Lab Experiments

Experiments in Concrete Technology: Semester III
INDEX
Sr. Page
Experiment Date Sign
No. No.
Cement
1 Fineness of Cement by Dry Sieving
2 Standard Consistency
3 Initial & Final Setting Time
4 Soundness of Cement
5 Compressive Strength of Cement
Aggregate
6 Bulk Density of Aggregate
7 Bulking of Sand
8 Sieve Analysis
Concrete
9 Effect of Water/ Cement Ration on Slump
10 Effect of W/C Ration on Compaction Factor
11 Effect of W/C Ration on Vee-bee-Test
Effects of W/C Ration on compressive

12
Strength of Concrete
Effects of W/C Ration on flexure Strength of

13
Concrete
Effects of W/C Ration on Tensile Strength of

14
Concrete
Civil Engineering , S. R. Patel Engg. College, Dabhi Page 1

Cement
Cement is a material with adhesive & cohesive properties. Cement, when
mixed with mineral fragments & water, binds the particles into a compact whole,
this description includes a large number of cementing materials. For the purpose
of construction works, the cement is used to bind stones, sand, bricks, etc. Our
study is limited to cement used for construction works, particularly for concrete
work.
Cement is the most important and costly as ingredient of all great. Joseph
Aspadin of U.K. invented it in 1924. He named it Portland cement because the
hardened concrete made out of cement, fine Aggregates, coarse Aggregate and
water in definite proportions resembled the natural stone occurring at Portland in
England. The materials, which set & harden in the presence of water are said to
possess, hydraulic properties. As cement gets strength due to chemical action
between cement and water (known as hydration) and its ability to harden
underwater, it is also known as hydraulic cement.
Portland cement is manufactured by grinding together calcareous

(limestone or chalk) and argillaceous (shale or clay) in dry or wet condition. The
mixture is burnt in a kiln to 13000 – 15000 C where it sinters and produces small
clinkers. Clinkers (of nodular shape) are called and mixed with above 2% gypsum
to avoid flash setting (to delay the chemical action when water is added). The
mixture is ground to required fineness in ball mills to get the finer product as
cement. One bag of cement masses to 50 kg is equivalent to 34.5 liters
(1440kg/m3).
For using the Portland cement to produce high strength concrete (M35 and
above) for specialized works, high strength cement is required. Bureau of Indian
Standards has therefore introduced three different grades of ordinary Portland
cement. Consequently ordinary Portland cement is now available in three

different grades.
Grade 33 (I.S.: 269-1989)
Grade 43 (I.S.: 8112-1987)
Grade 53 (I.S.: 12269-1987)
The grade indicates the compressive strength of cement at 28 days curing. By

altering Proportion o ingredients o cement various types of cements can be
prepared. Physical properties of a few types of cement are given table-I
Field Testing of Cement

AIM: Field test to verify quality o cement.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM:
Four sample of cement are given, find out:
1. Which cement has setting and hardening action impaired?
2. Which cement is adulterated?
3. Which cement is unsound?
4. Which cement is of good quality?
MAIN EQUIPMENTS:
1. Stove 2. Enameled trays 3. Test tubes. 4. Glass tumbler. 5. Measuring steel rule.
Table-I: Specification for Physical Properties of Portland cement

IS: 269 IS:8112 IS:12269 IS: IS:8041
Properties Ordinary Ordinary Ordinary 12600 Rapid
Sr. Grade Grade 53Grade Low Hardening
No. Heat
Fineness:-
1.
Residue by mass on 10 10 10 5 5
I.S. Sieve 90µ not to
exceed percent.
Specific surface ( 225 225 225 320 325
2
m /kg) by air
permeability
method, not less
than
Setting Time (In min) :-
2.

Initial setting time 30 30 30 60 30

not less than
Final setting time not 600 600 600 600 600
more than
Compressive Strength (N/mm2) of 1:3 Cement mortar cube:-
3.
At 1 day (24 hr.+ 30 - - - - -
min.) not less than
At 3 days (72 hr.+ hr.) 16 22 27 10 27`
not less than
At 7 days (168 hr.+ 22 33 37 16 -
hr.) not less than
At 28 days (672 hr.+4 33 43 53 35 -
hr.) not less than
Soundness:-
4.
By Le-Chatelier 10 10 10 10 5
method specimen
shall not have an
expansion of more
than, (mm)
By Auto Clave 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.6
method specimen
shall not have an
expansion of more
than, (percent)
Heat o Hydration (KJ/kg):-
5.
At 7 days, not more - - - 272 -
than
At 28n days, not - - - 314 -
more than
Note: - Tests should be carried out in accordance with IS: 4031- parts to XV.
(Method of physical test for hydraulic cement)
PROCEDURE:
A. Setting and hardening action:

1. Prepare three small pats, each 75×75 × 25 mm in size from the sample given with
28% water by weight.
2. Prepare similar number of pats with food quality cement.
3. Cover the pats with moist cloth for 24 hours.

4. Try to make thumbnail impression. Good quality cement will resist this
impression.
5. If the cement does not resist this impression, then continue curing up to 48 hours,
after which try to break it with pressure of thumb. Bad quality cement will easily
break under the pressure. Such cement should be tested in a laboratory.
6. If 48 hours test shows improvement in hardening, but does not attain hardness
comparable with genuine cement, a further trial should be made after 72 hours of
curing. If the only defect in the cement under test is its slow setting quality, it will
become as strong as the genuine cement in this third test.
B. Detection of adulteration:
1. Take a small sample of doubtful cement on a steel plate and heat it thoroughly for
20 minutes on a stove. Adulterated cement will change its colo r on heating. In
genuine variety there will be no change in color
2. To detect adulteration with coal ash take a small quantity of doubtful cement in a
test tube or a container is half full.
3. Shake the container thoroughly and allow it to settle for few minutes.
4. Cement particle will settle down and ash particles will either be found on the
surface or held in suspension, because of their lightness then cement particles.
C. Ascertaining Soundness of Cement:
1. Make a pat of cement 75mm in diameter and 5mm thick and cure it with moist
cloth for 24 hours and then boiled in water for a period of 6 hours.
2. Observe the surface of the pat. If the cement is sound, the surface will not
developed any pattern of cracks. These cracks are thin and uniformly distributed
all over the surface.
PRECAUTION:
1. In a test for soundness of cement, the cracking o unsound cement should not be
confused with contraction cracks.
2. Contraction cracks developed during boiling where the cracks might have been
exposed to heat or drying winds. Contraction cracks are few well- defined cracks
running from edge to edge, and they do not anything wrong with the sample.
Test 1: Fineness of Cement by Dry Sieving

AIM: for a given sample of cement, determine the fineness of cement.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Strength development of concrete is the result of the reaction of water with

cement particles. The reaction always starts with the cement available at the
surface of particles. Thus larger the surface area available for reaction, greater is
the rate of hydration. Rapid development of strength requires greater degree of
fineness. Rapid hardening cement, therefore, requires greater degree of fineness.
The cement should be uniformly fine. If the cement is not uniformly fine, the
concrete made out of it will have poor workability and will required a larger
quantity of water while mixing. Also bleeding can occur i.e. even before the
concrete set water comes out of the surface due to settlement of concrete
particles.
However, too much fineness is also undesirable, because the cost of

grinding the cement to higher fineness is considerable. Finer cement deteriorates
more quickly when expose to air requires greater amount of gypsum for proper
retardation. Also amount of water requirement for the paste of standard
consistency is greater.
May number of particles should have size < 100µ. Smallest particle may
have size of 1.5µ. Average size of particle can be 10µ. Particle below 3µ plays
major role in one- day strength. Particles size from 3µ to 25µ plays important roll
in 28 days strength. For the commercial cement, 25 to 30% particle should be less
than 7µ in size. It is, hence, necessary to ensure certain amount of coarseness in
the cement, but maximum limit to this coarseness shell be as follow to obtain
minimum degree of grinding.
After sieving the cement on a standard 90µ I.S. test sieve, the residue by
mass shell not exceed 10% of ordinary Portland cement & 5% for rapid hardening
cement. There are three method of checking fineness of cement.
1. By dry sieving as described above,

2. Blaine air permeability method and
3. By wet sieving.
To study method 2 and 3 reference shall be made to I.S.: 4031.
MAIN EQUIPMENTS:
1. Simple mass balance.
2. I.S. Test sieve of 90µ (I.S.400-1962).
3. Trowel.
4. Tray 30mm X 30cm.
5. Bristle brush with 25cm handle
PROCEDURE:
1. Mass accurately 100 gm of cement and place it on a standard I.S. Sieve 90µ.
2. Break down any air set lumps in the sample with fingers, but do not rub on the
sieve.
3. Continuously sieve the sample by holding the sieve in both hands and giving a
gentle wrist motion or mechanical sieve shaker may be used for this purpose. The
sieving should continue for 15 minutes.
PRECAUTION:
1. The cleaning of the sieve should be done very gently with the help of a brush i.e.-
25mm or 40mm bristle brush with 25cm handle.
2. After sieving, the cement must be removed from the bottom surface o sieve
gently.
3. Simple balance should be checked before use.
4. Sieving must be carried out continuously.
OBSERVATION:
Sample-I Sample-II
100 100
Mass of cement – gms (M))
90/75 90/75
I.S. Sieve – Microns
15 15
Sieving time – Min
Mass Retained on sieve – gms(M1)
% Mass Retained on sieve = (M1/M) × 100
RESULTS:
CONCLUSION:
Test 2: Standard Consistency

AIM: For a given sample of cement- determine the percentage of water for
normal Consistency.

