DIVISION : MATERIAL TESTING LABORATORY

1.CONCRETE MIX DESIGN

Procedure for concrete mix design calculation as per IS 10262-2009 is based on strength and
durability, workability, economy.

To produce concrete of required strength and properties, selection of ingredients and their
quantity is to be found which is called concrete mix design. Proper mix design will solve
every problem which arises in concrete while placing or curing. The mix design also helps to
produce economical concrete.

Generally, cement is costlier than other ingredients of concrete. So, quantity and quality of
cement is designed by proper mix design concept. We are going to discuss about the concrete
mix design concept as per IS 10262-2009.

Following are the information required for concrete mix design:

1. Characteristic strength of concrete required: Characteristic strength is the strength of
concrete below which not more than 5% of test results of samples are expected to fall.
This can also be called as the grade of concrete required for mix design. For example, for
M30 grade concrete, the required concrete compressive strength is 30 N/mm 2 and
characteristic strength is also the same.
2. Workability requirement of concrete: The workability of concrete is commonly
measured by slump test. The slump value or workability requirement of concrete is based
on the type of concrete construction.
It is also known that with increase in workability of concrete, the strength of concrete
reduces. Thus, based on type of structure or structural member, the workability
requirement of concrete should be assumed and considered in the mix design. For
pumped concrete, it is essential to have high workability to transfer concrete to greater
heights with ease. This case also should be considered in the mix design.

3. Quality control at site: The strength and durability of concrete depends on the degree of
quality control during construction operation at site. Nominal mixes of concrete assumes
the worst quality control at site based on past experiences.
Thus, for design mix concrete, it is essential to understand the quality control capability
of contractor and workmen at construction site in mixing, transporting, placing, compacting
and curing of concrete. Each step in concrete construction process affects the strength and
durability of concrete. The availability of workmen also affects quality control of concrete.
The more skilled workmen and supervision helps to maintain good quality construction.

Quality control at site: The strength and durability of concrete depends on the

degree of quality control during construction operation at site. Nominal mixes of
concrete assumes the worst quality control at site based on past experiences.

Thus, for design mix concrete, it is essential to understand the quality control
capability of contractor and workmen at construction site in mixing, transporting,
placing, compacting and curing of concrete. Each step in concrete construction
process affects the strength and durability of concrete. The availability of workmen
also affects quality control of concrete. The more skilled workmen and supervision
helps to maintain good quality construction.

4. Exposure conditions of concrete: Exposure conditions play an important role in the mix

design of concrete. The exposure conditions such as chemical actions, coastal areas etc.
needs to be considered for the given site. Generally, exposure conditions as per code of
practices are mild, moderate, severe, very severe and extreme exposure conditions for
concrete constructions.
The grade of concrete and durability requirements of concrete changes with exposure
conditions. For extreme exposure conditions some standard codes mention minimum strength
of concrete as M35.

5. Quality of materials: Each construction material should have been tested in laboratory

before it is considered for mix design calculations. The type of material, their moisture
content, suitability for construction, and their chemical and physical properties affects the
mix design of concrete. Type of cement to be used for construction, coarse and fine
aggregates sources, their size and shape should be considered.
 CONCRETE MIX PROPORTIONING (AS PER IS 456:2000 AND

IS 10262:2009)

TEST DATA:

a) Grade designation : M30

b) Type of cement : OPC 43 grade conforming to IS 8112
c) Fine aggregate : Zone II
d) Exposure conditions : Extreme
e) Specific gravity of cement : 3.15
f) Specific gravity of fine aggregate : 2.61
g) Specific gravity of coarse aggregate : 2.65 ( 20mm and 10mm)

Step 1- Target mean strength:

f ‘ck = f ck + 1.65 s [From clause 3.2 IS 10262:2009]

where,

f ‘ck = target mean compressive strength at 28 days in N/mm2

f ck = characteristic compressive strength at 28 days in N/mm2

s = standard deviation in N/mm2

For M30 grade, s=5 [From Table-1 IS 10262:2009]

