CIVIL ENGINEERING

LAB MANUAL
CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY
Sl. No. Name of the Experiment Page No.

1. Fineness of cement 3

2. Normal consistency of cement 5

3 Initial and final setting times of cement 8

4 Specific gravity of cement 12

5 Soundness of cement 20

6 Bulking of sand 29

7 Workability tests on fresh concrete 33

8 Test for compressive strength of cement concrete 45

 Experiment No. : 1

Title: Determination of Fineness of Cement by dry sieving

Objective: To determine the normal consistency of a given sample of cement.

Reference: IS: 4031 (Pat 1) - 1988,

Theory: The fineness of cement has an important bearing on the rate of hydration and hence on
the rate of gain of strength and also on the rate of evolution of heat. Finer cement offers a greater
surface area for hydration and hence faster the development of strength, (Fig. 3). The fineness of
grinding has increased over the years. But now it has got nearly stabilized. Different cements are
ground to different fineness. The particle size fraction below 3 microns has been found to have
the predominant effect on the strength at one day while 3-25 micron fraction has a major
influence on the 28 days strength. Increase in fineness of cement is also found to increase the
drying shrinkage of concrete.

Fineness of cement is tested in two ways:

(a) By sieving.

(b) By determination of specific surface (total surface area of all the particles in one gram of
cement) by air-permeability apparatus. Expressed as cm2/gm or m2/kg. Generally Blaine Air
permeability apparatus is used.
Apparatus: Test Sieve 90 microns, Balance, Gauging Trowel, Brush, etc.

Procedure:

1. Fit the tray under the sieve, weigh approximately 10 g of cement to the nearest 0.01 g and
place it on the sieve, being careful to avoid loss. Fit the lid over the sieve. Agitate the sieve by
swirling, planetary and linear movement until no more fine material passes through it.

2. Remove and weigh the residue. Express its mass as a percentage, R1, of the quantity first
placed in the sieve to the nearest 0.1 percent. Gently brush all the fine material off the base of the
sieve into the tray.

3. Repeat the whole procedure using a fresh 10 g sample to obtain R2. Then calculate the residue
of the cement R as the mean of R1, and R2, as a percentage, expressed to the nearest 0.1 percent.

4. When the results differ by more than 1 percent absolute, carry out a third sieving and calculate
the mean of the three values.

Conclusion / R: The fineness of a given sample of cement is _ _ _ _ %

 Experiment No. : 2

Objective: To determine the normal consistency of a given sample of cement.

Reference: IS : 4031 ( Pat 4 ) - 1988, IS : 5513-1976,

Theory: For finding out initial setting time, final setting time and soundness of cement, and
strength a parameter known as standard consistency has to be used. The standard consistency of
a cement paste is defined as that consistency which will permit a Vicat plunger having 10 mm
diameter and 50 mm length to penetrate to a depth of 33-35 mm from the top of the mould.

Apparatus: Vicat apparatus conforming to IS : 5513-1976, Balance, Gauging Trowel, Stop

Watch, etc.

Procedure :

1. 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

2. Initially a cement sample of about 300 g is taken in a tray and is mixed with a known
percentage of water by weight of cement, say starting from 26% and then it is increased by every
2% until the normal consistency is achieved.

3. Prepare a paste of 300 g of Cement with a weighed quantity of potable or distilled water,
taking care that the time of gauging is not less than 3 minutes, nor more than 5 min, and the
gauging shall be completed before any sign of setting occurs. The gauging time shall be counted
from the time of adding water to the dry cement until commencing to fill the mould.

4. Fill the Vicat mould (E) with this paste, the mould resting upon a non-porous plate. After
completely filling the mould, smoothen the surface of the paste, making it level with the top of
the mould. The mould may be slightly shaken to expel the air.

5. Place the test block in the mould, together with the non-porous resting plate, under the rod
bearing the plunger; lower the plunger gently to touch the surface of the test block, and quickly
release, allowing it to sink into the paste. This operation shall be carried out immediately after
filling the mould.

6. Prepare trial pastes with varying percentages of water and test as described above until the
amount of water necessary for making up the standard consistency as defined in Step 1 is found.
Figure:
Observation:

Sr. No. Weight of cement Percentage by Amount of Penetration

(gms) water of dry water added (ml) (mm)
Cement (%)

3
4

Conclusion / R: The normal consistency of a given sample of cement is _ _ _ _ %

 Experiment No. : 3

Title: Determination of Setting Time of Standard Cement Paste

Objective: To determine the initial and final setting time of a given sample of cement.

