Department of Transportation: Method of Test For Flow of Grout Mixtures (Flow Cone Method)
Department of Transportation: Method of Test For Flow of Grout Mixtures (Flow Cone Method)
Department of Transportation: Method of Test For Flow of Grout Mixtures (Flow Cone Method)
A. SCOPE
This test method contains the procedure to be used for determining the flow of grout mixtures.
B. REFERENCES
ASTM C 939 – Standard Test Method for Flow of Grout for Preplaced-Aggregate Concrete
(Flow Cone Method)
C. APPARATUS
5. Suitable stand for supporting ring. A 5-gal paint bucket may be used. See
Figure 2.
D. CALIBRATION
Before the first use of the flow cone, and periodically thereafter, check the calibration of the
cone as follows:
1. Mount the flow cone firmly, free of vibration, and with the top vertical. Close
the outlet of the discharge tube with a finger or stopper. Fill the cone with
1725 mL ± 5 mL of water. Ensure that the water surface is at, but not
overflowing, the indicators at the top of the Caltrans cone. For the ASTM cone,
adjust the point gage to indicate the level of the water surface.
2. After ensuring the accuracy of the volume measurement, refill the cone with
water and simultaneously remove the finger or stopper and begin the stopwatch.
Stop the watch at the first break in the continuous flow of water.
3. The cone is calibrated if the volume of the cone is 1725 mL ± 5 mL and the
efflux time is 8.0 s ± 0.2 s.
E. SAMPLE
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California Test 541
November 2010
1. Dampen flow cone and allow any excess water to drain. Place the cone in the
supporting ring and insert the rubber stopper.
2. Level the cone, then pour the grout from the sample container into the cone
until the grout surface is level with the bottom of the three holes in the side of
the cone (Caltrans cone) or makes contact with the point gage (ASTM cone).
4. Stop the stopwatch at the first break or change in the continuous flow of grout
from the discharge tube. Record the indicated time of efflux to the nearest
0.1 s.
1. Fill cone with grout, as previously described, using remainder of 1 gal sample.
2. Allow grout to rest in cone for 20 min ± 15 s from the instant the cone is filled to
the time the efflux time is to be measured. After the 20-min quiescent period,
determine efflux time as described previously in F.3 and F.4 above.
H. PRECAUTIONS
The cone must be kept clean from cement buildup, especially in or near the orifice and nozzle.
The presence of solid particles retained on the No. 8 sieve or lumps of unmixed material in the
grout may interfere with grout discharge and result in a false consistency.
It is the responsibility of the user of this test method to establish appropriate safety and health
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Prior to
handling, testing or disposing of any materials, testers must be knowledgeable about safe
laboratory practices, hazards and exposure, chemical procurement and storage, and personal
protective apparel and equipment.
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/ctms/pdf/lab_safety_manual.pdf
End of Text
(California Test 541 contains 3 Pages)
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California Test 541
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d
(Optional - From ASTM C939)
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