The term “slump” of concrete is typically refers to the workability, consistency or stiffness of the concrete mix. It is measured by the change in height of cone-shaped concrete after pouring of concrete. The slumps indicate the water to cement ratio and the overall workability of the concrete mix.
A concrete slump test are used to determine the consistency of a concrete mix to see workability, water to cement ratio, and how easily the concrete will flow. This test also identifies defects in the concrete mix, suggests the operator a chance to amend the mix before it is poured on site.
There are three types of concrete slump which includes: true slump, shear slump and collapse slump. A true slump concrete refers to a situation where the fresh concrete just subsides shortly and more or less maintain the mould shape, while a shear slump refers to a situation where the concrete mass shears off during the slump test rather than flowing freely. In addition, collapse slump refers to a situation where the fresh concrete collapses completely.
What is a 3, 4, 5 and 6 inch slump of concrete?
The slump in concrete measures the consistency or workability of concrete. Lower the slump, the stiffer the concrete, or higher the slump, the wetter the mix. For most concrete work, a slump ranges from 4 to 5 inches is ideal. A slump greater than 5 inches is an overly wet mix, can reduce overall strength, and results a weak, porous surface, while a slump less than 4 inches is too stiff, and reduces workability.
What is a 3 inch slump of concrete?
A 3-inch slump of concrete indicates a relatively stiff mix with less water content, that reduces workability, or rigid consistency, hard to work with as a stiffer mix, and suitable for applications where the concrete needs to be relatively stiff and not flow too much. This slump is commonly used for projects like pavements, sidewalks, paving, road construction and driveways.
What is a 4 inch slump of concrete?
A 4-inch slump of concrete is a moderately stiff mix, medium water to cement ratio, provides good consistency and maintaining strength and durability for typical residential or light commercial construction purposes. This slump is commonly used for projects like sidewalks, driveways, patios, and small-scale residential projects like footings, walls, columns or slabs.
What is a 5 inch slump of concrete?
A 5-inch slump of concrete has medium consistency, represents a mix that is neither to stiff or too fluid, so it is easy to work and place in formwork. This slump is suitable for a variety of construction projects, including residential foundations, flatwork footings, driveways, sidewalks, and small-scale commercial applications.
What is a 6 inch slump of concrete?
A 6-inch slump of concrete is too wet or it is a very fluid mix, higher water content. It is suitable for applications where high workability is required, such as heavily reinforced structures or difficult-to-reach areas. This slump is commonly used for driveways, sidewalk, patio, floors, footing, foundation, road, highway, beams and columns often require a higher slump for easier spreading and leveling.
Conclusions:
A 3 inch slump of concrete refers to rigid consistency, while a 4 slump of concrete refers to medium consistency. Likewise, a 5 slump of concrete refers to ideal consistency, while a 6 slump of concrete refers to higher workability.