Concrete Technology Lab Manual

Jigjiga University Institute of Technology School of Civil & Construction
Engineering
CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY MANUAL
Contents
1. SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND UNIT WEIGHT OF CEMENT ........................................................ 2
2. SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND UNIT WEIGHT OF COARSE AND FINE AGGREGATES .......... 4
(A) SPECIFIC GRAVITY: ........................................................................................................... 4
(B) UNIT WEIGHTS: ................................................................................................................... 8
3. DETERMINATION OF NORMAL CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT ......................................... 10
4. DETERMINATION ON INITIAL AND FINAL SETTLING TIME .......................................... 13
5. FINENESS OF CEMENT ............................................................................................................ 16
(A) BY METHOD OF SIEVING: ............................................................................................... 16
(B) BY METHOD OF AIR PERMEABILITY TEST: ............................................................... 19
6. DETERMINATION OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CEMENT ...................................... 22
7. BULKING CHARACTERISTICS OF SAND ............................................................................. 25
8. SIEVE ANALYSIS OF COARSE AND FINE AGGREGATE AND CLASSIFICATION AS
PER IS 383............................................................................................................................................ 27
9. WORKABILITY TESTS ON GREEN CONCRETE BY USING: SLUMP CONE,
COMPACTION FACTOR APPARATUS, FLOW TABLE, VEE-BEE CONSISTOMETER ........... 31
(A) SLUMP CONE: .................................................................................................................... 32
(B) COMPACTION FACTOR APPARATUS: .......................................................................... 34
(C) FLOW TABLE: .................................................................................................................... 36
(D) VEE-BEE CONSISTOMETER: ........................................................................................... 38
10. TESTS ON HARDENED CONCRETE ................................................................................... 41
a. Non-destructive Testing ........................................................................................................ 41
i. Rebound hammer ................................................................................................................. 41
ii. Rebar locator ......................................................................................................................... 41
iii. Ultrasonic pulse velocity test, etc., ................................................................................... 41
b. Destructive testing ................................................................................................................ 41
i. Core cutter method ................................................................................................................ 41
11. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH ................................................................................................. 42
12. SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH ................................................................................................. 46
13. MODULUS OF RUPTURE...................................................................................................... 49
Concrete Technology 1
Engineering
1. SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND UNIT WEIGHT OF CEMENT

(IS: 269 -1989 AND IS: 4031-1988)
AIM:
To determine the specific gravity of given sample of hydraulic cement.
APPARATUS:
Physical balance, specific gravity bottle of 50ml capacity, clean kerosene.
INTRODUCTION:
Specific gravity is defined as the ratio between weights of a given volume of material
and weight of an equal volume of water. To determine the specific gravity of cement,
kerosene is used which does not react with cement.
PROCEDURE:
1. Clean and dry the specific gravity bottle and weigh it with the stopper (W1).
2. Fill the specific gravity bottle with cement sample at least half of the bottle and weigh
with stopper (W2).
3. Fill the specific gravity bottle containing the cement, with kerosene (free of
Water) placing the stopper and weigh it (W3).
4. While doing the above do not allow any air bubbles to remain in the specific gravity
bottle.
5. After weighing the bottle, the bottle shall be cleaned and dried again.
6. Then fill it with fresh kerosene and weigh it with stopper (W4).
7. Remove the kerosene from the bottle and fill it with full of water and weigh it with
stopper (W5).
8. All the above weighing should be done at the room temperature of 27oc +1
DIAGRAM:
Specific gravity bottle – Pycnometer.
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OBSERVATIONS:
Description of item Trial 1 Trial2 Trail 3

Weight of empty bottle,
W1 g
Weight of bottle + Cement,
W2 g
Weight of bottle + Cement + Kerosene,
W3 g
Weight of bottle + Full Kerosene,
W4 g
Weight of bottle + Full Water,
W5 g
Specific gravity of Kerosene Sk = W4 - W1 / W5 - W1

Specific gravity of Cement Sc = W2 - W1 / ((W4 - W1)-(W3-W2))*Sk
Sc = (W2 - W1)* (W4 - W1) / ((W4 - W1)-(W3-W2))*(W5 - W1)
PRECAUTION:
1. Only kerosene which is free of water shall be used.
2. At time of weighing the temperature of the apparatus will not be allowed to exceed
the specified temperature.
3. All air bubbles shall be eliminated in filling the apparatus and inserting the stopper.
4. Weighing shall be done quickly after filling the apparatus and shall be accurate to 0.1
mg.
5. Precautions shall be taken to prevent expansion and overflow of the contents resulting
from the heat of the hand when wiping the surface of the apparatus.
RESULT:
Average specific gravity of given sample of cement =
Engineering
2. SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND UNIT WEIGHT OF COARSE AND

FINE AGGREGATES
(A) SPECIFIC GRAVITY:

AIM:
To determine the specific gravity of given sample of fine aggregate.
APPARATUS:
1. Weighing balance with capacity not less than 3 kg and accurate up to 0.5 g.
2. Pycnometer, Air tight container large enough to take up the sample.
3. Tray (area not less than 32500 mm2), Filter paper and Funnel.
4. Oven: Well ventilated and fitted with control to maintain a temperature of 100˚C to
110˚C.
MATERIALS REQUIRED:
 Fine aggregate, potable water.
FIGURE:
Pycnometer
THEORY:
“Specific Gravity” is the ratio of the weight of aggregate maintained for 24±0.5 hours
at a temperature of 100˚C to 110˚C to the weight of equal volume of water displaced by
saturated dry aggregate. The specific gravity of an aggregate is generally required for
calculations in connection with cement concrete design work for determination of moisture
content and for the calculations of volume yield of concrete. The specific gravity also gives
information on the quality and properties of aggregate. The specific gravity of an aggregate is
considered to be a measure of strength of quality of the material. The bulk density of an
aggregate is used for judging its quality by comparison with normal density for that type of
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aggregate. It is required for converting proportions by weight into proportions by volume and
is used in calculating the percentage of voices in the aggregate.
 Majority of the aggregates will have Specific Gravity values between 2.6 to 2.9.
PROCEDURE:
1. A sample of about 1 kg for 10 mm to 4.75 mm or 500 g if finer than 4.75 mm is
placed in the tray and covered with distilled water at a temperature of 22˚C to 32˚C.
2. Soon after immersion, air entrapped in or bubbles on the surface of the aggregate are
removed by gentle agitation with a rod. The sample shall remain immersed for a
period of 24± ½ hours.
3. The water is then carefully drained off from the sample by decantation through a filter
paper and any material retained being returned to the sample.
4. The aggregate including any solid matter retained on the filter paper is exposed to a
gentle current of warm air to evaporate surface moisture and is stirred at frequent
intervals to ensure uniform drying until no free surface moisture can be seen.
5. The saturated and surface dry sample is weighed.
6. The aggregate is then placed in pycnometer and then it should be filled with distilled
water.
7. Any air entrapped is eliminated by rotating the pycnometer on its side, the hole of the
apex of the cone is covered with finger.
8. The pycnometer is then dried on the outside and weighed. The contents of the
pycnometer are then transferred into a tray, care being taken to ensure that all the
aggregate is transferred.
9. The pycnometer is then refilled with distilled water to the same level as before, dried
on the outside and weighed.
10. The water from the sample is removed by decantation and the sample is dried in the
oven at 100˚C to 111˚C for 24± ½ hours, cooled and weighed.
PRECAUTIONS:
1. There should be no bubbles sticking to the surface of the aggregate.
2. Care should be exercised to handle the aggregate carefully to avoid any loss during
transferring from one unit to the other.
3. All the weighing should be done accurately.
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

