Flow table test of concrete: Procedure, Calculation, Apparatus

Determine the Flow table test of concrete

Significance

The waft table take a look at is a standard method used to determine the workability and consistency of fresh concrete. It gives treasured information for concrete blend layout, construction quality manage, and ensures that the concrete may be without problems placed and compacted. This experiment ambitions to assess the flowability of concrete by measuring the spread diameter and evaluating its consistency.

Standards

ASTM C143/C143M is the primary wellknown for determining the glide table check of concrete.

AASHTO T 222: Flow of Freshly Mixed Concrete Using the Flow Table This fashionable

Scope

The experiment makes a speciality of evaluating the float properties of concrete mixtures with varying water-cement ratios and combination sizes. It ambitions to decide the most reliable mix proportions that offer good enough workability and consistency for construction functions.

Aim

The intention of this test is to degree the drift of concrete the use of the glide table take a look at and analyze its workability and consistency houses. The experiment will also assess how factors like the water-cement ratio and aggregate size affect concrete flow

Objectives

  • To determine the flowability of concrete using the flow table test.
  • To measure the spread diameter of concrete on the flow table.
  • To assess the consistency of concrete based on the flow results.
  • To examine the have an impact on of water-cement ratio and mixture length at the float properties of concrete.

Apparatus

  • Flow table apparatus with a table pinnacle measuring 700mm x 700mm.
  • Mold for shaping the concrete sample (e.g., slump cone).
  • Steel tamping rod (16mm in diameter and 600mm in duration).
  • Stopwatch or timer.
  • Weighing balance.
  • Graduated cylinder or measuring container.
  • Mixing equipment (e.G., concrete mixer).
  • Materials: cement, aggregates (coarse and pleasant), water.

Theory

The glide desk check measures the consistency and workability of sparkling concrete. The concrete sample is placed in a mold on the flow table, and the table is lifted and dropped repeatedly through a specified height of 15mm using a mechanical device. The spread diameter of the concrete after a specific number of drops is measured as an indicator of workability and consistency. A higher spread diameter indicates better flow and workability.

Procedure

Sample Preparation

  • Prepare the concrete mixture according to the desired mix design.
  • Ensure the mix proportions, water-cement ratio, and other relevant parameters comply with project specifications.
  • Mix the concrete diligently until it achieves a uniform texture.

Conducting the Flow Table Test

    • Place the flow table on a flat, level surface.
    • Clean the mold and flow table surface to remove any debris or moisture.
    • Place the flow mold on the flow table and fill it with the prepared concrete in three equal layers, compacting each layer with 25 blows from the tamping rod.
    • Remove any excess concrete from the top of the mold, making it level with trowel or scoop.
    • Place the mold on the center of the flow table.
    • Lower the flow table gently onto the mold, allowing it to come into contact with the concrete surface.
    • Start the vibrations and let them continue for 15 ± 1 seconds.
    • After 15 seconds, lift the flow table vertically in a smooth, upward motion, allowing the concrete to spread freely.
    • Measure the average diameter of the concrete spread in millimeters using a measuring tape or caliper.
    • Record the diameter and the time of spreading.

Flow table test of concrete

Calculation 

To calculate the flow value of the concrete, you should follow the formula used in the Flow Table test.

value = (Diameter of spread / Diameter of the flow table) x 100

Example

Suppose the average diameter of the circular spread of concrete is measured as 260 mm, and the diameter of the flow table is 700 mm.

Flow value = (260 / 700) x 100 = 37.14

Standard Limits for Flow Test 

The flow value obtained from the flow table test should meet certain standard limits to ensure the workability of concrete. The specific limits may vary depending on the project requirements or specifications.

As a general guideline, it is advisable for the flow value to typically fall within the range of 25% to 130%. If the flow value is below 25%, the concrete may be too stiff and difficult to place or compact effectively. If the flow value exceeds 130%, the concrete may be excessively fluid and prone to segregation or bleeding.

Conclusion

Based on the experimental results, analyze the workability and consistency of concrete mixtures. Determine the optimum water-cement ratio and aggregate size that provide desirable flow properties for practical applications. Discuss any limitations or factors that may affect the accuracy of the results.

Recommendations

  • Optimize the water-cement ratio and aggregate size based on the desired flow and workability requirements.
  • Additional investigation is warranted to assess how factors like admixtures and curing conditions impact concrete flow.
  • To thoroughly validate the results, it’s vital to closely correlate the flow table test outcomes with those from related tests, notably the slump test. This comparison is critical to ensuring data accuracy and reliability.
  • Conduct additional experiments to evaluate the long-term effects of flow properties on the strength and durability of concrete structures.

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