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CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEMS AND ITS BACKGROUND

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Construction materials in our world have come a long way. From the wood

and rock structures millennia ago, we now have superstructures that reach to the sky.

Much of this is because of the development of technology, particularly in the

production of concrete which is based on cement. A cement is a binder, a substance

used in construction that sets, hardens and adheres to other materials, binding them

together. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is the most common and popularly used

cement in the world, but another option which Portland Pozzolana Cement is has also

risen to prominence in recent times.

OPC is the acronym commonly used in reference to Portland Cement (or

Ordinary Portland Cement, which explains the “O” in the acronym). Ordinary

Portland Cement is the most common cement used in general concrete construction

when there is no exposure to sulphates in the soil or groundwater, it is designated as a

type of hydraulic cement, which means it is a type of cement that does not only harden

as a reaction to being mixed with water, but also became a water-resistant once it

cured, it is produced through pulverizing Portland cement clinkers, which consists of

hydraulic calcium silicates, producing a fine powder. The Portland cement clinkers

are initially created through heating a mixture of raw materials, the most important

being limestone. Secondary materials include a source of aluminosilicate often used

is clay, but could also be impure limestone, other common secondary materials are
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shale, sand, iron ore, bauxite, fly ash, and slag, these are heated at around 1450 °C,
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which is the standard temperature used for producing most cements in this day and

age. When water is mixed with OPC, it takes some hours to settle and gradually

hardens and increases in durability, this process can vary depending on the mixture is

and what the desired result Ordinary Portland Cement is the most prevalent because

of the readily available raw materials in the area where it is produced. This is the

reason why OPC is an ideal option for cement needs throughout the world today as

the costs of producing it is very low without compromising quality. Being a low-cost

cement product leads the OPC of being widely used in the production of concrete,

which is the most popular material used for construction in the world for roads, houses,

buildings, dams, and the like, aside from that OPC is also used for mortars and in

making grouts.

On the other hand, the Portland Pozzolana Cement on the other hand, is a kind

of blended cement which is produced by either intergrading of OPC clinker along with

gypsum and pozzolanic materials in certain proportions or grinding the OPC clinker,

gypsum and pozzolanic materials in certain proportions, it may be further discussed

as siliceous or siliceous and aluminous material or no cementitious properties but in

finely dived form and in the presence of moisture, chemically react with calcium

hydroxide at ordinary temperature to form compounds possessing cementitious

properties.

The two cements have their advantages and disadvantages. OPC has less

setting time than PPC so it is recommended in projects where props are to be removed

early while PPC is the best choice for mass concreting, plaster and masonry. When it
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comes to fineness, PPC has a higher fineness than OPC, it has a lower permeability,
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as a result it has durability, but due to its high fineness, it is difficult to handle than

OPC.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

This research focused on the study of characterizations of the two different

cement brands; pozzolan cement and Portland cement, most of the construction are

using these two cement brands. However, many of the construction industry in our

country still looks for the best and good quality of a cement that would reach their

standards. In general, at the end of this study, the researchers would be able to

differentiate the characteristics of the two cement brands, identify some of the

potential uses of the brands, Identify the testing factors that affect measured concrete

strength in the laboratory and Explain the term “workability” as it applies to the two

cement brands. Identify the four-main chemical "compounds" in cement and explain

each contribution to the behavior of the fresh and hardened cement.

1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The Civil Engineering Industry as well as the students have been wondering the

different characterizations of the cements, there are two types of cement, Ordinary

Portland Cement (OPC) which is the most common cement used in general concrete

construction when there is no exposure to sulphate in the soil or groundwater, and

Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) which is manufactured by using pozzolanic

materials as one of the main ingredient, this research, studied the properties and

strength of every brand of cement that would contribute to the construction industry. Page | 3
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1.4 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

This study is conducted to determine the following:

• The difference between the content and properties of Ordinary Portland Cement

(OPC) and Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC).

• The strength (compressive and flexural) of the different brands of cement.

• The determine the best cement to use on concrete.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This paper plans will help and contribute to the civil engineering industry

through knowing the different characteristics and qualities of a cement, this study is

performed for the welfare of everyone who hopes to build better quality structures, if

the study succeeds, then it will most likely be a valuable contribution to construction

industry and will hopefully be a means to create more cost effective and accessible

construction for the public.

The study will also help to analyze and evaluate variations in cement properties

and its effect on quality of concrete before choosing a supplier for a sustainable

concrete construction.

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1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

1.6.1 SCOPE

This study is composed of four different cement brands that would be

compared to each other according to its performance, and would undergo in four

different tests, which tests are flexural strength test, compressive strength test, slump

test and water absorption test.

For flexural and compressive strength tests, the researcher prepared six

specimens for each different brands of cement, and six specimens for test ages. There

are three test ages, the 7th day, 14th day and the 28th day. To elaborate, the

researchers conducted five laboratory tests, Strength test would come to two concrete

specimens for the batch age containing Holcim (OPC & PPC), Buffalo (OPC),

Island Portland CEMEX (OPC), MEGGA (OPC), Rizal CEMEX (PPC), Eagle

PPC and Republic (PPC) brand of cement, both flexural and compressive strength

test. For water absorption test, test ages would not be conducted, but still the

researchers prepared 4 specimens for this test. In total, we will prepare 54 sample for

compressive strength test, 54 sample for flexural strength test and 18 sample for water

absorption test.

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1.6.2 LIMITATIONS

The experiment was only limit to four lab tests, slump test, compression test,

flexural test and water absorption test. For each test, researchers prepared different

brands of cement; Ordinary Portland Cement and Portland Pozzolana Cement.

Slump test is used to determine the correct hydration of a batch of concrete. The

slump is the distance the wet concrete settles after the slump cone is lifted off, it is the

essential test, to test the workability of fresh concrete, it is also very useful in detecting

variations in the uniformity of a mix of given nominal proportions. All of the

specimens were subjected to immerse in water tank for curing process, and for the test

in UTM.

Compressive test is to determine the strength of the concrete cylinders at the

7th, 14th and 28th day of the casting period. The value obtained from the test must be

higher than the standard specified strength for the concrete cylinders to pass.

The main reason of water absorption is to determine the rate of absorption

(sorptivity) of water by hydraulic cement concrete, and by measuring the increase of

the mass of a specimen resulting from absorption of water as a function of time when

only one surface of the specimen is exposed to water.

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1.6.3 FLOW CHART

Collection of different
Ordinary
brands of Ordinary
Portland Portland Cement
Cement (OPC)
&
Collection of different
Portland brands of Portland
Pozzolana Pozzolana Cement
Cement (PPC)

Compute
Design
Mix

Conduct Test

Water
Slump Compressive Flexural Absorption
Test Strength Test Test Test

Y Examine the Data N

e o
s

Conclude what will be the

difference between OPC and PPC. Conclude if this
is a best quality
cement brand
(OPC or PPC)
Conclude what will be the most
that will be more
durable brand of cement.
efficient in
construction
industry in our
Conclude if this brand of cement is country.
more effective.

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1.6.4 PARADIGM OF THE STUDY

INPUT
IDEA AND CONCEPTS

• Books
• Journals
• Internet Articles

PROCESS

• Gathering of Materials
• Mixing
• Molding
• Curing
• Testing
• Discussion and Analysis

OUTPUT
Content, Properties and Strength
of Ordinary Portland Cement and
Portland Pozzolana Cement

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1.6.5 Hypothesis of the Study

1. The Portland Pozzolana Cement’s fineness may result to be more durable.

2. The different grades in every cement may have an effect to the concrete structure’s

firmness.

