EXPERIMENT NO.

: 01

FINENESS OF CEMENT

REFERENCE: (IS: 269-1989 and IS: 4031-1988)

AIM: To determine the fineness of the given sample of cement by sieving.

APPARATUS: IS- 90 micron sieve conforming to IS:460-1965, standard balance,

weights, brush.

INTRODUCTION: 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 the faster and
greater the development of strength. Increase in fineness of cement is also found to
increase the drying shrinkage of concrete. Fineness of cement is tested either by
sieving or by determination of specific surface by air-permeability apparatus. Specific
surface is the total surface area of all the particles in one gram of cement.

FINENESS BY SIEVING:
PROCEDURE:
1. Weigh accurately 100 g of cement (W) and place it on a standard 90 micron IS
sieve.
2. Break down any air-set lumps in the cement sample with fingers.
3. Continuously sieve the sample giving circular and vertical motion for a period of 15
minutes
4 Weigh the residue left on the sieve. As per IS code the percentage residue should
not exceed 10%

PRECAUTIONS: Air set lumps in the cement sample are to be crushed using fingers
and not to be pressed with the sieve. Sieving shall be done holding the sieve in both
hands and with gentle wrist motion. More or less continuous rotation of the sieve shall
be carried out throughout sieving.

OBSERVATIONS:

Trial Weight Retained % Weight Retained Average of % Weight

No. Retained
(grams) (W1) ( x 100)

1 1gm
2 2gm
3 2gm

Average fineness of cement=

RESULT: Fineness of given sample of cement=

COMMENTS:
 EXPERIMENT NO. 02

NORMAL CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT

REFERENCE: (IS: 269-1989 and IS: 4031-1988 (Part-4))

AIM: To determine the quantity of water impaired to produce a cement paste of

standard consistency

APPARATUS:Vicatapparat (Conforming to IS: 5513 - 1976) with plunger (10 mm in

diameter), balance, weights, gauging trowel

FIGURE:Vicat Apparatus

INTRODUCTION: The standard consistency of a cement paste is defined as that

consistency whichwill permit the Vicat plunger to penetrate to a point 33 to 35 mm
from the top of the Vicatmould. For finding out initial setting time, final setting me,
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 Vicatapparatus .
PROCEDURE:
1. Prepare a paste of weighed quantity of cement (300 grams) with a weighed quantity
of potable or distilled water, starting with 26% water of 300g of cement
2. Take care that the time of gauging is not less than 3 minutes, not more than 5
minutes and thegauging 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 rodbearing the plunger (10mm diameter), lower the plunger gently to touch
the surface of thetest 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 handsand
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 °C. For each repetition of the experiment fresh cement is to be taken

OBSERVATIONS:
Sr. Weight of cement Percentage of Initial Reading Final Reading
No. taken in grams water taken (mm) (mm)

1 300 26 40
2 300 28 32
3 300 32 11
4 300 34 6

RESULT: Normal consistency for the given sample of cement is________

COMMENTS:
 EXPERIMENT NO.: 03

INITIAL AND FINAL SETTING TIMES OF CEMENT

REFERENCE: (IS: 269- 1989 and IS: 4031- 1988 (part 5))

AIM: To determine the initial and final setting time for the given sample of cement.

APPARATUS:Vicat apparatus (conforming to IS: 5513-1976) with attachments,

balance,weights, gauging trowel.

INTRODUCTION: In actual construction dealing with cement, mortar or concrete,

certain time is required for mixing, transporting and placing. During this time, cement
paste, mortar, or concrete should be in plastic condition. The time interval for which
the cement products remain in plastic condition is known as the setting time. Initial
setting time is regarded as the time elapsed between the moment 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 pressure. The constituents and fineness of cement
is maintained in such a way that the concrete remains in plastic condition for certain
minimum time. Once the concrete is placed in the final position, compacted and
finished, it should lose its plasticity in the earliest possible time so that it is least
vulnerable to damages from external destructive agencies. This time should not be
more than 10 hours which is referred to as final setting time. Initial setting time should
not be less than 30 minutes.

PROCEDURE:
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
indetermination 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
nonporousplate.
6. Fill the mould completely and smooth off the surface of the paste making it level
with thetop of the mould. The cement block thus prepared in the mould is the test
block.