Therefore, f ‘ck = 30 + (1.65 × 5) =38.25 N/mm2

Step 2- Water content and water-cement ratio:

For extreme conditions, from Table-2 IS 456:2000,

Minimum cement condition = 360 kg/m3

Maximum free water-cement ratio = 0.40

For 20mm size aggregates, from Table-2 IS 10262:2009,

Maximum water content per cubic meter of concrete = 186 kg/m3

Cement content = water content/water-cement ratio = 186/0.40 = 465 kg/m3,

465 kg/m3 > 360 kg/m3 , hence, O.K.

Step 3 – Determining weight of coarse aggregate:

For 20mm aggregates and fine aggregates of zone II, from Table-3 IS 10262:2009,

Volume of coarse aggregate fraction (P) = 0.62 m3

For 20mm coarse aggregates, entrapped air is 2% [from IS 10262:2009]

Weight of coarse aggregate:

C 1 Ca 1
V=[W+ + × ¿×
Sc P Sca 1000

Where,

W = Water content

C = Cement content

Sc = Specific gravity of cement

Ca = Coarse aggregate content

Sca = Specific gravity of coarse aggregate

P = Volume of coarse aggregate fraction

Therefore,

465 1 Ca 1
[
0.98= 186+ + × ×
3.15 0.62 2.65 1000]
Ca = 1062 kg/m3
 Step 4 – Weight of fine aggregates:

C 1 Fa 1
[
V= W+ + × × ]
Sc 1−P Sfa 1000

Where,

Where,

W = Water content

C = Cement content

Sc = Specific gravity of cement

Fa = Fine aggregate content

Sfa = Specific gravity of fine aggregates

P = Volume of coarse aggregate fraction

465 1 Fa 1
[
0.98= 186+ + × ×
3.15 1−0.62 2.61 1000 ]
Fa = 641.25 kg/m3

Step 5 – Mix Proportions:

Ingredients Cement Fine Coarse Water

aggregates aggregates
Quantity( kg/m3) 465 654 1051 186
Ratio 1 1.40 2.26 0.4
1 bag cement (kg) 50 70 113 20
From experiment,

Fine aggregate moisture content is 2%.

Coarse aggregate moisture content is 1%.

Corrections for weight of fine and coarse aggregates:

2
[
Weight of fine aggregates = 641+
100 ]
×641 = 653.82kg/m3
 1
[
Weight of coarse aggregates = 1062−
100 ]
×1062 =1051.38 kg/m3

2.COMPRESSION TEST ON CONCRETE

Objective:

To determine the compressive strength of the concrete cube as per IS: 516-1959.

Introduction:

Compressive Strength of concrete is defined as the characteristic strength of 150mm size

concrete cubes at 28 days. The compressive strength of cubes gives us the information of the
potential strength of the concrete mix from which it is sampled. It helps in determining
whether correct mix proportions of various mix proportions of various materials were used to
get the desired strength. It helps in determining the time of removal of formwork or the time
of taking the concrete structure into service. It helps in determining the rate of gain of
strength of concrete samples if cubes from the samples are crushed at different periods of
time. The variations in the results obtained at the site, from time to time for a particular grade
of concrete can help in determining the quality control exercised and uniformity of concrete
produced.

Scope:

Compressive strength of concrete cube test provides an idea about all the characteristics of
concrete. By this single test one judge that whether Concreting has been done properly or not.
Concrete compressive strength for general construction varies from 15 MPa (2200 psi) to 30
MPa (4400 psi) and higher in commercial and industrial structures.

