Assignment no: 1

Concrete Mechanics

Tests on concrete Materials

Submitted to: Dr. Kanish kapoor

Submitted by: Chaitanya

Roll no: 2023902121
Branch: Structure engineering
Department of civil engineering
 Cement Tests

● Specific gravity of cement.

IS: 4031 (Part 11)-1988

The specific gravity of cement value will be determined by using the Le-
Chatelier Flask Method. It is a lab test experiment to identify the value.

Required Apparatus

● Cement
● Kerosene
● OPC Cement
● Le-Chatelier Flask of 250ml Or Pycnometer
● Weighing Balance (Accuracy of 0.1 gm)

Note – Usually, water will be used as reference

material for any specific gravity determinations. But
as we know, the water quickly reacts with cement
and forms the cement paste, which surely affects
the test. So instead of water kerosene used as
reference material.

Specific Gravity of Kerosene = 0.79 g/cc

Test Procedure

● Ensure that the flask is free from dust and impurities. It should be
thoroughly dried.
● Now weigh the empty flask at weighing balance and note down the
reading as W1.
● Next, fill the cement into the flask about 50 gm and note down the
weight as W2.
● Now fill the flask with kerosene up to the top of the bottle.
● Mix the contents of the flask well and remove any air bubbles. Note
down the weight as W3.
● Now empty the flask and fill the kerosene fully (up to the top) and
weigh it as W4.

Specific gravity of cement formula

Using the below formula, we can determine the specific gravity (Sg) of the
cement

Notes:

● The whole test procedure must be done at room temperature.

● ±0.01 error value is acceptable. If exceeds conduct the test again.
 ● Air Permeability test
IS: 4031 Part-2 (1999)

Principle of air permeability method is in observing the time taken for a fixed
quantity of air to flow through a compacted cement bed of specified dimension
and porosity. Under standardized conditions the specific surface of cement is
proportional to where t is the time for a given quantity of air to flow through the
compacted cement bed. The number and size range of individual pores in the
specified bed are determined by the cement particle size distribution which
also determines the time for the specified air flow.

Required Apparatus

● Blaine apparatus
Test Procedure

● Place the perforated disc on the ledge at the bottom of the cell and
place on it a new filter paper disc. Place the weighed quantity of
cement, m1, in the cell. Place a second new filter paper disc on the
leveled cement. Insert the plunger and press it gently but firmly until
the lower face of the cap is in contact with the cell. Slowly withdraw
the plunger, rotate it through 90 ° and press once again. The bed is
now compacted and ready for the permeability test.
● Test is performed on the Blaine apparatus. It is practically a
manometer in the U-tube form. One arm of the manometer is
provided at the top with a conical socket to form an airtight fit with
the conical surface of the cell. The same arm has four etched lines
M1 to M4 and T-joint, which lead to an airtight stopcock beyond
which is attached an aspiration rubber bulb.
● Manometer is filled to the level of the lowest etched line with non-
volatile, non-hygroscopic liquid of low viscosity and density (such as
dibutyl phthalate or light mineral oil).
● Insert the conical surface of the cell into the socket at the top of the
manometer.
● Open the stopcock and with gentle aspiration raise the level of the
manometer liquid to that of the highest etched line. Close the
stopcock and the manometer liquid will begins to flow. Start the
timer as the liquid reaches the second etched line and stop it when
the liquid reaches the third etched line. Record the time, t, and the
temperature, T.
● The procedure repeats three times
● Calculate three values of the specific surface and the mean of
them.

● Consistency test of cement

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

Apparatus Required

● Vicat apparatus – Vicat Apparatus consists of a plunger with a

needle, which is used to penetrate the cement specimen up to the
depth of 5mm to 7mm and above.
● Weighing balance – Up to measure 1000g with 1g accuracy
● Stop Watch
● Measuring Cylinder 200 ml
● Glass Plate
● Vicat Mould
● Tray
● Trowel

Test Procedure
● Fix and place the Vicat apparatus on a flat surface and make
necessary adjustments.
● Now take 400gm of cement specimen and add 28% of water by the
weight of cement and mix gently for up to 3 to 5 minutes.
● Then fill the cement paste into the Vicat mould and remove the
excess cement paste by the trowel.
● Now place the Vicat mould on the Vicat apparatus and release the
plunger gently by contacting the cement paste surface.
● Then release the plunger and allow it to penetrate the cement paste
and note down the reading from the gauge scale from the bottom of
the Vicat mould.
● Now again, add water with cement paste at a different water ratio
until the reading lies between 5mm and 7mm.

● Compressive test of cement

IS 4031 – Part VI
Apparatus required
● Cube mould of dimension 70.6mm * 70.6mm * 70.6mm.
● Weighing machine (with the accuracy of ±1 gm in every 1000gm)
● Trowel
● Metal tray
● Vibrating Machine
● Stopwatch
● Compression testing machine (With the accuracy of ± 1%)

Materials required
● Cement (say OPC)
● Sand (standard grade)
● Water (for having a standard consistency)

Procedure for Compressive strength test of cement

● The ratio of cement and sand that should be taken to carry out the
test should be 1:3.
● Let us take 200 gm of cement, then 600 gm of sand should be
taken.
● They should be mixed thoroughly for 1 minute.
● Then the calculation of water required to make a standard
consistency is calculated using the formula:

Where P is the percentage of water required for producing a paste of standard

consistency.

Then, we have P = 30 for OPC cement. Putting the value of P in the above
equation, we get the amount of water = 84 gm.

● 84 gm of water is added to the dry mixture and mixed properly for

three minutes.
 ● The cube mould is assembled and placed on the table of the
vibrating machine.
● Then the mould oil is applied in the mould and the mortar is
poured in the mould. The mould is then prodded with a rod.
● Then vibration is applied in the rate of 12000 ± 400 per minute.
● After 2 minutes, the mould together with the base plate is removed
from the machine and the top surface is finished levelling up with
the help of a trowel.
● Now, the above process is repeated for the next 8 cubes.
● Then the cubes are placed at a place and covered by moist gunny
bags for 24 hours.
● After 24 hours, all the filled cube mould should be demoulded and
marked with date and number.
● After that, the cubes are submerged in the freshwater tank for
curing.

Cement and Sand Mixture Cube

● The three cubes each for third, seventh and 28th days are then
tested for compressive strength.
● The weight of cubes is measured and data is recorded.
● The cubes are placed in the compression testing machine and
load is applied in the rate of 35 N/mm²/min.
● The load at which the cube is crushed is noted.

Then compressive strength for each cube on their respective test day is
calculated using the formula:
 ● The average compressive strength of three cubes is the final
compressive strength of the cement.

Compression Testing Machin

● Initial and Final setting time.

IS: 4031 (Part 5) – 1988

Apparatus required
● Vicat apparatus
● Weighing machine (with the accuracy of ±1 gm in every 1000gm)
● Trowel
● Stopwatch

Procedure

● Preparation of test block

1. Prepare a neat 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. The paste shall be
gauged in the manner and under the conditions prescribed in IS:4031
(Part 4)-1988.
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. The
cement block thus prepared in the mould is the test block.
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.

● Determination of Initial setting time

1. 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. In the
beginning, the needle will \ completely pierce the test block.
2. 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. The
period elapsing between the time when water is added to the cement
and the time at which the needle fails to pierce the test block to a point
5.0 ± 0.5 mm measured from the bottom of the mould shall be the initial
setting time.

● Determination of Final setting time

 1. Replace the needle (C) of the Vicat apparatus by the needle with an
annular attachment (F).
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. In the event of a scum forming on the surface of the test block, use the
underside of the block for the determination.

● Soundness test of cement

IS 4031-3 (1988)
Apparatus required
● Le- chatelier mould
● Cement
● Glass sheets
● Mixing pan
● Trowel
● Wight
Fig.1: Soundness of cement le chatlier's Test Apparatus

Procedure
 1. The Le- chatlier 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.

● Heat of Hydration cement test

Apparatus required
● Calorimeter
● Mortar and pestle
● Glass/Plastic vials
● Stopwatch or timer
● Sieve
● Muffle furnace
● Weighing balance

Procedure for Heat of Hydration cement

● To find the heat of hydration, firstly we have to measure the heat
released from the unhydrated cement using a calorimeter.
● Then we have to measure the heat of hydration from hydrated cement
● For that take 60 grams of cement and add 24 ml of water.
 ● Then fill this mixture in three glasses and seal them with wax to avoid
the entry of air.
● The standard temperature should be 27 degrees celsius.
● Then measure the heat of the solution using a calorimeter.

Heat of hydration = Heat released from hydrated cement – Heat released from
unhydrated cement. For low heat cement, The heat of hydration for 7 days
should not be greater than 66 cal/g and for 28 days should not be greater than
75 cal/gm.

● Fineness of cement test

IS: 4031 Part-1 (1996)

Apparatus required
● Cement
● Balance
● Sieve
● Nylon bristol brush

Procedure for Fineness of cement test

● Agitate the sample of cement to be tested by shaking for 2 min in a
stoppered jar to disperse agglomerates. Wait 2 min. Stir the resulting
powder gently using a clean dry rod in order to distribute the fines
throughout the cement.
● 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.
Disperse any agglomerates. Fit the lid over the sieve. Agitate the sieve
by swirling, planetary and linear movement until no more fine material
passes through it. 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.
● 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.
● When the results differ by more than 1 percent absolute, carry out a
third sieving and calculate the mean of the three values.
● Check the sieve after every 100 sieving as per para 4.4.2 of IS: 4031
(Part 1).

Chemical composition of cement tests

● Loss on Ignition test

IS 1760-3 (1992)

Apparatus required
● Water – Either free water, water tied into hydrates (water of
crystallization) or hydroxy compounds is quantified by drying at 110C for
120 minutes
● Organics – Any organic matter is either volatilized or oxidized by heating
up to 550C
● Inorganic degradation – Carbonates and iron oxidation as well as some
other species that degrade at high temperatures can be identified by
heating up to 950-1000C

Procedure for Fineness of cement test

 ● 1.00 g of the sample is heated for 15 minutes in a weighed and covered
platinum crucible of 20 to 25 ml capacity by placing it in a muffle furnace
at any temperature between 900 o and 1000 o C.
● It is then cooled and weighed. Thereafter, the loss in weight is checked
by a second heating for 5 minutes and reweighing.
● The loss in the weight is recorded as the loss on ignition and the
percentage of loss on ignition to the nearest 0.1 is calculated (loss in
weight � 100).
● The percentage loss on ignition should not exceed 4 per cent.

● Silica dust test

IS 15388 (2003)

Apparatus required
● A PVC cassette (unweighed)
● PVC cassette (pre-weighed)
● Dust sampler that meets ISO and CEN criteria

Procedure for Fineness of cement test

● 0.5 g of the sample is kept in an evaporating dish, moistened with 10 ml
of distilled water at room temperature to prevent lumping. To this 5 to 10
ml of hydrochloric acid is added, and digested with the aid of gentle heat
and agitation until solution is complete. Dissolution may be aided by
light pressure with the flattened end of a glass rod.
● The solution is evaporated to dryness on a steam bath. Without heating
the residue any further, it is treated with 5 to 10 ml of hydrochloric acid
and then with an equal amount of water. The dish is covered and
digested for 10 minutes on a water bath.
 ● The solution with an equal volume of hot water is diluted and is
immediately filtered through an ashless filter paper, and the separated
silica (SiO2) is washed thoroughly with hot water and the residue is
reserved.
● The filtrate is again evaporated to dryness, baking the residue in an
oven for one hour at 105 o C to 110 o C. Then the residue is added with
10 to 15 ml of hydrochloric acid (1:1) and is heated on a water bath.
This solution is then diluted with an equal volume of hot water and the
small amount of silica it contains is filtered and washed on another filter
paper.

