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Specification for concrete slump test apparatus

IS 7320:1974 specifies the requirements for apparatus used in conducting the concrete slump test, a key method to assess the consistency and workability of fresh concrete. This standard defines the dimensions, materials, and construction details for the slump test mould and tamping bar, ensuring uniformity and reliability in test results. It is essential for manufacturers, testing laboratories, and civil engineers involved in concrete quality control and construction projects.

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31Clauses Indexed
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1974Edition
Cement Concrete Aggregates and RCCCategory
Alternative search terms: IS 7320 PDF, IS 7320 pdf free download, IS 7320 free download pdf, IS7320 PDF, IS-7320 PDF, IS 7320 1974 PDF, IS 7320:1974 PDF, IS 7320-1974 PDF, IS 7320 (1974) PDF, IS 7320 1974 edition PDF, IS 7320 edition 1974 PDF

What This Standard Covers

IS 7320:1974 specifies the requirements for apparatus used in conducting the concrete slump test, a key method to assess the consistency and workability of fresh concrete. This standard defines the dimensions, materials, and construction details for the slump test mould and tamping bar, ensuring uniformity and reliability in test results. It is essential for manufacturers, testing laboratories, and civil engineers involved in concrete quality control and construction projects.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Civil Engineers
  • Concrete Technologists
  • Construction Quality Control Inspectors
  • Materials Testing Laboratory Technicians
  • Concrete Equipment Manufacturers
  • Structural Engineers
  • Research and Development Specialists in Cement and Concrete

Key Topics Covered

Scope and application of slump test apparatus
Design and dimensions of slump test mould
Material specifications for mould and tamping bar
Construction requirements including seams and surface finish
Tamping bar dimensions and shape
Marking and identification of apparatus
Tolerances for mould dimensions
Standardization for consistent test results
Use of galvanized iron and prohibition of aluminium for mould
Foot pieces and handles for mould handling
Surface smoothness and absence of dents or projections
Guidance on apparatus conformity and standard marking

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 7320: Scope & Key Specifications for Concrete Slump Test Apparatus

Scope:
IS 7320 specifies the requirements for the concrete slump test apparatus, ensuring reliable and comparable test results using standardized equipment.


Key Specifications (Clause 3.1 & Table 1)

ParameterDimension (mm)Tolerance (mm)
Bottom diameter200+3 / -1.5
Top diameter100+3 / -1.5
Height300±1.5
  • Mould Shape: Frustum of a cone (Fig. 1 or 2 in IS 7320)
  • Material: Seamless or with seam mould allowed
  • Thickness: Minimum 1.6 mm (Clause 1.6)
  • Tolerance Note: Diameter and height measured anywhere on the mould shall not deviate beyond the specified tolerance.

Additional Notes:

  • Tamping Bar: Steel bar, 16 mm diameter, 600 mm length, rounded working end (Amendment 1984).
  • Rounding Off: Final test values rounded as per IS 2-1960.

flowchart TD
    A[Mould Shape] --> B[Frustum of Cone]
    B --> C[Bottom Diameter: 200 mm ± Tolerance]
    B --> D[Top Diameter: 100 mm ± Tolerance]
    B --> E[Height: 300 mm ± 1.5 mm]
    F[Tamping Bar] --> G[16 mm diameter, 600 mm length]

This ensures standardized slump testing for concrete consistency evaluation.

2Apparatus Components

IS 7320: Apparatus Components for Concrete Slump Test

1. Mould Dimensions (Clause 3.1, Table 1)

The mould is a frustum of a cone with internal dimensions:

ComponentDimension (mm)Tolerance (mm)
Bottom diameter200+3 / -1.5
Top diameter100+3 / -1.5
Height300±1.5
  • Note: Diameter and height measured anywhere on the mould must not differ beyond these tolerances.

2. Shape

  • The mould shape is a truncated cone (frustum), as shown in IS 7320 Fig. 1 or 2 (not provided here).

3. Tamping Bar (Amendment 1984)

  • The tamping rod is now referred to as a tamping bar.
  • It is used for compacting concrete in the mould.

Summary Diagram of Mould Shape

graph TD
    A[Top Diameter = 100 mm] --> B[Height = 300 mm]
    B --> C[Bottom Diameter = 200 mm]
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style B fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style C fill:#f96,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px

Key Takeaway: Use the frustum mould with specified dimensions and tolerances for slump testing concrete consistency, and use a tamping bar for compaction as per IS 7320.