Cement paste of normal consistency is defined by percentage of water by

mass of cement which produces a consistency which permits a plunger of 10mm
diameter to penetrate up to a depth 5mm to 7mm above the bottom of Vicat’s
Mould.
Before performing the test for initial setting time, final setting time,
compressive strength, tensile strength and soundness of cement etc, it is
necessary to fix the quantity of water to be mixed to prepare a paste of cement of
standard consistency in each case. The quantity of water to be added in each of
the above mentioned experience bears a definite relation with the percentage of
water of standard consistency. This experiment is intended to find out for given
cement, the quantity of water to be mixed to give a paste of standard
consistency.
Percentage of water in cement paste “P” for standard consistency will vary
from cement & from batch to batch of the same cement, and the quantities of
water used in the test will very accordingly. Following are the quantities of water
required for various tests.
Quantity of water for setting time test expressed as percentage of mass of

cement = 0.85P.
Quantity of water for soundness test expressed as percentage of mass of cement

(Le-chatelier method) = 0.78P. And (Autoclave method) = P.
Quantity of water for compressive strength on 1:3 cement and standards and
mortar expressed as percentage of mass of dry cement & Aggregate where P is
percentage of water for standard consistency = (P/4 +3.0) %
MAIN EQUIPMENTS:
1. Vicat needle apparel with plunger of 10mm diameter and 50mm length, Massing
300g and Vicat’s mould.
2. Simple balance- capacity 1 kg.
3. Trowel.
4. Enamel tray.
5. Standard Spatula.
6. Thermometer (range 50o C).
7. Stop watch.
8. Non-porous plate.
PROCEDURE:
1. Mass 400gms of cement accurately and place it in the enamel tough.

2. To start with, add about 25% of clean water and mix it by means of the Spatula.
Care should be taken that the time of gauging is not less than 3 minutes and not
more than 5 minutes. The gauging shall be counted from the time of adding water
to the dry cement until commencing to fill the mould.
3. Fill the Vicat’s mould with this paste, the mould resisting on non –porous plate.
4. Make the surface of the cement paste in level with the top of the mould with the
trowel of 210gms mass. The mould should be slightly shaken to expel the air. .
5. Place this mould together with a non-porous plate under the rod – bearing
plunger. Adjust the indicator to show 0-0 reading when it touches the surface of
test block.
6. Release the plunger quickly, allowing it to sink in to the paste.
7. Prepare trial paste with varying percentage of water and test as describe above
until the needle penetrates 5mm to 7mm above the bottom of the mould.
8. Express this amount of water as percent by mass of the dry cement.
9. Room temperature at the time of testing shall be 25o to 29o C.
PRECACUTION:
1. Clean appliances should be used for gauging.

2. The temperature of cement and water & that of the test room at the time of the
test should be from 25o to 29o C.
3. In filling the mould, the operator’s hands and the blade of the gauging trowel
alone are used.
4. Fresh cement should be taken for each trial.
OBSERVATION:
Sr. Quantity of water added % By mass of Penetration from

No. cement bottom of the
mould mm
Cement grade_______ OPC
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

CONCLUSION:
Percentage of water by mass of cement required for preparing a cement paste
of standard consistency.
Grade of cement Consistency observed
33
43
53


Test 3: Initial & Final Setting Time

AIM: Given a sample of cement, determine the initial & final setting time of the
sample.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION.
When water is mixed with cement to from a paste, reactions starts. In its pure
form, the finely found cement is extremely sensitive to water. Out of the three
main compounds viz. C3A, C3S and C2S, C3A reacts quickly with water to produce
jelly like compound, which starts solidifying. This action of changing from one
fluid state to a solid state is called Setting. It should not be confused with
hardening, which reference to the gaining of strength of a set cement paste.
During the next stage of hydration, cement paste starts hardening owing to
the reaction of C3S and C2S and the paste gains strength. In the first few minutes
the setting action is more predominant & after some time hardening action
becomes rapid.'
In practice, such solidifying action or loss of plasticity is required to be

delayed because some time is needed for mixing, transporting and placing of
concrete in the final position before the makes losses its plasticity due to setting
action.
. It is usually specified that plastic concrete should be placed and

consolidated before initial set has occurred, it should not than be disturbed until
concrete has hardened. This initial setting time should not be too small and
therefore the standards specify minimum initial setting time.
Once initial stiffening of concrete has taken place, it is desirable that it

should harden or gain strength as rapidly as possible, so that there is minimum of
delay before shuttering can be removed and risk of frost damage· is minimized.
Standards therefore specify maximum value of final setting time. .
It is not possible, however, in practice to exactly locate the initial setting

time and final setting time. The Indian Standards have selected to arbitrary points,
which relate strength of cement to time from adding water.
Initial setting time is defined as the period elapsing between time when the
water is added to the cement and the time at which the needle of 1 mm2 section
phase to pierce the test block to a depth of about 5 mm from the bottom of the
Vicat's .mould. This test enables us to detect deterioration of cement due to
storage and to distinguish between quick setting and normal setting times of

cement. The minimum initial setting time specified by BIS for ordinary and rapid
hardening cements 30 minutes and for low heat cement 60 minutes.
The final setting time is defined as the period elapsing between the time
when the water is added to the cement and the time at which the needle of 1
mm2 with 5mm diameter attachment makes an impression on the test block,
while the attachment fails· to make an impression on the
test block; The maximum time specified for final set for all the above~ mentioned
Portland cement is 600 minutes. For quick setting cement the initial setting time
should be less than 5 minutes and final setting time not more than 30 minutes.
Varying the quantity of gypsum in the cement can control setting time of cement.
.
MAIN EQIPMENTS:
1. Vicat's apparatus with mould and non-porous plate (glass or metal).

 Needle (C)
 Needle (F) as shown in the figure 1.
2. Balance (with mass box) capacity 1 kg.
3. Trowel of about 210 gm mass.
4. Enamel trough.
5. Standard spatula.
6. Stopwatch.
7. Thermometer Centigrade (00 to 1000 C)
8. Measuring cylinder-500ml.
PROCEDURE:
Determination of initial setting time:
1. Take 400 gm mass of the cement.

2. Prepare a neat cement paste by adding 0.85 times the percentage of water
required for standard consistency.
3. Start the stopwatch ~t the instant when water is added to the cement.
4. Fill the Vicat's mould with the cement paste prepared with the mould resting on
the non-porous plate. Gauging time not be less than 3 minutes and more than 5
minutes.
5. Fill the mould completely and smooth of the surface of the paste, making it level
with the top of the mould to give a test block
6. Place the test block confined in the mould and resting on the non-porous plate,
under the rod bearing the needle C.

7. Lower the needle gently till it comes in contact with the surface of the test block
and quickly release, allowing it to penetrate in to the test block and not the
penetration after every 2 minutes.
8. Repeat this procedure until the needle fails to pierce the block for about 5 mm,
±O.5 mm measured from the bottom of the mould. Stop the stopwatch arid note
the time, which is the initial setting time.
Determination of final setting time:
1. Replace the needle of the Vicat's apparatus bye the needle with· the circular
attachment.
2. Go on releasing the needle as described in step 7, till the needle makes an
impression there on, while the attachments fails to do so.
3. The time that elapses between the moments the water is added to the cement
and when the needle only makes an impression, shall be recorded as final setting
time for the cement under test.
PRECAUTION:
1. Needle must be cleaned each time before use.

