ADDIS ABABA SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY
UNIVERSITY
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Construction materials lab report
Group members Id, №
1. Besufkad yirgu ETS0310/14
2. Aymen Siraj ETS0236/14
3. Abreham Mulat ETS0100/14
4. Abrham Mekuria ETS0099/14
5. Abrham Belay ETS0097/14
6. Biruk Yosef ETS0380/14
7. Beakal Tizazu ETS0254/14
8. Bekam Ture ETS0271/14
9. Beamlak ETS0260/14
10. Abdi Haileyesus ETS0004/14
11. Amerti Tesema ETS0179/14
12. Betaneya Afework ETS0312/14
13. Abeba Mesfin ETS0025/14
14. Abenezer Tilahun ETS0002/14
15. Bereket Kefyalew ETS0299/14
16. Binyam Yohanes ETS0356/14
17. Binyam Amarebih ETS0360/14
18. Aaron Abiy ETS0001/14
19. Beamlak Fikadu ETS0262/14

1
Contents
1. Cement fineness test ........................................................................................3
2. Normal consistency of test of hydraulic cement........................................... ... 7
3. Initial and final setting time of a cement ...........................................................9
4. Soundness of a cement ....................................................................................12
5. Density of hydraulic cement test ......................................................................15
6. Silt content of a sand......................................................................................... 17
7. Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate ........................................19
8. Workability test ..................................................................................................21
9. Compaction factor test.......................................................................................24
10. Specific strength of cubic concrete specimen ...................................................27
11. Sieve analysis of aggregate ................................................................................30

Experiment number 1
2
Cement fineness test

Introduction
This experiment is carried out to check the proper grinding of cement. The cement which is produced
by an industry is checked for its quality, that either it is good for certain type of construction or it
doesn’t possess that much strength. For example, for RCC and other heavy load bearing structures
such as bridges it is essential that the cement which is being used in the concrete should have the
ability to provide the required strength, while in the PCC structures it is not so much critical. The ability
to provide strength of a certain type of cement is checked by finding the fineness of that cement,
because the fineness of cement is responsible for the rate of hydration and hence the rate of gain of
strength and also the rate of evolution of heat. When cement is mixed with the water, a thin layer is
formed around the particle. This layer grows bigger and makes cement particles to separate. Due to
this, hydration process slows down. Therefore, the smaller particle will react much quicker than the
larger particle. A particle with diameter 1µm will react entirely in one day, whereas the particle with
diameter 10µm takes about one month. So, the particle size distribution is more critical in attaining the
final strength of cement in allowable time. But too much of smaller particles in cement results in quick
setting, leaving no time for mixing, handling and placing. So, to increase the setting time of cement,
cement is ground in a different range of particle sizes. The following proportions are usually
maintained in Cement: About 10% of the cement of fine particles is smaller than 2 µm, 10% cement is
made of particles larger than 50 µm, and only few particles are larger than 90 µm. If the cement is fine
then greater is its cohesiveness, which is the property, required in the concrete because it gives
compactness to the concrete. The below table gives details about the percentage of strength loss for
different time intervals.

Age of cement Percentage of Cement Strength reduction

3 months 20%-30%

6 months 30%-40%

12 months 40%-50%

3
Objective
To determine the fineness of hydraulic cement by dry sieving

Theory
The fineness to which cement is ground during its production can have a considerable effect on the
behavior of the cement during hydration. Although it is true that if a cement does meet normal
specifications, changing the cement fineness alone will not solve concrete problems that arise in
practice, the fineness is nonetheless an important parameter. Of greater importance, the rate of
hydration increases with increasing fineness. This leads to both higher rate of strength gain and a
higher rate of evolution of heat. Since hydration takes place at the surface of the cement particles, and
further hydration is hindered by the formation of the reaction products, finer particles will be more
completely hydrated than coarser particles. Larger cement particles probably never hydrate
completely. Increasing fineness tends to decrease the amount of bleeding, but at high fineness the
amount of water required for workability for non-air entrained concrete is increased, which results in
increased drying shrinkage. It is also worth noting that high cement fineness requires a greater amount
of gypsum for proper set control, owing to the increased availability of C3A for reaction, and reduces
the durability of concrete to freeze-thaw cycles.