3Mould

IS 7320: Mould Specifications for Slump Test

Key Dimensions (Clause 3.1 & Table 1)

ParameterDimension (mm)Tolerance (mm)
Bottom diameter200+3 / -1.5
Top diameter100+3 / -1.5
Height300±1.5
  • Thickness: Minimum 1.6 mm (Clause 1.6)
  • Shape: Frustum of a cone (Fig. 1 seamless or Fig. 2 with seam)
  • Top & Bottom: Open, parallel, and perpendicular to cone axis (Clause 3.3.1)
  • Surface: Smooth, free from dents/protrusions (Clause 3.3.1)
  • Handles & Foot Pieces: Provided for easy lifting; riveted/welded/brazed; rivets countersunk inside (Clause 3.3.2)

Notes:

  • Diameter and height measured anywhere on the mould must be within specified tolerances.
  • Mould may clamp to non-absorbent base plate if conforming to specs.
flowchart LR
    A[Mould Shape] --> B[Frustum of Cone]
    B --> C[Bottom Diameter 200 ± tolerance]
    B --> D[Top Diameter 100 ± tolerance]
    B --> E[Height 300 ± tolerance]
    B --> F[Thickness ≥ 1.6 mm]
    B --> G[Open Top & Bottom]
    B --> H[Smooth Internal Surface]
    B --> I[Handles & Foot Pieces]

This ensures consistent and reliable slump test results per IS 7320.

3.1Shape and Dimensions

IS 7320 - Shape and Dimensions of Slump Test Mould

Key Specifications (Clause 3.1 & Table 1)

ParameterDimension (mm)Tolerance (mm)
Bottom diameter200+3 / -1.5
Top diameter100+3 / -1.5
Height300±1.5
  • Thickness: Minimum 1.6 mm (Clause 1.6)
  • Shape: Frustum of a cone (Fig. 1 & 2)
  • Top & Bottom: Open, parallel, and perpendicular to the axis (Clause 3.3.1)
  • Surface: Smooth internal surface, free from dents and projections

Notes:

  • Diameter and height measured anywhere on the mould must not deviate beyond the specified tolerances.
  • Where no tolerance is specified, the nominal dimension applies (Clause 3.1.1).

Diagram of Mould Shape (Frustum of Cone)

flowchart TB
    A[Top Diameter = 100 mm] --> B[Height = 300 mm]
    B --> C[Bottom Diameter = 200 mm]
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style B fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style C fill:#f96,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px

This ensures consistent and standardized slump test results by maintaining precise mould geometry.

3.2Material

IS 7320 - Material Specifications for Concrete Slump Test Mould

Key Specifications (Clause 3.2)

  • Material: Galvanized iron sheet or other suitable metal resistant to cement paste.
  • Not Allowed: Aluminium.
  • Thickness: Minimum 1.6 mm.

Mould Dimensions (Clause 3.1 & Table 1)

ParameterDimension (mm)Tolerance (mm)
Bottom diameter200+3 / -1.5
Top diameter100+3 / -1.5
Height300±1.5
  • Dimensions apply anywhere on the mould surface.
  • Shape: Frustum of a cone (see Fig. 1 or 2 in IS 7320).

Notes

  • The mould must be seamless or with a seam but conforming to dimensional tolerances.
  • Material must withstand chemical attack from cement paste and maintain shape integrity.
flowchart TB
    A[Mould Material] -->|Galvanized Iron Sheet| B[Thickness ≥ 1.6 mm]
    A -->|Other Suitable Metal| B
    A -->|Aluminium| C[Not Allowed]
    B --> D[Shape: Frustum of Cone]
    D --> E[Bottom Diameter: 200 mm ± tolerance]
    D --> F[Top Diameter: 100 mm ± tolerance]
    D --> G[Height: 300 mm ± tolerance]

This ensures durability and accuracy in slump test results as per IS 7320-1974.

3.3Construction

IS 7320: Concrete Slump Test Apparatus - Key Construction Specifications

1. Mould Shape & Dimensions (Clause 3.1 & Table 1)

  • Shape: Frustum of a cone (Fig. 1 or 2)
  • Internal Dimensions:
DetailDimension (mm)Tolerance (mm)
Bottom diameter200+3 / -1.5
Top diameter100+3 / -1.5
Height300±1.5
  • Diameter and height anywhere on the mould must not deviate beyond these tolerances.

2. Construction (Clause 3.3)

  • Mould can be made with or without a seam.
  • If a seam is present, it must follow the design shown in Fig. 2 (typically a lap or welded seam ensuring no leakage).