Reference: IS: 4031 (Pat 4) -1988, IS: 4031 (Pat 5) - 1988, IS: 5513-1976,

Theory: For convenience, initial setting time is regarded as the time elapsed between the
moments that the water is added to the cement, to the time that the paste starts losing its
plasticity. The final setting time is the time elapsed between the moment the water is added to the
cement, and the time when the paste has completely lost its plasticity and has attained sufficient
firmness to resist certain definite pressure.

Apparatus: Vicat apparatus conforming to IS: 5513-1976, Balance, Gauging Trowel, Stop
Watch, etc.

Procedure:

1. Preparation of Test Block - Prepare a neat 300 gms cement paste by gauging the cement with
0.85 times the water required to give a paste of standard consistency. Potable or distilled water
shall be used in preparing the paste.

2. Start a stop-watch at the instant when water is added to the cement. Fill the Vicat mould with a
cement paste gauged as above, the mould resting on a nonporous plate. Fill the mould
completely and smooth off the surface of the paste making it level with the top of the mould.

3. Immediately after moulding, place the test block in the moist closet or moist room and allow it
to remain there except when determinations of time of setting are being made.

4. Determination of Initial Setting Time - Place the test block confined in the mould and resting
on the non-porous plate, under the rod bearing the needle ( C ); lower the needle gently until it
comes in contact with the surface of the test block and quickly release, allowing it to penetrate
into the test block

5. Repeat this procedure until the needle, when brought in contact with the test block and
released as described above, fails to pierce the block beyond 5.0 ± 0.5 mm measured from the
bottom of the mould shall be the initial setting time.

6. Determination of Final Setting Time - Replace the needle (C) of the Vicat apparatus by the
needle with an annular attachment (F).

7. 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 thereon, while the attachment fails to
do so.
8. The period elapsing 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.

Figure:

Observation:

1. Weight of given sample of cement is _ _ _ _ gms

2. The normal consistency of a given sample of cement is _ _ _ _ %

3. Volume of water addend (0.85 times the water required to give a paste of standard
consistency) for preparation of test block _ _ _ _ ml

Sr. No. Setting Time Penetration Remark

(Sec) (mm)

3
Conclusion / Result:

i) The initial setting time of the cement sample is found to be …..

ii) The final setting time of the cement sample is found to be …..
 Experiment No. : 4
Title: Determination of Soundness of Cement by Le-Chatelier method

Objective: To determine the soundness of a given sample of cement by Le-Chatelier

method.

Reference: IS: 4031 (Pat 3) - 1988,

Theory: It is very important that the cement after setting shall not undergo any appreciable
change of volume. Certain cements have been found to undergo a large expansion after setting
causing disruption of the set and hardened mass. This will cause serious difficulties for the
durability of structures when such cement is used. The unsoundness in cement is due to the
presence of excess of lime than that could be combined with acidic oxide at the kiln. It is also
likely that too high a proportion of magnesium content or calcium sulphate content may cause
unsoundness in cement. Soundness of cement may be determined by two methods, namely Le-
Chatelier method and autoclave method

Apparatus: Le- Chatelier test apparatus conform to IS : 5514-1969, Balance, Gauging Trowel,
Water Bath etc.

Procedure:

1. Place the lightly oiled mould on a lightly oiled glass sheet and fill it with cement paste formed
by 10 gauging cement with 0.78 times the water required to give a paste of standard consistency
[see IS:4031 (Part 4)-1988 or experiment No. 1(a) ].

2. The paste shall be gauged in the manner and under the conditions prescribed in experiment
No.1, taking care to keep the edges of the mould gently together while this operation is being
performed.

3. Cover the mould with another piece of lightly oiled glass sheet, place a small weight on this
covering glass sheet and immediately submerge the whole assembly in water at a temperature of
27 ± 2°C and keep there for 24 hours.

4. Measure the distance separating the indicator points to the nearest 0.5 mm. Submerge the
mould again in water at the temperature prescribed above.

5. Bring the water to boiling, with the mould kept submerged, in 25 to 30 minutes, and keep it
boiling for three hours. Remove the mould from the water, allow it to cool and measure the
distance between the indicator points.

