When your ready-mix concrete delivery arrives, most people focus on the pour. But the real story starts before a single cubic metre is discharged into your construction project.
Concrete Slump Testing: The Quick Check That Saves Costly Headaches and Delivers Long-Term Durability
Concrete slump testing is one of the simplest tools in construction, but it’s also one of the most powerful. It tells you instantly whether the concrete delivered is to the specification you have delivered.
A correct slump test confirms:
- The mix has the right workability
- The water–cement ratio has been delivered to your instructions
- You’re not about to place a batch that could compromise strength or durability
Industry good practice: Most projects should test at least once per concrete type per day, and typically every 50 m³; or more frequently on critical pours.
Air Content Testing: Essential for Durability
For air‑entrained concrete, especially in freeze–thaw environments or exposed slabs, air testing is non‑negotiable. It confirms the mix has the correct entrained air to resist cracking, scaling and long‑term deterioration.
Why the Frequency Matters
Concrete is a natural material. Variations in:
- cement and aggregate performance
- batching
- transport time
- temperature
- moisture of materials
- admixture performance
- testing regime should comply to BS-EN12350 and BS-EN12390
…can all affect the final product conformity
And here’s the part many people don’t realise…
The same sample used for slump and air testing is also used for making cubes. So, if you’re relying on strength results later, you need accurate fresh‑concrete data to back them up.
At Concise Construction Testing Ltd…
We carry out slump, air, temperature and cube sampling to the relevant British and European standards, ensuring every result is traceable, reliable, and defensible.
CCT Ltd is a family owned UKAS Laboratory, cert no: 28188. Fresh‑concrete testing isn’t just a box‑tick; it’s your assurance that what goes into your project today will still be performing decades from now.
Whether you know exactly what you need or want guidance on the right tests for your project, our team is here to help. You can book via phone, email, or our online enquiry form.