APPARATUS:
 Standard 150-µm (No. 100) or 75-µm (No. 200)
sieves

 Sieve pan with lid

 Sieve Shaking Machine (Optional)

 Weighing Balance

 brush

4
Material
Cement (About 50gm)
Procedure (by using Sieve Method)
1. Place a 50-g sample of the cement on the clean, dry 150-µm (No. 100) sieve with the pan attached.
(W1)
2. While holding the sieve and uncovered pan in both hands, sieve with a gentle wrist motion usually
for only 3 or 4 min.
3. When the residue appears clean place the cover on the sieve and remove the pan. Then, with the
sieve and cover held firmly in one hand, gently tap the side of the sieve with the handle of the brush.
4. Empty the pan and thoroughly wipe it out with a cloth or waste, replace the sieve in the pan, and
carefully remove the cover. Return any coarser material that has been caught in the cover during the
tapping to the sieve.
5. Continue the sieving without the cover as described in for 5 or 10 min, by rotating the sieve
throughout the sieving.
6. If the cement is in proper condition, there should now be no appreciable dust remaining in the
residue nor adhering to the sieve or pan.
7. Now, weight the residue retained on the 150µm sieve. (W2)
8. Then calculate the percentage of Weight of cement-retained on Sieve

For 100 g sample: IF

Weight of w2< 10 g: Cement is fresh.
Weight of w2 > 10g: Cement is not fresh.
OR
% age of fineness is greater than or equal to 90 %: Cement is fresh.
% age of fineness is less than 90 %: Cement is not fresh.

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Type of Cement: PPC
Quantity of cement taken for the test: 50g 555

Trial Weight of Cement Weight of Sample Fineness of Cement (%)

No. Sample (gm) Retained on the Sieve
(gm) Average (%)

1. 50 0.10 20 20

The fineness of a given sample of cement is 20%.

The cement is suitable for use in construction as the fineness of the cement is less than 10%.

Recommendation
 The cement sample should be dry.
 Accurate weighing is avoiding repeatability tests.
 Any air set lump in the sample should be broken down with fingers but it should not be rubbed
on the sieve. Wear a hand glove when rub the sample cement by hand.
 The sieve must be cleaned thoroughly before starting the experiment.
 The care should be taken to ensure that no cement is spilled. After sieving all residue must be
taken out carefully and weighed.

6
Experiment 2
Normal consistency test of hydraulic cement
Introduction
The standard consistency of a cement paste is defined as that consistency which will permit the vicat
plunger to penetrate to a point 5 to 7 mm from the bottom of the vicat mold. For finding out initial
setting time, final setting time, soundness of cement and compressive strength of cement, it is
necessary to fix the quantity of water to be mixed in cement in each case. This experiment is intended
to find out the quantity of water to be mixed for a given cement to give a cement paste of normal
consistency and can be done with the help of vicat apparatus.

Objective
To determine the quantity of water required to produce a cement paste of standard consistency.

Uses of the test

The determination of normal consistency of hydraulic cement is a test used to determine the
amount of water needed to produce a cement paste of standard consistency and to start the
performance of other lab tests that include the determination of initial and final setting time
of cement and soundness test on cement. This test is important for ensuring the proper
workability and setting time of the cement.

Apparatus
Weighing device
VICAT Apparatus
VICAT Mould
Plunger (dia. 10mm)
Glass plate
Measuring cylinder
Bowl, or tray
Trowel

Material
Cement (650g)
Clean (tape) water

7
Procedure
1. Take 650g of cement and place it in a bowl, or tray.
2. Assume standard consistency of water, add in cement, and mix it.
Note: the usual range of water-cement ratio for normal consistency is between 26% and 33%

3. Mix the paste thoroughly within 3-5 minutes. The time taken to obtain cement paste after
adding water is called gauging time.
4. Fill the paste in Vicat mould and taken off excessive paste remained using a trowel.
5. Then, place the VICAT mould on Glass plate and see that the plunger should touch the
surface of VICAT mould gently.
6. Release the Plunger and allow it to sink into the test mould.
7. Note down the penetration of the plunger from the bottom of mould.
8. Repeat the same experiment by adding different percentages of water until the reading is in
between 9-11 mm on the Vicat apparatus scale.
Observations and Calculations
Type of Cement: PPC
Quantity of cement taken for the test:450g
Trial Amount of Water Penetration of
No. Added (gm) Plunger (mm) Average (mm)
126.5ml 14mm 10.83
1.
126.5ml 12mm
2.
126.5ml 8.5mm
3.

