JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY

OF
AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

P.O.BOX, 62000 NAIROBI KENYA TEL 067-52181-3 FAX ((067)52164

PROJECT TITLE:
HIGH SLUMP CONCRETE MIX DESIGN

Project by:

BRENDA YONGO OBILO

(E25-0124/04)

PROJECT SUPERVISOR
MR. MULU

APRIL 2010

This project is submitted in partial fulfillment for the award of a university degree in Civil
Engineering of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

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DECLARATION
I, Obilo Brenda Yongo, do declare that this report is my original work and to the best of
my knowledge has not been submitted for any degree award in any University or
Institution.

Signed_______________ Date ____________

CERTIFICATION

I have read this report and approve it for examination.

Signed_______________ Date_____________

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 Acknowledgements

My sincere thanks go to my supervisor Mr. Mulu who assisted me tirelessly throughout

this project, the Civil Engineering staff who guided and assisted me in my lab work and

my colleagues for their support throughout my studies and in accomplishing this research

work.

In addition, I would like to thank my family and friends who stood by me throughout my

studies.

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 DEDICATION

I dedicate this work to my family who have always believed in me and supported
me throughout my studies, to Christopher Mutungi for his encouragement and
continuing prayers and mostly to God for His guidance.

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 ABSTRACT

High slump or flowing concrete mix is an economical mix product that allows maximum
flowability without sacrificing strength by adding water. These high slump, high strength
properties are attained through the use of high range water reducing admixtures (super
plasticizers). It is a highly fluid but workable concrete and is useful for placing in very heavily
reinforced sections, in inaccessible areas, in floor or road slabs and also where very rapid
placing is desired. This paper presents the results of an experimental study whereby a high
slump concrete mix was designed and its properties were tested. The target strength and slump
was 25N/mm2 and 200mm respectively. The slump was attained using W/C ratios of 0.7 and
0.4 .With a W/C ratio of 0.7 no admixture was used and the 200 mm slump was attained
using water only, the compressive and tensile strength after 28 days was 20N/mm2 and
2N/mm2 respectively. This was below the target strength. Despite a lower W/C ratio of 0.4, a
high slump (200mm) concrete mix was attained using a super plasticizer, the compressive
strength and tensile strength after 28 days was 30N/mm2 and 2.95N/mm2 respectively. This
exceeded the target compressive strength of 25N/mm2 after 28 days. The work herein
confirms that a concrete mix can be designed to produce a mix with a high slump and of a
desired high strength without using excess water to increase workability, which consequently
leads to a decrease in strength, but by the use of super plasticizers. Super plasticizers are used
for high strength concretes by decreasing the W/C ratio as a result of reducing the water
content by 12-25%. In this study the water content was reduced by 25% from 1.7kg to
1.313kg.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE ..................................................................................................................... 1

1.0 Introduction: ............................................................................................................. 1

1.1 HIGH SLUMP CONCRETE MIX DESIGN................................................................... 1

1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT .......................................................................................... 3

1.2 PROBLEM JUSTIFICATION ..................................................................................... 4

1.4 OVERALL OBJECTIVE.............................................................................................. 4

Specific Objectives. ................................................................................................. 4

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS ........................................................................................ 5

CHAPTER TWO .................................................................................................................... 6

2.0 Literature Review: ..................................................................................................... 6

2.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 6

2.2 Composition of concrete....................................................................................... 7

Super plasticizers (high-range water-reducing admixtures) ................................... 9

2.3 Concrete Mix Design ........................................................................................... 10

2.4 Problems associated with high slump concrete ................................................. 21

CHAPTER THREE ................................................................................................................ 23

3.0 Research Methodology: .......................................................................................... 23

3.1 Grading of materials for concrete production .................................................... 23

3.2 Fineness Modulus ............................................................................................... 26

3.3 Determination of specific gravity and water absorption of aggregates ............. 27

3.4 Silt content test ................................................................................................... 31

3.5 Concrete mix design............................................................................................ 32

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 3.6 Batching .............................................................................................................. 34

3.7 Mixing of concrete .............................................................................................. 34

3.8 Slump test ........................................................................................................... 34

3.9 Casting of compression test specimen ............................................................... 35

3.10 Concrete placing ............................................................................................... 35

3.11 Curing of the test specimen .............................................................................. 35

3.12 Hard concrete test ............................................................................................ 36

3.13 Tensile strength test ......................................................................................... 38

CHAPTER FOUR ................................................................................................................. 40

4.0 Data Results and discussion .................................................................................... 40

4.1 RESULTS OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY & WATER ABSORPTION TESTS ON FINE

AGGREGATES ............................................................................................................ 40

4.2 RESULTS OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY & WATER ABSORPTION TESTS ON COARSE

AGGREGATES ............................................................................................................ 42

4.3 GRADING RESULTS .............................................................................................. 43

4.4 RESULTS OF SILT CONTENT ................................................................................. 46

4.5 Normal concrete mix design by Department of Environment (DoE) .................. 46

4.6 SLUMP TEST ........................................................................................................ 49

4.7 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH RESULTS .................................................................... 52

4.8 TENSILE STRENGTH RESULTS .............................................................................. 54

4.9 WATER:CEMENT RATIO....................................................................................... 55

4.10 Problems associated with the high slump concrete. ........................................ 56

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................ 58

4.11 CONCLUSION......................................................................................................... 58

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 4.12 RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................... 58

Bibliography ...................................................................................................................... 59

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-SLUMP................................................................................................................... 1

Figure 2-SLUMP CLASS ........................................................................................................ 2

Figure 3-GRADING SIEVES ................................................................................................. 25

Figure 4-SLUMP TEST ........................................................................................................ 35

Figure 5- FAILURE OF CUBE BY COMPRESSION ................................................................ 37

Figure 6-COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST .......................................................................... 37

Figure 7-CYLINDER BEFORE LOADING............................................................................... 39

Figure 8- CYLINDER SPLIT AFTER LOADING....................................................................... 39

Figure 9-FINE AGGREGATE SIEVE ANALYSIS ..................................................................... 44

Figure 10-COARSE AGGREGATE SIEVE ANALYSIS .............................................................. 45

Figure 11-RESULTS OF SLUMP TEST .................................................................................. 49

Figure 12-SLUMP AGAINST POZZOLITH LD 10 ADMIXTURE ............................................. 50

Figure 13-SLUMP AGAINST RHEOBUILD ADMIXTURE ......... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Figure 14-COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AGAINST TIME ........................................................ 53

Figure 15-TENSILE STRENGTH AGAINST TIME .................................................................. 55

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CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction:
1.1 HIGH SLUMP CONCRETE MIX DESIGN
INTRODUCTION

One of the basic attributes of any cementitious materials be it mortar or concrete, is its
workability or consistence, that is how easy it is to push one way, pull the other way ,
and float to a smooth level . Workability is largely determined by wetness, by how wet is
the mortar or concrete. This is referred to as slump

In essence, the wetter the concrete, the higher the slump. Mortars or concrete with a high
water content are said to have a high slump while those with a low water content have a
low slump. Although slump is often seen as an indication of water content, it is more
legitimately interpreted as a measure of consistence. (Paving expert-Concrete and
Mortar-Slump, 2009)

Figure 1-SLUMP

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Slump (consistence) class

Following adoption of the new European Standard for Concrete in 2003 (BS8500),
consistence (workability or slump) is now specified as being of a particular class. There
are five classes, labeled S1 to S5, with each class spanning a range of slump values.
These are shown in the table below;

Class Slump Range(mm) Target Slump(mm)

S1 10-40 20

S2 50-90 70

S3 100-150 130

S4 160-210 180

S5 210-n/a 220

Slump class from BS8500

Figure 2-SLUMP CLASS

When using concrete with high slump values (>150mm, S4 or S5) there is a risk that the
aggregates and cement will settle out or segregate. This is usually countered by the use of

2
various additives/admixtures to ensure the concrete remains workable and structurally
competent.

