CE F230: CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIALS

LABORATORY MANUAL
 LIST OF EXPERIMENTS

Sl. No Name of the experiment

Cycle I

E1 Fineness of cement and Specific Gravity of Cement

E2 Normal consistency of cement

E3 Initial setting and final setting time of cement

E4 Testing of bricks: Determination of compressive strength

E5 Water absorption and efflorescence of Bricks

Cycle II

E6 Tensile test and elongation of steel reinforcement

E7 Sieve analysis of Fine aggregate with zoning

E8 Workability test: Vee Bee Consistometer

E9 Workability by compaction factor test

Design the concrete mix for given strength as per IS code procedure and Determine
E10
the Slump, Compare compressive strength and split tensile strength of concrete

Demonstration of NDT Techniques : Rebound hammer test and Ultrasonic Pulse

E11-D1
velocity test

E12-D2 Demonstration of sophisticated analytical techniques for construction materials

Cycle I
 EXPERIMENT No: 1 (a)

FINENESS OF CEMENT BY SIEVING METHOD

(IS: 269-1989 and IS: 4031-1988)

AIM: To determine the fineness of the given sample of cement by dry sieving method

APPARATUS: IS-90 micron sieve conforming to IS: 460-1965, standard balance, nylon or
pure brittle brush

MATERIAL USED: Dry cement.

PURPOSE OF TEST: The purpose of test is to find out the quantity of coarse material
present in the cement. It is an indirect test of fineness of cement.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEST:

Fineness: Cement is the form of powder, which is obtained by grinding the various raw
materials after calcimining. The grinding process produces finer particles of cement. The
degree to which the cement is ground to smaller and smaller particles is called fineness of
cement.

Effect of fineness on properties of cement: During the use of cement in the structure water
is mixed with cement. A chemical reaction takes place between water and cement, and it is
called as hydration. The strength of the cement concrete or mortar develops with hydration.
More the rate of hydration faster the development of strength. Finer the cement higher the
rate of hydration and so faster the development of strength. This is because finer cement
offers greater surface area of particles for hydration.

Advantages of using finer cement: The cement develops strength earlier and so formwork
can be removed earlier thus reducing the cost of construction

Disadvantage of using finer cement: The finely ground cement is likely to deteriorate
earlier due to setting because of moisture in air. The Increase in fineness of cement is also
found to increase the drying shrinkage of concrete.
Method of finding fineness of cement: Fineness of cement is tested either by sieving or by
determination of specific surface by air-permeability apparatus.

FINENESS BY SIEVING:

PROCEDURE:

1. Weigh 100 g of cement (W1) to the nearest 0.1g and place it on a standard 90 micron IS
sieve.
2. Break the air set lumps in the sample with fingers.
3. Agitate the sieve by swirling, planetary and linear movements, until no more material
passes through it.
4. Collect the residue left on the sieve, using the brush if necessary.
5. Weigh the residue. Let weight of the residue is 'W2'. As per IS code provisions, the
percentage residue should not exceed 10%.
6. Repeat the procedure for two more cement samples, and calculate the mean of the
values.

OBSERVATIONS:

Weight of the sample Weight of residue Fineness (%)

Fineness (%) = (W2/W1) x 100 =

PRECAUTIONS:

Air set lumps in the cement sample are to be crushed using fingers and not to be pressed with
the sieve. Sieving shall be done holding the sieve in both hands and with gentle wrist motion.
More or less continuous rotation of the sieve shall be carried out throughout sieving.

REQUIREMENT:
As per IS 269-1989, the residue by weight on 90 micron IS sieve by dry sieving should not
exceed 10% by weight of the ordinary Portland cement. Coarser material more than 10%
signifies less fine cement.

RESULT:

Fineness of given sample of cement =

DISCUSSION (Need to be filled by the students in not less than 200 words):

10 Signature of Instructor

REMARKS

r
 EXPERIMENT No: 1 (b)

SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF CEMENT

AIM: To determine specific gravity of cement.

APPARATUS: Specific Gravity bottle-100 ml capacity, Balance capable of weighing

accurately up to 0.1gm.

PROCEDURE:

1. Weigh a clean, dry, Le-Chatelier’s flask or specific gravity bottle with stopper (W1).
2. Place sample of cement up to half of flask about 500gms and weigh with its stopper (W2).
3. Add kerosene (polar liquid) to cement in flask till it’s about half full mix thoroughly with
glass rod to remove entrapped air continue strings & add more kerosene, till its flush with
graduated mark. Now weigh the bottle (W3).
4. Now remove the cement and kerosene and clean it thoroughly. Fill the bottle with
kerosene and weight it (W4).

