DETERMINATION OF CONSISTENCY OF

CEMENT
Objective:
To determine the normal consistency of a given sample of cement.

Reference:
IS : 4031 ( Pat 4 ) - 1988, IS : 5513-1976,

Theory:
For finding out initial setting time, final setting time and soundness of cement, and strength a
parameter known as standard consistency has to be used. The standard consistency of a
cement paste is defined as that consistency which will permit a Vicat plunger having 10 mm
diameter and 50 mm length to penetrate to a depth of 33-35 mm from the top of the mould.

Apparatus:
Vicat apparatus conforming to IS : 5513-1976, Balance, Gauging Trowel, Stop Watch, etc.

Procedure:
1. The standard consistency of a cement paste is defined as that consistency which will permit
the Vicat plunger to penetrate to a point 5 to 7 mm from the bottom of the Vicat mould
2. Initially a cement sample of about 300 g is taken in a tray and is mixed with a known
percentage of water by weight of cement, say starting from 26% and then it is increased by
every 2% until the normal consistency is achieved.
3. Prepare a paste of 300 g of Cement with a weighed quantity of potable or distilled water,
taking care that the time of gauging is not less than 3 minutes, nor more than 5 min, and the
gauging shall be completed before any sign of setting occurs. The gauging time shall be counted
from the time of adding water to the dry cement until commencing to fill the mould.
4. Fill the Vicat mould (E) with this paste, the mould resting upon a non-porous plate. After
completely filling the mould, smoothen the surface of the paste, making it level with the top of
the mould. The mould may be slightly shaken to expel the air.
5. Place the test block in the mould, together with the non-porous resting plate, under the rod
bearing the plunger; lower the plunger gently to touch the surface of the test block, and quickly

1
release, allowing it to sink into the paste. This operation shall be carried out immediately after
filling the mould.
6. Prepare trial pastes with varying percentages of water and test as described above until the
amount of water necessary for the test

Observation:
Express the amount of water as a percentage by mass of the dry cement to the first place of
decimal.
S.NO WEIGHT OF PERCENTAGE OF QUANTITY OF PLUNGER
CEMENT (gm) WATER (P) % WATER (ml) READING (mm)

Conclusion:

2
The normal consistency of a given sample of cement is _ _ _ _ %

DETERMINATION OF SETTING TIME OF

CEMENT
Objective:
To determine the initial and final setting time of a given sample of cement.

Reference:
IS: 4031 (Pat 4) -1988, IS: 4031 (Pat 5) - 1988, IS: 5513-1976,

Theory:
For convenience, initial setting time is regarded as the time elapsed between the moments that
the water is added to the cement, to the time that the paste starts losing its plasticity. The final
setting time is the time elapsed between the moment the water is added to the cement, and
the time when the paste has completely lost its plasticity and has attained sufficient firmness to
resist certain definite pressure.

Apparatus:
Vicat apparatus conforming to IS: 5513-1976, Balance, Gauging Trowel, Stop Watch, etc.

Procedure:
1. Preparation of Test Block - Prepare a neat 300 gms cement paste by gauging the cement with
0.85 times the water required to give a paste of standard consistency. Potable or distilled water
shall be used in preparing the paste.
2. Start a stop-watch at the instant when water is added to the cement. Fill the Vicat mould
with a cement paste gauged as above, the mould resting on a nonporous plate. Fill the mould
completely and smooth off the surface of the paste making it level with the top of the mould.
3. Immediately after moulding, place the test block in the moist closet or moist room and allow
it to remain there except when determinations of time of setting are being made.
4. Determination of Initial Setting Time - Place the test block confined in the mould and resting
on the non-porous plate, under the rod bearing the needle ( C ); lower the needle gently until it
comes in contact with the surface of the test block and quickly release, allowing it to penetrate
into the test block

3
5. Repeat this procedure until the needle, when brought in contact with the test block and
released as described above, fails to pierce the block beyond 5.0 ± 0.5 mm measured from the
bottom of the mould shall be the initial setting time.
6. Determination of Final Setting Time - Replace the needle (C) of the Vicat apparatus by the
needle with an annular attachment (F).
7. The cement shall be considered as finally set when, upon applying the needle gently to the
surface of the test block, the needle makes an impression thereon, while the attachment fails to
do so.
8. The period elapsing between the time when water is added to the cement and the time at
which the needle makes an impression on the surface of test block while the attachment fails to
do so shall be the final setting time.

