NORMAL CONSISTENCY

Objective:
To determine the Normal consistency of cement.
Theory:
Normal consistency is defined as that percentage water requirement of the cement paste,
the viscosity of which will be such that the Vicat plunger fail to penetrate by 5 to 7 mm
from the bottom of the Vicat mould. (Weight of rod 300 grams when attached with 10-
mm diameter plunger consistency needle and cement is gauged for 3 to 4 minutes).
Practical relevance:
The water requirement for making specimens for the determination of initial and final
setting time and tensile and compression strengths of cement -sand mortars and for
soundness tests depends upon the Normal consistency of cement to be used. This normal
consistency or water demand of cement depends up on the chemical composition and
fineness of the cement. Normal consistency varies from 25 to 35%.
Apparatus
Vicats apparatus, with 10-mm diameter plunger, stop watch etc

Procedure
Prepare a paste of weighed quantity(300 grams) of cement with a known-quantity of
water 28 % to start with , taking care that time of mixing (gauging) is between 3 to 5
minutes and shall be completed before any signs of setting become visible. The time of
gauging shall be counted from the time of adding to the dry cement until the
commencement of filling mould. Place the test block in the mould together with the non
porous resting plate under the rod bearing the plunger lower the plunger gently to touch
the surface of the test block and quickly release, allowing it to sink into the paste.

1
The operation shall be carried out immediately after filling the mould.

Prepare trial pastes with varying percentages of water and test as described above, and
measure the penetration of the needle. This test is to be carried till the specified
penetration is obtained.
Observations:
Consistency is expressed as percentage of water added by weight of cement and the
penetration is expressed in mm . Draw graph between percentage of water and depth not
penetrated, in mm then find the percentage of water corresponding to depth of 5 to 7 mm
not penetrated.
Weight of cement 300 grams
Trial No % water Initial reading * Final reading Height not penetrated ( mm)
1
2
3
4
5
*Initial reading is the indicator reading when the lower end of the plunger touches the
bottom non porous plate
Result and conclusion:
Normal consistency:

Precautions
The experiment should be conducted at room temperature of 25 to 30 oc at relative
humidity of 90 %.
After adding water cement should be gauged for specified time.
The plunger should be released quickly with out pressure or jerk, after the rod is brought
to touch the surface of the cement .
For each repetition of the experiment, fresh cement is to be taken.
Plunger should be cleaned during every repetition and it should move freely: and also
there should be no vibration.

Technical reference: IS 4031(Part -4)1988.

Discussions:
1 why the test is conducted at a specified temperature and Humidity of the surrounding
Atmosphere

BMS COLLEGE OF ENGG

DEPARMENT OF CIVIL ENGG
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2
 INITIAL AND FINAL SETTING TIME OF CEMENT
Objective:
To determine the initial and final setting time of cement.
Theory:
Initial setting time is defined as the time taken by the cement paste to stiffen to an extent
such that the Vicat plunger fitted with needle of cross section 1mm 2 fails to penetrate
through 5 mm measured from the bottom of mould. Final setting time is the time when
the paste becomes hard such that the annular attachment to the needle, under standard
weight fails to leave a mark on the hardened cement paste. Thus setting times are
rheological properties since these concepts are defined under standard flow of cement
paste under standard force exerted by the weight of relevant plunger.
Practical relevance:
The initial setting time of cement is the limiting time beyond which paste or mortar,
concrete made from it cannot be placed or compacted with out loss of useful properties
like strength. The final setting time is the time limit beyond which moulds can be
removed. In general cement initial setting time should greater than 30 minutes and final
setting time should be less than 600 minutes.
Apparatus
Vicats apparatus, 1.13-mm diameter or 1 mm square needle, final setting time needle
stopwatch etc.

Procedure:
Prepare a paste with 0.85 times the water required to give standard consistency.
Start the stopwatch at the instant of addition of water. Fill the Vicats mould with above
paste completely and smoothen off the surface, the mould resting on non-porous plate.

3
Place the test block under the rod bearing the needle of size 1.13-mm diameter or 1 mm
square. Lower the needle gently in contact with surface of test block and quickly release,
allowing it to penetrate into the paste, repeat the procedure until the needle when brought
into contact with test paste fails to pierce the paste for 5 mm measured from the bottom
of the mould. The period elapsed since adding water is the initial setting time.
Final setting time:
The mould is prepared as the for the determination of initial setting time.
The cement shall be considered as finally set, when upon applying the final setting time
needle attached gently to the surface of the test block, the needle makes the impression
there on where as the attachment fails to do so.
The time elapsed from the instant of adding water is the final setting time.
Observations and calculations :
Weight of cement = 300 grams
Weight of water taken =0.85 x normal consistency x weight of cement
Trail No T1 T2 T3 T2-T1 T3-T1
1
T1= Time at which water added to the cement
T2= Time at which initial setting time needle fail to penetrate by 5 mm from bottom
T3= Time at which paste will give impression of the needle only not the annular
attachment.
T2-T1= Initial setting time (minutes).
T3-T1= Final setting time (minutes).

Results and conclusion:

Discussions:
1) Give values of initial and final setting times for ordinary port land cement and rapid
hardening cement
2) Where are accelerators ( e.g. ca cl2 ) and retarders (e.g. sugar ) used
3) Discuss the relevance of initial and final setting times with respect to normal
concreting at sites

Technical reference IS 4031(Part-5) 1988

BMS COLLEGE OF ENGG

DEPARMENT OF CIVIL ENGG
CONCRETE LABORATORY

4
 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF CEMENT
Objective:
To determine the specific gravity of cement.
Theory:
Specific gravity of cement is defined as the ratio between mass of cement to mass of
equal volume of water both being measured at same temperature. The liquid which is to
be used should be such that it does not have any chemical reaction with cement.
Normally kerosene is used to determine specific gravity of cement.
Practical relevance:
The average specific gravity of OPC is normally about 3.15. If a given sample of cement
exhibits a value of specific gravity significantly different from 3.15, the quality of cement
sample may be suspected to contain clay, ground sand, fly ash and impurities (or
adulterants).
Apparatus:
Volumetric flask, and balance (0.01 gram least count) etc.
Procedure:
The Volumetric flask dried and weighed along with stopper (W1). It is filled with cement
(1/3) of height of the bubble of the flask approximately and weighed (W2). The
remaining space of the Volumetric flask is filled with Kerosene and trapped air is
removed before recording the weight (W3). Clean the bottle and filled with kerosene and
weighed (W4). Cleaned the Volumetric flask and filled with water and weighed (W5).
Observation and calculations
Type of cement =
Liquid used : kerosene
Wt of cement taken W =
Sl Description Notation Weight in grams
No
1 Empty weight of Volumetric flask W1
2 Volumetric flask with cement W2
3 Volumetric flask with cement and kerosene full W3
4 Volumetric flask with only kerosene W4
5 Volumetric flask with only water W5

Discussions:
1 comment on the quality of the cement tested based on the value of specific gravity.
2. Explain also why kerosene oil has been used in this test.
3. How do you compare Sp. Gravity of cement with that of common materials such as
sand, clay, etc.?
Technical reference IS 4031-1988
BMS COLLEGE OF ENGG
DEPARMENT OF CIVIL ENGG
CONCRETE LABORATORY

5
 Soundness of cement
Objective
This method of test is intended for determining the soundness of Portland cement by
means of an autoclave test on a 25x25x250 mm-neat cement specimen.