OBSERVATIONS:

Weight of empty flask W1 =

Weight of empty flask + cement W2 =

Weight of empty flask + cement + kerosene W3 =

Weight of empty flask + kerosene W4 =

Specific Gravity of kerosene GK =

𝑊2 − 𝑊1
Specific Gravity of cement = (𝑊 ) − ( 𝑊3 − 𝑊4 ) ∗ 𝐺𝐾
2 − 𝑊1

=
PRECAUTIONS:

1. The cement sample should be perfectly dry and clean and take weight along with liquid
2. The accuracy in weighing and failure to completely eliminate the entrapped air are the
main source of error
3. Cap of the density bottler with washer should gently to avoid leakage

RESULT:
Specific Gravity of cement =

DISCUSSION (Need to be filled by the students in not less than 200 words):

10 Signature of Instructor

REMARKS

r
 EXPERIMENT No: 2

NORMAL CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT

(IS: 269 - 1989 and IS: 4031 - 1988 (Part4))

AIM: To determine standard consistency of cement paste.

APPARATUS: Vicat apparatus (conforming to IS: 5513 - 1976) with plunger (10 mm in
diameter) weighing balance, measuring cylinder, gauging trowel, stop clock

PURPOSE: The purpose of this test is to find out the percentage by weight of water to be
added to the cement to make a paste of standard consistency.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEST: A certain minimum quantity of water is required to be

mixed with cement so as to complete chemical reaction between water and cement, less water
than this quantity would not complete chemical reaction thus resulting in reduction of
strength and more water would increase water cement ratio and so would reduce the strength.
The correct proportion of water to cement is required to be known to achieve proper strength
while using cement structure. This can be found out knowing standard consistency of cement
paste.

The standard consistency of a cement paste is defined as that consistency which will permit
the Vicat plunger to penetrate to a point 5 to 7 mm from the bottom of the Vicat mould.

PROCEDURE:

1. 300 g of cement is weighed on a large non porous platform or pan. It is made into a
heap with a depression in the centre to hold the mixing water.
2. The volume of water is found out to give a percentage of weight of dry cement and
this is added to cement
3. The cement and water are mixed thoroughly to form a cement paste. The process shall
include kneading and threading.
4. The total time elapsed from the moment of mixing is completed not less than 1 minute
and within 5 minutes (gauging time)
 5. Place the Vicat - mould on a non- porous plate; fill the mould with cement paste,
smooth off the surface of the paste making it level with the top of the mould. To expel
air shake the mould slightly.
6. The gauging time shall be counted from the time of adding the water to the dry
cement until commencing to fill the mould.
7. Place the test block with the mould, together with the non-porous resting plate, under
the rod bearing the plunger (10mm diameter), lower the plunger gently to touch the
surface of the test block and quickly release, allowing it to penetrate into the paste.
8. After the plunger has come to rest, the reading against the index is taken
9. This operation shall be carried out immediately after filling the mould.
10. Prepare trial pastes with varying percentages of water and test as described above
until the amount of water necessary for making the standard consistency as defined
above is obtained.
11. Express the amount of water as a percentage by weight of the dry cement.

OBSERVATIONS:

Volume of water added by % weight Penetration

Sl.No Weight of cement(g) of
% ml plunger (mm)

PRECAUTIONS:

Clean appliances should be used for gauging. In filling the mould the operator hands and the
blade of the gauging trowel shall alone be used. The temperature of cement, water and that of
test room, at the time when the above operations are being performed, shall be 27 + 2 oC. For
each repetition of the experiment fresh cement is to be taken.

REQUIREMENT:

As per IS 4031 (1988) the standard consistency is obtained when the Vicat plunger penetrates
to a point 5 to 7 mm from the bottom of the Vicat mould

RESULT: Normal consistency for the given sample of cement is ___________%

DISCUSSION (Need to be filled by the students in not less than 200 words):

10
Signature of Instructor

REMARKS

r
 EXPERIMENT No: 3

INITIAL AND FINAL SETTING TIMES OF CEMENT

(IS: 269- 1989 and IS: 4031- 1988 part 5)

AIM: To determine the initial and final setting times for the given cement sample.

APPARATUS: Vicat’s (conforming to IS: 5513-1976) with attachments, weighing balance,

gauging trowel.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this test is to ascertain the time to be allowed to pass, between
mixing of concrete and placing in the position of structure.

INTRODUCTION:

Setting means becoming firmer and harder, changing from semi liquid state to plastic state
and from plastic state to solid state. Mortar or concrete when mixed is in semi liquid state.
The chemical action between cement and water starts, and the mixture goes into plastic state.
Concrete or mortar must be transported and placed and compacted when it is in plastic state.
After some time the plasticity is lost and the mortar or concrete cannot be placed or
deposited.

Initial setting time is regarded as the time elapsed between the moments 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.

PROCEDURE:

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 as 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.

DETERMINATION OF INITIAL SETTING TIME:

1. Place the test blocks confined in the mould and rest it on the non-porous plate, under
the rod bearing initial setting needle, lower the needle gently in contact with the
surface of the test block and quickly release, allowing it to penetrate into the test block.
2. In the beginning, the needle will completely pierce the test block.
3. Repeat this procedure until the needle, when brought in contact with the test block and
released as described above, fails to pierce the block to a point 5 -7 mm measured from
the bottom of the mould shall be the initial setting time.