2. Shift the position of the mould after recording the penetration reading so that the
penetration may not be at the same place.
3. Checkup the stopwatch for accuracy.
4. Clean appliances should be used for gauging.
5. Test block should be kept in 90% relative humidity and at 270 C ̊ ±720 ̊C and away
from draught.
OBSERVASION:
Quantity of cement = C = 400 gms. Water for standard consistency P =_______%
Water to be added 0.85 P × C = ________ ml.
Cement grade: _______ O.P.C.
Sr.
Initial setting time Final setting time
No.
Time Penetration from bottom Time Penetration from bottom of
of mould (mm) mould (mm)
(min) (min)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
CONCLUSION:

Test 4: Soundness of Cement

AIM: Determination of soundness of cement with Le- chatelier apparatus.
REFERENCE: IS. 269-1979
It is very important that cement after setting shall not undergo any
appreciable change of volume. The unsoundness of cement is caused by the
undesirable expansion of some of its constituents after setting large change in
volume result in disintegration and several cracking. The unsoundness is due to
presence of free lime, magnesia and sulphate. The free lime hydrates very slowly
because it is covered by thin film of cement, which prevents directs contact
between lime and water. After setting time and moisture hydrates.
Unsoundness may reduce 6%
1. Mgo up to <0.5%
2. Fine grinding
3. Allowing the cement to acrate for several days
4. Through mixing
5. Magnesium up to 6%
Le-chatelier test for free time only but presence of magnesia cannot be indicated.
It is >3% soundness by Autoclave test.
MAIN EQUIPMENTS:
Le-chatelier apparatus, two glass plates
PROCEDURE:
1. 50 gms Of cement is weighted and quantity of water required is 0.78 time std.
consistency (0.78P) & mix it in standard manner.
2. Fill this mixture in to the mould and keep on the glass plate
3. The mould covered on the top with another glass plate.
4. The whole assembly immersed in water for 24 hrs at 27-32 degrees C
temperature.
5. Measure the mould again in water, which is boiled at boiling temperature for 25-
30 min.
6. Keeps it boiling for 3 hrs.
7. Remove the mould from water and allow it to cool.
8. Measure the distance between indicator points.

OBSERVATION TABLE:
Initial distance Distance between Distance between

between indicator indicator after indicator after
(mm) submerging in submerging in Expansion of
water for 24 hrs boiling water for 3
(1) cement (4) = (3)-(2)
hrs(3)
(2)
RESULT: The expansion of ordinary Portland cement is _________________mm.
COCLUSION: The expansion of ordinary Portland, rapid, low heat cement should
not exceed 10 mm.


Test 5: Compressive Strength of Cement

AIM: For the given sample of cement determine compressive strength of cement.
REFERENCE: IS: 4031-1960, Method of physical test for hydraulic cement (Only for
compressive strength)
The compressive strength test is the final check on the quality of cement. The
compressive strength is measured by determining the compressive strength of
cement mortar cubes of 1:3 proportions, by mass. The fine Aggregate used is the
standard sand specified by I.S. 650-1966 (revised). The compressive test also
enables us to distinguish rapid hardening cement from low heat and ordinary
cement.
I.S.: 10262 have developed curves for strength of concrete v/s water cement
ratio corresponding to the compressive strength of cement. This test enables us
to distinguish cement of different strength and their use in making required
strength concrete.
MAIN EQUIPMENTS:
1. Cube vibration machine. 5. Cube methods 7.06 cm.(surface area 50cm2)
2. Trowel 6. Enamel trough.
3. Measuring cylinder 1000cc. 7. Balance.
4. Thermometer. - 8. Non –porous plate.
PROCEDURE:
1. The material for each use shall be mixed separately and quantity of cement,
standard sand and water are as follows: -
A). Cement 200gms.
B). Standard sand 600gms (three equal part from each size Le.200gms each).
C). Water (P/4 +3.0) % of combined mass of cement and sand.
2. Place on a non-porous plate. a mixture of cement and standard sand in the proper
proportion of 1:3 by mass as given above.
3. Mix it dry with a trowel for 1 minute and then with water until the mix is of
uniform color.
4. Mixing time should not be less than 3 minutes and not exceed 4 minutes
5. Oil the interior face of the mould.

6. Place the assembled mould on the table of vibration machine and firmly hold it in
position by means of suitable clamps.
7. Securely attach a hopper of suitable size and shape of the top of the mould to
facilitate
Filling and this hopper shall not be removed until completion of vibration period.
8. Immediately after mixing the mortar as· specified above. Place the entire quantity
of the mortar in the hopper of the cube mould and compact the same by vibration
for a period of about 2 minutes as speed of 1200+400 vibrations per minute.
9. Keep the cubes at room temperature for 24 hours after completion of vibration.
10. At the end of this period remove them from the mould & immediately submerge
in clean fresh water and keep there until taken out just prior to testing. The water
in which cubes submerge should be renewed after every 7 days. The cubes should
not be allowed to dry up before testing.
TESTING:
Test three cubes for compressive strength at the period mentioned below, the
period being reckoned from the completion of vibration. Ordinary Portland
cement and low heat Portland cement at3, 7, and 28 days and, rapid hardening
Portland cement at 1 and 3 days.
1. Place the test cube on the platform of compression testing machine without any
packing between the cube and the steel plates of the testing machine.
1. Apply the load steadily and uniformly starting from zero at a rate of 3.50
N/mm2/minute till the cube fails. .
2. Calculate· the compressive strength as specified under computations.
PRECAUTIONS:
1. All appliances should be clean.
2. The mixture will take more than 4 minutes of mixing should be rejected.
3. In assembling the mould cover the joints between the valves of the mould with a
thin film of petroleum jelly in order to ensure that no water escapes during
vibration.
4. Apply the load on specimen gradually.
5. The specimen should be immediately tested as soon as it is removed from the

curing tank.
OBSERVATIONS:
1. Size of sample=7.06x7.06x7.06cm.
2. Mass of cement=200gms.
3. Mass of standard (annore) sand - 600gms.
4. Mass of water = ((P/4) + 3)/100 x (Mass of dry Aggregate + cement).
RESULT:
Cement Load at Sample I Sample I Sample II Sample II Avg.𝝈

grade______ fracture
O.P.C. P P/A P P/A P P/A P P/A
3 days
7 days
28 days
CONCLUSION:
Referring to the specification of cement, the result indicated that the cement
satisfies/ does not satisfy the criteria.

AGGREGATES
Test 6: Bulk Density of Aggregate
AIM: To determine bulk density of loose and compacted Aggregates and
percentage voids.
REFERENCE: IS: 2386-1963part- IV
Bulk density is the mass of Aggregate required to fill a container of unit

volume; this unit volume therefore consists of solid material plus the volume of
voids and is measured in kg/m3. These values are required to convert the
quantity of Aggregate by mass to quantities by volume when volume batching is
adopted and vice versa.
Value of the bulk density of the Aggregate depends upon the amount of
efforts used to fill the container as densely as possible, size distribution, shape
and specific gravity. More graded the Aggregate greater is the bulk density.
Angular and flaky, shape of the material reduces the bulk density. Rounded shape
of the material gives higher bulk density. If this bulk density is carried frequently
on the site, the appreciable change in the value of the bulk density test is· at any
one time helps to detect the change in grading or the shape of the material and
enables the engineer on site to conduct further elaborate tests. If necessary, for
batching purpose where the materials are measures, the bulk density of the
"loose” material should be calculated.
When the bulk density test is carried out to detect the change in grading and
shape, the rodded bulk density test will have to be done to compare the results.
Also for comparison of results, size of two Aggregates to be compared should be
the same. This method helps us to find out void content in the sample of
Aggregate. The sample, which contains minimum voids or maximum bulk density~
is used for making economical mix.
MAIN EQUIPMENTS:
1. Balance sensitive up to 1.5% of the mass to be measured.
2. Cylindrical metal measures 3.15 and 30 liters capacity according to maximum
size of coarse Aggregate.
Coarse Aggregate Measure
4.75mm and under 3 liters

3.75mm to 40mm 15 liters
Over 40mm 30 liters
1. Tamping rod 16mm diameter and 60mm long, with one end rounded.
2. Container, trough, steel rules and measuring cylinder 250ml.
PROCEDURE:
Rodded Weight:
The test is normally carried out on dry material for determining the voids; but
when bulking tests are required, material with a given percentage of moisture
may be used. The mention of the condition must be made while noting
observations.
The measure selected according to the size of the Aggregate is filled out 1/3rd
full with the thoroughly mixed Aggregate.
The Aggregate is now tamped with 25 strokes of the rounded end of the
tamping rod:
A further similar quantity of Aggregate is added and a further tamping of 25

strokes given.
The measure is now finally filled to over flowing, tamped 25 times and the
surplus v struck off, using the tamping rod as straight edge. .
The net mass of the Aggregate in the measure is determined and the bulk
density is calculated in kg/liters, or kg/m2.
Loose weight:
The measure is filled to over flowing by means of a shovel or scoop, the being
discharged from height not exceeding 50mm above the top of the measure. Care
should be taken to avoid segregation of the particles.
The surface of the is then leveled with a straight edge.
The net mass of the in the measure is determined and the bulk density
calculated in' kg/liters or kg/m3.
OBSERVATIONS:
Volume=________________________ m3.

