By

ETIM, MMEMEK-ABASI PAUL

Lab Practical and Design Studio I
Department of Civil Engineering, Landmark University,
Omu-Aran

TITLE OF EXPERIMENT

Compacting Factor Test

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

To determine the consistency of fresh concrete

To determine the difference between the fully compacted concrete and the
partially compacted concrete

APPARATUS & EQUIPMENTS

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Compacting Factor Test Apparatus

Vibratory Poker
Weighing Machine
Trowel
Shovel
Wheel Barrow
Concrete Mixer
Scoop

THEORY

This is a site test to determine the consistency or workability of concrete and is

conducted in the lab. Compaction Factor Test is classified into two sections viz:
1. Fully Compacted Concrete
2. Partially Compacted Concrete
In Fully Compacted Concrete, this is done with
tamping the concrete, while in the partially
compacted concrete it is done without
tamping.

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE OF THE EXPERIMENT

Compaction Factor Test is relevant in the construction of roads, bridges, dams,

reservoirs and other structures. It is necessary to determine the strength of and
compatibility of a concrete used in the construction.

MATERIALS UESD

1.
2.
3.
4.

Coarse Aggregate (Gravel)

Fine Aggregate (Sand)
Binder (Cement)
Water

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

1. Ensure the apparatus and associated equipment are clean before test and free
from hardened concrete and superfluous water.
2. Weigh the bottom cylinder.

3. Gently fill the upper hopper with the sampled concrete to the level of the rim
with use of a scoop.
4. Immediately open the trap door of the upper hopper and allow the sampled
concrete to fall into the middle hopper.
5. Remove the floats on top of the bottom cylinder and open the trap door of the
middle hopper allowing the sampled concrete to fall into the bottom cylinder.
6. Remove the surplus concrete above the top of the bottom cylinder by holding
a float in each hand and move towards each other to cut off the concrete across
the top of cylinder.
8. Subtract the weight of empty cylinder from the weight of cylinder plus
concrete to obtain the weight of partially compacted concrete.
9. Remove the concrete from the cylinder and refill with sampled concrete in
layers.
10. Compact each layer thoroughly with the standard Compacting Bar to achieve
full compaction.
11. Float off the surplus concrete to top of cylinder and wipe it clean.
12. Weigh the cylinder and subtract the weight of empty cylinder from the
weight of cylinder plus concrete to obtain the weight of fully compacted
concrete.
13. The compacting factor (C.F) = (weight of partially compacted concrete)
divided by (weight of fully compacted concrete).

RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

Weight of the Empty Cylinder, W

Weight of the Partially Compacted Concrete, W1
Weight of the Fully Compacted Concrete, W2

, . =

REFERENNCES

Civil Engineering Laboratory Manual, Landmark University, Omu-Aran.

http://www.constructiondb.com/wiki/compacting_factor_test
http://www.concrete.org.uk/fingertips_nuggets.asp?cmd=display&id=980