1.6.6 Test Summary

Table 2.1 No. of Sample that have been cure for Compressive Test

Brand of Cement 7th Day 14th Day 28th Day

Holcim OPC 3 3 3
Buffalo OPC 3 3 3
Island (Cemex) OPC 3 3 3
MEGGA OPC 3 3 3
Holcim PPC 3 3 3
Rizal (Cemex) PPC 3 3 3
Eagle PPC 3 3 3
Republic PPC 3 3 3

TOTAL = 72 Sample

Table 2.2 No. of Sample that have been cure for Flexural Test

Brand of Cement 7th Day 14th Day 28th Day

Holcim OPC 3 3 3
Buffalo OPC 3 3 3
Island (Cemex) OPC 3 3 3
MEGGA OPC 3 3 3
Holcim PPC 3 3 3
Rizal (Cemex) PPC 3 3 3
Eagle PPC 3 3 3
Republic PPC 3 3 3

TOTAL = 72 Sample
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Table 2.3 No. of Sample for Water absorption

Brand of Cement No. of

Sample
Holcim OPC 3
Buffalo OPC 3
Island (Cemex) OPC 3
MEGGA OPC 3
Holcim PPC 3
Rizal (Cemex) PPC 3
Eagle PPC 3
Republic PPC 3

TOTAL = 24 Sample

1.6.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

These terms were operationally used in the conduct of this study.

Aggregates - is a broad category of coarse particulate material used in construction,

including sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, recycled concrete and geosynthetic

aggregates. Aggregates are the most mined materials in the world.

ASTM - (American Society for Testing and Materials) an international standard

organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for

a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services.

Cement - is a binder, a substance used in construction that sets, hardens and adheres

to other materials, binding them together. Cement is seldom used solely but is used to

bind sand and gravel (aggregate) together, it is also used with fine aggregate to

produce mortar for masonry, or with sand and gravel aggregates to produce concrete.

Concrete - is a composite material composed of coarse aggregate bonded together

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with a fluid cement that hardens over time, most concretes used are lime-based
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concretes such as Portland cement concrete or concretes made with other hydraulic

cements, which is cement fondu.

Concrete slump test - measures the consistency of fresh concrete before it sets, it is

performed to check the workability of freshly made concrete, and therefore the ease

with which concrete flows, it could also be used as an indicator of an improperly

mixed batch. The slump test is used to ensure uniformity for different loads of concrete

under field conditions.

Compressive strength or compression strength - is the capacity of a material or

structure to withstand loads tending to reduce size, as opposed to tensile strength,

which withstands loads tending to elongate. In other words, compressive strength

resists compression (being pushed together), whereas tensile strength resists tension

(being pulled apart).

Coarse aggregates - are particles greater than 4.75mm, but generally range between

9.5mm to 37.5mm in diameter.

Curing - The process of maintaining satisfactory moisture content and temperature in

freshly cast concrete for a definite period of time immediately following placement.

Fine aggregate - are basically sands won from the land or the marine environment.

Generally consist of natural sand or crushed stone with most particles passing through

a 9.5mm sieve.

Flexural strength - also known as modulus of rupture, or bend strength, or transverse

rupture strength, is a material property, defined as the stress in a material just before

it yields in a flexure test. The transverse bending test is most frequently employed, in
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which a specimen having either a circular or rectangular cross-section is bent until
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fracture or yielding using a three-point flexural test technique, it is also represents the

highest stress experienced within the material at its moment of yield.

Pozzolans - are a broad class of siliceous or siliceous and aluminous materials which,

in themselves, possess little or no cementitious value but would finely divided form

and in the presence of water, react chemically with calcium hydroxide at ordinary

temperature to form compounds possessing cementitious properties.

Rectangular beam mold – a rectangular shape mold that used to pour concrete inside

to form a beam that used to be cast for flexural test.

Sieve – a device for separating wanted elements from unwanted material or for

characterizing the particle size distribution of a sample, typically using a woven screen

such as mesh or net.

Specific Gravity - is the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference

substance; equivalently, it is the ratio of the mass of a substance to the mass of a

reference substance for the same given volume.

Specific Weight - the weight of substance per unit volume in absolute units equal to

the density multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity.

Specimen - a sample of a substance or material for examination or study.

Steel Tamping Rod - used to tamp fresh concrete into a mold to eliminate voids and

excess air.

Water Absorption Test – used to determine the amount of water absorbed under

specified conditions.
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Water-Cement ratio – is the ratio of the weight of water to the weight of cement
used in a concrete.
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CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

2.1 Related Literature

Construction materials in our world have come a long way. From the wood

and rock structures millennia ago, we now have superstructures that reach to the sky.

Much of this is because of the development of technology, particularly in the

production of concrete which is based on cement. A cement is a binder, a substance

used in construction that sets, hardens and adheres to other materials, binding them

together. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is the most common and popularly used

cement in the world, but another option which Portland Pozzolana Cement is has also

risen to prominence in recent times.

OPC is the acronym commonly used in reference to Portland Cement (or

Ordinary Portland Cement, which explains the “O” in the acronym). Ordinary

Portland Cement is the most common cement used in general concrete construction

when there is no exposure to sulphates in the soil or groundwater, it is designated as a

type of hydraulic cement, which means it is a type of cement that does not only harden

as a reaction to being mixed with water, but also became a water-resistant once it

cured, it is produced through pulverizing Portland cement clinkers, which consists of

hydraulic calcium silicates, producing a fine powder. The Portland cement clinkers

are initially created through heating a mixture of raw materials, the most important

being limestone. Secondary materials include a source of aluminosilicate often used Page | 13

is clay, but could also be impure limestone, other common secondary materials are
 University of Perpetual Help – Calamba Campus
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shale, sand, iron ore, bauxite, fly ash, and slag, these are heated at around 1450 °C,

which is the standard temperature used for producing most cements in this day and

age. When water is mixed with OPC, it takes some hours to settle and gradually

hardens and increases in durability, this process can vary depending on the mixture is

and what the desired result Ordinary Portland Cement is the most prevalent because

of the readily available raw materials in the area where it is produced. This is the

reason why OPC is an ideal option for cement needs throughout the world today as

the costs of producing it is very low without compromising quality. Being a low-cost

cement product leads the OPC of being widely used in the production of concrete,

which is the most popular material used for construction in the world for roads, houses,

buildings, dams, and the like, aside from that OPC is also used for mortars and in

making grouts.

In relation to this, PPC refers to a form of Portland Cement which is Portland

Pozzolana Cement. PPC is produced when pozzolans are used in the mixture. A

pozzolana is a cement extender improving the strength and durability of the cement or

even reducing the costs of producing concrete, the term pozzolana came from the root

word “pozzuolana” which is a form of volcanic ash, the introduction of pozzolanic

into a hydraulic cement like OPC, or any similar material, leads to a pozzolanic

reaction. This, in turn, leads to a cementitious material that uses less cement but has

the same or even greater material durability than without this addition. A pozzolanic

material by itself has few, if any, cementitious properties by itself, but adding it into a

cement mixture would result in the above-mentioned results (provided the cement has
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a greater volume in relation to the pozzolanic material added). PPC could take a longer
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time to settle than OPC, but it would eventually produce similar results at the given

time, though volcanic ash is the first form of pozzolana used, this now includes natural

and artificial siliceous or siliceous, aluminous materials such as clay, slag, silica fume,

fly ash, and shale, note that some of these were effectively “waste” materials from

other processes but are ideal to produce PPC, with the production of PPC, the used of

overall OPC is greatly reduced in the mixture (by close to 50 percent) to produce the

same results.

Knowing about the differences and the relationship between OPC and PPC was

certainly useful, particularly for those in the construction industry. Determining which

of the two is best suited for the needs and costs of a project can be very important in

ensuring a successful endeavor.

[Link] Portland Cement (OPC) is the most common cement used in the world

because of the abundance and low cost to produce it.

[Link] Pozzolana Cement (PPC) is a variation of OPC which includes a mixture

of a pozzolanic material which can increase the strength of the concrete and reduce

the amount of OPC used.

[Link] is produced simply by grinding to a powder limestone and secondary materials;

PPC is the result of adding pozzolan or similar materials such as volcanic ash, clay,

slag, silica, fume, fly ash, or shale with OPC.

[Link] can greatly reduce the amount of OPC used in concrete.

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2.1.1 The Behavior of Portland - Pozzolana Cement Concrete in Aggressive

Environments by Alhassan A. Y. and Apata A. O.