FA CA Mix FA+CA
by volume
Sample Sample- Sample- Sample- Sample- Sample-
I II I II I II
Condition of Aggregate
Dry/Surface dry/Moisture
Capacity of measure= V-M3
Mass of measure = M1kg
Mass of measure + Loose

Agg.= M2kg
Mass of measure+
compacted Agg.=M3 kg
Loose bulk density L=(M2-

M1)/ V kg/m3
Rodded Bulk density R=

=(M3-M1)/ V kg/m3
% Voids = (R-L) /R × 100
RESULT:
Rodded Bulk Density Loose Bulk Density
F.A. Kg/m3
C.A. Kg/m3
Mix Agg. Kg/m3
CONCLUSION:

Test 7: Bulking of Sand

AIM: To determine bulking of sand with varying moisture contents.
The presence of moisture necessitates correction of the actual mix

proportion. The mass of water added to the mix has to be decreased by the mass
of the free moisture in Aggregate and the mass of the Aggregates must be
increased by a like amount in case of sand there is a second effect of the presence
Of moisture; bulking. This is the increase in the volume of the given mass of dry
sand caused by the films of water pushing the sand particles apart by surface
tensile stresses. The bulking of sand should not effect the proportioning· of
materials by mass. In case of volume batching results in smaller mass of sand
occupying the fixed volume of the measured box. For this reason the mix
becomes deficient in sand honey combining. Also the yield of concrete is reduced.
The remedy, of course, lies in increasing the apparent volume of sand to allow for
bulking. In volume batching, the volume of sand should be corrected by
multiplying with bulking factor in mix proportion.
The extent of bulking depends of the percentage of moisture present in the

sand and on its fineness. Bulking increases gradually with moisture content, the
increase being 20% to 30% by volume to 5% to 8% moisture content by mass.
Upon further addition of water the films merge and the water moves into the
voids between the particles so that the total volume of the sand decreases until
when fully saturated (flooded) its volume is approximately same as the volume
of dry sand for the same method of filling the container. '
The size and the shape of the particles affect bulking affect bulking. Finer sand
bulks considerably more and reaches maximum bulking at higher water content
than does coarse sand. Extremely fine sand has been known to bulk as much as
40% at a moisture content of 10%, but such sand is in any case unsuitable for the
manufacturing of quality concrete
Since volume batching is not used for quality concrete. But correction has. to be
applied for moisture content in case of weigh batching for quality.
Coarse Aggregate shows only a negligible increase in volume due to presence

of free water, as the thickness of moisture films is very small compared with the
particle size.

MAIN EQUIPMENTS:
1000 cc and 100 cc measuring cylinders.
OBSERVATIONS:
Sr.No. Fine sand Coarse Sand
1. Initial volume of 500gm dry sand v1
2. Final volume of saturated sand
FINE SAND COARSE SAND
Sr. % Water Volume Bulking % Water Volume Bulking

added by moist sand factor added by moist sand
No. mass V2 V2/V1 mass V2 factor
v2 /v1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
RESULT:
% of bulking= { V2 - V1 } × 100
1. Maximum percentage of bulking of coarse sand is_______ % and bulking

factor________when moisture content is________ %

2. Maximum percentage of bulking of fine sand is________ % and bulking factor

________ when moisture content is________ %
COCLUSION:

Test 8: Sieve Analysis

AIM: To determine the grading of Aggregate and fineness modulus of coarse and
fine Aggregate by sieving them dry.
In cement mortar, Aggregate contains 55% of volume of mortar. While in

case of mass concrete, Aggregate contains 85% of volume of concrete. Size of
Aggregate used in concrete ranges from several cms to fraction of millimeters.
The maximum size actually used varies but in any mix, particles of different sizes
are incorporated, the particle' size distribution being referred to as grading. The
grading means the art of combining various sizes of particles composing the
Aggregates to produce dense and economic mixture using minimum cement per
unit volume for a given strength. The principle of grading is that smaller particles
fill up the voids between larger particles. .
Strength of concrete depends on Water/Cement ratio provided that mix is

workable. The most important factor for making concrete workable is well
gradation of Aggregates. Well-graded Aggregates mean least voids i.e. it will
required minimum paste to fill up voids. Less quantity of water and· cement is
used that means it will have more strength, durability and economy.
For the making of good quality concrete it is a common practice to use

Aggregate at least in two size groups, the main division being between fine
Aggregates often called sand not larger than 4.75 mm and coarse Aggregates,
which comprises of material at least (75mm in size. 4.75mm size sieve makes the
distinction between fine and coarse Aggregates.
Sieve analysis is carried out to test the grading of Aggregates. The Aggregates
are sieved successfully through the sieves. Confirming to I.S 460-1962. Sieve
analysis is the operation of dividing the sample of Aggregates into fraction, each
consist the particles of the same size.
The test sieves used for concrete Aggregates have square opening and their
properties are as per I.S. 460-1962. Sieves are described by the size of opening (in
mm) for larger sizes, and the microns for sieves smaller then 1.18mm size, one
micron being 10-6 meters.
All sieves are mounted in frames, which can rest. The material retained on
each sieve after shaking represents the fraction of Aggregates coarser than the
sieve in question but finer than the sieve used before 20mm diameter frame is
used for 4.75mm or smaller size and 30cm to 45cm diameter frames for 4.75mm
and larger sizes. 4.75 are dividing line between the fine and coarse Aggregates.
The sieves used for concrete Aggregates consist of a series in which the clear
opening in any sieve is one half of the opening of the next larger sieve size.
Sieving can be done either manually or mechanically .In the manual operation
the sieve is shaken giving movements in all possible directions to give chance to
all particles for passing.
Before the sieves analysis is performed the Aggregate sample has to be air
dried in order to avoid lumps of fine particles and to prevent clogging of finer
sieves. . .
The Aggregate are sieved successfully through each sieve given in table-1 and
the percentage· by mass retained on each sieve recorded in the tabular form;
Standard grading is given in table. 2 and 3 the Aggregates shall be described as
belonging to any of the grading zones based on the results obtained by the sieve
analysis.
The results of sieve analysis are also to be recorded graphically, ordinate

indicating percentage passing and abscissa indicating sieve size on logarithmic
scale. Logarithmic scale is used to represent sieve of large variation in size.
Fineness modulus of coarse and fine Aggregate is also determined. Fineness

modulus is defined as the sum of the cumulative % retained on the sieves of
standard series divided by 100. The fineness modulus is an empirical factor and
can be looked upon as the massed average size of a sieve on which the material is
retained, the sieves being counted from the finest. This can be used for measuring
slight variation in the Aggregate from the same sources a day-to-day check.
Smaller the value of fitness modulus finer is the sand. For good grade of concrete
fitness modulus of sand should be between 2.25-3.35 may not be satisfactory in
grading. Some fraction of particles may absent, which does not define well-graded
F.A.
For high- strength & durable concrete, sand from zone I to III can be used
but mix should be properly designed. For reinforced. Concrete sand of zone IV
should not be used. If course is used in concrete, it will result in harshness,
bleeding & segregation (i.e. stony mix) and if fine sand is used in concrete, water
requirement will be more & it affects durability of concrete.
Sieve analysis for coarse Aggregates shall be carried out on 9 sieves: (40 mm,
20 mm, 10 mm, 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600 micron, 300 micron and 150
micron). For fine Aggregate 6 sieves (4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600 micron,
300 micron and 150 micron) are used.