Theory:
Hardened cement paste may undergo an undesirable large expansion due to delayed
hydration of some oxides which had not combined at the time of formation of clinker
Free lime is one. This may be present in the clinker in an inter crystallized from with
other compounds and is only partially exposed to water during the time a cement paste
normally sets. Magnesium oxide can also produce similar expansion on delayed reaction.
Gypsum, if present in excess may also cause expansion is called unsoundness of cement,
for which soundness test is conducted

Practical relevance
In hardened cement paste, if large expansion of some of its constituents occurs under
conditions of restraints its disruption may result. Unsoundness of cement may not be
apparent until after a period of many months or years. This is why accelerated tests are
required for rapid assessment of unsoundness of cements. When cement is tested as per
IS code specification using Autoclave test, the expansion shall not be more than 10 mm
for OPC

Apparatus:
Balance to weigh to 1000 gram with 1 gram. Measuring cylinder 150 ml, Mould
25x25x250 mm, trowel Autoclave and length compactor.

6
Preparation of Test Specimens:
Preparation of moulds
Moulds shall be thinly covered with mineral oil. After this operation, the stainless steel or
non-corroding metal reference points shall be set, care being taken to keep them clean
and free from oil.
Mixing cement paste: The standard batch of cement paste shall consist of 500 g of
cement, mixed with sufficient water to give a paste of standard consistency.
Immediately following the completion of mixing, the test specimens shall be molded in
one or two layers, each layer being compacted with the thumbs or forefingers by pressing
the paste into the corners, around the reference insert, and along the surfaces of the
moulds until a homogeneous specimen is obtained. After the top layer has been
compacted, the paste shall be cut off flush with the top of the mould and the surface
smoothed with a few stroked of the trowel. During the operations of mixing and molding,
rubber gloves shall protect the hand.
Storage of test specimen After the mould has been filled, it shall be immediately
placed in a moist closet or a moist room. Specimens shall remain in the moulds in the
moist room for at least 24 h. If removed from the moulds before 24 h, they shall be kept
in the moist closet or moist room until tested.
Procedure:
At 24+1/2 h after molding, the specimens shall be removed from the moist atmosphere,
measured for length, and placed in the autoclave at room temperature in a rack so that the
four sides of each specimen shall be exposed to saturated steam. The autoclave shall
contain enough water to maintain an atmosphere of saturated steam vapor during the
entire period of test. Ordinarily the water shall occupy 7to10 percent of the volume of the
autoclave.

To permit air to escape from the autoclave during the early portion of the heating period ,
the vent valve shall be closed and the temperature of the autoclave shall be raised at such
a rate as will bring the gauge pressure of the steam to 21 kg\cm 2 in 1to1 1\ 4h from the
time the heat is turned on. The 21kg\cm2 pressure shall be maintained for 3 hour. At the
end of 3 hours period, the heat supply shall be shut of f and the autoclave Cooled at a rate
such that the pressure will be less than 1 kg\cm2 at the end of the hour, and any pressure
remaining shall be slowly released by partially opening the vent valve until atmospheric
pressure is attained. The autoclave shall then be opened and the test specimens
immediately placed in water, the temperature of which is above 90 o C. the water
surrounding the bars shall then be cooled at a uniform rate by adding cold water so that
the temperature of the water shall be shall then be maintained at 27+2 0 C in 15 min. the
water surrounding the specimens shall then be maintained at 27+2 0 C in 15 min when the
specimens shall be surface-dried and their lengths measured again.

7
Weight of cement =500 grams
Normal consistency of cement = %
L 1 =length of sample after 24 hours of casting = mm
L 2 =length of sample after accelerated curing = mm
Sound ness = L 2 - L 1 = mm

Discussion:
1. Comment on the soundness of cement tested in the laboratory.
2. Why should free lime ( cao) and free Magnesia (Mgo) present in cement cause its
expansion? What are the reactions and what the new compounds formed?
3 How and in what situations can unsound cement be employed?

Technical reference IS 4031-1988

BMS COLLEGE OF ENGG

DEPARMENT OF CIVIL ENGG
CONCRETE LABORATORY

8
 Compressive strength of cement
Objective:
To determine the compressive strength of cement
Background information:
Cement compounds react with water giving hydration products, which exhibit cohesion
and solidity. In concretes, cement past binds together the aggregate particles by
adhesion. All other factors remaining constant, the strength concrete or mortar depends
upon the type and nature of cement. Infant cement should have certain specified
minimum strength developed at specified age, if it is to be used in making structural
concrete. Since hardened cement paste shrinks and cracks consequently so large size
specimens can not made with it. There fore cement sand mortar specimens are tested.
However to ensure uniformity, only standard sand is used for making mortar. Even the
quality of water is closely controlled.
Practical relevance:
The compressive strength of given cement is the basic data required in mix design of
concrete containing that cement. If cement exhibits high strength, it is possible to
economic by using lesser quantity of cement. The extent of deterioration on storage can
be assessed by this test. This test can also be used in quality control; the possibility of
adulteration of cement can also be checked.
Apparatus
Vibration machine. Poking rod, cube moulds, compression testing machine etc,

Size of specimen
The test specimens shall be in the form of cubes having area of face equal 5000 mm2
Size( 70.6x 70.6x70.6 ) mm
Cube moulds
Moulds for the cube specimen of 5000 mm2 face area, shall be meal not amenable to
attached by cement mortar, and there shall be sufficient material in the sides of the mould
to prevent spreading and warping. The moulds shall be rigidly constructed in such a
manner as to facilitate the removal of the molded specimen with out damage. The moulds
shall be machined so that when assembled, the dimensions and the internal faces shall be
accurate to the limits.
The height of mould and the distance between opposite faces shall be 70.6 mm + 0.15
mm the angle between the adjacent interior faces and between interior faces and top and

9
bottom planes of the mould shall be 900 + 0.150. The interior faces of the moulds shall be
plane surfaces with a permissible variation of 0.15 mm the base plate shall be of such
dimensions as to support the mould during the filling without leakage .

Procedure:
Clean appliances shall be used for mixing and the temperature of water and that of the be
27 + 20 c
Place the non-porous plate a mixture of cement and standard sand in the proportion of
1: 3 by weight. Mix it dry with trowel for one minute and then with water until the
mixture is of uniform colour. The time of mixing shall in any event be not
less than 3 minutes and not more than 4 minutes .The material for each cube
shall be mixed separately and the quantity of cement, standard sand and
water shall be as follows
Cement 200 grams
Standard sand 600 grams
Water (p/4 +3) percentage of combined weight of cement and sand where p is the
normal consistency
Molding specimens
In assembling the moulds ready for use, cover the joints between the halves of the mould
with a thin film of petroleum jelly and apply a similar coating of petroleum jelly between
the contact surfaces of the bottom of thee mould and its base plate in order to ensure that
no water escapes during vibration. Treat the interior of the mould with a thin coating of
mould oil
Place the assembled mould on the table of the vibration machine and firmly hold on the
table of the vibration machine and firmly hold it in position by means of a suitable clamp.
Securely attach a hopper of suitable size and shape at top of the mould to facilitate filling
and this hopper shall not be removed until the completion of the vibration period
Immediately after mixing the mortar place the mortar in the cube mould and prod with
rod. The mortar prodded 20 times about 8seconds to ensure elimination of entrained air
and honey combing. Place the remaining quantity of mortar in the hopper of the cube
mould and prod again as specified for the first layer and then compact the mortar by
vibration. The period of vibration shall be two minutes at he specified speed of 12000 +
400 vibrations per minutes.
At the end of vibration remove the mould together with the base plate from the machine
and finish the top surface of the cube in the mould by smoothing the surface with blade or
trowel

Curing:
Keep the filled mould at a temperature of 27 + 20 c in an atmosphere of at least 90 %
relative humidity for 24 hours after completion of vibration. At the end of that period
remove them from mould and immediately submerge in clean fresh water and keep there
until taken out just prior to testing. The water in which the cubes are submerged shall be
renewed every 7 days and shall be maintained at 27 + 20 c. After they have been taken out
and until they are broken the cubes not be allowed to dry.

