Statistical Testing of the Bedoya Cone for Concrete Slump Tests: An Ecological Contribution from the Economy of Materials

Abstract

This study shows the modification of the cone of Abrams. A new device size was obtained, with 68% savings in terms of the material. Similarly, we explored the contribution to the aspect of occupational health since, from an ergonomic perspective, the test can be developed at a more comfortable and safe height for the person. Furthermore, we found equivalence between the ranges of the Abrams cone and the Bedoya cone. According to the tests performed, it is possible to significantly reduce the consumption of materials for the slump test without affecting the quality of the result. It improves the ergonomics condition of laboratory workers, especially for women who are not allowed to lift heavy loads due to occupational health regulations. More than 60 tests were carried out in universities, construction sites, precast industries and nationally and internationally accredited laboratories. The methodology used consisted of carrying out the test using the same mixture and finding the slump with the Abrams cone and the Bedoya cone simultaneously under the same conditions of temperature, time and humidity. One important aspect is the possibility of using in mixtures with coarse aggregates of sizes 9.5 mm (3/8''), 13 mm (1/2''), 19 mm (3/4''), and 25.4 mm (1''), being these the most commercially made worldwide. The results and the statistical analysis allow us to conclude that it is possible to use the Bedoya cone to determine the concrete slump in the fresh state, since its ranges are directly applicable with respect to the Abrams cone. As it is a test that continues to be carried out daily in all countries of the world, this research is also a social and environmental contribution. The cone of Bedoya is registered in Colombia under the patent of invention number NC2016/0001514, and is being applied in Undergraduate, Master's and Doctorate research in this country and in México.