DETERMINATION OF FINAL SETTING TIME:

1. Replace the needle of the Vicat apparatus by the needle with an annular attachment.
2. The cement shall be considered as finally set when, upon applying the needle gently
to the surface of the test block, the needle makes an impression there on, while the
attachment fails to do so.
3. The period elapsed between the time when water is added to the cement and the time
at which the needle makes an impression on the surface of test block while the
attachment fails to do so shall be the final setting time.

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 + 20 C. Care shall be taken to keep the needle straight.

OBSERVATIONS:

1. Weight of water added 0.85 x percentage water for standard consistency = gm

2. Initial setting time t1 = min
3. Final setting time t2 = min
REQUIREMENT:

As per IS: 269 for ordinary Portland cement, the initial setting time shall be not less than 30
minutes and final setting time shall be not more than 600 minutes. Thus t1>= 30min, and t2
<= 600 min then the criteria are satisfied.

RESULT:

Initial setting time for the given sample of cement = minutes

Final setting time for the given sample of cement = hours

Vicat apparatus
DISCUSSION (Need to be filled by the students in not less than 200 words):

10
Signature of Instructor

REMARKS

r
 EXPERIMENT No: 4

TESTING OF BRICKS: DETERMINATION OF COMPRESSIVE

STRENGTH

AIM: To find the compressive strength of brick

APPARTUS: Three numbers of whole bricks from sample collected and compressive testing
machine

PURPOSE OF TEST: Compressive strength test on bricks are carried out to determine the
load carrying capacity of bricks under compression. This test is carried out with the help of
compression testing machine. Bricks are generally used for construction of load bearing
masonry walls, columns and footings. These load bearing masonry structures experiences
mostly the compressive loads. Thus, it is important to know the compressive strength of
bricks to check for its suitability for construction.

PROCEDURE:

1. Take five random bricks samples and immerse them in water for 24 hours at room
temperature.
2. After 24 hours, take them out, allow them to drain and then clean the surplus water.
3. Now, fill their frogs (and any other voids) by a layer of standard 1:1 mortar (1 part
cement and 1 part sand). Store these bricks under damp sacks for 24 hours (to allow
setting of mortar).
4. Place the bricks in water for seven days. (This is to allow the mortar to harden).
5. Take the bricks out of the water, allow the water to drain and remove the surplus
water. When surface dry, each brick is tested for compressive strength individually.
6. Place the brick flat-wise, with frog end facing upward, between two plywood sheets.
7. Brick so adjusted between the plywood sheets is placed on the bed of compressive
strength of bricks testing machine and load is applied axially and at a uniform rate of
140 kg/cm2/minute. (This is very important).
8. Note the load at which the brick fails (gets broken). This load (P) is divided by cross-
sectional area (A) of the brick gives the compressive strength (C o).
CALCULATION:

Compressive Strength of Bricks = Maximum Load at Failure / Average area of bed face

The average of result shall be reported.

SI No Specimen Size Max load Compressive

strength

RESULT: Average compressive strength of the given bricks = N/mm2

DISCUSSION (Need to be filled by the students in not less than 200 words):

10 Signature of Instructor

REMARKS

r
 EXPERIMENT No: 5

WATER ABSORPTION AND EFFLORESCENCE OF BRICKS

(IS: 3495-PART 3-1992)

AIM: To find the water absorption and efflorescence of brick

APPARATUS: Sensitive weighing balance, ventilated oven,

PURPOSE OF TEST: Water absorption test on bricks are conducted to determine

durability property of bricks such as degree of burning, quality and behaviour of bricks in
weathering. The degree of compactness of bricks can be obtained by water absorption test, as
water is absorbed by pores in bricks.

PROCEDURE:

Water absorption test

1. Take three or five whole bricks randomly.

2. Dry these samples to a constant weight by placing them in a ventilated oven at 110° C +-
5°C. This may take 48 hours or more time.

3. The specimens are weighed individually after cooling (W1).

4. The dry, weighed samples are then immersed in water, at room temperature, for 24 hours.

5. After 24 hours the samples are taken out. Each sample is wiped dry and weighed
individually within three minutes after it is taken out from the water (W2).

6. The average of three or five samples shall be taken as the water absorption of the brick.

7. It shall be within the specified limits for the classification of the bricks.
Efflorescence Test

1. Take five bricks at randomly.

2. Place each brick on end in a separate shallow flat bottom dish containing distilled water.

3. Note that depth of immersion of bricks should not be less than 2.5 cm in each case.

4. Keep the above dishes (containing water and bricks) in a warm (18°C to 30°C) room
which has adequate Ventilation.

5. Add fresh quantity of distilled water when the bricks appear having dried.

6. At the end of the second drying, each brick is observed for efflorescence; that is an
appearance of any white patch of salt on the surface of the brick.

The efflorescence is reported only by qualitative words as follows:

Serious: Salt deposition is all round and quite heavy and increases with repeated wetting and
drying. Powdering of salt is prominent.