10
Testing
Test the three cubes for compressive at the periods mentioned below, the periods
reckoned from the completion of vibration. the cubes shall be tested on their sides with
out any packing between the cube and the steel platens of the base and top shall be self
adjusting and load shall be steadily and uniformly applied starting from zero at the rate of
35 N/mm2/minute

Sl Type and Normal Compressive Area of the Compressiv

no grade of consistency( P) Load in Kn sample e strength
cement in N/mm2
1
2
3
Specifications
If the grade of cement is 43
For 3 days not be less than 23 N/mm2
For 7 days not be less than 33 N/mm2
For 28 days not be less than 43 N/mm2
Discussions:
1 why does the acceptance limit of compressive strength of cement increase with age?
2. For constructions where live loads are expected to occur very soon which type of
cement will have to be used?
3. If sand cement of the standard mortar is increased what will happen to the
compressive strength?
4-. Why standard sand is prescribed in place of ordinary sand.
5. How does standard sand appear as for its gradation is concerned.

Technical reference IS 4031-1968 and IS 8112 1989

BMS COLLEGE OF ENGG

DEPARMENT OF CIVIL ENGG
CONCRETE LABORATORY

11
 SPECIFIC SURFACE OF CEMENT

OBJECTIVE:
To measure the Specific surface of the given cement.
BACKWARD INFORMATION :
Specific surface of a power is the total surface area of its particles contained in unit
weight. A direct approach for determining various particles sizes of cement is to measure
the particle size distribution by sedimentation, by the application of Stokes Law. (Wagner
Turbidiometer ASTM Standard C 115-58). In the permeability methods, the surface area
is measure in terms of resistance offered by the bed of powder compacted to a standard
density to the airflow, both these quantities being related by Carmans equation. Lea &
Nurse method uses the constant airflow and Blaines Method uses the variable rate of
Airflow. These methods give a fairly a good idea of relative variation in the fineness of
cement.
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE:
Fineness of cement affects many of its parameters. The rate of development of
strength is affected by the fineness. Since the extent of strength development depends
upon the quantity of cemetitious hydrates produced which is more, the finer the cement.
Even after the same degree of hydration achieved the strength is seam to be more for
finer cements. The finer cement more its water requirements for the same consistency but
it may note on the other hand that the workability of cement concrete improves with the
fineness of cement. Finer cement absorbs water more easily from atmosphere. Finer
cement will also reacts more strongly with alkali reactive aggregates. The finer cements
exhibit higher drying shrinkage.

APPARATUS: Blain Air Permeability apparatus.

12
Calibration of Apparatus
The calibration of the air permeability apparatus shall be made using National Bureau of
Standards standard sample No.114 or any other cement sample having specific surface
equal to the approximate certificate value of NBS standard sample No. 114. The sample
shall be at room temperature when tested.

PROCEDURE
Bulk Volume of Compacted Bed of Powder

The bulk volume of the compacted bed of powder shall be determined by the mercury
displacement method as follows.
Place two filter paper discs in the permeability cell, pressing down the edges with a rod
slightly smaller than the cell diameter until the filter discs are flat on the perforated metal
disc. Then fill the cell with mercury, removing any air bubbles adhering to the wall of
cell. If the cell is made of material that may amalgamate with mercury, the interior of the
cell shall be protected by very thin film of oil just prior to adding the mercury. Level the
mercury with the top of the cell by means of a small glass plate. Remove the mercury
from the cell, weigh and record the weight of mercury. Remove one of the filler discs
from the cell. Using a trial quantity of 2.8 gm of cement compress the cement in
accordance with the Step 1 given below. Fill the space remaining in the top of the cell
with mercury, remove-entrapped air and level of the top as before. Remove the mercury
from the cell, weigh and record the weight of mercury.

Step 1:
The perforated disc shall be scatted on the ledge in the permeability cell. A filter paper
disc shall be placed on the metal disc shall be placed on the metal disc and the edges
pressed down with a rod slightly smaller than the cell diameter. A quantity of cement
determined in accordance with Note-2 and weighed to the nearest 0.001 g shall be placed
in the cell. The side of the cell shall be tapped lightly in order to level the bad of cement.
A filter paper disc shall be placed on the top of the cement and the cement compressed
with the plunger until the plunger collar is in contact with the top of the cell. The plunger
shall then be removed slowly. Use of fresh filter paper discs is required for each
determination.
Note 2
The weight of the standard sample used for the calibration test shall be that required to
produce a bed of cement having a porosity of 0.5 00+ 0.005, and shall be calculated as
follows
W= v (1-e)
Where W =Sample required in gm
= Specific gravity of test sample (for Portland cement, a value of 3.15 shall be used)
v = bulk volume of bed of cement in cm3
e = desired porosity of bed of cement
the bulk volume occupied by the cement shall be calculated to the nearest 0.005 cm3
as follows

13
 v= (wa-wb )/D
where
v=bulk volume of cement in cm3
wa = grams of mercury required to fill cell , no cement being in cell
wb = grams of mercury required to fill the portion of the cell not occupied by the
prepared bed of cement in the cell
D= density of mercury at temperature of test in g/ cm3 ( see table )

Room Density of mercury Viscosity of air n

Temperature 0 c * n porses
g/ cm3
16 13.56 0.0001788 0.013337
18 13.55 0.0001798 0.013341
20 13.55 0.0001808 0.013344
22 13.54 0.0001818 0.013348
24 13.54 0.0001828 0.013352
26 13.53 0.0001837 0.013355
28 13.53 0.0001847 0.013359
30 13.53 0.0001857 0.013362
32 13.52 0.0001867 0.013366
34 13.51 0.0001876 0.013369

* The density of the mercury shall be determined separately

At least two determine of bulk volume of cement shall be made, using separate
compactions for each determination. The bulk volume value used for subsequent
calculations shall be the average of two values agreeing within plus or minus 0.005 cm3

The temperature in the vicinity of the cell shall be noted and recorded at the beginning
and end of determination

Permeability test
The permeability cell shall be attached to the manometer tube , making certain that an air
tight connection is obtained and taking care not jar or disturb the prepared bed of
cement.
Size of test sample
The weight of the cement sample used for the test shall be same as that used in the
calibration test on the standard sample, except that when determining the fineness of high
early strength-cements, the weight of the sample shall be that required to produce a test
bed having a porosity of 0.530 +0.005
The test sample shall be prepared as explained for the calibration and the permeability
test and shall be performed as explained