DETERMINATION OF INITIAL SETTING TIME:

1. Place the test block 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 broughtin contact with the test block
and released as described above, fails to pierce the block to a point 33mm to 35mm
measured from the top of the mould shallbe the initial setting time.

DETERMINATION OF FINAL SETTING TIME:

1. Replace the needle of the Vicat 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.

PRECAUTIONS: Clean appliances shall be used for gauging. All the apparatus shall
be freefrom vibration during the test. The temperature of water and that of the test
room, at the time ofgauging shall be 27 °C ± 2° C. Care shall be taken to keep the
needle straight.

FIGURE:Vicat Apparatus
OBSERVATIONS:

Sr. No. Time In minutes Initial Reading (mm) Final Reading (mm)
1 5 4
2 10
3 15
4 20
5 25
6 30
7 35

RESULT: Initial setting time for the given sample of cement=

Final setting time for the given sample of cement=

COMMENTS:

EXPERIMENT NO.: 04

SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF CEMENT

REFERENCE:(IS: 4031 – 1988 (Part II))

AIM: To determine the specific gravity of given sample of cement.

APPARATUS: Weighing balance, specific gravity bottle (50ml capacity), kerosene,

funnel
FIGURE:Specific gravity bottle
INTRODUCTION: Specific gravity is defined as the ratio between weight 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),While doing this do not allow any air bubbles to
remain in the specific gravity bottle.
4. After weighing the bottle, the bottle shall be cleaned and dried again.
5. Then fill it with fresh kerosene and weigh it with stopper (W4).
6. Remove the kerosene from the bottle and fill it with full of water and weigh it with
stopper (W5).

OBSERVATIONS:
Sr. No. Description of Items Readings
1 Weight of empty bottle(W1 g)
 2 Weight of bottle + Cement (W2 g)
3 Weight of bottle + Cement + Kerosene(W3 g)
4 Weight of bottle + Full Kerosene(W4 g)
5 Weight of bottle + Full Water(W5 g)

( ) ( )
Specific gravity of Cement =
{( ) ( )} ( )

RESULTS: Specific gravity of given Cement =---------------------------------------

 EXPERIMENT NO.: 05

FINENESS MODULUS OF FINE AND COARSE AGGREGRATE

AIM: To determine the fineness modulus of given fine and coarse aggregates (Sieve
Analysis)

APPARATUS: IS test sieves, square hole perforated sieve of order 80mm, 40mm,
20mm, 10mm, 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600µm, 300µm, & 150µm for coarse
aggregrate and for fine aggregrate sieve 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600µm, 300µm,
& 150µmkeeping sieve 4.75mm at top and 150µm at bottom Weighing balance
(Sensitivity 0.1 percent) sieve shaker, tray plates.

INTRODUCTION: Fine aggregate is sand used in mortars. The size of the fine
aggregate islimited to maximum 4.75 mm (4800 microns) beyond which it is known
as coarse aggregate. Fineness modulus is only a numerical index of fineness, giving
some idea about, the mean size of the particles in the entire body of concrete.
Determination of fineness modulus is considered as a method of standardization of
grading of aggregates i.e., the main object of finding fineness modulus is to grade the
given aggregate for the most economical mix and workability with minimum quantity
of cement. It is obtained by sieving known weight of given aggregate in a set of
standard sieves and by adding the percent weight of material retained on all the sieves
and dividing the total percentage by 100.

PROCEDURE:

Coarse aggregate:

1. Take 5Kgs of coarse aggregate (nominal size 20mm) from the sample by
quartering.
2. Carry out sieving by hand, shake each sieve in order 80mm, 40mm, 20mm, 10mm,
4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600µm, 300µm, & 150µm

over a clean dry tray for a period of not less than 2 minutes
3. The shaking is done with a varied motion backward and forward, left to right,
circular, clockwise and anticlockwise and with frequent jarring, So that material is
kept moving over the sieve surface in frequently changing directions.
4. Find the weight retained on each sieve taken in order.

