EXPERIMENT NO

DRY SHRINKAGE TEST FOR MORTAR

AIM:
this test method may be used when it is desired to develop data on the effect of a hydraulic
cement on the drying shrinkage of concrete made with that cement.

APPARATUS:
 Weighing Devices and Weights—Weighing devices and
 weights used in determining the mass of materials.
 Glass Graduates—Glass graduates of suitable capacities
 Molds.
 Trowel—The trowel shall have a straight-edged steel
 blade 100 to 150 mm in length.
 Tamper
 Demolding Apparatus
 Length Comparator

Theory :
The term “drying shrinkage” is defined as the decrease in length of the test specimen,
where the decrease is caused by any factor other than externally applied forces under
stated conditions of temperature, relative humidity and evaporation rate in the environment.
The drying shrinkage of mortar as determined by this test method has a linear relation to
the drying shrinkage of concrete made with the same cement and exposed to the same
drying conditions.

Conditions needed to be maintained :

 The temperature of the laboratory, dry materials, and mixing water, and the relative
humidity of the air in the laboratory shall conform to the requirements
 The temperature and humidity of the air in the moist storage facility shall conform to the
requirements
 drying room and controls shall conform to the requirements of Test Method

Procedure :

In procedure first of all test specimens are being prepared:

 Mortar Proportions—A batch of mortar shall consist of 750 g of cement, 1500 g of
graded
 standard sand(which passes from the specific ceive) , and an amount of mixing water
sufficient to produce a flow of 110 %.
 Mixing Mortar—Mix the mortar in a mechanical mixer.
  Molding of Specimens—Mold the specimens

1. Cure, store, and take comparator readings of the test specimens as required
2. Moist cure the specimens in the molds for 24 h6 30 min. If the strength of the
specimens is insufficient to allow proper removal from the mold at 24 h, moist cure in
the mold for 48 h 6 30 min.
3. Remove the specimens from the molds and cure in lime-saturated water for 48 h. If the
specimens have been moist cured in the mold for 48 h, cure in lime-saturated water for
24 h.
4. At the age of 72 h 6 30 min remove the specimens from water, wipe with damp cloth
and immediately obtain a length comparator reading for each specimen.
5. Then place the specimens in air storage for 25 days. Obtain a length comparator reading
for each specimen after 4, 11, 18, and 25 days of air storage.

Pictures :
Calculation :

Calculate the length change of each specimen at each age of air drying by subtracting the initial
comparator reading, taken after removal from water storage, from the comparator reading
taken at each age of air drying and express as millionths and as the percent of the effective
gage length. Do not prefix a shrinkage value with a minus sign.
Report the average change in unit length, expressed as millionths, and as a percent of the
effective gage length of four specimens from the same batch of mortar as the drying shrinkage
of the mortar. If any one test specimen is manifestly faulty, discard it. If more than one test
specimen is discarded, do not report the results and repeat the test on a new batch of mortar.
If more than one batch of mortar has been tested, report the average result of the individual
batches. When the experimenter is clearly aware that a gross deviation from prescribed
experimental procedure has taken place, discard the resultant observation, whether or not it
agrees with the rest of the data and without recourse to statistical tests for outliers.

Days Bar no 1 Bar no 2

Result :
 Calculate the length change of each specimen at each age of air drying by
subtracting the initial comparator reading, taken after removal from water storage,
from the comparator reading taken at each age of air drying and as the percent of
the effective gage length.
 Do not prefix a shrinkage value with a minus sign.negative sign only shows that bar 1
is shorter than the reference rod.
 At the end a graph is made for comparison.

Precautions :

 Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin
and tissue upon prolonged exposure
 The temperature of the laboratory, dry materials, and mixing water, and the relative
humidity of the air in the laboratory shall conform to the requirements of Specification
 Immediately obtain a length comparator reading for each specimen
 EXPERIMENT NO

Rapid chloride penetration test of concrete

Aim :
this method is used for the determination of the electrical conductance of concrete to
provide a rapid indication of its resistance to the penetration of chloride ions.To figure
out concrete durability.To find the permeability of chlorine in concrete

Apparatus :
 4 sets of cells
 Connecting cables
 Temperature sensors
 Desiccators
 Vacuum pump
 Software
 AC power supply units
 Vacuum desiccator
 Vacuum Saturation Apparatus
 Separatory Funnel
 Vacuum Gage or Manometer

Reagents:
 Sodium Chloride Solution—3.0 % by mass
 Sodium Hydroxide Solution—0.3 N (reagent grade) in distilled water.

