HandbookSlump Values for Concrete

Slump Values for Concrete

IS 456:2000 · Clause 7.1 — Workability & Table 7 (deleted, now per IS 7861)
Slump is the measure of concrete workability. Select slump based on placement method, member type, and reinforcement density. Higher slump = more workable but may reduce strength if achieved by adding water instead of admixture.
IS 456
22 items shown
By Construction Type
Standard recommendations for Indian practice
TypeMinMaxUnitNote
Mass concrete (dam, large footings)2550mmLow workability
Plain concrete (PCC, levelling)2575mm
Lightly reinforced sections50100mmFootings, walls
Heavily reinforced sections75150mmBeams, columns, slabs
Tremie concrete (underwater)150200mmMust flow without compaction
Pumped concrete75150mmCheck pump capability
Slip-form construction50100mm
Road pavement (PQC)2550mmIRC 44
Self-compacting concrete (SCC)650800mm (flow)Measured by slump flow test
By Member Type (typical site practice)
TypeMinMaxUnitNote
Footing / Raft50100mm
Column75150mmHigher for congested rebar
Beam75125mm
Slab50100mm
Retaining Wall75125mm
Pile (bored, cast in-situ)150200mmTremie placing
Water Tank50100mmImpermeability important
Precast elements2575mmVibration table available
Slump Test — Acceptance Criteria (IS 1199)
TypeMinMaxUnitNote
Slump ≤ 25mm: tolerance00±5 mm
Slump 25–50mm: tolerance00±10 mm
Slump 50–100mm: tolerance00±20 mm
Slump 100–150mm: tolerance00±25 mmMost common range
Slump > 150mm: tolerance00±30 mm
Notes
NEVER increase slump by adding water — use admixture (plasticizer/superplasticizer)
Adding 1 litre of water per m³ increases slump ~25mm but reduces strength by ~1–2 MPa
Slump test: fill cone in 3 layers, 25 strokes each, remove cone vertically, measure settlement
True slump = cone settles evenly; Shear slump = one side falls (retest); Collapse = too wet
Test frequency: one slump test per batch or per 2 m³ (whichever is less)
In hot weather (>35°C), target higher initial slump as concrete loses workability during transport
Retempering (adding water at site) is NOT permitted per IS 456
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