14
 Observations and calculations
Calculation of specific surface values shall be made according to the following
formula.
S= ( ss T )/ Ts
S= ( ss ns T )/ Ts n
S= ((ss (1- es ) e3s T)/ e3Ts (1-e)
S= (ss (1- es) ) e3ns T)/( e3sTsn (1-e))
S= (ss Ps (1- es) ) e3 T)/( e3sTsn (1-e))
S== (ss Ps (1- es)) ns e3 T)/(1-e) e3sTs n)
s= specific surface in sq cms per gram of test sample

ss= specific surface in sq. cms per gram of the standard sample used in calibration of the
apparatus
T = Measured time interval in seconds of manometer drop for test sample
Ts = measured time interval in seconds of manometer drop for standard sample used in
calibration of the apparatus
n s = viscosity of air in poises at the temperature of test of the standard sample used in
calibration of the apparatus
n = viscosity of air in poises at the temperature of test of the test sample
es = porosity of prepared bed of standard sample used in calibration of apparatus
e = porosity of prepared bed of test sample
ps= specific gravity of standard sample used in calibration of apparatus
p = specific gravity of test sample

Discussions:
1 . How does the specific surface of cement affect the following?
A ) Reaction kinetics
B) Strength developments
C) Shrinkage
D) Creep
E) Normal consistency
2. Name the different methods for the determination of specific surface of powers? What
role can a sieve analysis play in the determination of fineness?
3 . Why the nitrogen absorption method (BET method) gives consistently higher values
than air permeability test?
4 Why finer cements with same density should offer more resistance to airflow.

Technical reference IS 4031-1968 and IS 8112 1989

BMS COLLEGE OF ENGG

DEPARMENT OF CIVIL ENGG
CONCRETE LABORATORY

15
 Workability of fresh concrete
Slump test
Objective
To assess the workability of given fresh concrete mix by slump test
Back ground information
Workability of fresh concrete is an important characteristic of concrete. It can be defined
as the ease with which the concrete can be worked; working includes mixing, placing,
compacting and finishing. Actually, it is a complex theological property of fresh concrete
consisting broadly of its stability, compatibility and mobility. These can be assessed by
slump.
Vertical settlement of a standard cone of fresh concrete (actually frustum of a cone) under
its own weight is called slump. The cone of concrete in slump test may some times fail in
shear, thus casting doubts on the stability of the concrete system. Lack of stability is
termed as segregation.
It is to note that unworkable concrete cannot be placed and compacted in situ properly
and such concrete will exhibit poor strength because of presence of large air voids.
For very stiff concrete slump test cannot be used because it will give very small values of
slump which are very difficult to measure accurately.
For very workable mixes, slump is of the order of few inches, which can be measured
accurately. So, slump is to be preferred in such cases.
Practical relevance
Increase in the amount of (mixing) water used in making concrete increases its
workability but reduces its strength because of increase in w/c ratio. Thus workability is
most important factor in determining the practicable lower bound of the water/ cement
ratio which can be used, implying that, it governs the maximum obtainable strength under
given conditions of placing and compaction. For concrete mix designs, the required
strength and workability are both specified. Where flow of concrete instead of its strength
is the only or dominant criterion, such as in situations where concrete is to be pumped to
greater distances, the workability of concrete should be very high.
Following are the typical values of workability of fresh concrete to be used in different
Situations.
Degree of Slump Situation
workability In mm
Very low 0-25 Roads vibrated by power operated machines ; concrete with
hand operated machines for more workable mixes
Low 25-50 Road vibrated by hand operated machines for more workable
mix, concrete may be manually compacted in roads using
rounded or irregular shapes. mass concrete foundations with
out vibrations or lightly reinforced sections with vibrations
Medium 50-100 For less workable concretes manually compacted flat slabs
using crushed aggregate. Normal reinforced concrete manually
compacted and highly reinforced sections with vibrations
High 100- For sections with congested reinforcement. Normally suitable
175 for vibration

16
Apparatus:
Slump cone, scale, balance, trowel tamping rod etc

Procedure:
Place the fresh concrete mix in the clean slump cone in four equal layers, tamping each
layer 25 times with tamping rod in uniform manner over the cross section. For the second
and subsequent layers,
Strike the top of concrete flush with the cone mould with a trowel so that the mould is
exactly filled.
Remove the cone by care- fully in the vertical direction
As soon as the concrete settlement stops, measure the subsidence of concrete in mm . this
subsidence of concrete in mm. This subsidence is slump.
Sl no Particulars Trail Trail Trail
No I No II No III
1 Weight of cement
2 Weight of fine aggregate
3 Weight of coarse aggregate
4 W/c
5 Height of supported concrete (H1) in mm
6 Height of unsupported concrete (H2) in mm
7 Slump (H2- H1) in mm

Technical reference IS 1199- 1959

17
 Compaction factor test
Objective
To assess the workability of given fresh concrete mix by compaction factor test
Back ground information
Workability of fresh concrete is an important characteristic of concrete. It can be defined
as the ease with which the concrete can be worked; working includes mixing, placing,
compacting and finishing. Actually, it is a complex theological property of fresh concrete
consisting broadly of its stability, compatibility and mobility. These can be assessed by
compaction factor test.
Compaction factor is a measure of the density of concrete tom which a fresh concrete mix
can be compacted for a standard input of energy relative to the theoretical maximum
density it can have corresponding to zero air content. This theoretical maximum density
can be estimated in the laboratory as that
It is to note that unworkable concrete cannot be placed and compacted in situ properly
and such concrete will exhibit poor strength because of presence of large air voids.
For very stiff concrete slump test cannot be used because it will give very small values of
slump, which are very difficult to measure accurately.
For very workable mixes, slump is of the order of few in mm, which can be measured
accurately. So, slump is to be preferred in such cases.
Practical relevance
Increase in the amount of (mixing) water used in making concrete increases its
workability but reduces its strength because of increase in w/c ratio. Thus workability is
most important factor in determining the practicable lower bound of the water/ cement
ratio, which can be used, implying that, it governs the maximum obtainable strength
under given conditions of placing and compaction. For concrete mix designs, the required
strength and workability are both specified. Where flow of concrete instead of its strength
is the only or dominant criterion, such as in situations where concrete is to be pumped to
greater distances, the workability of concrete should be very high.
Following are the typical values of workability of fresh concrete to be used in different
Situations.

Degree of Compaction Situation

workability Factor
Very low 0.78 Roads vibrated by power operated machines; concrete with
hand operated machines for more workable mixes
Low 0.85 Road vibrated by hand operated machines for more workable
mix, concrete may be manually compacted in roads using
rounded or irregular shapes. mass concrete foundations with
out vibrations or lightly reinforced sections with vibrations
Medium 0.92 For less workable concretes manually compacted flat slabs
using crushed aggregate. Normal reinforced concrete manually
compacted and highly reinforced sections with vibrations
High 0.95 For sections with congested reinforcement. Normally suitable
for vibration

18
Apparatus
Compaction factor apparatus, balance, trowel tamping rod etc

Procedure

Keep the compaction factor apparatus on a level ground and clean the inner parts of the
hoppers and cylinder. Fasten the hopper trap door.
Weigh the empty cylinder accurately (w1). Fix the cylinder on the base with fly nut and
bolts in such that central axes of the cylinder lie on the vertical line.
Fill fresh concrete in the upper hopper gently with hand scoop or trowel with out any
compaction effort. After two minutes, release the trap door so that the concrete may fall
into the lower hopper, bringing concrete to some degree of compaction.
Immediately after the concrete has to rest in lower hopper, open its trap door and allow
the concrete to fall into the cylinder.
Remove the excess concrete above the top of the cylinder by trowel with blades kept
horizontal. Clean the cylinder from all sides properly and weigh it to find the weight of
this partially compacted concrete ( w2 )