Theory :
This test method covers the laboratory evaluation of the electrical conductance of
concrete samples to provide a rapid indication of their resistance to chloride ion
penetration. In most cases the electrical conductance results have shown good
correlation with chloride ponding tests, such as AASHTO T259, on companion slabs cast
from the same concrete mixtures .This test method is suitable for evaluation of
materials and material proportions for design purposes and research and development.

Conditions needed to be maintained :

 Vigorously boil a litre or more of tapwater in a large sealable container. Remove

container from heat, cap tightly, and allow water to cool to ambient temperature.
 Allow specimen prepared in Section 8 to surface dry in air for at least 1 h. Prepare
approximately 1⁄2 oz (10 g) of rapid setting coating and brush onto the side surface of
specimen. Place the sample on a suitable support while coating to ensure complete
coating of sides. Allow coating to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
 The coating should be allowed to cure until it is no longer sticky to the touch. Fill any
apparent holes in the coating and allow additional curing time, as necessary. Place
specimen in beaker or other container , then place container in vacuum desiccator.
Alternatively, place specimen directly in vacuum desiccator. Both end faces of specimen
must be exposed. Seal desiccator and start vacuum pump. Pressure should decrease to
less than 1 mm Hg (133 Pa) within a few minutes. Maintain vacuum for 3 h.
 Fill separatory funnel or other container with the de-aerated water prepared .
 With vacuum pump still running, open water stopcock and drain sufficient water into
beaker or container to cover specimen (do not allow air to enter desiccator through this
stopcock).
 Close water stopcock and allow vacuum pump to run for one additional hour. 9.6 Close
vacuum line stopcock, then turn off pump. (Change pump oil if a water trap is not being
used.) Turn vacuum line stopcock to allow air to re-enter desiccator.
 Soak specimen under water in the beaker for 18 6 2 h.

Procedure :

1. Remove specimen from water, blot off excess water, and transfer specimen to a
sealed can or other container which will maintain the specimen in 95 % or higher
relative humidity.
2. specimen mounting (all sealants other than rubber gaskets as appropriate): If
using two-part specimen-cell sealant, prepare approximately 0.7 to 1.4 oz (20 to
40 g). Low Viscosity Specimen-Cell Sealant—If filter paper is necessary, center
filter paper over one screen of the applied
3. Trowel sealant over brass shims adjacent to applied voltage cell body. Carefully
remove filter paper. Press specimen onto screen; remove or smooth excess
sealant which has flowed out of specimen-cell boundary.
4. High Viscosity Specimen-Cell Sealant—Set specimen onto screen. Apply sealant
around specimen-cell boundary.
5. Cover exposed face of specimen with an impermeable material such as rubber or
plastic sheeting. Place rubber stopper in cell filling hole to restrict moisture
movement. Allow sealant to cure per manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Specimen mounting (rubber gasket alternative): Place a 4-in. outside diameter
by 3-in. inside diameter by 1⁄4-in. (100 mm outside diameter by 75 mm inside
diameter by 6 mm) circular vulcanized rubber gasket in each half of the test cell.
Insert sample and clamp the two halves of the test cell together to seal.
7. Fill the side of the cell containing the top surface of the specimen with 3.0 %
NaCl solution. (That side of the cell will be connected to the negative terminal of
the power supply in ).
8. Fill the other side of the cell (which will be connected to the positive terminal of
the power supply) with 0.3 N NaOH solution.
9. Attach lead wires to cell banana posts. Make electrical connections to voltage
application and data readout apparatus as appropriate; for example, for system
listed in, connect as shown in. Turn power supply on, set to 60.0 6 0.1 V, and
 record initial current reading. Temperatures of the specimen, applied voltage
cell, and solutions shall be 68 to 77°F (20 to 25°C) at the time the test is initiated,
that is, when the power supply is turned on
10. During the test, the air temperature around the specimens shall be maintained
in the range of 68 to 77°F (20 to 25°C).
11. Read and record current at least every 30 min. If a voltmeter is being used in
combination with a shunt resistor for the current reading use appropriate scale
factors to convert voltage reading to amperes. Each half of the test cell must
remain filled with the appropriate solution for the entire period of the test.
12. Terminate test after 6 h, Remove specimen. Rinse cell thoroughly in tapwater;
strip out and discard residual sealant.
Calculation and Interpretation of Results :