Apparatus:

 Cube moulds of size 150×150×150 mm

 Tamping rod
 Compression testing machine

Procedure:
Cube Casting

 Measure the dry proportion of ingredients (Cement, Sand & Coarse Aggregate) as per
the design requirements. The ingredients should be sufficient enough to cast test
cubes
 Thoroughly mix the dry ingredients to obtain the uniform mixture
 Add design quantity of water to the dry proportion (water-cement ratio) and mix well
to obtain uniform texture
 Filling of cube moulds must be done in three layers each approximately of 50 mm
thickness. The concrete must be placed using a scoop and the scoop should be moved
around the top edges of the cube mould so that symmetrical distribution of concrete is
done in each layer as the concrete slides down from the inclined scoop into the
moulds.
 Each layer must be compacted fully either by using a tamping rod or by using
vibration techniques. If concrete is compacted by hand tamping, in 150 mm mould,
then 35 strokes are given per layer uniformly covering the entire surface especially
the corners. If 100mm mould is used then each concrete layer must be hand tamped
giving 25 strokes
Curing
 After some time the mould should be covered with red gunny bag and put undisturbed
for 24 hours at a temperature of 27 ° Celsius ± 2
 After 24 hours remove the specimen from the mould.
 Keep the specimen submerged under fresh water at 27 ° Celsius. The specimen should
be kept for 7 or 28 days. Every 7 days the water should be renewed.
 The specimen should be removed from the water 30 minutes prior to the testing.
 The specimen should be in dry condition before conducting the testing.
 The Cube weight should not be less than 8.1 Kgs

 
Testing
  Now place the concrete cubes into the testing machine. (centrally)
 The cubes should be placed correctly on the machine plate (the circle marks on the
machine should be checked). Carefully align the specimen with the spherically seated
plate.
 The load will be applied to the specimen axially.
 Now slowly apply the load at the rate of 140 kg/cm2 per minute till the cube collapse.
 The maximum load at which the specimen breaks is taken as a compressive load.

 
Fig. Compression testing machine

Observation:
 Rate of loading = 140 kg/cm2 /min
 Ultimate load / Crushing load = 655.3 kN
 Loading area or cross-sectional area = 150×150 mm2

Calculations:
Average ultimate load
 Characteristic strength, fck = MPa = 29.12 MPa
Loading area
 Modulus of elasticity, E = 5000√ f ck N/mm2 = 0.26×105 N/mm2
 Tensile strength = 0.7√ f ck N/mm2 = 3.77 N/mm2
2
 7 days strength = ×28 days strength = 19.4 N/mm2
3
Result:
The compressive strength of concrete is 29.12 MPa.

3.TENSION TEST ON HYSD REINFORCED BAR

Objective: To determine ultimate tensile strength of the given material under loading .
Also to draw stress-strain diagram under tension and hence obtain Youngs modulus of steel.

Theory : The specimen is subjected to constant tension load and the extension caused in the
steel rod is noted against the load within the elastic limit. The load values at yield point,
breaking point, and ultimate point are carefully noted.

With the obtained values, the stress and strain are calculated and plotted in a graph. From the
data, we get:

1. Modulus of Elasticity, E = Stress/Strain[This is calculated within the elastic limit. The

slope of the stress-strain curve provides the modulus of elasticity]

2. Yield Stress = Load at yield Point/Original C/s Area

3. Ultimate Stress = Ultimate Load/Original C/s Area

4. Nominal Breaking Stress = Breaking Load/Nominal Breaking Stress

5. Actual Breaking Stress = Breaking load/Neck Area

6. Percentage elongation = (Change in length/Original Length)/100

7. Percentage reduction in the area = (Change in length/Original Area)/100

Procedure:

 Observe the specimen. Measure the total length and parallel length of the specimen. Also
measure the diameter of the specimen. Calculate the gauge length. Mark the gauge length
on the central portion of the specimen.
 Fix the specimen in-between the upper and middle cross heads using the gripping devices.
Take precautions to fix the test specimen in such a way as to ensure that the load is
applied axially.
 Fix the extensometer in its position over the gauge points. Adjust the extensometer and
the linear scale to read zero initially.
 Select proper range of loading .
 Switch on the machine. Apply the axial tensile load on the specimen gradually. Record
the extensometer readings at a constant loading.
 The yield point can be observed either: o by the kickback of the live needle of the load
indicating dial. OR o by the rapid movement of extensometer dial needle at constant load
reading. Record the yield load(s), and remove the extensometer.
 Continue the axial loading.
 At one stage, the live needle begins to return, leaving the dummy needle there itself. Note
down the load at that point as the ultimate load. Also, observe the neck formation on the
specimen.
 Note down the load at the point of failure of the specimen.
 Switch off the machine; Remove the failed specimen; Observe the type of fracture.