Results
Percentage of water required for normal consistency of cement: 125ml

8
Experiment 3
INITIAL AND FINAL SETTING TIMES OF CEMENT

Introduction
In actual construction dealing with cement, mortar or concrete, certain time is required for mixing,
transporting and placing. During this time cement paste, mortar, or concrete should be in plastic
condition. The time interval for which the cement products remain in plastic condition is known as the
setting time. Initial setting time is regarded as the time elapsed between the moment that the water is
added to the cement to the time that the paste starts losing its plasticity. The final setting time is the
time elapsed between the moment the water is added to the cement, and the time when the paste has
completely lost its plasticity and has attained sufficient firmness to resist certain pressure. The
constituents and fineness of cement is maintained in such a way that the concrete remains in plastic
condition for certain minimum time. Once the concrete is placed in the final position, compacted and
finished it should lose its plasticity in the earliest possible time so that it is least vulnerable to damages
from external destructive agencies. This time should not be more than 10 hours which is referred to as
final setting time. Initial setting time should not be less than 30 minutes.

Theory
When working with cement in any form, (i.e., cement mortar, cement concrete), time is required for all
process like mixing, transporting, placing, compacting and finishing. During this process cement mortar,
or cement concrete must be in the plastic stage so that every process can be done easily (i.e., It should
not set and gain strength because after that it is difficult to work on it). While preparing and placing
cement mortar, cement concreting you have to complete all such processes in minimum of 45 minutes,
after this time cement mortar, cement concrete starting to lose its plasticity which is called initial
setting time of cement. Once cement mortar, cement concrete is placed, it should completely lose its
plasticity, so that external agencies may not harm it. This time should not be more than 10 hours (600
minutes) which called final setting time of cement.

Use of the test

 to know when the cement is starting to lose its plasticity. It is helpful in determining the time
needed for the concreting process, i.e., transportation, placing and compaction of concrete.
Initial setting time duration is also required to delay the process of hydration or hardening. Final
setting time of cement is important to know when the cement would be set. This testing of
cement is helpful to determine safe removal time of side of form or scaffolding.

Apparatus
VICAT Apparatus
VICAT Mould
VICAT Needle
Glass plate

9
 Weighing device
Measuring cylinder
Bowl, or tray
Gauging Trowel
Stop Watch

Material
 Cement (650g)
 Clean (tape) water, required for normal
consistency

Preparation of Test Block:

1. Prepare a neat cement paste by gauging 300 grams of cement with 0.85 times the water
required to give a paste of standard consistency.
2. Potable or distilled water shall be used in preparing the paste.
3. The paste shall be gauged in the manner and under the conditions prescribed in determination
of consistency of standard cement paste.
4. Start a stop-watch at the instant when water is added to the cement.
5. Fill the mould with the cement paste gauged as above the mould resting on a nonporous plate.
6. 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.

Procedure
For Initial Setting Time of Cement
1. Place the mould under the rod bearing the needle.
2. Lower the needle slightly until it rests on the surface of the cement paste. Tighten the set
screw, and set the indicator, at the upper end of the scale, or take an initial reading.
3. Release the rod quickly by releasing the set screw, and allow the needle to settle for 30 s; then
take the reading to determine the penetration.
4. Determine the penetration of the needle at this time and every 15 min thereafter (every 10 min
for Type III cements) until a penetration of 25 mm or less is obtained.
5. Record the results of all penetration tests and, by interpolation, determine the time when a
penetration of 25 mm is obtained. This is the initial setting time. For Final Setting Time of
Cement
For determining the final setting time
10
 6. replace the needle of the Vicat apparatus by the needle with an annular attachment.
7. The cement is considered finally set when upon applying the final setting needle gently to the
surface of the test block; the needle makes an impression thereon, while the attachment fails
to do so. Record this time as the final setting time.
Observation and Recording
Weight of given sample of cement is 650 grams.
Volume of water addend for preparation of test block 162.5 ml
S. No. Setting Time (Minutes) Penetration (mm)
1 00:00 45mm
2 30sec 35mm
3 24sec 24.99mm

Conclusion / Result

 The initial setting time of the cement sample is found to be 45

 The final setting time of the cement sample is found to be 24.99

PRECAUTIONS: Clean appliances shall be used for gauging. All the apparatus shall be free from
vibration during the test. The temperature of water and that of the test room, at the time of gauging
shall be 27 0C + 2 0 C. Care shall be taken to keep the needle straight