19
Refill the cylinder with the same sample concrete in approximately 5-cm layers using
mechanical vibration so as to expel all the air in it in order to obtain the full compaction.
Level up the top and weigh this cylinder to get weight of fully compacted concrete (w 3)

Sl no Particulars Trail Trail Trail

No I No II No III

1 Weight of cement
2 weight of fine aggregate
3 weight of coarse aggregate
4 w/c
5 Empty weight of cylinder ( w1)
6 Cylinder with partially compacted concrete ( w2)
7 Cylinder with fully compacted concrete ( w3)
8 Weight of partially compacted concrete ( w2-w1 )
9 Weight of partially compacted concrete ( w3-w1 )
10 Compaction factor= ( w2-w1 )/ ( w3-w1 )

Technical reference IS: 1199 - 1959

BMS COLLEGE OF ENGG

DEPARMENT OF CIVIL ENGG
CONCRETE LABORATORY

20
 VEE-BEE Test

Objective

To assess the workability of given fresh concrete mix by VEE-BEE test

Back ground information

Workability of fresh concrete is an important characteristic of concrete. It can be defined

as the ease with which the concrete can be worked; working includes mixing, placing,
compacting and finishing. Actually, it is a complex theological property of fresh concrete
consisting broadly of its stability, compatibility and mobility. These can be assessed by

VEE-BEE test

The VEE-BEE index is a time-measure with a standard rate of energy input: the time
required to force the fresh concrete to flow to a standardized extent is called the Ve be
time. It is a measure of the mobility of the fresh concrete.
It is important to note that unworkable concrete cannot be placed and compacted in-situ
properly and such concrete will exhibit poor strength because of presence of large air
voids.

Practical relevance
Increase in the amount of (mixing) water used in making concrete increases its
workability but reduces its strength because of increase in w/c ratio. Thus workability is
most important factor in determining the practicable lower bound of the water/ cement
ratio which can be used, implying that, it governs the maximum obtainable strength under
given conditions of placing and compaction. For concrete mix designs, the required
strength and workability are both specified. Where flow of concrete instead of its strength
is the only or dominant criterion, such as in situations where concrete is to be pumped to
greater distances, the workability of concrete should be very high.
Following are the typical values of workability of fresh concrete to be used in different
Situations.

Degree of workability Vee-Bee time in seconds

Extremely dry 32-18
Very stiff 18-10
Stiff 10-5
Stiff plastic 5-3
Plastic 3-0
Flowing -----

21
Apparatus
VEE-BEE consistometer stopwatch trowel tamping rod

Procedure

VEE-BEE be Test:
1. Place the slump cone in the cylinder of the VEE-BEE apparatus. Fill it with fresh
concrete in the standard manner as described for the slump test.
2. Remove the cone and place the transparent disc of the apparatus on the top of the
concrete cone gently touching it. The disc has a standard weight on it.
3. Switch on the vibrating table and start the stopwatch simultaneously to measure the
time required for the conical shape to become cylindrical as seen through the
transparent plate. As soon as the slurry covers the disc uniformly stop the watch.

22
 Sl Particulars Trail No I Trail No II Trail No III
No
1 Weight of cement
2 weight of fine aggregate
3 weight of coarse aggregate
4 w/c
5 VEE-BEE time in seconds

Discussions:
1. A) If slump is more, what does that signify?
b) If compaction factor ( C.F) is high , how would you adjudge the concrete ?
c) Does VEE-BEE be time increase with stiffer mixes?
2. Why are two hoppers used in the C.F test?
3. What is the range of workability required for concrete to be used in
a) Heavily reinforced columns
b) Medium reinforced beams
c) R. C slabs
d) Isolated Footings

Technical reference IS: 1199 - 1959

BMS COLLEGE OF ENGG

DEPARMENT OF CIVIL ENGG
CONCRETE LABORATORY

23
 Compressive strength of cement concrete cubes and cylinders
objective :

To determine uniaxial compressive strength of concrete cubes and cylinders

Back ground information

Concrete, as a materiel is valued for its compressive strength. Of all the properties of
hardened concrete, compressive strength is most important. When an uniaxial load is
applied upon a concrete specimen, it not only exhibits compressive strains in the direction
of load. It also would exhibit some expansion in the lateral directions due to poisons
effect , as manifested by the introduction of lateral tensile strains . a specimen tested in
the compression testing machine is restrained from lateral expansion .at its end where it
is compressed against the relatively stiff steel platen of the testing machine . This is
equivalent redial compressive stress in the specimen near the specimen- steel platen
interface due to inter face shear stresses. Thus near the interface, the concrete is subjected
to multiaxial compressive stresses. This effect is called the platen effect. The strength of
a material is greater under multiaxial compressive stresses than under uniaxial
compressive stress. The platen effect decreases away from the interface towards the
center of the specimen. The effect is practically negligible beyond a section at a distance
equal to the width of the specimen from the interfaces. The measured compressive
strength decreases with increase in the height \ lateral dimension ratio and is
approximately equal to the uniaxial compressive strength of concrete for values of this
ratio equal to or greater than 2. For standard cylinders this ratio is two and as such
concrete cylinder strengths is only 0.75 to 0.80 times the cube strength whose height \
lateral dimension ratio is one. the platen effect can be eliminated by eliminating the
interface shear stresses by applying a lubricant such as grease at the interface, as this may
allow the specimen to expand freely by removing the lateral compressive stresses. But
such a method may not result in consistent measurement and is not favored by standards.
The measured values of strength of a concrete specimen are affected by a rate of loading.
It is low when the rate of loading is low. For purposes of uniformity and meaningful
comparison between different test results, the fate of loading for concrete cubes has been
specified as 14 N\mm2 \ min, and for cylinders as 120 n\mm2 \ min. in actual structures at
site it is not possible to estimate the strength.
Practical relevance
Compressive strength of concrete is required for assuring the design strength.

24
Apparatus:
Universal testing machine or compressive testing machine, balance, scale,
Table vibrator, moulds, capping material etc.

Procedure:
Specimen which is been stored in water up to the required period of curing shall be
tested immediately on removal from the water, while they are still in wet condition
surface water and grit shall be wiped off the specimens and any projecting fins removed.

25
Specimens when received dry shall be kept in water for 24 hours before they are testing.
The dimensions are measured to the nearest to 0.2 mm and their weight shall be noted
before testing.
The bearing surfaces of the testing machine shall be wiped clean of any loose sand or
other material removed from the surfaces of the specimen, which are to be in contact with
the specimen. in case of cubes, the specimens shall be placed in such a manner that the
load shall be applied on the faces which had contact with mould , I.e. not in direction of
cast. The load shall be applied without any shock and increased continuously at the rate
of 14 n/mm2 /minute until the resistance of the specimen to the increasing load reaches
maximum and no grater load can be sustained. The maximum load be recorded and
appearance of the concrete or any unusual features in the type of failure shall be noted.
Observations and calculations
Concrete grade:
Type of cement and aggregate used:
Curing conditions:
Age of concrete:
Whether wet or dry:
Dimensions:
Loading rate;
Bearing area:
Cubes

Sl no Failure load in Kn Strength in N/mm2 Failure mode

1
2
3

Cylinders

Sl no Failure load in Kn Strength in N/mm2 Failure mode

1
2
3

Ratio = cylinder strength/cube strength

Discussions:
1. If a thick sheet made of a material with stiffness smaller than concrete is used
between the steel platens of the machines and the concrete strength of specimens of
different Height/lateral dimensions ratios?
2. List the experimental factors, which influence the concrete strength.