Fig: Universal testing machine Fig:

necking
TABULAR COLUMN

STRAIN LOAD in Kg STRESS in N\mm^2

0 250 12.2
20 750 36.59
40 2400 116.78
60 4200 204.78
80 5900 287.09
100 7600 389.82
120 9300 452.54
160 11100 540.13
200 11300 549.86
240 11300 549.86
320 11300 549.86
Max Load 13100 637.45

Obsevation and calculation:

1. Initial diameter (d)= 16mm
2. Initial gauge length lo = 80mm
3. Final gauge length lf = 100mm
4. Percentage elongation =lf-lo\lo*100 = 25%
5. Yield stress = 500 N\mm^2
6. From the stress –strain graph plotted ,
The Youngs’s modulus of Elasticity=

4.TEST ON HARDENED CONCRETE:

Various tests on Hardened Concrete is done to ensure the design strength of concrete and
quality of concrete construction is achieved.

4.1.Destructive Tests on Hardened Concrete:

The common destructive tests conducted on concrete are:

 Cube test
 Tensile Strength Test
 Concrete core test

CONCRETE CORE TEST

Concrete cores are used for testing of actual properties of concrete in existing structures such
as strength, permeability, chemical analysis, carbonation etc. Sampling of concrete cores and
testing its strength is described.

Concrete cores are usually cut by means of a rotary cutting tool with diamond bits. In this
manner, a cylindrical specimen is obtained usually with its ends being uneven, parallel and
square and sometimes with embedded pieces of reinforcement.

The core should then be soaked in water, capped with molten sulphur to make its ends plane,
parallel, at right angle and then tested in compression in a moist condition as per BS 1881:
Part 4: 1970 or ASTM C 42-77.

Fig: Instrument showing core cutting Fig: Concrete core

4.2.NON DESTRUCTIVE TEST

Non-destructive tests are test that will undergo no damage to the structure and take the
results. In Destructive tests, the results can be only taken by slightly damaging the concrete
surface. Once the surface is tested, the surface has to be repaired.

Methods of Non Destructive test:

 Surface hardness test (rebound hammer)

 Pulse velocity method
 Resonant Frequency method
 Pulse echo method

4.2.1.Rebound hammer (hardness) test

The Schmidt hammer is used in the rebound hardness test in which a metal hammer held
against the concrete is struck by another spring-driven metal mass and rebounds. The amount
of rebound is recorded on a scale and this gives an indication of the concrete strength. The
larger the rebound number is, the higher is the concrete strength.

Fig: Rebound hammer

4.2.2.Ultrasonic pulse velocity test:

In the ultrasonic pulse velocity test the velocity of ultrasonic pulses that pass through a
concrete section from a transmitter to a receiver is measured. The pulse velocity is
correlated against strength. The higher the velocity is, the stronger is the concrete.
Pulse velocity Condition of concrete

>4.5 Excellent

3.5-4.5 Good

3-3.5 Medium

<3 Doubtful

5.TESTS ON CEMENT

5.1.DETERMINATION OF CONSISTENCY OF STANDARD CEMENT PASTE

Objective:
This test method covers the determination of the normal consistency of hydraulic cement
paste with Vicat’s Apparatus.

Introduction:
The amount of water content that brings the cement paste to a standard condition of wetness
is called “normal consistency”. It has a marked effect upon the time of set as well as upon
other properties of cement. The paste at normal consistency is fairly stiff and is used only for
the determination of time of set and soundness of cement. It is necessary to fix the quantity of
water to be mixed in cement while experimenting on it.