Experiment 4
Soundness test of a cement
Introduction

11
It is essential that the cement concrete shall not undergo appreciable change in volume after setting.
This is ensured by limiting the quantities of free lime, magnesia and sulphates in cement which are the
causes of the change in volume known as unsoundness. Unsoundness in cement does not come to
surface for a considerable period of time. This test is designed to accelerate the slaking process by the
application of heat and discovering the defects in a short time. Unsoundness produces cracks,
distortion and disintegration there by giving passage to water and atmospheric gases which may have
injurious effects on concrete and reinforcement. The apparatus for conducting the test consists of
small split cylinder of spring brass or other suitable metal of 0.5mm thickness forming a mould 30 mm
internal diameter and 30mm high. On either side of the split mould are attached to indicators with
pointed ends, the distance from these ends to the center of the cylinder being 165 mm. The mould
shall be kept in good condition with the jaws not more than 50mm apart.

Objective
 To determine the expansion of hydraulic cement.

 To determine the soundness of the given sample of cement by "Le Chatelier" Method

Theory
Soundness of cement can be defined as its ability to retain its volume after it gets hardened. This
means that a properly sound cement will undergo minimum volume change after it converts into the
hardened state. In the soundness test of cement, we determine the amount of excess lime. This test
can be conducted by Le-Chatelier method and Autoclave Method. Here we will discuss Le-Chatelier
method of determining the soundness of cement.

Uses
The testing of soundness of cement, to ensure that the cement does not show any
appreciable subsequent expansion is of prime importance

Apparatus

12
 Le Ch atelier’s Molds,
Autoclave, Water bath
Weighing Devices and Weights
Glass Graduates, 200 or 250-mL capacity.
Flat Trowel,
Rupture Disk
Length Comparator (Vernier Caliper) — for measuring length change of specimens.
Material
Cement (650g)
Clean (tape) water, required for normal consistency
Oil for greasing
Procedure

If the expansion is ≥ 10 mm, the cement is said to be unsound, which is not suitable for
construction.

Observation

Measurement taken
Measurement taken after 3
after 24 hours of
Trial hours of immersion in Expansion (L) (mm) Average Value
immersion in water
No. water at boiling (L1 – L2) (mm)

13
 temperature (mm), L2
at room
temperature (mm),
L1
23 37 14 12.6
1
17 29 12
2
15 27 12
3

Result of Soundness Test of Cement

Soundness for the given cement sample is 12.6 mm.

Conclusion
The cement is unsound expansion greater than 10mm

Experiment 5
Density of hydraulic cement test
14
Introduction
Specific gravity is defined as the ratio between weight of a given volume of material and
weight of an equal volume of water. To determine the specific gravity of cement, kerosene is
used which does not react with cement

Objective
To determine the specific gravity of given sample of hydraulic cement.

Theory
Specific gravity is used to know the behavior of the material in water. Every material has
its own specific gravity, and it usually ranges between 0.1 – 100. If the specific gravity of
the material is less than 1, then that material floats in water. If the material has a specific
gravity greater than 1, then it sinks in water. We know that Specific Gravity (density) of
cement is ranging between 3.1 to 3.16g/cc. By this statement, we can ensure that cement
is 3.1-3.16 times heavier than water of the same volume.

Apparatus
Le Chatelier flask
Weighing balance
Small spoon
Funnel

Material Used
Cement
Kerosene, free of water, or Naphtha
Procedure
1. Fill the flask with either of the liquids to a point on the stem between the 0ml and the 1mL
mark, then cover the cork, put it in a constant temperature flume, and immerse the scale part
into the water., then keep it at a constant temperature, and note the initial (first) reading V1
of anhydrous kerosene
2. Dry the inside of the flask above the level of the liquid.
3. Introduce a quantity of cement (about 64 g), weighed to the nearest 0.05 g, in small
increments, at the same temperature as the liquid. Take care to avoid splashing and see
that the cement does not adhere to the inside of the flask above the liquid. A vibrating
apparatus may be used to accelerate the introduction of the cement into the flask and to
prevent the cement from sticking to the neck.
4. Place the stopper in the flask and roll the flask in an inclined position, or gently whirl it in a
horizontal circle, so as to free the cement from air until no further air bubbles rise to the
surface of the liquid. If a proper amount of cement has been added, the level of the liquid will
be in its final position at some point of the upper series of graduations.