Observation:
1. Weight of given sample of cement is _ _ _ _ gms
2. The normal consistency of a given sample of cement is _ _ _ _ %

4
3. Volume of water addend (0.85 times the water required to give a paste of standard
consistency) for preparation of test block _ _ _ _ ml
S.NO SETTING TIME PENETRATION REMARK

Conclusion :
i) The initial setting time of the cement sample is found to be …..
ii) The final setting time of the cement sample is found to be …..

DETERMINATION OF FINENESS OF CEMENT

Objective:
To determine the fineness of the give cement sample.

Reference:
IS : 4031 ( Pat 1 ) - 1988

Theory:
The fineness of cement has an important bearing on the rate of hydration and hence on the
rate of gain of strength and also on the rate of evolution of heat. Finer cement offers a greater
surface area for hydration and hence faster the development of strength, (Fig. 3). The fineness
of grinding has increased over the years. But now it has got nearly stabilized. Different cements
are ground to different fineness. The particle size fraction below 3 microns has been found to
have the predominant effect on the strength at one day while 3-25 micron fraction has a major
influence on the 28 days strength. Increase in fineness of cement is also found to increase the
drying shrinkage of concrete.

Fineness of cement is tested in two ways :

(a) By sieving.
(b) By determination of specific surface (total surface area of all the particles in one gram of
cement) by air-permeability apparatus. Expressed as cm2/gm or m2/kg. Generally Blaine Air
permeability apparatus is used.

5
Apparatus:
Test Sieve 90 microns, Balance, Gauging Trowel, Brush, etc.

Procedure:
1. Fit the tray under the sieve, weigh approximately 10 g of cement to the nearest 0.01 g and
place it on the sieve, being careful to avoid loss. Fit the lid over the sieve. Agitate the sieve by
swirling, planetary and linear movement until no more fine material passes through it.
2. Remove and weigh the residue. Express its mass as a percentage, R1, of the quantity first
placed in the sieve to the nearest 0.1 percent. Gently brush all the fine material off the base of
the sieve into the tray.
3. Repeat the whole procedure using a fresh 10 g sample to obtain R2. Then calculate the
residue of the cement R as the mean of R1, and R2, as a percentage, expressed to the nearest
0.1 percent.
4. When the results differ by more than 1 percent absolute, carry out a third sieving and
calculate the mean of the three values.

Conclusion:
The fineness of a given sample of cement is _ _ _ _ %.

FINENESS MODULUS OF FINE AGGREGATE

Objective:
To determine fineness modulus of fine aggregate and classifications based on IS: 383-1970

Reference:
IS : 2386 ( Part I) – 1963, IS: 383-1970, IS : 460-1962

Theory:
This is the name given to the operation of dividing a sample of aggregate into various fractions
each consisting of particles of the same size. The sieve analysis is conducted to determine the
particle size distribution in a sample of aggregate, which we call gradation. Many a time, fine
aggregates are designated as coarse sand, medium sand and fine sand. These classifications do
not give any precise meaning. What the supplier terms as fine sand may be really medium or
even coarse sand. To avoid this ambiguity fineness modulus could be used as a yard stick to
indicate the fineness of sand.

6
The following limits may be taken as guidance: Fine sand : Fineness Modulus : 2.2 - 2.6, Medium
sand : F.M. : 2.6 - 2.9, Coarse sand : F.M. : 2.9 - 3.2
Sand having a fineness modulus more than 3.2 will be unsuitable for making satisfactory
concrete.

Apparatus:
Test Sieves conforming to IS : 460-1962 Specification of 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600
micron, 300 micron, 150 micron, Balance, Gauging Trowel, Stop Watch, etc.

Procedure:
1. The sample shall be brought to an air-dry condition before weighing and sieving. The air-dry
sample shall be weighed and sieved successively on the appropriate sieves starting with the
largest. Care shall be taken to ensure that the sieves are clean before use.
2. The shaking shall be done with a varied motion, backward sand forwards, left to right,
circular clockwise and anti-clockwise, and with frequent jarring, so that the material is kept
moving over the sieve surface in frequently changing directions.
3. Material shall not be forced through the sieve by hand pressure. Lumps of fine material, if
present, may be broken by gentle pressure with fingers against the side of the sieve.
4. Light brushing with a fine camel hair brush may be used on the 150-micron and 75-micron IS
Sieves to prevent aggregation of powder and blinding of apertures.
5. On completion of sieving, the material retained on each sieve, together with any material
cleaned from the mesh, shall be weighed.