Recently, large scale concrete structures such as nuclear power plants and

offshore structures were actively being built in aggressive environment in many

countries. Concrete exposed to the environment have deteriorated rapidly, requiring

expensive corrective measures. Most of these structures are exposed to sulphate and

chloride salts and various acids because of environmental pollution. The addition of

fine pozzolanic material reduces both pore sizes and porosity, and therefore increases

strength. In relation to the effect of pozzolanas on concrete strength, it would be stated

that type, amount and fineness of pozzolanas and also the type of cement were factors

that affect the strength of concrete.

(Collepardi, Marciatis and Turiziani, 1982 and Chenhzhi, Agin, Minghu

and Xiaoyo). Many researchers found that microstructures of concrete could be

improved as permeability decreased by adding supplementary cementing materials

such as pozzolanas (Ozyildirim, 1994, Neville, 2000 and Yeh, 1998).

The aim of this study was to experimentally investigated the effect of partial

replacement of OPC with different type of pozzolanas and at varying percentages on

the durability of concrete cured in different aggressive environment (CuSO4 and

NaCl). The strength of these specimens was evaluated by compressive strength.

Ash Analysis The results of the chemical analysis of the ash showed that the

total percentage composition of iron oxide (Fe2O3=8.6%) aluminum oxide

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(Al2o3=22.8%) and silicon dioxide (Si02=50.9%) was more than 70% minimum

requirement for a material to be termed pozzolanic

Workability Due to the micro filling and dispersing effects of the pozzolanas, the

slump loss for the concrete mix with pozzolanas was less than that of the control. For

example, the slump for concrete mix without additives was 50mm and that for

concrete with 10% 20% and 30% addition is 30mm, 25mm and 15mm. This reduction

in slump was similar to the other pozzolanas except for its degree, such effect is

beneficial to the ready mixed concrete.

Strength Due to the secondary hydration of active additive, in comparison with the

concrete without addition, the strength of the concrete with pozzolanas was decreased

at early age with increased of dosage of the pozzolanas and of additives type and

dosage of admixture, temperature of the environment, curing condition. In general, a

high-strength concrete could be obtained provided that high quality material was used

and a proper mix proportion was chosen. The blended cement concrete would have a

high strength at later age. A careful curing was beneficial to the development of the

strength. Durability In this study, the resistance to aggressive media (sulphate and

chloride) was studied by storage of specimens cured under standard conditions for 30

days, 60 days and 90days in 2.5% solution of copper sulphates and sodium chloride,

then the compressive strength of specimens were determined after 30, 60, and 90 days

curing, the results were compared with those of specimens stored in fresh water, it

could be seen from the test results with storage in 2.5%. copper sulphate solution and

2.5% sodium sulphate solution for 30, 60, and 90days that the corrosion resistance of Page | 17

concrete specimen with pozzolanas was much better than the control of specimen, the
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effect was better for those with more additives. This could be due to the active SiO2

in pozzolanas which react with the Ca(OH)2 in concrete to form secondary calcium

silicate hydrate and make it chemically stable and structurally dense, the permeability

of concrete was enhanced as well. In addition, the pozzolanas could reduce the content

of calcium aluminate in cementations material, leading to increase of sulphate

resistance of concrete from the results.

The fully calcined coal, clay and rice husk could serve as additives for high

performance concrete. Piling up of coal, rice husk in large amount seriously caused

the pollution of environment and there was latent danger of self-combustion for coal.

However, the utilization of these pozzolanas fell behind that of other industrial waste

such as slag etc., series of experiment were carried out and it was verified that like

other similar industrial and agricultural wastes, the coal and rice husk could be used

for concrete, provided that the proper mix proportion was chosen and high-quality

admixture was used to improve the properties of concrete. The studied materials could

be used in bungalows and where low strength was needed with percentage

replacement limited to 20%.

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2.2 Related Studies

2.2.1 A STUDY ON STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS OF ORDINARY

PORTLAND CEMENT DUE TO STORAGE by Lovely K M, Anniamma

Chacko

Quantification of the change in strength characteristics due to storage at different

conditions was the main objective of the study. The compressive strength of cement

was tested as per IS 4031. Figure 1 showed the effect of storage on 3-day compressive

strength of cement mortar cubes. It can be seen that compressive strength of cement

reduces with aging. The behavior on strength of cement with the two types of cement

was similar. The percentage reduction in the case of normal storage is more compared

to that of air tight storage.

The effect of storage on 7-day compressive strength of mortar cubes were

showed in Figure 2. It may be observed that the behavior is almost the same for both

types of storage due to aging of cement and in the case if cement mortar cubes, the

compressive strength reduces with storage period.

Figure 3 presented the reduction in 28-day compressive strength with different

types of storage. After 4 months of storage, the reduction was 46 percent for cement

with normal storage only 25 percent for air tight stored cement. Concrete cubes were

made with M 15 and M 20 mixes of cements with different types of storage to study

the effect on ageing. Tests were carried out conforming to IS 516. The cubes were

tested after 7 days and 28 days. It is evident from the figure that concrete mix made
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with air tight stored cement was superior in strength compared to concrete mix made

with normally stored cement.

Fig.2.1 3 Day Compressive Strength of mortar cube

Fig.2.2 7 Day Compressive Strength of mortar cube

Fig.2.3 28 Day Compressive Strength of mortar cube

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2.2.2 Effect of Chemical Composition of Ordinary Portland cement on the

Compressive Strength of Concrete by Arimanwa, M. C, Onwuka, D. O. and

Arimanwa, J. I.

This research work assessed the effect of chemical composition of ordinary

Portland cement (OPC) on the compressive strength of concrete. Scheffe’s simplex

technique was used to develop models for the assessment of the compressive strength

of concrete produced from five different brands of OPC available for construction

works in South Eastern Nigeria. Five (5) models were formulated, which were used

for the prediction of compressive strength of concrete if mix proportions were known

and vice versa. The result of this research work was intended to eliminate the difficulty

encountered by engineers in making appropriate choices of concrete mix proportions

through the traditional method. It provided a simple way of obtaining information

about the compressive strength of concrete made from different brands of OPC. The

models were tested for adequacy and the results from laboratory experiments were

compared with the responses of the model functions. Three hundred (300) sample

cubes measuring 150 x 150 x 150 mm were produced for compressive strength tests.

The result of the work showed that all the cement samples investigated substantially

complied with the requirements of the relevant British Standard Specifications. The

results also showed that the chemical composition of cement as well as the mix

proportions of the combining elements influenced the value of the compressive

strength of the resulting concrete. Cement Sample B produced concrete with the

highest 28th day compressive strength value of 27.96 N/mm2. The work concluded Page | 21

that cement with identical chemical characteristics would produce concrete with
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similar compressive strength values. It recommended Cement Sample B as the best

choice among those investigated, when resistance to compression and rate of strength

development were essence.

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CHAPTER III

TECHNICAL STUDIES

3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN

The concrete mix has proportion of [Link] of cement, sand and gravel

respectively. First, the researchers prepared all the materials and equipment needed on

mixing, using different brands of eight cement brand, four Ordinary Portland Cement

(OPC) and four Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC). Water-cement ratio was

maintained constant at 0.6 for all the concrete mixes. The concrete mixtures undergone

a slump test and results got 2 – 3 inches. After the Slump test, concrete by batched

were molded in the cylindrical mold 6”x 12” 72 pcs., beam mold 6”x6”x21” 72 pcs.,

and cylindrical mold 3”x 3” 24 pcs., in dimension with constant compaction of twenty

– five (25) strokes as per cylindrical mold using the tamping rod. Specimens were

prepared, for molding and demolding for 24 hours, all samples were immersed in the

fresh water using a curing tank for seven (7) days, fourteen (14) days and twenty-eight

(28) days. The 3”x 3” (24) samples were allowed to dry in air for moisture content

absorption. The other samples were tested using the Universal Testing Machine to

determine the compressive strength and flexural strength.

