6/3/2018 Tests for Workability of Concrete at Construction Site and its Values

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Tests for Workability of Concrete at Construction Site and

Recommended Values

Various tests for workability of concrete at construction sites i.e slump test, Vee-bee test, Compaction factor test
and its recommended values are given below.

What is workability of concrete and What are tests is generally performed at site for its
determination? And what are its recommended values for different purposes?

Workability of concrete describes the ease or difficulty with which the concrete is handled, transported and placed
between the forms with minimum loss of homogeneity.

Workability is important because, if

i. the concrete mixture is too wet, coarse aggregates settle at the bottom of concrete mass and as a result
concrete becomes non-uniform composition,

ii. the concrete mixture is too dry, it will be difficult to handle and place it in position

Tests for Workability of Concrete

Workability of concrete mixture is measured by:

a) Vee-bee consistometer test

b) Compaction factor test (https://theconstructor.org/concrete/compaction-factor-test/1565/)

c) Slump test (https://theconstructor.org/concrete/slump-test/1558/)

The first two tests are laboratory tests while the third test is the field test.

Concrete Slump Test

This test is carried out with a mould called slump cone whose top diameter is 10cm, bottom diameter is 20 cm and
height is 30 cm. the test may be performed in the following steps:

1. Place the slump mould on a smooth flat and non-absorbent surface.

2. Mix the dry ingredients of the concrete thoroughly till a uniform colour is obtained and then add the required
quantity of water.

3. Place the mixed concrete in the mould to about one-fourth of its height.

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6/3/2018 Tests for Workability of Concrete at Construction Site and its Values

4. Compact the concrete 25 times with the help of a tamping rod uniformly all over the area.

5. Place the concrete in the mould about half of its height and compact it again.

6. Place the concrete up to its three fourth height and then up to its top. Compact each layer 25 times with the
help of tamping rod uniformly. For the second subsequent layers, the tamping rod should penetrate into underlying
layers.

7. Strike off the top surface of mould with a trowel or tamping rod so that the mould is filled to its top.

8. Remove the mould immediately, ensuring its movement in vertical direction.

9. When the settlement of concrete stops, measure the subsidence of the concrete in millimeters which is the
required slump of the concrete.

Figure: Measurement of slump

Suitability of Slump Test:

The slump test is suitable only for the concrete of high or medium workability.

Recommended Values of Concrete Slump Tests for Various Purposes:

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6/3/2018 Tests for Workability of Concrete at Construction Site and its Values

No. Types of concrete Slump

1 Concrete for road construction 20 to 40 mm

2 Concrete for tops of curbs, parapets, piers, slabs and wall 40 to 50 mm

3 Concrete for canal lining 70 to 80 mm

4 Normal RCC work 80 to 150 mm

5 Mass concrete 20 to 50 mm

6 Concrete to be vibrated 10 to 25 mm

Read More:

What Is Workability of Concrete? Workability vs. Strength of Concrete

(https://theconstructor.org/concrete/what-is-workability-of-concrete-vs-strength/11739/)

Concrete Slump Test – Procedure and Results (https://theconstructor.org/concrete/concrete-slump-

test/1558/)

Factors Affecting Workability of Concrete (https://theconstructor.org/concrete/factors-affecting-

workability-concrete/11190/)

Concrete Workability – Slump & Compacting Factor Values and Uses

(https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/concrete-workability-slump-compacting-factor-values-
uses/6725/)

Vee-Bee Test to Determine Concrete Workability using Consistometer

(https://theconstructor.org/concrete/vee-bee-test-concrete-consistometer/17815/)

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