Steve writes:
<<The empirical measurement of workability (consistency) for mortars is
done with a Vicat cone or a needle penetrometer. There are a number of
devices in use (ASTM C 187, etc.); ASTM C 780 details the current standard
procedures. Vicat pioneered the Vicat cone method nearly 100 years
ago. It correlates extremely well with the opinions of masons (that is no
mean feat). It is also useful to measure flow (C 305) with a flow table,
especially for grouts vibrated into wall cavities, or any other applications
that exploit the thixotropic properties of these materials.
Steve Stokowski
Stone Products Consultants
Building Products Microscopy
508-881-6364 (ph. & fax)
http://members.aol.com/crushstone/petro.htm>>
Thanx Steve!
Definitely a better
answer than a timber framer can give. I guess I should have assumed there would
be some sort of “slump” test since engineers like to get every
little duck lined up just right.
Good info.
Rudy