The use of admixtures in particular high range water reducers (super plasticizers) results
in a concrete that can be placed with little or no compaction without compromising its
strength by adding excessive water and is not subject to excessive bleeding or
segregation, since it ensures the mix remains cohesive. This type of concrete is known as
high slump concrete.

High slump concrete also known as flowing concrete is a highly fluid but workable concrete
and is useful for placing in very heavily reinforced sections, in inaccessible areas, in floor or
road slabs and also where very rapid placing is desired. It is economical as it eliminates the
need for additional machinery as well as man power, both saving time and money. High slump
concrete leads to a safer working environment as it lowers noise levels caused by vibrating
equipment.

High slump should never be attained through the addition of water.

Therefore high slump concrete mix design is the process of selecting suitable ingredients of
concrete and estimating their proportions with the objective of producing workable, strong
and durable concrete at reasonable cost. In mix design, use is normally made of previous
experience and of several design tables, charts and curves. Final specifications are arrived at
after testing trial mixes.

1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT

The procedure of high slump mix design entails coming up with trial mixes and consecutive
adjustments. All methods of mix design seem empirical and gives the impression of being non
scientific, but the variability of the properties of the materials used is such that our
calculations are only guesses. However, the better our knowledge of the various properties of
the ingredients of concrete the more accurate our guess can be. Basically, the problem of
designing a concrete mix consists of selecting the correct proportions of cement, fine and
coarse aggregate and water to produce concrete with the specified properties. The mix design
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must therefore, take into account those factors that have a major effect on the characteristics of
concrete.

1.2 PROBLEM JUSTIFICATION

Mix design is really more than coming up with the right proportions of each mix constituent; it
is everything that makes the concrete work well for your application. Traditional mixes have
been produced but this can result in a mix that is completely wrong for your application and
could even be inferior concrete. Attaining the required slump with a particular strength, in this
case 25N/mm2 can prove a little bit difficult. Also, high slump concrete has a risk of aggregate
separation, excessive bleeding and the formation of lumps and balls. Thus the study aims to
come up with a mix design which will counter all the above problems and is of the required
slump (200mm) at a minimum strength of 25N/mm2 after 28 days.

1.4 OVERALL OBJECTIVE

To design a concrete mix with the desired slump and strength, that is economical and
workable.

Specific Objectives.
1. To come up with a high slump concrete mix design (Class 25, slump 200mm).

2. To come up with a design that is easily understood and easy to replicate.

3. To investigate the strength of high slump concrete with and without using admixtures.

4
1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
Concrete mix design enables one to produce a workable, strong, durable and economical
concrete.

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CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review:
2.1 Introduction
High slump or flowing concrete mix is an economical mix product that allows
maximum flowability without sacrificing strength by adding water. These high slump,
high strength properties are attained through the use of high range water reducing
admixtures (super plasticizers). High slump concrete provides faster and easier
placement.

Concrete containing a water reducing admixture needs less water to reach a required
slump than untreated concrete. The treated concrete can have a lower water-cement ratio.
This usually indicates that a higher strength concrete can be produced without increasing
the amount of cement.

As stated earlier, following adoption of the new European Standard for Concrete in 2003
(BS8500), consistence (workability or slump) is now specified as being of a particular
class. There are five classes, labeled S1 to S5.

S1 concretes are most likely to be used for kerb and pipe work bedding.

S2 for simple strip footings and cast in situ hard standing slabs.

S3 would be used for trench filled foundations where a high flowability is

required.

S4 and S5 are likely to be used on specialist applications and advice from a

suitably experienced concrete technologist should be sought before specifying
concrete in these classes.

It should be apparent that there are three commonly used slump classes, S1, S2 and S3.

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As these slump classes are relatively new to the language of a typical building site,
descriptive names are often used to indicate the approximate consistence of a particular
concrete or mortar mix. These are shown below:

Concrete with S1 is often referred to as semi dry; S2 is probably the most useful and most
commonly specified consistence and is referred to as a moist mix, while S3 would be
known as wet mix . Brick laying mortar is often a S3 consistence, although that used for
laying stone work is usually somewhat stiffer, possibly S2.

2.2 Composition of concrete.

Cement

Portland cement is the most common type of cement in general usage. It is a basic
ingredient of concrete, mortar, and plaster. English engineer Joseph Aspdin patented
Portland cement in 1824; it was named because of its similarity in colour to Portland
limestone, quarried from the English Isle of Portland and used extensively in London
architecture. It consists of a mixture of oxides of calcium, silicon and aluminum. Portland
cement and similar materials are made by heating limestone (a source of calcium) with
clay, and grinding this product (called clinker) with a source of sulfate (most commonly
gypsum). The manufacturing of Portland cement creates about 5 percent of human CO2
emissions.

Water

Combining water with a cementitious material forms a cement paste by the process of
hydration. The cement paste glues the aggregate together, fills voids within it, and allows
it to flow more easily.

Less water in the cement paste will yield a stronger, more durable concrete; more water
will give an easier-flowing concrete with a higher slump.

Impure water used to make concrete can cause problems when setting or in causing
premature failure of the structure.
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Hydration involves many different reactions, often occurring at the same time. As the
reactions proceed, the products of the cement hydration process gradually bond together
the individual sand and gravel particles, and other components of the concrete, to form a
solid mass.

Reaction:

Cement chemist notation: C3S + H2O CSH (gel) + CaOH

Standard notation: Ca3SiO5 + H2O (CaO)(SiO2)(H2O)(gel) + Ca(OH)2

Balanced: 2Ca3SiO5 + 7H2O 3(CaO)2(SiO2)4(H2O)(gel) + 3Ca(OH)2

Aggregates

Fine and coarse aggregates make up the bulk of a concrete mixture. Sand, natural gravel
and crushed stone are mainly used for this purpose. Recycled aggregates (from
construction, demolition and excavation waste) are increasingly used as partial
replacements of natural aggregates, while a number of manufactured aggregates,
including air-cooled blast furnace slag and bottom ash are also permitted.

Decorative stones such as quartzite, small river stones or crushed glass are sometimes
added to the surface of concrete for a decorative "exposed aggregate" finish, popular
among landscape designers.

Chemical admixtures

Chemical admixtures are materials in the form of powder or fluids that are added to the
concrete to give it certain characteristics not obtainable with plain concrete mixes. In
normal use, admixture dosages are less than 5% by mass of cement, and are added to the
concrete at the time of batching/mixing. The most common types of admixture are:

8
 Accelerators speed up the hydration (hardening) of the concrete..
Retarders slow the hydration of concrete, and are used in large or difficult
pours where partial setting before the pour is complete is undesirable.
Air entrainments add and distribute tiny air bubbles in the concrete, which
will reduce damage during freeze-thaw cycles thereby increasing the concrete's
durability..
Pigments can be used to change the color of concrete, for aesthetics.
Corrosion inhibitors are used to minimize the corrosion of steel and steel bars
in concrete.
Bonding agents are used to create a bond between old and new concrete.
Pumping aids improve pumpability, thicken the paste, and reduce dewatering
the tendency for the water to separate out of the paste.
Plasticizers (water-reducing admixtures) increase the workability of plastic or
"fresh" concrete, allowing it be placed more easily, with less consolidating
effort.

Super plasticizers (high-range water-reducing admixtures)

The use of super plasticizers has become quite a common practice. This class of water
reducers were originally developed in Japan and Germany in the early 1960s.

Chemically, they are sulphonated melamine formaldehyde condensates and sulphonated

naphthalene formaldehyde condensates, the latter being probably the somewhat more
effective of the two in dispersing the cement and generally having also some retarding
properties. At a given water/cement ratio, this dispersing action increases the workability
of concrete, typically by raising the slump from 7-9 inches(175-225mm), the mix
remaining cohesive (The improvement in workability is smaller in high temperatures).