S.No Description Sample 1 Sample 2
1 Weight of empty pycnometer W1(gms)
2 Weight of pycnometer with oven dry aggregate W2(gms)
3 Weight of pycnometer + aggregate + water W3(gms)
4 Weight of pycnometer + water W4(gms)
(W2 –W1 )
Specific gravity = =
(W4 –W1 )–(W3 –W2 )
RESULTS:
Specific Gravity of the given sample of aggregate is __________________.
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AIM:
To determine the Specific Gravity of given sample of coarse aggregate.
APPARATUS:
1. Weighing balance with capacity not less than 3 kg and accurate up to 0.5 gm.
2. Wide mouthed glass vessel jar of about 1.5 litre capacity, with a flat ground lip and a
plane ground disc of late glass to cover it giving a virtually water tight fit.
3. Cloth (size not less than 720 mm x 450 mm).
4. An air tight container large enough to take up the sample.
5. Oven, Tray (area not less than 32500 mm2).
6. Wire basket of not more than 6.3 mm mesh or a perforated container of convenient
size, preferably of chromium plated and polished with wire hangers not thicker than
one mm for suspending it from the balance.
MATERIALS REQUIRED:
 Sample of aggregates, Potable water.
THEORY:
“Specific Gravity” is the ratio of the weight of aggregate maintained for 24±0.5 hours
at a temperature of 100˚C to 110˚C to the weight of equal volume of water displaced by
saturated dry aggregate. The specific gravity of an aggregate is generally required for
calculations in connection with cement concrete design work for determination of moisture
content and for the calculations of volume yield of concrete. The specific gravity also gives
information on the quality and properties of aggregate. The specific gravity of an aggregate is
considered to be a measure of strength of quality of the material.
 Majority of the aggregates will have Specific Gravity values between 2.6 to 2.9.
PROCEDURE:
1. Weigh the given aggregate sample.
2. The sample is screened on a 10 mm IS sieve, thoroughly washed to remove fine
particles of dust, drained, then placed in the wire basket immersed in distilled water
and allowed to remain immersed at a temperature of 22˚C to 32˚C for 24± ½ hours.
3. Soon after immersion and again at the end of the soaking period air entrapped in or
bubbles on the surface of the aggregate are removed by gentle agitation. This is
achieved by rapid clock-wise and anti-clockwise rotation of vessel between the
operator’s hands.
4. The vessel is over filled by adding distilled water and the plane ground glass disc slid
over the mouth so as to ensure that no air is trapped in the vessel. The vessel shall be
dried on the outside and weighed.
5. The vessel is emptied and the aggregate is allowed to drain out. Refill the vessel with
distilled water. Slide the glass disc in position as before. The vessel is dried and
weighed.
6. The aggregate is placed on a dry cloth and gently surface dried with the cloth,
transferring it to a second dry cloth when the first will remove no further moisture.
7. It is then spread out not more than one stone deep on the second cloth, and left
exposed to atmosphere away from direct sunlight or any other source of heat for not
less than 10 minutes or until it appears to be completely surface dried. The aggregate
is turned over at least once during this period and a gentle current of unheated air may
be used after 10 minutes to accelerate the drying of the difficult aggregate.
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8. The aggregate is placed in the oven in the shallow tray, at a temperature of 100˚C to
110˚C for 24± ½ hours. It is then cooled in air tight container and weighed.
9. Now calculate the specific gravity of the given sample using the following data.

Weight of the aggregate sample = __________________________kgs.
S.No Description Sample 1 Sample 2

1 Weight of empty container W1(gms)
2 Weight of container with oven dry aggregate W2(gms)
3 Weight of container + aggregate + water W3(gms)
4 Weight of container + water W4(gms)
(W2 –W1 )
Specific gravity = =
(W4 –W1 )–(W3 –W2 )
PRECAUTIONS:
1. There should be no bubbles sticking to the surface of the aggregate.
2. Care should be exercised to handle the aggregate carefully to avoid any loss during
transferring from one unit to the other.
3. All the weighing should be done accurately.
RESULT:
Specific Gravity of the given sample of aggregate is __________________.
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(B) UNIT WEIGHTS:
AIM:
To determine specific gravity and unit weights of coarse and fine aggregate.
APPARATUS:
Balance, cylindrical metal measures and tamping rod.
INTRODUCTION:
Nominal capacity of the cylindrical metal measures to be used based n size of particle.
Nominal capacity Size of largest particle
3 liters 4.75mm and under
15 liters Over 4.75mm to 40mm
30 liters Over 40mm
CALIBRATION:
The measuresshall be calibrated by determining the weight of water at 27oC required
to fill it such that no meniscus is present above the rim of the container. The capacity in litres
shall be obtained by dividing the weight of water in kg required to fill the container at 27oC
by the weight of water in one litre at 27oC which is 0.1kg.
PROCEDURE:
1. Take weight of empty measures (W).
2. Fill the measures with aggregate sample for about one third height and tamp evenly
with 25 strokes of the rounded end of the tamping rod.
3. Add similar quantity of aggregates second layer and tamp it evenly with 25 strokes.
4. Fill the measures with third layer of aggregate up to over flowing and tamp it with 25
strokes.
5. Strike off the surplus aggregate using tamping rod as a straight edge.
6. Take the weight (W1).
7. Empty the measures and fill it again to over flow by means of shovels, the aggregate
being discharged from height not exceeding 5cm above the top of the measures.
8. Level the surface of the measures and weight it (W2).
NOTE: Experiment should be done separately for coarse and fine aggregates.
CALCULATIONS:
Course aggregate:
Diameter of metal measure: _________.
Volume of metal measures (v) = (W1-W): __________.
Bulk density of compacted coarse aggregate: ___________.
Bulk density of loosely packed coarse aggregate (W2-W)/V: __________.
Unit weight (bulk density x g): ________.
Percentage of voids 100 x (Gs –ρ)/ Gs : ____________.
Where Gs = specific gravity aggregate
Ρ = bulk density of aggregate in kg/litre.
Fine aggregate:
Diameter of metal measure: _________.
Volume of metal measures (v) = (W1-W): __________.
Bulk density of compacted fine aggregate: ___________.
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Bulk density of loosely packed fine aggregate (W2-W)/V: __________.
Unit weight (bulk density x g): ________.
Percentage of voids 100 x (Gs – ρ)/ Gs : ____________.
Where Gs = specific gravity aggregate
Ρ = bulk density of aggregate in kg/litre.
RESULT:
Bulk density of compacted coarse aggregate =
Bulk density of loosely packed coarse aggregate =
Unit weight of coarse aggregate =
Percentage of voids of coarse aggregate =
Bulk density of compacted fine aggregate =

Bulk density of loosely packed fine aggregate =
Unit weight of fine aggregate =
Percentage of voids of fine aggregate =
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3. DETERMINATION OF NORMAL CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT

(IS: 4031 PART 4 -1988)
AIM:
To determine the quantity of water required to produce a cement paste of standard
consistency.
APPARATUS:
Vicat apparatus (conforming to IS: 5513 - 1976) with plunger (10 mm in diameter)
balance, weights, gauging trowel.
DEFINITION:
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.
INTRODUCTION:
For finding out initial setting time, final setting time, soundness of cement and
compressive strength of cement, it is necessary to fix the quantity of water to be mixed in
cement in each case. This experiment is intended to find out the quantity of water to be mixed
for a given cement to give a cement paste of normal consistency and can be done with the
help of Vicat apparatus.
FORMULA:
Standard consistency (%) = (weight of water added*100)/weight of cement.
STANDARD WEIGHTS:
The permissible variation on weights in use in weighing the cement shall be as
prescribed in following table.
Permissible variations on
Weights,
weights in use, plus or minus,
g
g
500 0.35
300 0.30
250 0.25
200 0.20
100 0.15
50 0.10
20 0.05
10 0.04
05 0.03
02 0.02
01 0.01
PROCEDURE:
1. Prepare a paste of weighed quantity of cement (300 grams) with a weight quantity of
potable or distilled water, starting with 26% water of 300g of cement.
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2. Take care that the time of gauging is not less than 3 minutes, not more than 5 minutes
and the gauging shall be completed before setting occurs.
3. The gauging time shall be counted from the time of adding the water to the dry
cement until commencing to fill the mould.
4. Fill the vicat mould with this paste, the mould resting upon a non-porous plate.
5. After completely filling the mould, trim off the surface of the paste, making it in level
with the top of the mould. The mould may slightly be shaken to expel the air.
6. 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.
7. This operation shall be carried out immediately after filling the mould.
8. 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.
9. Express the amount of water as a percentage by weight of the dry cement.
PRECAUTIONS:
Clean appliances shall 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.
FIGURE:
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1. Date of test : __________________________________________
2. Type of Cement: ______________________________________.
3. Temperature at testing (i) Cement: _______________________˚C
(ii) Water: ________________________˚C
(iii) Room: ________________________˚C
TABLE:
Wt. of cement Wt. of water Plunger Consistency of