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3.2 RESEARCH SETTING

The gathered data that supported the study, were taken from the internet

international journals and articles, there were no local journals existing. The molding

of specimen was performed at Brgy. Mayondon, Los Baños, Laguna, the curing, the

testing for water absorption and compressive split tensile strength tests were done at

San Lorenzo Subdivision, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, at Perpetual Help Calamba Campus.

3.3 SOURCES OF DATA

MATERIALS

The materials in this study were consists of two different types of cement,

Ordinary Portland Cement and Pozzolana Portland Cement. Four brands of cement

were used for each type of cement, such as Holcim OPC, Buffalo OPC, Island

Cemex OPC, MEGGA OPC, Holcim PPC, Rizal Cemex PPC, Eagle PPC, and

Republic PPC.

Ordinary Portland Cement

(OPC) - is the most common

cement used in the world because

of its abundance and low cost of

production. OPC is produced by

simply grinding limestone and

secondary materials to a powder.

Figure 3.1 OPC and PPC
Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) - is a variation of OPC that includes a mixture

of a pozzolanic material that could increase the strength of the concrete and reduce Page | 24
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the amount of OPC used, it is the result of adding pozzolana or similar materials

such as volcanic ash, clay, slag, silica, fume, fly ash, or shale to OPC.

Table 3.1 Chemical Composition of PPC and OPC

Property OPC (%) PPC (%)
Loss on Ignition 2.05 1.05
Insoluble Residue 4.1 20
Total Alkalis 0.59 0.71
Chloride Content 0.07 0.01
SiO2 Content 28.7 23.5
Al2O3 Content 13.5 12.9
CaO Content 53.6 47
MgO Content 2.21 1.74
Fe2O3 Content 2.27 2.04
SO3 Content 2.9 2.21

The other following materials were also used in this experiment:

Sand as shown in Figure 3.2 is the

aggregate most of which passes 4.75

mm (No.4 sieve) and resulting from

the natural disintegration of rock and

which has been deposited by streams Figure 3.2 Sand

or produced by crushing hard stone and

Figure 3.2 Sand
natural gravel.
Sand
Gravel as shown in Figure 3.3 is the

aggregates that greater than 4.75mm

but generally range from 9.5mm to

37.5mm diameter resulting from

naturally crushed stone. Page | 25

Figure 3.3 Gravel

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Equipments

As shown in figure 3.4, UTM, (Universal

Testing Machine) is used to test the tensile

and compressive properties of materials.

This is where you compress an object

between two level plates until a certain

load or distance has been reached or the

product breaks. The typical

measurements are the maximum force Figure 3.4 Universal Testing

sustained before breakage (compressive force), Machine

As shown in Figure 3.5, Hot Air Oven as

is a device which widely used for

determining the effect of ageing on

various physical properties of different

materials by drying heat. Generally, they

can be operated from 50 to 300 °C, using

a thermostat to control the temperature.

Figure 3.5 Hot Air Oven

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As shown in Figure 3.6, Slump Cone with

Tamping Rod is a right circular cone that

is 12 in high. The base of the cone is 8

inches in diameter and the top of the cone

is 4 inches in diameter. The tamping rod is

used for stroking of concrete mixture.

Figure 3.6 Slump Cone with Tamping

Rod

As shown in Figure 3.7, Weighing

Scale are devices that measures

weight or calculate mass.

Figure 3.7 Weighing Scale

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As shown in Figure 3.8, Shovel a tool for

digging, lifting and moving bulk materials,

such as soil, coal, gravel, snow sand, or ore.

Shovels are used extensively in agriculture,

construction, and gardening.

Figure 3.8 Shovel

As shown in Figure 3.9, Trowel is one of several

similar hand tools used for digging, smoothing, or

otherwise moving around small amounts of viscous

or particulate material.

Figure 3.9 Trowel

As shown in Figure 3.10, Cylindrical

Mold Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe

with size 6”x12” used for Compressive

strength test, it is a hard clay mold used

for make a very simple cylindrical object.

It is where the concrete mixture was Page | 28

Figure 3.10 Cylindrical Mold 6”x12”
molded.
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As shown in Figure 3.11, Rectangular beam

mold that is made of steel with size 21”x 6”

x6”, is used for Flexural strength test.

Figure 3.11 Rectangular Beam

As shown in Figure 3.12, LCD Digital

Temperature Humidity Meter

Thermometer is a battery meter for

measuring relative humidity and

temperature. The Thermometer

Hygrometer could display three types of

temperatures around the sensor’s air via

several convenient procedures: The

ambient temperature, the dew-point Figure 3.12 Thermometer

temperature and the wet bulb temperature.

As shown in Figure 3.13, Cylindrical Mold

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe with size

3”x3” is used for Water absorption test, this

is hard clay mold for making a very simple

Page | 29

Figure 3.13 Cylindrical 3” x 3”

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cylindrical object. It is where the concrete mixture was mold.

As shown in Figure 3.14, Hydraulic Tilting

Flume tank used an

alternative container

for curing of concrete

specimens.

Figure 3.14 Hydraulic Tilting Machine

3.4 Experimental Plan Procedures

3.4.1 Preparation of Two Different Brands of Cement

The two different brands of cement were gathered at Buendia, Manila, Sta.

Rosa, Laguna, Calamba, Laguna and Los Baños, Laguna.

The material that will be used in preliminary laboratory experiment such as

coarse aggregates and sand were provided by the researchers and conducted at Brgy.

Mayondon Los Baños, Laguna.

3.4.2 Mixing and Concreting Procedure

PROCEDURE

[Link] PLATFORM

Clean and water tight platform should be used for mixing concrete. Construct a

platform of bricks or lean concrete or iron sheets, of a size as per requirement of the
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2. DRY MIXING OF CEMENT & SAND

Spread out the measured quantity of sand uniformly on the mixing platform.

Dumped the cement on the sand and distribute it uniformly. Mix the sand and

cement with the shovels, turn the mixture over and over again until it became

uniform in color.

3. DRY MIXING OF C.A. WITH CEMENT-SAND MIX

Spread out the sand-cement mixture once again uniformly on the mixing

platform. On top of this, spread the measured quantity of C.A (coarse aggregate). Do

not dump at one place; otherwise the bigger particles will tend to roll out. Mix again

at least three times by shoveling from the center to side, and then back to the center

and again to the side.

4. ADDITION OF WATER

Make in the middle of the mixed pile and pour slowly into half to three-quarters

of the total quantity of water required, while the material is turned in towards to the

center of shovels, then slowly add the remaining water, then turn the mixture until

the color and consistency are uniform throughout the pile. The water should be

poured slowly into the mix, this is best done by means of a gardener’s water that can

be fitted with a rose-head, throwing water from a bucket all at a time will result on

its running away and taking cement with it.

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[Link] FOR CONSISTENCY

A rough estimation of consistency of concrete could be made by doing the

following simple & quick field test.

Take a handful of concrete and squeeze it tightly in the hand. If the concrete is

mixed properly, released hand pressure and the shape would retain, also the surface

of the sample would be moist without water dripping out of it.

Figure 3.15 Hand Mixing Figure 3.16 Sampling

3.4.3 Slump Test

Slump is a measurement of concrete's workability, or fluidity.

It is an indirect measurement of concrete consistency or stiffness.

A slump test is a method used to determine the consistency of concrete. The

consistency, or stiffness, indicates the amount if the water that has been used in

mixing, the stiffness of the concrete mix should be matched to the requirements for

the finished product quality. Page | 32

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Concrete Slump Test

The concrete slump test is used for the measurement of a property of fresh

concrete, the test is an empirical test that measures the workability of fresh concrete,

more specifically, it measures consistency between batches, the test is popular due to

the simplicity of apparatus used and simple procedure.

Principle

The slump test result is measured the behavior of a compacted inverted cone

of concrete under the action of gravity. It measures the consistency or the wetness of

concrete.

Figure 3.17 Different Types of Slump

Procedure of Concrete Slump test:

1. Obtain a representative sample of concrete from entire batch. It shall be obtained in

accordance with method C-172 (ASTM volume 4.02 1987).