15
 5. Take the final reading, V2, after the flask has been immersed in the water bath.
Immerse the flask in a constant-temperature water bath for sufficient periods of time in order
to avoid flask temperature variations greater than 0.2°C between the initial and the final readings

The difference between the first and the final

readings represents the volume of liquid
displaced by the mass of cement used in the
test.

Calculate the cement density, as follows:

Observations
Description of item Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
Weight of empty bottle (W1) g 113 113 113
Weight of bottle + cement (W2) g 163 143 124
weight of bottle + Cement + 205 200 197
Kerosene W3 g
Weight of bottle + Full Kerosene W4 134 127 123
g
weight of bottle + Full Water W5 g 126 119 123
Specific gravity of Kerosene Sk = W4 - W1 / W5 - W1.

Specific gravity of Cement Sc = W2 - W1 / ((W4 - W1)-(W3-W2)) *Sk

Sc = (W2 - W1) * (W4 - W1) / ((W4 - W1) -(W3-W2)) *(W5 - W1

PRECAUTION:
1. Only kerosene which is free of water shall be used.
2. At time of weighing the temperature of the apparatus will not be allowed to exceed the
specified temperature.
3. All air bubbles shall be eliminated in filling the apparatus and inserting the stopper.
4. Weighing shall be done quickly after filling the apparatus and shall be accurate to 0.1 mg.
5. Precautions shall be taken to prevent expansion and overflow of the contents resulting from
the heat of the hand when wiping the surface of the apparatus.

RESULT: Average specific gravity of given sample of cement =3.09g/cc

Experiment 6
Silt content of a sand

16
Introduction
This test method covers procedures for an approximate determination of the presence of injurious organic
impurities in fine aggregates that are to be used in hydraulic cement mortar or concrete.

Theory
To determine the silt content of a sand

Apparatus
• Graduated cylinder (250 ml)
• Funnel
• Dish for taking sample
• Small size spoon

Materials
• Sand
• Clean water (tap water)
• Salt solution

Procedure
1. Take graduated cylinder or jar having a capacity of greater than 100ml
2. Fill a glass bottle [cylinder] to approximately 1/4 level with the sample
3. Fill approximately 3/4 level of the cylinder with water
4. Shake the cylinder vigorously for about a minute
5. Leave the cylinder for about 3-4 hours to allow the silt to settle on the layer of the sand
6. Measure the amount of fineness forming a separate layer on the top of the washed sand

Calculation

17
Observation result

Trial Volume of silt Volume of sample Percentage

No. Average
layer (V1) Sand (V2) of silt
1 5.625 62.5 9% 9%

Experiment 7

Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate

Introduction
The coarse aggregate specific gravity test is, used to calculate the specific gravity of a coarse
aggregate sample by determining the ratio of the weight of a given volume of aggregate to the
weight of an equal volume of water.

18
The coarse aggregate specific gravity test measures coarse aggregate weight under three
different sample conditions, Oven-dry (no water in sample), Saturated surface-dry (SSD, water
fills the aggregate pores), Submerged in water (underwater). Using these three weights and
their relationships, a sample’s apparent specific gravity, bulk specific gravity and bulk SSD
specific gravity as well as absorption can be calculated.

Objective
This test method covers the determination of specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate. This
test method is not intended to be used with lightweight aggregates.

Apparatus
• Balance
• Sample container (Wire Basket)
• Water Tank
• A 4.75-mm (No. 4) Sieve

Procedure:
1. Obtain a sample of coarse aggregate material retained on the No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve
2. Prepare the material.
3. Remove the sample from the water and roll it in a large absorbent cloth until all visible films of
water are removed. Wipe the larger particles individually. Take care to avoid evaporation of
water from aggregate pores during the surface-drying operation.
4. Weigh the sample in the Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) condition and record (B)
5. Immediately place the SSD sample in the sample container and determine its weight in water
at room temperature. Take care to remove all entrapped air by shaking the container while
fully immersed before weighing (C).
6. Dry the sample to constant weight at a temperature of 110 ± 5°C, cool in air at room
temperature for 1 to 3 hours, and weigh (A).
Constant mass shall be determined as follows:
Dry the sample for at least 1 hour at 110 ± 5°C. Record the weight of the sample to at least the
nearest 1.0 gram. Continue drying and weighing until the weight does not change more than 1.0 gram
at drying intervals of a minimum of 30 minutes

Calculations:
Knowing: A = Weight of the oven-dry sample in air, g.
B = Weight of SSD sample in air, g, and
C = Weight of saturated sample in water, g.