● The filtrate and washings are reserved for the determination of

combined alumina and the ferric oxide.
● The papers containing the residues are transferred to a weighed
platinum crucible. The papers are dried and ignited, first at a low heat
until the carbon of the filter papers is completely consumed without
inflaming, and finally at 1100 o C to 1200 o C until the weight remains
constant (say W1).
● The ignited residue thus obtained, which will contain small amounts of
impurities is treated in the crucible with a few drops of distilled water,
about 10 ml of hydrofluoric acid and one drop of sulphuric acid and
evaporated cautiously to dryness.
● Finally, the small residue is heated at 1050 o C to 1100 o C for a minute
or two: cooled and weighed (say W2). The difference between this
weight and the weight of the ignited residue represents the amount of
silica (W).
Silica (%) = 200 (W1 - W2)
 ● Combined ferric oxide and alumina test
IS 1760-3 (1992)

Apparatus required
● Eye protection (note 2)
● Safety screens (note 3)
● Filter paper, 11 cm diameter
● Pipeclay triangle
● Tripod
● Plastic beaker or thick-walled glass beaker, 1 dm3 (must fit between
tripod legs)
● Sand (see diagram)
● Heat-resistant mats
● Plastic magnetic retriever or small bar magnet

Chemicals
For the thermite mixture:
● Aluminium powder (medium grade) (HIGHLY FLAMMABLE), 3 g
● Iron(III) oxide, 9 g
For the igniter:
● Domestic sparkler, 16 cm long (sold for indoor use)

Procedure for ferric oxide and alumina test

● 200 ml of the sample from the filtrate reserved in silica test is heated to
a boil. A few drops of bromine water or concentrated nitric acid is added
during boiling in order to oxidize any ferrous ion to the ferric condition. It
is then treated with ammonium hydroxide (1:1), drop by drop, until the
solution smells of ammonia.

● The solution containing the precipitates of aluminium and ferric

hydroxides is boiled for one minute. The precipitate is allowed to settle,
filtered through an ashless filter paper and washed with two per cent hot
ammonium nitrate solution. The filtrate and washings are set aside.
● The precipitate and the filter paper is transferred to the same beaker in
which the first precipitation was effected. The precipitate is then
dissolved in hydrochloric acid (1:3). The solution is diluted to about 100
ml and the hydroxides are reprecipitated.
● The solution is filtered and precipitated with two 10 ml portions of hot
ammonium nitrate solution. The filtrate and washings are then combined
with the filtrate set aside and is reserved for the determination of
calcium oxide.
● The precipitate is placed in a weighed platinum crucible, heated slowly
until the papers are charred, and finally ignited to constant weight at
1050 o C to 1100 o C with care to prevent reduction, and weighed (W1)
as combined alumina and ferric oxide.
● If silica is suspected to be carried into the filtrate used for this
estimation, the residue in the crucible is treated with a drop of water,
about 5 ml of hydrofluoric acid and a drop of sulphuric acid and is
evaporated cautiously to dryness.
● Finally, the crucible is heated at 1050 o C to 1100 o C for one or two
minutes; cooled and weighed (W2). The difference between this weight
and the weight (W1), represents the amount of residue silica. This
 amount is subtracted from the weight of ferric oxide and alumina found
as W1 and the same amount is added to the amount of silica (W).
● The ratio of percentages of alumina to iron oxide should not exceed
0.66.
● Combined ferric oxide and alumina (%) = weight of residue � 200

● Ferric Oxide test (KMnO4 method)

IS: (4032)

Apparatus

● Platinum crucible
● Muffle furnace
● Glass rod with a flattened end
● Heating device
● Weighing balance

Materials

● Cement sample
● Water
● Hydrochloric acid
● Stannous chloride solution
● Saturated mercuric chloride solution
● Manganese sulfate solution
 ● Standard solution of potassium permanganate

Test Procedure

● Take 1 g of sample.
● Mix 40 ml cold water with the sample and stir vigorously. While stirring,
add 50 ml of hydrochloric acid.
● Heat the solution if required. Ground the cement with the flattened end
of the glass rod till the cement is completely decomposed.
● Heat the solution to the boiling point and stir continuously. While stirring,
add drops of stannous chloride solution till the solution is decolorized.
● Add a few more drops of stannous chloride solution and allow it to cool
at room temperature.
● After cooling, add 15 ml saturated solution of mercuric chloride & 25 ml
solution of manganese sulfate.
● Titrate the above solution with a standard solution of potassium
permanganate till pink color is observed.
● Calculate the iron as ferric oxide.
 ● Calcium Oxide test (Gravimetric method)
IS: (4032)

Apparatus
● Evaporating dish
● Beaker
● Filter paper
● Muffle furnace
● Weighing balance

Materials

● Combined filtrate reserve from ferric oxide and alumina test

● Water
● Saturated bromine water
● Ammonium hydroxide
● Nitric acid
● Hydrochloric acid
 ● Ammonium oxalate solution

Test Procedure

● Add hydrochloric acid to the combined filtrate reserved from ferric oxide
and alumina test to acidify it.
● Then evaporate it to a volume of 100 ml.
● Add 40 ml of saturated bromine water to the hot solution.
● Introduce ammonium hydroxide till the solution is undoubtedly alkaline.
● Boil the solution for not less than 5 minutes ensuring the solution stays
alkaline all the time.
● Settle the precipitate, filter it, and then wash it with hot water.
● Wash the beaker and filter with nitric acid and then with hot water.
● Remove any manganese dioxide precipitate left.
● Add hydrochloric acid to the filtrate and boil it till the bromine is ousted.
● Whilst the solution is still boiling, add 25 ml of ammonium oxalate
solution.
● Stop boiling once the precipitated calcium oxalate takes on a well-
defined granular form.
● Filter the settled precipitate.
● Wash 1 g of precipitate with 1 liter of ammonium oxalate solution.
● Reserve the filtrate & washings for the chemical test of cement of –
magnesia.
● Heat the precipitated lime at 1100-1200 °C.
● After cooling, weigh the lime.

Calculation

Percentage of CaO = weight of residue × 200 %

 ● Magnesia test (Gravimetric method)
IS: (4032)

Apparatus
● Beaker
● Stirring rod
● Muffle furnace
● Weighing balance

Materials

● Cement sample
● Ice water
● Hydrochloric acid
● Ammonium hydrogen phosphate solution
● Ammonium hydroxide
● Reagent

Test Procedure
 ● Acidify the filtrate reserved from the calcium oxide test with the help of
hydrochloric acid to a concentration of about 150 ml.
● Add 10 ml of ammonium hydrogen phosphate solution in the amount of
250 g/l.
● Cool this solution by placing it in ice water.
● After cooling, stir the solution and drop ammonium hydroxide till the
formation of crystalline magnesium ammonium phosphate starts.
● After that, add reagent in a moderate excess amount and carry on
stirring.
● Allow the solution to settle for not less than 16 hours in a cool
atmosphere.
● Then filter the precipitate and wash it with the ammonium nitrate wash
solution.
● Char the paper and then ignite the precipitate at 1100-1200 ° C till
constant weight is obtained. Burn carefully such that pyrophosphate
does not start melting.
● Calculate magnesia content by weighing the obtained magnesium
pyrophosphate.

Calculation

% MgO = weight of residue * 72.4

 ● Sulfuric Anhydride test
IS Code: 4032

Apparatus
● Glass rod with a flattened end
● Filter paper
● Steam bath
● Muffle furnace
● Desiccator
● Platinum/Porcelain crucible
● Weighing balance

Materials

● Cement sample
● Water
● Hydrochloric acid
● Barium chloride

Test Procedure
 ● Add 25 ml cold water to 1 g cement sample and stir the mixture
vigorously.
● Add 5 ml hydrochloric acid whilst stirring the mixture.
● Heat the solution if required. Ground the cement with the flattened end
of the glass rod till the cement is completely decomposed.
● Dilute the solution to 50 ml.
● Filter the residue and wash it thoroughly with water.
● Put aside the residue along with filter paper. Take its weight as W4.
● Reserve the residue for the chemical test of cement of – insoluble
residue.
● Dilute the filtrate to 250 ml & heat it till boiling point.
● Drop 10 ml of hot barium chloride solution while boiling till the
precipitate is well formed.
● Keep aside the solution in the steam bath for 4 hours or overnight.
● Filter the precipitate and wash it thoroughly.
● Put the precipitate along with filter paper in a weighed
platinum/porcelain crucible.
● Char the filter paper without igniting it.
● Then ignite the precipitate to 800-900 ° C and cool it in a desiccator.
● Weigh the barium sulfate W5.
● Sulfuric anhydride content can be calculated from this weight of barium
sulfate.

Calculation

% SO3 = weight of residue * 34.3

 ● Insoluble Residue test
IS Code: 4032 (1985)

Apparatus
● Beaker
● Muffle furnace
● Crucible
● Filter paper
● Desiccator
● Weighing balance

Materials

● Reserved residue from sulfuric anhydride test

● Water
● 2 N sodium carbonate solution
● Dilute hydrochloric acid

Test Procedure
● Dissolve the residue from the sulfuric anhydride test with filter paper in
30 ml hot water & 30 ml of 2N sodium carbonate solution while
maintaining the constant volume.
● Heat the solution to a temperature just below boiling point. After
reaching this temperature, continue boiling for 10 minutes.
● Then filter the solution.
● Wash the filtered solution with dilute hydrochloric acid and then with hot
water till it is chloride-free.
● Take the residue in a crucible and ignite it at 900—1000 ° C
temperature and cool it afterward in a desiccator.
● Weigh this residue to obtain the weight of insoluble residue present in
cement.
 Field tests of Cement

● Packaging Date on Cement Bag

IS 1661 (1972)

Points to follow

Cement should be used up within 90 days of its manufacture. The reason for
using the cement as soon as possible is as follows:

● Cement is hygroscopic in nature, i.e., it has the capability to absorb

moisture from the atmosphere.
● Absorbing moisture means the initiation of the hydration reaction in
cement which reduces the quality of cement.
● As premature setting begins in the cement, lumps of set cement can be
found in the unopened bag of cement.
● With time, the cement loses its properties to bond with aggregate and
water for producing concrete. This results in a loss of workability and
strength.

Hence, it is highly recommended to use the cement within 90 days of its

manufacture.
Factors accelerating this undesirable hydration of cement depend on the rate
of moisture absorption. Some of the factors contributing to moisture
absorption include:

● High humidity
● High temperature
● Type of cement (the finer the cement is, the more susceptible it is to
moisture absorption)
In general, it is always recommended to use cement as soon as possible after
its manufacture and to store it properly to maintain its properties.

● Lumps in Cement Bag

IS 1661 (1972)

Point to note

As discussed above, lumps are formed in cement when premature setting

took place. Hence, the cement in which lumps are present should be
discarded.

● Colour Test on Cement

IS 1661 (1972)

Points to follow

● A color test on cement is a test that is used to determine the color of

cement. The color of cement can provide information about the quality
and purity of the cement.
 ● The color of the cement should be greenish-grey. The greyish color in
cement indicates the abundance of clay or a higher burning
temperature. Excessive clay renders the cement weak.
● Additionally, it should be uniform throughout the bag of cement. The
non-uniform color indicates the cement is not mixed homogeneously.

● Smell of Cement
IS 1661 (1972)

Points to follow

● The smell of cement should be more leaning towards the neutral side.
Strong earthly smell indicates the presence of excessive clay or silt,
which make the concrete weaker in strength.
● If the smell is too strong or has a chemical odor, it could indicate that
the cement has been contaminated or has gone bad.
● However, it is important to note that smell is not a reliable indicator of
the quality or performance of cement, as the smell of cement can be
affected by a variety of factors such as the manufacturing process,
storage conditions, and humidity.

● Temperature of Cement
IS 1661 (1972)

Points to follow

Insert your hand in the cement bag. The cement should give a cool feeling.
Warmer temperature indicates that the hydration process has been
commenced in the cement.

● Texture of Cement
IS 1661 (1972)

Points to follow

● Take a pinch of cement from the bag and rub it between the forefingers
and thumb. It should be smooth and not rough.
● The texture of cement should be fine and powdery. Cement is made by
grinding and blending limestone, clay, and other minerals, so it should
have a consistent, fine texture that is free of clumps.
● If the cement has a rough or uneven texture, it could indicate that the
cement has not been properly ground or that it has been contaminated
by other materials like sand.

● Floating of Cement
IS 1661 (1972)

Points to follow

● Take a handful of cement and throw it in a bucket full of water. Observe

if the cement settles down immediately or not.
 ● The cement should float in the water for some time before settling down.
If it sinks immediately, then it means that the cement is moist.

● Setting of Cement
IS 1661 (1972)

Points to follow

● Prepare cement paste by mixing water to the cement sample on a glass

plate.
● Now immerse this glass plate in water for 24 hours and observe.
● The cement should not show any cracks when immersed in water.
Instead, it should start setting.