Observation:

S.N SIEVE SIZE WEIGHT CUMULATIVE CUMULATIVE

O RETAINED (gm) WEIGHT PERCENTAGE OF
RETAINED (gm) WEIGHT
RETAINED(%)

7
Conclusion / Result :
i) Fineness modulus of a given sample of fine aggregate is …….. that indicate Coarse sand/ Medium sand/

Fine sand.

ii) The given sample of fine aggregate is belong to Grading Zones I / II / III / IV.

BULKING CHARACTERISTICS OF SAND

Objective :
To determine bulking of a given sample of fine aggregate.

Reference :
IS : 2386 ( Part III ) - 1963

Theory :
Free moisture forms a film around each particle. This film of moisture exerts what is known as
surface tension which keeps the neighbouring particles away from it. Similarly, the force
exerted by surface tension keeps every particle away from each other. Therefore, no point
contact is possible between the particles. This causes bulking of the volume. It is interesting to
note that the bulking increases with the increase in moisture content upto a certain limit and
beyond that the further increase in the moisture content results in the decrease in the volume
and at a moisture content representing saturation point, the fine aggregate shows no bulking.

Apparatus :
Measuring jar, Taping rod etc.

Procedure :
1. Put sufficient quantity of the sand loosely into a container. Level off the top of the sand and
pushing
a steel rule vertically down through the sand at the middle to the bottom, measure the height.
Suppose this is h1 cm.
2. Empty the sand out of the container into another container where none of it will be lost. Half
fill the
first container with water. Put back about half the sand and rod it with a steel rod, about 6 mm
in

8
diameter, so that its volume is reduced to a minimum. Then add the remainder of the sand and
rod it
in the same way.
3. The percentage of bulking of the sand due to moisture shall be calculated from the formula:
Percentage Bulking = (V/V1)*100
S.N PERCENTAGE FINAL DIFFERENCE PERCENTAGE FROM GRAPH
O OF WATER VOLUME OF IN VOLUME OF BULKING MAX % OF % OF
ADDED WET V=V2-V1 BULKING WATER
SAND(V2)

Conclusion :
Bulking of a given sample of fine aggregate is found to be ……. %.

SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND BULK DENSITY OF FINE

AGGREGATE
9
Objective:
To determine specific gravity of a given sample of fine aggregate .

Reference:
IS : 2386 ( Part III ) - 1963

Apparatus:
Pycnometer, A 1 000-ml measuring cylinder, well-ventilated oven, Taping rod, Filter papers and
funnel, etc.

Procedure:
1. A sample of about 500 g shall be placed in the tray and covered with distilled water at a
temperature of 22 to 32°C. Soon after immersion, air entrapped in or bubbles on the surface of
the aggregate shall be removed by gentle agitation with a rod. The sample shall remain
immersed for 24 ± l/2 hours.
2. The water shall then be carefully drained from the sample, by decantation through a filter
paper, any material retained being return& to the sample. The fine aggregate including any
solid matter retained on the filter paper shall be exposed to a gentle current of warm air to
evaporate surface moisture and the material just attains a ‗free-running‘ condition. The
saturated and surface-dry sample shall be weighed (weight A).
3. The aggregate shall then be placed in the pycnometer which shall be filled with distilled
water. Any trapped air shall be eliminated by rotating the pycnometer on its side, the hole in
the apex of the cone being covered with a finger. The pycnometer shall be dried on the outside
and weighed (weight B).
4. The contents of the pycnometer shall be emptied into the tray, care being taken to ensure
that all the
aggregate is transferred. The pycnometer shall be refilled with distilled water to the same level
as
before, dried on the outside and weighed (weight C).
5. The water shall then be carefully drained from the sample by decantation through a filter
paper and any material retained returned to the sample. The sample shall be placed in the oven
in the tray at a temperature of 100 to 110°C for 24 f l/2 hours, during which period it shall be
stirred occasionally to
facilitate drying. It shall be cooled in the air-tight container and weighed (weight D).

10
6. Calculations— Specific gravity, apparent specific gravity and water &sorption shall be
calculated as follows:
1. Weight of coarse aggregate = (w2-w1) =
2. Weight of water filling the pycnometer = (w4-w1) =
3. Weight of equal volume of water = (w4-w1)-(w3-w2) =
BULK DENSITY = (W2-W1) / (W4-W1) gm/cc
SPECIFIC GRAVITY =(W2-W1)/((W4-W1)-(W3-W2))

Conclusion:
i) The Specific Gravity of a given sample of fine aggregate is found to be …….
ii) The Water Absorption of a given sample of fine aggregate is found to be ……. %

SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND BULK DENSITY OF

COARSE AGGREGATE
Objective:
To determine specific gravity of a given sample of fine aggregate .