19
Note that the quantity (B – C) is the mass of water displaced by the SSD aggregate sample. In
the apparent specific gravity calculation, the mass of the SSD aggregate sample is replaced by the
mass of the oven-dry aggregate sample (A replaces B), which means that the water
permeable voids within the aggregate are not included and (A – C) is the mass of water
displaced by the oven-dry sample.
Conclusion
The water absorption of the sample is increased due to the material is porous since it is
related to porosity.

Experiment 8
Determination Workability of Fresh Concrete by Slump Cone Test
Theory

20
The word workability or workable concrete signifies much wider and deeper meaning than the other
terminology consistency often used loosely for workability. Consistency is a general term to indicate the
degree of fluidity or the degree of mobility.
The factors helping concrete to have more lubricating effect to reduce internal friction for
helping easy compaction are given below:
(a) Water Content
(b) Mix Proportions
(c) Size of Aggregates
(d) Shape of Aggregates
(e) Surface Texture of Aggregate
(f) Grading of Aggregate
(g) Use of Admixtures.
Measurement of Workability
(a) Slump Test
(b) Compacting Factor Test
(c) Flow Test
(d) Kelly Ball Test
(e) Vee Bee Consistometer Test.
Slump Test: Slump test is the most commonly used method of measuring consistency of concrete which
can be employed either in laboratory or at site of work. It is not a suitable method for very wet or very dry
concrete. It does not measure all factors contributing to workability, nor is it always representative of the
placability of the concrete.
The pattern of slump is shown in Fig. It indicates the characteristic of concrete in addition to the slump
value. If the concrete slumps evenly it is called true slump. If one half of the cone slides down, it is called
shear slump. In case of a shear slump, the slump value is measured as the difference in height between the
height of the mould and the average value of the subsidence.
objective
To determine the relative consistency of freshly mixed concrete by the use of Slump Test.
Apparatus:
The Slump Cone apparatus for conducting the slump test essentially consists of a metallic mould in the form
of a frustum of a cone having the internal dimensions as under: Bottom diameter: 20 cm, Top diameter: 10
cm, Height: 30 cm and the thickness of the metallic sheet for the mould should not be thinner than 1.6 mm
Weights and weighing device, Tamper (16 mm in diameter and 600 mm length), Ruler, Tools and containers
for mixing, or concrete mixer etc.

21
Procedure:
1. Dampen the mold and place it on a flat, moist, nonabsorbent (rigid) surface. It shall be held firmly in place
during filling by the operator standing on the two-foot pieces. Immediately fill the mold in three layers, each
approximately one third the volume of the mold.
2. Rod each layer with 25 strokes of the tamping rod. Uniformly distribute the strokes over the cross section
of each layer.
3. In filling and rodding the top layer, heap the concrete above the mold before rodding start. If the rodding
operation results in subsidence of the concrete below the top edge of the mold, add additional concrete to
keep an excess of concrete above the top of the mold at all time.
4. After the top layer has been rodded, strike off the surface of the concrete by means of screeding and
rolling motion of the tamping rod.
5. Remove the mold immediately from the concrete by raising it carefully in the vertical direction. Raise the
mold a distance of 300 mm in 5 ± 2 sec by a steady upward lift with no lateral or torsional motion.
6. Immediately measure the slump by determining the vertical difference between top of the mold and the
displace original center of the top surface of the specimen. Complete the entire test from the start of the
filling through removal of the mold without interruption and complete it within 2½ min.
7. If a decided falling away or shearing off of concrete from one side or portion of the mass occurs, disregard
the test and make a new test on another portion of the sample. If two consecutive tests on a sample of
concrete show a falling away or shearing off of a portion of concrete from the mass of specimen, the
concrete lacks necessary plasticity and cohesiveness for the slump test to be applicable.

22
8. After completion of the test, the sample may be used for casting of the specimens for the future testing.

Observation:
1. The vertical difference between top of the mold and the displaces original center of the top
surface of the specimen …0……… mm
2. The pattern of slump is shown True Slump/Shear Slump/ Collapse Slump.
Conclusion / R:
The slump of concrete …00……... mm indicate low Degree of workability.

23
Experiment 9
Compaction factor test
Introduction
The compaction factor is defined as the ratio of the weight of partially compacted concrete to the
weight of fully compacted concrete. It shall be stated to the nearest second decimal place.
Theory
This test is adopted to determine workability of concrete where nominal size of aggregate does not
exceed 40 mm. It is based on the definition, that workability is that property of concrete, which
determines the amount of work required to produce full compaction. The test consists essentially of
applying a standard amount of work to standard quantity of concrete and measuring the resulting
compaction.
Objective
To determine the workability of concrete mix of given proportion by compaction factor test.

