OEL PROGRESS REPORT Week 7 (GEOTECHNICAL LAB)

1. Allan Lumberio Lim (BK15110025)

GROUP NO. 2. Khairi Azhar Bin Abdul Latiff (BK15110128)

3. Nur Amera Jerina Binti Roger (BK15110326)
11
Group Members: 4. Nurul Ariqah Binti Ispal (BK15110217)
5. Queenie Chia Tshin Rou (BK15110332)

Group Leader: Khairi Azhar Bin Abdul Latiff [+60-11 3697 1896]

Date of Submission April 2nd 2017 (Sunday)

A: Explain the Project Resources (waste materials) that have been & have yet to be collected so far.

Coconut coir is our main cement replacement which we obtained from local market. It is a natural fiber
extracted from the coconut husk, the fibrous material found in between the hard-internal shell and outer
coat of coconut. Coconut coir waste is found abundantly here because it is an indigenous plant here and
coconut extract itself is a part of local daily diet here in Malaysia. Advantages of using coconut coir as
cement replacement are eco-friendly, biodegradable material, locally available and cheap. So far, we have
managed to collect coconut waste that produces 13% of our total cement usage for this project.

B: Explain the lab preparation of the waste material that have been conducted in the lab (Ex: Burning,
sieving, etc).

1. After the coconut coir was obtained, the coconut coir was sun dried for 24-hours to remove any
moisture in it.
2. The coconut coir was subjected to the uncontrolled combustion using open burning until all the
coir turned to ash.
3. The ashes were collected and let it cooled for 24 hours.
4. The burnt coconut coir was sieved through a BS sieve of 0.075 mm.
5. The passing ashes were collected.
 OEL PROGRESS REPORT Week 7 (GEOTECHNICAL LAB)

C: List the lab experiment of the material that have been conducted so far. Detail the purpose of the lab
experiments.

Experiment Aggregate 1: Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate

The experiment of Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate is an experiment that
helps in determining the specific gravity (bulk and apparent) and absorption capacity of coarse aggregate.
The experiment was conducted by first weighing the test sample A, which was 4000g of aggregate that
have no particles size less than 4.75mm in grams. Aggregate was later immersed in water at room
temperature for a period of 24 hours. Water were then removed from the sample by rolling it in large
absorbent cloth until visible film of water on sample were removed and saturated surface dry (SSD)
condition sample were obtained. The sample was weighed and its saturated surface dry weight, B (g) were
obtained. SSD sample obtained were placed in wire basket and its weight in water, C were determined
along with test sample during the weighting. After that, sample were removed from wire basket and the
sample were dried to a constant temperature of 110. ±5oC and were weighed, D. Absorption values and
specific gravity were calculated.

Experiment Aggregate 2: Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine Aggregate

The experiment of Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine Aggregate is an experiment that helps
in determining the bulk specific gravity and absorption fine aggregate. Test sample about 500g of fine
aggregate were first weighed, A and sample were covered in water by adding 6 percent moisture to the
sample and stand for 24 hours. Next, the excess water was carefully removed to prevent loss of fine
aggregate. The sample were then spread on flat non-absorbent surface that were exposed to a gently
moving current of warm air and in order to secure homogenous dying, sample were stirred frequently.
Free-flowing condition were achieved by stirring it continually and sample reached dry surface condition
which is known as the saturated surface dry (SSD). Sample were weighed, B. Water were filled to the top
in pycnometer and weighed, C. After weighed, part of the water was removed and SSD sample poured
into pycnometer. Additional water was filled to approximate of 90 percent of its capacity and air bubbles
were removed by rolling, inverting and agitating the pycnometer. Water level in pycnometer were
calibrated to its capacity and total weight of water and pycnometer was weighed, D. Lastly, sample were
removed from pycnometer and left to dry to constant weight at temperature of 110. ±5oC and cooled
and weighed, E. Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate were calculated.
 OEL PROGRESS REPORT Week 7 (GEOTECHNICAL LAB)