Heavy: Salt deposits cover more than 50 percent of the surface area. The tendency to powder
is absent.

Moderate: Salt deposits cover 10-50 percent surface area. The salt forms thin layers without
showing any tendency to peel off in flakes or become powdery.

Slight: Salt covers the surface area of less than 10 percent and forms only a very thin sticky
layer.

Nil: There is seen no deposit of any salt even after repeated wetting.

CALCULATION:

𝑾𝟐 −𝑾𝟏
Water absorption (%) = ∗ 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝑾𝟏
RESULT:

1. Water absorption of the given brick= %

2. Efflorescence of the sample is

DISCUSSION (Need to be filled by the students in not less than 200 words):

10
Signature of Instructor

REMARKS

r
Cycle II
 EXPERIMENT No: 6

TENSILE TEST AND ELONGATION OF STEEL REINFORCEMENT

AIM: To study the tensile strength and elongation of steel reinforcement

APPARATUS: Universal Testing Machine (UTM), Mild steel specimens, Graph paper,
Scale, Vernier caliper

THEORY: Various structure components are subjected to tensile loading in numerous

applications. For safe design of these components, there ultimate tensile strength and ductility
one to be determine before actual use. Tensile test can be conducted on UTM. A material
when subjected to a tensile load resists the applied load by developing internal resisting force.
These resistances come due to atomic bonding between atoms of the material. The resisting
force for unit normal cross-section area is known as stress. The value of stress in material
goes on increasing with an increase in applied tensile load, but it has a certain maximum
(finite) limit too. The minimum stress, at which a material fails, is called ultimate tensile
strength

In this test ends of test piece are fixed into grips connected to a straining device and to a load
measuring device. If the applied load is small enough, the deformation of any solid body is
entirely elastic. However, if the load is too large, the material can be deformed permanently.
The initial part of the tension curve which is recoverable immediately after unloading is
termed. As elastic and the rest of the curve which represents the manner in which solid
undergoes plastic deformation is termed plastic. The stress below which the deformation is
entirely elastic is known as the yield strength of material. In some material the onset of
plastic deformation is denoted by a sudden drop in load indicating both an upper and a lower
yield point. However, some materials do not exhibit a sharp yield point. During plastic
deformation, at larger extensions strain hardening cannot compensate for the decrease in
section and thus the load passes through a maximum and then begins to decrease. This stage
the “ultimate strength”’ which is defined as the ratio of the load on the specimen to original
cross-sectional area, reaches a maximum value. Further loading will eventually cause ‘neck’
formation and rupture
PROCEDURE:
1. The load pointer is set at zero by adjusting the initial setting knob.
2. The dial gauge is fixed and the specimen for measuring elongation of small amounts.
3. Measuring the diameter of the test piece by vernier caliper at least at three places and
determine the mean value also mark the gauge length.
4. Now the specimen is gripped between upper and middle cross head jaws of the UTM.
Take precautions to fix the test specimen in such a way as to ensure that the load is
applied axially
5. Set the automatic graph recording system.
6. Start the UTM. Apply the axial tensile load on the specimen gradually. Record the
extensometer readings at a constant load increment.
7. The yield point can be observed either by the kickback of the live needle of the load
indicating dial or by the rapid movement of extensometer dial needle at constant load
reading. Record the yield load(s), and remove the extensometer.
8. Continue the axial loading until the specimen breaks.
9. Note down the load at the point of failure of the specimen.
10. By joining the two broken halves of the specimen together, measure the final length and
diameter of specimen

OBSERVATION:

1. Initial diameter of specimen d1 = mm

2. Initial gauge length of specimen L1 = mm
3. Initial cross-section area of specimen A1 = mm2
4. Load of yield point Ft. = N
5. Ultimate load after specimen breaking F = N
6. Final length after specimen breaking L2 = mm
7. Dia. Of specimen at breaking place d2 = mm
8. Cross section area at breaking place A2 = mm2

CALCULATIONS:

𝐹
1. Ultimate tensile strength (N/mm2) = 𝐴
2
 𝐼𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐿2 −𝐿1
2. Percentage elongation % = ∗ 100 = ∗ 100
𝑂𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐿1

=
𝐹
3. Yield stress (N/mm2) = 𝐴𝑡 =
1

4. Young’s Modulus, E (N/mm2) =

RESULTS:
1. Tensile strength of steel reinforcement =
2. Percentage elongation of steel reinforcement =

DISCUSSION (Need to be filled by the students in not less than 200 words):

10 Signature of Instructor

REMARKS

r
 EXPERIMENT No: 7

SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AGGREGATE WITH ZONING

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

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

APPARATUS :Test sieves conforming to IS: 460 -1962, Specification of 4.75mm, 2.36mm,
1.18mm, 600micron, 300micron, 150micron, Balance, Gauging Trowel and Stop watch

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

The following limits may be taken as guidance:

Sand Fineness Modulus

Fine sand 2.2 - 2.6
Medium sand 2.6 - 2.9
Coarse sand 2.9 - 3.2

Sand having a fineness modulus more than 3.2 will be unsuitable for making satisfactory
concrete.