Reference:
IS : 2386 ( Part III ) - 1963

Apparatus:
Pycnometer, A 1 000-ml measuring cylinder, well-ventilated oven, Taping rod, Filter papers and
funnel, etc.

Procedure:
1. A sample of about 500 g shall be placed in the tray and covered with distilled water at a
temperature of 22 to 32°C. Soon after immersion, air entrapped in or bubbles on the surface of
11
the aggregate shall be removed by gentle agitation with a rod. The sample shall remain
immersed for 24 ± l/2 hours.
2. The water shall then be carefully drained from the sample, by decantation through a filter
paper, any material retained being return& to the sample. The fine aggregate including any
solid matter retained on the filter paper shall be exposed to a gentle current of warm air to
evaporate surface moisture and the material just attains a ‗free-running‘ condition. The
saturated and surface-dry sample shall be weighed (weight A).
3. The aggregate shall then be placed in the pycnometer which shall be filled with distilled
water. Any trapped air shall be eliminated by rotating the pycnometer on its side, the hole in
the apex of the cone being covered with a finger. The pycnometer shall be dried on the outside
and weighed (weight B).
4. The contents of the pycnometer shall be emptied into the tray, care being taken to ensure
that all the
aggregate is transferred. The pycnometer shall be refilled with distilled water to the same level
as
before, dried on the outside and weighed (weight C).
5. The water shall then be carefully drained from the sample by decantation through a filter
paper and
any material retained returned to the sample. The sample shall be placed in the oven in the tray
at a
temperature of 100 to 110°C for 24 f l/2 hours, during which period it shall be stirred
occasionally to
facilitate drying. It shall be cooled in the air-tight container and weighed (weight D).
6. Calculations— Specific gravity, apparent specific gravity and water &sorption shall be
calculated as follows:
1.Weight of coarse aggregate =(w2-w1) =
2.Weight of water filling the pycnometer = (w4-w1)=
3.Weight of equal volume of water =(w4-w1)-(w3-w2)=

BULK DENSITY = (W2-W1) / (W4-W1) gm/cc

SPECIFIC GRAVITY = (W2-W1) / ((W4-W1)-(W3-W2))

Conclusion :

12
i) The Specific Gravity of a given sample of fine aggregate is found to be …….
ii) The Water Absorption of a given sample of fine aggregate is found to be ……. %

DEVAL’S ATTRITION TEST

Aim:
To determine the Deval attrition value.

Apparatus:
The apparatus as per IS: 2386 (Part IV) – 1963 consists of:
(i) Deval machine: The Deval abrasion testing machine shall consist of one or more hollow cast
iron cylinders closed at one end and furnished with a tightly fitting iron cover at the other. The
inside diameter of the cylinders shall be 20 cm and depth 34 cm. The cylinders shall be
mounted on a shaft at an angle of 30 degrees with the axis of rotation of the shaft.
(ii) Sieve: 1.70, 4.75,10,12.5,20,25,40 mm IS Sieves.
(iii)Balance of capacity 5kg or 10kg
(iv) Drying oven
(v) Miscellaneous like tray

Procedure:
The test sample consists of clean aggregates dried in oven at 105° – 110°C. The sample should
conform to any of the gradings shown in table 1.
1. Select the grading to be used in the test such that it conforms to the grading to be used in
construction, to the maximum extent possible.
2. Place the aggregates on the cylinders and fix the cover.
3. Rotate the machine at a speed of 30 – 33 revolutions per minute. The number of revolutions
is 10000. The machine should be balanced and driven such that there is uniform peripheral
speed.
4. The machine is stopped after the desired number of revolutions and material is discharged to
a tray.
5. The entire stone dust is sieved on 1.70 mm IS sieve.

13
6. The material coarser than 1.7mm size is weighed correct to one gram.

Observations:
Original weight of aggregate sample (W1) =
Weight of aggregate sample retained (W2) =
Weight passing 1.7mm IS sieve (W1 - W2) =
Attrition value = (W1 - W2) *100/W1

Result:
Deval’s attrition value =

AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE TEST

Aim:
To determine mechanical properties of road stone required are:

1. Satisfactory resistance to crushing under the roller during construction and

2. Adequate resistance to surface abrasion under traffic.

Theory :
The crushing strength of road aggregates is an essential requirement in India as they need to
resist surface stress under rigid tire rims of heavily loaded animal drawn vehicles which is in
considerable amounts.
Crushing strength of road stones may be determined either on aggregate or on cylindrical
specimens cut of rocks. The two tests are quite different in not only the approach but also in
the expression of the results.
Aggregates used in road construction, should be strong enough to resist crushing under traffic
wheel loads. If the aggregates are weak, the stability of the pavement structures is likely to be
adversely affected. The strength of coarse aggregates is assessed by aggregate crushing test.
The aggregate crushing value provides a relative measure of resistance to crushing under a
gradually applied compressive load. To achieve a high quality of pavement, aggregate
possessing low aggregate crushing value should be preferred.