Reduce water content by 12 to 25 percent (Transportation-FHWA, 2010) and can be

added to concrete with a low to normal slump and water-cement ratio to make high slump
flowing concrete of high strength and lower permeability.

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The main purpose of using super plasticizers is to produce flowing concrete with very
high slump to be used in heavily reinforced structures and in placements where adequate
consolidation by vibration cannot be readily available. The other major application is the
production of high-strength concrete at W/Cs ranging from 0.3 to 0.4. (Ramachandran,
1984)

Super plasticizers tend to be more stable over a wider range than standard water reducers
and provide more consistent setting times.

Practical considerations

a) Special mixes must be designed for super plasticizers and their use must be
carefully controlled.
b) The effect of super plasticizers lasts only 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the
brand and dosage rate, and is followed by a rapid loss in workability. As a result
of the slump loss, super plasticizers are usually added to concrete at the job site.
c) They have a relatively high unit cost.
d) Where super plasticizers are used to produce very high workability, the shrinkage
and creep will be increased.

2.3 Concrete Mix Design

The process of selecting suitable ingredients of concrete and estimating their proportions with
the objective of producing workable, strong and durable concrete at reasonable cost is called
mix design.

The proportioning of ingredient of concrete is governed by the required performance of

concrete in 2 states, namely the plastic and the hardened states. If the plastic concrete is
not workable, it cannot be properly placed and compacted. The property of workability,
therefore, becomes of vital importance.

10
In mix design, use is normally made of previous experience and of several design tables,
charts and curves. Final specifications are arrived at after testing trial mixes.

The old fashioned idea in concrete design is that concrete consists of cement, coarse
aggregate, fine aggregate and water, thus the problem of mix design has been seen as how to
select suitable aggregates, and determine their optimum relative proportions and the cement
requirement to produce a given strength at a given slump. Early investigators tended to be
concerned with how to define ideal concrete. These past specifications for concrete prescribed
the proportions of cement, and fine aggregates. Certain traditional mixes were thus produced
but, because of variability of the mix ingredients, concretes having fixed cement-aggregate
proportions and a given workability vary widely in strength. For this reason, minimum
compressive strength was later added but this is restrictive where good quality materials are
available or poor quality materials are the only ones available. In summary, specifying at the
same time strength as well as mix ingredients and their proportions, and also the aggregate
shape and grading, leaves no room for economies in the mix selection, and makes progress in
the production of economic and satisfactory mixes in the basis of the knowledge of the
properties of concrete impossible.

Current consideration in designing for concrete mixes should be:

1. What aggregates are economically available,

2. What properties should the concrete have and

3. What is the most economical way of providing these required properties?

Modern tendency is for specifications to be less restrictive by providing just limiting values,
but sometimes traditional mix proportions are stated for the benefit of the contractor who does
not wish to use a high degree of quality control.

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Requirements of concrete mix design

The requirements which form the basis of selection and proportioning of mix ingredients
are:

a) The minimum compressive strength required from structural consideration

b) The adequate workability necessary for full compaction with the compacting
equipment available.

c) Maximum water-cement ratio and/or maximum cement content to give adequate

durability for the particular site conditions

d) Maximum cement content to avoid shrinkage cracking due to temperature cycle in

mass concrete.

Basic concepts

Strength margin

Because of the variability of concrete strengths the mix must be designed to have a
considerably higher mean strength than the strength specified. The method of specifying
concrete by its minimum strength has been replaced in British Standards and codes of
practice such as BS 5328 and BS 8110 by a characteristic strength. The difference
between the specified characteristic strength and the target strength is called the margin.

The margin is based on knowledge of the variability of the concrete strength obtained
from previous production data expressed as a standard deviation or alternatively a
substantial margin is applied until an adequate number of site results are obtained.

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Measurement of workability

Two alternative test methods can be used, the slump test which is more appropriate for
the higher workability mixes, and the vebe test which is particularly appropriate for those
mixes which are to be compacted by vibration.

Free water

The total water in a concrete mix consists of the water absorbed by the aggregate to bring
it to a saturated surface dry condition, and the free water available for the hydration of the
cement and for the workability of the fresh concrete.

In practice aggregates are often wet and they contain both absorbed water and free
surface water so that the water added at the mixer is less than the free water required. The
workability of concrete depends to a large extent on free-water content; if the same total
water content were used with dry aggregates having different absorptions then the
concrete would have different workabilities.

Similarly the strength of concrete is better related to the free-water/cement ratio since on
this basis the strength of the concrete does not depend on the absorption characteristics of
the aggregates.

Types of aggregates

Early mix design methods used in the UK classified the shape of aggregate as rounded,
irregular or angular. There is in sufficient difference between the behavior of rounded and
irregular aggregates in concrete to justify the use of separate classifications for these two
shapes of aggregates. There are however significant differences between these
aggregates, both of which are usually rough in texture and invariably produced by a
crushing process.

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Two of the characteristics of aggregate particles that affect the properties of concrete are
particle shape and surface texture. Particle shape affects the workability of the concrete,
and the surface texture mainly affects the bond between the matrix and the aggregates
particles and thus the strength of the concrete. Generally, crushed aggregates consist of
rather angular particles having a rough surface texture resulting in a concrete of lower
workability but higher strength compared with a similar mix made with uncrushed
aggregates.

The type of aggregate becomes of greater importance for concrete having a high specified
strength. If the specified strength at 28 days is 50N/mm2 or more it may become
necessary to use crushed aggregates than uncrushed gravel. The higher the specified
strength the more critical the selection of the source of the aggregates.

Aggregate grading

Early methods of mix design used, specified grading curves for the combined fine and
coarse aggregates. These required the use of fine aggregates having a restricted range of
grading compared with the limits specified in BS 882. Fine aggregates having such
restricted grading are not easily available in most parts of the country.

Fine aggregates should comply with the C, M or F grading requirements of BS

882:1983, but these limits overlap and are too wide for mix design purposes. The method
for deriving suitable fines content takes into account the many relevant factors i.e. the
type and maximum size of coarse aggregate, the grading of the fine aggregate
characterized by the percentage passing the 600 micrometer test sieve, and the cement
content and workability of the concrete.

14
Mix parameters

It is the general custom to specify by a system of proportions or ratios, e.g. 1:2:4 (being
the proportions of cement: fine aggregate: coarse aggregate) either by weight or by
volume, or as cement/aggregate ratio or water/cement ratio and fine aggregate/coarse
aggregate ratio usually by weight.

Such systems have certain merits in terms of simplicity of expression. However, they are
not so convenient when discussing the effect of mix parameters on the characteristic of
the concrete, nor do they adequately describe the quantity of cement required to cast a
given volume of concrete.

The most fundamental way to specify mix parameters is in terms of the absolute volumes
of different materials required in a concrete mix. A more practical method, based on
similar principles, is to refer to the weights of materials in a unit volume of fully
compacted concrete.

In order to use this approach, knowledge is required of the expected density of the fresh
concrete. This depends primarily on the relative density of the aggregate and the water
content of the mix.

Durability

A durable concrete is one which gives a satisfactory performance during an adequate life
in a given environment; this includes providing protection of the steel against corrosion
in reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete. There are some durability problems
associated with the constituent materials, and others due to the effect of hostile
environments.

A major factor in providing durable concrete is the production of a dense, impermeable

concrete, having adequate cement content and low free water/cement ratio, which is fully

15
compacted and properly and properly cured. To be durable in hostile environments, codes
and standards may specify the use of particular materials, or limits on the cement content
or free water/cement ratio. Provision is made in the mix design method for these to
override the values obtained from strength and workability requirements.

The ensure adequate protection BS 8110 requires higher strength grades of concrete as
the severity of the exposure increases; it also specifies minimum cement contents and
maximum free-water/cement ratios, depending on the degree of exposure. Corrosion
problems are aggravated by the presence of chlorides in either aggregates or admixtures.
Limits are specified in BS 882 and BS 8110 and materials complying with these
requirements are used.