6. The difference between these two measurements indicates the expansion of the cement. This
must not exceed 10 mm for ordinary, rapid hardening and low heat Portland cements. If in case
the expansion is more than 10 mm as tested above, the cement is said to be unsound.
Figure:

Observation: Express the amount of water as a percentage by mass of the dry cement to the first
place of decimal.

S. No. Distance separating the Distances separating The difference Remark

indicator submerge in the indicator submerge between these
normal temp water for 24 in boiling for three two
hours hours. measurements
1
2
3
4

Conclusion / R:

The given cement is said to be sound / unsound.

 Experiment No. : 5
Title: Determination of Compressive Strength of Cement

Objective: To determine the compressive strength of a given sample of cement.

Reference: IS : 4031 ( Pat 6 ) - 1988, IS : 10080-1982, IS : 650-1966, IS: 269-1976

Theory: 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 strength at the laboratory
before the cement is used in important works. Strength tests are not made on neat cement paste
because of difficulties of excessive shrinkage and subsequent cracking of neat cement.

Apparatus: The standard sand to be used in the test shall conform to IS : 650-1966, Vibration
Machine, Poking Rod, Cube Mould of 70.6 mm size conforming to IS : 10080-1982, Balance,
Gauging Trowel, Stop Watch, Graduated Glass Cylinders, etc.

Procedure:

1. Preparation of test specimens - Clean appliances shall be used for mixing and the temperature
of water and that of the test room at the time when the above operations are being performed
shall be 27 ± 2°C. Potable/distilled water shall be used in preparing the cubes.

2. The material for each cube shall be mixed separately and the quantity of cement, standard sand
and water shall be as follows:

Cement 200 g and Standard Sand 600 g Cement 200 g and Standard Sand 600 g
𝒑
Water ( +3 ) percent of combined mass of cement and sand, where P is the percentage of water
𝟒
required to produce a paste of standard consistency determined as described in IS : 4031 (Part 4)-
1988 or Experiment No.1(a).

3. Place on a nonporous plate, a mixture of cement and standard sand. Mix it dry with a trowel
for one minute and then with water until the mixture is of uniform colour. The quantity of water
to be used shall be as specified in step 2. The time of mixing shall in any event be not less than 3
min and should the time taken to obtain a uniform colour exceed 4 min, the mixture shall be
rejected and the operation repeated with a fresh quantity of cement, sand and water.

4. Moulding Specimens - In assembling the moulds ready for use, treat the interior faces of the
mould with a thin coating of mould oil.

5. Place the assembled mould on the table of the vibration machine and hold it firmly in position
by means of a suitable clamp. Attach a hopper of suitable size and shape securely at the top of
the mould to facilitate filling and this hopper shall not be removed until the completion of the
vibration period.
6. Immediately after mixing the mortar in accordance with step 1 & 2, place the mortar in the
cube mould and prod with the rod. Place the mortar in the hopper of the cube mould and prod
again as specified for the first layer and then compact the mortar by vibration.

7. The period of vibration shall be two minutes at the specified speed of 12 000 ± 400 vibration
per minute.

8. At the end of vibration, remove the mould together with the base plate from the machine and
finish the top surface of the cube in the mould by smoothing the surface with the blade of a
trowel.

9. Curing Specimens - keep the filled moulds in moist closet or moist room for 24 ± 1 hour after
completion of vibration. At the end of that period, remove them from the moulds and
immediately submerge in clean fresh water and keep there until taken out just prior to breaking.

10. The water in which the cubes are submerged shall be renewed every 7 days and shall be
maintained at a temperature of 27 ± 2°C. After they have been taken out and until they are
broken, the cubes shall not be allowed to become dry.

11. Test three cubes for compressive strength for each period of curing mentioned under the
relevant specifications (i.e. 3 days, 7 days, 28 days)

12. The cubes shall be tested on their sides without any packing between the cube and the steel
plattens of the testing machine. One of the plattens shall be carried on a base and shall be self-
adjusting, and the load shall be steadily and uniformly applied, starting from zero at a rate of 35
N/mm2/min.