● Strength Test of Cement

IS:4031 (part 6) -1988

Points to follow
● Prepare a cement block of 1:6 (cement : sand) mix and 25 * 25 * 200 (W
* B * L) mm dimension.
● Then the cement block is immersed in water for 7 days.
● Put a weight of 34 kg above the cement and observe. The cement
should not show a failure sign.
 Tests for checking water quality

● PH value test
IS 3025-11 (1983)

Procedure
● Rinse each test tube with the water sample. Gloves should be worn to
avoid skin contact with the water.
● Fill the tube to the 5mL line with sample water.
● While holding a dropper bottle vertically, add 10 drops of Wide Range
Indicator Solution.
● Cap and invert several times to mix.
● Insert the tube into the Wide Range pH Comparator. Hold the
comparator up to a light source. Match the sample color to a color
standard.
● Record the pH value.
● Wash your hands
 ● Nitrate Testing
IS 3025-11 (1983)

Procedure
● Fill the sample bottle with sample water. Use gloves if drawing the
sample by hand.
● Rinse and fill one test tube to the 2.5 mL line with water from the sample
bottle.
● Dilute to the 5 mL line with the Mixed Acid Reagent. Cap and mix. Wait
2 minutes.
● Use the 0.1 g spoon to add one level measure (avoid any 50-60 times in
one minute). Wait 10 minutes.
● Insert the test tube into the Nitrate Nitrogen Comparator. Match the
sample color to a color standard. Record the result as mg/L(ppm)
Nitrate Nitrogen (NO3-N). To convert to mg/Nitrate (NO3) multiply by
4.4.
● Place the reacted sample in a clearly marked container. Arrangements
should be made with toxic material handlers for safe disposal. Please
wash your hands after this water test is completed.
 ● Dissolved Oxygen Testing
IS 3025-11 (1983)

Procedure

● If you have a barometer, record the atmospheric pressure. Remove the

cap and immerse the DO bottle beneath the river’s surface. Use gloves
to avoid contact with the river.
● Allow the water to overflow for two to three minutes (This will ensure the
elimination of bubbles).
● Make sure no air bubbles are present when you take the bottle from the
river.
● Add 8 drops of Manganous Sulfate Solution and 8 drops of Alkaline
Potassium Iodide Azide.
● Cap the bottle, making sure no air is trapped inside, and invert
repeatedly to fully mix. Be very careful not to splash the chemical-laden
water. Wash your hands if you contact this water. If oxygen is present in
the sample, a brownish-orange precipitate will form (floc). The first two
reagents "fix" the available oxygen.
● Allow the sample to stand until the precipitate settles halfway. When the
top half of the sample turnS clear, shake again, and wait for the same
changes.
● Add 8 drops of Sulfuric Acid 1:1 Reagent. Cap and invert repeatedly
until the reagent and the precipitate have dissolved. A clear yellow to
brown-orange color will develop depending on the oxygen content of the
sample.
● Fill the titration tube to the 20 mL line with the "fixed": sample and cap.
● Fill the Direct Reading Titrator with Sodium Thiosulfate 0.025 N
Reagent. Insert the Titrator into the center hole of the titration tube cap.
While gently swirling the tube, slowly press the plunger to titrate until the
yellow-brown color is reduced to a very faint yellow.
● If the color of the fixed sample is already a faint yellow, skip to step 10.
● Remove the cap and Tritrator. Be careful not to disturb the Titrator
plunger, as the tiration begun in step 8 will continue in step.
● Add 8 drops of Starch Indicator Solution. The sample should turn blue.
● Replace the cap and Titrator. Continue titrating until the sample
changes from blue to a colorless solution. Read the test result where
the plunger top meets the scale. Record as mg/L (ppm) dissolved
oxygen.
 ● Total dissolved solids
IS 3025-11 (1983)

Procedure

● Total dissolved solids (TDS) is measured as a volume of water with the

unit milligrams per liter (mg/L), otherwise known as parts per million
(ppm). According to the EPA secondary drinking water regulations, 500
ppm is the recommended maximum amount of TDS for your drinking
water.
● Any measurement higher than 1000 ppm is an unsafe level of TDS. If
the level exceeds 2000 ppm, then a filtration system may be unable to
properly filter TDS.
● Testing your water using a TDS meter is the simplest way to measure
for total dissolved solids. For example, if a TDS meter says 100 ppm,
that means that from one million particles, 100 are dissolved ions and
999,900 are water molecules. This would be considered a low TDS
level.
● However, a TDS meter does not indicate what types of TDS are
present, which is ultimately the most important information to know
regarding your water quality. So, a home water test kit or a lab water
analysis are recommended to reveal exactly what types of TDS are in
your water.
● Your water supplier is required to test and maintain reports regarding
water quality and will provide them upon request.
 ● Total suspended matter
IS 3025-11 (1983)

Procedure

● Place the glass fiber filter on the membrane filter apparatus or insert it
into the bottom of a suitable Gooch crucible with the wrinkled surface
facing up.
● Apply vacuum while washing the disc with three successive 20 mL
volumes of distilled water.
● Continue applying vacuum even after the water has passed through to
remove all traces of water.
● Remove the filter from the membrane filter apparatus or both the
crucible and filter if a Gooch crucible is used. Dry it in an oven at 103-
105°C for one hour.
● Transfer the dried filter to a desiccator and store it until needed. Repeat
the drying cycle until a constant weight is obtained (weight loss is less
than 0.5 mg). Weigh the filter immediately before use.
● When handling the filter or crucible/filter, use forceps or tongs only.

Selection of Sample Volume

For a filter with a diameter of 4.7 cm, filter 100 mL of the sample. If the weight
of the captured residue is less than 1.0 mg, the sample volume must be
increased to ensure that at least 1.0 mg of residue is obtained.
If different filter diameters are used, begin with a sample volume equivalent to
7 mL per square centimeter of filter area. Collect a weight of residue that is
proportional to the 1.0 mg mentioned above, ensuring an adequate amount is
obtained.

Process of filtration
● Assemble the filtering apparatus and initiate suction.
● Wet the filter with a small volume of distilled water to ensure it is
properly seated against the fritted support.
● Vigorously shake the sample and quantitatively transfer the
predetermined sample volume determined in step 7.2 to the filter, using
a graduated cylinder.
● Continue applying vacuum to remove all traces of water after the
sample has passed through.
● While maintaining suction, wash the graduated cylinder, filter, non-
filterable residue, and the walls of the filter funnel with three portions of
distilled water, ensuring complete drainage between each wash.
Remove all traces of water by continuing to apply vacuum after the
water has passed through.
● Carefully detach the filter from the filter support, or alternatively, remove
the crucible and filter from the crucible adapter.
● Dry the filter for at least one hour at 103-105°C. Allow it to cool in a
desiccator and then weigh it.
● Repeat the drying cycle until a constant weight is obtained (weight loss
is less than 0.5 mg).
● Calculate the non-filterable residue.
 ● Chloride test
IS 3025 (Part 32)

Apparatus:
● Burette
● conical flask
● Pipette
● measuring cylinder

Reagents:
● Potassium chromate indicator solution
● Standard silver nitrate as a titration agent..

Procedure:

● Take 50 ml of sample in a conical flask.

● Add 1.0 ml indicator solution,( Potassium chromate )
● The initial color of the mixture is slight yellow
● Titrate with standard silver nitrate solution to brick red end point
and note down volume of titrant used.
● Calculate chloride ion concentration using the equation :-:
Chloride Ion Concentration (mg/L) =( Ml of AgNO3 used-0.2)
X500 / ML of sample used
 ● Sulfates test
IS 3025 (Part 32)

Apparatus required
● UV-Visible Spectrometer
● Sample tubes
● Standard flask
● Beaker
● Spatula
● Measuring Cylinder
● Wash Bottle
● Tissue Paper

Chemicals required
● Isopropyl Alcohol
● Glycerol
● Concentrated Hydrochloric acid
● Sodium Chloride
● Barium chloride
● Sodium sulphate
● Distilled water

Preparations of reagent
Conditioning reagent

● Measure exactly 25 ml glycerol and pour it to a dry clean beaker.

● Then, measure 15 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid and add it to
the same beaker.
● To the same beaker, add exactly 50 mL of 95 % isopropyl alcohol and
mix well.
● Accurate weigh 37.5 g sodium chloride and dissolve it in distilled water.
● Then mix all the contents and make up the final volume to 250 mL using
distilled water.

Standard sulfate solution

● Weigh accurately 1.479 g anhydrous sodium sulfate and dissolve it in

distilled water.
● Take 1000 mL standard measuring flask and place a funnel over it.
● Transfer it to the 1000 mL standard flask and make up to 1000 mL using
distilled water. 1 mL = 1.0 mg SO42.

Preparation of Blank,

Standards and sample for Testing

● Take six 50 mL glass stoppered standard flask (four for standards, one
for the sample and one for the blank).
● Add 10 mL of the standard sulphate solution to the first standard flask,
20mL to the second, 30 mL to the third and 40 mL to the fourth.
● To the fifth standard flask add 20 mL of the sample water.
● The sixth standard flask is for the blank, to this standard flask add
distilled water alone.
● Add 5 mL of conditioning reagent to all the standard flasks.
● Then make up the volume to the 100 mL mark using distilled water.

Introduction to UV - spectrometer and spectra manager - software

The UV visible spectrometer is used to measure the Sulphate content of the
given sample. This spectrometer is connected to the computer system, loaded
with the software spectra manager. Spectra manager is the software which
receives input from UV - visible spectrometer; it manipulates the data and
displays the absorbance reading of the solution placed in the chambers of the
spectrometer. To open the software double click the icon spectra manager.
Different choices of measurement will appear namely:

1. Quantitative analysis
2. Spectrum analysis
3. Time course measurement
4. Fixed wavelength measurement
5. Absorbance transmittance meter
6. Environment
To measure the sulphate content select the fixed wavelength measurement
method. Double click fixed wavelength measurements, the system information
are transferred and then the following window will appear. Click parameter
option and select absorbance, fast response and enter starting value of the
wave length in nanometers. For this experiment load 420 nm as the starting
value. Click ‘add’ and enter the sample number, here it is 100.Then load the
number of cycles the analysis has to be made. Enter 1 for this case. Click ok.
The details of the entries will be displayed as shown. Note that the
absorbance is not zero so to reset the reading to zero, take distilled water in
the two sample tubes and place them in the chambers of the spectrometer.
Now click the button ‘auto zero’ the instrument
resets and shows 0.0000 as reading.

Testing of sample

Transfer blank to the sample tubes and place it in the chamber. Now click
‘Blank’, the value of absorbance for blank is displayed as 0.0185. Then take
standard 1in the sample tube, place it in the chamber. Click ‘start’ and
observe the reading is 0.0902. Similarly for standard 2 the absorbance is
0.2377 for standard 3 the reading is 0.4604, for standard 4 the reading is
0.6177, finally for standard 5 the value of the reading is 0.8024. Now transfer
the given sample from standard flask to sample tube and place it in the
chamber. Click ‘start’ the absorbance reading obtained is 0.7824.

Tests on Concrete

● Slump Test
IS: 456-2000

Apparatus required
● Mold for slump test i.e. slump cone, non porous base plate, measuring
scale, temping rod.
● The mold for the test is in the form of the frustum of a cone having
height 30 cm, bottom diameter 20 cm and top diameter 10 cm.
● The tamping rod is of steel 16 mm diameter and 60cm long and
rounded at one end.

Procedure for Slump test

● Clean the internal surface of the mould and apply oil.
● Place the mould on a smooth horizontal non- porous base plate.
● Fill the mould with the prepared concrete mix in 4 approximately equal
layers.
● Tamp each layer with 25 strokes of the rounded end of the tamping rod
in a uniform manner over the cross section of the mould. For the
subsequent layers, the tamping should penetrate into the underlying
layer.
● Remove the excess concrete and level the surface with a trowel.
● Clean away the mortar or water leaked out between the mould and the
base plate.
● Raise the mould from the concrete immediately and slowly in vertical
direction.
● Measure the slump as the difference between the height of the mould
and that of height point of the specimen being tested.
● When the slump test is carried out, following are the shape of the
concrete slump that can be observed:
 ● J ring test
EFNARC 2002
Apparatus
● Slump Cone
● Base Plate For J-ring Test
● J Ring For J-ring Test
● Trowel
● Scoop
● Measuring tape

Procedure of the J-Ring Test.

