Concrete Slump Test Procedure: ASTM C143 / BS EN 12350-2 Checklist

Definition: How to perform concrete slump test for site engineers and technicians, detailing ASTM C143 and BS EN 12350-2 procedures, tools, timings, measurement, shape classification, and field-ready evidence capture.

Step-by-step field method from apparatus setup to final recording
Clear separation of ASTM C143 and BS EN 12350-2 sequences
Avoids common errors: unstable cone, uneven rodding, delayed reading
Interactive, commentable checklist with export and QR code verification

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Checklist

How to perform concrete slump test is the focus of this practical, field-ready checklist for site engineers and technicians. It walks you through slump testing, slump measurement, and shape classification using the test standard required by the project specification, ITP or approved procedure, while keeping ASTM C143/C143M and BS EN 12350-2 requirements clearly identified. The procedure begins after a representative sample has been taken; for that prerequisite, use the linked Fresh Concrete Sampling Checklist. Here you will set the apparatus, place the cone correctly, fill in the required layers, rod each layer, strike off, lift the cone in the specified time, measure the slump, identify true/shear/collapse shape, and record results. Staying within scope, we do not decide acceptance, adjust trucks, or make cubes/cylinders. Following this sequence avoids unstable cones, uneven compaction, delayed measurements, and unverifiable records—leading to reproducible, defensible results. Use interactive mode to tick items, add comments with photos or short videos, and export as PDF/Excel secured by a QR code.

Field-proven sequence from apparatus setup to result recording, constrained to post-sampling actions only. You’ll avoid unstable cones, uneven rodding, and late readings by following a consistent order with built-in evidence prompts at each step.
Clear separation of ASTM C143 (three layers, defined lift time) and BS EN 12350-2 (two layers, defined lift time) so crews don’t mix methods. Select once, follow through, and document the chosen standard on the report.
Interactive online checklist with tick, comment, and export features secured by QR code. Attach photos or brief videos of rodding, lift timing, and the measurement to create auditable, shareable records across site and office teams.
Linked resources keep the workflow tight: use the Fresh Concrete Sampling Checklist before starting, record values in the Concrete Slump Test Report Template after measuring, and consult the out-of-range guidance when results fall outside project requirements.

Apparatus and Base Preparation

1. Confirm that a representative fresh-concrete sample has already been obtained in accordance with the applicable sampling procedure. Record the sample ID and sampling time, then begin the slump test within the required timeframe. Keep the Fresh Concrete Sampling Checklist as a related/link resource.
2. Inspect the slump cone (Abrams cone), rigid nonabsorbent baseplate, tamping rod and measuring rule required by the selected standard. Confirm the equipment is clean, undamaged and suitable for use. This catches the useful search terminology naturally.
3. Dampen cone and base uniformly without free water; remove laitance/debris. Acceptance: visibly moist film, no standing water. Evidence: close-up photo of wetted surfaces.
4. Place base on firm, level ground protected from vibration/wind; verify with a spirit level. Acceptance: bubble centered; base immobile. Evidence: level reading photo.

ASTM C143/C143M Procedure

5. Place cone centrally on base; restrain by standing on footpieces to prevent movement. Acceptance: cone does not slide or rock. Evidence: setup photo showing foot restraint.
6. Fill cone in three approximately equal layers distributed around the perimeter and center. Acceptance: each layer near one-third of cone height. Evidence: photo noting layer heights.
7. Rod first layer exactly 25 strokes with the tamping rod, penetrating to the base and spacing strokes uniformly. Acceptance: all 25 strokes completed. Evidence: short video or stroke tally comment.
8. Rod second and third layers 25 strokes each; penetrate approximately 25 mm into the underlying layer across the full area; slightly overfill the top. Acceptance: uniform penetration; top slightly heaped. Evidence: photo of heaped top.
9. Strike off excess with a sawing-and-rolling motion to a plane surface flush with the cone; clean spillage from the base. Acceptance: top flush; perimeter clean. Evidence: close-up photo.
10. Lift the cone vertically in 5 ± 2 s without twist or lateral motion. Acceptance: smooth, continuous, vertical lift. Evidence: time-stamped video or stopwatch display.