Apparatus
Compaction factor apparatus, trowel weighing machine conical hoppers mounted vertically above the
cylindrical mould. The upper mould has internal dimensions as top dia 25 cm bottom dia 12.5 cm and
height 22.5 cm. The lower hopper has internal dimensions, top 22.5cm bottom dia 12.5cm and height
22.5cm. The cylinder has internal dimensions as 15 cm dia and 30cm height. The dimensions between
bottom of the upper hopper and top of the lower hopper, bottom of the lower hopper and top of
cylinder are 20 cm, each case. The lower ends of the hoppers are filled with quick release trap doors.

PROCEDURE:
Conduct test for W/c ratio 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, and 0.8, for each mix take 10 kg of coarse aggregate 5kg of fine
aggregate and 2.5 Kg of cement.
1. Grease the inner surface of the hoppers and the cylinder.
2. Fasten the hopper doors.
3. Weigh the empty cylinder accurately (Wt. Kgs).
4. Fix the cylinder on the base with fly nuts and bolts
5. Mix coarse and fine aggregates and cement dry until the mixture is uniform in
color and then with water until concrete appears to be homogeneous.
6. Fill the freshly mixed concrete in upper hopper gently with trowel without compacting.
7. Release the trap door of the upper hopper and allow the concrete of fall into the
lower hopper bringing the concrete into standard compaction.

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8. Immediately after the concrete comes to rest, open the trap door of the lower hopper and
allow the concrete to fall into the cylinder, bringing the concrete into standard compaction.
9. Remove the excess concrete above the top of the cylinder by a trowel.
10.Find the weight of cylinder i.e. cylinder filled with partially compacted concrete (W2 kgs)
11. Refill the cylinder with same sample of concrete in approx. 4 layers, tamping each
layer with tamping for 25 times in order to obtain full compaction of concrete.
12.Level the mix and weigh the cylinder filled with fully compacted concrete (W3 Kg)
13.Repeat the procedure for different for different a trowel.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Weight of uncompacted: 14.234kg
Weight of compacted: 14.525kg

PRECAUTIONS:
1. The top hopper must be filled gently.
2. The mix should not be pressed or compacted in the hopper.
3. If the concrete in the hopper does not fall through when the trap door is released, it should
be freed by passing a metal rod. A single steady penetration will usually affect release.
COMMENTS: It is more sensitive, precise than slump test and is particularly useful to
concrete mixes of low workability

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26
Experiment 10
Compressive Strength of Cubic Concrete Specimens
Theory
Age at Test - Tests shall be made at recognized ages of the test specimens, the most usual being 7 and
28 days. Where it may be necessary to obtain the early strengths, tests may be made at the ages of 24
hours ±½ hour and 72 hours ± 2 hours. The ages shall be calculated from the time of the addition of
water to the dry ingredients. Number of Specimens - At least three specimens, preferably from
different batches, shall be made for testing at each selected age.
Objective:
The test method covers determination of compressive strength of cubic concrete specimens. It consists
of applying a compressive axial load to molded cubes at a rate which is within a prescribed range until
failure occurs.

Apparatus:
Testing Machine - The testing machine may be of any reliable type, of sufficient capacity for the tests
and capable of applying the load at the rate specified in 5.5. The permissible error shall be not greater
than ± 2 percent of the maximum load.
Cube Molds - The mould shall be of 150 mm size. Cylinders -The cylindrical mould shall be of 150 mm
diameter and 300 mm height and weighing device, Tools and containers for mixing, Tamper (square in
cross section) etc.