● About 6 liters of concrete is needed for the test.Moisten the inside of the
slump cone and base plate.
● Place the J-Ring centrally on the base plate and the slump cone
centrally inside the J-ring.
● Fill the slump cone with a scoop.
● Do not tamp. Simply strike off the concrete level with a trowel.
● Remove all surplus concrete.
● Raise the cone vertically and allow the concrete to flow out through the
J-ring.
● Measure the final diameter in two perpendicular directions.
● Calculate the average diameter.
● Measure the difference in height between the concrete just inside J-
Ring bars and just outside the J Ring bars.
● Calculate the average of the difference in height at four locations in
mm.s.
● Note any border of mortar or cement paste without coarse aggregate at
the edge of the concrete.
● The acceptable difference in height between inside and outside should
be between 0 and 10 mm.

● V funnel test
 EFNARC 2002
Apparatus
● V-funnel
● Bucket (±12 liter)
● Trowel
● Scoop
● Stopwatch

Procedure
● About 12 liter of concrete is needed to perform the test, sampled
normally. Set the V-funnel on firm ground. Moisten the inside surface of
the funnel. Keep the trapdoor to allow any surplus water to drain.
● Close the trap door and place a bucket underneath. Fill the apparatus
completely with the concrete without compacting or tamping; simply
strike off the concrete level with the top with the trowel.
● Open within 10 sec after filling the trap door and allow the concrete to
flow out under gravity.
● Start the stopwatch when the trap door is opened, and record the time
for the complete discharge (the flow time).
● This is taken to be when light is seen from above through the funnel.
● The whole test has to be performed within 5 minutes.

● L box test
EFNARC 2002
Equipment
● L box of a stiff non absorbing material
● Trowel
● Scoop
● Stopwatch

Procedure

● About 14 liter of concrete needed to perform the test, sampled normally.

Set the apparatus level on firm ground, ensure that the sliding gate can
open freely and then close it.
● Moisten the inside surface of the apparatus, remove any surplus water,
fill the vertical section of the apparatus with the concrete sample. Leave
it stand for 1 minute.
● Lift the sliding gate and allow the concrete to flow out into the horizontal
section. Simultaneously, start the stopwatch and record the time for the
concrete to reach the concrete 200 and 400 marks.
● When the concrete stops flowing, the distances ‘H1’ and ‘H2’ are
measured.
● Calculate H2/H1, the blocking ratio.
● The whole has tom performed within 5 minutes.

● U box test
EFNARC 2002
Equipment

● U box of a stiff non absorbing material

● Scoop
● Trowel
● Stopwatch

Procedure

● About 20 liter of concrete is needed to perform the test, sampled

normally. Set the apparatus level on firm ground, ensure that the sliding
gate can open freely and then close it.
● Moisten the inside surface of the apparatus, remove any surplus water,
fill the vertical section of the apparatus with the concrete sample.
● Leave it stand for 1 minute.
● Lift the sliding gate and allow the concrete to flow out into the other
compartment.
● After the concrete has come to rest, measure the height of the concrete
in the compartment that has been filled, in two places and calculate the
mean (H1).
● Measure also the height in the other equipment (H2). Calculate H1-H2,
the filling height.
● The whole test has to be performed within 5 minutes.

● Compressive Strength Test

IS 516 (1959)
Apparatus required
● For cube test two types of specimens either
cubes of 15cm X 15cm X 15cm or 10cm X
10cm x 10cm depending upon the size of
aggregate are used. For most of the works
cubical molds of size 15cm x 15cm x 15cm
are commonly used.
● Compression testing machine

Procedure
Remove the specimen from the water after specified curing time and wipe out
excess water from the surface.

● Take the dimension of the specimen to the nearest 0.2m

● Clean the bearing surface of the testing machine
● Place the specimen in the machine in such a manner that the load shall
be applied to the opposite sides of the cube cast.
● Align the specimen centrally on the base plate of the machine.
● Rotate the movable portion gently by hand so that it touches the top
surface of the specimen.
● Apply the load gradually without shock and continuously at the rate of
140 kg/cm2/minute till the specimen fails
● Record the maximum load and note any unusual features in the type of
failure.

● Drying Shrinkage Test

IS: 1199 - 1959
Apparatus required
● The length comparator instrument, tamping rod, and molds shall
conform to ASTM C157/C 157M, except that the width and depth of the
molds shall be 3 in.
● Drying room: A room equipped with suitable racks for storing test
specimens during drying. The racks shall be designed to permit free
circulation of air around specimens, except for necessary supports.
● The room shall be large enough to permit the use of a manually
operated sling psychrometer. The temperature of the room shall be
maintained at 73°F ± 3°F, and the relative humidity at 50 % ± 4 %.
● Conditioned air shall be circulated continuously through the room at
such a rate that evaporation of water from an atmometer1 is maintained
at 3 mL/hr ± 0.5 mL/hr.
● Circulation of air shall be controlled by deflectors, if necessary, to result
in equal rates of evaporation from the atmometer placed adjacent to
specimens at different locations on the storage racks.
● The temperature and relative humidity of the room shall be measured
with a sling psychrometer at least twice daily. The room shall be
equipped with means of measuring and recording wet and dry bulb
temperatures continuously.
● These recorded data shall be checked against the sling psychrometer,
but the results of the latter shall govern in cases of variance.
● Moist curing room: The moist curing room shall be maintained at 73°F ±
3°F and so operated that free water is maintained on the surface of
specimens placed therein at all times.

Procedure for Drying shrinkage test

Mixing Concrete
 ● Mix the concrete in batches of 0.6 ft3 or larger.
● Bring the materials used in the concrete to room temperature before
mixing. After mixing, the concrete shall have a temperature of 73°F ±
3°F.
● Prepare the molds by coating their interior surfaces with a release
agent. After coating the molds with the release agent, place the
measuring studs in the end plates, using care to avoid getting any
release agent on the studs.
● All aggregates and about two-thirds of the mixing water shall be mixed
briefly in an open-tub type mixer and allowed to stand for 5 min before
the addition of the cement.
● After the soaking period specified above, the cement and an air
entraining agent, added as a diluted solution made with part of the
remaining mixing water, shall be added and the timer started. The
remaining water required to produce a slump of 3 in. ± ½ in. shall be
added in the first minute of mixing. Mixing shall be for 3 min followed by
a rest period of 3 min, after which mixing shall continue for 2 min. Any
adjustments in amount of mixing water to produce the desired slump
shall be made during the first ½ min of the second mixing period.
● After mixing, determine the slump, density and air content. Determine
the slump in accordance with ASTM C 143/C 143M. Determine the
density in accordance with California Test 518. Determine the air
content in accordance with ASTM C 173/C 173M.
● Discard the concrete used in the determination of the air content. Return
concrete used to determine slump and density to the mixer and remix
briefly before fabrication of test specimens.

Molding of test specimen

● Mold at least three test specimens from each batch in accordance with
the procedure described in ASTM C 157/C 157M, except that in lieu of
rodding and spading the mix into the molds, an external vibrator, such
 as a vibratory packer, may be used to compact the mix in two layers.
Use only enough vibration to consolidate the concrete. Large aggregate
protruding at the surface is an indication of over vibration.
● The first layer of concrete should just cover the top of the gage studs.
While vibrating briefly, work the concrete into the corners and around
the gage studs with the fingers, then fill the mold to slightly overflowing
and vibrate again.
● When compaction is complete, strike off the top surface and finish with
a steel straightedge.
● Immediately after molding, release the plates holding the gage pins.

Curing and drying specimen

● After molding, cover the specimens with wet mats. (Keep mats wet at all times.)
● When specimens are 24 hr ± 4 hr old, remove them from the molds and place them in
the moist curing room.
● At 7 d after molding, measure the specimens for length (initial length).
● Store on racks in the drying room maintained at a temperature of 73°F ± 3°F and a
relative humidity of 50 % ± 4 %. Store them with at least 1 in. clearance on all sides
except for the necessary supports.
● At 14, 21, and 35 d after molding (7, 14, 28 d of drying), measure the specimens again
for length.

Number of Batches of concrete

Mix at least 3 rounds of concrete, each on a different day. Each round shall
consist of one batch of concrete.

Calculations

Compute the drying shrinkage for each specimen to the nearest 0.001
percentage point, based on the gage length of 10 in. The reported computed
shrinkage must be the average of at least 7 specimens, the individual values
of which do not depart from the average by more than 0.004 percentage point.
Results

● Report drying shrinkage for each specimen as the length at 7 d (initial

length) minus the length at age 21 d (14 d of drying).
● Include in the report the average cement content, the average slump,
and the average air content of the mixture.

● Compaction Factor Test

IS 5515 (1983)

Apparatus required
 ● Compaction factor apparatus consists of trowels, hand scoop (15.2 cm
long), a rod of steel or other suitable material (1.6 cm diameter, 61 cm
long rounded at one end ) and a balance.

Procedure
Place the concrete sample gently in the upper hopper to its brim using the
hand scoop and level it.

● Cover the cylinder.

● Open the trapdoor at the bottom of the upper hopper so that concrete
fall into the lower hopper. Push the concrete sticking on its sides gently
with the road.
● Open the trapdoor of the lower hopper and allow the concrete to fall into
the cylinder below.
● Cut of the excess of concrete above the top level of cylinder using
trowels and level it.
● Clean the outside of the cylinder.
● Weight the cylinder with concrete to the nearest 10 g. This weight is
known as the weight of partially compacted concrete (W1).
● Empty the cylinder and then refill it with the same concrete mix in layers
approximately 5 cm deep, each layer being heavily rammed to obtain
full compaction.
● Level the top surface.
● Weigh the cylinder with fully compacted. This weight is known as the
weight of fully compacted concrete (W2).
● Find the weight of empty cylinder (W).

● Vee Bee Consistometer Test

IS : 1199 – 1959

Apparatus required

● Tamping rod 500 mm long & 20 mm dia.

 ● The vibrator table should be 380mm long & 260mm width, which rests
on elastic support at height 305mm above floor level.
● The table should be mounted on a base which is equipped with an
electrically operated vibrometer.
● The sheet metal cone should be 30 cm height, and the diameter should
be 20 cm and 10 cm at the bottom and top, respectively.
● The graduated rod is fixed in a whirling arm. A glass disc is screwed at
the end of the arm.
● The division scale records the slump cone value of concrete in
centimeters.

Procedure

● Place the slump cone in the consistometer machine.

● Fill the cone with concrete in four layers.
● Each layer should be tamped 25 times by the tamping rod.
● Remove the excess concrete from the slump cone & level it.
● Now, rotate the glass disc, which is attached to the whirling arm and
place it over the slump cone concrete level & measure the initial
reading from the graduated rod.
● Rotate the glass disc to its original position. Then remove the slump
cone slowly in a vertical direction. You can see the concrete slightly
changed from its shape.
● Now again, rotate the glass disc and measure the final reading.
● Now turn on the electrical vibrator table & eventually switch on the
stopwatch, continue the vibration until the concrete remoulded, and
the surface of the concrete becomes horizontal.
● Once the concrete surfaces come horizontal in the cylindrical pot,
stop the vibration & the watch.
● Record the time – Vee Bee Seconds.
 ● Vicat Test
IS 5513 (1996)

Apparatus required

● Vicat Apparatus consists of a plunger with a needle, which used to

penetrate the cement specimen up to the depth of 5mm to 7mm and
above.
● Weighing balance – Up to measure 1000g with 1g accuracy
● Stop Watch
● Measuring Cylinder 200 ml
● Glass Plate
● Vicat Mould
● Tray
● Trowel
 Procedure

Fix and place the Vicat apparatus on a flat surface and make necessary
adjustments.

● Now take 400gm of cement specimen and add 28% of water by the
weight of cement and mix gently for up to 3 to 5 minutes.
● Then fill the cement paste into the Vicat mould and remove the excess
cement paste by the trowel.
● Now place the Vicat mould on the Vicat apparatus and release the
plunger gently by contacting the cement paste surface.
● Then release the plunger and allow it to penetrate the cement paste and
note down the reading from the gauge scale from the bottom of the
Vicat mould.
● Now again, add water with cement paste at a different water ratio until
the reading lies between 5mm and 7mm.
 ● Heat of Hydration Test
IS 4031-3 (1988)

Apparatus required
The heat of hydration test is conducted at a standard room temperature of 27
degrees celsius. The apparatus for this test is

1. Calorimeter
2. Mortar and pestle
3. Glass/Plastic vials
4. Stopwatch or timer
5. Sieve
6. Muffle furnace
7. Weighing balance

The calorimeter determines the heat of the paste. Glass vial has a dimension
of 80×20 mm. Muffle furnace maintains the temperature. Before performing
the test, the calorimeter temperature is to be made uniform. The heat of
hydration should be determined at the 7th and 28 days.
 Procedure

To find the heat of hydration, firstly we have to measure the heat

released from the unhydrated cement using a calorimeter.