2. Dampen the mold and place it in a flat, moist, rigid non- absorbent surface.

3. Fill immediately the mold three layers, each layer approximately one-third of the

volume of the mold, upon filling the first layer which is approximately 2 5/8” (67mm)
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Tamper rod is 25 strokes, uniformly distribute and the stroke to the cross section to

ensure a good result. For the first layer these necessities inclined the rod slightly and

progressed with vertical strokes spirally towards the center. The rod should penetrate

approximately 6 1/8” (155mm) and top layer in accordance with the underlying depth,

after the top layer has been filled and rodded, strike off the surface of the concrete by

means of accreting and rolling motion of the trowel.

4. Remove immediately the mold from the concrete by raising carefully in a vertical

direction, make sure not to strike the sample and introduced torsional movement while

raising the mold.

5. Immediately measure the slump by determining the vertical difference between the

top of the mold and displaced volume of ample at its center.

NOTE: If there is shearing off or failing away of concrete from one side or partial of

the mass occurs, disregard the test and prepare a new test.

6. Record the consistency in terms of inches (or by its equivalent SI units) of substance

of the sample during the test. Slump- 12 (300mm) – inches of height after subsidence.

Precautions

In order to reduce the influence on slump of the variation in the surface friction,

the inside of the mold and its base should be moistened at the beginning of every test,

and prior to lifting of the mold the area immediately around the base of the cone should

be cleaned from concrete which may have dropped accidentally.

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Types of Slump

The slumped concrete takes various shapes, and according to the profile of

slumped concrete, the slump is termed as;

1. Collapse Slump

2. Shear Slump

3. True Slump

Collapse Slump

In a collapse slump the concrete collapses completely. A collapse slump would

generally mean that the mix is too wet or that it is a high workability mix, for which

slump test is not appropriate.

Shear Slump

In a shear slump the top portion of the concrete shears off and slips sideways.

If one-half of the cone slides down an inclined plane, the slump is said to be a

shear slump.

If a shear or collapse slump is achieved, a fresh sample should be taken and

should repeated the test.

If the shear slump persists, as may the case with harsh mixes, this is an

indication of lacking acohesion of the mix.

True Slump

In a true slump the concrete simply subsides, keeping more or less to shape
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1. This is the only slump which is used in various tests.
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2. Mixes of stiff consistence have a Zero slump, so that in the rather dry range no

variation can be detected between mixes of different workability.

However, in a lean mix with a tendency to harshness, a true slump could easily

change to the shear slump type or even to collapse, and widely different values of

slump could be obtained in different samples from the same mix; thus, the slump test

is unreliable for lean mixes.

Applications of Slump Test

1. The slump test is used to ensure uniformity for different batches of similar concrete

under field conditions and to ascertain the effects of plasticizers on their

introduction.

2. This test is very useful on site as a check on the day-to-day or hour- to-hour

variation in the materials being fed into the mixer, an increase in slump may mean,

for instance, that the moisture content of aggregate has unexpectedly increases.

3. Other cause would be a change in the grading of the aggregate, such as a deficiency

of sand.

4. Too high or too low a slump gives immediate warning and enables the mixer

operator to remedy the situation.

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5. This application

of slump test as

well as its

simplicity, is

responsible for its

widespread use.

Figure 3.18 Degree of Workability

Figure 3.19 Slump Test of Concrete Mixture

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3.4.4 Curing

After the test specimens were stored in moist air for 24hours, marked and

removed from the mold it will be kept submerged in clear fresh water until taken out

prior to test.

Figure 3.20 Drums for Cylindrical Figure 3.21 Hydraulic Tilting Flume

Specimen tank
3.4.5 Compressive Strength Test

Concrete is one of the most common construction materials in application,

from small to massive and high-rise building construction. Concrete is strong to

compression compare to its tensile capabilities. Although, it is necessary to conduct

compression testing on concrete to determine what would be the proportioning

suitable to any label of construction.

A. SPECIMEN PREPARATION:

1. Place a thoroughly-mixed concrete sample in a cylindrical mold in 3 layers of

approximately the same volume. The mold to be used for layers of approximately the

same volume. The mold to be used for test is a 4” (100mm) and 8” (200mm) depth of Page | 38

the layer being tamped. Void should be solved by tapping once awhile the sides of the
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mold. After the top layers has been rodded, finish the surface with a wooden trowel

and cover with damp material or plate in order to prevent evaporation and loss of

water.

2. After 24 hours, remove mold from the specimen, keeping at a desirable temperature

ranging from 16-27 C. Specimen shall not be exposed to direct sunlight rays and

running water, store the specimen in a moist room cabinet up to time of testing.

3. Prior to testing, cap the ends of the specimen with suitable material to make ends

even with perpendicular to axis of the cylinder. Cap shall be as thin as possible or,

capping could be done when the top surface of the freshly molded specimen is finished

with a thin layer of stiff Portland cement paste.

B. TESTING OF SPECIMEN

1. Measure and determine the average diameter of the specimen and also the height

including the cap.

2. Place and set the machine, wipe and clean the bearing faces of the upper and lower

bearing blocks and centrally place the specimen with the center of thrust of the

spherically seated block. As the gently movable portion to obtain uniform seating.

3. Apply the load continuously and without shock about 20-50 psi. (0.14 to 0.34 MPa)

per second.

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Max Load Computation:

Max Load= (Final Reading- Initial in psi) Area of kg/cm

Ram (in in2 OR cm2) Eq. 3.1

the
speci
mens
on
UTM

Figure 3.22 Compressive Strength test of the Specimen on UTM

the specimens on UTM

3.4.6 Flexural Strength Test

A. MOLDING THE SPECIMEN

1. Place the thoroughly mixed sample in mold, with its long axis horizontal, in layers

approximately 3in. in depth, tamper its layer 50 times per sq. foot of area. The top

layer shall slightly overfill the mold, after each layer has been rodded, spade the

concrete along the sides and ends of the mold with a trowel, after the rodding and

spading operations on the top layer, completely strike the surface with a straight

edge and finish with a widen float, cover top with damp material.

2. After 24hours, remove specimen from mold and cure until time of test, same as in Page | 40

compression specimen.
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B. TESTING THE SPECIMEN BY SIMPLE BEAM WITH THIRD POINT

LOADING

[Link] the specimen in the same position as when molded. Center on upper surface at

the third between supports.

NOTE: Mark the middle third of the specimen for future reference, apply the load in

such a rate that the increase in extreme stress. Increase the load until the specimen

fails. Record the maximum load carried by specimen.

[Link] the test measure the test specimen’s average width and depth at the section

failure.

Figure 3.23 Flexural Strength test of the Specimen on UTM

the specimens on UTM

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3.4.7 Water Absorption Test

Procedure for Concrete Specimen

The 12 specimens having a dimension of 3” x 3” containing various percentage

of replacement except the control sample were immersed in water at agreed upon

conditions, 23°C for 24 hours. Specimens are removed, patted dry with a lint free cloth,

and weighed. Then the specimens are dried in an oven for 12 hours with a temperature

of 100°C, and then removed to cool. Immediately upon cooling the specimens are

weighed.

Formula:
𝑊𝑤−𝐷𝑤
𝑥100 = 𝑃𝑊𝐴 Eq. 3.2
𝐷𝑤
Where:
Ww = Wet Weight

Dw = Dry Weight

PWA = Percent Water Absorption

3.5 PROJECT DESIGN

A total of thirty-six (36) pieces of beam and twelve (12) cylindrical molds with

dimensions 6”x12” and 3”x3” were made to cast for compressive test and water

absorption test respectively, and another thirty-six (36) molds of flexural beam with

dimensions 21”x 6”x 6” were also prepared for the flexural strength test.
Table 3.2 Properties of the Materials
Research Material Cement (OPC) Cement (PPC) Sand Gravel ¾”
Density (Kg/m³) 3150 2720 2650 1989
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3.5.1 Mix Proportioning

Mixing of concrete was made manually for about 20-25 minutes, using mixer

for about 10-15 minutes and the design samples has a volume equals to 0.0056 m 3,

adopting Class A mixture with a proportion ([Link]) for sand, cement, gravel and for the

cylindrical samples with replacement. The design proportion is as follows.