Experiment Aggregate 3: Unit Weight and Voids in Aggregate

Unit weight and voids in aggregate experiment was carried out in order to determine the unit
weights of and voids in a sample of coarse aggregates. Air void in the experiment is known as the space
filled with air. The cylindrical metal measure weight was weighed and one-third full of the dry sample
were poured into it. 25 strokes were made by rodding the layer aggregate by not striking the rod to the
bottom of the measure. The cylindrical metal measure was filled to third full and levelled and rod again
25 strokes. Measure was filled overflowing and rod 25 strokes. After completion, surface of the
aggregates was levelled with a finger and rod tamped so any slight projection of larger pieces of coarse
aggregate approximately balanced the larger voids in surface below the top of the cylindrical metal
measure. The cylindrical metal measure with aggregate was weighed and net weight of aggregate, A
found. Unit weight(B), void content calculated with the formula,

𝑆×𝑊 − 𝐵
𝑉𝑜𝑖𝑑 (%) = ×100
𝑆×𝑊

Experiment Aggregate 4: Total Moisture Content and Surface Moisture Content of Aggregate
The purpose of the total moisture content and surface moisture content of aggregate experiment
conducted was to obtained the percentages of total moisture and surface moisture in a sample of
aggregate. 400g of coarse aggregate were first weighed(A), and it was dried to a constant weight in an
oven at 110oC for about 24 hours and cooled. The dried sample of 500g fine aggregate were then weighed
(B) and the moisture content were calculated by using the formula.
𝐴−𝐵
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑀𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 = ×100
𝐵

𝑆𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑀𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑀𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 − 𝐴𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

Experiment Aggregate 5: Sieve Analysis of CA

Sieve analysis of CA was carried out to determine the particle-size distribution and fineness
modulus of coarse aggregate (CA) by sieving. A 5 kilograms’ coarse aggregate were dried to a constant
weight at a temperature of 110oC and was weighed accurately. The empty sieve and pan were also
weighed. Suitable sieve was nested in the order of decreasing size opening from the top to the bottom.
The weighed sample was placed on top of the empty sieve. Lid was placed on top of the sieve. Mechanical
 OEL PROGRESS REPORT Week 7 (GEOTECHNICAL LAB)

shaker agitated the sieves for 10 minutes and after it stop, the sample retained with sieve were weighed
and the weight retained on each sieve were recorded. The total weight of the aggregate after sieving were
checked and calculated properly with the original weight of the aggregate to make sure the amount of
differs not more than 0.3 percent based on the original weight. The percentage coarser and percentage
passing were calculated and a particle distribution chart was drawn along with the calculation of fineness
modulus and average size of aggregate were calculated and recorded.

Experiment Aggregate 6: Sieve Analysis of Fine Aggregates

This experiment was conducted to determine particle-size distribution and fineness modulus of
fine aggregate by sieving. 500g of fine aggregate were dried at a temperature about 110C. Then, the dry
sample, the empty sieves of No.140, No.60, No.50, No.40, No.30, and No.18 and the pan were weight and
all the values were recorded. Next, the sample was sieved in the mechanical shaker for about 10 minutes.
Finally, the weight of sample that retained in each of the sieves were determined by weighing and the
percentages coarser than the fineness modulus and the average size of the sample were calculated.

Experiment Cement 1: Soundness Test

This experiment was conducted to determine the expansion of the cement. 100g of cement was
mixed with enough amount of water to give a paste of standard consistence. A mould was then placed on
a glass and filled with the cement paste that has been prepared earlier. The split of the mould was gently
closed during the process of filling the mould. Then, another glass was placed on top of the mould with a
small weight on the glass. The whole was then immersed in water immediately at a temperature of 20C 

and left there for 24 hours. After that, the mould was removed from the water and the distance separating
the indicator point was measured. The mould was immersed again in water and brought to boil for 1 hour.
Next, the mould was removed from the water and allowed to cool. Finally, the distance separating the
indicator point was measured.

