To take a concrete slump using a slump cone, follow these steps:

1. Gather the necessary equipment: You will need a slump cone, a base plate, a tamping rod, a ruler, and a measuring tape.
2. Set up the equipment: Place the base plate on a level, stable surface. Position the slump cone on the base plate, ensuring it is centered and firmly held in place.
3. Prepare the slump cone: Moisten the inside of the slump cone with water. This helps prevent the concrete from sticking to the cone.
4. Fill the cone with concrete: Carefully fill the slump cone in three equal layers. Each layer should be compacted with a tamping rod 25 times, ensuring that the strokes are distributed evenly over the cross-section of the cone. Continue adding concrete until the cone is completely filled.
5. Level the concrete surface: After the cone is filled, use a trowel or straight edge to level off the surface of the concrete. Remove any excess concrete from the top of the cone.
6. Lift the slump cone: Hold the slump cone firmly by its handles and lift it in a vertical motion, taking care not to disturb the concrete inside.
7. Measure the slump: Immediately after lifting the cone, place a ruler or measuring tape adjacent to the cone, touching the top surface of the concrete. Measure the distance between the top of the cone and the displaced center of the concrete slump. This distance represents the slump value.
8. Record the slump value: Take note of the slump value in millimeters or inches, depending on your preferred unit of measurement.

Here is a step-by-step guide with corresponding pictures for a visual reference:

To take cube moulds for concrete, you will need the following materials and tools:

Materials:

1. Concrete mix
2. Water
3. Cube moulds (usually made of steel or plastic)
4. Release agent (such as a mould oil or silicone spray)

Tools:

1. Mixing container (such as a wheelbarrow or mixing tub)
2. Measuring tools (such as a bucket or measuring cup)
3. Trowel or scoop for mixing
4. Vibrating table (optional but recommended for compacting the concrete)
5. Levelling tool (such as a straightedge or trowel)
6. Rubber mallet or hammer

Here’s a step-by-step guide to taking cube moulds for concrete:

1. Prepare the concrete mix: Follow the instructions provided with the concrete mix to determine the correct water-to-concrete ratio. Mix the concrete thoroughly in the mixing container until you achieve a uniform consistency.
2. Prepare the cube moulds: Ensure that the cube moulds are clean and free from any debris. If using steel moulds, apply a release agent to the inside surfaces to prevent the concrete from sticking. If using plastic moulds, they are usually designed for easy release and may not require a separate release agent.
3. Fill the cube moulds: Scoop or pour the concrete mix into the cube moulds, ensuring that they are filled completely. Level off the top surface of the moulds using a levelling tool.
4. Compact the concrete: If you have access to a vibrating table, place the filled cube moulds on the table and turn on the vibration to help remove any trapped air bubbles and ensure proper compaction of the concrete. If you don’t have a vibrating table, you can manually tap the sides of the moulds with a rubber mallet or hammer to achieve a similar effect.
5. Smooth the surface: After compacting the concrete, use a trowel or similar tool to smooth the surface of the moulds, ensuring they are level and free from any excess concrete.
6. Cure the concrete: Allow the concrete to cure in the moulds undisturbed for the recommended period, typically around 24 to 48 hours. Follow the instructions provided with your concrete mix for the specific curing requirements.
7. Demold the cubes: After the curing period, carefully remove the cube moulds. For steel moulds, you may need to tap the sides or gently pry them open to release the concrete cubes. Plastic moulds are usually designed for easy demoulding and can be flexed to release the cubes.
8. Label and store the cubes: Once demolded, label each cube with relevant information such as the date, project name, and any other required details. Store the cured concrete cubes in a controlled environment, typically a curing room or water tank, to continue the curing process until they reach the desired strength. (3,7,28 Days)

Remember to always follow safety precautions when working with concrete, such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and handling tools carefully.