Description of The Apparatus:

14
The apparatus for the standard aggregate crushing test (figure 1) consists of the following:
1. Steel cylinder with open end internal diameter 25.2cm, square base plate plunger having a
piston of diameter 15cm, with a hole provided across the stem of the plunger so that a rod
could be inserted for lifting or placing the plunger in the cylinder.
2. Cylindrical measure having internal diameter of 11.5cm and a height 18cm.
3. Steel temping rod with one rounded end, having a diameter of 1.6cm and length 45 to 60cm.
4. Balance of capacity 3kg with accuracy up to 1kg.
5. Compression of testing machine capable of applying load of 40 tones, at a uniform rate of
loading of 4 tones per minute.

Procedure:
The aggregates passing through 12.5mm sieve and retained on 10mm IS sieve is selected for
standard test. The aggregates should be in surface dry condition before testing.
The aggregate may be dried by heating at a temperature of 1000C to 1100C for a period of
4 hours and is tested after being cooled to room temperature.
The cylindrical measure is filled by the test sample of aggregate in three layers of
approximately equal depth, each layer being tamped 25 times by the rounded end of the
tamping rod. After the third layer is tamped, the aggregates at the top of the cylindrical
measure are leveled off by using the tamping rod as a straight edge. About 6.5kg of aggregate
is required for preparing two tests samples. The test samples thus taken are then weighed.
The same weight of the sample is taken in the repeat test.
The cylinder of the test apparatus is placed in position on the base plate; one third of
the sample is placed in the cylinder and tamped 25 times by the tamping rod. Similarly, the
other two parts of the test specimen are added, each layer being subjected to 25 tampings.
The total depth of the material in the cylinder after tamping shall however 10cm. The surface
of the aggregates is leveled and the plunger inserted so that it rests on this surface in level
position. The cylinder with the test sample and plunger in position is placed on compression
testing machine. Load is then applied through the plunger at a uniform rate of 4 tones per
minute until the total load is 40 tones, and the load is released. Aggregates including the

15
crushed portion are removed from the cylinder and sieved on a 2.36mm IS sieve. The
material which passes this sieve is collected.
The above crushing test is repeated on second sample of the same weight in
accordance with above test procedure. Thus two tests are made for the same specimen for
taking an average value.

Calculations:
Total weight of dry sample taken = W1g.
Weight of the portion of crushed material passing 2.36mm is sieve = W2g.
The aggregate crushing value is defined as the ratio of weight of fines passing the
specified IS sieve to the total weight of the sample expressed as percentage. The value is
usually recorded up to the first decimal place.
CRUSHING VALUE = W3*100/(W1-W2)

Observation Sheet:
Weight of aggregate w1 =
Weight of aggregate left over w2=
Weight of aggregate filled in cylinder (w2-w1) =
Weight of aggregate passing through the sieve w3=

Results:
The mean crushing value obtained in the two tests is reported as the aggregate
crushing value.

WATER ABSORPTION TEST ON AGGREGATES

Objective:
To determine the water absorption of coarse aggregates .

Reference :
IS: 2386 (Part III) – 1963. For this test a sample not less than 2000g should be used.

16
Apparatus:
Wire basket – perforated, electroplated or plastic coated with wire hangers for suspending it
from the balance, Water-tight container for suspending the basket, Dry soft absorbent cloth –
75cm x 45cm (2 nos.), Shallow tray of minimum 650 sq.cm area, Air-tight container of a capacity
similar to the basket and Oven.

Procedure:
1.The sample should be thoroughly washed to remove finer particles and dust, drained and
then placed in the wire basket and immersed in distilled water at a temperature between 22
and 32oC.
2.After immersion, the entrapped air should be removed by lifting the basket and allowing it to
drop 25 times in 25 seconds. The basket and sample should remain immersed for a period of 24
+ ½ hrs afterwards.
3.The basket and aggregates should then be removed from the water, allowed to drain for a
few minutes, after which the aggregates should be gently emptied from the basket on to one of
the dry clothes and gently surface-dried with the cloth,transferring it to a second dry cloth
when the first would remove no further moisture.The aggregates should be spread on the
second cloth and exposed to the atmosphere away from direct sunlight till it appears to be
completely surface-dry.The aggregates should be weighed (Weight ‘A’).
4.The aggregates should then be placed in an oven at a temperature of 100 to 110oC for 24hrs.
It should then be removed from the oven, cooled and weighed (Weight ‘B’).
Formula used is Water absorption = [(A – B)/B] x 100%.
Two such tests should be done and the individual and mean results should be reported.