BS EN 12350-2 Sequence

11. Seat cone firmly on the base and hold down steadily by footpieces/handles to prevent movement. Acceptance: cone stable and sealed to base. Evidence: setup photo.
12. Fill the cone in three approximately equal layers in accordance with BS EN 12350-2. Acceptance: each layer near half the cone volume. Evidence: layer identification photo.
13. Rod first layer 25 strokes to full depth; distribute strokes across the entire cross-section. Acceptance: all 25 strokes completed. Evidence: stroke tally comment.
14. throughout; slightly overfill the top... Compact the second and third layers with 25 strokes each, allowing the rod to penetrate appropriately into the preceding layer. Slightly overfill the mould before striking off.
15. Strike off to a plane surface flush with the cone and clear any leakage around the base. Acceptance: top flush; base perimeter clean. Evidence: close-up photo.
16. Lift the cone vertically in a smooth motion over 2–5 s without twisting. Acceptance: continuous, vertical withdrawal. Evidence: time-stamped video or stopwatch display.

Measurement and Classification

17. Immediately invert the cone beside the specimen; measure slump as the vertical difference between the original cone height and the highest point at the center of the slumped concrete. Acceptance: reading to the nearest increment required per selected standard. Evidence: measurement photo with rule.
18. Observe the profile and classify the result: true slump (uniform subsidence), shear slump (one side slips), or collapse slump (loss of shape). Acceptance: shape recorded consistently with observation. Evidence: side-profile photo.
19. If shear or collapse slump occurs, repeat the test on a new portion of the same sample per the selected standard and project requirements. Acceptance: repeat completed; both results cross-referenced. Evidence: second test photos and note.

Recording and Traceability

20. Record the chosen standard (ASTM C143 or BS EN 12350-2), project, location, sample ID, mix designation, ambient conditions, and test times. Acceptance: all mandatory fields complete. Evidence: delivery ticket photo and digital form screenshot.
21. Enter slump value and shape in the Concrete Slump Test Report Template; include tester name and witness signatures as required. Acceptance: report finalized without blanks. Evidence: signed digital report.
22. Attach photos/videos to this checklist; export as PDF/Excel with embedded QR code; distribute to stakeholders. Acceptance: QR opens the exact record. Evidence: QR verification screenshot.

Set up the apparatus to eliminate avoidable test error

Most slump-test errors start with poor setup. Use a rigid, nonabsorbent base on stable, level ground protected from traffic, vibration, and wind. Dampen both cone and base to a uniform film without leaving free water that can lubricate the interface. Inspect the cone for dents and the rod for straightness and a true hemispherical tip—small defects can bias rodding and measurement. Keep the tamping pattern even: distribute strokes across the full cross-section to avoid preferential compaction. Start testing promptly after sampling to minimize time-dependent workability changes, and always restrain the cone during filling to prevent leakage at the base. Prepare a steel rule and a clean rag in advance so you can measure immediately after lifting without hunting for tools. Photograph key stages—layering, rodding, strike-off, lift timing, and the measurement—with scale references. These simple controls yield repeatable results and defensible records under audit.

Use a rigid, level, nonabsorbent baseplate.
Moisten cone and base; avoid standing water.
Restrain the cone during filling and striking off.
Distribute rodding strokes evenly across the section.
Measure immediately after lifting; have tools ready.

Keep ASTM C143 and BS EN 12350-2 methods clearly separate

Avoid mixing steps from different standards. Under ASTM C143, fill the cone in three approximately equal layers and rod each layer 25 times; lift the cone vertically in a defined, short time window without twisting. Under BS EN 12350-2, fill in two approximately equal layers and rod each 25 times; lift smoothly within its specified time range. Both require a stable base, uniform rodding, a flush strike-off, and immediate measurement. Always document which standard you followed on the report and keep your photos consistent with that choice. If your site alternates between standards, label the cone and checklist at the outset to lock the pathway. Use a tally method for rodding strokes, and place a stopwatch where it’s visible in the video when lifting the cone. These habits prevent hybrid procedures that undermine result validity.

