Basic Concrete Tests

Basic Tests
Cylinder Compression
Split Tension
Beam Flexure
Elastic Modulus
Slump
Air Content

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CIVL 3137

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Concrete Strength
unconfined compression
cylindrical specimen
6" diameter
12" height
35 7 psi/s loading
cured 28-days
95% relative humidity
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Shape Effects

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Shape Effects

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Slenderness Effects

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Size Effects

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Loading Rate Effects

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CIVL 3137

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Splitting Tension Test

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Splitting Tension Test

ft

CIVL 3137

2P
LD

61

Splitting Tension Test

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CIVL 3137

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Beam Flexure Test

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Beam Flexure Test

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3
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Beam Flexure Test

PL
MOR 2
bd

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Beam Flexure Test

PL
MOR 2
bd

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CIVL 3137

68

Elastic Modulus
fc

failure

E
1

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Elastic Modulus
fc

2 ,0.4fc

0.4fc 1
E
2 0.00005

E
1

0.00005, 1
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Elastic Modulus
fc 5800

E
1

2320 250
3.2 10 6 psi
0.0007 0.00005

0.0007,2320

E
1

0.00005,250
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Compressometer

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Compressometer

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L=H

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Compressometer

Pivot rod
L

d/2
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L2

d/2
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CIVL 3137

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Slump Test

Fill the cone in

the prescribed
manner

CIVL 3137

Strike off
the excess

Raise the cone, invert it,

and measure slump to
the center of the sample

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Slump Types

True slump

Shear Slump

Collapse Slump

Good cohesion
Good consistency

Lacks cohesion
May segregate

Too lean or too wet

May be harsh

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Methods for Determining Air Content

gravimetric method (ASTM C-138)

volumetric method (ASTM C-173)
pressure method (ASTM C-231)

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CIVL 3137

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Gravimetric Method

actual
air content 1
no air

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100%

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Air-Free Unit Weight

noair

Wwater Wcement Wgravel Wsand

Vwater Vcement Vgravel Vsand
Vingredient

CIVL 3137

Wingredient
Gbulk w
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Example
Wwater = 320 lb

Gwater = 1.00

Wcement = 580 lb

Gcement = 3.15

Wgravel = 1940 lb

Ggravel = 2.68

Wsand = 1110 lb

Gsand = 2.65

320 580 1940 1110 lb

no air
5.13 2.95 11.60 6.71 ft3

CIVL 3137

149.7 lb ft 3

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Example (cont.)

Assume
actual = 146.2 lb/ft3

146.2
air content 1
100% 2.3%

149.7
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CIVL 3137

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Volumetric Method
The measuring bowl is filled
with concrete, the device is
assembled, and water is
added to reach the zero mark
in the neck. As the device is
agitated, the air in the
concrete is replaced by
water from the neck and the
water level drops in
proportion to the air content.

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Pressure Method
The bowl is filled with
concrete, the device is
assembled, and water is
added to reach the zero
mark in the neck. As the
unit is pressurized, the air
bubbles compress, the
concrete surface falls and
the water level drops in
proportion to the change in
air volume.
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