What is the consequence of not following the specified slump tolerances on a job site?

Not adhering to the specified slump tolerances on a job site primarily leads to potentially poor quality concrete. Slump refers to the consistency or workability of fresh concrete and is crucial for ensuring that the concrete is mixed correctly for its intended use. If the slump is too high, the concrete may be too fluid, leading to segregation, bleeding, and a weaker final product. Conversely, if the slump is too low, the concrete may be too stiff, making it difficult to work with and potentially leading to incomplete filling of forms or inadequate consolidation.

Proper slump tolerances are essential to achieve the desired strength, durability, and performance of the concrete once it hardens. Poor quality concrete can result in structural issues, durability problems, and may even necessitate costly repairs or replacements down the line, affecting the overall integrity of the project. Hence, maintaining the specified slump tolerances is critical to ensure the quality of the concrete used in construction.