ASTM: three layers; 25 strokes per layer; defined lift time.
EN: two layers; 25 strokes per layer; smooth timed lift.
Declare the selected standard on the report.
Tally rodding strokes; avoid mixing sequences.
Lift vertically without twist or lateral motion.

Measure, classify the slump shape, and decide on repeats

Immediately place the steel rule beside the specimen and read the vertical difference between the original cone height and the highest point at the center of the slumped concrete. Photograph the side profile and the rule for traceability. Classify the shape: true slump (uniform subsidence), shear slump (one side shears and slumps), or collapse slump (loss of shape). Shear or collapse typically indicates the need to repeat the test on a fresh portion of the same sample as directed by the selected standard and project requirements. Record test times to demonstrate compliance with timing limits, and enter results in the Slump Test Report Template. If the value falls outside the project requirement, stop here and consult the dedicated high/low-result guidance rather than adjusting the truck within this checklist’s scope.

Measure immediately using a steel rule with photos.
Classify shape: true, shear, or collapse.
Repeat after shear or collapse per standard.
Record times to demonstrate compliance.
Log results in the report template.

How to use this interactive slump-test checklist

Preparation: Gather the cone, baseplate, 16 mm tamping rod (~600 mm), steel rule, spirit level, stopwatch, clean rags, and PPE (gloves, safety glasses, boots). Select ASTM C143 or BS EN 12350-2 before starting.
Using the Interactive Checklist: Start interactive mode on your device, tick each step as completed, and attach photos or short videos at key moments (rodding, lift timing, measurement). Add comments for counts, times, and observations.
Export and Share: On completion, generate the Concrete Slump Test Report, then export the record as PDF/Excel with an embedded QR code for authentication. Share with the site team, QA, and the engineer.
Sign-Off and Archive: Capture digital signatures from the tester and witness, confirm the QR code opens the exact record, and archive to your project folder structure per approved project specifications and authority requirements.

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Concrete Slump Test Procedure

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Start Checklist Tick off tasks, leave comments on items or the whole form, and export your completed report to PDF or Excel—with a built-in QR code for authenticity.

License: CC-BY 4.0. Please credit: “Concrete Slump Test Procedure by Quollnet” with a link to this source page.

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Elie Saad Elie Saad

Aug 10, 2026

FAQ

Question: How many layers are used in the concrete slump test?

It depends on the selected standard. ASTM C143 uses three approximately equal layers, each rodded 25 times. BS EN 12350-2 uses two approximately equal layers, each rodded 25 times. Choose the method before starting, follow it consistently through the entire test, and record the chosen standard on the report.

Question: How many rodding strokes are required per layer?

Both ASTM C143/C143M and BS EN 12350-2 use three layers. Each layer is compacted with 25 strokes, but the complete procedure should follow the selected standard without mixing requirements.

Question: How quickly should the cone be lifted?

Lift times differ by standard. ASTM C143 requires a smooth vertical lift within a short, defined time window (commonly referenced as a few seconds). BS EN 12350-2 specifies a smooth vertical withdrawal within its stated time range. In both, avoid twisting or lateral motion, and capture a stopwatch in the frame for evidence.

Question: Where is slump measured from and to what precision?

Measure the vertical difference between the original cone height and the highest point at the center of the slumped concrete. Read and record the value to the nearest increment required by the selected standard and your approved project specifications. Always photograph the rule reading from a side profile for traceable evidence.

Question: What is true, shear, and collapse slump, and when should I repeat?

True slump is uniform subsidence, indicating a valid measurement. Shear slump shows one-sided displacement, and collapse slump loses shape entirely. If you observe shear or collapse slump, repeat the test on a new portion of the same sample per the selected standard and project requirements, and keep both results cross-referenced in your record.

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