Figure:
Observation:

Sr. No. Age of Weight of Cross- Load (N) Compressive Average

Cube Cement Cube Sectional area strength Compressive
(gms) (mm2) (N/mm2) strength
(MPa)
1 7 Days
2
3
4 28 Days
5
6

Calculation:

The measured compressive strength of the cubes shall be calculated by dividing the maximum
load applied to the cubes during the test by the cross-sectional area, calculated from the mean
dimensions of the section and shall be expressed to the nearest 0.5 N/mm2. In determining the
compressive strength, do not consider specimens that are manifestly faulty, or that give strengths
differing by more than 10 percent from the average value of all the test specimens.

Conclusion / Result:

i) The average 3 Days Compressive Strength of given cement sample is found to be …..…..

ii) The average 7 Days Compressive Strength of given cement sample is found to be …..…..

iii) The average 28 Days Compressive Strength of given cement sample is found to be …..…..
 Experiment No. : 6
Title: Particle Size Distribution of Fine Aggregates

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

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

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

The following limits may be taken as guidance: Fine sand : Fineness Modulus : 2.2 - 2.6,
Medium sand : F.M. : 2.6 - 2.9, Coarse sand : F.M. : 2.9 - 3.2

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

Apparatus: Test Sieves conforming to IS : 460-1962 Specification of 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18
mm, 600 micron, 300 micron, 150 micron, Balance, Gauging Trowel, Stop Watch, etc.

Procedure:

1. The sample shall be brought to an air-dry condition before weighing and sieving. The air-dry
sample shall be weighed and sieved successively on the appropriate sieves starting with the
largest. Care shall be taken to ensure that the sieves are clean before use.

2. The shaking shall be done with a varied motion, backward sand forwards, left to right, circular
clockwise and anti-clockwise, and with frequent jarring, so that the material is kept moving over
the sieve surface in frequently changing directions.

3. Material shall not be forced through the sieve by hand pressure. Lumps of fine material, if
present, may be broken by gentle pressure with fingers against the side of the sieve.

4. Light brushing with a fine camel hair brush may be used on the 150-micron and 75-micron IS
Sieves to prevent aggregation of powder and blinding of apertures.

5. On completion of sieving, the material retained on each sieve, together with any material
cleaned from the mesh, shall be weighed.
Observation:

I S Sieve Weight Percentage of Percentage of Cumulative Remark

Retained on Weight Weight Percentage of
Sieve (gms) Retained (%) Passing (%) Passing (%)
4.75 mm
2.36 mm
1.18 mm
600 micron
300 micron
150 micron
Total

Calculation :

Fineness modulus is an empirical factor obtained by adding the cumulative percentages of aggregate
retained on each of the standard sieves ranging from 4.75 mm to 150 micron and dividing this sum by
an arbitrary number 100.

𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒖𝒎𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 %

Finess Modulus, FM=
𝟏𝟎𝟎

Conclusion / Result
i) Fineness modulus of a given sample of fine aggregate is …….. That indicates Coarse sand/ Medium
sand/ Fine sand.
ii) The given sample of fine aggregate is belong to Grading Zones I / II / III / IV
 Experiment No. : 07
Title: Determination of Bulking of Fine Aggregate

Objective: To determine bulking of a given sample of fine aggregate.

Reference: IS: 2386 (Part III) - 1963

Theory:

Free moisture forms a film around each particle. This film of moisture exerts what is known as
surface tension which keeps the neighbouring particles away from it. Similarly, the force exerted
by surface tension keeps every particle away from each other. Therefore, no point contact is
possible between the particles. This causes bulking of the volume. It is interesting to note that the
bulking increases with the increase in moisture content up to a certain limit and beyond that the
further increase in the moisture content results in the decrease in the volume and at a moisture
content representing saturation point, the 17 fine aggregate shows no bulking.

Apparatus: Measuring jar, taping rod etc.

Procedure:

1. Put sufficient quantity of the sand loosely into a container. Level off the top of the sand and
pushing a steel rule vertically down through the sand at the middle to the bottom, measure the
height. Suppose this is h1 cm.

2. Empty the sand out of the container into another container where none of it will be lost. Half
fill the first container with water. Put back about half the sand and rod it with a steel rod, about 6
mm in diameter, so that its volume is reduced to a minimum. Then add the remainder of the sand
and rod it in the same way.

