Automated slump test: An effective alternative in predicting rheological properties and an efficient tool for providing the quality control of materials

Abstract

In order to mitigate mistakes, an automated slump test apparatus was developed for obtaining the slump measurement. Initially, tests involving eight different compositions of carbopol gel (used as a test material for calibrating the automated device) and three traits of concrete were carried out. The slump results of carbopol gel were obtained through two procedures: the first, performed by a single operator, following the standards prescribed in the NBR NM 67 and the second, performed by the automated device. In a second step, concrete slump tests were performed by different operators and by the automated apparatus. The automated device reduced in 85% the slump variation, resulting in a discrepancy in the yield stress and in the plastic viscosity provided by empirical models of the literature. These findings demonstrate the novelty and applicability of the equipment in the technological control of materials and in the assessment of rheological parameters.