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Procedure:
1. Sampling of Materials - Samples of aggregates for each batch of concrete shall be of the desired
grading and shall be in an air-dried condition. The cement samples, on arrival at the laboratory, shall be
thoroughly mixed dry either by hand or in a suitable mixer in such a manner as to ensure the greatest
possible blending and uniformity in the material.
2. Proportioning - The proportions of the materials, including water, in concrete mixes used for
determining the suitability of the materials available, shall be similar in all respects to those to be
employed in the work.
3. Weighing - The quantities of cement, each size of aggregate, and water for each batch shall be
determined by weight, to an accuracy of 0.1 percent of the total weight of the batch.
4. Mixing Concrete - The concrete shall be mixed by hand, or preferably, in a laboratory batch mixer, in
such a manner as to avoid loss of water or other materials. Each batch of concrete shall be of such a
size as to leave about 10 percent excess after moulding the desired number of test specimens.
5. Mould - Test specimens cubical in shape shall be 15 × 15 × 15 cm. If the largest nominal size of the
aggregate does not exceed 2 cm, 10 cm cubes may be used as an alternative. Cylindrical test specimens
shall have a length equal to twice the diameter.
6. Compacting - The test specimens shall be made as soon as practicable after mixing, and in such a
way as to produce full compaction of the concrete with neither segregation nor excessive laitance.
7. Curing - The test specimens shall be stored in a place, free from vibration, in moist air of at least 90
percent relative humidity and at a temperature of 27° ± 2°C for 24 hours ± ½ hour from the time of
addition of water to the dry ingredients.
8. Placing the Specimen in the Testing Machine - The bearing surfaces of the testing machine shall be
wiped clean and any loose sand or other material removed from the surfaces of the specimen which
are to be in contact with the compression platens.
9. In the case of cubes, the specimen shall be placed in the machine in such a manner that the load
shall be applied to opposite sides of the cubes as cast, that is, not to the top and bottom.
10. The axis of the specimen shall be carefully aligned with the centre of thrust of the spherically
seated platen. No packing shall be used between the faces of the test specimen and the steel platen of
the testing machine.
11. The load shall be applied without shock and increased continuously at a rate of approximately 140
kg/sq cm/min until the resistance of the specimen to the increasing load breaks down and no greater
load can be sustained.

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12. The maximum load applied to the specimen shall then be recorded and the appearance of the
concrete and any unusual features in the type of failure shall be noted.

Conclusion / R:
Cube size 100:100:100
Sample cube 11
i) The Compressive Strength of concrete sample is found to be ….352.4kn.…..

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Experiment 11
Sieve analysis of aggregate

Introduction
This test results are used to determine compliance of the particle size distribution with applicable specification
requirements and to provide necessary data for control of the production of various aggregate products and
mixtures containing aggregates. The data may also be useful in developing relationships concerning porosity
and packing. This test method covers the determination of the particle size distribution of fine and coarse
aggregates by sieving

Objective
To determine size of aggregate

Apparatus
Balances
Standard sieve for fine aggregate- 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm,
600 microns, 300 microns, 150 microns.

Standard sieve for coarse aggregate- 75mm, 63mm, 37.5mm,

19mm, 13.2mm, 9.5mm, 4.75mm.

Lid and pan

Mechanical Sieve Shaker
Use of a mechanical sieve shaker is recommended when the size of the
sample is 20 kg or greater, and may be used for smaller samples, including
fine aggregate.
Oven
Brush
Material
Sand (about 500gm)
Gravel (about 2kg)

Referenced Documents
ASTM Standards: C 136 – 01 Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and
1
Coarse Aggregates
Procedure

1. Dry the sample to a constant weight at a temperature of 110 + 5oC and weigh.
2. Select sieves with suitable openings
3. Weigh the empty sieves and record data
4. Nest the sieves, with pan, in order of decreasing size of opening from top to bottom
5. Place the sample on the top sieve and close the lid,
6. Agitate the sieves by mechanical apparatus for about 2 minutes.
7. Weigh each sieve together with the aggregate retained on.
8. Calculate the weight of sample retained on each sieve

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 9. Calculate the total percentage of material passing each sieve
10. Calculate Fineness Modulus, by adding cumulative percentages of aggregates retained on each sieve,
and dividing the sum by 100

Precaution
Prevent an overload of material on an individual sieve by one of the following methods:

 Insert an additional sieve with opening size intermediate between the sieve that
may be overloaded and the sieve immediately above that sieve in the original set
of sieves.
 Split the sample into two or more portions, sieving each portion individually.
Combine the masses of the several portions retained on a specific sieve before
calculating the percentage of the sample on the sieve.
 Use sieves having a larger frame size and providing greater sieving area.
Weight of Sieve and
Cumulative Weight
Retained (gm)
Sieve Size Retained (gm)

9.55mm 576.46 577.30

1 4.75mm 618.56 630.50
2 2.36mm 576.27 599.65
3 1.18mm 542.40 607.28
4 600mic 498.90 663.67
5 300mic 461.71 632.54
150mic 430.27 509.88
pan 448.20 476.30

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