3. The percentage of bulking of the sand due to moisture shall be calculated from the formula:
 𝐡𝟏
Percentage Bulking = − 𝟏 × 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝐡𝟏

Conclusion / Result: Bulking of a given sample of fine aggregate is found to be ……. %

 Experiment No. : 08
Title: Determination Workability of Fresh Concrete by Slump Cone Test

Objective: To determine the relative consistency of freshly mixed concrete by the use of Slump
Test.

Reference: IS: 7320-1974, IS: 1199-1959, SP: 23-1982

Theory: The word workability or workable concrete signifies much wider and deeper meaning
than the other terminology consistency often used loosely for workability. Consistency is a
general term to indicate the degree of fluidity or the degree of mobility.

The factors helping concrete to have more lubricating effect to reduce internal friction for
helping easy compaction are given below:

(a) Water Content (b) Mix Proportions (c) Size of Aggregates (d) Shape of Aggregates (e)
Surface Texture of Aggregate (f) Grading of Aggregate (g) Use of Admixtures.

Measurement of Workability

(a) Slump Test (b) Compacting Factor Test (c) Flow Test (d) Kelly Ball Test (e) Vee Bee
Consistometer Test.

Slump Test: Slump test is the most commonly used method of measuring consistency of
concrete which can be employed either in laboratory or at site of work. It is not a suitable method
for very wet or very dry concrete. It does not measure all factors contributing to workability, nor
is it always representative of the placability of the concrete.

The pattern of slump is shown in Fig. It indicates the characteristic of concrete in addition to the
slump value. If the concrete slumps evenly it is called true slump. If one half of the cone slides
down, it is called shear slump. In case of a shear slump, the slump value is measured as the
difference in height between the height of the mould and the average value of the subsidence.

Apparatus:

The Slump Cone apparatus for conducting the slump test essentially consists of a metallic mould
in the form of a frustum of a cone having the internal dimensions as under: Bottom diameter : 20
cm, Top diameter : 10 cm, Height : 30 cm and the thickness of the metallic sheet for the mould
should not be thinner than 1.6 mm

Weights and weighing device, Tamper ( 16 mm in diameter and 600 mm length), Ruler, Tools
and containers for mixing, or concrete mixer etc.
Procedure:

1. Dampen the mold and place it on a flat, moist, nonabsorbent (rigid) surface. It shall be held
firmly in place during filling by the operator standing on the two foot pieces. Immediately fill the
mold in three layers, each approximately one third the volume of the mold.

2. Rod each layer with 25 strokes of the tamping rod. Uniformly distribute the strokes over the
cross section of each layer.

3. In filling and rodding the top layer, heap the concrete above the mold before rodding start. If
the rodding operation results in subsidence of the concrete below the top edge of the mold, add
additional concrete to keep an excess of concrete above the top of the mold at all time.

4. After the top layer has been rodded, strike off the surface of the concrete by means of
screeding and rolling motion of the tamping rod.

5. Remove the mold immediately from the concrete by raising it carefully in the vertical
direction. Raise the mold a distance of 300 mm in 5 ± 2 sec by a steady upward lift with no
lateral or torsional motion.

6. Immediately measure the slump by determining the vertical difference between top of the
mold and the displace original center of the top surface of the specimen. Complete the entire test
from the start of the filling through removal of the mold without interruption and complete it
within 2½ min.

7. If a decided falling away or shearing off of concrete from one side or portion of the mass
occurs, disregard the test and make a new test on another portion of the sample. If two
consecutive tests on a sample of concrete show a falling away or shearing off of a portion of
concrete from the mass of specimen, the concrete lacks necessary plasticity and cohesiveness for
the slump test to be applicable.

8. After completion of the test, the sample may be used for casting of the specimens for the
future testing.
Figure:

Observation:

1. The vertical difference between top of the mold and the displaces original center of the top
surface of the specimen ………… mm

2. The pattern of slump is shown True Slump/Shear Slump/ Collapse Slump.

Conclusion / R:

The slump of concrete ……….. mm indicate Low/ Medium/ High Degree of workability.
 Experiment No. : 09
Title: Determine Compressive Strength of Cubic Concrete Specimens

Objective:

The test method covers determination of compressive strength of cubic concrete specimens. It
consists of applying a compressive axial load to molded cubes at a rate which is within a
prescribed range until failure occurs.