Table-1: Coarse Aggregate
% passing for single size Aggregates of % passing from

normal size(mm) graded Agg. Of
I.S. Sieve nominal size (mm)
(mm) 63 40 20 10 40 20
80 100 - - - 100 -
63 85-100 100 - - - -
40 0-30 85-100 100 - 95-100 100
20 0-5 0-20 85-100 - 30-70 95-100
10 - - 0.5-20 85-100 10-35 25-55
4.75 - - 0.5 0-20 0-5 0-10
Table-2:- Fine Aggregate: GRADING
Percentage passing for
I.S. Sieve Grading Zone 1 Grading Zone 2 Grading Zone 3 Grading Zone 4
10.00mm 100 100 100 100
4.75mm 90-100 90-100 90-100 90-100
2.36mm 60-95 75-100 85-100 95-100
1.18mm 30-70 55-900 55-100 90-100
600micron 15-34 35-59 60-79 80-100
300micron 5-20 8-30 12-40 15-50
150micron 0-10 0-10 0-10 0-15
For Crushed stone sand permissible % passing through 150 micron is 20%

MAIN EQUIPMENTS:
Set of sieves confirming to IS 460-1962, known quantities of coarse and fine

Aggregates.
PROCEDURE:
1. Massed quantities of materials shall be taken and sieved successfully through the
specified sieves. Sieves shall be cleaned before used.
2. Each sieve shall shake separately over a clean tray for a period of not less than 2
minutes. the shaking shall be done with motions backward and forwards, left to
right, circular clockwise and counter clockwise with frequent jarring, so that
material is kept moving over solve surface.·
3. On completion of sieving the material retained over each sieve together with any
4. Material cleaned from the mesh shall be massed on a balance and recorded. .
5. The percentage by mass retained by each sieve shall be calculated and the
results shall be recorded.
6. The cumulative %is calculated.
OBSERVATIONS:
Mass of Coarse Aggregate =________ kg. And Mass of fine Aggregate =

_________ kg.
Sieve Size Mass Cumulative Mass Cumulative % Cumulative %

Retained(gm) retained (gm) Mass retained Mass passing
(a) Fine Aggregate:
4.75mm
2.36mm
1.18mm
600 µ(0.06mm)
300µ (0.03mm)
150µ (0.015mm)

Below 150µ`
Total
Fineness modulus =
(b)Coarse Aggregate:
40mm
20mm
12.5mm
10mm
4.75mm
2.36mm
1.18mm
600µ
300µ
150µ
Below 150µ
Total
Fineness modulus =
CURVE: Draw grading curves for both the materials on semi log graph paper.

DISCUSSION: Specified limits of fineness modulus.
Maximum size of Aggregates Fitness Modulus
Minimum Maximum
Fine Agg. 2 3.5
Coarse Agg.
20mm 6 6.9
40mm 6.9 7.5
80mm 7.5 8.0
150mm 8.0 8.5
It may happen that in some cases the Agg. Is not uniformly graded but still may
confirm to the specified fineness modulus. So the fineness shall be taken as a
guide only.
RESULT:
Fine Aggregate Coarse Aggregate Comment
Fineness modulus
Confirm to limits?
Grading curve confirms to

specification?
CONCLUSION:

CONCRETE
SPECIFICATION FOR CONCRETE
CONCRETE:
GRADE: The concrete shall be in grades designated as per table-l. The

characteristic strength is defined as the strength of material below which not
more than 5% of the test results are expected to fall.
Table-1: Grades of Concrete
Grade Specification Characteristic Comp.
Designation Strength at 28 Days, fck (N/mm2)
M10 10
M15 15
M20 20
M25 25
M30 30
M35 35
M40 40
Note 1: - The designation of concrete mix, letter M refer to the mix and the
number the
Specified characteristic compressive strength of 150mm cube at 28 days

expressed in
N/mm2.
Note 2: - M 5 and M 7.5 grades of concrete may be used for learn concrete bases
and simple
Foundation for masonry wall. This mixes need not be designed (Lean
concrete means
Concrete with low cement content.)
Note 3: - Grades of concrete lower than M 15 shall not be used in reinforced

concrete.
PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE
Increase In Strength With Age:-
Where it can be shown that a member will not receive its full design
load/stress within a period of 28 days of the casting of the member (e.g. in
foundations and lower. columns of multi storied buildings) the characteristic
compressive strength given in table-l may be increased by multiplying the factors
given below:
Min. age of member when full design Age factor
Load/stress is expected (months)
1 1.0
3 1.1
6 1.15
10 1.2
Note 1: - No increase in respect of age at loading should be allowed where

high alumina cement concrete is used.
Note 2: - Where members are subjected to lower direct load during

construction. They should be checked for stress resulting from combination of
direct load and bending during construction.
Note 3: - The permission stresses of designed strength shall be based on the

increased value of compo Strength.
Tensile Strength of Concrete: -
The Flexural and split tensile strength shall be obtained as described in I.S.
5161959 and I.S 5816-1970 respectively. When the designer wishes to use an

estimate of the tensile strength from the compo Strength, the following formula
can be used.
Flexural strength= 0.7 X √𝑓𝑐𝑘 N/mm2,
Where 𝑓𝑐𝑘 = Characteristic compressive strength of concrete.
Elastic Deformation: -
The elastic primarily influences the modulus of elasticity properties of the

Aggregates and to a lesser extent by the conditions of curing and age of concrete,
the mixes proportions and the type of Cement. The modulus of elasticity is
normally related to the compressive strength of concrete.
In the absence of test data, the modulus of elasticity for structural concrete
may be assumed as follows:
Ec= 5700 X (𝑓𝑐𝑘 )
Where Ec= the shortest-term static modulus of elasticity in N/mm2
𝑓𝑐𝑘 = the characteristic cube strength of concrete in N /mm2
Nominal Mix Concrete: -
It may be used for the concrete of grade M5, M7.5, MIO, MI5 and M20. The
proportion of materials for nominal mix concrete shall be in accordance with
table-2.
Table-2:- Proportion for Nominal Mix concrete:
Grade Total qty. of dry Agg. By mass Proportion of fine Quantity of

per 50 Kg of cement, to be Aggregate to coarse Water per
of taken as the sum of the Aggregate 50 kg of
individual masses of fine and cement
Concrete (by mass)
coarse Agg. Maximum (kg)
(Liters)
M5 800 Generally 1:2 but 60

subject to an upper
M5 625 limit of 1:1.5 & a 45
lower limit of 1:2.5
M10 480 34
M15 350 32

M20 250 30
For an average grading of fine Aggregate (i.e. Zone II of table 4 of LS. 383-
1970) proportions shall be 1:1.5, 1:2, and 1:2.5 for max. Size of Aggregates 10mm,
20 mm and40mm respectively.
M15 Concrete:-
For 50 kg (1 bag) cement. Maximum mass of FA + CA = 350 kg.
I.e. for 1 kg cement, FA + CA = 7.0 kg (Maximum).
FA: CA = 1:2 =2.33 kg: 4.67 kg
Bulk density of cement = l.4kg/liter
FA & CA = 1.6 kg/liter
Proportion by mass = 1 kg: 2.33 kg: 4.67 kg
C FA CA
Multiply by 1.4 = 1.4 kg: 3 .26 kg: 6.54 kg
C FA CA
To get proportions by volume, divide by their respective bulk density
Limiting proportion by volume = 1: 2 : 4
(For M 15 concrete) C: FA : CA
. Limiting proportion by mass = 1: 2.33 : 4.67
(For M 15 concrete)

M 20 Concrete:-
For 50 kg (1 bag) cement, maximum weight of FA + CA = 250 kg.
I.e. For 1 kg cement FA + CA = 5 kg (Maximum) .
FA: CA = 1:2 = 1.7 kg: 3.3 kg
Multiply by 1.4 = 1.4 kg: 2.4 kg : 4.8 kg
C FA CA
To get proportions by volume, divide by their respective bulk density.
Proportions by volume = 1: 1.5: 3
(FA: CA=1:2) C FA CA
Proportions by mass = 1: 1.7: 3.3
(FA: CA = 1:2)

Test 9: Effect of Water/Cement Ratio on Slump

AIM: To determine slump for
1. M 15 conc. a) w/c = 0.55 b) w/c = 0.60 c) w/c = 0.65
2. M 20 conc. a) w/c = 0.45 b) w/c = 0.5 c) w/c = 0.55
Workability is the ease with which concrete mix flows to the remote comet of
the formwork. In more scientific terms it is the property of concrete, which
determines the amount of useful internal work necessary to produce full
compaction. For full compaction concrete mix processes 3 properties: Mobility,
Cohesiveness during movement of mix and absence of harshness is offering
smooth surface finish to toweling. Water is the most important single factor that
effects mobility, since it lubricates ingredient and reduces internal friction. But,
water cannot be increased indefinitely to increase mobility. Decreasing the
surface area by adopting coarser grading of Aggregate can reduce internal
friction. But too much coarseness may and to segregation and loss of
cohesiveness so essential for maintaining the homogeneity of the mix. In addition
to cement content there is a need to ensure the presence of fine particles passing
through 300 microns. Harshness of concrete can be eliminated, if there is
adequate proportion of mortar to fill in the voids in the' coarse Aggregates.
Proper ensuring of correct fine Aggregates to coarse Aggregates ratio is yet
another factor in obtaining good workability.
There are not tests available which measure all these properties
quantitatively. Out of' various tests available on workability, two' commonly
known tools viz. slump test and compacting factor test will be dealt with in the
experiment.
SLUMP TEST:
Slump test, the conduct of which will be described in the following

paragraph, gives a measure of workability of the mix in the terms of slump
observed after the subsidence of a concrete mix. One can get fairly good idea of
cohesiveness by gently tapping the platform on which the cone .stands. A good
cohesive mix subsides further without coarse Aggregates tending to fall out of the
mix during tapping. Harshness can be deleted by toweling the mix to obtain a
smooth surface. Harsh concrete is normally under sanded and does not give
smooth finish to the surface even with toweling under the pressure. Adequate
standard mix gives smooth finish with even light toweling.