[Link] Proportioning for Concrete Cylinder

Table 3.3 Mix Proportioning for Concrete Cylinder

Research Proportion Density Volume Mass
Material (Kg/m³) (m³) (Kg)
Cement 1 3150 0.00056 1.76
(OPC)
Cement 1 2720 0.00056 1.52
(PPC)
Sand 2 2650 0.00112 2.91
Gravel ¾” 4 1989 0.00224 5.94

3.5.3 Mix Proportioning for Concrete Beam

Table 3.4 Mix Proportioning for Concrete Beam

Research Proportion Density Volume Mass
Material (Kg/m³) (m³) (Kg)
Cement 1 3150 0.00123 3.87
(OPC)
Cement 1 2720 0.00123 3.35
(PPC)
Sand 2 2650 0.00246 6.4
Gravel ¾” 4 1989 0.00492 13.04

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3.6 RESULTS AND DISCUSSSIONS

3.6.1 Slump Test

Slump is to determine the workability of concrete prior to casting. In this

investigation, slump test was carried for concrete with different brands of cement.

The concrete mixtures had undergone a slump test and results got to 2-3 inches and

classified it as a true slump.

Table 3.5 Result of Slump Test for Compression and Flexural Strength Test
Concrete Samples Water Cement Ratio Slump (mm) Slump (in)
Holcim OPC 0.5 – 0.6 70.36 2.77
Buffalo OPC 0.5 – 0.6 68.33 2.69
Island (Cemex) OPC 0.5 – 0.6 62.23 2.45
MEGGA OPC 0.5 – 0.6 63.25 2.49
Holcim PPC 0.5 – 0.6 63.5 2.50
Rizal (Cemex) PPC 0.5 – 0.6 55.12 2.17
Eagle PPC 0.5 – 0.6 57.91 2.28
Republic PPC 0.5 – 0.6 58.67 2.31

3.6.2 Compressive Strength test

For designers, compressive strength is one of the most important engineering

properties of concrete, it is a standard industrial practice that the concrete is

classified based on grades, this grade is nothing but the Compressive Strength of the

concrete cube or cylinder. Cube or Cylinder samples are usually tested under a

compression testing machine to obtain the compressive strength of concrete, the test

requisites differ country to country based on the design code.

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The test was conducted on a cylinder 6”x12” specimen. The obtained results

shown in Table 3.5, 3.6 and 3.7, Compressive strength test were analyzed and assessed.

Table 3.6 Compressive Strength Test Results after 7 Days of Curing

Test Age Cement Brand Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Average
(MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa)
Holcim OPC 8.65 9.77 14.14 10.85
Buffalo OPC 9.87 11.06 9.73 10.22
Island (Cemex) OPC 10.02 10.38 10.92 10.44
7th day MEGGA OPC 6.35 13.16 8 9.17
Holcim PPC 7.46 12.08 7.2 8.88
Rizal (Cemex) PPC 8.94 6.74 8.58 8.09
Eagle PPC 7.74 9.2 10.02 8.99
Republic PPC 8.13 9.15 8.5 8.59

Strength Development of Concrete after 7 days of Curing

Compressive Strength (MPa)

12 10.85
10.22 10.44
10 9.17 8.88 8.99 8.59
8.09
8

0
Holcim Buffalo Island MEGGA Holcim Rizal Eagle Republic
OPC Opc OPC OPC PPC PPC PPC PPC
7th Day 10.85 10.22 10.44 9.17 8.88 8.09 8.99 8.59

Chart 3.1 Average Compressive Strength Test Results after 7 Days of Curing

The compressive strength for 7 days curing period in Chart 3.6.2 showed that

Holcim OPC has the highest Compressive Strength which is 10.85 MPa in total

average and the Rizal PPC has the lowest Compressive Strength with an average of

8.09 MPa.

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Table 3.7 Compressive Strength Test Results after 14 Days of Curing

Test Age Cement Brand Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Average
(MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa)
Holcim OPC 15.5 11.95 15.38 14.27
Buffalo OPC 14.14 12.08 10.99 12.40
Island (Cemex) OPC 10.7 14.56 17.02 14.02
MEGGA OPC 16.77 13.70 11.35 13.94
14th day Holcim PPC 12.41 14.65 17.04 14.70
Rizal (Cemex) PPC 12.5 8.63 8.04 9.69
Eagle PPC 9.76 12.96 10.18 10.97
Republic PPC 10.52 8.98 8.37 9.29

Strength Development of Concrete after 14 days of Curing

16 14.27 14.7
14.02 13.94
Compressive Strength (MPa)

14 12.4
12 10.97
9.69 9.29
10
8
6
4
2
0
Holcim Buffalo Island MEGGA Holcim Rizal Eagle Republic
OPC Opc OPC OPC PPC PPC PPC PPC
14th Day 14.27 12.4 14.02 13.94 14.7 9.69 10.97 9.29

Chart 3.2 Average Compressive Strength Test Results after 14 Days of Curing

The compressive strength for 14 days curing period in Chart 3.6.3, this time

Portland Pozzolana Cement Holcim (PPC) got the highest Compressive Strength

which is 14.7 MPa in total average and the Republic PPC has the lowest

Compressive Strength with an average of 9.29 MPa.

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Table 3.8 Compressive Strength Test Results after 28 Days of Curing

Test Age Cement Brand Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Average
(MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa)
Holcim OPC 15.51 14.88 18.31 16.23
Buffalo OPC 14.97 15.20 15.88 15.35
Island (Cemex) OPC 13.12 14.70 16.55 14.79
28th day MEGGA OPC 13.16 14.90 16.55 14.72
Holcim PPC 16.20 11.66 16.25 14.70
Rizal (Cemex) PPC 10.78 12.10 18.03 13.64
Eagle PPC 15.08 12.08 12.49 12.49
Republic PPC 8.78 11.08 9.49 8.78

Strength Development of Concrete after 28 days of Curing

18 16.23
Compressive Strength (MPa)

15.35 14.79 14.72 14.7

16
13.64
14 12.49
12
10 8.78
8
6
4
2
0
Holcim Buffalo Island MEGG Holcim Rizal Eagle Republi
OPC Opc OPC A OPC PPC PPC PPC c PPC
28th Day 16.23 15.35 14.79 14.72 14.7 13.64 12.49 8.78

Chart 3.3 Average Compressive Strength Test Results after 28 Days of Curing
The compressive strength for 28 days curing period in Chart 3.6.4 showed that

Holcim OPC has the highest Compressive Strength which is 16.23 MPa in total

average, and the Republic PPC has the lowest Compressive Strength with an average

of 8.78 Mpa.

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3.6.3 Flexural Strength Test

Flexural testing is used to determine the flex or bending properties of a material.

Sometimes referred to as a transverse beam test, it involves placing a sample between

two points or supports and initiating a load using a single point loading based on ASTM

C293 and WSDOT Test Method No. 802.

The prepared design proportion of specimens was molded into a size of

21”x6”x6” rectangular each, three (3) samples was made respectively, after molding,

the samples were immersed in water for seven (7), fourteen (14) and twenty-eight (28)

days before to be casted for Flexural strength test.

Table 3.9 Flexural Strength Test Results after 7 Days of Curing

Test Age Cement Brand Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Average
(MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa)
Holcim OPC 7.72 8.72 8.7 8.38
Buffalo OPC 9.78 9.98 8.49 9.42
Island (Cemex) OPC 9.18 9.48 9.16 9.27
7th day MEGGA OPC 8.99 8.86 8.15 8.67
Holcim PPC 8.51 8.25 8.55 8.44
Rizal (Cemex) PPC 7.97 7.88 2.5 6.12
Eagle PPC 5.68 6.83 - 6.26
Republic PPC 5.67 5.51 5.45 5.54

Strength Development of Concrete after 7 days of Curing

10 9.42 9.27
8.67
Flexural Strength (MPa)

9 8.38 8.44
8
7 6.12 6.26
6 5.54
5
4
3
2
1
0
Holcim Buffalo Island MEGGA Holcim Eagle Republic
Rizal PPC
OPC Opc OPC OPC PPC PPC PPC
7th Day 9.42 8.38 9.27 8.67 8.44 6.12 6.26 5.54 Page | 48
Chart 3.6.5 Average Flexural Strength Test Results after 7 Days of Curing
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The flexural strength for 7 days curing period in Chart 3.6.5 showed that Holcim

OPC has the highest Flexural Strength which is 9.42 MPa in total average and the

Republic PPC has the lowest Flexural Strength with an average of 5.54 MPa.