26
3. If the concrete specimen is loaded with small eccentricity how it affect its strength?
4. Comment on the observed and possible failures modes of cubic and cylindrical
specimens?

Technical reference IS: 516- 1959

BMS COLLEGE OF ENGG

DEPARMENT OF CIVIL ENGG
CONCRETE LABORATORY

Tensile strength of concrete

Objective:
To determine the tensile strength of concrete by split cylinder tension test
Background information:
Tensile strength of plain concrete can be determined by following methods
Direct tension test: in this test a briquette made of plain concrete is pulled uniaxially and
the fracture load per unit area of the specimen at fracture plane gives the tensile strength
of concrete.
Split cylinder tension test: when a concrete cylinder is subjected to compressive loads
applied along diametrically opposite lines. I.e.
When load is applied along the generatrix of the cylinder, then an element on the vertical
diameter of the cylinder is subjected to a vertical compressive stress
c=(2p/xLxD )x(D2/rx(D-r)-1 ))
and a tensile stress in the lateral direction t=3p/LD where P is the compressive load on
the cylinder, L is the length of the cylinder, D is its diameter and r and (D-r) are the
distances of the element from the two loads respectively.

27
Direct tension test: the splitting cylinder test gives values
about 1.05 to 1.15 times those obtained from direct tension
tests. The modulus of rupture is more than the tensile strength
measured by the direct tension test.
Accidental eccentricity in the direct tension test results in a
lower apparent tensile strength, in comparison with the other
tests.
In direct tension test, entire specimen is subjected to the
maximum tensile stress while in the flexure test, only the
bottom fibers in the constant moment zone are subjected to
maximum tensile stresses, everywhere else the stresses are
lesser. So, the probability of a weak element occurring and
thus resulting in failure is comparatively high in direct
Tension test.
In the flexure test, the under-stressed concrete near the neutral
axis restrain the propagation of crack thus resulting in higher
failure load.
In the flexure test, it is assumed that the stress is proportional
to the distance of fiber from the neutral axis. Actually, the
stress distribution is parabolic. The modulus of rupture thus
overestimates the tensile strength of concrete.
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE
In normal structural design of members in flexure, the tensile
strength of concrete is not made use of.
However, it is important to estimate the cracking load. The
absence of cracking is important in maintaining the continuity
of a concrete structure for diminishing the

28
 Corrosion of reinforced concrete, for liquid retaining structures for
aesthetics etc. restrained shrinkage and temperature gradients also
introduce tensile stresses. In roads, pavements and airport runways,
flexural tension has to be resisted, since steel reinforcement is absent
in such pavements.
The ratio of direct tensile strength to uniaxial compressive strength
varies from 0.07 to 0.11. The ratio of tensile to compressive strength
decreases with increase in compressive Strength.
The ratio of shear strength to uniaxial compressive strength is in the
range 0.115 to 0.25.

APPARATUS
Compression testing machine, cylinders (150mm x 300mm),

PROCEDURE
Split tensile Test
Place the cylinder with its longitudinal axis in horizontal direction
between the platens of compression testing machine.
Place marrow strips of a packing material such as plywood between
the platens and cylinder surface.

29
Load is applied at such a rate that tensile stress acting on the vertical
diameter increases at a rate of 7 kg/cm2/minute.
Observations and calculations
Tensile strength = t = 2P x ( x D x L )
Age of concrete:
Curing conditions:
Concrete Mix:
Length L = mm
Diameter D = mm
Sl no Failure load ( Kn) Tensile stress n/mm2
1
2
3
Discussions:
1) Why the ply wood sheets are inserted between the machine platens
and the cylinder surface
2) Give instances where the tensile strength of cement of concrete
will be of significant relevance in practice
3) How is tension introduced in a concrete beam due to shear?

Technical reference IS: 516- 1959

Sieve analysis of aggregate

Objective:
To study the particle size distribution of coarse and fine aggregate by
sieve analysis and to draw their grading curves
To draw the grading curve for mixed aggregate obtained by mixing the
above coarse and fine aggregate in some proportion
Background information:
Aggregate particles which are larger in size than 4.75 mm (retained on
IS 4.75 mm sieve) constitute coarse aggregates and those smaller
constitute fine aggregate or sand.
The following set of sieves are recommended by standards for
concrete making
For coarse aggregate:
(Square hole, perforated plate type sieves)
80, 63, 50,40 31.5,25,16,12.5,10,10,6.3,4.75 mm
For fine aggregate:
4.75, 2.36,1.18 mm, 600, 300,150 microns
Fineness modulus of an aggregate is defined as the sum of the
cumulative percentage retained on sieves of standard sizes divided by
100. It can be looked upon as a weighted average size of a sieve on
which the material is retained, the sieves being counted from the finest
Grading curve is a graphical representation of the results of sieve
analysis in which the ordinate on the ordinary scale represents the
cumulate percentage passing for each sieve and the abscissa represents
the corresponding sieve opening plotted on log scale in semi log paper.
30
Alternately, if the size of each successive sieve is half of the next
larger one, plotting sieve sizes with equal abscissae intervals, results in
a near semi-log plot
Since the sand used for concrete are obtained either from land
quarrying or by crushing larger aggregates, their grading vary from
place to place. In order that there is broad classification, IS 2386
classifies sand into four zones I to IV based on percentage passing at
600 microns sieve.
Fuller, postulated, a mathematical grading curve of perfectly spherical
particles which results in least voids or maximum packing. Real
aggregate does not usually conform to Fullers curve, as they are not
spherical. Fine powders tend to clog together and stick to the sides of
wires of sieves of very small apertures, presence of moisture also
affects the results sieve analysis, as such useful only for aggregates
such as sand and coarse aggregates but not for cement or clay. For
sieve analysis of pozzolanas, wet sieve analysis is done.
Practical relevance
The grading of an aggregate mix should be such that the resulting
concrete has least voids for obtaining maximum strength and that the
concrete mix, in the fresh state, should give the required workability so
that concrete can be cast and compacted with least effort. Further,
concrete should not segregate on handling. As such for the purpose of
a concrete mix design the information furnished by the sieve analysis
is of prime importance. Practical grading requirements for making
good concrete are as follows.

Grading requirements for fine aggregates

Grading Zone
Sieve size I II III IV
Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage
passing passing passing passing
10 mm 100 100 100 100
4.75 mm 90-100 90-100 90-100 95-100
2.36 mm 60-95 75-100 85-100 95-100
1.18 mm 30-70 55-90 75-100 90-100
600 micron 15-34 35-59 60-79 80-100
300 micron 5-20 8-30 12-40 15-50
150 micron 0-10* 0-10* 0-10* 0-15*

* For crushed stone sand, the permissible limit is increased to 20 %

Apparatus:
Set of Indian standard sieves, weighing balance with accuracy 0.1
percent of sample weight, sieve shaker, trays, riffle box etc
31
Procedures
Coarse aggregate
Take 10 kg of coarse aggregate from a sample of about 50-kg by
quartering or through riffle box.
Arrange the relevant sieves one above the other with the sieve size
increasing to the top . Put the pan at he bottom. Place the sample in the
top sieve and cover it Shake the set of sieves for 20 to 30 minutes in a

32
sieve shaker. Weigh the amount of aggregate retained on each sieve
along with pan.