LIMITATIONS:
Because of its simplicity in performing the experiment and its sensitivity to
changes in moisture content of the successive intended ingredient mixed, it is
widely used in the field for judging the workability.
This test has limitations. Slump observed strictly speaking has' no relation to
useful internal, work required for full compaction. Also large variations can be
obtained with the. Same concrete. Three types of slump are obtained: (a) True
slump (b) Shear slump (c) Collapse slump.
Collapse slump is normally obtained with lean, harsh or very wet mix. It is
difficult to measure slump when shear slump is obtained. Generally concrete
giving shear or collapse slump are considered unsatisfactory for placing. Rich
mixes normally behave than lean dry and very wet mixes.
CHOICE OF SLUMP
The slump observed during test is required to be compared to some

standard value of slump considered desirably for various types of placing and
vibrating conditions. Basically higher slump is chosen when vibration is done
manually, section are small or heavily reinforced. Also greater the normal, size of
Aggregate more slump is proffered.
Degree of Workability for Various Requirements as Suggested by CAI,

Bombay (Notes on design of concrete mixed by CAI-Bombay)
Requirements Slump(mm)
1.Vibrated concrete in walls or other large section 25
2.Mass concrete foundation without vibrations, simple 25-50
rein, sections with vibration
3.Sections with congested reinforcements not normally 50-100
Suitable for vibrations.
4.Sections with congested reinforcements not normally 100-75
Suitable for vibrations.

The table gives range of slumps to be aimed at as a rule lower limits of the
ranges are preferable. But in case of difficult placing conditions, it is better to aim
at the higher limit of the range.
USE OF SLUMP TEST:
The slump test is very useful on site to keep check on day-to-day. Hour-to-
hour variation in the materials fed into the mixes. Increase in slump may indicate
unexpected increase in the moisture content of the Aggregate. Or it may indicate-
change in grading or aggregate. e.g.: deficiency of sand, or change in shape of the
Aggregate. Too high or too low slump gives immediate warning to the operator
and enables him to remedy the situation.
For dry mixes, with very low water cement ratio, the slump test gives zero slumps
and is not useful for concrete of high strength. This test should not be used to
compare workability of mixes of different proportions of Aggregate, as the results
might be misleading.
MAIN EQUIPMENTS:
1. Mould in form of a frustum of a cone (called slump cone),
2. Tamping rod (16mm diameter, 600mm long, rounded at one end),
3. Trough,
4. Trowel,
5. G.I. Plain Sheets,
6. Steel scale

PROCEDURE:
(A):
The internal surface of the mould is thoroughly cleaned and freed from
superfluous moisture and set concrete, if any, before commencing the test.
1. The mould is placed on a smooth, horizontal, rigid and non-absorbent surface,

such as a
Carefully leveled metal plate.
2. The mould is held firmly in place before the concrete is filled in
3. Concrete under test is filled in the mould in four layers and each layer is
approximately. One quarter of the height of the mould. Each layer is temped with
25 strokes of the Round end of the tamping bar. The stroke should be distributed
over the entire area of mould.
4. After the top layer has been rodded, the concrete should be struck off level
with a trowel
or the tamping rod so that the mould is exactly filled. All mortar which have
leaked out
between the mould and the basic plate is cleaned away .
5. The mould is immediately raised from the concrete slowly and carefully in
a vertical
direction. This allows the concrete to subscribe and the slump is measured
immediately
by determining the difference between the height of the mould and that
the highest point
of specimen being tested in mm.
(B):
To verify the effects of FA/CA ratio, total Aggregate/cement ratio: observe

effects of w/c
ratio on slump:

1. Assume suitable proportion say 1 :2:4 and 1 :2:5:3:5 by volume or by mass.
2. Calculate ingredients for 3kg batch of cement. .
3. Make three trials and measure slump and observe workability harshness and
cohesiveness.
PRECAUTIONS:
1. Test shall be carried out at a place free from vibration or shocks and within a
period of two minutes after mixing if it is a field test. For laboratory test, reliable
results. Corresponding to site conditions can be obtained if slump test is carried
out 10 minutes after mixing.
2. If slump collapses of shears off laterally, test may be repeated and if again ~me
results are obtained, the fact should be recorded and slump measured.
OBSERVATION:
M - CONCRETE (NORMAL MIX) W/C = _________________
Approximate bulk density of Aggregate = 1600Kg/m3
Bulk density of cement = 1400 Kg/m3

Cement Total FA: FA CA Water W/C Slump Work
Particulars Agg.×1:2 CA Added Ratio Ability
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Initial
Proportions
By
volume/bag
Of cement
Laboratory
Trial batch
per kg of
cement by
Vol.
Proportion
by weight
(multiply by
bulk density)
I trial
II trial
III trial

RESULT:
The slump for
1. M 15, w/c= 0.55 is =______________
2. M 15, w/c= 0.60 is =______________
3. M 15, w/c= 0.65 is =______________
4. M 15, w/c= 0.45 is =______________
5. M 15, w/c= 0.50 is =______________
6. M 15, w/c= 0.55 is =______________
CONCLUSION:


Test 10: Effect of W/C Ratio on Compaction Factor

AIM: to determine, compaction factor ratio for
1. M 15 conc. a) w/c = 0.55 b) w/c = 0.60 c) w/c = 0.65
2. M 20 conc. a) w/c = 0.45 b) w/c = 0.5 c) w/c = 0.55
3.
Workability is the amount of work necessary to achieve full compaction of

concrete. In dried
Mixes, slump test does not give slump and a more sensitive method to detect the
change in workability is necessary. Compacting factor test works on a principle of
determining the degree of compaction achieved by a standard a\mount of work
by allowing the concrete to all fall through a standard height. The degree of
compaction, called compacting factor, is measured by the density ratio, i.e. the
ratio of the density actually achieved in the test to density of concrete fully
compacted. Thus it is therefore rational method than slump test and is
particularly suitable to dry mixes with low slump. This is useful in laboratory
testing but if possible could be conducted on site. In part I is given the table of
slump and compacting factor suggested by McIntosh, which is useful.
MAIN EQUIPMENTS:
1. Compacting factor apparatus as per IS: 199-1959
2. Two trowels.
3. Hand scoop.
4. Tamping rod.
5. Platform massing machine.
PROCEDURE:

1. Place the sample of concrete gently in the upper hopper with a hand scoop. Fill up
the concrete in level with the brim.
2. Open the trap door so that the concrete falls into the lower hopper.
3. If the concrete sticks to the sides of the hopper, push it gently with the help of rod
from top.
4. Open the trap door of the lower hopper and allow concrete to fall into the
cylinder.
5. With the plane of blade of the trowel in each hand and moving them
simultaneously one from each side across the top of the cylinder and at the same
time keeping them· pressed on the top edge of the cylinder, removes the excess
concrete remaining above. The level of the top of the cylinder.
6. Clean the outside of the cylinder.
7. Determine· the mass of the cylinder to the nearest 109.
8. Refill the cylinder from the same samples of concrete in layers approximately 50
mm deep. Layers being heavily rammed or preferably vibrated so as to obtain full
compaction.
9. Clean the outside of the cylinder and mass it again.
PRECAUTIONS:
1. To obtain strictly comparably results, the test should be carried out at constant
time interval after the mixing is completed.
2. The convenient time for releasing the concrete from the upper hopper has been
found to be 2 minutes after the completion of mixing.