Sl. Time
taken in gm. taken in gm. Penetration cement in % by wt.
No. taken
(a) (b) (mm) (b/a*100)
RESULT:
Normal consistency for the given sample of cement is
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4. DETERMINATION ON INITIAL AND FINAL SETTLING TIME

(IS: 4031 PART 5 -1988)
AIM:
To determine the initial and final setting time of the given cement sample.
APPARATUS:
1. Test block with Cement sample(IS 3535-1986)
2. Stop watch
3. Potable or distilled Water
4. Vicat’s apparatus (IS :5513-1976*)
5. Non porous plate
FIGURE:
VICAT’S APPARATUS DIFFERENT TYPES OF NEEDLES
THEORY:
CONSISTENCY:
The percentage of water requirement of cement paste, the viscosity which will
be such that the Vicat’s plunger penetrates up to a point 5 to 7 mm from the bottom of
the Vicat’s mould.
INITIAL SETTING TIME:
The initial setting time is the time taken by the cement paste to stiffen to such
an extent that the Vicat’s needle is not permitted to move down through the paste to
within 5±0.5 mm measured from the bottom of the mould. It is a rheological property
of cement.
FINAL SETTING TIME:

The final setting time is the time taken after which the paste becomes so hard
that the angular attachment to the needle under standard weight, fails to leave any
mark on the hardened concrete. It is a rheological property of cement.
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FACTORS EFFECTING SETTING PROPERTIES:
The factors affecting the setting the properties of cement are as follows
1. Composition.
2. The percentage of retardant.
3. Degree of calcinations.
4. Fineness of grinding.
5. Aeration subsequent to grinding clinker.
6. Percentage of water used to make cement paste.
7. Temperature of mixing water.
8. Cement.
9. Atmosphere where cement paste is placed.
10. Amount of manipulation the paste receives.
TEST PROCEDURE:
I. Preparation of Test Block:
1. Prepare a neat cement paste by gauging 300 grams of cement with 0.85 times the
water required to give a paste of standard consistency.
2. Potable or distilled water shall be used in preparing the paste.
3. The paste shall be gauged in the manner and under the conditions prescribed in
determination of consistency of standard cement paste.
4. Start a stop-watch at the instant when water is added to the cement.
5. Fill the mould with the cement paste gauged as above the mould resting on a
nonporous plate.
6. Fill the mould completely and smooth off the surface of the paste making it level
with the top of the mould. The cement block thus prepared in the mould is the test
block.
II. 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 to 7 mm
measured from the bottom of the mould shall be the initial setting time.
III. Determination of Final Setting Time:
1. Replace the needle of the Vicat’s 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.
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IMPORTANCE:
1. It is a rheological property of cement .The importance of knowing initial setting time
is because of loss of useful properties of cement if the cement mortar or concrete is
placed in moulds after this time.
2. It is important to know the final setting time because of the fact that the moulds can
be removed after this time.

1. Type of Cement used: ___________________________________
2. Quantity of cement (C) (in gms) = ______________________
3. Water for standard consistency (P) = _______________________
4. Water to be added (0.85x P x C) = _______________________.
RESULT:
The initial setting time of the given cement sample is _____ sec.
&the final setting time is _____ sec.
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5. FINENESS OF CEMENT
(As per IS 4031 (Part 1, 4, 15))
AIM:
To determine the fineness of cement.
THEORY:
Cement is obtained by grinding the various raw materials. The degree to which the
cement is drawn to smaller and smaller particles is called fineness of cement. Finer the
cement higher the rate of radiation and do faster the development of strain. This is because
finer cement offers greater surface area of particles for hydration I.S. 269-1976 the reduce by
weight of 90 micron I.S. sieve by drying cement should not exceed 10% by the weight in case
of ordinary Portland cement (O.P.C.) .
EFFECT OF FINENESS ON PROPERTIES OF CEMENT:

1. During use of cement in structure water is mixed with cement. A chemical reaction
takes place between water and cement, and is called hydration.
2. The strength cement concrete or cement mortar develops with hydration. More the
rate of hydration faster is the development of strength.
3. 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.
4. At the same time the rate of development of heat due to hydration also increases.
ADVANTAGES OF USING FINER CEMENT:

The cement develops strength earlier and so formwork can be removed earlier thus
reducing cost of construction.
DISADVANTAGES OF USING FINER CEMENT:

The finely ground cement is likely to deteriorate earlier due to setting because of
moisture in air. Also the drying shrinkage is higher in case of finer cements.
METHODS OF FINDING FINENESS OF CEMENT:

There are two methods of finding fineness of cement. They are
1. Method of sieving.
 Method of dry sieving
 Method of wet sieving
2. By air permeability test.
(A) BY METHOD OF SIEVING:

DRY SIEVING:
APPARATUS:
1. 90 Micron I.S. sieve.
2. Weight balance with weight box.
3. Bristle brush 25 mm size.
4. Cement sample about 100 grams.
DIAGRAM:
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PROCEDURE:
1. 100 gm of cement sample was taken and denoted by w1.
2. The sample was placed on I.S. sieve no. 9.
3. Air set lump in the sample was taken fingers.
4. Sieve was held on the both the hand and sieve with a gently rise
without spilling the cement and keeping cement will spread on the
screen carried out circular motion of sieve of the period of 15 min.
5. The reduce left on the sieve was collected and weight. The weight
of reduce is denoted as w2.
OBSERVATION 1:
Weight of the cement sample w1 = 100 gm
Sl. Weight of cement Weight of reduce

% of reduce Mean value
No. (w1) (w2)
1 100 gm
2 100 gm
3 100 gm
CALCULATION 1:
1. % of Reduce = w2/w1 X 100
2. % of Reduce = w2/w1 X 100
3. % of Reduce = w2/w1 X 100
Mean value =
OBSERVATION:
1. Weight of the cement sample w1 = 100 gm
2. Weight of reduce cement sample w2 = gm
SAMPLE CALCULATION:
Percentage of reduce sample = w2/w1 X 100
CONCLUSION:
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The given sample of cement contains less than / more than 10 % by
weight of material course than 90 Micron sieve. Therefore it satisfied / does
not satisfied the criteria as satisfied by I.S.I.
WET SIEVING:
APPARATUS:
1. 45 micron sieve
2. Spray nozzle
3. Pressure gauge
4. Balance and standard weights
5. Oven
PROCEDURE:
1. Place 1,000 g of sample of the cement on a clean, dry 45 micron IS
Sieve.
2. Wet the sample thoroughly with a gentle stream of water.
3. Remove the sieve from under the nozzle and adjust the pressure on
the spray nozzle to 0'07f 0'005N /mm”.
4. Return the sieve to its position under the nozzle and wash for 1
min, moving the sieve with a circular motion in a horizontal plane
at the rate of one motion per second in the spray.
5. The bottom of the spray nozzle shall extend below the top of the
sieve frame by about 12 mm.
6. Immediately upon removing the sieve from the spray, rinse once
with 50 ml of distilled water, taking care not to lose any of the
residue, and then blot the lower surface gently upon a damp cloth.
Dry the sieve and residue in an oven or over a hot plate, supporting
the sieve in such a manner that air may pass freely beneath it. Cool
the sieve, brush the residue from the sieve and weigh.
CALIBRATION OF 45 MICRON IS SIEVE:

The calibration of the 45 micron sieve shall be made using standard
reference material (SRM) from National Council of Cement and Building
Materials. Place 1,000 g of the SRM on the clean dry 45 micron sieve. The
sieve correction factor is the difference between the test residue obtained and
the assigned residue value indicated by the electro-formed sheet sieve fineness
specified for the standard sample, expressed as a percentage of the test residue.
The sieve shall be re-calibrated after every 100 determinations.
OBSERVATION:
Sl. Weight of cement
Weight residue % of residue Rc
No. (w1)
1 1000 gm
2 1000 gm
3 1000 gm
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CALCULATION:
Calculate the mass of the residue of the cement left on the standard 45
micron IS Sieve to the nearest 0.1 percent as follows:
Rc= Rs x (lOO+C)
Where,
Rc = corrected residue in percent,
Rs = residue of the sample retained on the45 micron IS Sieve in g,
C = sieve correction factor which may be either plus or minus.
(B) BY METHOD OF AIR PERMEABILITY TEST:

APPARATUS:
1. Variable flow type air permeability apparatus.
2. Timer.
3. Balances and standard weights.
4. Pycnometer.
5. Manometer liquid.
6. Mercury.
7. Reference cement of known specific surface.
8. Light oil, to prevent formation of mercury amalgam on the inner surface of
the cell.
9. Circular discs of filter paper, having a smooth circumference adapted to
the dimensions of the cell. The filter paper is of medium porosity (Mean
pore diameter 7 µm).
10. Light grease, for ensuring an airtight joint between cell and manometer,
and in the stop clock.
TEST PROCEDURE:
The laboratory in which the air permeability test is carried out shall be
maintained at a temperature of 27 ±2°C and a relative humidity not exceeding65
percent. All materials for test and calibration shall be at the laboratory temperature
when used and shall be protected from absorption of atmospheric moisture during
storage. A laboratory temperature of 20 f 2°Cmay be maintained, if desired by the
purchaser.
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FIGURE:
Blaine's air permeability apparatus

PROCEDURE:
1. Insert the conical surface of the cell into the socket at the top of the manometer, using
if necessary a little light grease to ensure an airtight joint.
2. Take care not to disturb the cement bed. Close the top of the cylinder with a suitable
plug.
3. Open the stopcock and with gentle aspiration raise the level of the manometer liquid
to that of the highest etched line, close the stopcock and observe that the level of the
manometer liquid remains constant.
4. If it falls, remake the cell -manometer joint and check the stopcock, repeat the leakage
test until the improved sealing produces a steady level of the liquid.
5. Open the stopcock and by gentle aspiration adjust the level of the liquid, to that of the
highest etched line. Close the stopcock.
6. Remove the plug from the top of the cylinder. The manometer liquid will begin to
flow.
7. Start the timer as the liquid reaches the second etched line and stop it when the liquid
reaches the third etched line.
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8. Record the time f, to the nearest 0.2 s and the temperature to the nearest 1°C. Repeat
the procedure on the same bed and record the additional, values of time and
temperature.
9. Prepare a fresh bed of the same cement with a second sample .Carry out the
permeability test twice on the second bed, recording the values of time.
RESULT:
The fineness modules of given cement specimen is
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6. DETERMINATION OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF

CEMENT
(As per IS 650:1991)
AIM:
To determine the compressive strength of cement.
APPARATUS REQUIRED:
1. Non porous enamel tray.
2. Trowel.
3. Cube mould of size 7.06cm.
4. Platform vibrator (or) Equipment for hand compaction.
5. Compression testing machine.
6. Balance to measure weight.
INTRODUCTION:
The compressive strength of cement mortars is determined in order to verify whether
the cement conforms to IS specifications and whether it will be able to develop the required
compressive strength of concrete. The average compressive strength of at least three mortar
cubes (area of the face 50 cm2)composed of one part of cement and three parts of standard
stand should satisfy IS code specifications.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEST:

The compressive strength of hardened cement is the most important of all the
properties. Therefore, it is not surprising that the cement is always tested for its compressive
strength at the laboratory before the cement is used in important works.
STRENGTH TEST:
Strength test are not done on neat cement paste because of difficulties of excessive
shrinkage and subsequent cracking of neat cement. Strength of cement is indirectly found on
cement – sand mortar in specific proportion. The cubes are prepared for this purpose. The
cubes are then tested in compression testing machine at the end on three days and seven days.
Testing of cubes is carried out on their three sides without packing. Thus the cubes are tested
at each time.
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF DIFFERENT GRADES OF CEMENT:

Generally we have three grades of cement. They are 33Grade (IS269:1989), 43Grade
(IS8112:1989), 53Grade (IS12269:1989) .Grade denotes the compressive strength of cement.
For each grade of cement there will be a different compressive strength. The average
compressive strength of at least three mortar cubes (50cm2 face area) composed of one part
of cement and three parts of standard sand as specified (conforming to IS 650:1966) by mass
and (0.25P+3) percent (of combined mass of cement and sand) water and prepared, stored
,tested in the manner described in IS4031:1968 shall be as follows.
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1. 33 Grade cement
Compressive strength
Time of curing
(N/mm2)
72±1 hours 16
168±2 hours 22
678±4 hours 33
2. 43 Grade cement
Time of curing
(N/mm2)
72±1 hours 23
168±2 hours 33
678±4 hours 43
3. 53 Grade cement
Time of curing
(N/mm2)
72±1 hours 27
168±2 hours 37
678±4 hours 53
PROCEDURE:
PREPARATION OF CEMENT MORTAR CUBES:
1. Take 555 grams of standard sand, 185gms of cement (i.e. ratio of cement to sand
is 1:3) in a non-porous enamel tray and mix them with a trowel for one minute.
2. Add water quantity (P/4 + 3.0) % of combined weight of cement and sand and mix
the three ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is of uniform colour. The time
of mixing should be less than three minutes and not more than four minutes.
3. Immediately after mixing fill the mortar into a cube mould of sizes 7.06cm.
4. Compact the mortar either by hand compaction in a standard specified manner or
on the vibrating table.
5. Place the moulds in cabin at a temperature of 27º ± 2º C for 24 hours
6. Remove the specimen from the moulds and submerge them in clean water for
curing.
TESTING OF CEMENT MORTAR CUBES:

1. Take the cube out of water at the end of three days with dry cloth. Measure the
dimensions of the surface in which the load is to be applied. Let be ‘L’ and ‘B’
respectively.
2. Place the cube in compressive testing machine and apply the load uniformly at the
rate of 35N/mm2.
3. Note the load at which the cube fails. Let it be ‘P’.
4. Calculate the compressive strength of the cube by using formula. The compressive
strength at the end of three days should not be less than 16N/mm2
5. Repeat the same procedure (steps 1 to 4) for other two cubes.
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6. Repeat the whole procedure (Step 1 to 5) to find the compressive strength of the
cube at the end of 7 days and it should not be less than 22 N/mm2.
FIGURE:
Cement cube vibrating machine
TABULATION:
(a) For 3 days strength:

Length (L) Breadth (B) Load (P) compressive strength
Sl.No.
in mm in mm in N in N/mm2
1
2
3
Average =
(b) For 7 days strength:
Length (L) Breadth (B) Load (P) compressive strength

Sl.No.
in mm in mm in N in N/mm2
1
2
3
Average =
RESULT:
Compressive strength of cement at 3 days = N/mm2
Compressive strength of cement at 7 days = N/mm2
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7. BULKING CHARACTERISTICS OF SAND

AIM:
To ascertain the bulking phenomena of given sample of sand.
APPARATUS:
1000ml measuring jar, brush.
INTRODUCTION:
Increase in volume of sand due to presence of moisture is known as bulking of sand.
Bulking is due to the formation of thin film of water around the sand grains and the
interlocking of air in between the sand grains and the film of water. When more water is
added sand particles get submerged and volume again becomes equal to dry volume of sand.
To compensate the bulking effect extra sand is added in the concrete so that the ratio of
coarse to fine aggregate will not change from the specified value. Maximum increase in
volume may be 20% to 40 % when moisture content is 5 % to 10 % by weight. Fine sands
show greater percentage of bulking than coarse sands with equal percentage of moisture.
PROCEDURE:
1. Take 1000ml measuring jar.
2. Fill it with loose dry sand up to 500ml without tamping at any stage of filling.
3. Then pour that sand on a pan and mix it thoroughly with water whose volume is
equal to 2% of that of dry loose sand.
4. Fill the wet loose sand in the container and find the volume of the sand which is in
excess of the dry volume of the sand.
5. Repeat the procedure for moisture content of 4%, 6%, 8%, etc. and note down the
readings.
6. Continue the procedure till the sand gets completely saturated i.e. till it reaches the
original volume of 500ml.
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OBSERVATION:
Volume of dry volume of wet

Sl. % moisture % Bulking
loose sand loose sand
No content added (V2-V1)/V1
V1 V2
GRAPH:
Draw a graph between percentage moisture content on X-axis and percentage bulking
on Y-axis. The points on the graph should be added as a smooth curve. Then from the graph,
determine maximum percentage of bulking and the corresponding moisture content.
PRECAUTIONS:
1. While mixing water with sand grains, mixing should be thorough and uniform.
2. The sample should not be compressed while being filled in jar.
3. The sample must be slowly and gradually poured into measuring jar from its top.
4. Increase in volume of sand due to bulking should be measured accurately.
RESULT:
The maximum bulking of the given sand is at % of moisture content.
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8. SIEVE ANALYSIS OF COARSE AND FINE AGGREGATE AND