Fineness modulus limits for various zones of sand according to IS 383-1970 are tabulated
below.
 Sieve size Zone-1 Zone-2 Zone-3 Zone-4

10mm 100 100 100 100

4.75mm 90-100 90-100 90-100 95-100

2.36mm 60-95 75-100 85-100 95-100

1.18mm 30-70 55-90 75-100 90-100

0.6mm 15-34 35-59 60-79 80-100

0.3mm 5-20 8-30 12-40 15-50

0.15mm 0-10 0-10 0-10 0-15

PROCEDURE:

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

Weight Percentage of Percentage of Cumulative

I S Sieve Retained on Weight Weight Percentage of Remark
Sieve (gms) Retained (%) Passing (%) Passing (%)

4.75 mm

2.36 mm

1.18 mm

600 µm

300 µm

150 µm

Total

CALCULATION:

Fineness modulus is an empirical factor obtained by adding the cumulative percentages of

aggregate retained on each of the standard sieves ranging from 4.75 mm to 150 micron and
dividing this sum by an arbitrary number 100.

∑ 𝐶𝑢𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑

Fineness Modulus, FM = =
100

RESULT:
1. Fineness modulus of a given sample of fine aggregate is …….. that indicate Coarse
sand/ Medium sand/ Fine sand.
2. The given sample of fine aggregate is belong to Grading Zones I / II / III / IV
DISCUSSION (Need to be filled by the students in not less than 200 words):

10 Signature of Instructor

REMARKS

r
 EXPERIMENT No: 8

VEE BEE CONSISTOMETER TEST

IS: 1199 – 1959

AIM: To determine the workability of freshly mixed concrete by the use of Vee-Bee
Consistometer.

APPARATUS: Cylindrical container, Vee-Bee apparatus (consisting of vibrating table,

slump cone), Standard tamping rod, Stop watch and trowels.

PURPOSE: This a good laboratory tests to measure indirectly the workability of concrete.
The latest IS: 456 recommend value of workability in terms of Vee-Bee time in seconds. This
method is for every dry concrete low workability) whose slump value cannot be measured by
slump test.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEST:

1. The workability of fresh concrete is a composite property, which includes the diverse
requirements of stability, mobility, compactibility, placeability and finishability.
2. There are different methods for measuring the workability.
3. Each of them measures only a particular aspect of it and there is really no unique test,
which measures workability of concrete in its totality.
4. This test gives an indication of the mobility and to some extent of the compatibility of
freshly mixed concrete.
5. The test measures the relative effort required to change a mass of concrete from one
definite shape to another (i.e., from conical to cylindrical) by means of vibration.
6. For concrete of slump in excess of 50mm, the remolding is so quick that the time cannot
be measured.

PROCEDURE:

1. Place the slump cone in the cylindrical container of the consistometer.

2. Fill the cone in four layers, each approximately one quarter of the height of the cone.
Tamp each layer with twenty-five strokes of the rounded end of the tamping rod The
strokes are distributed in a uniform manner over the cross-section of the cone and for the
second and subsequent layers the tamping bar should penetrate into the underlying layer.
3. After the top layer has been tamped, struck off level the concrete with a trowel making
the cone exactly filled.
4. Move the glass disc attached to the swivel arm and place it just on the top of the slump
cone in the cylindrical container. Adjust the glass disc so as to touch the top of the
concrete cone, and note the initial reading on the graduated rod.
5. Remove the cone from the concrete immediately by raising it slowly and carefully in the
vertical direction. Lower the transparent disc on the top of concrete. Note down the
reading on the graduated rod.
6. Determine the slump by taking the difference between the readings on the graduated rod
recorded in the steps (2) and (3) above.

7. Switch on the electrical vibrations and start the stopwatch. Allow the concrete to remould
by spreading out in the cylindrical container. The vibrations are continued until the
concrete is completely remoulded, i.e., the surfaces becomes horizontal and the whole
concrete surface adheres uniformly to the transparent disc.

8. Record the time required for complete remoulding seconds which measures the
workability expressed as number of Vee-Bee seconds.
OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

1. Initial reading on the graduated rod, a =

2. Final reading on the graduated rod, b =
3. Slump = (b) – (a), in cm =
4. Time for complete remoulding, seconds =

STANDARD VALUES:

Workability Description Vee-Bee Time (in Second)

Extremely Dry 32-18
Very Stiff 18-10
Stiff 10-5
Stiff Plastic 5-3
Plastic 3-0
Flowing -

RESULTS: The consistency of the concrete = ____s

DISCUSSION (Need to be filled by the students in not less than 200 words):

10
Signature of Instructor

REMARKS

r
 EXPERIMENT No: 9

COMPACTION FACTOR TEST

IS: 1199 – 1959

AIM: Compacting factor of fresh concrete is done to determine the workability of fresh
concrete by compacting factor test as per IS: 1199 – 1959.

