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The Slump Cone Test is the most common field method used in civil engineering to determine the workability or consistency of freshly mixed concrete. It helps engineers check if a concrete batch has the correct amount of water before it is poured into a structure.

1. The Apparatus
The test is performed using a "Slump Cone" (also known as an Abrams Cone), which is a hollow metal mold in the shape of a frustum (a cone with the top cut off).

Dimensions: 300 mm (12 inches) in height, 200 mm (8 inches) bottom diameter, and 100 mm (4 inches) top diameter.

Tamping Rod: A steel rod, 16 mm in diameter and 600 mm long, with a rounded tip.

The Slump Cone Test is the most common field method used in civil engineering to determine the workability or consistency of freshly mixed concrete. It helps engineers check if a concrete batch has the correct amount of water before it is poured into a structure.


1. The Apparatus
The test is performed using a "Slump Cone" (also known as an Abrams Cone), which is a hollow metal mold in the shape of a frustum (a cone with the top cut off).

Dimensions: 300 mm (12 inches) in height, 200 mm (8 inches) bottom diameter, and 100 mm (4 inches) top diameter.

Tamping Rod: A steel rod, 16 mm in diameter and 600 mm long, with a rounded tip.

2. Step-by-Step Procedure
Preparation: Clean the internal surface of the cone and place it on a smooth, horizontal, non-absorbent base plate.

Filling: Fill the cone in three equal layers.

Tamping: Compact each layer with 25 strokes of the tamping rod. For the second and third layers, the rod should just penetrate into the layer below.


Leveling: Strike off the excess concrete at the top using a trowel so the cone is exactly full.

Lifting: Carefully lift the cone vertically upwards in a slow, steady motion (usually taking 5–10 seconds).

Measurement: The concrete will subside (sink). Place the cone next to the concrete and measure the vertical difference between the top of the cone and the highest point of the slumped concrete. This value is the "Slump" in millimeters.
Slump Type,Description,Meaning
True Slump,The concrete subsides evenly and keeps its shape.,Ideal. The mix is cohesive and workable.
Zero Slump,The concrete stays exactly in the shape of the cone.,The mix is too dry (used for roads/pavements).
Shear Slump,The top half of the concrete slides off sideways.,The mix lacks cohesion; the test must be repeated.
Collapse Slump,The concrete flattens out completely.,The mix is too wet (water-cement ratio is too high).