following the AASHTO T 22/ ASTM C 39.

3.2 Equipment Required for the Test

The sample cylinder prepared can be any of the two dimensions mentioned below. The
diameter of the cylinder cast must be at least 3 times the nominal maximum size of the
coarse aggregate. The apparatus required is mentioned below:
 Compression testing machine
 Cylinder mold of 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height or 100 x 200 mm
 Weighing balance

Figure 5: Concrete Cylinder Mold

3.3 Sampling and Testing Frequency

A set of six (6) cylinders shall be taken from each fifty (50) cubic meters of each class of
concrete or fraction thereof placed each day, three (3) of the six (6) cylinders to be tested
after seven (7) days and three (3) after twenty-eight (28) days.

3.4 Test Procedure

3.4.1 Sample Preparation

The cylinder specimens are cast in steel, cast iron, or any mold made of non-absorbent
material. Even under severe conditions, the molds used must retain their original shape and
dimensions. The mold must hold the concrete without any leakage. Before placing the
concrete mix within the mold, the interior of the mold must be properly greased to facilitate
easy removal of the hardened cylinder. The mixed concrete is placed into the molds in layers
not less than 5 cm deep. Tamping rods are used to distribute the concrete evenly before the
start of consolidation. Two sizes are specified in ASTM methods. Each size shall be a round,
straight steel rod with at least the tamping end rounded to a hemispherical tip of the same
diameter as the rod. A larger rod, 6/8 in. (16 mm) in diameter and approximately 24 in. (600
mm) long can be used for tamping. The strokes per layer during the compaction must not be
less than 30 in number. Compaction must reach the underlying layers allowing the majority
of the air voids to escape. The specimens are stored undisturbed in a place with at least
90% relative humidity at a temperature of 27° ± 2° C for 24 hours. After this period, the
samples are taken and submerged in clean and fresh water until the testing age is reached.
Capping is required to give a smooth surface for applying a compressive load to concrete
cylinders.
Note: The diameter of the casted cylinder must be measured in 2 locations perpendicular to
each other at its mid-height. The average of these values is taken to calculate the cross-
sectional area. If the diameter measured differs by more than 2%, the cylinder must not be
tested.

3.4.2 Test Procedure

 Take out the specimen from the curing tank.
 Wipe out the excess water from the surface of the specimen.
 Place the specimen vertically on the platform of the compression testing machine.
Uniform load application and distribution are facilitated by having pad caps at the
ends of the cylinders.
 Before starting to apply the load, make sure that the loading platforms touch the top
of the cylinder.
 Apply the load continuously and uniformly without shock at the rate of 315 kN/min.
And continue the loading until the specimen fails.
 Record the maximum load taken.
 Compressive strength = (Maximum load/ Cross-sectional area)
 The test is repeated for the remaining two specimens.

Figure 6: Compressive Strength Testing of Concrete Cylinder

 Before Testing After Testing

Figure 7: Concrete Cylinder Before and After Testing

3.5 Report for Concrete Cylinder Test

The following observations must be recorded before and after the compression test of the
cylinder.

3.5.1 Before the Test

 Date of casting
 Date of testing
 Age of specimen
 Curing condition
 The diameter of the Cylinder Samples
 Testing Age

3.5.2 After the Test

 The maximum load applied
 Compressive strength
 Type of Fracture
 Defects if any for cylinders or caps

3.6 Compressive Strength of Concrete at Various Ages

The strength of concrete increases with age. Table 2 shows the strength of concrete at
different ages in comparison with the strength at 28 days after casting.
Age Strength Percent
1 16%
3 40%
7 65%
14 90%
28 99%

Table 2: The Strength of Concrete at Different Ages

Note: No individual samples tested after 28 days shall show a test result lower than eighty-
five (85) percent of the required twenty-eight (28) days