3. Material & Finish

  • Typically made of steel or metal with smooth internal surfaces to avoid adhesion of concrete.
  • Rounding off of edges as per standard practice to avoid sharp corners.

flowchart TD
    A[Mould Construction] --> B{Seam?}
    B -->|Yes| C[Seam as per Fig. 2]
    B -->|No| D[Seamless mould]
    A --> E[Dimensions as per Table 1]
    E --> F[Bottom diameter: 200 mm ± tolerance]
    E --> G[Top diameter: 100 mm ± tolerance]
    E --> H[Height: 300 mm ± tolerance]

This ensures reliable and repeatable slump test results as per IS 7320:1974.

4Tamping Bar

IS 7320 - Tamping Bar Specifications

  • Dimensions:

    • Diameter = 16 mm (round steel bar)
    • Length = 600 mm
  • Tip Shape:

    • Rounded working end with a hemispherical tip of diameter 16 mm.
  • Material:

    • Steel, straight and round.
  • Relevant Clauses:

    • Clause 4.1: Defines the tamping bar size and shape.
    • Clause 2.1 (Amendment): Specifies apparatus includes mould and tamping bar.

Summary Table

ParameterSpecification
Diameter16 mm
Length600 mm
Tip ShapeHemispherical, 16 mm
MaterialSteel

Usage Context:

  • Used for compacting concrete in slump test molds to ensure consistent compaction.
graph LR
A[Tamping Bar] --> B[Steel Round Bar]
A --> C[Diameter: 16 mm]
A --> D[Length: 600 mm]
A --> E[Hemispherical Tip, 16 mm dia]

This ensures uniform compaction and reliable slump test results per IS 7320.

4.1Dimensions and Shape

IS 7320 - Dimensions and Shape of Slump Test Mould

Mould Shape

  • Frustum of a cone (Fig. 1 seamless or Fig. 2 with seam)
  • Internal dimensions per Table 1

Table 1: Internal Dimensions of Mould

DetailDimension (mm)Tolerance (mm)
Bottom diameter200+3 / -1.5
Top diameter100+3 / -1.5
Height300±1.5
  • Diameter and height anywhere on the mould must be within specified tolerances.
  • Minimum thickness of mould: 1.6 mm (Clause 1.6)
  • All dimensions in millimeters.

Notes:

  • Nominal dimensions are 200 mm (bottom dia), 100 mm (top dia), and 300 mm (height).
  • Tolerances ensure uniformity and accuracy for slump testing.
flowchart TD
    A[Mould Shape: Frustum of Cone] --> B[Bottom Diameter: 200 mm ± Tolerance]
    A --> C[Top Diameter: 100 mm ± Tolerance]
    A --> D[Height: 300 mm ± Tolerance]
    style B fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    style C fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    style D fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px

This ensures the slump test apparatus meets IS 7320 standards for consistent and reliable concrete workability testing.

5Marking

IS 7320 - Marking Specifications (Clause 5.1 & 5.1.1-5.1.2)

  • Marking on Apparatus:

    • Must include:
      • Manufacturer's name and/or registered trademark
      • Date of manufacture
    • Marking should be clear, indelible, and not affect apparatus performance.
  • Standard Mark:

    • Apparatus may bear the Standard Mark as per BIS Act, 1986.
    • Use governed by BIS licensing rules.

Summary Table for Marking Requirements

Marking ItemRequirement
Manufacturer's IDName and/or registered trademark
Date of ManufactureMust be clearly marked
Standard Mark (optional)Allowed as per BIS regulations
Marking QualityClear, indelible, non-intrusive

Related Mould Dimensions (Clause 3.1 & Table 1)

DimensionSize (mm)Tolerance (mm)
Bottom diameter200+3 / -1.5
Top diameter100+3 / -1.5
Height300±1.5

flowchart TD
    A[Apparatus] --> B[Marking]
    B --> C[Manufacturer's Name/Trademark]
    B --> D[Date of Manufacture]
    B --> E[Standard Mark (optional)]
    style C fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    style D fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    style E fill:#ccf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px

Note: For licensing and detailed conditions on Standard Mark use, contact BIS regional offices listed in the standard.

5.1Information to be Marked

IS 7320 - Information to be Marked on Mould and Rod

Key Marking Requirements (Clause 5.1):

  • Mandatory Markings:
    • Name of manufacturer or registered trade-mark or both.
    • Date of manufacture.
  • Markings must be clear, indelible, and not interfere with apparatus performance.

Optional Marking (Clause 5.1.1):

  • The apparatus may be marked with the Standard Mark as per BIS regulations.

BIS Standard Mark License (Clause 5.1.2):

  • Use governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
  • Licenses and conditions available from BIS offices (contact details provided in the code).

