Flow test for the workability of concrete

 Flow Test for Concrete (IS1159:1959)

The flow table test or flow test is a method to determine the consistence of fresh concrete.This test is giving us the ability of concrete to flow under the gravitational force when poured and compacted  within the cone and suddenly lifted up.

Equipment

Flow table with a grip and a hinge, 70 cm x 70 cm,  Abrams cone, open at the top and at the bottom -  Water,Tamping rod of 16mm diameter, Scale for measurement.

Flow table apparatus

Procedure

1.  The flow table is wetted properly with water.
2. The cone is placed on the flow table at the center and filled with freshly prepared concrete in two layers, each layer is given 25 blows with tamping rod.
3. After waiting for 30 seconds the cone is lifted all at once, allowing the concrete to flow freely.
4.  The flow table is then lifted up up to 12.5 mm and then dropped 15 times within 30 seconds, causing the concrete flow a little bit further. 
5. After this the diameter of the concrete is measured in c.m. in a 6 evenly distributed directions and take the average of these measurements.

Calculations 

 

Flow percentage and Consistency of concrete