Fine aggregate: Take one Kg. Of sample and follow the procedure
same as that coarse aggregate employing the relevant set of sieves.
Form its grading characteristics, find its fineness modulus.
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS
Coarse aggregate
Weight of empty tray (kg). =
Weight of tray +
Coarse aggregate Kg.=
Weight of coarse aggregate, Kg. =

Sr. Sieve Size Wt. %age Wt. Cumulative %age Wt/ Cumulative %age
No. mm Retailed Retained %age Wt passing Wt. passing
Retained (F)
1 75 mm
2 40mm
3 20mm
4 10mm
5 4.75mm
6 2.36 mm
7 1.18mm
8 600micron
9 300micron
10 150micron
11 Pan

Fineness modulus = sum of F/ 100

Fine Aggregate
Weight of fine Aggregate =

Sr. Sieve Size Wt. %age Cumulative %age Cumulati

No. mm Retailed Wt. %age Wt Wt/ ve %age
Retained Retained passing Wt.
(F) passing
1 4.75mm
2 2.36 mm
3 1.18mm
4 600micron
5 300micron
6 150micron
7 Pan

Fineness modulus = sum of F/ 100

33
PRECAUTIONS:
The samples should be taken by quartering for which the sample is
thoroughly mixed and spread over a clean surface. It is then
cut into four equal parts by a trowel, care being taken to
include fines and dust. Two opposite quarters are taken and
mixed to make the sample. If any further reduction of
quantity is required. The process may be repeated, weight
retained on each sieve shall not exceed the limits emposed by
the code.

Discussions:
1. For the fine aggregates analyzed, find the average size of he the
particles
2. As regards the aggregate samples analyzed was there any sample
deficient in or containing excess of any particular size? Identify.
3. To Which zone does the given fine aggregate belong?
4. Why sieve analysis of very fine powers such as cements is not
reliable?
5. What is meant by specific surface of granular materials?

Technical reference: IS 2386 1963 ( part III)

34
BMS COLLEGE OF ENGG
DEPARMENT OF CIVIL ENGG
CONCRETE LABORATORY

BULKING OF SAND
OBJECTIVE
To determine the bulking of fine aggregate and to draw the curve
between water con tent and bulking.
BACKGROUND INFORMANTON:
The volume of a given quantity of sand increases with increase on
moisture content in the initial stage. A stage is reached when the
percentage increase in the volume is maximum at a fineness and nature
of sand (fine aggregate), after which the increase in volumes starts
decreasing with further increase in moisture content and finally drops
to zero. The bulking is due to the volume occupied by the absorbed
films of water on fine particles; these films keep the fine particles
apart. Bulking drops to zero when moisture content os such that the
mix represents a suspension of sand in water.
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE:
In concrete mix design, when the quantity of sand to be measured
volumetrically, a correction has to be applied for the volume increase
of sand with moisture content. This can only be done by studying the
bulking characteristics of sand. Otherwise, the concrete may become
under sanded. Let a fine aggregate sample contain percentage moisture
content x and the corresponding percentage bulking as determined in
the laboratory is y. If in a mix design, the volume of dry sand required
is v, the volume of moist sand to be used in the mix is given by
V(1+Y). The quantity of water to be added is reduced also depending
on x.
For general sands, the maximum bulking of about 25-30% occurs at
about 8-10% of moisture content.
APPARATUS:
35
Balance, cylindrical container of 250ml. capacity, metal plate, steel
rule, oven, graduated cylinder, beaker etc.

PROCEDURE:
1. Put sufficient quantity of oven dried sand loosely into the container
to about two-thirds full. Level the top of sand and weigh the
container to obtain the weight of sand.
2. Push the steel rule vertically down through the sand at the middle
to the bottom and measure the height (h) of sand.
3. Empty the container on to a clean metal tray without any loss of
sand.
4. Add one percent water by weight of sand and mix thoroughly by
hand.
5. Put back the loose sand into the container without tamping it.
6. Smooth and level the top surface of the moist sand and measure its
depth (h) at the middle with the steel rule.
7. Repeat the above procedure with 2,3,,5.Percentages of moisture
of the sample till the bulking is maximum and starts dropping,
ultimately to zero.
8. Every time a different sample shall be used.
OBSERVBATIONS AND CALCULATION`S:
Weight of empty container, g =
Weight of container with
Oven-dried sand, g
Weight of sand, g
volume of dry sand (h) =
Trail Percentage of volume of moist Percentage Bulking of sand
No water added by sand (cm)(h1) (h1-h)x100/h
weight of sand
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

PRECAUTIONS:
1. There should not be any wastage of sample during testing.
2. Container should be clean and dry.

Discussions :
1) Explain the behavior of sand with increase with increase in its
moisture content
2) Compare and contrast the bulking VS percentage moisture content
curves for two sands , one of them finer than the other
3) The bulking of coarse aggregate is not accounted in concrete mix
design. Explain Why?

36
4) What is the relevance of bulking of fine aggregate both in volume
batching and weight batching?

Technical reference : IS 2386 1963 ( part III)

BMS COLLEGE OF ENGG

DEPARMENT OF CIVIL ENGG
CONCRETE LABORATORY

Specific gravity and water absorption of coarse

aggregate
Objective
To determine the specific gravity and ware absorption of he aggregate
Background
Many stones have some small pores in them; some of these pores are
accessible to ware from their surfaces and others are inaccessible.
Since the specific gravity of a stone is measured as the ratio of its
weight to its volume, the presence of pores may affect the volume of
the particles which in turn depends upon the method adopted for the
determination of volume. Water is commonly employed as the medium
for determination of volumes and when used, the volume of pores,
which are inaccessible to water, will cause error in the determination
of specific gravity. Such determinations may more appropriately be
called density determinations.
It is rather difficult for such porous material to determine its absolute
specific gravity. Even when the accessible pore volumes are
determined by water absorption only the apparent specific gravity of
the stone is determined. It is obvious that if a stone is broken into
smaller pieces, the higher values of apparent specific gravity may be
obtained since some of the previously inaccessible pores have become
accessible in the process. Of chemical hydration of cement , nor for the
workability of the fresh concrete . as such , in concrete making , it is
necessary to determine the weight of the aggregate corresponding to
its (pore ) saturated surface- dry condition , which can be found by
determining the water absorption of the aggregate .
Such water absorption is considered only at ordinary ambient
temperatures since concrete is usually made at these temperatures
37
Hot water absorption is more than cold water absorption. in the above
discussion it has been tactically assumed that the aggregate is inert,
and does not contain water , soluble alkalis or salts , and that the
density of water in the pores of various sizes and shapes and equal to
the density of free water.