The normal consistency of a cement paste is defined as that consistency (% of water) which
will permit the Vicat plunger to penetrate to a point 10 mm from the top of the Vicat mould.
The usual range of values being between 22 to 30 percent by weight of dry cement. Normal
consistency is also called standard consistency.
Scope:
This test method is intended to be used to determine the amount of water (by % weight of dry
cement) required to prepare hydraulic cement pastes for testing.

Apparatus:
Vicat Apparatus Conforming to IS: 5513-1976. Balance of capacity 1Kg and sensitivity to
1gram. Gauging trowel conforming to IS: 10086-1982.

Procedure:
 Unless otherwise specified this test shall be conducted at a temperature and the 27
+ 20C relative humidity of laboratory should be 65 + 5%.
 Prepare a paste of weighed quantity of cement (300gms) with weighed quantity of
potable or distilled water, taking care that the time of gauging is not less than
3minutes nor more than 5minutes and the gauging is completed before any sign of
setting occurs.
 The gauging is counted from the time of adding water to the dry cement until
commencing to fill the mould.
 Fill the Vicat mould with this paste resting upon a non-porous plate.
 Smoothen the surface of the paste, making it level with the top of the mould.
 Slightly shake the mould to expel the air.
 In filling the mould operator’s hands and the blade of the gauging trowel shall only be
used.
 Immediately place the test block 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 sink into the paste.
 Record the depth of penetration
 Prepare trial pastes with varying percentages of water and test as described above
until the plunger is 5mm to 7mm from the bottom of the Vicat mould.
 Fig:Vicats apparatus
Calculations:
Calculate percentage of water (P) by weight of dry cement required to prepare cement paste
of standard consistency by following formula, and express it to the first place of decimal.

P= (W/C) *100

Where, W=Quantity of water added

C=Quantity of cement used

Tabular Column:
% of Amount of Initial Reading Final Reading Penetration
Comments
water Water(ml) (mm) (mm) (mm)

Result:

Percentage of water required for cement paste of Normal Consistency =

 5.2.DETERMINATION OF INITIAL & FINAL SETTING TIME
Objective:
The objective of this experiment is to determine the initial and final setting time of cement.

Introduction:
Cement, when mixed with water, forms slurry, which gradually becomes less plastic with the
passage of time and finally a hard mass is obtained. In this process, a stage is reached when
the cement paste is sufficiently rigid to withstand a definite amount of pressure. Cement, at
this stage to have set and the time required to reach this stage is termed “Setting time”.

The term ‘‘Setting” is used to describe the stiffening of the cement paste. Setting of cement
refers to changes of cement paste from a semi-liquid to rigid state. Setting differs from
hardening of cement which refers to the gain of strength of a set cement paste; although
during setting the cement paste acquires some strength.

Scope:
The purpose of this test is to ascertain the time to be allowed to pass, between mixing of
concrete and placing in position in structures. In actual construction dealing with cement,
mortar or concrete, certain time is required for mixing, transporting and placing. During this
time cement paste, mortar, or concrete should be in plastic condition. The constituents and
fineness of cement is maintained in such a way that the concrete remains in plastic condition
for certain minimum time. Once the concrete is placed in the final position, compacted and
finished it should lose its plasticity in the earliest possible time so that it is least vulnerable to
damages from external destructive agencies.

Cement paste setting time is affected by a number of items including: cement fineness, water-
cement ratio, chemical content (especially gypsum content) and admixtures. Setting tests are
used to characterize how a particular cement paste sets. For construction purposes, the initial
set must not be too soon and the final set must not be too late.

Apparatus:
Vicat’s Apparatus Conforming to IS: 5513-1976. Balance of capacity 1Kg and sensitivity to
1gram. Gauging trowel conforming to IS: 10086-1982.
Procedure:
 Unless otherwise specified this test shall be conducted at a temperature of
27 + 20C and 65 + 5% of relative humidity of the Laboratory.