Fine aggregate:

1. Take 1 Kg of sand from sample by quartering in clean dry plate.

2. Arrange the sieves in order of 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600µm, 300µm, &
150µmkeeping sieve 4.75mm at top and 150µm at bottom.
3. Fix them in the sieve shaking machine with the pan at the bottom and cover at the
top.
4 Keep the sand in the top sieve 4.75mm, carry out the sieving in the set of sieves and
arranged before for not less than 10 minutes
5 Find the weight retained in each sieve

OBSERVATIONS:

Coarse aggregate:Weight of coarse aggregate taken:________Kgs

Sr. Sieve Size Weight Percentage Cumulative Percentage Fineness
No. Retained Weight percentage Weight Modulus
(gm) Retained Weight Passing
Retained
1 80mm
2 40mm
3 20mm
4 10mm
5 4.75mm
6 2.36mm
7 1.18mm
8 600µm
9 300µm
10 150µm
11 Pan
Fine aggregate: Weight of fine aggregate taken:_______Kgs
Sr. Sieve Size Weight Percentage Cumulative Percentage Fineness
No. Retained Weight percentage Weight Modulus
(gm) Retained Weight Passing
Retained
1 4.75mm
2 2.36mm
3 1.18mm
4 600µm
5 300µm
6 150µm
7 75µm
8 Pan

Fineness Modulus: Sum of Cumulative percentage Wt. retained/100

RESULT: The fineness modulus of given fine aggregate: __________

The fineness modulus of given coarse aggregate: ______________

Limits of fineness modulus of aggregates.

Types of Aggregates Minimum Fineness Modulus Maximum Fineness Modulus

Fines Aggregates 2.2 3.2
Coarse Aggregates 6.0 8.0

COMMENTS:
 EXPERIMENT NO. 06

BULKING 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 sand with equal percentage of moisture

PROCEDURE

1) Take 1000ml measuring jar

2) Fill it with loose dry sand upto 500ml without tamping at any stage of filling.
3) Then pour that sand on a pan and mix it thoroughly with water whose volumeis
equal to2% 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 ofthe 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 Le till it reaches the
original volume of 500ml.

PRECAUTIONS:

1) While mixing water with sand grains, mixing should be thorough and Uniform
2) The sample should not be compressed while being filled injar
3) The sample must be slowly and gradually poured into measuring jar from itstop.
4) Increase in volume of sand due to bulking should be measured accurately
OBSERVATIONS:

Sr. Volume of dry Percentage Volume of wet Percentage bulking

No. loose Sand Moisture Content loose sand X100
(V1) added (V2)
1 500 ml 2%
2 500 ml 4%
3 500 ml 6%
4 500 ml 8%
5 500 ml 10%
6 500 ml 12%

RESULT: The maximum bulking of the given sand is________at_________% of

moisture content

COMMENTS:
 EXPERIMENT NO.07

DETERMINATION OF FLAKINESS INDEX AND ELONGATION INDEXOF

COURSE AGGREGATES

REFERENCE: IS 2386 (Part 1)-1963, IS: 383-1970, IS: 460-1962

AIM: To determination of Flakiness Index and Elongation Index of Course

Aggregates

THEORY:
Particle shape and surface texture influence the properties of freshly mixed concrete
more than the properties of hardened concrete. Rough-textured, angular, and
elongated particles require more water to produce workable concrete than smooth,
rounded compact aggregate. Consequently, the cement content must also be increased
to maintain the water-cement ratio. Generally, flat and elongated particles are avoided
or are limited to about 15 % by weight of the total aggregate

APPARATUS:
The metal gauge shall be of the pattern shown in Fig. below, Balance, Gauging
Trowel, Stop Watch, etc

PROCEDURE:
1. Sample - A quantity of aggregate shall be taken sufficient to provide the
minimumnumber of 20 pieces of any fraction to be tested.
2. Sieving - The sample shall be sieved in accordance with the method described in
Experiment No. 05with sieves specified in Table 3.18.
3. Separation of Flaky material-Each fraction shall be gauged in turn for thickness on
a metal gauge of the pattern shown in Fig. 7.1 or in bulk on sieves having elongated
slots. The width of the slot used in the gauge or sieve shall be of the dimensions
specified in col 3 of Table 3.18 for the appropriate size of material.
4 Weighing of Flaky Material - The total amount passing the gauge shall be weighed
to an accuracy at least 0.1 percent of the weight of the test sample
5 The flakiness Index is the total weight of the material passing the various thickness
gauges or sieves expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample gauged
6. Sieving - The sample shall be sieved in accordance with the method described in
Experiment No.05 with thesieves specified in Table 3.18
7. Separation of Elongated Material- Each fraction shall be gauged individually for
length on a metal length gauge of the pattern shown in Fig. 7.2. The gauge length used
shall be that specified in col 4of Table 3.18 for the appropriate size of material
8.Weighing of Elongated Material - The total amount retained by the length gauge
shall be weighed to an accuracy of at least 0.1 percent of the weight of the test sample
9. The elongation index is the total weight of the material retained on the various
length gauges,expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample gauged.