● Then we have to measure the heat of hydration from hydrated cement

● For that take 60 grams of cement and add 24 ml of water.
● Then fill this mixture in three glasses and seal them with wax to avoid
the entry of air.
● The standard temperature should be 27 degrees celsius.
● Then measure the heat of the solution using a calorimeter.

Heat of hydration = Heat released from hydrated cement – Heat

released from unhydrated cement

For low heat cement, The heat of hydration for 7 days should not be greater
than 66 cal/g and for 28 days should not be greater than 75 cal/gm.
 ● Soundness Test
IS:4031-Part 3-1988

Apparatus required

● Le- Chatelier apparatus conforming to IS : 5514-1969

● Schematic of Le-Chateliers Apparatus Consist of a small split
cylinder of spring brass to other noncorrodible metal of 0.5mm
thickness forming a mould of 30mm internal diameter and 30mm
high. On either side of the split, two indicators are brazed suitably
with pointed ends made of 2mm diameter brass wire in such a
way that the distance of these ends to the centre of the cylinder is
165mm. The split cylinder will be kept between two glass plates.
The temperature of the moulding room, dry materials and water
shall be maintained at 27±2°C The relative humidity of the
laboratory shall be 65 ± 5 percent. The moist closet or moist room
shall be maintained at 27 ± 2°C and at a relative humidity of not
less than 90 percent.
● Water bath capable of containing immersed Le-Chatelier moulds
with specimens and of raising their temperature from 27±2°C to
boiling in 27±3 minutes.
● Vernier Calliper should be able to measure upto 30 mm with least
count of 0.1 mm
● Balance ,... In use, the permissible variation at a load of 1000 g
shall be ± 1.0 g. The permissible variation on new balance shall
be one-half of this value. The sensibility reciprocal shall be not
greater than twice the permissible variation.

Procedure
 Place the lightly oiled mould on a lightly oiled glass sheet and fill it with
cement paste formed by gauging cement with 0.78 times the water
required to give a paste of standard consistency. [refer IS : 4031 (Part
4 )-1988].

● Cover the mould with another piece of lightly oiled glass sheet, place a
small weight on this covering glass sheet and immediately submerge
the whole assembly in water at a temperature of 27 ± 2°C and keep
there for 24 hours.
● Measure the distance separating the indicator points to the nearest 0.5
mm. Submerge the mould again in water at the temperature prescribed
above.
● Bring the water to boiling, with the mould kept submerged, in 25 to 30
minutes, and keep it boiling for three hours. Remove the mould from the
water, allow it to cool and measure the distance between the indicator
points.
● The difference between these two measurements indicates the
expansion of the cement. This must not exceed 10 mm for ordinary,
rapid hardening and low heat Portland cements. If in case the
expansion is more than 10 mm as tested above, the cement is said to
be unsound.
 ● Temperature Test
IS 7861-1 (1975)

Apparatus required
● Container: The container shall be made of non-absorptive material
large enough to provide at least 3 in. of concrete in all directions
around the sensor of the temperature measuring device. Concrete
cover must also be at least three times the nominal maximum size of
the coarse aggregate.
● Temperature measuring device: The temperature measuring device
shall be capable of accurately measuring the temperature of the
freshly mixed concrete to ± 1°F throughout a range of 30 to 120°F.
The temperature measuring device shall be of sufficient length that it
can be immersed at least 3 in. during the test.
● Reference Temperature Measuring Device: The reference
temperature measuring device shall be readable and accurate to ±
1°F at the verification points specified below. A certificate or report
that verifies the accuracy shall be available for review. The certificate
or report shall provide documentation that the reference standard
used in the verification is traceable to the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST).

Procedure

Place the temperature measuring device in the freshly mixed concrete

so that the temperature sensing portion is submerged a minimum of 3
in.

● Gently press the concrete around the temperature measuring device at

the surface of the concrete so that the ambient air temperature does not
affect the reading.
● Leave the temperature measuring device in the freshly mixed concrete
for a minimum of 2 min or until the temperature reading stabilizes, then
read and record the temperature.
● Complete the temperature measurement of the freshly mixed concrete
within 5 min after obtaining the sample.

● Flow Table Test

IS 5512 (1983)
Apparatus required
● Flow table with a grip and a hinge, 70 centimetres (28 in) square. In
the American version of this test, the table is 10 inches (25 cm)
diameter per ASTM C 230.
● Abrams cone, open at the top and at the bottom - 30 centimetres (12
in) high, 17 centimetres (6.7 in) top diameter, 25 centimetres (9.8 in)
base diameter.
● Water bucket and broom to wet the flow table.
● Tamping rod, 60 centimetres (24 in) long.

Procedure

The flow table is wetted.

● The cone is placed in the center of the flow table and filled with fresh
concrete in two equal layers. Each layer is tamped 10 times with a
tamping rod.
● Wait 30 seconds before lifting the cone.
● The cone is lifted, allowing the concrete to flow.
● The flow table is then lifted up 40mm and then dropped 15 times,
causing the concrete to flow.
● After this the diameter of flow of the concrete is measured.

● Durability tests for concrete

● OXYGEN PERMEABILITY TEST

IS 5529-1
Apparatus
● An oven capable of maintaining a temperature of 50 ± 2ºC. Note: Most
laboratory ovens are of the forced draft, ventilated type. If, however, the
oven being used is of the closed (unventilated) type, then the relative
humidity inside the oven must be maintained by the inclusion of trays of
saturated calcium chloride solution. The trays should provide a total
exposed area of at least 1 m2 per 1 m3 of volume of the oven and
should contain sufficient solid calcium chloride to show above the
surface of the solution throughout the test.
● Permeability cell. The permeability cell should have a volume of 5 L with
a tolerance of ± 5%, and of construction such that it does not expand or
contract in the pressure range 0 kPa to 120 kPa. The cell should be
housed in a room where the temperature is controlled at 23 ± 2 ºC. The
airtightness of the equipment needs to be tested regularly using
impermeable blank specimens, manufactured from, for example, rigid
PVC. A drop of 0 kPa in pressure from an initial permeability cell
pressure of 100 kPa over a 24 hour period is required.
● Compressible rubber collars with Shore hardness 39A, for each cell,
allow a tight fit around the specimen to eliminate any leakage of oxygen,
except through the pores of the specimen. The collars shall be free of
cracks and tears.
● Pressure gauges or transducers, of accuracy at least 0.5 kPa. Note: If
electronic pressure transducers are used with automated data capture,
all operating requirements, including regular calibrations and checks
should be adhered to.
● Oxygen supply, of 99.8% purity (standard grade), and with a regulator
capable of regulating pressure to 120 kPa. Permeability Cell
Arrangement.
● Vernier calliper, capable of reading to 0.02 mm. g) Desiccator,
containing anhydrous silica gel as the desiccant, with the relative
humidity controlled at a maximum of 60%.

Test specimens
 ● Four specimens are required per test. Each specimen shall consist of a
70 ± 2 mm diameter concrete disc with a thickness of 30 ± 2 mm, cored
and cut in accordance with Concrete Durability Index Testing Procedure
Manual, Part 1.
● Mark the specimen(s) with a reference number (e.g. 1, 2, 3 and 4) on
the interior face with a permanent marker.

Conditions of specimens

● Place the specimens in the oven, maintained at 50 ± 2°C, for not less
than 7 days and not more than 8 days. Allow sufficient space between
and around specimens to ensure that they can dry uniformly.
● After the drying period, remove the specimens from the oven and
immediately place them in the desiccator.
● Cool the specimens to 23 ± 2 °C in the desiccator. Allow the specimens
to cool for a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 4 hours. Remove
the specimens from the desiccator and start the testing within 30 min.
● Measure and record, to an accuracy of 0.02 mm, the thickness and
diameter of each specimen with the Vernier caliper at four points equally
spaced around the perimeter of the specimen. Calculate and record, to
the nearest 0.02 mm, the average of each set of four readings.
Testing of specimens

● Place the specimen in the compressible collar within the rigid sleeve
with the exterior (test) face at the bottom. No gaps should be visible
between the sides of the test specimen and the collar. The specimens
shall be placed so that the interior face rests against the lip of the collar.
Note: The terms “exterior” and “interior” are used with respect to the
position of the face of the specimen in the structure or the cube from
which they were extracted. The provision of a “lip” in the rubber collar is
to ensure that the specimen is held in place tightly when it is subjected
to pressure on the test face during the test.
● Place the sample, collar and rigid sleeve on top of the permeability cell
so that they cover the hole. Place the solid ring (the solid ring is optional
depending on the permeability cell arrangement) on top of the collar,
ensuring that no gaps are visible between the collar and the sleeve.
Place the cover plate on top of the solid ring.
● Partially tighten the top screw on the cover plate to ensure that it is
centred. Once the specimen has been centred, tighten the apparatus
adequately to ensure no leakage of gas. 10
● Open the oxygen inlet and outlet valves of the permeability cell. Open
the valve of the oxygen supply tank to between 100 and 120 kPa, and
allow oxygen to flow through the permeameter cell for 5 seconds. This
will purge the test chamber of gases other than oxygen.
 ● Close the outlet valve of the permeability cell, ensuring that there are no
leaks.
● Increase the pressure in the permeability cell to 100 ± 5 kPa and close
the inlet valve.
● After 5 min, record the time, t0, to the nearest minute, as the initial time,
and initial exact pressure P0, to the nearest 0.5 kPa. Use t0 and P0 as
such in the calculations. Thereafter, take at least eight readings at
intervals corresponding to a pressure drop rate of 5 ± 1 kPa. A pressure
drop of more than 5 kPa/min might be an indication of leakage. In such
a case, release the pressure in the chamber, check that the sample fits
tightly in the collar, and restart the test immediately,
● Terminate the testing when the pressure has dropped to 50 ± 2.5 kPa or
after 6 hours ± 15 min, whichever occurs first. A minimum of 8 readings
is required.

● Water Sorptivity and Porosity test

IS 5529-1

Apparatus

● An oven capable of maintaining a temperature of 50 ± 2ºC. Note: Most

lab ovens are of the forced draft, ventilated type. If, however, the oven
being used is of the closed (unventilated) type, then the relative
 humidity inside the oven must be maintained by the inclusion of trays of
saturated calcium chloride solution. The trays should provide a total
exposed area of at least 1 m2 per 1 m3 of volume of the oven and
should contain sufficient solid calcium chloride to show above the
surface of the solution throughout the test.
● Vacuum saturation facility.
● Plastic or stainless steel tray 20 mm deep and large enough to hold as
many specimens as will be tested simultaneously.
● Ten layers of absorbent paper towel. Alternatively, 2 small rollers or 4
pins can be used to support the specimens tested.
● Vernier caliper, capable of reading to 0,02 mm. f) Measuring scale with
accuracy to 0.01 g. g) A solution of tap water saturated with calcium
hydroxide, (3 grams of Ca(OH)2 per 1 litre of water), maintained at 23 ±
2°C.
● One or more stopwatches as required.
● Sealant to provide a watertight seal around the curved edges of the
specimens without blocking any part of the test face whatsoever. A
suitable method of sealing is the use of packaging tape.
● Desiccator, large enough to hold as many specimens as will be tested
simultaneously, containing anhydrous silica gel as the desiccant, with
the relative humidity controlled at a maximum of 60 %.

Test specimens

● Four specimens are required per test. Each specimen shall consist of a
70 ± 2 mm diameter concrete disc with a thickness of 30 ± 2 mm, cored
and cut in accordance with Concrete Durability Index Testing Procedure
Manual, Part 1. It is permitted to use specimens that have previously
been used in the oxygen permeability test, provided they have not been
exposed to moisture. Refer to Part 2: ‘Standard Procedure for Oxygen
Permeability Test’.
 ● Mark the specimens of the same reference 1, 2, 3 and 4 on the inner
face.