OBSERVATION:
TEST FOR WORKABILITY: (Compaction factor test)
M 15 CONCRETE (NOMINAL MIX) W/C= _________
Sr. Description Specimen
No. I II III
A. Mass of cylinder M1 kg
B Mass of cylinder + Conc. falling M2kg
Through standard height
C. Mass of partially compacted concrete M3kg
(M2-M1)
D. Mass of fully compacted conc. + Cylinder M4kg
E. Mass of fully compacted conc. M5kg
(M4-M3)
F. Compacting factor (M3/M5)
RESULT:
1. M 15, w/c = 0.55, CF ratio =________
2. M 15, w/c = 0.60, CF ratio =________
3. M 15, w/c = 0.65, CF ratio =________
4. M 15, w/c = 0.45, CF ratio =________
5. M 15, w/c = 0.50, CF ratio =________
6. M 15, w/c = 0.55, CF ratio =_______

CONCLUSION:


Test 11: Effect of W/C Ratio on Vee-bee-Test
AIM: To measure workability of mix by Vee-Bee Consistometer.
MAIN EQUIPMENTS:
1. Vibrating table
2. Vee Bee Consistometer app. With standard compaction rod.
PROCEDURE:
1. Slump cone of regular size is kept inside the metal cylindrical part of Vee-Bee
Consistometer.
2. Concrete is filled in 3-equallayers with std. Manual compaction. The slump cone is
lifted up.
3. On top of slumped concrete glass plate adjusted, keep it loose, then electric
vibration is started. The, concrete is observed.
4. The vibrations is continues till the conical shape of the concrete disappears and it
becomes flat. Leveled. This happens when plate looses its transparency.
5. Stop the vibrations and record the time. The nos. of seconds required for the
concrete to reshape in to cylindrical shape is called Vee Bee seconds.
OBSERVATION:
V.B. Second =____________
LIMITATIONS:
Human error in judgment of the state of complete remolding due to vibration is

very difficult and this may affect on Vee Bee second recording.
CONCLUSION:


Test 12: Effects of W IC Ratio on Compressive Strength of

Concrete by Cube
AIM: To determine compressive strength for
1. M 15 conc. a) w/c = 0.55 b) w/c = 0.60 c) w/c = 0.65
2. M 20 conc. a) w/c = 0.45 b) w/c = 0.5 c) w/c = 0.55
Concrete is primarily strong in compression and in actual construction. The

concrete is used in compression. Concrete, which is strong in compression, is also
good in other quality. Higher the compression strength better is the durability.
Bond strength is important in R.C.C. Compressive strength also indicated

extent of control exercised during construction. Resistance to abrasion and
volume stability improves with the compressive strength. Test for compressive
strength in therefore very important in quality control of concrete.
Preparation and conduct of compressive strength is comparatively easy and

gives consistent results than tensile strength or flexural strength. This test for
determining compressive strength of concrete has therefore assumed maximum
importance.
Cylinder used is 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height. Whenever cylinders

are used for compressive strength results, the cube strength can be used to
calculate with the following formula:
Minimum cylinder strength required = 0.8 × compressive strength specified for

150 mm cube.
MAIN EQUIPMENTS:
1. Cube moulds 100 mm size and 150 mm size as per I.s.156-1959 cylinder mould
150 mm diameter X 300 mm high as per I.s.156-1959.
2. Towels.
3. G.I. sheet for mixing.

4. Tamping rod of 16 mm diameter and 600 mm long bullet point at the lower end.
5. Glass plate thicker than 6.5 mm or machined metal plate 1.3 mm thickness and of
dimensions greater than 175 mm.
6. 100 tone compression testing machine.
PROCEDURE:
1. Fill concrete into the mould in layer approximately 50 mm deep by moving the
scoop around the top edge of the mould as the concrete slides form it, in order to
ensure the symmetrical distribution of the concrete within the mould.
2. Compaction:
If compaction is done by hand tamps the concrete with the standard rod, strokes
being uniformly distributed over the cross section of the mould. For 15cm cube,
number of strokes should not be less than 35 per layer and 25 strokes for 10cm
cubes. For the cylindrical specimens, number of strokes shall not be 30 per layer.
Tamp the sides of the mould to close the voids left by tamping bars.
3. If compaction is done by vibration then each layer is compacted· by means of a

suitable vibrating hammer or vibrator or vibrating table. Mode and quantum of
vibration of laboratory specimen shall be nearly the same as those adopted in
actual operation.
4. Capping:
Cylindrical specimens are capped with a thick layer of neat cement generally 2 or
3 hours after molding operations. Caps shall be formed by Blass plate or metal
plate. Work the plate on the mould till its lower surface rests on the top of the
mould. The cement for the capping shall be mixed to a stiff plate for about 2
hours before it is to be used in order to avoid tendency of the cap to shrink.
Adhesive of the paste to the cawing to the capping plate can be avoided by
coating the plate with a thin of oil or grease.

5. Curing:
Storing the specimen in a place for 24 + 0.5 hours from time addition of water to
dry ingredients~ Remove the specimen from the mould and keep it immediately
submerged in clean, fresh water and keep them until taken out just prior to rest.
Water in which the specimen is submerged shall be renewed at every 7 days.
6. Test For Compressive Strength:
6.1. Age of test: Usually testing is done after 7 days and 28 days. The days being
measured from the time water is added to the dry ingredients.
6.2. Test at least 3 specimens at a time.
6.3. Test the specimen immediately or removal from the water and white they are still
in the wet condition. Wipe off the surface water. If the specimens are received
dry. Keep them in water for 24 hours before testing.
6.4. Note down the dimension nearest to 0.2 mm and also the mass.
7. Placing Specimen In The Machine:
7.1 Place the specimen in such a manner that the load shall be applied to opposite
sides of the cube as cast i.e. not to the top and the bottom.
7.2 Align carefully the center of the thrust of the spherica1 seated plate.
7.3 Apply load slowly and at the rate of 14 N/mm2 /min. till the cube breaks.
7.4 Note the maximum load and appearance of the concrete failure i.e. whether·
Aggregates have broken or cement paste separates from the Aggregates etc.
8. Precautions:
See that the load is applied in the center. Even a small eccentricity can cause
serious deviation.

OBSERVATIONS:
Sr. Specimen
No. 1 2 3 4 5
1. Concrete mix M w/c

Ratio
2. Identification No.
3. Produced on Date
Time
4. Tested on Date
Time
5. Age of testing Hrs.
Length I mm
6. Measurements Breath b mm
Height d mm
7. Area in compression A=a × b mm2
8. Volume V = A × c mm3
9. Mass of cube (Mc ) N
10. Unit wt. of cube Wc /V kg/m3
11. Breaking load (P)N
12. Compressive strength fck = P/A
N/mm2
13. Avg. compressive St. fck = N/mm2
14. % Deviation from avg.

value

RESULT:
The compressive strength of the concrete at 28 days fck is
1. M 15 w/c = 0.55, fck =
2. M 15 w/c = 0.60, fck =
3. M 15 w/c = 0.65, fck =
4. M 15 w/c = 0.45, fck =
5. M 15 w/c = 0.50, fck =
6. M 15 w/c = 0.55, fck =
CONCLUSION:

Test 13: Effects or W IC Ratio on Flexure Strength of the

Concrete
AIM: To determine the flexural strength of beam 100 x 100 x 500 mm
1. M 15conc. a) W/C=O.55 b) W/C=0.60 c) W/C=b.65
2. M 20 conc. a) W/C=0.45 b) W/C=0.50 c) W/C=0.55
The knowledge in tensile strength in concrete is of value in establishing the

load under which cracking will develop. The absence of cracking is of considerable
importance in maintaining the continuity of a concrete structure and preventing
corrosion of reinforcement. Tensile stress in concrete aware likely to develop due
to drying shrinkage, rusting of steel reinforcement, temperature gradients and
many other reasons. A concrete road slab is called upon the resist tensile stresses
from two principle sources-wheel loads and volume changes in the concrete.
Direct measurement of tensile strength of concrete is difficult. Neither specimen
nor testing apparatus have been designed which assume uniform distribution of
pull applied to the concrete.
The modulus of rupture is about 1.3 to 1.8 times the strength obtained from
direct tension test. This is due to following reasons:
1. Accidental eccentricity in the direct tension test results in a lower apparent tensile
strength in comparison with other tests.
2. In direct tension test, entire specimen is subjected to maximum tensile stresses

while the flexure test, only the bottom fibers in the constant moment same are
subjected to maximum tensile stresses everywhere else the stresses are less. So,
the probability of the weak element occurring and thus resulting in failure is
comparatively high in direct tension test.
3. In the flexural test, the under stressed concrete near the neutral axis restrain the
propagation of crack thus resulting in higher failure load.

4. In the flexural test, it is assumed that the stress is proportion to distance of fiber
from the neutral axis. Actually the stress distance is parabolic. The modulus of
rupture thus over estimates the tensile strength of concrete.
The value of modulus of rupture (extreme fiber stress in bending) depends

on the dimension of the beam and manner of loading. The systems of loading
used in finding the flexure tension are central point loading and third point
loading in central. Point loading, maximum fiber stresses will come below the
point of loading where the bending moment is maximum. In case of symmetrical
two-point of loading the critical crack may appear at any section, not strong
enough to resist. The stress within the middle third where the bending moment is
maximum. Two points loading will yield a lower value of rupture than central
point loading.
Maximum tensile stress reached in the bottom fiber of the test beam is known as
"Modulus of rupture”.
Flexural Strength Fcr = 0.7 × √(𝑓𝑐𝑘 ) N/mm2
MAIN EQUIPMENTS:
1. Standard beam mould 150 mm x 150mmx 700mm. If the largest size does not
exceed
2. 19mm, the size may be 100mmx 100mm x 500mm.
3. Tamping
4. Trowels.
5. Hand scoop.
6. 20 Tones universal testing machine
PROCEDURE:
1. Method of filling· the mould, curing and measuring the dimensions is the same as
done for the compressive strength test.