Table 3.10 Flexural Strength Test Results after 14 Days of Curing

Test Age Cement Brand Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Average
(MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa)
Holcim OPC 8.81 7.91 8.63 8.41
Buffalo OPC 8.66 8.98 8.83 8.82
Island (Cemex) OPC 9.79 8.81 10.3 9.63
14th day MEGGA OPC 9.18 8.62 9.53 9.11
Holcim PPC 6.95 9.73 7.64 8.11
Rizal (Cemex) PPC 8.19 7.89 8.07 8.05
Eagle PPC 8.71 8.01 7.67 8.13
Republic PPC 6.82 5.92 6.81 6.52

Strength Development of Concrete after 14 days of Curing

12
Flexural Strength (MPa)

9.63
10 8.82 9.11
8.41 8.11 8.05 8.13
8
6.52
6

0
Holcim Buffalo Island MEGGA Holcim Eagle Republic
Rizal PPC
OPC OPC OPC OPC PPC PPC PPC
14th Day 8.41 8.82 9.63 9.11 8.11 8.05 8.13 6.52

Chart 3.6.6 Average Flexural Strength Test Results after 14 Days of Curing

The flexural strength for 14 days curing period in Chart 3.6.6 showed that Island

Portland cement (CEMEX) OPC has the highest Flexural Strength which is 9.63

MPa in total average and the Republic PPC has the lowest Flexural Strength with an
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average of 6.52 MPa.
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Table 3.11 Flexural Strength Test Results after 28 Days of Curing

Test Age Cement Brand Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Average
(MPa) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa)
Holcim OPC 9.87 11.06 9.73 10.22
Buffalo OPC 10.42 10.47 8.41 9.77
Island (Cemex) OPC 9.95 9.51 10.34 9.93
28th day MEGGA OPC 8.95 9.19 9.41 9.18
Holcim PPC 9.44 7.94 10.54 9.34
Rizal (Cemex) PPC 8.43 8.32 8.94 8.56
Eagle PPC 9.20 9.67 8.43 9.1
Republic PPC 9.09 7.55 8.39 8.34

Strength Development of Concrete after 28 days of Curing

12
Flexural Strength (MPa)

10.22 9.77 9.93

10 9.18 9.34 9.1
8.56 8.34
8

0
Holcim Buffalo Island MEGGA Holcim Eagle Republic
Rizal PPC
OPC OPC OPC OPC PPC PPC PPC
28th Day 10.22 9.77 9.93 9.18 9.34 8.56 9.1 8.34

Chart 3.6.7 Average Flexural Strength Test Results after 28 Days of Curing

The flexural strength for 28 days curing period in Chart 3.6.7 showed that

Holcim OPC has the highest Flexural Strength which is 10.22 MPa in total average,

and the Republic PPC has the lowest Flexural Strength with an average of 8.34 MPa.

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3.6.4 Water Absorption Test

One of the most important properties of a good quality concrete is low

permeability, especially one resistant to freezing and thawing. A concrete with low

permeability resists ingress of water and is not as susceptible to freezing and thawing.

Water enters pores in the cement paste and even in the aggregate. Water

absorption is also strongly affected by the moisture condition of the concrete at the

time of testing including the length of exposure and temperature. The data sheds light

on the performance of the materials in water or humid environments.

Water absorption is expressed as increase in weight percent.

Percent Water Absorption = [(Wet weight - Dry weight)/ Dry weight] x 100

Table 3.12 Buffalo Cement Percent Water Absorption

BUFFALO OPC

Air Dry Immersed Oven Dry Water

Trial
(g) (g) (g) Absorption %

1 900 915 858.9 6.53 %

2 870 880 832.1 5.76 %
3 915 925 864.4 7.01 %
Average 895 906.67 851.8 6.44 %

In Table 3.12, it showed that after computing the percentage of water absorption

of the 7-day immersed specimens, Trial 2 has the lowest percentage of water

absorption and Trial 3 has the highest percentage of water absorption.

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Table 3.13 Holcim OPC Percent Water Absorption

Holcim OPC

Air Dry Immersed Oven Dry Water

Trial
(g) (g) (g) Absorption %

1 905 923 850.9 8.47 %

2 900 916 862.3 6.23 %
3 890 904 840.7 7.53 %
Average 898.33 914.33 851.3 7.4 %

In Table 3.13, it showed that after computing the percentage of water absorption

of the 7-day immersed specimens, Trial 2 has the lowest percentage of water

absorption and Trial 1 has the highest percentage of water absorption.

Table 3.14 Island (Cemex) OPC Percent Water Absorption

Island (Cemex) OPC

Air Dry Immersed Oven Dry Water

Trial
(g) (g) (g) Absorption %

1 917 925.3 865.4 6.92 %

2 903 915 855 7.02 %
3 909 920.5 867.8 6.07 %
Average 909.67 920.27 862.73 6.67 %

In Table 3.14, it showed that after computing the percentage of water absorption

of the 7-day immersed specimens, Trial 3 has the lowest percentage of water

absorption and Trial 2 has the highest percentage of water absorption.

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Table 3.15 MEGGA Cement Percent Water Absorption

MEGGA OPC

Air Dry Immersed Oven Dry Water

Trial
(g) (g) (g) Absorption %

1 1009 1022 960.8 6.37 %

2 988 1007 948 6.22 %
3 1001 1015 956.7 6.09 %
Average 999.33 1014.67 955.17 6.23 %

In Table 3.15, it showed that after computing the percentage of water absorption

of the 7-day immersed specimens, Trial 3 has the lowest percentage of water

absorption and Trial 1 has the highest percentage of water absorption.

Table 3.16 Rizal (CEMEX) Cement Percent Water Absorption

Rizal (Cemex) PPC

Air Dry Immersed Oven Dry Water

Trial
(g) (g) (g) Absorption %

1 940 960 916.5 4.75 %

2 935 945 903.6 4.58 %
3 935 945 899 5.12 %
Average 936.67 950.00 906.37 4.81 %

In Table 3.16, it showed that after computing the percentage of water absorption

of the 7-day immersed specimens, Trial 2 has the lowest percentage of water

absorption and Trial 3 has the highest percentage of water absorption.

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Table 3.17 Republic Cement Percent Water Absorption

Republic PPC

Air Dry Immersed Oven Dry Water

Trial
(g) (g) (g) Absorption %

1 975 990 951.9 4%

2 920 930 868.8 7.04 %
3 940 950 906.7 4.78 %
Average 945.00 956.67 909.13 5.23 %

In Table 3.17, it showed that after computing the percentage of water absorption

of the 7-day immersed specimens, Trial 1 has the lowest percentage of water

absorption and Trial 2 has the highest percentage of water absorption.

Table 3.18 Holcim (PPC) Cement Percent Water Absorption

Holcim PPC

Air Dry Immersed Oven Dry Water

Trial
(g) (g) (g) Absorption %

1 970 985 943.8 4.37

2 980 995 949.4 4.8
3 985 995 958.2 3.84
Average 978.33 991.67 950.47 4.33

In Table 3.18, it showed that after computing the percentage of water absorption

of the 7-day immersed specimens, Trial 3 has the lowest percentage of water

absorption and Trial 2 has the highest percentage of water absorption.