Conditioning of specimens

● If using new specimens directly after cutting, the specimens shall be

placed in the oven at 50 ± 2 °C for not less than 7 days and not more
than 8 days.
● After the drying period, remove the specimens from the oven and
immediately place them in the desiccator.
● Cool the specimens to 23 ± 2 °C in the desiccator. Allow the specimens
to cool for a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 4 hours. Remove
the specimens from the desiccator and start the testing within 30 min.
 ● Measure to the nearest 0.02 mm the thickness and diameter of each
specimen with the Vernier caliper at 4 points equally spaced around the
perimeter of the specimen, and record. Determine the average of the
four readings and record to the nearest 0.02 mm.
● Seal the curved sides of the specimens using a sealant as detailed in
3.2 i) above.
● If the specimens have been previously tested in the oxygen permeability
cells, they shall be tested immediately upon removal. No additional
drying is necessary provided the specimens have not got wet or have
not had an opportunity to absorb moisture from the atmosphere.
Alternatively, specimens may be placed back in the 50 ºC oven
overnight prior to cooling in the desiccator as per 3.4 (c) above, if they
cannot be tested immediately after the OPI test.

Testing of specimens

● The water sorptivity test shall be conducted in a room in which the

temperature is controlled at 23 ± 2 ºC.
● Place the 10 layers of paper towel in the tray. Alternatively, place the
rollers/pins in position to support the specimen in the solution.

● Pour calcium hydroxide solution into the tray. If used, the paper towels
should be saturated with water visible on the top surface. All air bubbles
should be removed by smoothing the paper pad towards the edges,If
rollers or pins are used, they should be arranged so as to support the
specimens and the calcium hydroxide solution should be above the top
of the support, Figure 3.3. The final water level should be such that it
will be slightly above the bottom edge of the specimen and a maximum
2 mm up the side of the specimen as shown in Figure 3.4. Dampen an
additional piece of paper towel for use in removing the excess water
from the specimens (in paragraph (g)) and keep next to the tray to be
used during the test. NOTE: Rollers or pins, if used, should be
 sufficiently small so as not materially to affect the area of specimen
surface exposed to the solution.
● Within 30 min after removing the specimen from the desiccator, or
oxygen permeability cell, determine the mass of the specimen to an
accuracy of 0.01 g and record as the dry mass, Ms0. This mass must be
determined after the method used to seal the sides of the specimens.
● Immediately place the specimen with the test face (outer face or
originally exposed face) on the wet paper pad/pins/rollers and start the
stopwatch, at time t0.
● Weigh the specimen at 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 16, 20 and 25 minutes, after
patting it once on the damp piece of absorbent paper. The specimen
should appear saturated surface dry (SSD) on the exposed face at the
time the mass is determined, i.e. it should look damp, but not have free
water on the test face. During removal of a specimen from the tray for
weighing, care must be taken to prevent dripping from one specimen
onto the top of another.
● Record the mass of the specimen to the nearest 0.01 g within 10 s of
removal of the specimen from the tray and wiping excess water.
Replace the specimens each time with the test face on the wet paper or
rollers/pins if used. The stopwatch shall not be stopped during the
weighing procedure.
● Within a maximum of 1 day after weighing of the specimen is
completed, place the specimen in the vacuum saturation tank. The tape
or sealant must be left in place. The specimens shall be arranged so as
to maximize their exposed surface area. This is typically done by
standing the individual specimens upon their curved edges, rather than
the flat side, as in Figure 3.5. Seal the lid with petroleum jelly and close
it.
● Evacuate the tank to between -75 and -80 kPa and maintain the
specimens under vacuum of between -75 and -80 kPa for 3 hours ± 15
min. The pressure must not be allowed to rise above -75 kPa during this
period.
● After 3 hours ± 15 min isolate the tank and allow calcium hydroxide
saturated water to flow into the chamber until the water level is
approximately 40 mm above the top of the specimens. Air shall not be
allowed to enter the vacuum chamber during this procedure.
 ● Re-establish the vacuum to between -75 and -80 kPa. This shall be
maintained for 1 hour ± 15 minutes. At no point during this time period
shall the vacuum be permitted to rise above -75 kPa.
● After 1 hour ± 15 min, release the vacuum and allow air to enter. Allow
the specimens to soak for a further 18 ± 1 hours.
● After 18 ± 1 hr soaking, remove the specimens from the solution, dry the
surface to a SSD condition with a paper towel, and immediately weigh
to an accuracy of 0.01 g. Record this as the vacuum saturated mass
Msv of the specimen.

●
● Freeze thaw test
ASTM C666

Equipment

● Climate chamber with a temperature of 20 ± 2°C and a relative humidity

of 65 ± 5 %.
● Evaporation is measured using an evaporation bowl with a depth of
approximately 40 mm and a cross-sectional area of 225 ± 25 cm2.
● Lateral sealing is by epoxy resin or aluminium foil with butyl rubber.
Both must be durable at temperatures of - 20°C and resistant against
the attack of the deicing solution. They cannot be brittle at the minimum
temperature reached.
● Test liquid, consisting of deicing agent solution, e.g. 97% by weight of
demineralized or distilled water and 3% by weight of NaCl.
● Test containers (Figs. 1 and 2). The specimens are stored in stainless
steel containers during the freeze-thaw cycles. The size of the test
container should be selected in such a way that the thickness of the air
layer between the vertical side of the specimen and the test container is
restricted to 20 ± 10 mm.4,5 On the container bottom a 10 ± 0.1 mm
high spacer is arranged to support the specimen and to guarantee a
defined thickness of the liquid layer between the test surface and the
container.
● Temperature controlled chest (Fig. 3). For temperature control during
the freeze-thaw cycle and to guarantee uniaxial heat flux, a chest with a
liquid cooling bath is used.
● Ultrasonic bath (Fig. 4). The size of the ultrasonic bath must be
sufficiently large. The test containers must fit in the ultrasonic bath
without mechanical contact
● Paper filter for collecting scaled material.
● Unit for adjusting liquid level, i.e. by a suction device (Fig. 5). The
suction device may consist of a capillary tube with a spacer of 15 ±1
mm, that is, connected with a water jet pump to suck up the excessive
liquid in the test containers.
● Drying cabinet for a temperature of (110 ± 5)°C.
● Balance with an accuracy within ± 0.01 g.
● Vernier calipers, with an accuracy within ± 0.1 mm.
Procedure

● Dry storage
The concrete specimens are stored in the climate chamber (20°C,
65% RH) for surface drying for 21 days. Monitoring of the weight
is recommended. In the climate chamber the evaporation from a
free water surface shall be 45 ± 15 g/m2h. The evaporation is
measured by weight loss of a water-filled evaporation bowl with a
depth of approximately 40 mm and a crosssectional area of 225 ±
25 cm2. The bowl shall be filled up to 10 ± 1 mm from the brim.
Monitoring of the weight is recommended.

● Preparation of specimens
Between 7 and 2 days before presaturation, the specimens are
sealed on their lateral surfaces either with aluminium foil with butyl
 rubber or with a solvent-free epoxy resin.11 The specimens must
be clean and dry. Before sealing the lateral surfaces, it is
recommended to treat them with an adequate primer.
1. Sealing with aluminium foil with butyl rubber: A piece of
aluminium foil with butyl rubber is glued tightly on the lateral
surfaces with an overlap of 20 mm.
2. Sealing with epoxy resin: A solvent-free epoxy resin is
laid on the lateral surfaces, whereas the bottom of the
specimens and the test surface must be kept free.

● Presaturation of test liquid by capillary suction

Following dry storage, the specimens are placed in the test
containers on the 10 mm high spacers with the test surface
underneath. Subsequently, the test liquid is filled into the
container to a height of 15 ± 1 mm without wetting the specimen’s
top. (This can be achieved by filling to approximately 17 mm and
removing the surplus solution by a capillary tube combined with a
spacer of 15 mm and connected to a water jet pump.) During the
capillary suction, the test container must be closed with a cover
that should have an incline to prevent any possible condensation
water from dripping onto the specimen’s top surface. The capillary
suction period is 7 days at a temperature of 20 ± 2°C. During
capillary suction, the liquid level should be checked and adjusted
as described above, at regular intervals depending on the suction
capacity of the material. The weight gain of the specimens should
be measured.

● Cleaning of test surface before starting the freeze-thaw cycles

Before starting the freeze-thaw cycles, loosely adhering particles
and dirt should be removed from the test surfaces of the
specimens by treatment in the ultrasonic bath, as described in
section 7.6. The material removed is discarded.
● Freeze-thaw testing
A 12 h freeze-thaw cycle is applied (Fig. 6). Starting at + 20 °C,
the temperature is lowered in 4 h with a constant cooling rate of
10 K/h. It is kept constant for 3 h at - 20 °C and increased in 4 h
with a constant heating rate of 10 K/h. It is kept constant for 1 h at
+ 20 °C.12 The temperature cycle is monitored at the reference
point. The deviation of temperature measured at the reference
point should not be more than ± 0.5 K at least at the minimum
temperature and more than ± 1 K at other temperatures. A
constant time shift between the test containers is acceptable.

● Determination of surface scaling

The surface scaling can be measured while the temperature is
above 15 °C (shaded area in Fig. 6). To remove loosely adhering
scaled material from the test surface, the test container is dipped
into the contact liquid of an ultrasonic bath and subjected to
ultrasonic cleaning for 3 minutes. The solution comprising the
scaled material is filtered. The paper filter is subsequently dried at
110 ± 5 °C for 24 h and cooled for 1 h (± 5 min) at 20 ± 2 °C and
60 ± 5 RH. The mass of the filter containing the dried scaled
material µb is weighed to 0.01 g precision. The mass of the empty
filter µf is determined before with the same accuracy. The mass of
the scaled material µs is then: µs = µb - µf. The amount of scaling
should be determined after 14 and always after 28 freeze-thaw
cycles. Additional measurements, e.g. after 4 or 6 cycles, are
recommended.
 ● Fire resisting test for concrete
ISO 834

Material and method

Test set-up

● The experimental tests on reinforced concrete columns were conducted

in the Laboratory of Testing Materials and Structures of the University of
Coimbra, in Portugal.the test set-up for fire resistance tests on columns
with restrained thermal elongation, is illustrated.
● A two-dimensional (2D) reaction frame (1) consisted of two HEB500
columns and an HEB600 beam of S355 steel class was used to
support a hydraulic jack (2) which applied a compression load to the
 columns. This hydraulic jack had a maximum capacity of 3 MN and was
controlled by a servo hydraulic central unit W+B NSPA700/DIG2000.
The load that was being applied by the hydraulic jack was controlled by
a load cell (4).
● A safety structure (3) was mounted in the 2D reaction frame to prevent
the destruction of the system in case of sudden collapse of the test
column.
● In addition, the stiffness of the surrounding structure of the columns
under test was realized by a three-dimensional (3D) restraining frame
(Fig. 2) with four HEB300 columns and four identical beams of S355
steel class, orthogonally arranged (5). The stiffness could be varied by
changing the position of the columns or the height of the beams. During
these experimental tests, only the position of the columns was changed.
● The connection between the columns and top beams of the 3D
restraining frame was done by threaded rods (6) that allowed in the
beginning of the test by unscrewing the nuts to transfer the loading
applied by the hydraulic jack to the test columns.
● The specimens were heated with a vertical electric furnace (7). This
furnace was 1500 mm x 1500 mm x 2500 mm in internal dimensions
and capable to heat up to 1200ºC and to follow fire curves with different
heating rates.
● The restraining forces generated in the column due to the heating were
measured by a load cell of 3 MN located inside a void steel cylinder
of high stiffness (8). This cylinder was rigidly connected to the
restraining frame by means of high-resistant bolts as well as all
connections between the elements in the experimental set-up. A
massive steel cylinder, rigidly connected to the testing column,
entered in a void steel cylinder and due to the thermal elongation of
the column compressed the load cell.
 ● The axial displacements and rotations on the top and bottom of the
column were measured by displacements transducers, LVDT (9),
orthogonally arranged in three different points, forming a deformation
plan. The lateral deflections of the columns could be measured by
cable transducers located along the height of the column in two bending
planes (10).

Test specimens
The tested columns were 3000 mm tall and square or circular cross-
sections. The square cross-section columns had 160 mm x 160 mm and 250
mm x 250 mm and the circular cross-section ones had 250 mm and 300 mm
in diameter. The circular columns had six longitudinal 12 or 20 mm and the
square columns had four 10, 16 or 25 mm rebars. The transversal
reinforcement was performed by 6 or 8 mm diameter stirrups with a spacing
of 100 mm until 700 mm from the supports, and a spacing of 150 mm in the
central part. The 6 mm diameter stirrups were used with the 12 mm diameter
rebars in the circular columns and with the 10 or 16 mm diameter rebars in the
square columns. The 8 mm diameter stirrups were used with the 20 mm
diameter rebars in the circular columns and with the 25 mm diameter rebars in
the square columns. The concrete covering related to the stirrups for all tested
columns was 30 mm. All specimens were fabricated with reinforcing bars of
A500NR steel and calcareous aggregate concrete C20/25. The temperatures
were measured in five cross-sections on the circular columns and in three
cross-sections on the square columns (Fig. 4). Type K thermocouples were
used to measure the temperatures on the specimen while probe
thermocouples were used to measure the
furnace temperatures.