Concrete in the ground may be subject to attack by sulphates as described in BRE Digest
250. To minimize the effect the use of sulphate-resisting Portland cement or other
materials, and the mix proportions should comply with the requirements given in BRE
Digest 250 or BS 8110.

Concrete that is exposed to freezing when wet and to the action of de-icing salts is liable
to spall and deteriorate. The resistance of concrete to such deterioration is greatly
improved if it contains entrained air as required in BS 8110.

Concrete that retains a high moisture content and that is made with certain aggregates
may react with the alkalis from the cement to cause cracking and expansion, owing to the
alkali-silica reaction as described in BRE Digest 330. Measures to avoid such disruption
are described in BRE Digest 330 and an independent Working Party Report published by
the concrete society. These may require the use of a low-alkali Portland cement or the use
of other materials.

16
Types of Mixes

Nominal Mixes

In the past the specifications for concrete prescribed the proportions of cement, fine and
coarse aggregates. These mixes of fixed cement-aggregate ratio which ensures adequate
strength are termed nominal mixes. These offer simplicity and under normal
circumstances, have a margin of strength above that specified. However, due to the
variability of mix ingredients the nominal concrete for a given workability varies widely
in strength.

Standard mixes

The nominal mixes of fixed cement-aggregate ratio (by volume) vary widely in strength
and may result in under- or over-rich mixes. For this reason, the minimum compressive
strength has been included in many specifications. These mixes are termed standard
mixes.

Designed Mixes

In these mixes the performance of the concrete is specified by the designer but the mix
proportions are determined by the producer of concrete, except that the minimum cement
content can be laid down. This is most rational approach to the selection of mix
proportions with specific materials in mind possessing more or less unique
characteristics. The approach results in the production of concrete with the appropriate
properties most economically. However, the designed mix does not serve as a guide since
this does not guarantee the correct mix proportions for the prescribed performance.

For the concrete with undemanding performance, nominal or standard mixes (prescribed
in the codes by quantities of dry ingredients per cubic meter and by slump) may be used
only for very small jobs, when the 28-day strength of concrete does not exceed 30
N/mm2. No control testing is necessary reliance being placed on the masses of the
ingredients.

17
Factors affecting the choice of mix proportions

The various factors affecting the mix design are:

Compressive strength

It is one of the most important properties of concrete and influences many other
describable properties of the hardened concrete. The mean compressive strength required
at a specific age, usually 28 days, determines the nominal water-cement ratio of the mix.
The other factor affecting the strength of concrete at a given age and cured at a prescribed
temperature is the degree of compaction. According to Abrahams law the strength of
fully compacted concrete is inversely proportional to the water-cement ratio.

In summary factors affecting the concrete compressive strength include;

a) Water/cement ratio

b) Type of cement- determines the rate of gain of strength

c) Aggregate characteristics; strength, grading, surface texture, maximum size

affect the strength of concrete.

d) Moisture conditions during curing; prolonged moist curing leads to higher

strengths

e) Temperature conditions during curing

f) Age of concrete

g) Rate of loading; standard cylinder test is carried out at a loading rate of 35 psi
and the maximum load is reached in 1.5 minutes to 2 minutes. For lower rates,
strength is reduced to about 75% of standard test. For higher rates, strength is
increased to about 115%.

18
Workability

This may be defined as the amount of useful work necessary to produce full compaction
of concrete. Workability implies the ease with which a concrete mix can be handled from
the mixer to its finally compacted shape. The provision of adequate workability is critical
to enable the transportation, placing and compaction of the concrete with the available
equipment. It has been proposed that the workability should be defined by at least 3
separate properties:

a) Compactabilty or the ease with which the concrete can be compacted. A fully
compacted mix contains minimal voids and hence will produce higher strength
concrete of less permeability.

b) Mobility or the ease with which concrete can flow into moulds around steel and
be remoulded.

c) Stability or the ability of concrete to remain a stable coherent homogeneous mass

during handling and vibration without the constituents segregating.

Durability

The durability of concrete is its resistance to the aggressive environmental conditions.

High strength concrete is generally more durable than low strength concrete. In the
situations when the high strength is not necessary but the conditions of exposure are such
that high durability is vital, the durability requirement will determine the water-cement
ratio to be used.

19
Maximum nominal size of aggregate

In general, larger the maximum size of aggregate, smaller is the cement requirement for a
particular water-cement ratio, because the workability of concrete increases with increase
in maximum size of the aggregate. However, the compressive strength tends to increase
with the decrease in size of aggregate.

Grading and type of aggregate

The grading of aggregate influences the mix proportions for a specified workability and
water-cement ratio. Coarser the grading leaner will be mix which can be used. Very lean
mix is not desirable since it does not contain enough finer material to make the concrete
cohesive.

The type of aggregate influences strongly the aggregate-cement ratio for the desired
workability and stipulated water cement ratio. An important feature of a satisfactory
aggregate is the uniformity of the grading which can be achieved by mixing different size
fractions.

Quality Control

The degree of control can be estimated statistically by the variations in test results. The
variation in strength results from the variations in the properties of the mix ingredients
and lack of control of accuracy in batching, mixing, placing, curing and testing. The
lower the difference between the mean and minimum strengths of the mix lower will be
the cement-content required. The factor controlling this difference is termed as quality
control.

20
2.4 Problems associated with high slump concrete
Segregation

Workable concrete in general terms should not easily segregate, i.e. it ought to be cohesive.
However, strictly speaking the absence of a tendency to segregate is not included in the
definition of a workable mix. Nevertheless, the absence of appreciable segregation is essential
as full compaction of segregated mix is impossible.

A.M Neville (1995) defines segregation as the separation of the constituents of a

heterogeneous mixture so that their distribution is no longer uniform. In the case of concrete, it
is the differences in the size of particles and in the specific gravity of the mix constituents that
are the primary causes of segregation, but its extent can be controlled by the choice of suitable
grading and care handling.

There are two forms of segregation. In the first case, the coarser particles tend to travel further
along a slope or to settle more than finer particles. The second form of segregation, occurring
particularly in wet mixes, is manifested by the separation of grout (cement plus water) from
the mix.

Segregation can be controlled by;

Choice of suitable aggregate grading.

Proper handling of concrete; concrete should not be dropped from considerable

heights e.g. greater than 3m and should not be over-vibrated. Excessive rehandling
and transportation over long distances should be avoided.

Segregation is difficult to measure quantitatively, but is easily detected when concrete is

handled on a site in an improper way. A good picture of cohesion of the mix is obtained by the
flow test. As far as proneness to segregation on over vibration is concerned, a good test is to
vibrate a concrete cube for about 10 min and then to strip it and observe the distribution of
coarse aggregate: any segregation will be easily seen.

21
Bleeding

Bleeding, known also as water gain, is a form of segregation in which some of the water
in the mix tends to rise to the surface of freshly placed concrete by capillary action. This
is caused by the inability of the solid constituents of the mix to hold all of the mixing
water when they settle downwards. Bleeding can be expressed quantitatively as the total
settlement per unit height of concrete.

As a result of bleeding the top of every lift may become too wet and if the water is
trapped by superimposed concrete, porous, weak, and non durable concrete will result. If
the bleeding water is remixed during finishing of the top surface a weak wearing surface
will be formed. This can be avoided by delaying the finishing operations until the
bleeding water has evaporated, and also by the use of wood floats and avoidance of
overworking the surface. On the other hand if evaporation of water from the surface of
the concrete is faster than the bleeding rate plastic shrinkage cracking may result.

