Slump Test - Workability Compacting Factor Vee-Bee Test: 1. Various Lab Test On Fresh Concrete
Slump Test - Workability Compacting Factor Vee-Bee Test: 1. Various Lab Test On Fresh Concrete
Slump Test - Workability Compacting Factor Vee-Bee Test: 1. Various Lab Test On Fresh Concrete
There are two kinds of tests which are done on hardened concrete. These are non destructive
test and destructive tests. In non destructive test, the sample is not destroyed and this test is
very useful in determining the strength of existing buildings or structures where as in
destructive test a sample is made and then destroyed to find out the strength of
concrete.Compression test is the example of destructive test. Here are the nondestructive
tests.
SLUMP TEST/WORKABILITY
Slump test is used to determine the workability of fresh concrete. Slump test as per IS: 1199 –
1959 is followed.The apparatus used for doing slump test are Slump cone and Tamping rod.
Typical Questions
Ques 1. What is the ideal value of slump?
Answer 1 In case of a dry sample, slump will be in the range of 25-50 mm that is 1-2 inches.
But in case of a wet concrete, the slump may vary from 150-175 mm or say 6-7 inches. So
the value of slump is specifically mentioned along the mix design and thus it should be
checked as per your location.
Slump depends on many factors like properties of concrete ingredients – aggregates etc. Also
temperature has its effect on slump value. So all these parameters should be kept in mind
when deciding the ideal slump
Ques 3. How much time one should take to raise the cone?
Answer 3 Once the cone is filled and topped off [ excessive concrete from top is cleared ]
raise the cone within 5-10 seconds.
Ques 4. What are the dimensions of the cone used in Slump Test?
Answer 3 The dimensions are
Top Diameter – 10cm
Bottom Diameter – 20cm
Height – 30cm
COMPACTING FACTOR
Compacting factor of fresh concrete is done to determine the workability of fresh concrete by
compacting factor test as per IS: 1199 – 1959. The apparatus used is Compacting factor
apparatus.
VEE-BEE TEST
To determine the workability of fresh concrete by using a Vee-Bee consistometer as per IS:
1199 – 1959. The apparatus used is Vee-Bee consistometer.
Procedure to determine workability of fresh concrete by Vee-Bee consistometer.
i) A conventional slump test is performed, placing the slump cone inside the cylindrical part
of the consistometer.
ii) The glass disc attached to the swivel arm is turned and placed on the top of the concrete in
the pot.
iii) The electrical vibrator is switched on and a stop-watch is started, simultaneously.
iv) Vibration is continued till the conical shape of the concrete disappears and the concrete
assumes a cylindrical shape.
v) When the concrete fully assumes a cylindrical shape, the stop-watch is switched off
immediately. The time is noted.The consistency of the concrete should be expressed in VB-
degrees, which is equal to the time in seconds recorded above.
REBOUND HAMMER
Rebound hammer test is done to find out the compressive strength of concrete by using
rebound hammer as per IS: 13311 (Part 2) – 1992. The underlying principle of the rebound
hammer test is
The rebound of an elastic mass depends on the hardness of the surface against which its mass
strikes. When the plunger of the rebound hammer is pressed against the surface of the
concrete, the pring-controlled mass rebounds and the extent of such a rebound depends upon
the surface hardness of the concrete. The surface hardness and therefore the rebound is taken
to be related to the compressive strength of the concrete. The rebound value is read from a
graduated scale and is designated as the rebound number or rebound index. The compressive
strength can be read directly from the graph provided on the body of the hammer.
i) Before commencement of a test, the rebound hammer should be tested against the test
anvil, to get reliable results, for which the manufacturer of the rebound hammer indicates the
range of readings on the anvil suitable for different types of rebound hammer.
ii) Apply light pressure on the plunger – it will release it from the locked position and allow it
to extend to the ready position for the test.
iii) Press the plunger against the surface of the concrete, keeping the instrument perpendicular
to the test surface. Apply a gradual increase in pressure until the hammer impacts. (Do not
touch the button while depressing the plunger. Press the button after impact, in case it is not
convenient to note the rebound reading in that position.)
This test is done to assess the quality of concrete by ultrasonic pulse velocity method as per
IS: 13311 (Part 1) – 1992. The underlying principle of this test is -
The method consists of measuring the time of travel of an ultrasonic pulse passing through
the concrete being tested. Comparatively higher velocity is obtained when concrete quality is
good in terms of density, uniformity, homogeneity etc.
Procedure to determine strength of hardened concrete by Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity.
i) Preparing for use: Before switching on the ‘V’ meter, the transducers should be connected
to the sockets marked “TRAN” and ” REC”.
The ‘V’ meter may be operated with either:
a) the internal battery,
b) an external battery or
c) the A.C line.
ii) Set reference: A reference bar is provided to check the instrument zero. The pulse time for
the bar is engraved on it. Apply a smear of grease to the transducer faces before placing it on
the opposite ends of the bar. Adjust the ‘SET REF’ control until the reference bar transit time
is obtained on the instrument read-out.
iii) Range selection: For maximum accuracy, it is recommended that the 0.1 microsecond
range be selected for path length upto 400mm.
iv) Pulse velocity: Having determined the most suitable test points on the material to be
tested, make careful measurement of the path length ‘L’. Apply couplant to the surfaces of
the transducers and press it hard onto the surface of the material. Do not move the transducers
while a reading is being taken, as this can generate noise signals and errors in measurements.
Continue holding the transducers onto the surface of the material until a consistent reading
appears on the display, which is the time in microsecond for the ultrasonic pulse to travel the
distance ‘L’. The mean value of the display readings should be taken when the units digit
hunts between two values.
Interpretation of Results
The quality of concrete in terms of uniformity, incidence or absence of internal flaws, cracks
and segregation, etc,indicative of the level of workmanship employed, can thus be assessed
using the guidelines given below, which have been evolved for characterizing the quality of
concrete in structures in terms of the ultrasonic pulse velocity.