Experiment Cement 2: Strength Test of Cement

This experiment was conducted to determine the compressive strength of mortar of known mix
proportions using 2-in (50mm) cube specimens. Thin layer of mineral oil was applied to the inside of 50mm
cube specimens. The mould was then filled with mortar (by part), and tamped 32 times in about 10s in
 OEL PROGRESS REPORT Week 7 (GEOTECHNICAL LAB)

four round. Flat side of the trowel was used to smooth off the cube. Next, the specimen was transferred
to the moist room. Day later, the specimen was removed from the mould and kept for testing age (28
days). After 28 days, the specimen will be used for compressive strength.

Experiment Concrete 1: Mixing of Fresh Concrete

The mixing of concrete was conducted using hand-mix. The design mix used was 1:2:3 where 1
represented the cement, 2 represented the fine aggregate and 3 represented the 20-mm coarse
aggregate. It was conducted by adding ½ of the 20-mm coarse aggregate, followed by the fine aggregate
and then the remaining ½ coarse aggregate and hand-mixed them using scope. It was then followed by
adding the cement and the mixture of all dry materials were hand-mixed. Slowly, water was added until
the mixture became paste. The process was repeated for the 13% replacement of cement with CCA, by
adding the CCA with the mixture of dry materials before making it into paste. After completing the
process, workability test or slump test was conducted to check its workability.

Experiment Concrete 2: Casting of Fresh Concrete

Three types of mould; 3 cubes, one cylinder, and one prism were coated with oil. Next, the moulds
were filled with concrete (in three layers) and each layer were compacted by using vibrating table. After
the top layer has been compacted, it level was smoothed with the top of the mould, and the outside of
the mould was wiped clean. We wrote the date and our group name so that easier for us to identify the
cube, prism and cylinder. The concrete was left undisturbed for 24 hours at a temperature 20±2 °C and
then demould. The samples then transferred to a curing tank containing clean water for curing until
testing 2, 7 and 28 days as specified. We applied the same method and procedure of casting for our
samples with 5% of coconut coir ash. The purpose of casting is to shape the cement according to what
kind of mould shape we use. Meanwhile for curing is to maintain the moisture levels inside cast concrete
so that hydration can continue. As long as free moisture and dehydrated cement exist inside the concrete,
the strength, hardness and density will gradually increase.
 OEL PROGRESS REPORT Week 7 (GEOTECHNICAL LAB)

Experiment Concrete 3: Workability Test (Slump Test)

The internal surface of the mould was ensure to be clean and placed on a smooth, horizontal,
rigid, and non-absorbent surface free from vibration and shock. The mould was filled with concrete in
three layers, each approximately 1/3 of the height of 
the mould. Each layer was tamped with 25 strokes
of the tamping rod. After the top layer has been tamped, the concrete level was strike off at the top of
the 
mould with a rolling motion of the tamping rod. The mould was removed from the concrete by raising
it vertically, slowly and carefully. Immediately after the mould is removed, the slump was measured. We
applied the same method and procedure of workability test of for our samples with 5% of coconut coir
ash. The purpose of conducting this experiment is to measure the consistency of the concrete before it
sets. It is performed to check the workability of freshly made concrete, and therefore the ease with which
concrete flows. It can also be used as an indicator of an improperly mixed batch.

D: Summarize the results of the lab experiments conducted in part C. Submit available attachment to
support the report.

