Methodology

Materials/Equipment:
In doing this experiment, the following materials and
equipment are needed: cement, fine aggregates, coarse
aggregates, water, weighing scale, measuring steel tape (ruler),
mold in the form of lateral surface of frustum with a top diameter
of 102mm (4in.), bottom diameter of 203mm (8in.), and a height
of 305mm (12in.), sieve (bistay), bucket, tray, scoop, shovel, and a
tamping rod with a length of 0.6m (24in.), diameter of 16mm
(5/8in.), and rounded ends.
Procedure:
To be able to do this experiment, first, sieve the fine
aggregates and coarse aggregates. Next, weigh the materials
based on the needed mass (water, fine aggregates, coarse
aggregates, cement). Next, mix the concrete manually (cement,
fine aggregates, coarse aggregates). Then pour some water. Next,
dampen the mold and place it with its larger base at the bottom.
Hold the mold firmly in place by standing on the two foot pieces.
Then immediately fill the mold in three layers. Tamp it 25times
every layer. Then, immediately remove the mold from the concrete
by raising it up carefully without lateral or torsional motion. (Note:
the slump test must be completes 2.5 minutes after taking the
sample). Then, place the mold beside the concrete and put the
tamping rod on the mold horizontal to the concrete. Then finally,
measure the slump of the concrete using a ruler.

METHODOLOGY
Computation (Trial 1)
Data:
Design Criteria:
Fc = 17Mpa
Minimum dimension = 1200mm

1
32

Clear space between reinforcement = 100 mm

Clear space between reinforcement and forms = 75mm
Course aggregate:
Bulk oven dry SG = 2.61
Absorption = 0.4%
Oven dry-rodded density = 1590 kg/m3
Moisture content = 2.18%
Fine aggregate
Bulk oven dry SG = 2.46
Absorption = 0.8%
Moisture content = 3.52%
Fineness modulus = 2.70
Shape = sub angular
Maximum aggregate size = 2 (50mm)
Note: Design is to be used for plain footings
Use maximum slump

COMPUTATION (Trial 1)

2
32

Step 1: Evaluate strength requirement

Fc = 17Mpa
Note:
17Mpa < 21Mpa
Use: Fcr = Fc + 7.00
Fcr = 17Mpa + 7.00
Fcr = 24Mpa
Step 2: Determine the water-cement ratio
Note: Refer to Table 1.0 for the water-cement ratio
Table 1.0 Water-cement ratio
Fcr [Mpa(psi)]
17 (2500)
21(3000)

Water-Cement Ratio by weight

Non-Air-Entrained
Air-Entrained
Concrete
Concrete
0.67
0.54
0.58
0.46

24(3500)
28(4000)
31(4500)
35(5000)

0.51
0.44
0.38
**

0.40
0.35
**
**

Referring to Table 1.0,

Water-Cement Ratio = 0.51

COMPUTATION (Trial 1)

32

Step 3: Evaluate coarse aggregate requirement

Maximum aggregate size = 2 (50mm)
a. Maximum aggregate size determination
Form Dimensions = 1/5 (1200mm)
= 240 mm > 50mm
Clear space between reinforcement = (100mm)
= 75mm > 50mm
Clear space between reinforcement and forms = (75mm)
= 56.25mm >
50mm
b. Nominal maximum aggregate size = 1 (37.5 mm)
Fineness modulus = 2.70
Note: Refer to Table 1.1 for the Fineness Modulus
Table 1.1
Nominal
Maximum
aggregate size,
mm(in.)
9.5 (3/8)
12.5 (1/2)
19 (3/4)
25 (1)
37.5 (1 )(
50 (2)
75 (3)
150 (6)

Fineness Modulus
2.40

2.60

2.80

3.00

0.50
0.59
0.66
0.71
0.75
0.78
0.82
0.87

0.48
0.57
0.64
0.69
0.73
0.76
0.80
0.85

0.46
0.55
0.62
0.67
0.71
0.74
0.78
0.83

0.44
0.53
0.60
0.65
0.69
0.72
0.76
0.81

COMPUTATION (Trial 1)