 Prepare a paste of 300 grams of cement with 0.85 times the water required to a
give a paste of standard consistency IS: 4031 (Part 4) 1988.

 The time of gauging in any case shall not be less than 3 minutes not more than
5 minutes and the gauging shall be completed before any sign of setting occurs.

 Count the time of gauging from the time of adding water to the dry cement until
commencing to fill the mould
 Fill the Vicat mould with this paste making it level with the top of the mould.

 Slightly shake the mould to expel the air.

 In filling the mould the operator hands and the blade the gauging trowel shall only
be used.

Initial Setting Time:

 Immediately place the test block with the non-porous resting plate, under the
rod bearing the initial setting needle.

 Lower the needle and quickly release allowing it to penetrate in to the mould.

 In the beginning the needle will completely pierce the mould.

 Repeat this procedure until the needle fails to pierce the mould for 5 + 0.5mm.

 Record the period elapsed between the time of adding water to the cement to
the time when needle fails to pierce the mould by 5 + 0.5mm as the initial
setting time.
Final Setting Time:

 Replace the needle of the Vicat apparatus by the needle with an annular ring

 Lower the needle and quickly release.

 Repeat the process until the annular ring makes an impression on the mould.

 Record the period elapsed between the time of adding water to the cement to the
time when the annular ring fails to make the impression on the mould as the final
setting time.

5.3.DETERMINATION OF SOUNDNESS OF CEMENT

5.3.1.Le-Chatelier method

Introduction

The ability of cement to retain its volume after it gets hardened is known as Soundness of
Cement. That means the cement should be at minimum volume change after it gets hardened.
A cement is said to be unsound (i.e., having lack of soundness) if it is subjected to delayed
destructive expansion. Unsoundness of cement is due to presence of excessive amount of
hard-burned free lime or magnesia.

Apparatus

 Le-Chatelier mould
 Glass Sheets – 2 Numbers
 Weight
 Trowel
 Mixing Pan
 Cement
The mould consists of a small split cylinder of spring brass or other suitable metal of 0.5mm
thickness forming of a mould 30mm internal diameter and 30mm height. On either side of the
split are attached to indicators with pointed ends A-A- the distance from these ends to the
center of the cylinder being 165mm. The mould shall be kept in good condition with the jaws
not more than 0.5mmapart.
 Fig:Le-Chatelier Apparatus

Procedure

1. The Le-chatelier mould and the glass plates are lightly oiled before conducting the test

2. Prepare a cement paste as in consistency test with 0.78 times the water required to give a
paste of standard consistency

3. Fill the cement paste in the Le- chatelier mould taking care to keep the edges of the mould
gently together during the operation.

4. Cover the mould with another piece of a glass plate and place a small weight over the
cover plate.

5. Submerge the whole assembly immediately in water at a temperature of 27o+-2oC and

keep it there for 24 hours.

6. Take out the assembly again in water at 27+/- 2 deg C. The distance between the indicator
points are measured as A.

7. Submerge assembly again in water at 27  +/- 2 deg C

8. Bring the water to boiling in 25 to 30 minutes and keep at boiling for 3 hours. The
assembly should be immersed in water during this process.

9. Remove the mould from water and allow it to cool to 27 +/- 2 deg C 10. Measure the
distance between the indicator points as B.

Calculations
Expansion= B- A =

Here,

A= The measurement taken after 24hours of immersion in water at 27 ± 2 degree Celsius.

B= The measurement taken after 3hours of immersion in water at boiling temperature.

Result: The amount of expansion is ______mm

5.3.2. SOUNDNESS TEST OF CEMENT BY AUTOCLAVE METOD

Apparatus:

Autoclave, Length compactor, Measuring cylinder, Balance, Mould conforming to IS: 10086.