APPARATUS: Compacting factor apparatus, Tamping Bar, Balance, tray, trowel, hand
scoop.

THEORY: Compaction factor apparatus, trowel weighing machine conical hoppers mounted
vertically above the cylindrical mould. The apparatus consists of two conical hoppers (A&B)
with hinged doors at their bottom and mounted above a cylindrical mould ‘C’. The upper
hopper has internal dimensions as top diameter 25 cm bottom diameter 12.5 cm and height
22.5 cm. The lower hopper top internal diameter is 22.5 cm and bottom internal diameter is
12.5 cm and height is 22.5 cm. The cylinder has internal dimensions as 15 cm diameter 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. The essential dimensions of the
hoppers and mould, the distances between them are indicated in the figure. The hoppers and
cylinder can be made up of Cast Iron.

The purpose of the test is to know the workability of concrete of very low slumps, i.e stiffer
mixes both in laboratory and field.

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 (W1 kg).

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
colour 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.

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
kg)

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:

𝑊2 − 𝑊1
Compaction factor =
𝑊3 − 𝑊1

Wt of Partially
Wt of fully Compaction
compacted Standard of
Sl. No compacted Factor
concrete workability
concrete

3
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.

Suggested ranges of values of compaction factors for different placing conditions:

Degree of Values of
Sl. No Placing Condition
workability workability
Concreting shallow section with
1 Very low 0.75 to 0.80
vibration

Concreting of lightly reinforced

2 Low 0.8 to 0.85
section with vibration
Concreting of lightly reinforced
3 section without vibration heavily Medium 0.85 to 0.92
reinforced with vibration
Concreting of heavily reinforced
4 High 0.92 to above
section without vibration

RESULT: Compaction factor of the concrete =

Compaction factor apparatus

DISCUSSION (Need to be filled by the students in not less than 200 words):

10
Signature of Instructor

REMARKS

r
 EXPERIMENT No: 10
DESIGN THE CONCRETE MIX FOR GIVEN STRENGTH AS PER IS
CODE PROCEDURE AND DETERMINE THE SLUMP, COMPARE
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AND SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH OF
CONCRETE

(a) SLUMP CONE TEST (IS: 1199 -1959)

AIM: Slump test is used to determine the workability of fresh concrete.

APPARATUS: Slump cone and tamping rod.

THEORY: The slump cone is a hollow frustum made of thin steel sheet with internal
dimensions, as the top diameter 10 cm. The bottom diameter is 20 cm and height is 30cm. It
stands on a plane non-porous surface. To facilitate vertical lifting from moulded concrete it is
provided with a suitable guide attachment and suitable foot pieces and handles. The tamping
rod is 16mm and diameter 60 cm long and is bullet pointed at the lower end.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the test is to find the workability of the fresh concrete. This is
used while designing of concrete mix during trial mixes. The main purpose of the test is to
really check the uniformity of concrete in field by making regular tests on concrete.

PROCEDURE:

1. Clean the internal surfaces of the mould thoroughly and apply with a light coat of oil.
2. Place the mould on a smooth, horizontal, rigid and non-absorbent surface.
3. Fill the mould in four layers with freshly mixed concrete, each approximately to one
fourth of the height of the mould.
4. Tamp each layer is tamped 25 times by the rounded end of the tamping rod (strokes
are distributed evenly over the cross section).
5. After the top layer is rodded, strike off and level the concrete with a trowel.
6. Remove the mould from the concrete immediately by raising it slowly in the vertical
direction. This subsidence is measured as the slump of concrete.
7. The difference in level between the height of the mould and that of the highest point
of the subsided concrete is measured.
 8. This difference in height in mm is the slump of the concrete. The Nominal slump
value for different degrees of workability is:

Degree of workability Slump

Very Low 0-25
Low 25-50
Medium 50-100
High 100-175

9. The experiment is repeated for different water cement ratios say 0.5, 0.6 and 0.7, and
the slump values are compared. The type of slump is also noted.

Recommended Values of Slump for Various Purposes:

Sl. No Types of concrete Slump

1 Concrete for road construction 20 to 40 mm
Concrete for tops of curbs, parapets, piers, slabs
2 40 to 50 mm
and wall
3 Concrete for canal lining 70 to 80 mm
4 Normal RCC work 80 to 150 mm
5 Mass concrete 20 to 50 mm
6 Concrete to be vibrated 10 to 25 mm

Note:

Slump test is adopted in the Laboratory or during the progress of the work in the field for
determining consistency of concrete where nominal max., size of aggregates does not exceed
40mm. Any slump specimen that collapses or shears off laterally gives incorrect results and
at this juncture the test is repeated only true slump should be measured.