Summary Table for Marking Information:

ItemDescriptionRequirement
Manufacturer's NameName or registered trade-markMandatory
Date of ManufactureManufacturing dateMandatory
Standard MarkBIS Standard Mark (optional)As per BIS rules

Additional Notes:

  • Marking location: On mould and rod.
  • Marking method: Should not affect apparatus function.
  • For licensing and Standard Mark details, contact BIS regional/branch offices.

If you need mould dimensions or other specs, refer to Table 1 of Clause 3.1 for mould internal dimensions.

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Manufacture] --> B[Mark Manufacturer's Name & Date]
    B --> C{Use Standard Mark?}
    C -->|Yes| D[Mark Standard Mark as per BIS]
    C -->|No| E[No Standard Mark]
    D --> F[Ensure markings do not affect performance]
    E --> F
    F --> G[Final Product Ready]
5.1.1Standard Mark

IS 7320 — Standard Mark Key Points

Clause 5.1.1 & 5.1.2: Standard Mark Usage

  • The apparatus may be marked with the Standard Mark as per IS 7320.
  • Use of the Standard Mark is governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
  • Licence conditions for the Standard Mark are available from the BIS office.

Contact Details for BIS (for Standard Mark licensing)

Office TypeLocationContact Numbers
HeadquartersManak Bhavan, New DelhiTel: 323 0131, 323 3375
Central LaboratorySahibabad Industrial AreaTel: 201010, 8-77 00 32
Regional OfficesDelhi, Calcutta, Chandigarh, Chennai, MumbaiVarious (see Clause 5.1.2)
Branch OfficesAhmedabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Coimbatore, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Patna, Thiruvananthapuram, Nagpur, PuneVarious

Summary:

  • Standard Mark indicates compliance with IS 7320.
  • Manufacturers must obtain a licence from BIS.
  • Marking ensures quality assurance and standardization.

Additional: Mould Dimensions (Clause 3.1 & Table 1)

ParameterDimension (mm)Tolerance (mm)
Bottom diameter200+3 / -1.5
Top diameter100+3 / -1.5
Height300±1.5

Note: Diameter and height anywhere on the mould must be within specified tolerances.


flowchart LR
    A[Manufacturer] --> B[Apply for BIS Licence]
    B --> C[Obtain Standard Mark Licence]
    C --> D[Mark Apparatus with Standard Mark]
    D --> E[Assured Quality & Compliance]

For full licensing details, contact the nearest BIS office listed above.

6Tolerances

IS 7320: Tolerances for Concrete Slump Test Mould Dimensions

Key Tolerances (Clause 3.1 & Table 1)

DimensionNominal (mm)Tolerance (mm)
Bottom diameter200+3 / -1.5
Top diameter100+3 / -1.5
Height300±1.5
  • Note: Diameter and height measured anywhere on the mould must not deviate beyond these tolerances from nominal values.

Important Specifications

  • Mould shape: Frustum of a cone (see Fig. 1 & 2 in IS 7320).
  • Dimensions must follow the nominal values with above tolerances.
  • No tolerance specified means nominal dimension is referenced (Clause 3.1.1).

Summary of Tolerance Application

flowchart TD
    A[Nominal Dimension] --> B{Tolerance Specified?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Apply Tolerance Limits]
    B -- No --> D[Use Nominal Dimension]
    C --> E[Check dimension within + / - tolerance]
    E --> F[Accept if within limits]
    E --> G[Reject if outside limits]

Use these tolerances strictly for manufacturing slump test moulds to ensure test accuracy and repeatability.

7Notes and Annexures

IS 7320 - Key Notes, Tables & Specifications Summary

1. Mould Dimensions (Clause 3.1, Table 1)

  • Shape: Frustum of a cone (Fig. 1 or 2)
  • Internal Dimensions:
DetailDimension (mm)Tolerance (mm)
Bottom diameter200+3 / -1.5
Top diameter100+3 / -1.5
Height300±1.5
  • Note: Diameter and height anywhere on the mould must not deviate beyond tolerances.

2. Amendment Highlights (March 1984)

  • Terminology changed from "tamping rod" to "tamping bar" (Clause 2.1, 4.1).

3. Marking & Licensing (Clause 5.1.2)

  • Use of Standard Mark governed by Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
  • Licensing details available from BIS.

4. General Notes

  • The mould is critical for slump test accuracy.
  • Tolerances ensure uniformity in test results.
  • The document includes detailed committee and contact info for BIS offices.

