THE UNIVERSITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

BASc CIVIL ENGINEERING

CONS2012: CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS II
LABORATORY EXERCISE
This experiment was designed to demonstrate the effect of super plasticisers,
accelerators and retarders on concrete. The results of the experiment will be used
for calculations to fulfil this specific objective. Additionally, analysis and problem
solving skills will be tested.

Procedure
1. A concrete mixture is made.
2. The thoroughly mixed concrete is divided into five weighed portions.
3. Record in Table 1 below.
Table 1

Procedure 1
1. Perform a slump test on a portion of the concrete.
2. Cast three (3) cylindrical specimens labelled control.

Table 2. Control

THE UNIVERSITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

BASc CIVIL ENGINEERING
Procedure 2
1. Weigh an adequate mass of fresh concrete from the control mixture to
perform a slump test.
2. Determine the mass of cement in the portion.
3. Using the specification Sheet for the product, determine the minimum and
maximum dose.
4. Mix 18ml of SP430 in the concrete.
5. Perform a slump test.
6. Cast three (3) cylindrical specimens labelled SP 430.

Table 3a. Superplasticiser- Conplast SP 430

Table 3b. Superplasticiser- Conplast SP 430

Procedure 3
1. Weigh an adequate mass of fresh concrete from the control mixture to
perform a slump test.
2. Determine the mass of cement in the portion.
3. Using the specification Sheet for the product, determine the minimum and
maximum dose.
4. Mix 19ml of PC 405 in the concrete.
5. Perform a slump test.
6. Cast three (3) cylindrical specimens labelled PC 405.

Table 4a. Superplasticiser- PC 405

THE UNIVERSITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

BASc CIVIL ENGINEERING
Table 4b. Superplasticiser- PC 405

Procedure 4
1. Weigh a portion of fresh concrete from the control mixture.
2. Determine the mass of cement in the portion.
3. Using the specification Sheet for the product, determine the minimum and
maximum dose.
4. Mix ml of Conplast RP 264 in the concrete.
5. Cast three (3) cylindrical specimens labelled RP 264.
6. Set aside the remainder for observation.

Table 5a. Superplasticiser- Conplast RP 264

Table 5b. Superplasticiser- Conplast RP 264

THE UNIVERSITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

BASc CIVIL ENGINEERING
Procedure 5
1. Weigh a portion of fresh concrete from the control mixture.
2. Determine the mass of cement in the portion.
3. Using the specification Sheet for the product, determine the minimum and
maximum dose.
4. Mix ml of Conad CL in the concrete.
5. Cast three (3) cylindrical specimens labelled CL.
6. Set aside the remainder for observation.

Table 5a. Superplasticiser- Conad CL

Table 5b. Superplasticiser- Conad CL

THE UNIVERSITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

BASc CIVIL ENGINEERING
Discussion Questions

1. Compare the workability of the Control to SP 430 and PC 405.

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3. Compare and contrast the chemistry and properties of SP 430 and PC 405.
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4. What is the effect of the superplasticizers on the density of the concrete?

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THE UNIVERSITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

BASc CIVIL ENGINEERING
5. Compare and contrast the effects of RP 264 and CONAD CL to the control.
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Conclusions

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