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Table 3.19 Eagle Cement Percent Water Absorption

Eagle PPC

Air Dry Immersed Oven Dry Water

Trial
(g) (g) (g) Absorption %

1 1010 1015 989.8 2.55

2 1000 1005 979.4 2.61
3 1000 1005 958.2 4.88
Average 1003.33 1008.33 975.8 3.33

In Table 3.19, it shows that after computing the percentage of water absorption

of the 7-day immersed specimens, Trial 1 has the lowest percentage of water

absorption and Trial 3 has the highest percentage of water absorption.

Average Water Absorption of Concrete Specimens

8 7.4
6.44 6.67
7
Water Absorption %

6.23
6 5.23
4.81
5 4.33
4 3.33
3
2
1
0
Holcim Buffalo Island MEGGA Holcim Eagle Republic
Rizal PPC
OPC OPC OPC OPC PPC PPC PPC
% 7.4 6.44 6.67 6.23 4.33 4.81 3.33 5.23

Chart 3.6.8 Average Water Absorption Test Result

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3.6.5 Statistical Analysis

The gathered data on the compressive strength test, flexural strength test and

water absorption result with different types of cement Ordinary Portland Cement and

Portland Pozzolana Cement were statistically analyzed and interpreted. T-test using

Two-Sample Assuming Equal Variances were used to determine the significance in

the variables.

Table 3.20 Compressive Strength Test

Test Age: 7 Days
Cement Mean T-Value t Critical Remarks
Ordinary Portland 10.17 2.024 2.200 Not
Cement Significant
Portland Pozzolana 8.63
Cement

In table 3.20, presented that the relationship in the compressive strength of

different types of cement, such as Ordinary Portland Cement and Portland Pozzolana

Cement is not significant, it showed that the T – value is less than the t Critical

showing no significance.
Table 3.21 Compressive Strength Test
Test Age: 14 Days
Cement Mean T-Value t Critical Remarks
Ordinary Portland 13.67 3.066 2.201 Significant
Cement
Portland Pozzolana 11.17
Cement

In table 3.21, presented that the relationship in the compressive strength of

different types of cement, such as Ordinary Portland Cement and Portland Pozzolana

Cement is significant, it showed that the T – value is less than the t Critical showing
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significance.
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Table 3.22 Compressive Strength Test

Test Age: 28 Days
Cement Mean T-Value t Critical Remarks
Ordinary Portland 15.31 3.126 2201 Significant
Cement
Portland Pozzolana 12.65
Cement

In table 3.22, it represents that the relationship in the compressive strength of

different types of cement, such as Ordinary Portland Cement and Portland Pozzolana

Cement is significant, it showed that the T – value is less than the t Critical showing

significance.

Table 3.23 Flexural Strength Test

Test Age: 7 Days

Cement Mean T-Value t Critical Remarks
Ordinary Portland 8.93 3.719 2.200 Significant
Cement
Portland Pozzolana 6.07
Cement

In table 3.23, presented that the relationship in the flexural strength of different

types of cement, such as Ordinary Portland Cement and Portland Pozzolana Cement

is significant, it showed that the T – value is less than the t Critical showing

significance.

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Table 3.24 Flexural Strength Test

Test Age: 14 Days
Cement Mean T-Value t Critical Remarks
Ordinary Portland 9.00 3.497 2.200 Significant
Cement
Portland Pozzolana 7.70
Cement

In table 3.24, presented that the relationship in the flexural strength of different

types of cement, such as Ordinary Portland Cement and Portland Pozzolana Cement

is significant, it showed that the T – value is less than the t Critical showing

significance.

Table 3.25 Flexural Strength Test

Test Age: 28 Days

Cement Mean T-Value t Critical Remarks
Ordinary Portland 9.00 3.497 2.200 Significant
Cement
Portland Pozzolana 7.00
Cement

In table 3.25, presented that the relationship in the flexural strength of different

types of cement, such as Ordinary Portland Cement and Portland Pozzolana Cement

is significant, it showed that the T – value is less than the t Critical showing

significance.

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Table 3.26 Water Absorption Test

Water Absorption
Cement Mean T-Value t Critical Remarks
Ordinary Portland 6.69 4.919 2.200 Significant
Cement
Portland Pozzolana 4.44
Cement

In table 3.26, presented that the relationship in the water absorption of different

types of cement, such as Ordinary Portland Cement and Portland Pozzolana Cement

is significant, it showed that the T – value is less than the t Critical showing

significance.

3.6.6 Price of Cement

Table 3.27 Price of Cement

Cement Brand Ordinary Portland Cement Portland Pozzolana Cement
Holcim 221 211
Buffalo 210 N.A
CEMEX 217 180
MEGGA 200 N.A
Eagle N.A 195
Republic N.A 212

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CHAPTER IV

CONCLUSIONS

4.1 Conclusion

Portland Pozzolana Cement is a variation of Ordinary Portland Cement.

Pozzolana materials namely fly ash, volcanic ash, are added to the OPC so that it

becomes PPC. Pozzolana materials are added to the cement in the ratio of 15% to 35%

by weight. PPC has low initial setting strength compared to OPC but hardens over a

period of time with proper curing.

Based on Compressive test result after 28 days of curing as could be observe,

among the eight (8) kinds of specimen, the Holcim OPC consistently leads the

compressive test results obtaining an average compressive strength of 16.23 MPa.

The Flexural strength test, using the same specimen as could be observe, the

flexural strength for 28 days curing period shows that Holcim OPC has the highest

Flexural strength with an average result of 10.22 MPa and Republic PPC having the

lowest average test result of 8.34 MPa which is weaker compared to Holcim OPC.

In water absorption test, it was observed that Holcim OPC still leads and got

the highest percentage of Water Absorption after 28 days of test obtaining 7.4% of water

absorption and the Eagle PPC has the least test result obtaining 3.33% of water

absorption.

In summary, Holcim OPC leads all the three (3) tests conducted, within those

limits experience during the Flexural Strength, Compressive Strength and Water

Absorption Tests have shown that the mixture behave satisfactorily and produced good Page | 60

cement and the results passed to all standard requirements of the ASTM and PNS.
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CHAPTER V

RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Recommendation

• The researchers would like to recommend to use the right quality and type of

cement for a particular construction work or project

• PPC is recommended for brick masonry, plastering, tiling and waterproofing

works due to its slower rate of heat hydration, thereby PPC is prone to less

cracks and better workability and finishing.

• The researchers would like to recommend also Holcim cement for

construction works or projects that needs excellent strength due to its leading

strength test.

• OPC is also recommended for construction of residential and industrial

complexes.

• More trials with different percentage of replacement of coarse aggregate are

recommended to get different outcomes and possible higher strength.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

A. Publish Materials

1. ASTM C143 – Standard Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement

Concrete

2. ASTM C192 – Standard practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test

Specimens in the Laboratory

3. ASTM E8 – Flexural Strength Testing

4. D.L.N.B. Jayawardane, U.P.A.S. Ukwatta, W.M.N.R Weerakoon, C.K.

Pathirana “Physical and Chemical Properties of Fly Ash based Portland

Pozzolana Cement”

5. Lovely K M, Anniamma Chacko “A Study on Strength Characteristics of

Ordinary Portland Cement Due to Storage”

6. Rajendra Rajdev,Shalini Yadav1a and Rakesh Sakale “Comparison between

Portland Pozzolana Cement & Processed Fly Ash blended Ordinary Portland

Cement”

7. Arimanwa, M. C, Onwuka, D. O. and Arimanwa, J. I. “Effect of Chemical

Composition of Ordinary Portland cement on the Compressive Strength of

Concrete”

8. Shaswata Mukherjee, Saroj Mandal, Adhikari.U.B “Study on the physical

and mechanical property of ordinary portland cement and fly ash paste”

9. T. Yathish “Concrete Mix Design with Portland Pozzolana Cements”

10. Akash Sahu Dr S P Mishra “Analysis for Strength in Different Types of

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Cement Available in Chhattisgarh”
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11. Alhassan A. Y. and Apata A. O. “The Behaviour of Portland - Pozzolana

Cement Concrete in Aggressive Environments”

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