OBSERVATIONS:

1. Height of slump cone = mm

2. Highest point of subsided concrete = mm

3. Difference in level between the height of the mould and the highest point of the subsided
concrete =
4. Slump of Concrete

Sl. No Slump (mm)

1
2
3

PRECAUTIONS:

1. The strokes are to be uniformly applied through the entire area of the concrete section.
2. The cone should be removed very slowly by lifting it upwards without
disturbing the concrete.
3. During filling the mould must be firmly pressed against the base.
4. Vibrations from nearly machinery might also increase subsidence; hence test should be
made beyond the range of ground vibrations.

RESULT: The slump of the given concrete mix = mm

Slump Cone
b) COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (IS: 516 - 1959)

AIM: To determine slump, Compressive and split tensile Strength of cement concrete
specimen.

APPARATUS: Compression Testing Machine, two steel bearing platens with hardened
faces (As per IS: 516 - 1959).

MATERIALS: Ordinary Portland cement, sand, coarse aggregate (20 mm max size), water,
mould oil, cotton waste.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this test is to determine the crushing strength of the hardened
concrete and is conducted to test specimens of concrete either during mix design in laboratory
or from the concrete used in construction. It serves as a good control for quality control.

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH: Compressive strength is maximum force per unit area, in

compression, which a material can withstand before breaking.

SIGNIFICANCE OF TEST: Many properties of concrete like durability, imperviousness,

young's modulus, resistance to shrinkage etc., are dependent on the compressive strength of
concrete. Thus the compressive strength reflects overall quality of concrete. So, this test is
most useful and important property of concrete.

THEORY: Compression Test shall be made at recognized ages of the test specimens, the
most usual being 7 and 28 days, ages of 13 weeks and one year are recommended if tests at
greater ages are required. Where it may be necessary to obtain the early strength, test may be
made at the ages of 24 hours + 1/2 hour and 12 hours + 2 hours. The ages shall be calculated
from the time of the addition of water to the dry ingredients.

TEST SPECIMENS:

Test specimens may be either cubes or cylinder. In India the 28 days strength of 15 cm x15
cm x 15cm cubes is taken as 28 days strength of concrete. The cylinder height is twice its
diameter. The strength as obtained from cylinders needs to be corrected by applying
correction factor to obtain equivalent cube strength. If cylinders of size 15cm dia and 30 cm
height are tested the resulting strength should be multiplied by 1.25 to obtain equivalent
15cm cube strength.
Test specimens are tested in compression testing machine, by applying load gradually till the
specimens are crushed, i.e. destroyed.

PROCEDURE:

1. Measure the dimensions of the casted concrete cube to the nearest 0.2 mm before
testing 2. Note the Identification and Date of Casting and type of mix in case of
concrete specimen
2. Specimens stored in water shall be tested immediately on removal from water and
while they are still in the wet condition.
3. Surface water and grit shall be wiped off the specimens and any projecting fines
removed. 5. At site if Specimens were received dry shall be kept in water for 24 hours
before they are taken for testing.
4. Place the specimen in the Testing Machine
5. 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.
6. The axis of the specimen shall be carefully aligned with the center of thrust of the
spherically seated plate.
7. No packing shall be used between the faces of the test specimen and the steel plate of
the testing machine.
8. 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.
9. 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.

CALCULATION:

The measured compressive strength of the specimen shall be calculated by dividing the
maximum load applied to the specimen during the test, by the cross sectional area,
calculated from the mean dimensions of section and shall be expressed to the nearest
Kg/sq.cm. Average of three values shall be taken as the representative of the batch
provided the individual variation is not more than + 15% of the average. Otherwise,
repeat tests shall be made.
OBSERVATIONS:

1. Mix proportion
2. w/c=
3. Date of casting:
4. Size of cube: 15 cm x 15 cm x 15cm
5. Size of cylinder: 15 cm x 30 cm

TABLE:

Average
Type Compressive
Identific Date of Age Area(m Max compressive
of Strength
ations test Days m2) load (N) strength
failure (N/mm2)
(N/mm2)
C1 7

C2 7

C3 7

RESULT: Compressive Strength of Concrete at 7 days ____N/mm2

(c) SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE CYLINDER (IS: 516 - 1959)

AIM: To determine Split tensile strength of Concrete Cylinder

APPARATUS: Compression testing machine, two packing strips of plywood 30 cm long and
12mm wide

MOULDS: The cylinder mould shall is of metal, 3mm thick. Each mould is capable of being
opened longitudinally to facilitate the removal of the specimen and is provided with a means
of keeping it closed while in use. The mean internal diameter of the mould is 15 cm ± 0.2 mm
and the height is 30 +/- 0.1 cm. Each mould is provided with a metal base plate mould and
base plate should be coated with a thin film of mould oil before use, in order to prevent
adhesion of concrete.

TAMPING BAR

The tamping bar is a steel bar of 16 mm diameter, 60 cm long and bullet pointed at the lower
end.