32

Since there is no 2.70 Fineness modulus in the table, use

interpolation:
2.802.70
0.71x
=
2.802.60 0.710.73
X = 0.72
Therefore:
(course) = 1590kg/m3 (0.72)
(course) = 1145kg/m3
Step 4: Determine air entrainment requirement
Note: Refer to Table 1.2 for the air-entrainment requirement
Table 1.2
Non-air-entrained
Air-entrained
Mild exposure
Moderate exposure
Sever exposure

9.5
3
4.5
6.0
7.5

Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size

12.5
19
25
37.5
50
75
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0.3
4.0
5.5
7.0

3.5
5.0
6.0

3.0
4.5
6.0

2.5
4.5
5.5

2.0
4.0
5.0

1.5
3.5
4.5

Referring to Table 1.2

% volume of air = 1%

COMPUTATION (Trial 1)
Step 5: Evaluate workability requirements of the plastic
concrete
Note: Refer to Table 1.3
Table 1.3

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32

150
0.2
1.0
3.0
4.0

Concrete Construction
Reinforced foundation walls and footings
Plain footings, caissons, and substructure walls
Beams and reinforced walls
Building columns
Pavements and slabs
Mass concrete

Slump, mm(in.)
Maximum
Minimum
75(3)
25(1)
75(3)
25(1)
100(4)
25(1)
100(4)
25(1)
75(3)
25(1)
75(3)
25(1)

Referring to Table 1.3,

Plain footings: Maximum slump = 75mm
Minimum slump = 24mm
Step 6: Estimate the water content requirements of the mix
Shape = subangular
Nominal maximum aggregate size
Note: Refer to Table 1.4 and Table 1.5
Table 1.4
Aggregate Shape
Subangular
Gravel with crushed
particles
Round gravel

Reduction in water content, kg/m 3(lb/yd3)

12(20)
21(35)
27(45)

COMPUTATION (Trial 1)

32

Table 1.5
Slump,
mm(in.)

9.5(3/8)

25-50
(1-2)
75-100
(3-4)
150-175
(6-7)

207
(350)
228
(385)
243
(410)

25-50
(1-2)
75-100
(3-4)

181
305)
202
(340)

Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size,

37.5(1
12.5(1/2) 19(3/4)
25(1)
1/2)
Non-air-entrained concrete
199
190
179
166
(335)
(315)
(300)
(275)
216
205
193
181
(365)
(340)
(325)
(300)
228
216
202
190
(385)
(360)
(340)
(315)
Air-entrained concrete
175
168
160
150
(295)
(280)
(270)
(250)
193
184
175
165
(325)
(305)
(295)
(275)

mm(in.)
50(2)

75(3)

150(6)

154
(260)
169
(285)
178
(300)

130
(220)
145
(245)
160
(270)

113
(190)
124
(210)

142
(240)
157
(265)

122
(205)
133
(225)

107
(180)
119
(200)

150-175
(6-7)

216
(365)

205
(345)

197
(325)

184
(310)

174
(290)

166
(280)

154
(260)

Referring to Table 1.4 and Table 1.5,

(water) = 181kg/m3 12kg/m3
(water) = 169kg/m3
Step 7: Determine cementing materials content and type
needed
Water-cement ratio = 0.51
(water) = 169kg/m3
kg
169 3
water
=ratio
m
;
=0.51
cement
cement
(cement) = 331kg/m3

COMPUTATION (Trial 1)