Figure:7.1- Metal Thickness Gauge

7.2-Metal length gauge

Observation:

1. Total weight of course aggregate________gms(Flakiness Index)

Size of Aggregates (mm)
Passing through Retained on Thickness Weight Retained on Percentage of
IS Sieves IS Sieves Gauge Thickness Gauge Weight Retained
(mm) (mm) (mm) (gms) (%)
63 50 33.90
50 40 27.00
40 25 19.50
31.5 25 16.95
25 20 13.50
20 16 10.80
16 12.5 08.55
12.5 10 06.75
10 6.3 04.83
Total ƩW1=
2. Total weight of course aggregate________gms(Elongation Index)
Size of Aggregates (mm)
Passing through Retained on Thickness Weight Retained on Percentage of
IS Sieves IS Sieves Gauge Thickness Gauge Weight Retained
(mm) (mm) (mm) (gms) (%)
63 50 ---
50 40 81.00
40 25 58.50
31.5 25 ---
25 20 40.50
20 16 32.40
16 12.5 25.60
12.5 10 20.20
10 6.3 14.70
Total ƩW1=

Calculations:
𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐞 (Ʃ𝐖𝟏)
1. Flakiness Index of an Aggregates = 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 (𝐖)
𝑿𝟏𝟎𝟎

𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐠𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐞 (Ʃ𝐖𝟏)

2. Elongation Index of an Aggregates = 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 (𝐖)
𝑿𝟏𝟎𝟎

Conclusion/Result:

1.The flakiness index of a given sample of aggregate is______

2. The elongation index of a given ample of aggregate is_______

Comment:
 EXPERIMENT NO.: 08

SLUMP TEST

REFERENCE: (IS:456-2000 and IS:1199-1959)

AIM: To determine the workability or consistency of concrete mix of given

proportion byslump Cone test

APPARATUS: Iron pan to mix concrete, weighing machine, trowel, slump cone,
scale and tamping rod

The slump cone is a hollow frustum made of thin steel sheet with internal dimensions,
as the top diameter 10 cms,The bottom diameter 20 cms, and height 30cms. 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.
THEORY: Unsupported concrete, when it is fresh, will flow to the sides and a
sinking in height will take place. This vertical settlement is called slump. Slump is a
measured for the water cement ratio of 0.5, 0.6, 0.7 and 0.8. For each mix take 10 Kg
C.A., 5 Kg., FA and 2.5 Kg. Cement

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 inheight 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 subsistence of the
concretein cms, which gives the slump.

NOTE: Slump test is adopted in the Laboratory or during the progress of the work in
the field for determining consistency of concrete where nominal max. size of
aggregates does not exceed 40 mm. Any slump specimen which collapses or shears
off laterally gives incorrect results and at this juncture the test is repeated, only true
slump should be measured.

OBSERVATIONS:
Sr. No. W/C Ratio Slump in mm
1 0.5
2 0.6
3 0.7
4 0.8

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
theconcrete
3) During filling, the mould must be firmly pressed against the base
4) Vibrations from nearly machinery might also increase subsidence; hence test
should bemade beyond the range of ground vibrations.
Recommended slumps of concrete mix of various works
Sr.No. Description of Work Recommended Slump (cms)
1 Road work 2.5 to 5.0
2 Ordinary beams to slabs 5 to 10
3 Columns thin vertical section & retaining 7.5 to 12.5
Walls etc
4 Mass concrete (Runway, Pavements) 2.5 to 5.0

COMMENTS:
 EXPERIMENT NO.: 09

COMPACTION FACTOR TEST

REFERENCE: (IS:1199-1959)

AIM:To determine the workability of concrete mix of given proportion by

compaction factor test

APPARATUS:Compaction factor apparatus, trowel, weighing machine, conical

hoppers mounted vertically above the cylindrical mould. The upper mould has internal
dimensions as top dia 25 cm, bottom dia 12.5 cm and height 22.5 cm. The lower
hopper has internal dimensions, top 22.5cm, bottom dia 12.5cm and height 22.5cm.
The cylinder has internal dimensions as 15 cm dia and 30cm height. The dimensions
between bottom of the upper hopper and top of the lower hopper, bottom of the lower
hopper and top of cylinder are 20 cm, each case. The lower ends of the hoppers are
filled with quick release trap doors.