Bleeding need not necessarily be harmful. If it is undisturbed (and the water evaporates)
the effective W/C ratio may be lowered with a resulting increase in strength. On the other
hand, if the rising water carries with it a significant amount of the finer cement particles a
layer of laitance will be formed. If this is at the top of a slab a porous surface will result,
with a permanently dusty surface. At the top of a lift a plane of weakness would form and
the bond with the next lift would be inadequate. For this reason, laitance should always
be removed by brushing and washing.

Bleeding depends largely on the properties of cement; increased alkali content and
fineness of cement decreases the tendency to bleed. Addition of pozzolanas and air
entraining agent may also decrease bleeding.

The bleeding capacity and the rate of bleeding can be determined experimentally using
the test of ASTM Standard C 232-71

22
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Research Methodology:

Experimental study design was employed. A high slump concrete mix was designed and the
process entailed selecting suitable ingredients of concrete and estimating their proportions to
yield the best mix. Design tables, charts and curves were used in the process. Final
specifications were arrived at after testing trial mixes.

The process involved performing tests on the materials to come up with the design, tests on
the fresh concrete to determine its workability and on the hard concrete to determine its
compressive and tensile strength.

The following were done during the study:-

1. Grading of materials according to BS 882 and other associated codes.

2. Carrying out of the specific gravity tests and water absorption tests for the fine
and coarse aggregates
3. Carrying out the bulk density tests.
4. Determining the silt content of the fine aggregates that will be used.
5. Coming up with a high slump mix design and making trial mixes.
6. Establishing the properties of green concrete.
7. Establishing the properties of hardened concrete from casting concrete cubes and
cylinders.

3.1 Grading of materials for concrete production

In order to design and produce a concrete mix, it is important that the grading of the
constituents be done. This is done on coarse and fine aggregates to establish whether the
particular particle distribution of a batch is good for concrete production. This then
enables the materials engineer to choose the source of his materials (quarry and river).
23
Grading for ordinary material was done using the British standards (BS 882: 1992
specification for aggregates from natural sources for concrete).

The code gives the sieves and envelopes (bounds) or limits required for coarse and fine
aggregates.

Coarse aggregate

Coarse aggregate is defined as aggregate mainly retained on a 5.0 mm BS 410 test sieve
and containing no more finer material than is permitted for the various sizes in this
specification (CL 2.2).

Coarse aggregate may be described as gravel (uncrushed, crushed or partially crushed) as

defined in 2.2.1, or as crushed rock as defined in CL2.2.2, or as blended coarse aggregate
as defined in CL2.2.3.

When determined in accordance with BS 812-103.1 using test sieves of the sizes given in
Table 3, complying with BS 410, full tolerance, the grading of the coarse aggregate were
within the appropriate limits given in Table 3. The material used was 20 mm and below.

Fine aggregates

When determined in accordance with BS 812-103.1, using test sieves of the sizes given in
Table 4 complying with BS 410, full tolerance, the grading of the sand complies with the
overall limits given in Table 4. Additionally, not more than one in ten consecutive
samples shall have a grading outside the limits for any one of the grading C, M or F,
given in Table 4 (CL 5.2.1).

The method of grading for both fines and coarse aggregates is described:-

24
 Figure 3-GRADING SIEVES

Objective

To determine the particle size distribution of aggregates by sieving.

Apparatus

I. Balance accurate to 0.5% of mass of test sample.

II. Test sieves as listed a below

III. Oven capable of maintaining constant temperature to within 5%

IV. Mechanism of shaking sieves.

V. Chart for recoding results.

VI. Sieve sizes

VII. Coarse aggregates:

25
VIII. Fine aggregates:

Procedure

Dry the test samples to a constant mass by oven drying at not more than 105+50 C

Take an approximate sample from the original sample by riffling.

Make sure the sieves are dry and clean before using them.

Weigh out the required sample

Stand the sieve of the largest mesh size in the tray and put the weighed sample on to the
sieve.

Shake the sieve horizontally with a jerking motion in all directions for at least 2 minutes
and until no more than a trace of a sample passes. Ensure that all material passing falls
into the tray.

Weigh any material retained on the sieve.

Tabulate the results in the table provided and calculate the cumulative weight passing
each sieve as a percentage of the total sample to the nearest whole number.

Plot the grading curve for the sample in the grading chart and comment on the curve
obtained.

3.2 Fineness Modulus

A single factor from the sieve analysis is used that is the fineness modulus. It is the sum
of cumulative percentages retained on the sieves divide by 100. Usually the fineness
modulus is calculated for fine aggregate rather than coarse aggregate. Typical values
range from 2.3 and 3.0 a higher value indicating a coarser grading. The usefulness of the
fineness modulus lies in detecting slight variations in the aggregate from the same source.

26
3.3 Determination of specific gravity and water absorption of
aggregates
Specific gravity also known as relative density is an important parameter in the design of
a concrete mix. It helps in the determination of the overall density of final concrete
produced.

In the project, specific gravity was done in accordance with BS EN 1097: part 6
2000(Test for mechanical and physical properties of aggregates).

The pycnometer method will be used for determination of specific gravity and water
absorption for fine aggregates (CL 9), while the wire basket method will be used in the
determination of specific gravity and water absorption of coarse aggregates (Annex c
determination of particle density and water absorption for lightweight aggregates).

The parameters that would be required at the end of the test will be as stated below:-

1. Particle density on an oven- dried basis

Ratio of oven dried sample of aggregates to the volume it occupies in water
including both internal sealed voids and water accessible voids (CL 3.2).
2. Apparent particle density
Ratio of oven dried mass of sample of aggregated to the volume it occupies in
water including any internal sealed voids but excluding water accessible voids
(CL3.3).
3. Particle density on a saturated surface -dry basis
Ratio of the combined mass of a sample of aggregate and the mass of water in the
water accessible voids to the volume it occupies in water including both
internally sealed voids and water accessible voids if present (CL 3.4).
4. Water absorption
Increase in mass of a sample of oven dried aggregate due to the penetration of
water into the water accessible voids (CL 3.6).

The methods are as described:-

27
Method for fine aggregates (5mm and below)

Objective

To determine the specific gravity and the water absorption values of aggregates

Apparatus

i. A balance
ii. A drying oven
iii. A pycnometer bottle
iv. Sample containers
v. Stirring rod

A sample of about 500g is used for aggregates less than 5mm.The sample shall be
thoroughly washed to remove all material finer than 0.075mm test sieve as follows:-

Place the test sample in the tray and add enough water to cover it. Agitate vigorously and
immediately pour the wash water over the sieve which has previously been wetted on
both sides. Repeat the operation until the wash water is clear. Return all material retained
on the sieve to the washed sample.

Procedure

Transfer the washed sample to the tray and add further water to ensure that the sample is
completely immersed. Ensure that the sample is completely immersed.

Keep the sample immersed in water for 24 hours. Place the aggregate in the pycnometer
and fill it with water.

Screw the cone in to place and eliminate any entrapped air by rotating it onsides.

28
Dry the bottle on the outside and weigh it as (A).

Empty the sample in to the tray, refill the pycnometer with water to the same level as
before, dry it on the outside and weigh it as (B).

Carefully drain water from the sample by decantation through a 0.075mm sieve and
retain any material retained to the sample.

Expose the aggregate to a gentle current of warm air to evaporate surface moisture and
stir it at frequent intervals to ensure uniform drying until no free surface moisture can be
seen. Then weigh the saturated and surface dry sample (C).

Place the sample in the tray and dry it in an oven at a temperature of 1040 1050 C for 24
hours. Cool it in a dessicator and weigh it as (D).

Calculations:

i. Specific gravity on an oven dried basis

=

ii. Specific gravity on a saturated and surface dried basis

=

iii. Apparent specific gravity

=

iv. Water absorption (% of dry mass)

=

29
Determination of specific gravity and water absorption for coarse aggregates

Apparatus

(i) Double beam balance of capacity 5kg

(ii) Container of steel or enameled iron with rubber plate.
(iii) Wire basket of opening 3mm or less, diameter 20 cm and height 20 cm.