Test Plan

The experimental programme consisted of 20 (10 circular + 10 square) fire

resistance tests on concrete columns with restrained thermal elongation.
However, in this paper there are selected for presentation sixteen tests whose
results are compared. The characteristics of the specimens tests are
summarized in.
For the circular columns the reference C25-12re-70LL-13K corresponds to
a 250 mm diameter circular column (C25) reinforced with 12 mm diameter
longitudinal steel reinforcing bars (12re). The designation 13K indicates that
the value of the axial stiffness of the surrounding structure was 13 kN/mm.
The circular columns were tested for stiffness of the surrounding structure of
13 kN/mm and 128 kN/mm. For the square columns the reference C16-10-k1
corresponds to a cross-section of 160 mm x 160 mm reinforced with 10 mm
diameter longitudinal steel reinforcing bars. The designation k1 indicates 13
kN/mm and k2 indicates 45 kN/mm for the value of the axial stiffness of the
surrounding structure. The square columns were tested for stiffness of the
surrounding structure of 13 kN/mm and 45 kN/mm. All the columns were
axially loaded with 70% (referenced by 70LL in the circular columns) of the
design value of buckling load at ambient temperature calculated according to
EN 1992-1-1 (EN 1992-1-1, 2004). These loading levels intended to simulate
different serviceability load conditions of the columns when they are inserted
in a real building structure.

● Frost action for concrete

(MFB), Issue 2004

Measures of the internal frost resistance of concrete

Frost damage is a cumulative type of damage caused by repeated changes of
the concrete temperature and the resulting thermal strains. In particular it
involves the changes of the temperature of water filling the pores in concrete
resulting in transport of water through pore system, phase transition
and crystallization pressure.
Internal frost resistance can be measured on the basis of the degree of micro-
and macro-cracking, caused by stresses due to hydraulic or osmotic pressure,
which may locally exceeding the tensile strength of the material. The frost
damage to concrete is defined by the rate of change of a given mechanical
property of concrete as a function of the number of freeze-thaw cycles NFT-.
DF –frost durability factor according to ASTM C 666 (generally for NFT-=300),
Eres –elastic modulus of concrete determined from resonance frequency,
RDM –relative dynamic modulus of elasticity determined according to CEN/TR
15177,
Eult –modulus of elasticity determined with ultrasonic method,
Df–relative decrease of compressive strength fc, generally in relation to fc28 ,
DfPN –relative decrease of compressive strength in relation to control
specimens fref
c(), according to PN-B-06250 (generally for NFT-=150 or 200).

Procedure
● The test set-up for determining temperature distribution in concrete
specimens subjected to freeze-thaw cycles was based on Thermochron
electronic sensors from Maxim integrated. The sensor was used in the
task mode, that is after presenting the start time and time interval
between subsequent readings the results were stored in the internal
memory of the unit. The results were available for viewing only on
completion of testing when the sensors were pulled out from the
concrete specimens and connected to the computer via a special
interface.
● The temperature sensors were embedded at predetermined places
inside 150 mm and 100 mm concrete cubes (Fig. 6). The test settings
included 360 sec. temperature recording interval with measurement
accuracy of 0.5°C, enabling to measure and record the temperatures for
the test period of 34 days.
● The specimens were molded from C35/45 air-entrained concrete,
having the composition of concrete used for road structures. Main mix
constituents consisted of Portland cement CEM I 42.5R (the content of
375 kg/m3), amphibolite crushed aggregate of 2-8 and 8-16 mm,
quarried sand, and water corresponding to w/c= 0.48.
● The specimens were demoulded after two days of curing and then they
were conditioned for another 28 days in water. After that time they were
placed in the thermostatic chamber and subjected to freeze-thaw cycles
according to the procedure of PN-B-06250 (Fig. 7). An additional
temperature sensor was attached to the top surface of each specimen.
● The temperature was measured for the period of one week in one
laboratory and then the specimens were transferred to the second
laboratory for continuing the test in a different thermostatic chamber. On
completion of the test procedure the sensors were removed from the
cubes to read and analyze the recorded results
 ● Abrasion Resistance Test

IS 9284 (1979)

● Working Principle of Test

An abrasive charge is impinged on the surface of the concrete cubes. As a result,

the concrete surface of the cubes abrades, and the consequent loss in mass of
the cubes is referred to as concrete abrasion loss.

● Apparatus Required for the Test

● Scale: The scale shall have a minimum capacity of 5000 g. The

permissible variation at a load of 5000 g shall be 15 g.
● Pneumatic Sand Blasting Cabinet
1. The pneumatic sandblasting cabinet consists of a wooden cabinet with

a tightly closing door, as shown in Figure-1.

2. A high carbon steel nozzle shall fit through the top of the cabinet.

3. The nozzle's length, including the tip, must be 15 cm, and it must be

mounted on the cabinet so that the distance between the nozzle's tip
and the surface of the concrete sample is 50.02 cm.
4. An annular copper or brass air tube of 0.48 cm in diameter shall be

provided inside the nozzle.

5. Beyond the nozzle, the air tube diameter shall change smoothly to a

diameter of 1.7 cm.

6. Inside the nozzle, the tube shall end at a distance of 2 cm from the tip of

the nozzle.
7. Four holes, each having a diameter of 0.48 cm, shall be provided on the

side of the nozzle immediately below the collar for passing sand into the
nozzle.
8. Sand is drawn into the nozzle by the suction caused by high air velocity

at the nozzle tip.

● Conical Galvanized Iron Hopper
1. As illustrated in Figure-2, a conical galvanized iron hopper should be

placed at the top of the cabinet to store the charge of sand pushed by
air pressure.
2. The entire nozzle assembly is secured to the cabinet with a lock nut and

washer combination.
3. The copper or brass air tube must be connected with a pressure gauge

to properly measure the air pressure as close to the nozzle as feasible.

4. The tube shall be connected to a compressor with a pressure control

device giving air supply at a pressure of 0.14 N/mm2 as recorded in the

pressure gauge.

● Abrasive Charge

1. The air pressure-driven charge of

 sand used for rubbing the concrete
surface is termed the abrasive
charge.
2. It shall conform to IS:650-1966* but
graded to pass l.00 mm IS sieve
and retained on 0.50 mm IS sieve.
3. The charges can be reused after sieving through a 0.50 mm IS sieve.

Test Procedure

● The weighted, dry specimen should be placed on the specimen carrier

with the surface to be examined facing the nozzle tip (any of the four
smoother vertical surfaces of the cube that came in contact with the
mold).
● The nozzle tip shall be placed at the middle of the half side of the cube

(2.5 cm away from the edge of the specimen).

● The specimen surface shall then be exposed to blast for the full charge

of sand (4000 g).

● The cradle shall be moved slowly between the two fixed points with the

help of the handle provided.

● The test should be performed on the same surface by rotating the

sample 180 degrees in the horizontal plane, allowing two imprints to be

made on the same surface.
 ● After the test is completed, the sample shall be removed, cleaned, and

weighed to determine the mass loss in grams for one surface of the
sample.
● The above procedure shall be repeated on the other three vertical

surfaces of the same sample specimen.

● Testing of Sulfate Erosion Damage of

Concrete Structures
IS 1199 (1959)

● Materials and Methods

The specimens selected for this experiment are from a river-crossing tube
sheet in service. The design strength grade is C50, the 28-day compressive
strength is 61.6 MPa and the water–cement ratio is 0.4, according to the
relevant research [42,43] and the ratio parameters provided on site; see Table
1.
To prepare the specimens, the poured pipe pieces were first broken using a
crushing hammer to extract the reinforcement inside the pipe pieces. A
concrete core sample with a diameter of 50 mm was extracted using core-
drilling equipment. Then, the core sample was processed into a 50 mm × 100
mm cylindrical specimen. The specimens were prepared for testing, with an
age of 1150 d and an original compressive strength of 75 MPa.
The original tunnel used methyltrimethoxysilane silane to spray a protective
coating on the surface of the tube sheet before it was put into use. The
experimental specimens used in this paper restore the use of silane materials
on site, and the designed amount of silane for concrete in the reference
project is 450 g/m2. The surface area of the specimens used in this paper is
about 0.01963 m2, and the corresponding design amount is about 8.8357 g.
Considering the accuracy required for actual operation and measurement, the
actual amount of silane used in this paper is 8.9 g for each specimen. The
specimens were divided into a protected group, exposed group and controlled
group. The protected group was coated with the designated amount of silane
before the experiment, and the amount used per single specimen was 8.9 g.

● Specimen Testing
In this paper, three types of methods are combined to analyze the changes in
the properties of concrete specimens during rapid wetting–drying cycles of
erosion. Ultrasonic testing was used to analyze the overall condition of the
concrete. The structural changes to the specimens were analyzed using CT
scanning and NMR testing. Strength tests were used to compare the strength
changes of the specimens under different conditions.
 ● Ultrasonic Testing
A non-metallic ultrasonic tester was used to test the longitudinal wave velocity
on the side of concrete specimens at a sampling rate of 0.05 μs. After every
ten wetting–drying cycles, a test was conducted on the specimens of the
protected group, the exposed group and the controlled group. The test
specimens were divided into four test planes at equal intervals of 20 mm from
top to bottom. Nine measurement lines are laid out at equal intervals at 20°
angle for each measurement surface. The longitudinal wave velocity of each
specimen was tested at 36 points in total, and the test situation is shown in
Figure 2. We used an HS-CS1H ultrasonic parameter tester made by
Xiangtan Tianhong Electronics Research Institute; the frequency of the arc
probe is 1 MHz.

● CT Test
The specimens’ structure was analyzed using an industrial CT system. We
use the model Y.CT.Modular X-CT scanning equipment, with continuous
spiral scanning mode, tube voltage 225/450 KV, imaging plate size 400 mm ×
400 mm, imaging plate pixel dot size 0.2 mm, detectable diameter range
0~800 mm and maximum penetration thickness 60 mm Fe. The specimens
were scanned in high precision slices for the protected and exposed groups at
the end of 60, 120 and 180 wetting–drying cycles. The minimum scanning
resolution was 5.3 μm, and the number of slices scanned for a single
specimen was 1600.

● NMR Test
After the CT tests were completed for the protected and exposed groups, we
used a Suzhou Newmark AniMR-150 NMR instrument to perform NMR tests
on the specimens before and after the erosion experiment to obtain pore data.
The magnetic field strength of the test system is 0.3 ± 0.05 T, the peak output
is not less than 300 W and the linear distortion is less than 0.5%. The
specimens were soaked in water for 48 h to saturate the specimens before
the test was started.

● Strength Test
The specimens of the exposed group and the specimens of the protected
group that completed the NMR test were dried at 60 °C to the state before
immersion. The specimens of the exposed group, protected group and
controlled group were uniaxially loaded at 0.5 MPa/s using a servo material-
testing machine, and the peak load when the specimen diameter d is
damaged was recorded. The uniaxial compressive strength can be calculated
according to the following formula.
 ● CARBONATION TEST
IS-516(Part 5/Sec 3):2021 “Part 5 Non-Destructive Testing of Concrete-
Section 3 Carbonation Depth Test"

● Preparation Of Indicator Solution

The indicator solution shall be 1 percent phenolphthalein solution in ethanol.
This is prepared by dissolving 1 g of phenolphthalein powder in a 100 ml
solution of 70 ml ethanol and 30 ml of deionized water.

● Preparation Of Sample
The test shall be performed on freshly exposed concrete surface. This may be
either freshly broken surface of concrete or extracted concrete core sample
which may preferably be split and the test may be conducted on the split face.
If facility for splitting is not available, then the core may be surface dried and
sealed to prevent further carbonation. After breaking, the concrete surface
shall immediately be cleared of any dust or loose particles.

● Test Procedure

● The freshly exposed concrete surface prepared as per 5.2 shall be

sprayed with a fine mist of indicator solution. Care shall be taken to
 avoid the formation of flow channels on the test surface.

● The measurements shall be conducted soon after the colour has

stabilized. The demarcation between the region, which turns into
magenta (dark pink color) and the region showing no change in colour
will indicate the carbonation front. The carbonation depth shall be
measured on the exposed face.