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32

Step 8: Evaluate fine aggregate requirements

For the computation of the percentage of mix, use the formula:
%x=

x
SG ( H 2O )

kg
3
m
water =
=0.169
kg
1(1000 3 )
m
169

331
cement =

kg
3
m

kg
3.15 1000 3
m

Air void=0.01

=0.105

kg
m3
coarse=
=0.439
kg
2.61 1000 3
m
1145

Total = 0.169 +0.105 + 0.01 + 0.439

= 0.723
Therefore:
Fine = 1 0.723
= 0.277
(fine) = SG(xfine)(H2O)
= 2.46(0.277)(1000kg/m3)
(fine) = 681kg/m3

COMPUTATION (Trial 1)
Step 9: Determine moisture corrections
Course = 1145kg/m3 + 1145kg/m3(0.0218)
= 1170kg/m3
Fine = 681kg/m3 + 681kg/m3(0.0352)
= 705kg/m3
Water = 169kg/m3 - 1145kg/m3(0.0218-0.004)
-681kg/m3(0.0352-0.008)
= 130kg/m3
Step 10: Make and test trial mixes
Cement = 331kg/m3(6.5 x 10-3 m3)
= 2.15kg
Water = 130kg/m3(6.5 x 10-3 m3)

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32

= 0.85kg
Coarse = 1170kg/m3(6.5 x 10-3 m3)
= 7.61kg
Fine = 705kg/m3(6.5 x 10-3 m3)
= 4.58kg

COMPUTATION (Trial 1)

9
32

Observation (Trial 1)
While performing this experiment, we have observed some things
that we should be giving importance; it may affect the experiment or
the data that will be gathered. First thing we have observed is the fine
aggregates, it has too many ants and it seems to be in Surface Dry
condition. Next thing that we have observed is when we are mixing
the fine and coarse aggregates, cement and water, it seems that we
lack in the amount of water because the mix is not that paste like, it is
porous. Also when we filled 2/3 of the mold with the mix, the mold is
lifting as we tamp the mix on it resulting some of the mix to get out
under the mold. Lastly is in the later part of our experiment, we failed
to produce even an inch of slump, it may be the results of our
computation is wrong.

OBSERVATION (Trial 1)

10
32

Recommendation (Trial 1)
In this experiment, several recommendations were needed in
order to obtain great results.
Always wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as
gloves, shirt and other protective equipment in order to be safe
while performing the experiment.
Check if your computation for the required amount of materials
like coarse aggregates, fine aggregates, water and cement
follows your design criteria.
Do not forget to tamp your Portland Cement mix 25 times.
Use Table 7.1 in getting the water cement ratio because it gives
more accurate water-cement ratio than table 7.2
Strictly follow the procedure of the experiment to get a great
result.
Use moist aggregate because if you will use dry aggregate, it
will affect the slump of the Portland cement mix.
Check the weigh if it has an accuracy to 0.01

RECOMMENDATION (Trial 1)
Documentation (Trial 1)

11
32

The mass of the container was measured before putting cement

on it and measuring it again.

A certain amount of fine aggregates were obtained by sieving.

DOCUMENTATION (Trial 1)

A 4.59kg of fine aggregates were put into the steel bucket.

12
32

A 6.94kg of coarse aggregates were

obtained.

DOCUMENTATION (Trial 1)

The materials needed for

concrete making were placed
on a flat surface.

The last material needed

0.88kg of water was
prepared.

13
32

DOCUMENTATION (Trial 1)

14
32

The materials were mixed thoroughly.

The concrete was placed into the

mold by three layers; and each
layer was rodded 25 times.

DOCUMENTATION (Trial 1)

15
32

A slump test was conducted after taking out the mold.