THEORY: This test is adopted to determine workability of concrete where nominal

size of aggregate does not exceed 40 mm. It is based on the definition, that
workability is that property of concrete, which determines the amount of work
required to produce full compaction. The test consists essentially of applying a
standard amount of work to standard quantity of concrete and measuring the resulting
compaction. The compaction factor is defined as the ratio of the weight of partially
compacted concrete to weight of fully compacted concrete. It shall be stated to the
nearest second decimal place

PROCEDURE: Conduct test for W/c ratio 0.5, 0.6, 0.7 and 0.8, for each mix take
10Kg of coarse aggregate, 5kg of fine aggregate and 2.5 Kg of cement.
1. Grease the inner surface of the hoppers and the cylinder.
2. Fasten the hopper doors
3. Weigh the empty cylinder accurately (W1. Kgs).
4. Fix the cylinder on the base with fly nuts and bolts
5. Mix coarse and fine aggregates and cement dry until the mixture is uniform in color
and thenwith water until concrete appears to be homogeneous
6. Fill the freshly mixed concrete in upper hopper gently with trowel without
compacting.
7. Release the trap door of the upper hopper and allow the concrete to fall into the
lower hopperbringing the concrete into standard compaction.
8. Immediately after the concrete comes to rest, open the trap door of the lower hopper
and allow the concrete to fall into the cylinder, bringing the concrete into standard
compaction.
9. Remove the excess concrete above the top of the cylinder by a trowel.
10. Find the weight of cylinder i.e., cylinder filled with partially compacted concrete
(W2 kgs)
11. Refill the cylinder with same sample of concrete in approx. 4 layers, tamping each
layerwith tamping for 25 times in order to obtain full compaction of concrete.
12 Level the mix and weigh the cylinder filled with fully compacted concrete (W3
Kg) 15. Repeat the procedure for different water cement ratios

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

Weight of Empty Cylinder (W1) = _________Kgs
Sr. W/C Wt. of cylinder Wt. of cylinder with Compaction Factor
No. Ratio with Partially fully compacted (W − W )
compacted concrete concrete (W3 Kgs) (W − W )
(W2 kgs)
1 0.5
2 0.6
3 0.7
4 0.8

PRECAUTIONS:

1 The top hopper must be filled gently

2. The mix should not be pressed or compacted in thehopper.
3. If the concrete in the hopper does not fall through when the trap door is released, it
shouldbe freed by passing a metal rod. A single steady penetration will usually affect
release

RESULTS:The compaction factor for the given sample is_______

COMMENTS:It is more sensitive, precise than slump test and is particularly useful
toconcrete mixes of low workability
 EXPERIMENT NO.: 10

TEST FOR COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CEMENT CONCRETE

REFERANCE: (IS: 516-1959)

AIM:To Determine the compressive strength of cement concrete specimens.

APPARATUS: Testing Machine, two steel bearing platens with hardened faces (As
per IS: 516- 1959).

THEORY: Tests shall be made at recognized ages of the test specimens, the most
usual being 7 and 28 days, ages of 13 weeks and one year are recommended if tests at
greater ages are required. Where it may be necessary to obtain the early strength, test
may be made at ages of 24 hours + 1/2 hour and 12 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.

PROCEDURE: Specimens stored in water shall be tested immediately on removal

from water and while they are still in the wet condition. Surface water and grit shall be
wiped off the specimens and any projecting fines removed. Specimens when received
dry shall be kept in water for 24 hours before they are taken for testing. The
dimensions of the specimens to the nearest 0.2 mm and their weight shall be noted
before testing.
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 specimens which are to be in
contact with the compression platens. In the case of the 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. The axis of the specimen shall be carefully aligned with the
center 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. As the
spherically seated block is brought to bear on the specimen, that movable portion shall
be rotated gently by hand so that uniform section may be obtained. 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. 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.

