{"id":13317,"date":"2026-11-09T10:31:41","date_gmt":"2026-11-09T07:01:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ttbbiston.com\/?p=13317"},"modified":"2026-11-09T10:31:41","modified_gmt":"2026-11-09T07:01:41","slug":"slump-cone-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ttbbiston.com\/en\/blog\/slump-cone-test\/","title":{"rendered":"Concrete Slump Test: Procedure, Types and Standard Values"},"content":{"rendered":"

The concrete slump test measures how much fresh concrete settles after a standard cone is lifted. It helps workers check concrete consistency before placing or pumping. The test uses a 300 mm cone filled in three layers, with 25 tamping strokes per layer. The measured slump is then compared with the project’s required range. We will explain more about the concrete slump test procedure and its steps.<\/p>\n

\"What<\/p>\n

What Is a Concrete Slump Test?<\/h2>\n

The slump cone test is a field and lab test used to determine the consistency of fresh concrete. It does not measure compressive strength<\/a> directly, but offers a good sense of changes in the mixture and does not describe the mixture’s workability. The slump cone measurement test is especially useful when the concrete is being shipped to a construction site where the water content, the admixtures, the quality of the aggregates, the temperature, and the length of time the concrete is transported can change.<\/p>\n

ASTM C143\/C143M and EN 12350-2 are two widely recognized test standards. Both establish procedures for measuring slump, but their reporting requirements and procedures vary.<\/p>\n

Slump Cone Test Equipment and Dimensions<\/h2>\n

The test needs a standard metal slump cone for concrete, a tamping rod, a rigid base plate, and a measuring device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Equipment<\/strong><\/td>\nStandard specification<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Slump cone height<\/td>\n300 mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bottom diameter<\/td>\n200 mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Top diameter<\/td>\n100 mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tamping rod<\/td>\n16 mm diameter, approximately 600 mm long<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Base plate<\/td>\nFlat, rigid, and non-absorbent<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Measuring tool<\/td>\nGraduated ruler or suitable measuring device<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The cone must be clean and have a uniform shape. An uneven base, damaged mold, or unsuitable tamping rod can change the results.<\/p>\n

The concrete slump test checks the consistency of fresh concrete before placement or pumping. It uses a 300 mm cone filled in three layers, each tamped 25 times. After lifting the cone, workers measure how far the concrete settles and compare the result with project requirements. ASTM C143\/C143M and EN 12350-2 provide standard testing procedures.<\/div>\n

Concrete Slump Test Procedure: Step by Step<\/h2>\n

The slump test process includes:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Prepare the equipment. Dampen the cone and base plate. Put the cone on a flat, moist, rigid, non-absorbent surface.<\/li>\n
  2. Fill the cone with one-third of the cone’s volume with fresh concrete. Compact with 25 evenly distributed tamping strokes.<\/li>\n
  3. Put on the second layer. Fill to about two-thirds of the cone’s capacity and tamp the layer 25 times.<\/li>\n
  4. Pour concrete over the top of the cone, compact with 25 strokes, and remove the top to form a flat surface.<\/li>\n
  5. Lift the cone slowly and firmly, but with no twisting motion. The removal time is around 2-5 seconds for EN 12350-2.<\/li>\n
  6. Measure the slump. Place the cone beside the concrete and measure the vertical drop at the displaced original center of the top surface. Record the concrete slump test results in millimeters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \"concrete<\/p>\n

    Types of Slump Test Results<\/h2>\n

    When the slump cone is removed in a concrete workability test, three typical shapes can be observed:<\/p>\n

    True Slump<\/h3>\n

    The concrete settles evenly and keeps its general shape. This is a valid result for measuring slump.<\/p>\n

    Shear Slump<\/h3>\n

    One side of the concrete slides away. This indicates poor cohesion. Repeat the test with a fresh sample.<\/p>\n

    Collapse Slump<\/h3>\n

    The concrete loses its shape and spreads out. This is too fluid for a conventional concrete slump test.<\/p>\n

    The concrete slump test involves filling a cone with fresh concrete in three layers, tamping each layer 25 times, and lifting the cone straight up to measure the slump in millimeters. The results can show three patterns: true slump, where concrete settles evenly; shear slump, where one side slides away and the test must be repeated; and collapse slump, where the concrete spreads too much for a reliable measurement.<\/div>\n

    Concrete Slump Values and Standard Classes<\/h2>\n

    Concrete slump values indicate consistency, but the acceptable range depends on the mixture design, placement method, and project specifications. The European EN 206 classification system defines the following slump classes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Slump class<\/strong><\/td>\nSlump value<\/strong><\/td>\nConsistency<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    S1<\/td>\n10\u201340 mm<\/td>\nLow<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    S2<\/td>\n50\u201390 mm<\/td>\nModerately low<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    S3<\/td>\n100\u2013150 mm<\/td>\nMedium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    S4<\/td>\n160\u2013210 mm<\/td>\nHigh<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    S5<\/td>\n220 mm or greater<\/td>\nVery high<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    Factors Affecting Concrete Workability and Slump<\/h2>\n

    Several factors influence the slump cone test, even when the concrete mix proportions<\/a> remain unchanged.<\/p>\n