Visual: Mould Shape (Frustum of Cone)

graph TD
A[Top Diameter 100 mm] --> B[Frustum Shape]
B --> C[Bottom Diameter 200 mm]
B --> D[Height 300 mm]

For detailed procedures, follow IS 7320:1974 and its amendments.

Popular Questions About IS 7320

?What are the specified dimensions for the slump test mould according to IS 7320?

According to IS 7320 (1974), the slump test mould is a frustum of a cone with the following internal dimensions (Table 1, Clause 3.1):

DimensionSize (mm)Tolerance (mm)
Bottom diameter200+3 / -1.5
Top diameter100+3 / -1.5
Height300±1.5
  • The mould must be seamless (Fig. 1) or with a seam (Fig. 2).
  • Diameter and height measured anywhere on the mould should not deviate beyond the specified tolerances.
  • Thickness of the mould walls should be minimum 1.6 mm (Clause 1.6).

Additional:
The tamping bar used with the mould is a 16 mm diameter, 600 mm long steel bar with a rounded end (Clause 4.1).

Loading diagram...

This ensures standardization for consistent slump test results.

?Which materials are approved for manufacturing the slump test mould and tamping bar?

Approved Materials for Slump Test Apparatus per IS 7320:1974

  • Slump Test Mould:

    • Made of galvanized iron sheet or any other suitable metal not readily attacked by cement paste.
    • Aluminium is explicitly prohibited.
    • Metal thickness: minimum 1.6 mm.
  • Tamping Bar:

    • Made of steel.
    • Dimensions: 16 mm diameter, 600 mm length, with a rounded working end.

This ensures durability and resistance to corrosion or chemical attack by cement paste during testing.

Loading diagram...

Summary: Use galvanized iron or similar metal (≥1.6 mm thick) for the mould, and a steel bar (16 mm dia, 600 mm long, rounded end) for the tamping bar.

?How should the tamping bar be shaped and sized for the slump test?

According to IS 7320, Clause 4.1, the tamping rod for the slump test must have the following characteristics:

  • Material: Steel
  • Shape: Round and straight
  • Diameter: 16 mm
  • Length: 600 mm
  • Working (tamping) end: Rounded to a hemispherical tip with a diameter of 16 mm

This shape ensures proper compaction of concrete during the slump test without damaging the mould or affecting the test results.

Summary Table

ParameterSpecification
Diameter16 mm
Length600 mm
Tip ShapeHemispherical rounded
Tip Diameter16 mm

This tamping rod size and shape are standardized to provide consistent compaction energy during the slump test.

?Are there any marking requirements for the slump test apparatus?

IS 7320 does not explicitly specify marking requirements for the concrete slump test apparatus such as the mould or tamping bar.

Key points from IS 7320:

  • Tamping bar: Steel bar, 16 mm diameter, 600 mm length with rounded end (Clause 4.1).
  • No clause mentions permanent marking or identification on the apparatus.

Best practice (based on engineering standards):

  • Mark apparatus with manufacturer's name or trademark.
  • Mark nominal dimensions (e.g., diameter, height) for traceability.
  • Mark calibration or verification date if applicable.

This ensures:

  • Equipment traceability.
  • Compliance with quality control.
  • Avoids confusion on-site.

Loading diagram...

Summary: IS 7320 focuses on dimensions and material but does not mandate markings. Adopt good practice to mark equipment for identification and quality control.

?What construction features ensure the mould provides accurate and consistent test results?

To ensure accurate and consistent test results for slump test moulds as per IS 7320, the following construction features are critical:

  • Parallel and Open Ends: The top and bottom of the mould must be open, parallel to each other, and perpendicular to the cone axis (Clause 3.3.1). This ensures uniform concrete shape and measurement.

  • Smooth Internal Surface: The mould’s inside must be smooth, free from dents or projections (e.g., rivets), preventing concrete adhesion or distortion.

  • Seam Construction: Moulds can be seamless or with seams (Clause 3.3). Seams, if present, must follow the standard design (Fig. 2) to avoid leakage or deformation.

  • Foot Pieces and Handles: Properly attached (riveted/welded/brazed) foot pieces and handles (Clause 3.3.2) facilitate easy lifting without damaging the specimen.

  • Minimum Thickness: The mould walls should be at least 1.6 mm thick (Clause 1.6) for durability and dimensional stability.

  • Optional Clamp Feature: Moulds clamping to a non-absorbent base or with height guides are acceptable if conforming to specs, improving measurement accuracy.

Loading diagram...

These features maintain mould integrity, prevent concrete loss or distortion, and ensure repeatable slump measurements.

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