The Kelly Ball Test and Kelly Clamp: A Comprehensive Overview

Kelly Clamp Definition:

Kelly clamp is defined as a vertically movable pinch clamp fastened to a graduated stick to allow the interpretation of the penetration depth of the kelly ball.

These are clamped only at top of the device prior to the experiment then dropped to interact with the edge of the tower until the ball has reached the surface of the pavement.

The device is then extracted from either the concrete as well as the interpretation of the penetration is allowed by observing the location of the clamp mostly on a rod.

This allows the testing process more efficient for the operator and prevents any potential pause in the concrete operation.

What Is Kelly Ball Test?

The Kelly ball test was established in the United States in the 1950s as a fast solution to that same slump test. The basic and affordable testing can be carried out easily within the concrete as well as the effects can be compared with the slump.

The experiment was calculated as well as developed by Kelly and is also recognized as the Kelly Ball Test and also the Concrete Ball Test.

Kelly ball test, often named as ball penetration test, is conducted on fresh concrete which evaluates the workability. It is a fast, easy field test and has been considered relevant to the slump test.

It is explained that now the Kelly ball experiment worked quicker as well as delivered correct results with such a high degree of consistency than that of the slump test.

However, the one downside of the Kelly ball test would be that it needs a significant volume of concrete relative to the slump test of the concrete.

This sort of test could be done easily as well as the final effects could then be compared to the slump. The Kelly ball test was previously defined as ASTM C360-92: “Standard Test Method for Ball Penetration in Freshly Mixed Hydraulic Cement Concrete.”

The ASTM specification became discontinued in 1999 owing to a shortage of applications.  The experiment has not really been commonly seen just outside of the United States (Bartos 1992). This exam was not protected by Indian norms.

The durability of such concrete as in the Kelly ball experiment is determined by the extent of the entry of the metallic ball which will fall further into the concrete mix because of its own mass.

The metal ball does have a diameter of 15.2 cm as well as a mass of 13.6 kilograms. Thus, so it began to be regarded as a ball penetration test.

Kelly Ball Test Apparatus-

Kelly ball test equipment comprises a cylinder with a hemispheric outline of 15.2 cm as well as a weight of 13.6 kilograms on one side and even a graduated measure and handles but at the other hand. The entire structure is protected on a static platform.

The findings were calculated by measuring the penetration of the hemisphere once openly positioned on fresh concrete.

An impression is directly calculated by a calibrated scale. The ball is released as well as the penetration depth is determined at the closest 0.25 inch. Of every sample, at least 3 samples should be taken.

The Kelly ball test provides an indication of yield stress, as the test essentially measures whether the stress applied by the weight of the ball is greater than the yield stress of the concrete. For a given concrete mixture, the results of the Kelly ball test can be correlated to slump.

Formulas based on observational research have also been released for the use of the various forms of concrete mixtures. Usually, the slump rating is 1.10 times to 2 times the Kelly ball test readings.

It was reported that now the Kelly ball test was more reliable in the assessment of accuracy than for the slump test.

The method is appropriate to a similar variety of concrete consistency as that of the slump test and seems to be applicable to different mixtures, including such lightweight including heavyweight concrete. The accuracy of the measure decreases with the increasing size of the gross aggregate.

Test Procedure of Kelly Ball Test:

1.  A significant quantity of freshly ground concrete is collected then placed into a tub.
2. The container would have been more than large enough then to fit the Kelly ball penetration test apparatus.
3. The depth of its concrete to be poured would need to be at a minimum of 0.2 m.
4. Even One the asphalt layer using the required tools.
5. Use the supplied handle to position the Kelly ball equipment on the graded concrete surface.
6. The system must be mounted in just such a manner that perhaps the frame must settle on the concrete surface but that the middle of the metal ball should have been at least 0.23 m away from every side of the container.
7. Then remove the handles to enable ball to penetrate through to the concrete and mark down the penetration value by examining the reading of the graduated stem. 6 m Analysis must be carried out to the closest 6 mm (0.25 inch).
8. Repeat the afore mentioned method 4 further cycles by positioning the device at various points on the very same research sample.
9. The strength of concrete seems to be the average value of all of the measurements obtained.

Use of the Kelly Ball:

The use of the Kelly Ball are as follows.

