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Over the last month the lab group listed on the title page conducted strength tests
on 4”x8” cylinders that we made using our designated w:c ratio (0.40). The test was
conducted in order to show the difference in strength when you adjust the w:c ratios, and
the how During the lab exercise each group was assigned a specific w/c ratio to prepare
individual concrete batches. Before any ingredients were measured out though an
adjustment to account for aggregate moisture was used. Once the adjustment was made
each group using a different w/c ratio scaled their batch size. The ingredients were mixed
thoroughly to produce a workable batch of concrete. The concrete batch for each group
was a different consistency because of the varied w/c ratios. Each group performed
slump tests on their batch. The concrete from the slump tests was returned to the batch
and used later in the cylinder molds. Two cylinders were weighed empty and then full
producing a difference in weights which was used in calculating the unit weight of
concrete. Numerous cylinders were molded by each group which were allowed to set
over night and then cured in a water bath at periods of 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days.
Each group left a cylinder to air dry and receives no water curing. The cylinders were
then crushed at these intervals, allowing us to compare the strength of the molds based on
w/c ratio. The purpose of crushing the cylinders was to calculate the compressive
strength of each cylinder based on its w/c ratio and method of curing. From this we
plotted the results which showed the trend and importance of w/c ratio, and curing time
for a concrete specimen. The lab was performed in the Mechanical Building on the BCC
Unit Weight #1 #2
Weight of cylinder mold 0.29 lb 0.29 lb
Weight of cylinder + Concrete 8.97 lb 9.03 lb
Volume of cylinder 0.058 cf 0.058 cf
149.7 150.7
Unit Weight, pcf lb/cf lb/cf
Discussion:
During the Lab exercise each group adjusted their batch of ingredients
accordingly, based on aggregate moisture. Once the moisture adjustment had been made
each group individually based on assigned w/c ratio, scaled down their batch ingredients
from 3990 lbs to 80 lbs. Once the ingredients had been adjusted and measured out they
were mixed appropriately. Immediately after the batch had been finished mixing each
group performed a slump test. Our group used a w/c ratio of .4 which produced a
concrete batch that gave a slump of 2.625 inches. After the slump had been measured our
group made the appropriate measures which allowed for a calculation of unit weight to be
found, our groups batch produced a unit weight for concrete of roughly 150 pcf. After
unit weight had been found several cylinders were cast appropriately rodding the layers
and tapping the outer sides of the mold to ensure that all air voids had been filled. The
cylinders were allowed to set over night and they stripped to be placed in a water bath.
At the required seven, fourteen, and twenty-eight day periods the cylinders were
crushed and computed for compressive strength. With the computed strengths and
known w/c ratios several plots were produced to show the relationship of time and w/c
ratio to the strength of the concrete. As expected the lowest w/c ratio produced the
highest strengths spanning the entire 28 days. Where the highest w/c ratio, as expected
produced the lowest strengths. With a w/c ratio of .4 our group had a very well
proportioned and cohesive concrete mix which made the lab much easier and cleaner.
The plots of all groups together show the appropriate relationship between the time, w/c
ratio, and strength of the concrete. The one cylinder that each group allowed to air dry
for the duration of 28 days was crushed but not plotted. The strength of each groups air
dry cylinder closely resemble the 7 day strengths. The reason for this is that without
water for curing the reaction of hydration quits within roughly a week of the making and
setting of the cylinder mold. From this lab you are better able to understand the affect of
w/c ratio and are able to physically see the workability and consistency of the concrete