Preparation of sample

Obtain representative sample by quartering or riffling.

The weight of the sample shall be 2kg for less than 25mm.

Wash the sample thoroughly with water to remove the dust on the surface of the grain
and soak in water at 250 C for 24 hours.

Remove the specimen from water, shake off, and roll in large absorbent cloth until all the
visible films of water are removed.

Wipe the large particles individually. Divide the sample into two parts to use each for one
test.

Procedure for testing

Weigh the sample to the nearest 0.5 g (Ws).

Place the sample in the wire basket, immerse it in water at room temperature, and tap to
remove entrapped air on the surface and between the grains and weigh the sample while
immersed (Ww).

Remove the sample from the water, dry it in drying oven to constant weight at the
temperature of 1050 C and cool at room temperature and weigh to the nearest 0.5g (Wd).

30
Results

Calculate the results as follows:-

(i) Specific gravity on saturated- surface dry basis

=
(ii) Absolute dry specific gravity
=
(iii) Water absorption (% of dry weight)
=

3.4 Silt content test

Apparatus
(i) A beam balance.
(ii) 75 micron sieve
Procedure
1. Take a sample of sand and oven dry it to a constant weight for 24 hours at 1050C.
2. Weigh the sample W1.
3. Wash the sample through a 75 micron sieve until the water becomes clear.
4. Decant the water and add the retained silt with the sample.
5. Oven dry the sample to a constant weight for 24 hours at 1050C.
6. Weigh the sample W2.

The silt content is determined from:

W1-W2 x 100%
W2

31
3.5 Concrete mix design
Concrete mix design was carried out to determine the proportions of constituents of
concrete that met the desired strength and other properties. This was done according to
accepted standards and specifications.

Mix design enables in choosing of a mix that will be recommended in the casting of
precast element for testing.

It entailed coming up with adequate water/ cement ratio that would gave adequate
compressive strength.

The mix design was according to the Department of the Environment (DOE).

The procedure is as follows:

Selection of target water/cement ratio

The standard deviation to be adopted in determining the target strength should be that
obtained from line A from the graph showing the relationship between standard deviation
and characteristic strength.

The margin can then be derived from

M=k x s

Where M = the margin

k = a value appropriate to the percentage defectives permitted below the

characteristic strength

s = the standard deviation

The target mean strength is determined through

fm = fc +M
Where fm = the target mean strength
fc = the specified characteristic strength
M = the margin

32
Using this value the water/cement ratio is obtained from the graph showing the
relationship between compressive strength and free water/cement ratio.

Selection of free-water content

Stage 2 consists simply of determining the free water content depending upon the type
and maximum size of the aggregate to give a concrete of the specified slump or vebe
time.
Determination of cement content
The cement content is determined from:
Cement content = free water content
free water/cement ratio
The resulting value should be checked against any maximum or minimum value that may
be specified. If the calculated cement content is below a specified minimum, this
minimum value must be adopted and a modified free water/cement ratio calculated.

Determination of total aggregate content

Stage 4 requires an estimate of the density of the fully compacted concrete which is
obtained depending upon the free water content and the relative density of the combined
aggregate in the saturated surface dry condition (SSD).
Total aggregate content = D C - W
(Saturated and surface dry)
Where D = the wet density of concrete (kg/m3)
C = the cement content (kg/m3)
W = the free water content (kg/m3)

Selection of fine and coarse aggregate contents

Fine aggregate content = total aggregate content x proportion of finesCoarse aggregate =
total aggregate content fine aggregate content
33
3.6 Batching
Batching involves proportioning the material or the constituents of concrete to produce
the concrete. The batches are according to the mix design results. These proportions are
then reduced to a volume corresponding to the amount of concrete required. The size of
the mix was arranged so that there was a small surplus when all the compression test
samples were made.

3.7 Mixing of concrete

After mix design, the trial mixes were done and their properties as fresh concrete
established. The mixing was done by hand using a pan. The interior surfaces of the pan
should be cleaned and then wetted a bit. The ingredients were added in a definite order so
that the total quantity of one particular material or grading is not added all at once.
Mixing was continuous to ensure that all material forms a homogeneous mix.

3.8 Slump test

This is a well established test that is carried out in the form of a frustum of a cone having
an upper diameter of 100 mm, and a lower diameter of 200 mm and a height of 300 mm.
the mould is placed in a smooth, horizontal, vibration free and non -absorbent surface and
is filled in three equal layers with the concrete to be tested, each layer being tamped 25
times with a standard tamping rod. The top layer is struck off level with the mould and
the cone is immediately lifted and amount of by which concrete slumps is measured. It is
important that the cone is lifted truly vertical. The slump is measured using a steel rule.
The inside of the mould should be free from superfluous moisture.

34
 Figure 4-SLUMP TEST

3.9 Casting of compression test specimen

The mixes were used to cast cubes for testing. This was done according to BS 1881 part
108 -1983. Eight cubes were cast for each mix. The cubes were then crushed to determine
the strength development at different ages. Concrete cubes made from 100 x 100 x 100
mm moulds were used.

3.10 Concrete placing

Concrete was placed in layers and compaction carried out using a poker vibrator. During
compaction at all times, effort was made to maintain uniformity so that the final structure
was monolithic and uniform. Prior to placing, the moulds for cubes and cylinders were
screwed to place and oiled on the inside surface to facilitate cubes removal.

3.11 Curing of the test specimen

This was done according to the British practice (BS 1881 Part 111). The test specimens
were cured 24 hours after casting. This was done at a constant temperature of about 20
220 C and relative humidity of about 90%.

35
3.12 Hard concrete test
Compressive strength determination

The test cubes and cylinders were crushed using a universal test machine complying with
BS 1881 part 115 1986 specifications.

The testing procedure is as described in BS EN 12390-3: 2003:-

Procedure

The test cube is removed from the curing tank and the excess moisture from the surface
of the specimen wiped and weighed before placing it on the testing machine.

All testing machine bearing surfaces are wiped clean and any loose grit or other
extraneous material removed from the surfaces of the specimen that will be in contact
with the platens. The cube specimens are placed in a way that the load is applied
perpendicularly to the direction of casting. The specimen is centered with respect to the
lower platen to an accuracy of 1 % of the designated size of cube. A constant rate of
loading within the range 0.2 MPa/s (N/mm2 _ s) to 1.0 MPa/s (N/mm2 _ s) is selected.
The load to the specimen is applied without shock and is increased continuously, at the
selected constant rate 10 %, until no greater load can be sustained. This load is
recorded.

The crushing was done as follows:-

3 cubes for 7th day strength

2 cubes for 14th day strength

3 cubes for 28th day strength

The specimen was as shown in the figure

36
Figure 5- FAILURE OF CUBE BY COMPRESSION

Figure 6-COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST

37
3.13 Tensile strength test
This test is of considerable importance in resisting cracking due to changes in moisture
content or temperature. A split test is carried out on a cylinder to determine the horizontal
tensile stress. The cylinder is placed with its axis horizontal between the patens of a
universal testing machine with the load being increased gradually until failure. The water
content is 10% of weight of dry materials. A vibrator is used to thoroughly mix the
mortar after which the cylinders are demoulded after 24 hours and further cured in water
until tested in a wet surface condition. Cylinders measuring 200mm height and 100mm
diameter were used.

Procedure
Oil was applied in the interior surfaces of the moulds to prevent the mortar from sticking
to the surfaces. The specimens were then cast in cylindrical moulds. The moulds were
filled to overflowing and after filling excess mortar were removed by a sawing motion
using a steel rule. The surface was then finished smooth by means of trowel. Each layer
of mortar was compacted by not less than 35 strokes of 25mm square steel punner.
The moulds were then stored undisturbed for 24hrs in a laboratory at temperatures of 18
to 200c (64 and 68) and a relative humidity of not less than 90%.The moulds were then
stripped and the cylinders further cured in 19 to 210 c water. The standard moulds were
placed under the universal testing machine, one at time, and tested at 7, 14, and 28days.