DOCUMENTATION (Trial 1)

16
32

Computation (Trial 2)
Data:
Design Criteria:
Fc = 17Mpa
Minimum dimension = 1200mm
Clear space between reinforcement = 100 mm
Clear space between reinforcement and forms = 75mm
Course aggregate:
Bulk oven dry SG = 2.61
Absorption = 0.4%
Oven dry-rodded density = 1590 kg/m3
Moisture content = 2.18%
Fine aggregate
Bulk oven dry SG = 2.46

Absorption = 0.8%
Moisture content = 3.52%
Fineness modulus = 2.70
Shape = angular
Maximum aggregate size = 1 (25mm)
Note: Design is to be used for plain footings
Use maximum slump

COMPUTATION (Trial 2)

17
32

Step 1: Evaluate strength requirement

Fc = 17Mpa
Note:
17Mpa < 21Mpa
Use: Fcr = Fc + 7.00
Fcr = 17Mpa + 7.00
Fcr = 24Mpa
Step 2: Determine the water-cement ratio
Note: Refer to Table 1.0 for the water-cement ratio
Table 1.0 Water-cement ratio
Fcr [Mpa(psi)]
17 (2500)
21(3000)
24(3500)
28(4000)
31(4500)
35(5000)

Water-Cement Ratio by weight

Non-Air-Entrained
Air-Entrained
Concrete
Concrete
0.67
0.54
0.58
0.46
0.51
0.40
0.44
0.35
0.38
**
**
**

Referring to Table 1.0,

Water-Cement Ratio = 0.51

18

COMPUTATION (Trial 2)

32

Step 3: Evaluate coarse aggregate requirement

Maximum aggregate size = 1 (25mm)
a. Maximum aggregate size determination
Form Dimensions = 1/5 (1200mm)
= 240 mm > 25mm
Clear space between reinforcement = (100mm)
= 75mm > 25mm
Clear space between reinforcement and forms = (75mm)
= 56.25mm >
25mm
b. Nominal maximum aggregate size = 3/4 (19 mm)
Fineness modulus = 2.70
Note: Refer to Table 1.1 for the Fineness Modulus
Table 1.1
Nominal
Maximum
aggregate size,
mm(in.)
9.5 (3/8)
12.5 (1/2)
19 (3/4)
25 (1)
37.5 (1 )(
50 (2)
75 (3)
150 (6)

Fineness Modulus
2.40

2.60

2.80

3.00

0.50
0.59
0.66
0.71
0.75
0.78
0.82
0.87

0.48
0.57
0.64
0.69
0.73
0.76
0.80
0.85

0.46
0.55
0.62
0.67
0.71
0.74
0.78
0.83

0.44
0.53
0.60
0.65
0.69
0.72
0.76
0.81

COMPUTATION (Trial 2)
Since there is no 2.70 Fineness modulus in the table, use
interpolation:
2.802.70
0.62x
=
2.802.60 0.620.64

19
32

X = 0.63
Therefore:
(course) = 1590kg/m3 (0.63)
(course) = 1002kg/m3
Step 4: Determine air entrainment requirement
Note: Refer to Table 1.2 for the air-entrainment requirement
Table 1.2
Non-air-entrained
Air-entrained
Mild exposure
Moderate exposure
Sever exposure

9.5
3
4.5
6.0
7.5

Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size

12.5
19
25
37.5
50
75
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0.3
4.0
5.5
7.0

3.5
5.0
6.0

3.0
4.5
6.0

2.5
4.5
5.5

2.0
4.0
5.0

1.5
3.5
4.5

150
0.2
1.0
3.0
4.0

Referring to Table 1.2

% volume of air = 2%

20

COMPUTATION (Trial 2)

32

Step 5: Evaluate workability requirements of the plastic

concrete
Note: Refer to Table 1.3
Table 1.3
Concrete Construction
Reinforced foundation walls and footings
Plain footings, caissons, and substructure walls
Beams and reinforced walls
Building columns
Pavements and slabs
Mass concrete

Slump, mm(in.)
Maximum
Minimum
75(3)
25(1)
75(3)
25(1)
100(4)
25(1)
100(4)
25(1)
75(3)
25(1)
75(3)
25(1)

Referring to Table 1.3,

Plain footings: Maximum slump = 75mm

Minimum slump = 24mm

Step 6: Estimate the water content requirements of the mix
Shape = subangular
Nominal maximum aggregate size
Note: Refer to Table 1.4 and Table 1.5
Table 1.4
Aggregate Shape
Subangular
Gravel with crushed
particles
Round gravel

Reduction in water content, kg/m 3(lb/yd3)

12(20)
21(35)
27(45)

21

COMPUTATION (Trial 2)

32

Table 1.5
Slump,
mm(in.)