Procedure

1. Thinly cover the mould with mineral oil. Then attach the reference points so as to get
an effective length of 250mm
2. Take 500g of cement and mix with sufficient water to give a paste of standard
consistency.
3. After mixing fill the mould in one or two layers by pressing the paste into corners by
thumb.Smoothen the top layer by trowel.
4. After completion of preparation of the mould, store it in a moist room for a period of
24 hours.
5. After 24+/_1/2hr after moulding, remove the specimen from moist atmosphere,
measure its length(L1) and place it in the autoclave at room temperature in a rack so
that the four sides of each specimen is exposed to saturated steam vapour during the
entire period of test.
6. To permit air to escape from the autoclave during the early portion of the heating
period, left the vent valve open until steam begins to escape.
7. Then close the vent valve and raise the temp of the autoclave at such a rate, so as to
make the gauge pressure of steam to 2.1N/mm 2 in 1 to 1.5 hrs from the time heat
turned on. This pressure is maintained for 3hrs.
 8. After 3hrs switch off the autoclave, and let it be closed at the rate so as to make the
pressure less than 0.1 N/mm2 in one hour and bring it to atmospheric pressure by
opening vent valve.
9. Then remove the specimen from autoclave and place it in water maintained at a temp
of 900C.Then cool the water to 27C in 15 minutes. Dry the surface of the specimen
and measure its length (L2).

Fig :Autoclave instrument

Calculations

Soundness of cement =L1-L2

Where,

L1= Length measured after curing for a period of 24 hrs in a moist room.

L2=Length measured after completion of autoclave test.

6.KEY NOTES:

 Minimum Water Content Required for full hydration of Cement is 0.38

 Concrete drop height shouldn’t be more than 1.5m to avoid segregation
 Cement Cube strength is 1.25 times the strength of Cement Cylinder
 Dimensions of a standard Brick = 19cm X 9cm X 9cm
 Maximum Water absorption of a Standard Brick shouldn’t be greater than 20% of its
weight
  Maximum size of Coarse Aggregate used in Reinforced Cement Concrete is 20mm
 Admixture: Any Substance added to concrete to modify its properties
1. Plasticizers: Used to improve the workability of concrete.
2. Retarders: Used to delay the setting time of concrete. Ex: Gypsum
3. Accelerators: Used to decrease the setting time. Ex: Calcium Chloride
 Durability: Property of a structure to retain its property throughout its Design Period
 Factors affecting durability of concrete are water content and maximum
cement content.
 Maximum water content that can be used in Ordinary Portland Cement is 450 kg/m3.

Types of concrete as per IS:456

i. Ordinary Concrete: M10 to M20

ii. Standard Concrete: M25 to M55
iii. High Strength Concrete: M60 to M80
 pH of water used for concrete should not be less than 6

Permissible limits of solids in water used for construction:

a. Organic solids = 200 ppm

b. Sulphites = 400 ppm
c. Suspended matter = 2000 ppm
d. Inorganic solids = 3000 ppm
e. Chlorides = 2000 ppm

Factors affecting the strength of concrete:

 Quality of coarse aggregate

 Water Cement Ratio
 Maximum cement content
 Size and shape factor of aggregates
Effective Length
 Slenderness Ratio:
Radius of Gyration
 Radius of gyration = least of Length, Breadth and Depth
 Minimum Grade of Concrete for RCC = M20
 Minimum Grade of Concrete for RCC in Sea Water = M25
 Minimum Grade of Concrete for water tanks and Domes = M25
  Minimum Grade of Concrete for Pretension Prestressed Concrete = M40
 Minimum Grade of Concrete for Post Tension Prestressed Concrete = M30
 Expansion joints are provided to compensate temperature stresses if the building
length is more than 45m.

MIX PROPORTIONS
Grade of Concrete Cement : Fine Aggregate : Coarse Aggregate
M20 1:1.5:3
M15 1:2:3
M10 1:3:6
M7.5 1:4:8
M5 1:5:10