Experiment Aggregate 1: Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate

No Sample Weight (g) Result

1 A 4000
2 B (SSD) 4046
3 C (sample + water) 2446
4 D (oven-dry sample) 4005

Result
Bulk specific gravity, dry= 𝐴
2.500
𝐵−𝐶
Bulk specific gravity, SSD= 𝐵
2.529
𝐵−𝐶
Apparent specific gravity= 𝐷
2.569
𝐷−𝐶
Absorption= 𝐵−𝐷
𝑥 100 1.02%
𝐷
 OEL PROGRESS REPORT Week 7 (GEOTECHNICAL LAB)

Experiment Aggregate 2: Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine Aggregate

No Sample Weight (g) Result

1 A 500
2 B (SSD) 508
3 C (pycnometer + water) 1570.3
4 D (pycnometer + sample + water) 1889.5
5 E (oven-dry sample) 495.7

Result
Bulk specific gravity, dry= 𝐴
2.648
𝐶 +𝐵−𝐷
Bulk specific gravity, SSD= 𝐵
2.691
𝐶 +𝐵−𝐷
Apparent specific gravity= 𝐸
2.829
𝐶+𝐸−𝐷
Absorption= 𝐵−𝐸
𝑥 100 2.48%
𝐸

Experiment Aggregate 3: Unit Weight and Voids in Aggregate

1. For coarse-aggregate:
Volume of cylindrical metal measure (m³) 1.47×10−2
Cylindrical metal measure (g) 1500
Cylindrical metal measure + coarse aggregate (g) 29710 30 cm
Coarse aggregate (g) 28210

Result
Bulk specific gravity, dry, S 2.500 25 cm

Unit weight (kg/m³), B 1919.05

Unit weight of water (kg/m³), W 999
𝑆𝑥𝑊−𝐵
Void (%) = 𝑥 100 23.16%
𝑆𝑥𝑊
 OEL PROGRESS REPORT Week 7 (GEOTECHNICAL LAB)

2. For fine-aggregate:
Volume of cylindrical metal measure (m³) 2.36x10−3
Cylindrical metal measure (g) 7003
30 cm
Cylindrical metal measure + coarse aggregate (g) 9470
Coarse aggregate (g) 2467

Result 10 cm
Bulk specific gravity, dry, S 1.090
Unit weight (kg/m³), B 1045.34
Unit weight of water (kg/m³), W 999
𝑆𝑥𝑊−𝐵
Void (%) = 𝑥 100 4.0%
𝑆𝑥𝑊

Experiment Aggregate 4: Total Moisture Content and Surface Moisture Content of Aggregate

1. For coarse-aggregate

Result
Weight of coarse aggregate, A(g) 400
Weight of dried sample, B (g) 393
𝐴−𝐵
Total moisture content = 𝑥100 1.78%
𝐵

Surface moisture content (TMC-absorption) 0.76%

2. For fine-aggregate
Result
Weight of fine aggregate, A(g) 500
Weight of dried sample, B (g) 487
𝐴−𝐵
Total moisture content = 𝐵
𝑥100 2.67%

Surface moisture content (TMC-absorption) 0.19%

 OEL PROGRESS REPORT Week 7 (GEOTECHNICAL LAB)

Experiment Aggregate 5: Sieve Analysis of Coarse Aggregate

Weight of coarse aggregate= 5000 g

Sieve size Weight Percentage Cumulative Percentage

(mm) retained (g) retained (%) retained (%) passing (%)
25.0 25 0.5 0.5 99.5
20.0 490 9.8 10.3 89.7
5.00 4296 85.92 96.22 3.78
2.36 65 1.3 97.52 2.48
1.40 18 0.36 97.88 2.12
Pan 106 2.12 100 0
 OEL PROGRESS REPORT Week 7 (GEOTECHNICAL LAB)

Experiment Aggregate 6: Sieve Analysis of Fine Aggregate

Weight of coarse aggregate= 500 g

Sieve size Weight Percentage Cumulative Percentage

(mm) retained (g) retained (%) retained (%) passing (%)
1.00 18 3.6 3.6 96.4
0.60 23 4.6 8.2 91.8
0.425 37 7.4 15.6 84.4
0.30 237 47.4 63.0 37.0
0.212 29 5.8 68.8 31.2
0.10 91 18.2 87.0 13.0
Pan 65 13.0 100.0 0

Experiment Cement 1: Soundness Test

Soundness Cold water 20°C Boiling water 100°C

(Beginning=30 mm) Sample= 32 mm Sample= 34 mm
Expansion (mm) +2 mm +4 mm
 OEL PROGRESS REPORT Week 7 (GEOTECHNICAL LAB)

Experiment Cement 2: Strength Test of Cement

The result will be obtained within 28 days from casting, which will be on 15th of April 2017.