Calculation
Tensile Strength of a concrete cylinder

=F/A

Where F=Tensile load on cylinder

A=Area of cylinder=DL

D=Diameter

L=Length of specimen

38
Figure 7-CYLINDER BEFORE LOADING

Figure 8- CYLINDER SPLIT AFTER LOADING

39
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Data Results and discussion
4.1 RESULTS OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY & WATER ABSORPTION
TESTS ON FINE AGGREGATES
A summary of computations of specific gravity and water absorption tests on fine
aggregates are shown below;

Ordinary Sand

Sample A Sample Av.

Weight of jar + sample + water 1706 1734.5 1720.25

Weight of jar +water 1417 1417 1417

Weight of saturated surface dry 460 505.5 482.75

Sample

Weight of oven dried sample 457.5 503.5 480.5

40
 Specific gravity on an 2.68 2.68 2.68
oven dried basis
=

Specific gravity on a 2.69 2.69 2.69

saturated and surface
dried basis =

Apparent specific 2.71 2.71 2.71

gravity
=

Water absorption

(% of dry mass) 2.71

Table 1

41
4.2 RESULTS OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY & WATER ABSORPTION
TESTS ON COARSE AGGREGATES
A summary of computations of specific gravity and water absorption tests on coarse
aggregates are shown below;

Granite coarse aggregates

A B Av.

Weight of wire basket (a) 420 417 418.5

Weight of wire basket + 1015 1020 1017.5

aggregate (b)

Weight of aggregate in 595 603 599

water (a+b) (Ww)

Weight of saturated 983.5 1003 993.25

surface dry sample (Ws)

Weight of oven dried 963 984 973.5

sample (Wd)

Specific gravity on 2.53 2.51 2.52

saturated surface dry basis
=

Absolute dry specific 2.36 2.46 2.41

gravity

Water absorption (% of 2.1 1.9 2.0

dry weight) =

42
4.3 GRADING RESULTS
The main purpose of grading is to determine whether or not a particular grading is
suitable to produce a good mix. In the first instance, grading is of importance only in so
far as it affects workability, because strength is independent of the grading. However,
high strength requires a maximum compaction with a reasonable amount of work, which
can only be achieved with a sufficiently workable mix. In fact, there are no ideal grading
requirements because of the main influencing factors on workability; the surface area of
the aggregate which determines the amount of water necessary to wet all the solids, the
relative volume occupied by the aggregate, the tendency to segregate and the amount of
fines in the mix.

Fine Aggregate Sieve Analysis Results

The results obtained, from sieve analysis of fine aggregates are shown below. From the
table and graphs, it can be observed that, natural fine aggregates particle distribution is
reasonably uniform and it is in agreement with BS grading requirement.

Sieve sizes Wt. Wt. % retained Cumulative Cumulative

(mm) retained passing (g) % retained % passing
(g)
5.0 40.5 1496.00 2.64 2.64 97.36
2.0 47.0 1449.00 3.06 5.69 94.31
1.2 210.0 1239.00 13.67 19.36 80.64
0.6 419.5 819.50 27.30 46.66 53.34
0.3 537.0 282.50 34.95 81.61 18.39
0.2 215.5 67.00 14.03 95.64 4.36
0.1 67.0 0.00 4.36 100.00 0.00

Sample weight 1537g

Table3

43
 Figure 9-FINE AGGREGATE SIEVE ANALYSIS

FINENESS MODULUS = 2.52

Typical values of the fineness modulus range from 2.3 and 3.0 a higher value indicating
a coarser grading.The value obtained was 2.52 indicating uniformity. The usefulness of
the fineness modulus lies in detecting slight variations in the aggregate from the same
source.

Coarse Aggregate Sieve Analysis Results

The results obtained, from sieve analysis of coarse aggregates are shown below. From the
table and graphs, it can be observed that, coarse aggregates particle distribution is
reasonably uniform and it is in agreement with BS grading requirement.

44
Sieve sizes (mm) Wt. retained Wt. passing % retained Cumulative % Cumulative %
(g) (g) retained passing
50 0 5399.5 0.00 0.00 100.00
38.1 0 5399.5 0.00 0.00 100.00
20 1184 4215.5 21.93 21.93 78.07
15 984 3231.5 18.22 40.15 59.85
10 1698 1533.5 31.45 71.60 28.40
5 636.5 897.0 11.79 83.39 16.61
2.36 42 855.0 0.78 84.17 15.83
<2.36 855 0.0 15.83 100.00 0.00

Sample weight 5399.5g

Table 4

Figure 10-COARSE AGGREGATE SIEVE ANALYSIS

45
4.4 RESULTS OF SILT CONTENT
A summary of computation of silt content is shown below;

WEIGHT OF OVEN DRY SAMPLE W1 305

WEIGHT OF SAMPLE + SILT W2 289.5

5.35%
W1-W2 x 100%
W2

Silt content of sand

Table 5

The silt content test is important as silt in high degrees affects the overall strength of the
mix. The result of 5.35% silt in the sample obtained is acceptable.

4.5 Normal concrete mix design by Department of Environment

(DoE)
The mix developed was as shown;

Stage Item Reference or values

calculations

1. 1.1 Characteristic specified 25 N/mm2 at 28

strength days

Proportion defective 10
%

1.2 standard deviation Fig 3 N/mm2 or no Data 8

2
N/mm

1.3 Margin C1 (k = 1.28 ) 1.28 x 8

= 10.24 N/mm2
or

46
 specified

1.4 target mean strength C2 & Para 25 + 10.24

2
8.1 = 35.24 N/mm

1.4.1 air content %

1.5 cement type specified OPC/ SRPC/ RHPC

1.6 Aggregate type: Crushed/ uncrushed

Coarse
Crushed/ uncrushed
Aggregate type:
fine

1.7 Free- water/Cement Table 2, Fig 0.63 Use the lower

ratio 4 value l

1.8 Maximum free Specified

water/ cement ratio

2 2.1 Slump or V B time Specified Slump 180 mm or V B

s

2.2 Maximum aggregate Specified 20 mm

size

2.3 Free- water content Table 3 & 225

Para 8.2

Kg/m3

3 3.1 Cement content C3 225 / 0.63

3
= 357 Kg/m

3.2 Maximum cement specified Kg/m3

content

3.3 Minimum cement specified Kg/m3

content

3.4 Modified free-

water/ cement ratio

47
 Kg/m3

4 4.1 Relative density of

aggregate (SSD)
2.52
Known/ Assumed

4.2 Concrete Density Fig 5 Para 2400 Kg/m3

8.3

4.3 Total aggregate C4 2400 _- 225 -

3
content 357 = 1818 Kg/m

5 5.1 Grading of fine Percentage 53.34%

aggregates passing 600

5.2 proportion of fine Fig 6 45%

aggregate

5.3 Fine aggregate C5 1 818 X 0.47

content = 855 Kg/m3

5.4 Coarse aggregate 1818 - 855

content = 963 Kg/m3

Quantities Per m3 to nearest 5kg

Cement 360kg Water 225kg Fine aggregates 855kg Coarse aggregate 965kg

Per trial mix of 0.001m3

Cement 0.36 kg Water 0.225kg Fine aggregates 0.855kg Coarse aggregate

0.965kg

Table 6

48
4.6 SLUMP TEST
The slump test was a key test in the project as a high slump of 200mm was to be
achieved. This was done initially by using water and subsequently using two types of
admixtures i.e. Pozzolith LD 10 and Rheobuild, both super plasticizers. The graphs below
show how the workability increased, in both cases, as the admixtures were added until a
slump of 200mm was obtained.

