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Best Slump Tipsheet

The document discusses how using the appropriate concrete slump can reduce worker fatigue and increase productivity. It explains that a higher slump concrete requires less force to spread and pull during placement, which is less physically demanding on workers over a full work shift. Specifically, it notes that a 6-7 inch slump concrete requires an average pull force of only 20 pounds compared to 46 pounds for a 1 inch slump concrete. Choosing the highest possible slump that still ensures quality and strength can help reduce unnecessary physical demands on construction workers.

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Arnold Tunduli
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50 views

Best Slump Tipsheet

The document discusses how using the appropriate concrete slump can reduce worker fatigue and increase productivity. It explains that a higher slump concrete requires less force to spread and pull during placement, which is less physically demanding on workers over a full work shift. Specifically, it notes that a 6-7 inch slump concrete requires an average pull force of only 20 pounds compared to 46 pounds for a 1 inch slump concrete. Choosing the highest possible slump that still ensures quality and strength can help reduce unnecessary physical demands on construction workers.

Uploaded by

Arnold Tunduli
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Tip Sheet

Choose the Best “Slump” for the Job

Problem: One Solution:

In its simplest form, concrete is a mixture of Reduce unnecessary work by using the
paste and aggregate (sand and rock). The appropriate slump for the job. If a mixture with a
paste, composed of cement and water, higher slump can be used, it will reduce the pulling
coats the surface of the fine (sand) and forces required to rake the material.
coarse aggregates (rocks) and binds them
together into a rock-like mass known as
concrete. This mixture and the ratios are
critical to the workability, integrity and
quality of the end product. The increased
forces needed to screed/rod and rake can
take their toll on the worker.

The forces required to spread concrete with 6” -7” slump


different “slump” values increase with a
lower slump. In other words, the lower the
slump, the higher the required force. For
example: with a 1” slump, the mean force to
pull material with a rake was: 46 pounds.
In comparison, a 3” slump required an A 6” – 7” slump required an average of 20
average of 27 pounds and a 6” slump pounds of pull force.
required 20 pounds. The differences in
these forces will take their toll on the worker
over the course of a work shift.

Repetitive, awkward, high force motions


may eventually lead to lower back, shoulder
and/or wrist pain and/or fatigue.

Slump and pull force


A 1” slump is measured here .
A 3” slump is measured here

With a 1” slump, pull forces averaged 46


pounds with the greatest force being 60
pounds and the least being 36. These
forces through the course of a day can be
hard on the back and shoulders. With a 3” slump, pull forces averaged 27
pounds with the highest force at 34 pounds and
the lowest at 23.
FACTORS: IDEAS:
• Low slump increases the forces needed • Always use concrete with the highest slump
for rodding/screeding and may that will ensure quality and strength while at the
encourage more back bending. same time, reduce unnecessary work.
• Low slump increases the force needed
to pull (rake) the material.

Tip: Identify who is determining the level of slump and be sure that the highest number
possible is being used.

Slump and pull force


Choose the Best “Slump” for the Job

How does using appropriate slump .Contact Information:


affect productivity? This Tip Sheet was sponsored by CPWR
When workers report feeling less tired at the Agreement #1020-=005-56.
end of the day they are more productive. It was produced by Build It Smart, LSHFNA,
Reducing the force required to spread LIUNA, AGC of Washington, The University of
concrete throughout the course of the work Washington, The Western Washington Cement
day will have a positive effect, is less Masons Training Center and the StewartPrezant
fatiguing and is certainly safer. Ergonomics Group

Contact:
Build It Smart 360.596.9200
[email protected]

Slump and pull force

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