CLASSIFICATION AS PER IS 383
AIM:
To determine the fineness modulus of given cement sample by sieve method.
APPARATUS:
1. Ordinary Portland Cement sample
2. Sand sample
3. Set of sieves
4. Motorized sieve shaker
5. Steel tray
6. Electronic weighing machine
THEORY:
FINENESS:
The degree of fineness is the measure of mean size of the grains in it .The
fineness is generally expressed in terms of surface area of the particles in the unit
weight of the material. Finer the cement more is the strength since surface area of
hydration will be large. Finer cement reacts more strongly in alkali reactive aggregate
.The fineness of cement can be determined by the physical method i.e., sieve analysis
method.
FINENESS MODULUS:
The fineness modulus is a numerical index of the fineness giving some idea
about the mean size of the aggregate .The fineness modulus is the sum of the
cumulative percentages retained on the each sieve divided by 100.
The object of finding fineness modulus of the cement is to grade the given
aggregate for the required strength and workability of concrete mix with minimum
cement .Higher fineness modulus aggregate result in harsh concrete mixes & lower
F.M. results in uneconomical mixes.
TEST PROCEDURE:
1. First take certain amount of cement/sand sample in a tray.
2. With the help of electronic weighing machine take 100 grams of cement/ sand
sample into another tray.
3. Now break the sample with the fingers to remove any air voids present in the sample.
4. Then place the sample in IS set of
sieves(80mm,63mm,40mm,20mm,12.5mm,10mm,4.75mm,2.36mm,1.18mm,600µ,30
0 µ,150 µ) with a collecting pan at bottom .
5. Keep it in motorized sieve shaker and sieve it for at least 15 minutes continuously.
6. The weight of residue left on the each IS sieve is calculated by the digital weighing
machine.
7. The material retained on each sieve after sieving represent the fraction of aggregate
coarser than the sieve above.
8. The fineness modulus of the given aggregate sample is calculated by the formula.
9.
FORMULA:
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Sum of cumulative percentages retained
Fineness modulus (F.M.) =
100
TABULAR FORM:
Coarse aggregate Fine aggregate
Wt. of Wt. of
I.S Sieve
aggregate aggregate
size % of Cumulative Cumulative % of Cumulative Cumulative
retained retained
retaining % retained % passing retaining % retained % passing
on sieve on sieve
(kg) (kg)
80mm
63mm
40mm
20mm
16mm
12.5mm
10mm
4.75mm
2.36mm
1.18mm
600micron
300micron
150micron
<150micron
MODEL GRAPH:
Plot a semi-log graph between cumulative % passing on y-axis and I.S. sieve sizes on
x-axis (log axis).
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LIMITS:
The F.M. values for different aggregate are as follows:
Sl. Aggregate Fineness modules
No. (maximum size) Minimum Maximum
Fine aggregate
i. Fine sand 2.20 2.60
1
ii. Medium sand 2.60 2.90
iii. Coarse sand 2.90 3.20
Coarse aggregate
i. 20 mm 6.00 6.90
2
ii. 40 mm 6.90 7.50
iii. 75 mm 7.50 8.00
Minimum weight of sample for sieve analysis (I.S.: 2386 (Part-I) – 1963):
Maximum size present in Minimum weight of sample
substantial portions to be taken for sieve
(mm) (kg)
63 50
50 35
40 or 31.50 15
25 5
20 or 16 2
12.50 1
10 0.50
6.30 0.20
4.75 0.20
2.36 0.10
CLASSIFICATION:
COARSE AGGREGATE:
IS Sieve Percentage passing for graded aggregate of nominal size
designation 40 mm 20 mm 15 mm 12.5 mm
80mm 100 - - -
63mm - - - -
40mm 95-100 100 - -
20mm 30-70 55-100 100 100
16mm - - 90-100 -
12.5mm - - - 90-100
10mm 10-35 23-55 20-70 40-55
4.75mm 0-5 0-10 0-10 0-10
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FINE AGGREGATE:
IS Sieve Percentage passing for grading
designation Zone I Zone II Zone III Zone IV
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
600micron 15-34 35-59 60-79 80-100
300micron 5-20 8-30 12-40 15-50
150micron 0-10 0-10 0-10 0-15
RESULT:
i. The Fineness modulus of the given coarse aggregate sample is
ii. The Fineness modulus of the given fine aggregate sample is
iii. Given coarse aggregate belongs to
iv. Given fine aggregate belongs to
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9. WORKABILITY TESTS ON GREEN CONCRETE BY USING:

SLUMP CONE, COMPACTION FACTOR APPARATUS, FLOW
TABLE, VEE-BEE CONSISTOMETER
(As per IS 1199 – 1959)
OBJECTIVE:
To find out the workability of a given batch of concrete
THEORY:
Concrete passes through two stages i.e., wet stage and dry stage.
Wet stage, is immediately after mixing, the concrete is plastic which can be moulded into any
shape. The elasticity of concrete is measured in terms of workability which is understood as
the easiness with which all concreting operations like mixing, transporting and placing is
done without much energy. In other words the workability can be defined as amount of
energy required to overcome the internal friction. The workable concrete shall be fluidic,
homogeneous and stable. Based on the workability, the concrete can be classified as very
low, medium and high workable concretes
The workability of concrete can be determined by one of the following methods:

1. Slump test.
2. Compaction factor test.
3. Vee-Bee consistometer test
4. Flow table test
Workability of concrete depends on the following factors:

1. Water cement ratio.
2. Size, shape, texture and grading of aggregate.
3. Using of admixtures.
4. Mix proportions.
Engineering
(A) SLUMP CONE:
AIM:
To determine the workability of concrete mix using slump-cone test for given
proportion.
APPARATUS:
1. Slump cone, Weighing machine, Scale, Tamping rod.
2. Iron pan, Trowel to mix concrete.
MATERIALS USED:
 Cement, Potable water, Fine aggregate, Coarse aggregate.
FIGURE:
Slump Cone
THEORY:
Workability is the ease with which concrete mix flows to the remotest corner of the
form-work. “Slump test” is one of the tests devised to measure workability.
The tools used in the test are described as follows. 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 30 cm. 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. dia. 60 cm. long
and is bullet pointed at the lower end.
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Unsupported fresh concrete, when the slump cone is removed, will flow to the sides
and a sinking in height will take place. This vertical settlement is called slump. Slump is a
measured in mm.
PROCEDURE:
1. Mix the dry constituents thoroughly to get a uniform colour and then add water.
2. The internal surface of the mould is to be thoroughly cleaned and placed on a smooth,
horizontal, rigid and non-absorbent surface.
3. Place the mixed concrete in the cleaned slump cone in 4 layers each approximately
1/4 in height of the mould. Tamp each layer 25 times with tamping rod.
4. Remove the cone immediately, rising it slowly and carefully in the vertical direction.
5. As soon as the concrete settlement comes to a stop, measure the subsidence of the
concrete in cm, which gives the slump.
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.
OBSERVATIONS:
Mix Proportions = _______
Grade of concrete =_______
W/C ratio = _______
Total Wt. of Aggregates =_______kgs.
Weight of Water = _______kgs
Weight of Cement =_______kgs.
Weight of Fine Aggregate = _______kgs.
Weight of Coarse Aggregate =_______kgs.
TABLE:
S. No. W/C Ratio. Slump (mm). Workability.
1
2
3
RESULT:
The average slump is _________ and the workability of concrete is _________.
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(B) COMPACTION FACTOR APPARATUS:
AIM:
To determine the workability of freshly mixed concrete by compaction factor test.
APPARATUS:
1. Compaction factor apparatus
2. Graduated cylinder
3. Balance
4. Tamping rod
5. Iron buckets
Essential dimensions of apparatus for size of aggregate not exceeding 40mm