Experiment Concrete 1: Mixing of Fresh Concrete

Design-Mix= 1:2:3

1. For 0% replacement
Cement Sand Coarse aggregate 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
𝐶𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡
Unit

Mould Volume Weight Volume Weight Volume Weight (0.5%)

(m³) (kg) (m³) (kg) (m³) (kg) (kg)
Cube 3 5.01x10−4 0.7214 10.02x10−4 1.0688 15.03x10−4 2.3447 3.6x10−3
Cylinder 1 3.93x10−4 0.5659 7.87x10−4 1.2592 11.8x10−4 1.8408 2.8x10−3
Prism 1 8.33x10−4 1.1995 1.67x10−4 2.6720 25x10−4 3.900 6.0x10−3

Material Total weight +

15% wastage (kg)
Cement 2.8598
Sand 5.7500
20-mm coarse aggregate 9.8063

2. For 13% replacement with CCA

20-mm Coarse 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
Cement Sand
aggregate 𝐶𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡
Unit

Mould (0.5%)
Volume Weight Volume Weight Volume Weight
(m³) (kg) (m³) (kg) (m³) (kg) (kg)

Cube 3 4.26x10−4 0.6134 10.02x10−4 1.0688 15.03x10−4 2.3447 3.6x10−3

Cylinder 1 3.34x10−4 0.4810 7.87x10−4 1.2592 11.8x10−4 1.8408 2.8x10−3
Prism 1 7.08x10−4 1.0196 1.67x10−4 2.6720 25x10−4 3.900 6.0x10−3
 OEL PROGRESS REPORT Week 7 (GEOTECHNICAL LAB)

Weight of CCA added Material Total weight +

Mould Unit 15% wastage (kg)
(kg)
Cement 2.4311
Cube 3 0.0939 Sand 5.750
Cylinder 1 0.0491 20-mm coarse aggregate 9.8063
CCA 0.3437
Prism 1 0.1559

Experiment Concrete 2: Casting of Fresh Concrete

The casting process was conducted after mixing of the fresh concrete. The moulds used are 3 units of
cubes, 1 unit of cylinder, and 1 unit of prism.

Experiment Concrete 3: Workability (Slump Test)

Replacement Reading (mm) Remarks

0% 70 Medium workability
13% 62 Medium workability
 OEL PROGRESS REPORT Week 7 (GEOTECHNICAL LAB)

E: Attachment (if any)

Figure 1 - Group 11 Team members

(From left: Khairi Azhar, Queenie Chia, Nur Amera Jerina, Nurul Ariqah, Allan Lumberio)

Figure 2 - Burning of Coconut Coir

OEL PROGRESS REPORT Week 7 (GEOTECHNICAL LAB)

Figure 3 - Sieving process

Figure 4 - Sieved CCA

OEL PROGRESS REPORT Week 7 (GEOTECHNICAL LAB)

Figure 5 - Weighing of Materials

Figure 6 - Mixing of Fresh Concrete

OEL PROGRESS REPORT Week 7 (GEOTECHNICAL LAB)

Figure 7 - Slump Test

Figure 8 - Slump Test result

OEL PROGRESS REPORT Week 7 (GEOTECHNICAL LAB)

Figure 9 - Casting

Figure 10 - Vibrating
OEL PROGRESS REPORT Week 7 (GEOTECHNICAL LAB)

Figure 13 - After demoulding of formwork (before curing)

Figure 12 - Reading of cement expansion for Soundness

Test of Cement