Practical relevance
Specific gravity ids used in the calculation of quantities but the actual
value of the specific gravity is not a measure of its quality. Specific
gravity of the aggregate which from about three fourth of concrete by
weight determines the over all density of concrete: there is a minimum
Procedure
The sample shall be thoroughly washed to remove finer particles and
dust , drained and then placed in the wire basket and immersed in
distilled water at a temperature between 220c and 320c with a cover of
at least 5 cm of wetter above the top of the basket
Immediately after immersion the entrapped air shall be removed from
the sample by lifting the basket 25 mm above the base of the tank and
allowing it to drop 25 mm at the rate of about one drop per second .
the basket and the aggregate shall remain completely immersed during
the operation and for a period of 24 hours afterwards .
The basket and the sample shall then jolted and weighed in water at a
temperature of 220c and 320c. if it is necessary for them to be
transferred to different tank weighing they shall be jolted 25 times as
described above in the new tank before weighing (weight A1). The
basket and the aggregate shall be removed from the water and allowed
to drain for few monutes, after which the aggregate shall be gently
emptied from the basket on to the one of the dry clothes and the empty
basket shall be returned to the water, jolted 25 times and weighed in
water ( weight A2) .
The aggregate placed on the dry cloth shall be gently surface dried
with cloth, transferring it to the second dry cloth when the first will
remove no further moisture . the aggregate shall then be weighed
( weight B) . the aggregate shall then be placed in the oven in a
shallow tray, at a temperature of 100 to 110 0 c and maintained at this
temperature of 24 h. It shall then be removed from the oven, cooled in
the air tight container and weighed (weight C).
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS
Specific gravity, apparent specific gravity and water absorption shall
be calculated as follows.
Specific gravity =C/B-A
Apparent Specific Gravity = C/C-A
Water absorption = 100(B-C)/C
Where A= the weight in gms of the saturated aggregate in water.
A = (A1 A2)
B = the weight in gms of the saturated surface dry aggregate in air.
C = the weight in gms if oven dried aggregate in air.
Sl.No C(g) B(g) A(g) Spe.Gra. Apparent Specific Water Absorption
. C/B-A Gravity C/C-A P=100(B-C)/C
1
38
2
3
Average Specific Gravity =
Average Apparent Spe. Gravity =
Average water absorption =

Discussions :
1) Does water absorption test lead to determination of the absolute or
apparent of sp. Gravity and porosity? Give reasons.
2) A finer porous aggregate gives a grater value of water absorption.
why?
3) What is the importance of saturated and surface- dry condition of
the aggregate for making concrete ?

Technical reference: IS 2386 1963 (part III)

BMS COLLEGE OF ENGG

DEPARMENT OF CIVIL ENGG
CONCRETE LABORATORY

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF BRICKS

OBJECTIVE
To determine the compressive strength of bricks.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Brick is a ceramic material which has a brittle behavior, its strength is
predominantly governed by porosity and maximum pore size, apart
from bonding introduced during its manufacture. Since tensile
strength, shear strength and modulus of elasticity also depend on
porosity, the measured compressive strength gives an indication of
these properties as well. Tensile strength and shear strength vary from
30 to 40% of the compressive strength. The modulus of elasticity is
about 700 times the compressive strength for the brick crushing
strength upto 300 Kg/cm2 and remains more or less constant for
stronger brick.
39
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE
As per IS Code 1077 (1976) bricks are designated class-wise
depending upon their unit compressive strength. Ordinary bricks vary
in strength from 35 Kg/cm2 to 350 Kg/cm2 and heavy duty bricks are
those having strength more than 400 Kg/cm2 . The Code specifies the
maximum permissible values for 24-hour Cold Water absorption and
efflorescence based upon their class designation. Compressive strength
of brick-masonry depends, among other parameters, upon the unit
strength of bricks. Usually for strength of brick masonry varies from
30 to 40% of the unit strength of bricks, with appropriate mortar.
APPARATUS
A compression testing machine, with compression platen having
hemispherical ball seating with the center of the platen.

PROCEDURE
1. Remove the unevenness observed in the bed faces to provide two
smooth and parallel faces by grinding. Immerse in water at room
temperature for 24 hours. Remove the specimen and drain out any
surplus moisture at room temperature.
2. Fill the frog (where provided) and all voids in the bed face flush
with cement mortar having cement sand ratio 1:3, using clean
course sand of 3 mm and down size.
3. Store under damp gunny bags for 24 hours followed by immersion
in water for 3 days. Remove the bricks and wipe out traces of
moisture.
4. Place the specimen with mortar filled face upward, between two 3
mm plywood sheets, carefully centered between platens of the
testing machine. In place of plywood sheets, plaster of paris could
also be used to ensure uniform surface for application of load.
Apply load axially at a uniform rate of 140 Kg/cm 2 /minute and
note the maximum load at failure. 12 specimens shall be tested.
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Specimen Length (cm.) Breadth(cm.) Area(cm2) Failure Crushing

No. load(Kg) strength(Kg/
cm2)

40
1
2
3
Average Compressive Strength = Kg/cm2

Discussions:
1) From the suction rate values obtained, comment on the precautions
to be taken during laying these bricks in a brick wall.
2) Are denser bricks always preferable under all structural and
functional uses?
3) Distinguish between porosity and cold water absorption.

Technical reference IS 3495 ( part I to IV )

BMS COLLEGE OF ENGG

DEPARMENT OF CIVIL ENGG
CONCRETE LABORATORY

Specific gravity and water absorption of fine aggregate

Objective ;
Determination of specific gravity and water absorption of fine
aggregate

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Back ground information
The specific gravity of an aggregate is defined as the ratio of the mass
of given volume of sample tom the mass of an equal volume of water
at the same temperature . The specific gravity of fine aggregate is
generally required for calculation in connection with concrete for the
calculations of volume yield concrete. The specific gravity also gives
information on the specific gravity from its standard value indicates
change in shape and grading
Practical relevance
It influences the behavior of aggregate in concrete in several important
aspects. A highly absorptive aggregate, if used in dry condition will
reduce effective water cement ratio to an appreciable extent and may
the concrete un -workable unless a suitable allowance is made. Hence
determination of absorption of aggregate is necessary to determine net
water cement ratio.

Apparatus
Balance (capacity not less than 3 kg ), pycnometer, distillwater , drying
oven and hair drier.

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Procedure
Take a sample of the fine aggregate and soak it in water keep it for
24+/- hours. The temperature should be 27+/- 50 c.
Take out and spread the sample to gently moving current of warm air
until the material reaches free running condition.
Weigh 500 grams of saturated surface dry sand in the pycnometer.
Fill the pycnometer with water to the top of the cone roll the
pycnometer in an inclined position to eliminate all air bubbles and
replace with water.
Wipe the pycnometr and weigh accurately

Calculations

Sl No Description Weight in
grams
1 Mass of saturated dry sample W2
2 Mass of pycnometr + water W1
3 Mass of pycnometr + sand + water W3
4 Mass of empty tray We
5 Mass of tray + saturated surface dry
sample Ws
6 Mass of saturated surface dry sample
(Ws-We )
7 Mass of tray +oven dry sample Wo
8 Mass of oven dry sample ( Wo-We) W5

Specific gravity = W2/(W2-(W3-W1))

Percentage absorption = ( (W4 -W5)/W5 )x 100

Technical reference: IS 2386 1963 (part III)

43
Determination of wet transverse strength of flooring tile

44
B M S college of Engineering Bangalore
560019
Department of civil Engineering

Experiment
Page No
1 Normal consistency of cement
1
2 Initial Final setting of cement
3
3 Specific gravity of cement
4
4 Specific surface of cement
5 Compressive strength of cement
7
6 Soundness of cement by Autoclave method
5
7 Workability of fresh concrete
45
 a slump test
13
b Compaction factor test
15
c VEE- BEE consistometer test
17
8 Compressive strength of concrete
19
9 Tensile strength of concrete
21

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