Observation And Calculation:

Weight of oven dried specimen (w1g) =
Weight of saturated specimen (w2g) =
Weight of water absorbed (w2-w1) =
Percentage of water absorption (w2-w1)*100/w1 =

Result:

17
Water absorption of coarse aggregate is %

FINENESS MODULUS OF COARSE AGGREGATE

Objective :
To determination of particle size distribution of coarse aggregates by sieving or
screening.

Reference :
IS : 2386 ( Part I) – 1963, IS: 383-1970, IS : 460-1962

Theory :
Grading refers to the determination of the particle-size distribution for aggregate. Grading
limits andmaximum aggregate size are specified because grading and size affect the amount of
aggregate used aswell as cement and water requirements, workability, pumpability, and
durability of concrete. In general, if the water-cement ratio is chosen correctly, a wide range in
grading can be used without a major effect on strength. When gap-graded aggregate are
specified, certain particle sizes of aggregate are omitted from the size continuum. Gap-graded
aggregate are used to obtain uniform textures in exposed aggregate concrete. Close control of
mix proportions is necessary to avoid segregation.

Apparatus :
Test Sieves conforming to IS : 460-1962 Specification of 80 mm, 40 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, 4.75
mm, Balance, Gauging Trowel, Stop Watch, etc.

Procedure:
1. The sample shall be brought to an air-dry condition before weighing and sieving. This may be
achieved either by drying at room temperature or by heating at a temperature of 100 to 110°C.
The air-dry sample shall be weighed and sieved successively on the appropriate sieves starting
with the largest. Care shall be taken to ensure that the sieves are clean before use.
2. Each sieve shall be shaken separately over a clean tray until not more than a trace passes,
but in any case for a period of not less than two minutes. The shaking shall be done with a
varied motion, backward sand forwards, left to right, circular clockwise and anti-clockwise, and
with frequent jarring, so that the material is kept moving over the sieve surface in frequently
changing directions.
3. Material shall not be forced through the sieve by hand pressure. Lumps of fine material, if
present, may be broken by gentle pressure with fingers against the side of the sieve.

18
4. On completion of sieving, the material retained on each sieve, together with any material
cleaned from the mesh, shall be weighed.
S.NO SIEVE SIZE WEIGHT CUMMULATIVE CUM
RETAINED WEIGHT
RETAINED

Result:
The fineness modulus of the coarse aggregates =

FLAKINESS INDEX TEST

Aim:
To determine flakiness index of a given aggregates sample.

Definition:
The flakiness index of aggregate is the percentage dry weight of particles whose least dimension
(thickness) is less than three-fifths (0.6) of their mean dimension. The test is not applicable to sizes
smaller than 6.3 mm.

Apparatus:
The apparatus consists of a standard thickness gauge shown in fig 5.1, IS sieves of the sizes 63,
50, 40, 31.5, 25, 20, 16, 12.5, 10 and 6.3 mm and a balance to weight the samples.

Procedure:
The sample is sieved with the sieves mentioned in the table 5.1 A minimum of 200 pieces of
each fraction to be tested are taken and weighed =w1g. In order to separate flaky materials,
each friction is then gauged for thickness on a thickness gauge shown in fig 5.1 or in bulk on
sieves having elongated slots. The width of the slot used should be of the dimensions specified

19
 in column (3) of table 5.1 for the appropriate size of the material. The amount of flaky material
passing the gauge is weighed to accuracy of at least 0.1 percent of the test sample.

Calculations:
In order to calculate the flakiness index of the entire sample of aggregates first theweight of
each fraction of aggregates passing and retained on the specified set of sieves isnoted. As an
example let 200 pieces of the aggregates passing 50 mm sieve and retained on40 mm sieve be=
w1g. Each of the particles from this fraction of the thickness gauge in this example the width of
the appropriate gauge of the thickness gauge is Let the weight of the flaky material passing this
gauge be w1g. Similarly the weights
Of the fractions passing and retained the specified sieves. W1, W2, W3 etc weighted and the
Total weight W1+W2+W3=W g is found also the weights of material passing each of the
Specified thickness gauges are found= w1, w2, w3…..And the total weight of the material
Passing the different thickness gauges= w1+w2+w3+…..and the total weight of the flakiness
Index is the total weight of the sample gauged.
Flakiness index=(X1+X2+X3+…………)*100/(X1+X2+X3+…………..)
S.NO PASSING RETAINED ON TOTAL WEIGHT OF WEIGHT RATAINED WEIGHT PASSING
THROUGH SIEVE SIEVE SIZE AGGREGATES ON FLAKINESS ON FLAKINESS
SIZE RETAINED GAUGE GAUGE