1. Plastic concrete could be checked also with Kelly ball in the shape or even preceding to some handling or in appropriate containers, like tubs, bowls, wheelbarrows, or buggies.
2. During the check, the surface of the sample is softened and leveled easily through the use of a small wooden float and screed.
3. The surface shall be operated as least as necessary to avoid the creation of a mortar sheet.
4. The adjacent concrete ought not to be vibrated, jarred, or disturbed mostly during the procedure. The ball is placed vertically more by a handle in some very minor contact with the graded concrete surface as well as the zero mostly on rod coincident with either the top of the ring.
5. The handles would then be lowered as well as the penetration depth of the kelly ball into the concrete is measured to be 0.25 cm on the graduated string. At least three measurements are taken from either a batch or venue. No adjustment is provided for any minor change of the legs of the frame.
6. The experiment takes less than a minute to ever be carried out, which gives the technician ample time to operate for which concrete is released from the mixer before delaying the construction and completion of the process.
7. Experience has proven that only the minimum depth of concrete measured ought to be 15 cm with an overall total aggregate dimension of 5 cm or less. If greater aggregates are used, the minimum depth ought to be 3 times the nominal actual gross aggregate value.
8. While measuring concrete put within forms, such as piers, partitions, respectively., a minimum distance of 22 cm from the surface of the structure to the level measured must be established in order to prevent boundary impact.
9. In the case of concrete discharged on a pavement in concrete work, hardly any measure must be done closer than 22 cm to the outline of the surface of the leveled concrete floor.
10. For just a second session in the very same sample of concrete, the foot of the stirrup must be at least 15 cm from the position at which the foot rested during the first check.

Advantages of Kelly Ball Test:

The Advantages of Kelly Ball Test are as follows.

1. The experiment is easier than that of the slump test which can be carried out on in-place concrete in order to produce a clear outcome easily.
2. This one has been reported that now the Kelly ball test offers more reliable outcomes than that of the slump test.
3. This test is the most common and immediate test that can be done on-site.
4. Without the need for a kelly ball penetration test to full, roll a container, essentially, and no need to ever use arrangement since it is much easier than a slump test.
5. In order to achieve a clear and instant verdict, the Kelly ball test may be carried out with fresh concrete in the field or in the shape of a buggy, a wheelbarrow, or a hopper.
6. In order to find concrete or suggest workability or to explain the effects of the analysis, this method does not require long measurements.

Disadvantages of Kelly Ball Test:

1. The Kelly ball test is really not appropriate for wider aggregate particles.
2. The method is also not accepted and should not be used by Indian standards.
3. As with the slump test, the Kelly ball penetration test is a static test.
4. In needed to execute the analysis, a large volume of sample sets is required.
5. These tests can not provide correct results where large-scale aggregates are being used in concrete. It is still not commonly used in several countries.
6. Once the kelly ball penetration test is carried out, the top of the pavement must be leveled.
7. Indian standards do not accept and do not use the Kelly Ball Test.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Kelly Ball Test and Kelly Clamp:

What is the Kelly Ball Test?

The Kelly Ball Test, also known as the Concrete Ball Test, is a field test used to measure the workability of fresh concrete. It involves dropping a standardized metal ball onto the concrete surface and measuring the depth of penetration, providing insights into concrete consistency.

How does the Kelly Ball Test compare to the slump test?

The Kelly Ball Test is considered faster and more reliable than the slump test for assessing concrete workability. It offers quick results and can be performed directly on-site, making it a practical alternative in construction settings.

What is a Kelly clamp used for?

A Kelly clamp is a device used in conjunction with the Kelly Ball Test to measure the penetration depth of the metal ball into fresh concrete. It helps in accurately assessing the workability and consistency of the concrete mixture.

What are the advantages of the Kelly Ball Test?

The Kelly Ball Test is advantageous due to its simplicity, speed, and ability to provide immediate feedback on concrete workability. It requires minimal equipment and can be conducted directly on freshly mixed concrete, making it highly practical for on-site evaluations.

Are there any disadvantages to using the Kelly Ball Test?

One notable disadvantage of the Kelly Ball Test is its limitation with larger aggregate particles, which can affect the accuracy of the results. Additionally, it may require a significant volume of concrete sample compared to other testing methods, which can be a practical constraint in some situations.

Is the Kelly Ball Test widely accepted internationally?

While the Kelly Ball Test was initially standardized in the United States and has seen some international use, it is not universally accepted in all countries. Standards and acceptance can vary, with some regions preferring alternative methods for evaluating concrete workability.

How is the penetration depth measured in the Kelly Ball Test?

The penetration depth in the Kelly Ball Test is measured using a graduated rod attached to the Kelly clamp apparatus. The depth is recorded where the ball has penetrated into the concrete, typically to the nearest 0.25 inch (6 mm), ensuring consistent and accurate measurements.

Can the Kelly Ball Test be used for different types of concrete mixtures?

Yes, the Kelly Ball Test is suitable for a wide range of concrete consistencies, including lightweight and heavyweight mixes. It provides reliable indications of workability across various concrete formulations, helping engineers and contractors assess and adjust mix designs effectively.