Figure 11-RESULTS OF SLUMP TEST

49
SLUMP (mm) POZZOLITH
ADMIXTURE (ml)

1 0

4 52

27.5 104

123 156

204.5 290

Table 7

Figure 12-SLUMP AGAINST POZZOLITH LD 10 ADMIXTURE

50
SLUMP (mm) RHEOBUILD
ADMIXTURE (ml)

1 0

5 50

11 100

81 150

200 250

Table 8

Figure 13-SLUMP AGAINST RHEOBUILD ADMIXTURE

51
This was achieved by a W/C ratio of only 0.4. To obtain a slump of 200mm by using
water only without the use of admixtures the W/C ratio was 0.7.

Super plasticizers are used for high strength concretes by decreasing the W/C ratio as a
result of reducing the water content by 12-25%. In this case the water content was
reduced by 25% (from 1.7kg to 1.313kg).

4.7 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH RESULTS

For a W/C ratio of 0.7 to obtain a slump of 200mm the compressive strength results for 7
day,14 day and 28 day are as shown below;

DAYS STRENGTH

7 12 N/mm2

14 16 N/mm2

28 20 N/mm2

Table 9

The main objective of this experimental study was to attain class 25 concrete with a
slump of 200mm.

On the basis of experimental results obtained, it can be seen that the target strength was
not attained after 28 days of curing the cubes. The strength increased steadily from
12N/mm2 on the 7th day to 20N/mm2 on the 28th day but this was only 80% of the desired
25N/mm2 strength. Thus it is clear, that to achieve a high strength concrete with a high
slump, the use of water alone is not an option as it compromises the strength.

For a W/C ratio of 0.4 and by using a super plasticizer to obtain a 200mm slump, the
compressive strength results are as shown;

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DAYS STRENGTH

7 20 N/mm2

14 22 N/mm2

28 30 N/mm2

Table 10

It can be seen that after only 7days high strengths could be achieved i.e. 20N/mm2 and
after 28 days of curing the strength achieved was 30N/mm2. This is 120% of the desired
25N/mm2 strength. This was achieved by a much lower W/C ratio of 0.4 compared to 0.7
without the use of admixture.

The graph following shows the relationship of compressive strength against the number
of days it took to attain that strength for the control cubes and the cubes with admixture.

Figure 14-COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AGAINST TIME

From the graph it can be seen that the rate of increase of the compressive strength of
cubes with super plasticizers is at a much faster rate as opposed to cubes without the
admixture.
53
4.8 TENSILE STRENGTH RESULTS
This test is of considerable importance in resisting cracking due to changes in moisture
content or temperature.

For a W/C ratio of 0.7 to obtain a slump of 200mm the tensile strength results for 7
day,14 day and 28 day are as shown below;

DAYS STRENGTH

7 1 N/mm2

14 1.6 N/mm2

28 2 N/mm2

Table 11

The tensile strength increased from 1N/mm2 on the 7th day to 2N/mm2 on the 28th day.

For a W/C ratio of 0.4 and by using a super plasticizer to obtain a 200mm slump, the
tensile strength results are as shown below;

DAYS STRENGTH

7 2 N/mm2

14 2.2 N/mm2

28 2.95 N/mm2

Table 12

The concrete cylinders cast using a super plasticizer exhibited higher tensile strengths
than those cast without using a super plasticizer.

A graph is illustrated below showing the relationship of the tensile strength against the
number of days it took to attain that strength for the control cylinders and the cylinders
with admixture;

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 Figure 15-TENSILE STRENGTH AGAINST TIME

The rate of increase of the tensile strength of cylinders cast using a super plasticizer is
higher than that of the control cylinders. The maximum strength attained by the control
cylinders was 2N/mm2 whereas it was 2.95 N/mm2 for the cylinders with admixture.

4.9 WATER:CEMENT RATIO

From the results tabulated above it is clear that the W/C ratio affects both the
compressive and tensile strengths of concrete. Very high W/C ratios produce low
strengths in concrete as observed from the experimental data and vice versa.

The cubes and cylinders with a W/C ratio of 0.7 exhibited lower compressive and
tensile strengths i.e. 20N/mm2 and 2N/mm2 respectively after 28 days.

The cubes and cylinders with a W/C ratio of 0.4 exhibited higher compressive and tensile
strengths i.e 30N/mm2 and 2.95N/mm2 respectively after 28 days.

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4.10 Problems associated with the high slump concrete.
Segregation

In this study two types of superplasticizers were uased to come up with trial mixes.
Initially Pozzolith LD 10 was used.

The trial mix that was developed using this super plasticizer experienced segregation i.e the
separation of the constituents of a heterogeneous mixture so that their distribution is no longer
uniform, this was manifested by the separation of grout (cement plus water) from the mix
particularly common in wet mixes.

The cubes took almost 48 hours to set and once they were placed in the curing tank, all the
cubes segregated to chunks of concrete.

This could have been as a result of;

1. Over dosage which can result in;

Retardation of initial and final set

Slight increase on air entrainment

Increase in workability

2. Improper handling of the concrete i.e. over vibrating and excessive rehandling.

The mix required little or no vibration at all and over vibration could be the cause of
segregation. Since the same sample was being excessively rehandled by being used over and
over again to determine the slump, this could have consequently lead to segregation.

A good picture of cohesion of the mix is obtained by the flow test.

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Bleeding

Bleeding, known also as water gain, is a form of segregation in which some of the water
in the mix tends to rise to the surface of freshly placed concrete by capillary action, was
exhibited when using both types of super plasticizers i.e. Pozzolith LD 10 and Rheobuild.

Water gain may not be necessarily be harmful. If it is undisturbed and the water
evaporates the effective W/C ratio may be lowered with a resulting increase in strength.
This is what was done in the study.

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CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
4.11 CONCLUSION
A concrete mix was designed with the desired slump and strength, which is economical
and workable.
From the experimental data,it is clear that in order to obtain a high slump concrete
of 200mm and of class 25, a super plasticizer must be used rather than a higher
water content which would detract from the strength of the concrete.
The super plasticizer used reduced the water content by 25%. Super plasticizers
can be added to concrete with a low to normal slump and water-cement ratio to
make high slump flowing concrete.
The resulting concrete, flowing concrete, can be placed with little or no
compaction and is not subject to excessive bleeding or segregation.
Special mixes must be designed for super plasticizers and their use must be
carefully controlled as an over dosage results in segregation and improvement in
workability is smaller in high temperature.
The high slump concrete mix design was; Cement, Fine aggregate, Coarse aggregate in
the ratio of 10:24:27 respectively with a W/C ratio of 0.4. It had the best performance
in terms of strength and workability considerations. The normal dosage of a super
plasticizer is between 750ml and 2500ml per 100 kg of cementitious material.

4.12 RECOMMENDATIONS
A good picture of cohesion of a high slump mix is obtained by the flow test. This
should be done prior to placing of high slump concrete to determine whether a
particular mix is experiencing excessive segregation.

To design a concrete mix with a desired high slump and of high strength, that is
economical and workable the use of a super plasticizer should be adopted.

58
Bibliography
A.M., Neville. (1995). Properties of Concrete. Dorling Kindersley (India) Pvt. Ltd.

D C Teychenne, R. E. (1988). Design of normal concrete mixes. Department of the

Environment.

Construction Advantages-High Slump Concrete. (2009). Retrieved from

http://www.durisolbuild.com/cons_advhsc.shtml.

Paving expert-Concrete and Mortar-Slump. (2009). Retrieved from

http://www.pavingexpert.com/conc_slump.htm.

Ramachandran, V. a. (1984). Super plasticizers. In Concrete admixtures

handbook:Properties ,Science and technology . Park Ridge,N .j.: Noyes Publications.

Transportation-FHWA, U. S. (2010, January 1). Super plasticizers. Retrieved from

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/..suprplz.htm.

Wikipedia. (2008). Portland Cement. Retrieved from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland cement.

Wikipedia. (2008). Concrete. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete.

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