Result:
Flakiness index of the given aggregate = %

ELONGATION INDEX
Aim:

20
To determine elongation index of given aggregate sample.

Definition:
The elongation index of an aggregate is the percentage by weight of

Particles whose greatest dimension (length) is greater than one and four fifth (1.8 times) of

Their mean dimension. The elongation test is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3 mm.

Apparatus:
The apparatus length gauge consists of the standard length gauge. Is sieve

Of size 50, 40, 25, 20, 16, 12.5, 10 and 6.3 mm .a balance to weigh the samples.

Procedure:
The sample is sieved through the specified set of is sieves. A minimum of

200 pieces of each fraction is taken and weighed. In order to separate elongated material,

Each fraction is then gauged individually for length gauge. The gauge individually for length

Gauge. The gauge length used should be those specified in column 4 of the table for the

Appropriate material. The pieces of aggregates from each fraction tested which could not pass

Through the specified gauge length with its long side are elongated particles and are collected

Separately to find the total weight of aggregate retained by the length gauge are weighed to

An accuracy of at least 0.1 percent of the weight of the test sample.

Calculation and result:

In order to calculate the elongation index of the entire sample of aggregates, the weight of aggregates
which is retained on the specified gauge length from each fraction isnoted. As an example, let 200
pieces of the aggregate passing 40 mm sieve and retained 25mm sieve weight w1g. With its longest side
and those elongated pieces which do not pass the gauge are separated and the total weight
determined=w1g. Similarly the weight of each fraction of aggregate passing and retained on specified
sieves sizes are found, w1, w2, w3……… and the total weight of sample determined = w1+w2+w3+………
=w g. Also the weight of material from each fraction retained determined on the specified gauge length
are found =x1, x2, x3……… and the total weight retained determined =x1+x2+x3…. =x g.

The elongated index is the total weight of the material retained on the various length gauges, expressed
as the total weight of the sample gauged.

Elongation index = (y1+y2+y3+….)*100 / (y1+y2+y3+….)

Result:
Elongation index of the given aggregates sample is = ………

21
ANGULARITY NUMBER OF COARSE
AGGREGATE
Objective:
For determination of angularity number of coarse aggregates.

Reference:
IS: 2386 (Part I) – 1963 – Method of test for aggregates for concrete (Part I) Particle size and
shape.

Apparatus:
Balance (0-10kg)
Sieves (20,16,12.5,10,6.3,4.75mm)
Metal cylinder
Tamping rod
Scoop

Test Sample Preparation:

The test sample consist of aggregate retained between the appropriate pair of IS sieves from
the following setsThe aggregate to be tested is dried for at least 24 hours in a well ventilated
oven maintained at a temperature of 100 to 1100C.

Procedure:
The aggregate is compacted in three layers, each layer being given 100 blows using the
standard tamping rod at a rate of 2 blows/second by lifting the rod 5 cm above the surface of
the aggregate and then allowing it to fall freely.
The blows are uniformly distributed over the surface of the aggregate.
After compacting the third layer, the cylinder is filled to overflowing and excess material is
removed off with temping rod as a straight edge.
The aggregate with cylinder is then weighed. Three separate determinations are made and
mean weight of the aggregate in the cylinder is calculated.

22
Calculation:
Aggregate angularity number = 67-((100*W)/(CG))

Where,

W = mean weight of the aggregate filling cylinder.

C = Weight of water required to completely fill the cylinder (i.e. Volume of cylinder)

Gs = Specific Gravity of the aggregates

S.NO SIEVE WEIGHT OF WEIGHT OF WEIGHT OF WEIGHT WEIGHT

SIZE EMPTY CYLINDER+AGGR- AGGREGATE OF OF WATER
CYLINDER EGATE IN CYLINDER IN
CYLINDER + WATER CYLINDER

Result:
The mean value of three determinations, expressed to the nearest whole number is reported.

