CH.

Devi Lal State Institute of Engineering & Technology, Panniwala

Mota, Sirsa.
LABORATORY MANUAL
EXPERIMENT NO.: CVE- 305-P – 05 ISSUE NO. : 01 ISSUE DATE : 15-08-2019

REV. NO. : 00 REV. DATE : - NIL PAGE: 01/02

DEPTT. : CIVIL ENGINEERING LABORATORY: CONCRETE TESTING ( P) SEMESTER : Vth

Experiment No.5

Object: - To determine the compressive strength of cement

Apparatus:- Universal testing machine or compression testing machine, cube moulds, vibrating
machine, crucible for mixing cement and sand, measuring cylinders, plate and balance with weight box.
Theory: - The compressive strength of cement is the main property of cement and is determined to
verify whether the cement confirms to IS specifications and whether it will be able to develop the
required compressive strength of concrete.
Procedure:-
(i) Calculate the material required. The material for each cube shall be mixed separately. The
quantities of cement and standard sand shall be as follows:
Cement = 200gms
Standard sand = 600 gms
Water = (P/4 + 3.0) percent = __________gms
Where; P is percentage of water for standard consistency
(ii) Place the mixture of cement and standard sand in the proportions of 1.3 by mass on a non
porous plate or china dish and mix it dry with a trowel for one minute and then with water
until the mixture is of uniform color. The percentage o water to be used shall be (P/4 + 3.0).
The time of mixing of gauging in any event shall not be less than 3 minutes.
(iii) Place the assembled mould on the table of vibrating machine and firmly hold it in position by
means of suitable slumps. Securely attach the hopper at the top of the mould to facilitate
filling. The hopper shall not be removed until the vibration is complete.
(iv) Immediately after mixing the mortar, fill the entire quantity of mortar in the hopper of the
cube mould and compact by vibration. The period of vibration shall be 2 minute at the
specified speed of 12000 ± 400 cycles per minute.
(v) Remove the mould from the machine and keep it at a temperature of 27± 2oC in an
atmosphere of atleast 90 percent relative humidity for 24 hours after completion of
vibrations
(vi) .At the end of this period, remove the cube from the mould and immediately submerge it in
clean and fresh water and keep there until taken out just prior for testing. The water in which
cubes are submerged shall be renewed after every 7 days and be maintained at a temperature
of 27 ± 2oC. Keep the cube wet till they are placed in machine for testing.
(vii) Test the specimen at the required periods. At least three specimens shall be tested for one
period and the compressive strength shall be reported as average of the three.

1
 CH. Devi Lal State Institute of Engineering & Technology, Panniwala
Mota, Sirsa.
LABORATORY MANUAL
EXPERIMENT NO.: CVE- 305-P- 05 ISSUE NO. : 01 ISSUE DATE : 15-08-2019

REV. NO. : 00 REV. DATE : - NIL PAGE: 02/02

DEPTT. : CIVIL ENGINEERING LABORATORY: CONCRETE TESTING ( P) SEMESTER : Vth

Observations & Calculations:-

S.No. 3-days compressive strength 7 days compressive strength
Load KN Strength (N/mm2) Load KN Strength (N/mm2)
1
2
3
Average

Precautions:
1 The mortar shall not be compressed into the moulds with hand.
2 Neglect the results which fall out side by 15 percent of the average results on either side.
3 The cubes should be tested on their sides and not on their faces
4 Inside of cube mould should be oiled to prevent the mortar from adhering to the sides of the
mould
5 Size of sand particles should be such that not more than 10% by mass shall pass a 60 micron IS
sieve and shall completely pass through an 85 micron IS sieve
6 The time of wet mixing shall not be less than 3 minutes. If the time is more than 4 minutes to
bring uniform color the mixture shall be rejected and fresh mortal
7 The cubes shall not be allowed to dry until they are broken