Description Dimensions, cm
Upper hopper, A
Top internal diameter 25.4
Bottom internal diameter 12.7
Internal height 27.9
Lower hopper, B
Top internal diameter 22.9
Bottom internal diameter 12.7
Cylinder, C
Internal diameter 15.2
Distance between bottom of upper hopper and top of lower hopper 20.3
Distance between bottom of lower hopper and top of cylinder 20.3
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Compaction factor apparatus
PROCEDURE:
1. The sample of concrete to be tested shall be placed gently in the upper hopper, using
the hand scoop.
2. The hopper shall be filled level with its brim and the trap-door shall be opened so that
the concrete falls into the lower hopper.
3. Certain mixes have a tendency to stick in one or both of the hoppers
4. If this occurs , the concrete may be helped through by pushing the rod gently into the
concrete from the top
5. During this process ,the cylinder shall be covered by the trowels
6. Immediately after the concrete has come to rest, the cylinder shall be uncovered, the
trap-door of the lower hopper opened, and the concrete allowed to, fall into the
cylinder.
7. The excess of concrete remaining above the level of the top of the cylinder shall then
be cut off by holding a trowel in each hand, with the plane of the blades horizontal,
and moving them simultaneously one from each side across the top of the cylinder, at
the same time keeping them pressed on the top edge of the cylinder.
8. The outside of the cylinder shall then be wiped clean.
9. The above operation shall be carried out at a place free from vibration or shock.
10. The weight of concrete in cylinder shall then be determined to nearest 10g
11. This weight shall be known as the weight partially compacted concrete’.
12. The cylinder shall be refilled with concrete from the same sample in layers
approximately 5 cm deep, the layers being heavily preferably vibrated so as to obtain
full compaction.
13. The top surface of fully compacted concrete shall be carefully struck of level with the
top of cylinder.
CALCULATIONS:
Weight of empty cylinder =W1=
Cylinder + partially compacted concrete =W2=
Cylinder + fully compacted concrete =W3=
Weight of partially compacted concrete (W2 – W1)

Compaction factor = =
Weight of fully compacted concrete (W3 – W1)
RESULT:
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(C) FLOW TABLE:
AIM:
To determine the workability of concrete using flow table test.
APPRATUS:
1. Mould.
2. Flow table.
3. Sample.
DESCRIPTIONS OF APPRATUS:
1. Mould – The mould shall be made of a smooth metal casting. In the form of the
frustum of a cone with the following internal dimensions. A base 25cm in diameter
upper surface 17cm diameter and height 12 cm. The base and the top shall be open
and at right angles to the axis of the cone. The mould shall be provided with handles.
2. Flow Table – The flow table shall
conform to the design shown in
figure and shall be mounted on and
bolted to a concrete base having a
height of 40-50 cm. weighing not
less than 140 kg.
3. Sampling – In the case of concrete
containing aggregate of maximum
size more than 38mm, the concrete
shall be wet-sieved through 1 ½ in
a screen to exclude aggregate
particles bigger than 38mm. They
shall be transported to the place of
moulding of the specimen, and to
counteract segregation, the concrete
shall be mixed with a shovel until it
is uniform in appearance.
PROCEDURE:
1. Immediately proceeding in the test,
the table top and inside of the
mould shall be wetted and cleaned
of all gritty material and the excess water removed with a rubber squeezer.
2. The mould, centred on the table, shall be firmly held in place and filled into layers,
each approximately one-half the volume of the mould.
3. Each layer shall be rodded with 25 strokes of a straight round metal rod of 1.6cm in
diameter and 61cm long, rounded at the lower tamping end the stokes shall be
distributed in a uniform manner over the cross section of the mould and shall
penetrate into the under laying.
4. The bottom layer shall be rodded throughout its depth. After the top layer has been
rodded, the surface of the concrete shall be struck off with a trowel so that the mould
is exactly filled.
5. The excess concrete which has overflowed the mould shall be removed and the area
of the table outside the mould again cleaned.
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6. They shall be immediately removed from the concrete by a steady upward pull. The
table shall then be raised and dropped 12.5mm, 15 times in about 15 seconds.
7. The diameter of the spread concrete shall be the average of six symmetrically
distributed calliper measurements read to the nearest 5mm.
CALCULATIONS:
The flow of the concrete shall be recorded as the percentage increase in diameter of
the spread concrete over the base diameter of the moulded concrete, calculations from the
following formula:
Spread diameter in cm - 25
Flow, percent = x 100
25
RESULT:
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(D) VEE-BEE CONSISTOMETER:
AIM:
This deals with the determination of consistency of concrete using a Vee-Bee
Consistometer, which determines the time required for transforming, by vibration, a concrete
specimen in the shape of a conical frustum into a cylinder.
APPARATUS:
The Be-Bee Consistometer consists of:
1. A vibrator table resting upon elastic supports,
2. A metal pot,
3. A sheet metal cone, open at both ends, and
4. A standard iron rod.
The vibrator table (G) is 380 mm long and 260 mm wide and is supported on rubber
shock absorbers at a height of about 305 mm above floor level. The table is mounted on a
base (K) which rests on three rubber feet and is equipped with an electrically operated
vibrometer mounted under it, operating on either 65 or 220 volts three phase, 50 cycles
alternating current. A sheet metal cone (B) open at both ends is placed in the metal pot (A)
and the metal pot is fixed on to the vibrator table by means of two wing-nuts (H). The sheet
metal cone is 30 cm high and its bottom diameter is 20 cm and top diameter 10 cm. A swivel
arm holder (M) is fixed to the base and, into this is telescoped another swivel arm (N) with
funnel (D) and guide-sleeve (E). The swivel arm can be readily detached from the vibrator
table. The graduated rod (J) is fixed on to the swivel arm and at the end of the graduated arm
a glass disc (C) is screwed. The division of the scale on the rod records the slump of concrete
cone in centimetres and the volume vibration of the cone in the pot. The standard iron rod is
20 mm in diameter and 500 mm in length. The electrical rod is 20 mm in diameter and 500
mm in, length.
Vee-Bee consistometer
PROCEDURE:
1. The glass disc attached to the swivel arm shall be moved and placed just on the top of
the slump cone in the pot and before the cone is lifted up, the position of concrete
cone shall be noted by adjusting the glass disc attached to the swivel arm.
2. The cone shall then be lifted up and the slump noted on the graduated rod by lowering
the glass disc on top of the concrete cone.
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3. The electrical vibrator shall then be switched on and the concrete shall be allowed to
spread out in the pot.
4. The vibration shall then be continued until the whole concrete surface uniformly
adheres to the glass disc.
5. The time is recorded.
For calculation of slump based on VB-degree:

The Required slump is obtained on the basis of the consistency scale given in Table.
The Curve Indicate the relationship between slump in cm and the degrees covered by the
consistency scale given in Table.
GRAPH
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TABLE
NUMBER OF
CONSISTENCY VEE-BEE CHARACTERISES
DEGREE
Particles of coarse aggregate in the concrete arc
Moist earth 40 to 25-20 adhesive, but concrete does not clot. Risk of
segregation.
Concrete has the consistency of very stiff porridge,
forms a stiff mound when dumped, and barely tends to
Very dry 20 to 15-10 shake or roll itself to form an almost horizontal surface
when conveyed for a long time in, say, a wheel-
barrow.
Concrete has the consistency of stiff porridge, forms a
mound when dumped, and shakes or rolls itself to form
Dry 10 to 7-5
a horizontal surface when conveyed for a long time in,
say, a wheel-barrow.
Concrete can be shaped into a ball between the palms
Plastic 5to4-3
of the hands, and adheres to the skin.
Concrete cannot be rolled into a ball between the
palms of the hands, but spreads out even though
Semi-fluid 3 to 2-l
slowly and without affecting the cohesion of the
constituents so that segregation does not occur.
More fluid Concrete spreads out rapidly and segregation takes
Fluid
than 1 place.
RESULT:
The consistency of the concrete shall be expressed in VB-degree which is equal to the
time in seconds recorded.
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10.TESTS ON HARDENED CONCRETE

There are various tests that can be performed on hardened concrete.
Based on nature of testing these are categorised into two:

1. Laboratory tests
a. Compression test
b. Split tensile test
c. Flexural test
2. Field
a. Non-destructive Testing
i. Rebound hammer
ii. Rebar locator
iii. Ultrasonic pulse velocity test, etc.,
b. Destructive testing
i. Core cutter method
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11.COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
(As per IS: 516 – 1959)
AIM:
To determine the Compressive Strength of concrete at 28 days using cube and
cylinder specimens for the given proportions:
APPARATUS:
1. 1 set of Cube moulds of dimensions 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm, 1 set of Cylinder
moulds of 150 mm diameter and 300 mm in height.
2. Weighing machine, Tamping rod, Mixer, Capping apparatus.
3. Compressive Testing Machine.
MATERIALS REQUIRED:
 Cement, Potable water, Fine aggregate, coarse aggregate of required proportions.
THEORY:
Concrete is primarily strong in compression. Concrete is also good in other qualities
rather than the compressive strength. Higher the compressive strength better is the durability.
Bond strength, resistance to abrasion and volume stability improves with the increase in
compressive strength and is important in R.C.C work. Compressive strength also indicates
the extent of control exercised during construction. Test for compressive strength is therefore
very important in quality control.
Generally 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm cubes are used for cube testing but 100 mm x
100 mm x 100 mm cubes are also used if the size of aggregate is not greater than 20 mm.
Cylinder used is 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height. Whenever cylinders are used for
compressive strength results, the cube strength can be calculated with the following formula:
 Min. Cylinder Comp. strength required = 0.8 x Comp. strength specified for 150 mm
cube
FIGURE:
Cube, Cylinder and their moulds.
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Compression Testing Machine.
PROCEDURE:
1. Preparation of concrete:
Weigh cement, fine aggregate coarse aggregate and water as per requirements. Mix
them thoroughly in the mechanical mixer until uniform colour of concrete is obtained.
The concrete can be mixed by hand or by means of trowel in such a manner as
to avoid loss of water. In mixing by hand, the cement and the fine aggregate shall be
first mixed dry to uniform colour and then the coarse aggregate is added and mixed
until the coarse aggregate is uniformly distributed throughout the batch. Now the
water shall be added and the whole is mixed until the resulting concrete is uniform in
colour (mix at least for two minutes).
2. Compaction:
Pour the concrete so prepared in the moulds which have been oiled with medium
viscous oil. Fill concrete in cube moulds in three layers and cylinder moulds in six
layers of each approximately 50 mm and ramming each layer as follows.
i. For 150 mm cube: Each layer is to be rammed more than 35 times.
ii. For 150 mm x 300 mm cylinder: Each layer is to be rammed more than 30
times over the surface; the blows shall be evenly distributed on the layer.
In place of hand ramming suitable vibrators may be used.
3. Capping:
Cylindrical specimens are capped with a thick layer of neat cement generally 2 or 3
hours after moulding operation. Cap shall be formed by a glass plate or metal plate.
Work the plate on the mould till its lower surface rests on the top of the mould. The
cement used for capping shall be mixed to a stiff paste for about 2 hours before it is to
be used in order to avoid tendency of the cap to shrink. Adhesion of the paste to the
capping plate can be avoided by coating the plate with a thin coat of oil or grease.
Cover the moulds with wet mats and mark them after about 3 to 4 hours.
4. Curing of Specimens: Store the specimen in a water bath at a temperature of 27˚ ±
2˚C for 24 ± ½ hour from the time of addition of water to the dry ingredients. Remove
Engineering
the specimen from the mould and keep it immediately submerged in clean, fresh water
and keep there until taken out just prior to test. Water in which the specimen is
submerged shall be renewed every seven days.
5. Test for compressive strength:
i. Age at test: Usually testing is done after 7 days and 28 days, the day being
measured from the time the water is added to the dry ingredients.
ii. Test at least three specimens at a time.
iii. Test specimens, after about half an hour on removal from the water, till it is in
surface saturated dry condition. If the specimens are received dry, keep them
in water for 24 hours before testing.
iv. Note down the dimensions of the specimens nearest to 0.2 mm and also note
down their weight.
6. Compression Testing of the specimen:

i. Place the specimen in such a manner that the load shall be applied to opposite
sides of cubes at cast, i.e. not to the top and bottom.
ii. Align carefully the centre of thrust of the spherically seated platen.
iii. Apply load slowly and at the rate of 140kg/cm2/min till the specimen breaks.
iv. Note down the maximum load and appearance of the concrete failure i.e.
whether aggregate has broken or the cement paste has separated from the
aggregate etc.

W/C ratio = _______
TABLE:
S. No. Description Specimen I Specimen II Specimen III
1. Date of Casting
2. Date of Testing
3. Age of Specimen
4. Weight of Specimen
5. Density of Specimen
7 days
6. Breaking Load (W in KN)
28 days
Compressive Strength (W/A 7 days
7.
in N/mm2) 28 days
Average Compressive 7 days
8. Strength (N/mm2) 28 days
Engineering
PRECAUTIONS:
1. All the materials should be weighed accurately.
2. The cubes should not be allowed to dry and they must be tested wet.
3. At least three specimens should be tested for each test and mean crushing strength of
three should be taken as crushing strength of concrete. While calculating the average
load, if any individual variation from the average is more than 15% the test results
should be rejected and the test is repeated.
4. Cubes should be placed in the testing machine centrally on plattens.
RESULT:
1. The average compressive strength of concrete for 7 days = ________ N/mm2.
2. The average compressive strength of concrete for 28 days = ________ N/mm2.
Engineering
12. SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH

(As per IS 5816: 1999)
AIM:
To determine the split tensile strength of concrete of cylindrical concrete specimens of
given proportions.
APPARATUS:
1. Weights and weighing machine.
2. Tools, containers and pans for carrying materials & mixing.
3. A Circular cross-sectional rod (l6mm diameter & 600mm length).
4. A Compression or Universal Testing machine.
5. A Rig for aligning concrete cylinder and bearing strips.
6. Three cylindrical moulds (150mm diameter & 300mm in height).
THEORY:
Splitting tension test is also termed as “Brazilian Test”. The test is carried out by
placing a cylindrical specimen horizontally between the loading surfaces of compression
testing machine and the load is applied until failure of the cylinder along the vertical
diameter.
The loading condition produces a high compressive stress immediately below the two
generators to which the load is applied. But the larger portion corresponding to depth is
subjected to a uniform tensile stress acting horizontally. It is estimated that the compressive
stress is acting for about 1/6th depth and the remaining 5/6th depth is subjected to tension.
Note: This test is not a true tension test, but it fails in tension and used to indicate the tensile
strength of concrete.
FIGURE:
Split Tensile Strength Test’s Stress Diagram and its test rig.
Engineering
PROCEDURE:
1. Weigh cement, fine aggregate coarse aggregate and water as per requirements.
Mix them thoroughly in the mechanical mixer until uniform colour of concrete is
obtained.
2. The concrete can be mixed by hand or by means of trowel in such a manner as to
avoid loss of water. In mixing by hand, the cement and the fine aggregate shall be
first mixed dry to uniform colour and then the coarse aggregate is added and
mixed until the coarse aggregate is uniformly distributed throughout the batch.
Now the water shall be added and whole is mixed until the resulting concrete is
uniform in colour (mix at least for two minutes).
3. Fill the concrete in three cylindrical moulds of 150 mm diameter and 300mm
height. After 24 hours of casting remove the specimen from the moulds and place
it in a curing tank.
4. After curing the specimens for seven days in water, they can be tested.
5. Two bearings strips of nominal (1/8 in i.e. 3.175mm) thick plywood, free of
imperfections, approximately (25mm) wide, and of length equal to or slightly
longer than that of the specimen should be provided for each specimen.
6. The bearing strips are placed between the specimen and both upper and lower
bearing blocks of the testing machine or between the specimen and the
supplemental bars or plates.
7. Draw diametric lines an each end of the specimen using a suitable device that will
ensure that they are in the same axial plane. Centre one of the plywood strips
along the centre of the lower bearing block.
8. Place the specimen on the plywood strip and align so that the lines marked on the
ends of the specimen are vertical and centred over the plywood strip.
9. Place a second plywood strip lengthwise on the cylinder, centred on the lines
marked on the ends of the cylinder.
10. Apply the load continuously and without shock, at a constant rate within the range
of 9.9 to 14.85 N/mm2/min until the splitting tensile stress fails the specimen.
11. Record the maximum applied load indicated by the testing machine at failure.
12. Note the type of failure and appearance of fracture.
13. In cylindrical specimens, the capping should be plane and parallel with bottom
surface of the cylinder.
FORMULA:
2P
The Split Tensile Strength (σsp) = N/mm2
πdL