COMPACTING

The test specimen should be made as soon as practicable after the mixing. The concrete is
filled into the mould in layers approximately 5 cm deep. Each layer is compacted either by
hand or by vibration.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the test is to find the tensile strength of the concrete. Knowledge
of which is necessary in some of the designs where tension of concrete plays an important
part, such as pavement, cracking due to shrinkage and tension in water retaining structures,
etc.,

PROCEDURE:

1. Take the wet specimen from water after 7 days of curing

2. Wipe out water from the surface of specimen
3. Draw diametrical lines on the two ends of the specimen to ensure that they are on the
same axial place.
4. Note the weight and dimension of the specimen
5. Set the compression testing machine for the required range.
6. Keep are plywood strip on the lower plate and place the specimen.
 7. Align the specimen so that the lines marked on the ends are vertical and centered over
the bottom plate.
8. Place the other plywood strip above the specimen.
9. Bring down the upper plate to touch the plywood strip.
10. Apply the load continuously without shock at a rate of approximately 14-21
kg/cm2/minute (Which corresponds to a total load of 9900 kg/minute to 14850
kg/minute)
11. Note down the breaking load(P)

CALCULATION:

Range Calculation as per IS: 456,

Split tensile strength of concrete = 0.7 * fck

The splitting tensile strength is calculated using the formula, Tsp= 2P/ π DL

Where P = applied load D = diameter of the specimen L = length of the specimen

Therefore P = Tsp x π DL/2

Expected load = P x Factor of Safety

OBSERVATION TABLE:

Identification Age in Days Load at failure Split tensile Average tensile

strength strength
S1
S2
S3

RESULT: Splitting tensile strength of given concrete =_____N/mm²

DISCUSSION (Need to be filled by the students in not less than 200 words):

10 Signature of Instructor

REMARKS

r
 EXPERIMENT E11-D1

NOTES ON NON DESTRUCTIVE TEST METHODS

1. REBOUND HAMMER

OJECTIVE: Rebound Hammer test is used to measure surface hardness of the cover
concrete.

PROCEDURE:

Rebound Hammer or Schmidt Hammer is used to find the surface hardness and also is used to
access details about the soundness and quality of cover concrete. The Rebound hammer is a
simple non-destructive test to find concrete strength in various parts of a structure. Very low
rebound numbers indicate weak surface concrete.

1. At first, before testing the rebound hammer should be tested against the test anvil, to get
reliable results, for which the manufacturer of the rebound hammer indicates the range of
readings on the anvil suitable for different types of rebound hammer.
2. Apply light pressure on the plunger and it leads to release it from the locked position and
ready position for the test.
3. When conducting the test the hammer should be held at right angles to the surface which
in turn should be flat and smooth.
4. Press the plunger against the surface of the concrete, keeping the instrument
perpendicular to the test surface.
5. Apply a gradual increase in pressure until the hammer impacts.
6. The hammer measures the rebound of a spring loaded mass impacting against the surface
of the sample. The test hammer will hit the concrete at a defined energy.
7. Its rebound is dependent on the hardness of the concrete and is measured by the test
equipment.
8. Take the average of about 15 readings.
9. By reference to the conversion chart, the rebound value can be used to determine the
compressive strength.
10. The Schmidt hammer is an arbitrary scale ranging from 10 to 100
 Working of Rebound Hammer

Internal parts of Rebound Hammer

 Rebound Hammer

CALIBRATION CHART:

The conversion of rebound number to compressive strength can be achieved by producing a

calibration graph for the concrete concerned. The calibration chart may then be used to
convert rebound numbers to estimated cube strength.

Calibration chart
AVERAGE REBOUND NUMBER AND QUALITY OF CONCRETE:

Average Rebound Number Quality of Concrete

>40 Very good hard layer

30 to 40 Good layer

20 to 30 Fair

< 20 Poor concrete

0 Delaminated

2. ULTRASONIC PULSE VELOCITY

OBJECTIVE: Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity test is used to find the quality of concrete.

PROCEDURE:

This method is involved to measure the travel time and velocity of an ultrasonic pulse passing
through the concrete.

1. A reference bar is provided to check the instrument zero. For maximum accuracy, it is
recommended that the 0.1 microsecond range be selected for path length upto 400mm.
2. Apply a smear of grease, liquid soap or petroleum jelly to the transducer faces to ensure
perfect acoustic coupling
3. Ultrasonic waves are transmitted by the transducers and press it hard onto the surface of
the material.
4. Transducers should be kept on the surface without movement to avoid the noise signals
and errors in measurements.
5. Continue holding the transducers onto the surface of the material until a consistent
reading appears on the display, which is the time in microsecond for the ultrasonic pulse
to travel the distance ‘L’. The mean value of the display readings should be taken when
the units digit hunts between two values.
6. Pulse velocity= (Path length/Travel time)
7. Higher velocity is obtained for good quality concrete due to good quality of concrete like
high uniformity, density.

Methods of measurement

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

Pulse Velocity (Km/sec) Concrete Quality

Above 4.5 Excellent

3.5 to 4.5 Good

3.0 to 3.5 Medium

Below 3.0 Poor

Transmission of waves