Flow table test

The Flow test is a method to determine the consistence of fresh concrete.

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Application

When fresh concrete is delivered to a site by a truck mixer it is somtimes necessary to check its consistence before pouring it into the formwork.

If the consistence is not all right, the concrete won't have the desired quality - in particular not the desired stregth.

During the conduction the site engineer should be around.

If the concrete is too pasty this might result in cavities inside the hard concrete which leads to corrosion of the rebar, which again leads cracks which will accelerate the whole process - just like few concrete cover. Cavities will also lower the stress the concrete part is able to support.

Equipment

• Flow table with a grip and a hinge - 70 cm x 70 cm
• upside down funnel which is open at the top and at the bottom - 20cm high, 13 cm top diameter, 20cm base diameter
• water bucket and broom for wetting the flow table

Conduct

• The flowtable is wettened
• The upside down funnel is filled up with fresh concrete
• The upside down funnel is lifted up and the concrete flows
• The flowtable will be lifted up several centimeters and will be dropped. These commotions will make the condrete flow a little bit further.
• After this the diameter of the concrete is measured with a yardstick. The result is called "Ausbreitmaß" in german.

Links and Sources

• DIN EN 12350-5
• b-i-m (german)
• Heidelberg Cement (german)
• Concrete Flow Table in an online shop