Events > Tilt-Up Convention and Expo 2022 - Denver > SESSION

Why is Slump Mandated in Project Specifications?

October 5, 2022 from 3:00pm to 4:00pm Mountain Standard Time

Colorado Convention Center - Mile High 1

Brian Carson

With the advances in concrete technology over the last 50 years, why is slump still being mandated in project specifications? This presentation will begin by covering the history of the slump test and the development of the water/cement ratio. Then we will discuss the advent of water-reducing admixtures and show how they have advanced. We will discuss why slump should now be "means and methods" decided on by the contractor. We will also discuss how different placement methods, weather, and what is being poured should determine the slump, not the EOR. This will all be presented with the idea that the w/cm ratio is not compromised, and technology is allowing the contractor to work with a higher slump. This will be explained with supporting documents from ACI, ASCC, and ASTM.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Understand the history of the slump test and how it came to fruition.
• Understand the history of the water reducing admixtures and why they are important.
• Identify why different placement methods, weather, and what is being poured should determine slump
• Explain why slump should be "means and methods" and not mandated in project specifications.