Reference: IS: 516 - 1959, IS: 1199-1959, SP: 23-1982, IS : 10086-1982

Theory:

Age at Test - Tests shall be made at recognized ages of the test specimens, the most usual being
7 and 28 days. Where it may be necessary to obtain the early strengths, tests may be made at the
ages of 24 hours ±½ hour and 72 hours ± 2 hours. The ages shall be calculated from the time of
the addition of water to the dry ingredients.

Number of Specimens - At least three specimens, preferably from different batches, shall be
made for testing at each selected age.

Apparatus:

Testing Machine - The testing machine may be of any reliable type, of sufficient capacity for the
tests and capable of applying the load at the rate specified in 5.5. The permissible error shall be
not greater than ± 2 percent of the maximum load.

Cube Moulds - The mould shall be of 150 mm size conforming to IS: 10086-1982.

Cylinders -The cylindrical mould shall be of 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height conforming
to IS: 10086-1982.

Weights and weighing device, Tools and containers for mixing, Tamper (square in cross section)
etc.

Procedure:

1. Sampling of Materials - Samples of aggregates for each batch of concrete shall be of the
desired grading and shall be in an air-dried condition. The cement samples, on arrival at the
laboratory, shall be thoroughly mixed dry either by hand or in a suitable mixer in such a manner
as to ensure the greatest possible blending and uniformity in the material.
2. Proportioning - The proportions of the materials, including water, in concrete mixes used for
determining the suitability of the materials available, shall be similar in all respects to those to be
employed in the work.

3. Weighing - The quantities of cement, each size of aggregate, and water for each batch shall be
determined by weight, to an accuracy of 0.1 percent of the total weight of the batch.

4. Mixing Concrete - The concrete shall be mixed by hand, or preferably, in a laboratory batch
mixer, in such a manner as to avoid loss of water or other materials. Each batch of concrete shall
be of such a size as to leave about 10 percent excess after moulding the desired number of test
specimens.

5. Mould - Test specimens cubical in shape shall be 15 × 15 × 15 cm. If the largest nominal size
of the aggregate does not exceed 2 cm, 10 cm cubes may be used as an alternative. Cylindrical
test specimens shall have a length equal to twice the diameter.

6. Compacting - The test specimens shall be made as soon as practicable after mixing, and in
such a way as to produce full compaction of the concrete with neither segregation nor excessive
laitance.

7. Curing - The test specimens shall be stored in a place, free from vibration, in moist air of at
least 90 percent relative humidity and at a temperature of 27° ± 2°C for 24 hours ± ½ hour from
the time of addition of water to the dry ingredients.

8. Placing the Specimen in the Testing Machine - The bearing surfaces of the testing machine
shall be wiped clean and any loose sand or other material removed from the surfaces of the
specimen which are to be in contact with the compression platens.

9. In the case of cubes, the specimen shall be placed in the machine in such a manner that the
load shall be applied to opposite sides of the cubes as cast, that is, not to the top and bottom.

10. The axis of the specimen shall be carefully aligned with the centre of thrust of the spherically
seated platen. No packing shall be used between the faces of the test specimen and the steel
platen of the testing machine.

11. The load shall be applied without shock and increased continuously at a rate of
approximately 140 kg/sq cm/min until the resistance of the specimen to the increasing load
breaks down and no greater load can be sustained.

12. The maximum load applied to the specimen shall then be recorded and the appearance of the
concrete and any unusual features in the type of failure shall be noted.

Figure:
Observation:

Sr. No. Description Value

1 Compressive strength at 28 days
2 Slump
3 Type of cement
4 Specific gravity of cement
1 Compressive strength at 28 days
2 Slump
3 Type of cement
4 Specific gravity of cement

Calculations of Mix Proportion

Mix proportion of concrete For 1 cubic meter of For one batch of mixing
concrete
Coarse aggregate (kg)
Fine aggregate (kg)
Cement (kg)
Water (kg)
S/A
w/c
Admixture
Sr. No. Age of Weight of Cross- Load (N) Compressive Average
Cube Cement Sectional strength Compressive
Cube (gms) area (mm2) (N/mm2) strength
(MPa
1 7 Days
2
3
4 28 Days
5
6

Conclusion / R:

i) The average 7 Days Compressive Strength of concrete sample is found to be …..…..

ii) The average 28 Days Compressive Strength of concrete sample is found to be …..…..