Workability Evaluation of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete: Establishing Relationship between Mini-Cone and Slump Flow Measurements

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Title: Workability Evaluation of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete: Establishing Relationship between Mini-Cone and Slump Flow Measurements

Author(s): Sahil Bansal

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 123

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 14-156

Keywords: consistency; relationship modeling; slump flow test; ultra-high- performance concrete (UHPC); workability

DOI: 10.14359/51749383

Date: 5/1/2026

Abstract:
Advances in concrete material science have led to the development of a new class of cementitious materials—namely, ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC)—which offers superior mechanical and durability properties. The control and characterization of the fresh properties of UHPC are crucial for successful mixture design. Among the methods for evaluating these properties, the mini-cone test has gained prominence due to its practicality. It requires smaller sample volumes than the standard slump cone test, making it especially suited for laboratory assessments of UHPC mixtures. In contrast, the slump flow test is the simplest and most widely used test for both laboratory and field testing of concrete. This study aims to establish a correlation between mini-cone flow and standard slump flow test results. A linear relationship is identified, which forms the basis for proposing consistency classes for UHPC using mini-cone flow values. These proposed classes align with the established consistency classifications for self-consolidating concrete (SCC).

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