FINENESS MODULUS OF GLASS

Objective:
To determine fineness modulus of glass and classifications based on IS: 383-1970

Reference:
IS : 2386 ( Part I) – 1963, IS: 383-1970, IS : 460-1962

Theory:
This is the name given to the operation of dividing a sample of aggregate into various fractions
each consisting of particles of the same size. The sieve analysis is conducted to determine the
particle size distribution in a sample of aggregate, which we call gradation. Many a time, fine
aggregates are designated as coarse sand, medium sand and fine sand. These classifications do
not give any precise meaning. What the supplier terms as fine sand may be really medium or
even coarse sand. To avoid this ambiguity fineness modulus could be used as a yard stick to
indicate the fineness of sand.

23
The following limits may be taken as guidance: Fine sand : Fineness Modulus : 2.2 - 2.6, Medium
sand : F.M. : 2.6 - 2.9, Coarse sand : F.M. : 2.9 - 3.2
Sand having a fineness modulus more than 3.2 will be unsuitable for making satisfactory
concrete.

Apparatus:
Test Sieves conforming to IS : 460-1962 Specification of 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600
micron, 300 micron, 150 micron, Balance, Gauging Trowel, Stop Watch, etc.

Procedure:
1. The sample shall be brought to an air-dry condition before weighing and sieving. The air-dry
sample shall be weighed and sieved successively on the appropriate sieves starting with the
largest. Care shall be taken to ensure that the sieves are clean before use.
2. The shaking shall be done with a varied motion, backward sand forwards, left to right,
circular clockwise and anti-clockwise, and with frequent jarring, so that the material is kept
moving over the sieve surface in frequently changing directions.
3. Material shall not be forced through the sieve by hand pressure. Lumps of fine material, if
present, may be broken by gentle pressure with fingers against the side of the sieve.
4. Light brushing with a fine camel hair brush may be used on the 150-micron and 75-micron IS
Sieves to prevent aggregation of powder and blinding of apertures.
5. On completion of sieving, the material retained on each sieve, together with any material
cleaned from the mesh, shall be weighed.

S.NO SIEVE SIZE WEIGHT CUMULATIVE CUMULATIVE PERCENTAGE

RETAINED WEIGHT OF WEIGHT RETAINED
RETAINED

Conclusion :
Fineness modulus of a given sample of glass is …….. that indicate Coarse sand/ Medium sand/
Fine sand.

24
SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND BULK DENSITY OF FINE
AGGREGATE
Objective:
To determine specific gravity of a given sample of fine aggregate.

Reference:
IS : 2386 ( Part III ) - 1963

Apparatus:
Pycnometer, A 1 000-ml measuring cylinder, well-ventilated oven, Taping rod, Filter papers and
funnel, etc.

Procedure:
1. A sample of about 500 g shall be placed in the tray and covered with distilled water at a
temperature of 22 to 32°C. Soon after immersion, air entrapped in or bubbles on the surface of
the aggregate shall be removed by gentle agitation with a rod. The sample shall remain
immersed for 24 ± l/2 hours.
2. The water shall then be carefully drained from the sample, by decantation through a filter
paper, any material retained being return& to the sample. The fine aggregate including any
solid matter retained on the filter paper shall be exposed to a gentle current of warm air to
evaporate surface moisture and the material just attains a ‗free-running‘ condition. The
saturated and surface-dry sample shall be weighed (weight A).
3. The aggregate shall then be placed in the pycnometer which shall be filled with distilled
water. Any trapped air shall be eliminated by rotating the pycnometer on its side, the hole in
the apex of the cone being covered with a finger. The pycnometer shall be dried on the outside
and weighed (weight B).
4. The contents of the pycnometer shall be emptied into the tray, care being taken to ensure
that all the
aggregate is transferred. The pycnometer shall be refilled with distilled water to the same level
as
before, dried on the outside and weighed (weight C).

25
5. The water shall then be carefully drained from the sample by decantation through a filter
paper and
any material retained returned to the sample. The sample shall be placed in the oven in the tray
at a
temperature of 100 to 110°C for 24 f l/2 hours, during which period it shall be stirred
occasionally to
facilitate drying. It shall be cooled in the air-tight container and weighed (weight D).
6. Calculations— Specific gravity, apparent specific gravity and water &sorption shall be
calculated as follows:
1.Weight of coarse aggregate =(w2-w1) =
2.Weight of water filling the pycnometer = (w4-w1)=
3.Weight of equal volume of water =(w4-w1)-(w3-w2)=
BULK DENSITY = (W2-W1)/(W4-W1) gm/cc
SPECIFIC GRAVITY =(W2-W1)/((W4-W1)-(W3-W2))

Conclusion:
i) The Specific Gravity of a given sample of fine aggregate is found to be …….
ii) The Water Absorption of a given sample of fine aggregate is found to be ……. %

26