2. Place the specimen in the testing machine such the load shall be applied to the
upper most surface as cast in mould, along two lines in the middle spaced
200mm. For 700mm beam and spacing 133.33mm. Apart for 500mm beam.
3. Apply load carefully without shock and at a rate of 4KN/min for 150 mm
specimen and at the rate of 1.80KN/min for 100 mm specimen.
4. Modulus of rupture (fc)=M/Z=6M/(bd2)
Let a be the distance between the line of fracture and the nearer support.
(a) When a > 200 mm fcr 150mm specimen
> 133 mm fcr 100 mm specimen
M=PL/6, Z=(1/6)bd2
Fcr = (PL/6)×(6/bd2)
= PL/bd2
Where, P is the total load applied on the beam,
l is the length of the beam
b is the width of the beam,
d is the depth of the beam.
(b) When 170mm < a < 200mm for 150mm specimen
110mm < a < 133 for 100mm specimen
M =Pa/2, Z=(1/6)bd2
Fcr = (Pa/2)×(6/bd2)
=3Pa/bd2

(c) If a < 170mm for 150mm specimen
A < 110mm for 100mm specimen
Results should be discarded.
OBSERVATION:
Sr. Specimen
No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1. Concrete mix
M
2. Prescribed 3 days
Modulus of
rupture 7 days
3. Identification
No.
4. Produced on Date
Time
5. Tested on Date
Time
6. Age of testing Hrs.
Length 1 mm
7. Measurements Breath of b
mm
Height d mm
8. Volume V = l×b×d
mm3
9. Weight of (Wb)N

beam
10. Unit wt. Wb /V .N/m3
11. Breaking load (P)N
12. Modulus of fcr = M/Z
rupture N/mm2
13. Avg. of value fcr = N/mm2

of fcr
14. % Deviation
from avg.
value
CONCLUSIONS:
The flexure strength of concrete at 28 days, fcr is
1. M15 W/C = 0.55, fcr =

2. M15 W/C = 0.60, fcr =
3. M15 W/C = 0.65, fcr =
4. M15 W/C = 0.45, fcr
5. M15 W/C = 0.50, fcr =
6. M15 W/C = 0.55, fcr =

Test 14: Effects of W/C Ratio on Tensile Strength of

Concrete
AIM: To determine the tensile strength of cylinder by split test.
1. M15 conc. A) w/c = 0.55 b) w/c 0.60 c) w/c = 0.65
2. m 20 conc. A) w/c= 0.45 b) w/c 0.50 c) w/e = 0.55
This test is sometimes referred as "Brazilian test ".It was developed in Brazil
in 1943.
When a concrete cylinder is subjected to compressive loads applied along

diametrically opposite lines. I.e. when load is applied along the genetratrix of the
cylinder. Then an clement on the vertical diameter of the cylinder is subjected to
vertical compressive stress and a tensile stress in the lateral direction.
𝜎𝑐 = (2p/π ld) [d2/ {v (d-v)})-I]
𝜎𝑡 = 2p/πld
Where p is compressive load on cylinder. L is length of the cylinder; d is the

diameter of cylinder and v& (d-v) is the distance of the element from the two
loads respectively.
The loading condition produces a high compressive stress immediately

below the two generators to which the load is applied. But the larger portion
corresponding to depth is subjected to a uniform tensile stress acting horizontally.
It is estimated that compressive stress is acting for about 1/6 depth of remaining
5/6 depth is subjected to tension.
In order to reduce the magnitude of a high compressive stress near the

points of
. Application of load, narrow packing strips of suitable material such as plywood

are placed between the specimen and loading plate of the testing machine. The
packing strips should be enough to allow distribution of load over a reasonable
area. Yet narrow and thin enough to prevent large content area. Splitting strength
is about 5 to 12% higher than direct tensile strength

MAIN EQUIPMENTS:
1. Compression testing machine.
2. Cylinders 15 cm𝜑 ∗ 30cm.
3. Plywood sheets.
PROCEDURE:
1. Place the .cylinder with its longitudinal axis in horizontal direction between the
plates of compression testing machine.
2. Place narrow strips of packing material such as plywood between the plates and·
cylinder surface.
3. Load is applied at such a rate that tensile stress acting on the vertical diameter
increases at a rate of 0.7 N/mm2/minute.
PRECAUTION:
1. The plates of the testing machine should not be allowed to rotate in a plane
perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder, but a slight movement in the vertical
plane should be permitted in order to accommodate a possible non-parallelism of
the generates of the cylinder. Provision of roller imparts this mechanism of
adjustment.

Sr. Specimen
No.
1 2 3 4 5 6
1. Concrete Mix
2. Identification no
3. Produced on Date
Time
4. Tested on Date
Time
5. Age of testing
6. Measurements Length L
Diameter D
7. Failure load P
8. Tensile stress ∑t=2P/πLD
9. Average tensile
strength
CONCLUSION:

Lab Experiments

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Lab Experiments

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Experiments in Concrete Technology: Semester III

1 Fineness of Cement by Dry Sieving

3 Initial & Final Setting Time

5 Compressive Strength of Cement

6 Bulk Density of Aggregate

9 Effect of Water/ Cement Ration on Slump

10 Effect of W/C Ration on Compaction Factor

11 Effect of W/C Ration on Vee-bee-Test

Effects of W/C Ration on compressive

Effects of W/C Ration on flexure Strength of

Effects of W/C Ration on Tensile Strength of

Civil Engineering , S. R. Patel Engg. College, Dabhi Page 1

Portland cement is manufactured by grinding together calcareous

cement. Consequently ordinary Portland cement is now available in three

Grade 33 (I.S.: 269-1989)

Grade 43 (I.S.: 8112-1987)

Grade 53 (I.S.: 12269-1987)

The grade indicates the compressive strength of cement at 28 days curing. By

Field Testing of Cement

Table-I: Specification for Physical Properties of Portland cement

Civil Engineering , S. R. Patel Engg. College, Dabhi Page 3

Initial setting time 30 30 30 60 30

A. Setting and hardening action:

Civil Engineering , S. R. Patel Engg. College, Dabhi Page 4

Test 1: Fineness of Cement by Dry Sieving

AIM: for a given sample of cement, determine the fineness of cement.

Strength development of concrete is the result of the reaction of water with

However, too much fineness is also undesirable, because the cost of

1. By dry sieving as described above,

Mass Retained on sieve – gms(M1)

% Mass Retained on sieve = (M1/M) × 100

Test 2: Standard Consistency

Civil Engineering , S. R. Patel Engg. College, Dabhi Page 7

Cement paste of normal consistency is defined by percentage of water by

Quantity of water for setting time test expressed as percentage of mass of

Quantity of water for soundness test expressed as percentage of mass of cement

1. Mass 400gms of cement accurately and place it in the enamel tough.

1. Clean appliances should be used for gauging.

Sr. Quantity of water added % By mass of Penetration from

Civil Engineering , S. R. Patel Engg. College, Dabhi Page 9

Grade of cement Consistency observed

Civil Engineering , S. R. Patel Engg. College, Dabhi Page 10

Civil Engineering , S. R. Patel Engg. College, Dabhi Page 11

Test 3: Initial & Final Setting Time

In practice, such solidifying action or loss of plasticity is required to be

. It is usually specified that plastic concrete should be placed and

Once initial stiffening of concrete has taken place, it is desirable that it

It is not possible, however, in practice to exactly locate the initial setting

Civil Engineering , S. R. Patel Engg. College, Dabhi Page 12

1. Vicat's apparatus with mould and non-porous plate (glass or metal).

Determination of initial setting time:

1. Take 400 gm mass of the cement.

Civil Engineering , S. R. Patel Engg. College, Dabhi Page 13

1. Needle must be cleaned each time before use.

Civil Engineering , S. R. Patel Engg. College, Dabhi Page 15

Test 4: Soundness of Cement

REFERENCE: IS. 269-1979

Unsoundness may reduce 6%

Le-chatelier apparatus, two glass plates

Civil Engineering , S. R. Patel Engg. College, Dabhi Page 16

Initial distance Distance between Distance between

RESULT: The expansion of ordinary Portland cement is _________________mm.

Civil Engineering , S. R. Patel Engg. College, Dabhi Page 17

Civil Engineering , S. R. Patel Engg. College, Dabhi Page 18