9.5(3/8)

25-50
(1-2)
75-100
(3-4)
150-175
(6-7)

207
(350)
228
(385)
243
(410)

25-50
(1-2)
75-100
(3-4)
150-175
(6-7)

181
305)
202
(340)
216
(365)

Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size,

37.5(1
12.5(1/2) 19(3/4)
25(1)
1/2)
Non-air-entrained concrete
199
190
179
166
(335)
(315)
(300)
(275)
216
205
193
181
(365)
(340)
(325)
(300)
228
216
202
190
(385)
(360)
(340)
(315)
Air-entrained concrete
175
168
160
150
(295)
(280)
(270)
(250)
193
184
175
165
(325)
(305)
(295)
(275)
205
197
184
174
(345)
(325)
(310)
(290)

mm(in.)
50(2)

75(3)

150(6)

154
(260)
169
(285)
178
(300)

130
(220)
145
(245)
160
(270)

113
(190)
124
(210)

142
(240)
157
(265)
166
(280)

122
(205)
133
(225)
154
(260)

107
(180)
119
(200)

Referring to Table 1.4 and Table 1.5,

(water) = 205kg/m3
Step 7: Determine cementing materials content and type
needed
Water-cement ratio = 0.51
(water) = 205kg/m3

205

water
=ratio
cement

kg
m3

ce ment
(cement) = 402kg/m3

=0.51

COMPUTATION (Trial 2)

22
32

Step 8: Evaluate fine aggregate requirements

For the computation of the percentage of mix, use the formula:
%x=

x
SG ( H 2O )

kg
3
m
water =
=0.205
kg
1(1000 3 )
m
205

402
cement =

kg
3
m

kg
3.15 1000 3
m

=0.128

Air void=0.02
kg
3
m
coarse=
=0.384
kg
2.61 1000 3
m
1002

Total = 0.205 + 0.128 + 0.02 + 0.384

= 0.737
Therefore:
Fine = 1 0.737
= 0.263

(fine) = SG(xfine)(H2O)
= 2.46(0.263)(1000kg/m3)
(fine) = 647kg/m3

COMPUTATION (Trial 2)

23
32

Step 9: Determine moisture corrections

Course = 1002kg/m3 + 1002kg/m3(0.0218)
= 1024kg/m3
Fine = 647kg/m3 + 647kg/m3(0.0352)
= 670kg/m3
Water = 205kg/m3 - 1002kg/m3(0.0218-0.004)
-647kg/m3(0.0352-0.008)
= 170kg/m3
Step 10: Make and test trial mixes
Cement = 402kg/m3(7.0 x 10-3 m3)
= 2.81kg
Water = 170kg/m3(7.0 x 10-3 m3)
= 1.19kg
Coarse = 1024kg/m3(7.0 x 10-3 m3)
= 7.17kg
Fine = 670kg/m3(7.0 x 10-3 m3)
= 4.69kg

COMPUTATION (Trial 2)
Observation (Trial 2)

24
32

While performing the second trial of the experiment, the group

have observed that the fine and coarse aggregates in the dump were
wet due to the rain that poured a night before. While were mixing it
with cement and water, the group has noticed that it was better than
the first trial which really lacked amount of water. It has been
assumed to have a greater slump in the end of the trial. But when
putting the mixtures into the cone, we had been taken longer time in
accomplishing it, causing its water to go down until it spilled out the
cone. Also, we have tamped it harder that intended the cone to lift up
and the group didnt notice it immediately so the water spilled.
When the group already agreed, we pulled out the cone and
measured its slump. It had slump as the group expected but it just
gave out less than 3 inches of slump which supposedly should be in
the range of 2-6 inches.
The group restudied the computation until found out that the given
table to be used was the one that has a conservative mix. One more
observation after the second trial is that the group consumed less
time in conducting it compared to the first trial. it could mean that the
familiarization with the use of tools and equipment, as well as the
steps to be followed also takes more time.