● When the carbonation front runs as a straight line parallel to the surface,
the depth of carbonation dk is determined as shown in Fig. 1A.

● When the carbonation front runs as shown in Fig. 1B, a graphical

average dk and the maximum depth dk max should be recorded.

● Ignore greater depths of carbonation in the corner areas of laboratory

specimens, where carbon dioxide has penetrated from two sides at
once.

NOTES :
1 The measured depth of carbonation may be influenced by the time of
measuring after application of the indicator solution. A stable reading
may be obtained after about 5 to 10 min after spraying.
2 If only a weak colouration or none at all appears, it is better to repeat
the spray after the surface has dried.
 ● TEST FOR AIR CONTENT OF FRESHLY
MIXED CONCRETE BY THE PRESSURE
METHOD
ASTM C231

Apparatus required
● Air Meter: Commercially available air meter of the modified Washington
type consisting of a base and top section, and furnished with all
accessories necessary for calibration. The directions outlined below
under Operation of Apparatus apply to the brands used by the California
Department of Transportation. These meters operate on the principle of
equalizing a known volume of air at a known pressure in a sealed
chamber with an unknown volume of air in the concrete sample.
Calibration and operation of these meters is not affected by barometric
pressures.
● Tamping Rod: A round, straight, steel rod 9/16 in. to 5/8 in. in diameter
and approximately 24 in. in length. The tamping end shall be rounded to
a hemispherical tip with a diameter equal to the rod.
● Strike-off Bar: A flat, straight bar of steel or other suitable material.
● Scoop: A small metal scoop.
● Syringe: A small rubber ear syringe.

Procedure
 Use the same sampling and rodding procedure for all types of air
meters. Obtain the sample of concrete for the air content determination
in accordance with the applicable provisions of ASTM Designation: C
172.

● Rodding and Tapping: Using the scoop, fill the base with freshly mixed
concrete in three layers of equal depth. Rod each layer 25 times with
the tamping rod, distributing the strokes evenly over the surface of the
layer. After rodding each layer, tap the sides of the base with the hand
or a wood stake to remove entrapped air along the sides and to close
any holes left by the tamping rod. In rodding the first layer, penetrate
nearly full depth into the layer, but avoid striking the bottom of the base.
In rodding the second and third layers, penetrate slightly into the layer
below with each stroke.
● Striking Off: Strike off the base, level full, with the straightedge and
clean the top edge of the base to ensure an airtight seal with the cover.
● Completion of the Testing Using a Press-Ur-Meter:
a. Clamp the lid on with both petcocks open.
b. Using the syringe, inject water through one petcock until all air is
expelled through the opposite petcock. Jar meter gently to remove
entrapped air. Leave petcock open.
c. With built-in pump, pump air in sealed chamber to “initial pressure”
line on gauge. Wait a few seconds for the compressed air to cool, then
stabilize gauge hand at initial pressure line by pumping or bleeding off
air as needed by “cracking” cap over air valve.
d. Close both petcocks and press down on thumb lever to release the
air into the base. Hold lever down a few seconds and tap gauge lightly
with fingers until gauge hand stabilizes.
e. Read the percent of entrained air on the dial.
f. Open petcocks slowly to release pressure, then remove the cover.
Clean the base, cover, and petcock opening thoroughly. Take care not
to damage the top edge of the base.

● Completion of the Test Using a Techkote White Meter:

a. Clamp lid onto base with petcocks open. Be sure main air valve
on top of air chamber is closed.
b. Pour water into funnel until all air is expelled through opposite
petcock. Jar meter gently to remove any entrapped air. Close both
petcocks.
c. With built-in pump, pump air in sealed chamber until gauge
hand reaches the red line. (A little to one side or the other of the
red lines makes no difference as long as the initial starting hand
has been passed.) By bleeding air from the chamber and tapping
the gauge gently with the fingers, bring the gauge hand to rest
exactly on the initial starting pointer.
d. Open main air valve to release air into the base. Tap gauge
gently to stabilize gauge hand. Read percent of entrained air from
the dial.
e. Close Main Air Valve. Open petcocks to release air pressure,
then remove the cover. Clean the base, cover, and petcock
openings thoroughly. Take care not to damage the top edge of the
base.

● Standard Penetration Test

IS 2131: 2002
Apparatus required
The requirements to conduct an SPT soil test are:

○ Split Spoon Sampler

○ Drop Hammer weighing 63.5kg
○ Guiding rod
○ Driving head (anvil).

Split Spoon Sampler

○ This is a thick-walled sample tube having an outer diameter of 50.8 mm

and an inner diameter of 35 mm. The length of the sampler is around 65
cm.
○ The split spoon sampler consists of a steel tube, driving shoes, a check
valve, coupling, and vent ports.
○ Notably, the thick split spoon sampler is used for the collection of
disturbed soil samples.

Drop Hammer

○ The drop hammer is used to drive the split spoon sampler into the
borehole.
○ The weight of the hammer in the SPT test is 63.5 kg.

Driving Head (Anvil)

The driving head stops the hammer at a certain point.

Guiding Rod

The Guiding rod serves the purpose of guiding the hammer to the anvil.

Procedure

● Set up the tripod over the test hole and place the unit together.
● Let the spoon rest on the bottom of the hole.
● Hit the spoon with a hammer falling 75 cm to drive it 45 cm into the
ground. Alternatively, stop after hitting the sampler 100 times.
● Note down the number of blows required to penetrate the sampler to a
depth of 15 cm. It indicates the seating load and the number of blows
required for the first 15 cm penetration are to be discarded.
● The penetration resistance value N of the soil is the number of blows
needed for the second and third 15 cm penetration. In other words, the
number of blows required to drive the sampler to a depth of 30cm is
called the penetration resistance value.

● Dynamic Cone Penetration Test

IS 10042 (1981)
Apparatus required
● A cone (50 mm without bentonite slurry)
● Driving rods
● Driving head
● Hoisting equipment
● A hammer (made up of mild steel or cast-iron with a base plate of
mild steel weighing 640N i.e. 65kg).

Procedure

● The initial reading on the dynamic cone penetrometer is recorded.

● Then, the dynamic cone penetrometer is kept with the cone resting
vertically on the ground where the test is to be carried out.
● Now, the cone is driven into the soil by the freefall of hammer of 750
mm each time.
● Then the number of blow of every 10mm penetration is recorded.
● This process is repeated until when the cone does not reach the
required depth.

● Static Cone Penetration Test

IS 10042 (1981)

Apparatus required
 ● A steel cone
● A friction jacket
● Sounding rod
● Mantle tube
● A driving mechanism
● Measuring equipment

Procedure

● The cone and friction jacket assembly is put vertically touching the
ground.
● The cone is then pushed down at a constant speed of penetration
ranging from 1.5 to 2.5cm/sec to a depth a (say 40 mm). Then, cone tip
resistance (qc) is recorded.
● Now the sounding rod is pushed further to a depth b (say 40 mm). Then,
sleeve friction (qf) is recorded.
● Then, the mantle tube is pushed down to a+b=80mm depth. This brings
the cone and jacket assembly to step 1.
● Then the friction ratio is calculated using the formula:

● Water Absorption Test

(IS: 3495 (Part II)

Apparatus required
 ● Pan
● Support device, rods, pins, or other devices
● Top-pan balance, accurate to at least ±0.01 g
● Timing device
● Paper towel or cloth
● Environmental chamber
● Polyethylene storage containers
● Caliper
● Sealing materials like duct tape or aluminum tape
● Plastic bag or sheeting

Procedure

● Take out specimens from the storage container and weigh them to the
nearest of 0.01 g.
● Measure a minimum of four diameters of the specimen at the surface to
be exposed to water and calculate the specimen's average diameter.
● Seal the side surface of specimens with suitable seal material, and seal
one end that is not exposed to water with a plastic sheet that can be
secured using an elastic band or other equivalent systems.
● Weigh the sealed specimen and record it as the initial mass.
● Place specimen support at the pan's bottom and pour tap water into the
pan until it rises nearly 3 mm above the specimen supports, see Figure-
1. This level of water in the pan needs to be maintained during the test.
● Start the timing device and put the unsealed surface of the specimen on
the supports in the pan. Write the time and date of the initial contact of
the sample with the water.
● Record the mass of the specimen after first contact according to the
time interval provided in Table-1.
● For each record of a mass, remove the concrete specimen from the pan.
Then, stop the timing device if the contact time is less than 10 minutes,
and wipe out any surface water with dampened paper or cloth. Invert the
 specimen so that the wet surface does not contact the balance pan.
Measure the mass within 15 seconds of specimen removal from the
pan. Finally, place the specimen on the support in the pan and restart
the timing device.

Tests on Admixtures

● Marsh Cone Test

IS 9103 (1999)

Procedure:
 ● Make the cement slurry.
● Find out the flowability of the slurry (this is because flowability is
ultimately influenced by cement paste).
● Take 2 kg cement to be used and prepare cement slurry by adding 1-
liter water.
● Add 0.1% superplasticizer.
● Mix them in a mechanical mixer.
● Close the aperture of the marsh cone with a finger and pour 1-liter slurry
in it.
● Remove the finger and start stop watch at that moment.
● Record the time taken for the slurry to completely flow out from the
marsh cone. This time is called “marsh cone time”.
● Repeat the procedure altering the dosage of the superplasticizer.
● Plot a graph taking superplasticizer dosage as X axis and marsh cone
time as Y axis.

● Infrared Analysis of Admixture for Concrete

IS 9103 (1999)

Procedure

● Testing concrete admixtures is important to ensure that they have not

been adversely modified or altered. The most effective and timely
method of testing these chemical admixtures is by using an IR scan as
outlined by ASTM C494/C494M-11. Since ASTM C 494/C494M-11 is
the standard procedure, this study must stay within the boundaries of
this ASTM Standard.
 ● Parts of this standard are slightly unclear and had to be interpreted as
more and more scans were made. Another requirement was the drying
time for the Ottawa sand. It was found at the onset of this study that for
the sand used, a drying time of 10 h was sufficient to achieve the same
dry weight after 17 h of drying time.
● Several admixtures were dried at 10 h and at 17 h and the results
showed the difference in the dry weight from both drying time was
negligible.
● Reducing the drying time from 17 to 10 h was important given the
hundred of samples that were tested. These tests were performed using
an infrared spectrometer. These tests were performed using the Perkin-
Elmer infrared spectrometer.
● The individual pellets are placed carefully inside the spectrometer and
the machine passes a beam of infrared light through the sample.
● The spectrometer analyzes the amount of transmitted light and records
how much energy is absorbed at each wavelength.
● The computer then will record the sample’s wavelength versus
transmittance (or absorbance) spectrum and shows a plot similar to the
IR scans for twelve samples from three batches for admixture Pozzolith
200-N. These absorption characteristics provide information about the
molecular structure of the sample. Therefore, the IR scan is unique to
every material.
● Residue Content by Oven Drying
IS 3025-15 (1984)

Equipment & Apparatus

● Oven(3000c)
● Bottle
● Balance(0-10kg)
Procedure

● 25 to 30 g of preheated, completely dry sand is placed in a wide mouth

glass weighing bottle provided with ground glass stopper.
● The bottle with sand and stopper is placed in the electric oven and dried
for 17±1/4 h at 105±20 C.
● The bottle with stopper is allowed to cool to room temperature and its
weigh is recorded to nearest 0.001 g.
● The stopper is then removed and 4 ml of liquid is evenly distributed over
the sand with the help of a pipette.
● The stopper is then inserted and the bottle and stopper is placed in the
oven for 17±1/4 h at 105±20 C
● After drying it is cooled to room temperature and its weight is recorded
to the nearest 0.001 g.

Calculation

Weight of bottle and sand = W1

Weight of bottle, sand and sample = W2
Weight of sample = W2-W1
Weight of bottle, sand and dried residue = W3-W1
Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
IS 9103 (1999)

Equipment and apparatus

● Constant temperature bath

● Hydrometer
● Measuring cylinder (500 ml)
Procedure
● Take about 400 ml of the admixture and pour it into a 500 ml graduated
cylinder.
● Place the hydrometer in the cylinder and allow it to reach equilibrium.
● Once the hydrometer has reached equilibrium, take the reading at the
bottom of the meniscus for transparent liquids or where the meniscus
merges with the stem of the hydrometer for opaque liquids.
● Record the reading as the relative density of the liquid admixture.

Reports
The result of the test should be reported to the nearest whole number.