W/C ratio = _______
Diameter of the specimens (d) = _____mm.
Length of the specimens (L) = _____mm.
Engineering
TABLE:
Maximum Load P [in KN] Split Tensile Strength σsp [N/mm2]

Specimen No.
7 days 28 days 7 days 28 days
1
2
3
Average Split Tensile strength at 7 days = ________N/mm2.
Average Split Tensile strength at 28 days = _______N/mm2.
PRECAUTIONS:
1. All the materials should be weighed accurately.
2. The mould and the base plate must be oiled lightly before use.
3. The cylinders should not be allowed to dry and they must be tested in wet.
4. The cylinders should be placed centrally in the testing machine.
RESULT:
1. Split Tensile strength at 7 days = _________________________N/mm2.
2. Split Tensile strength at 28 days = ________________________N/mm2.
Engineering
13.MODULUS OF RUPTURE
(As per IS: 516 – 1959)
AIM:
To determine the flexural strength (modulus of rupture) of concrete of beams for the
given proportions.
APPARATUS:
1. Weighing machine.
2. Standard moulds of the following sizes should be used.
i. 100 mm x 100 mm x 500 mm when maximum size of aggregate is less than 20
mm.
ii. 150 mm x 150 mm x 700 mm when maximum size of aggregate is upto 30
mm.
3. Tamping rod, Iron pan, Trowel to mix concrete, Curing tank.
4. Universal Testing Machine capable of applying load at a suitable rate (4 KN/minute
for 150 mm specimens and 1.8 KN/minute for 100 mm specimens).
MATERIALS USED:
 Cement, Potable water, Fine aggregate, Coarse aggregate as per requirements.
FIGURE:
Two point loading.
THEORY:
Concrete is generally weak in tension, it has less tensile strength.
The maximum tensile stress reached in the bottom fibre of the test beam is known as
“Modulus of Rupture” of concrete.
PROCEDURE:
1. Weigh cement, fine aggregate coarse aggregate and water as per requirements. Mix
them thoroughly in the mechanical mixer until uniform colour of concrete is obtained.
2. The concrete can be mixed by hand or by means of trowel in such a manner as to
avoid loss of water. In mixing by hand, the cement and the fine aggregate shall be first
mixed dry to uniform colour and then the coarse aggregate is added and mixed until
the coarse aggregate is uniformly distributed throughout the batch. Now the water
shall be added and whole is mixed until the resulting concrete is uniform in colour
(mix at least for two minutes).
Engineering
3. Now fill the concrete in the mould in to two layers, each layer shall be rammed more
than 100 times by a tamping rod. Ramming of each layer may also be done by
suitable vibrators.
4. After casting, the moulds shall be covered with wet cloths or gunny bags demoulded
after 24 hours and wet cured after 27 days. Specimens shall be tested immediately on
removal from the water whilst they are still in wet condition. The dimensions of each
specimen shall be noted before testing.
5. The bearing surfaces of the suppporting and loading rollers shall be wiped clean and
any loose sand or other material removed from the surface of the specimens where
they are to may contact with the rollers.
6. The specimen shall then be placed in the machine in such a manner that the load shall
be applied to the upper moost surface as cast in the moulds, along two lines spaced
200 mm or 133 mm apart. The axis of the specimen shall be carefully alligned to the
axis of the loading device. No packing shall be used between the bearing surfaces of
the specimen and the rollers.
7. Apply load carefully with out shock and increasing continuously at a rate of 4
KN/min for 150 mm specimen and 1.8 KN/min for 100 mm specimens. The load shall
be increased until the specimen fails and the maximum load applied to the specimen
during the test shall be recorded.
8. Measure the distance bettween the line of fracture and the nearest support ‘a’. Note if
‘a’ is greater than 200 mm for 150 mm specimen or greater than 133 mm for 100 mm
specimens.
The flexural strength or the modulus of rupture of the specimen shall be calculated to
the nearest 0.05 N/mm2 as follows:
𝑃𝑙
σf = 2 ........................(1)
𝑏𝑑
3𝑃𝑎
σf = 2 ........................(2)
𝑏𝑑
where 'a' equals the distance between the line of fracture and the nearer support,
measured on the centre of the tensile side of the specimen in mm.
Equation (1) is applicable when 'a' is greater than 200mm for 150mm specimens, or
greater than 133mm for 100mm specimens.
Equation (2) is applicable when 'a' is less than 200mm but greater than 170mm for
150mm specimen or less than 133mm but greater than 110mm for a 100mm
specimen.
b = measured width of the specimen (in mm).
d = measured depth of the specimen at the point of failure (in mm).
l = Length of the span on which the specimen was supported (in mm).
P = maximum load applied to the specimen (in N).
 If 'a' is less than 170mm for a 150mm specimen or less than 110mm for a100mm
specimen, the results of the test shall be discarded.

Mix Proportions =_______
W/C ratio =_______
Weight of Water =_______kgs
Engineering
Weight of Fine Aggregate =_______kgs.
S. No. Description Specimen I Specimen II Specimen III

1. Date of Testing
2. Age of Specimen
3. Span length (mm)
4. Breaking Load.( KN)
5. Position of fracture (value 'a')
6. Modulus of rupture [N/mm2]
7. Appearance of concrete and type of
failure
The average modulus of rupture of given concrete mix = ______________N/mm2
PRECAUTIONS:
1. The loading should be applied axially and without subjecting the specimen to any
torsional stresses or restraints.
2. The axis of the specimen shall be carefully alligned with the axis of the loading
device.
3. No packing shall be used between the bearing surfaces of the specimen and the
rollers.
4. The load shall be applied without shock and increasing continuously at the specified
rate.
5. The load shall be correctly measured at the time of development of cracks.
6. The location of cracks shall be correctly measured from the supports.
RESULT:
The modulus of rupture of given concrete mix is _____________________N/mm2.

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Jigjiga University Institute of Technology School of Civil & Construction

1. SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND UNIT WEIGHT OF CEMENT

Specific gravity bottle – Pycnometer.

Description of item Trial 1 Trial2 Trail 3

Specific gravity of Kerosene Sk = W4 - W1 / W5 - W1

2. SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND UNIT WEIGHT OF COARSE AND

(A) SPECIFIC GRAVITY:

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

S.No Description Sample 1 Sample 2

Bulk density of compacted fine aggregate =

3. DETERMINATION OF NORMAL CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT

Wt. of cement Wt. of water Plunger Consistency of

4. DETERMINATION ON INITIAL AND FINAL SETTLING TIME

VICAT’S APPARATUS DIFFERENT TYPES OF NEEDLES

FINAL SETTING TIME:

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

EFFECT OF FINENESS ON PROPERTIES OF CEMENT:

ADVANTAGES OF USING FINER CEMENT:

DISADVANTAGES OF USING FINER CEMENT:

METHODS OF FINDING FINENESS OF CEMENT:

(A) BY METHOD OF SIEVING:

Sl. Weight of cement Weight of reduce

CALIBRATION OF 45 MICRON IS SIEVE:

(B) BY METHOD OF AIR PERMEABILITY TEST:

Blaine's air permeability apparatus

6. DETERMINATION OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEST:

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF DIFFERENT GRADES OF CEMENT:

TESTING OF CEMENT MORTAR CUBES:

Cement cube vibrating machine

(a) For 3 days strength:

(b) For 7 days strength:

Length (L) Breadth (B) Load (P) compressive strength

7. BULKING CHARACTERISTICS OF SAND

Volume of dry volume of wet

8. SIEVE ANALYSIS OF COARSE AND FINE AGGREGATE AND

9. WORKABILITY TESTS ON GREEN CONCRETE BY USING:

The workability of concrete can be determined by one of the following methods:

Workability of concrete depends on the following factors:

Essential dimensions of apparatus for size of aggregate not exceeding 40mm

Weight of partially compacted concrete (W2 – W1)

For calculation of slump based on VB-degree:

10.TESTS ON HARDENED CONCRETE

Based on nature of testing these are categorised into two:

Cube, Cylinder and their moulds.

Compression Testing Machine.

6. Compression Testing of the specimen:

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

12. SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

Maximum Load P [in KN] Split Tensile Strength σsp [N/mm2]

Two point loading.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

S. No. Description Specimen I Specimen II Specimen III

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