OBSERVATION (Trial 2)

25
32

Recommendation (Trial 2)
In this experiment, several recommendations were needed in
order to obtain great results.

Check if your computation for the required amount of materials

like coarse aggregates, fine aggregates, water and cement
follows your design criteria.
Check the weigh if it has an accuracy to 0.01

Always wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as

gloves, shirt and other protective equipment in order to be safe
while performing the experiment.
Do not forget to tamp your Portland Cement mix 25 times.
Use moist aggregate because if you will use dry aggregate, it
will affect the slump of the Portland cement mix.
Use Table 7.1 in getting the water cement ratio because it gives
more accurate water-cement ratio than table 7.2
Strictly follow the procedure of the experiment to get a great
result.

RECOMMENDATION (Trial 2)
Documentation (Trial 2)

26
32

Sieving of fine aggregates

Mass of fine aggregates

27

DOCUMENTATION (Trial 2)

Mass of coarse aggregates

32

Mass of

Mass of water

DOCUMENTATION (Trial 2)

DOCUMENTATION
DOCUMENTATION

28
32

Manual mixing of concrete

DOCUMENTATION (Trial 2)

The concrete was placed into the mold ; and

was rodded 25 times

29
32

Determining the slump of the concrete

DOCUMENTATION (Trial 2)
Conclusion

30
32

DOCUMENTATION

Determining the slump of freshly mixed concrete is very essential

before beginning the construction of a certain project for this will not
only show the workability of cement but also the strength on which
the concrete is supposed to achieve as designing takes place. A lot of
factors are to be considered, making the designing very sensitive in

every aspect. A single miscalculation in any of the ingredients

quantity might affect the whole design. Usually, admixtures (e.g.
plasticizers) are mixed in the design so as to increase the slump.
However, no plasticizer was included in the design making the watercement ratio highly significant.
The experiment was done with two trials. The first trial gave no
slump at all giving the impression of a failure in water-cement ratio.
On the other hand, the second gave a slump of approximately 1.75
inches which gave better results compared to the latter. However, the
two trials could still be considered a failure despite the slump of the
second trial had for it did not even reached the criteria of slump for
wet concrete which is 2-6 inches. As the computations were checked
again, it was later noticed that the table used for water-cement ratio
was wrong and so the concrete that was mixed was too strong as the
table gives a design that is conservative. This satisfied the unknown
reason as to why the trials failed despite having the correct
computations and also implied that the concrete design was somehow
correct if viewed from table used (Table 7.2). Temperature was also
observed and vitally contributed to the factors of the concretes
slump. The used of already moist aggregates, both fine and coarse,
affect the design for moist correction was included in the design
process.

CONCLUSION

31
32

With reference to the design that was made for trials 1 and 2,
the ingredients, the size of coarse aggregates particularly, that was
used on the actual experiment was a bit different from what the
design required hence, affecting the mixture and presumably one of
the cause in decrease of slump.
Designing a concrete is a key role in the aspect of constructing a
project so every aspect of it must be checked thoroughly. The results
of the two trials might have achieved the recommended slump and is
therefore concluded that the design is conservative and not much
workable, thus implying that it is not economical to use for
construction.

CONCLUSION

32
32

University of the East

Caloocan Campus

Experiment #5:
SLUMP OF FRESHLY MIXED PORTLAND CEMENT
Group #1
Members:
Castro, James Harvey
Duque, Jianne Nicole

Escalante, Jhunar
Lim, Kimberly
Lingad, Carmela Marie
Paso, Pedbert III
Rivo, Krista Mae

Engr. John Rei Gomez

Professor