 Plot current (in amperes) versus time (in seconds). Draw a smooth curve through
the data, and integrate the area underneath the curve in order to obtain the
ampere-seconds, or coulombs, of charge passed during the 6-h test period. (See
Note 5)Alternatively, use automatic data processing equipment to perform the
integration during or after the test and to display the coulomb value. The total
charge passed is a measure of the electrical conductance of the concrete during
the period of the test.
 Sample Calculation—If the current is recorded at 30 min intervals, the following
formula, based on the trapezoidal rule, can be used with an electronic calculator
to perform the integration:
Q = 900 ( I0 + 2I30 + 2I60 + ………… 2I300 + 2I330 + 360 )

where: Q = charge passed (coulombs),

I0=current (amperes) immediately after voltage is applied
It= current (amperes) at t min after voltage is applied
If the specimen diameter is other than 3.75 in. (95 mm), the value for total charge
passed must be adjusted. The adjustment is madeby multiplying value
establised by the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the standard and the
actual specimens.
That is:
Qs = Qx * ( 3.75 / x)2
where:
Qs = charge passed (coulombs) through a 3.75-in. (95-mm) diameter specimen
Factors affecting results:

 Admixtures
 Curing conditions
 Age of specimen
 Water – cement ratio
 Air content

Conclusion :

 Not replicate actual conditions

 Measures concrete resistivity not permeability
 Is better from older method
 EXPERIMENT NO
ALKALI AGGREAGTE REACTION

Aim :
This test method provides a means of detecting
the potential of an aggregate intended for use in concrete
for undergoing alkali-silica reaction resulting in internal expansion.

Apparatus :
 Sieve
 Mixer, Paddle, and Mixing Bowl
 Tamper and Trowel
 Container
 Oven
 Length comparator
 Reagent used is NAOH (40.0 g of NaOH dissolved in 900 mL of water)

Theory :
This test method provides a means of detecting the potential of an aggregate intended for use
in concrete for undergoing alkali-silica reaction resulting in potentially deleterious internal
expansion. It is especially useful for aggregates that react slowly or produce expansion late in
the reaction. However, it does not evaluate combinations of aggregates with cementitious
materials nor are the test conditions representative of those encountered by concrete in
service.

Condition needed to be maintained :

 Maintain the temperature of the molding room and dry materials at not less than 20°C
and not more than 27.5°C. The temperature of the mixing water, and of room shall not
vary from 23°C by more than 2.0°C.
 Maintain the relative humidity of the molding room at not less than 50 %
 Maintain the storage oven or water bath in which the specimens are stored in the
containers at a temperature of 80.0 °C.

Sampling and Preparation of Test Specimens :

 Selection of Aggregate: Process materials proposed for use as fine aggregate in

concrete as described in the section on Preparation ofAggregate with a minimum
of crushing. Process materials proposed for use as coarse aggregate in concrete
by crushing to produce as nearly as practical a graded product from which a
sample can be obtained. Grade the sample as prescribed in Table 1. The sample
shall represent the composition of the coarse aggregate as proposed for use.
 When a given quarried material is proposed for use both as coarse and as fine
aggregate, test it only by selection of an appropriate sample crushed to the fine
 aggregates sizes, unless there is reason to expect that the coarser size fractions
have a different composition that the finer sizes and that these:

 Passing  Retained on  Mass %

4.75 mm (No 04) 2.36 mm (No 08) 10%

2.36 mm (No 08) 1.18 mm (No 16) 25%

1.18 mm (No 16) 600 mm (No 30) 25%

600 um (No 30) 300 um (No 50) 25%

300 um (No 50) 150 um (No 100) 15%

 Preparation of Aggregate:Grade all aggregates to which this test method is

applied in accordance with the requirements given in Table .Crush aggregates in
which sufficient quantities of the sizes specified inTable .In the case of
aggregates containing insufficient amounts of one or more of the larger sizes
listed in Table , and if no larger material is available for crushing, the first size in
which sufficient material is available shall contain the cumulative percentage of
material down to that size as determined from the grading specified in Table .
When such procedures are required, make a special note thereof in the test
report. After the aggregate has been separated into the various sieve sizes, wash
each size with a water spray over the sieve to remove adhering dust and fine
particles from the aggregate. Dry the portions retained on the various sieves
and, unless used immediately, store each such portion individually in a clean
container provided with a tight-fitting cover.
 Selection and Preparation of Cement: Use a portland cement meeting the
requirements
 Preparation of Cement;Pass cement for use in this test through an 850-µm (No.
20) sieve to remove lumps before use.
 Preparation of Test Specimens: Number of Specimens:Make at least three test
specimens for each cement-aggregate combination
 Preparation of Molds:Prepare the specimen molds in accordance with the
requirements
 Proportioning of Mortar:Proportion the dry materials for the test mortar using 1
part of cement to 2.25 parts of graded aggregate by mass for aggregates with a
 relative density at or above 2.45. For aggregates with a relative density below
2.45, determine the aggregate proportion as follows:
Aggregate proportion = 2.25*D/ 2.65
where: D = relative density of test aggregate.
 For aggregates with a relative density equal to or greater than 2.45, the
quantities of dry materials to be mixed at one time in the batch of mortar for
making three specimens shall be 440 g of cement and 990 g of aggregate made
up by recombining the portions retained on the various sieves in the grading
prescribed in Table
 Use a water-cement ratio equal to 0.47 by mass
 For aggregates with a relative density less than 2.45, the quantities of dry
materials to be mixed at one time in the batch of mortar for making three
specimens shall be 440 g of cement and mass of aggregate shall be 440 g
multiplied by the aggregate proportion This aggregate mass shall be made up by
recombining the portions retained on the various sieves in the grading
prescribed in Table Use a water-cement ratio equal to 0.47 by mass
 Mixing of Mortar:Mix the mortar in accordance with the requirements
 Molding of Test Specimens;Mold test specimens within a total elapsed time of
not more than 2 min and 15 s after completion of the original mixing of the
mortar batch. Fill the molds with two approximately equal layers, each layer
being compacted with the tamper. Work the mortar into the corners, around the
gauge studs, and along the surfaces of the mold with the tamper until a
homogeneous specimen is obtained. After the top layer has been compacted,
cut off the mortar flush with the top of the mold and smooth the surface with a
few strokes of the trowel.

Pprocedure :
Initial Storage and Reading
i. The specimens shall remain in the molds for 24 hours.
ii. The temperature of the water used to immerse the specimens shall be 23.0°C.
iii. Seal and place the containers in an oven or water bath at 80.0 °C for a period of 24
hours.
Zero Reading
i. Complete the process of drying and reading within 15 to 5 s of removing the specimen
from the water.
ii. Place all specimens made with each aggregate sample in a container with sufficient 1N
NaOH, at 80.0 °C .
Subsequent Storage and Measurement
Take at least three intermediate readings, for 14 days after the zero reading, at approximately
the same time each day. If readings are continued beyond the 14-day period, take at least one
reading per week
Calculation :

Calculate the difference between the zero comparatory reading of the specimen and the
reading at each period to the nearest 0.001 % of the effective gauge length and record as the
expansion of the specimen for that period. Report the average expansion of the three
specimens of a given cement-aggregate combination to the nearest 0.01 % as the expansion for
the combination for a given period.

Conclusion :

 Expansion of less than 0.10% at 16 days after casting is indictive of innocuous

behavior in most cases
 Expansion of more than 0.20% at 16 days after casting are indictive of potentially
deleterious expansion
 Expansion between 0.10 %and 0.20% include both innocuous and deleterious in
field performance
 So generally it is benefitted to take readings after 28 days in such cases