STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR GROUT FLOW FOR PREPLACED

AGGREGATE CONCRETE (FLOW CONE METHOD)

1 reach

1.1 This test method covers a procedure, used in the laboratory and in the field, for the
determination of the flow time of a specified volume of fluid hydraulic cement grout
through a standardized flow cone used for preplaced aggregate concrete ( AP); However,
the test method can also be used for other fluid grouts.

1.2 This is for use with clean grout and with grouts containing fine aggregate, all passing
the 2.36 mm mesh (No. 8).

1.3 This test method is intended for use with grout having a flow time of 35 s or less.

1.4 When the flow time exceeds 35 s, the flow is best determined with the flow table, found
in Test Method C 109/C 109M, using 5 strokes in 3 s.

1.5 Values declared in SI units will be considered as the standard. Values given in
parentheses are for information only.

1.6 This standard is not intended to address all security issues, if any, associated with its
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and
health practices, as well as determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to its
use.

2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM Standards:

C 109/C 109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars
(Using 2-inch (50 mm) Cubic Specimens).

C 938 Practice for Providing Grout Mixtures for Preplaced Aggregate Concrete.

3. Summary of the Test Method

3.1 The flow time of a specified volume of grout through a standardized flow cone is
measured.

4. Meaning and Use

4.1 This test method is applied to the determination of the fluidity of various fluid grout
mixtures.

5. Interference

5.1 The presence of soil particles retained in the 2.36 mm mesh (No. 8) or clumps of
unmixed material in the grout may cause the grout to flow unevenly through the flow cone
discharge tube or stop the flow completely. An uneven flow will result in slow grout transit,
indicating false consistency.

6. Appliances

6.1 Flow Cone, with the dimensions shown in Fig. 1. The discharge tube will be made of
stainless steel. The body may be made of stainless steel, cast aluminum, or other essentially
non-corrosive metal.

Note 1. – Cones with high-density polyethylene bodies are acceptable for use in the field, in
situations where precision is not required, as described in this test method.

6.2 Reception Container, with a minimum capacity of 2000 mL.

6.3 Ring support or other device, capable of supporting the flow cone in a vertical and
stable position, on the receiving container.

6.4 Level, carpenter or similar.

6.5 Stopwatch, lowest reading of not more than 0.2 s.

6.6 Grout Mixer, in accordance with Practice C 938.

7. Essay Sample

7.1 The grout test sample shall be in excess of 1725 mL and shall be representative of the
grout in the mixer.

7.2 When sampling and testing is being done for the purpose of providing or comparing
mixtures or to qualify materials, the temperature of the dry material and mixing water shall
be such that the temperature of the fresh grout mixture is 23.0 ±2.0° C ( 73.5 ±3.5° F),
unless otherwise specified.

8. Calibration of the Device

8.1 Mount the flow cone firmly in a manner that is free of vibration. Level the top edge to
ensure verticality. Close the outlet of the discharge tube with a finger or a plug. Introduce
1725 ± 5 mL of water into the cone. Adjust the pointer to indicate the water surface level.
Then allow the water to drain.

8.2 Before beginning use of the grouted flow cone and periodically thereafter, check the
accuracy of the cone by filling it with water as described in 8.1. Then check or adjust the
pointer, start the stopwatch and simultaneously remove your finger. Stop the stopwatch at
the first break in the continuous flow of water. The time indicated by the stopwatch is the
water flow time. If this time is 8 ±0.2 s, the cone can be used to determine the grout flow
time.
9. Procedure

9.1 Moisten the interior of the flow cone by filling the cone with water, 1 min before
introducing the grout sample, allowing the water to drain from the cone. Close the outlet of
the discharge tube with a finger or a plug. Introduce the grout into the cone until the surface
of the grout rises and makes contact with the pointer, start the stopwatch and
simultaneously remove the finger or plug. Stop the stopwatch at the first break in the
continuous flow of grout into the discharge tube, then look inside the top edge of the cone;
If the grout has passed sufficiently such that light is visible through the discharge tube, the
time indicated by the stopwatch is the grout flow time. If light is not visible through the
discharge tube, then the use of the flow cone is not applicable for grout of this consistency.
At least two tests having flow time within 1.8 s of their average will be done for each grout
mixture.

9.2 The test for flow time shall be done within 1 min of draining the grout from the mixer
or transmission line. When the grout is being placed over a significant period of time, the
flow time can be determined at selected intervals to demonstrate that the consistency is
adequate for the job.

10. Report

10.1 Report the following information:

10.1.1 Sample identification

10.1.2 Identification of materials in the sample, the proportion and whether it has been
prepared by the laboratory or taken from the mixture production in the field.

10.1.3 Average the flow time to the nearest 0.2 time interval to complete mixing at which
the test was done.

10.1.4 Temperature, environment and sample at the time of the test.

11. Precision and Tendency

11.1 Precision – The following precisions apply, within the laboratory, multiple-operator.
The standard deviation of a single laboratory has been found to be 0.88 s. Therefore, the
result of two properly conducted tests on the same material should not differ by more than
2.49 s.

11.2 Trend – no trend statement can be prepared because there is no standard reference
material.

12. Keywords

12.1 flow cone; grout; pre-placed aggregate concrete; flow time.