Comparing the variability of sample consolidation methods on low workability concrete

Abstract

Quality control and assurance testing for concrete provides quantitative information about the quality of the concrete being placed. Yet, improperly consolidating the fresh concrete sample can negatively affect the testing results and misrepresent the quality of the concrete being placed. This study investigates how different consolidation methods impact the variability of the Unit Weight, Air Volume, and SAM Number measurements. These performance testing of a workable concrete mixture and an undesirable workable mixture were compared with the consolidation methods of manual rodding, internal vibration, external vibration with a vibration table, and a novel portable external vibrator called the MinT. The results show external vibration methods provides a more consistent consolidation technique for Unit Weight, Air Volume, and SAM Number.