CALCULATION: The measured compressive strength of the specimen shall be

calculated bydividing the maximum load applied to the specimen during the test, by
the cross-sectional area, calculated from the mean dimensions of section and shall be
expressed to the nearest Kg/sq.cm. Average of three values shall be taken as the
representative of the batch provided the individual variation is not more than 15% of
the average. Otherwise, repeat tests shall be made. In case of cylinders, a correction
factor according to the height to diameter ratio of specimen after capping shall be
obtained from the curve shown in fig. 1 of IS: 516-1959. The product of this
correction factor and the measured compressive strength shall be known as the
corrected compressive strength, this being the equivalent strength of a cylinder having
a height/diameter ratio of two. The equivalent cube strength of the concrete shall be
determined by multiplying the corrected cylinder strength by 5/4.

REPORTING OF RESULTS:

The following information shall be included in the report on each test specimen:

a) Identification mark
b) Date of test
c) Age of specimen
d) Curing conditions including date of manufacture of specimen in the field
e) Weight of specimen
f) Dimensions of specimen
g) Compressive strength
h) Maximum load and
i) Appearance of fractured faces of concrete and type of fractures if these are unusual

RESULT:The maximum load taken by the cube is ________ KN

Hence, Compressive strength of given concrete is __________N/mm²

COMMENTS:
 EXPERIMENT NO.: 11

TEST FOR FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF CEMENT CONCRETE

REFERENCE:(IS: 516 - 1959, IS: 1199-1959, SP: 23-1982 and IS: 10086-1982)

AIM: This clause deals with the procedure for determining the flexural strength of 66
moulded concrete flexure test specimens

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 of IS
416-1959. The permissible error shall be not greater than ± 2 percent of the maximum
load.
Beam Moulds - The beam moulds shall conform to IS: 10086-1982. The standard
size shall be 15 × 15 × 70 cm. Alternatively, if the largest nominal size of the
aggregate does not exceed 19 mm, specimens 10 × 10 × 50 cm may be used.
Weights and weighing device, Tools and containers for mixing, Tamper, 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 - The standard size shall be 15 × 15 × 70 cm. Alternatively, if the largest
nominal size of the aggregate does not exceed 19 mm, specimens 10 × 10 × 50 cm
may be used.
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–
i. The bearing surfaces of the supporting and loading rollers shall be wiped clean, and
any loose sand or other material removed from the surfaces of the specimen where
they are to make contact with the rollers.
ii. The specimen shall then be placed in the machine in such a manner that the load
shall be applied to the uppermost surface as cast in the mould, along two lines spaced
20.0 or 13.3 cm apart.
iii. The axis of the specimen shall be carefully aligned with the axis of the loading
device. No packing shall be used between the bearing surfaces of the specimen and
the rollers.
iv. The load shall be applied without shock and increasing continuously at a rate such
that the extreme fiber stress increases at approximately 7 kg/sq cm/min, that is, at a
rate of loading of 400 kg/min for the 15.0 cm specimens and at a rate of 180 kg/min
for the 10.0 cm specimens.
v. The load shall be increased until the specimen fails, and the maximum load applied
to the specimen during the test shall be recorded. The appearance of the fractured
faces of concrete and any unusual features in the type of failure shall be noted.
OBSERVATIONS:
Sr. No. Age of Size of Length of Maximum Position Modulus
Specimen Specimen Specimen Load of of
(mm) (mm) (N) Fracture Rupture
‘a’ (MPa)
1
2 28 Days
3

CALCULATIONS:The flexural strength of the specimen shall be expressed as the

modulus of rupture fb, which, if ‘a’ equals the distance between the line of fracture
and the nearer support, measured on the center line of the tensile side of the specimen,
in cm, shall be calculated to the nearest 0.5 kg/sq cm as follows:

Px𝑙
f =
bxd
when ‘a’ is greater than 20.0 cm for 15.0 cm specimen, or greater than 13.3 cm for a
10.0 cm specimen, or

3P x 𝑎
f =
bxd
when‘a’ is less than 20.0 cm but greater than 17.0 cm for 15.0 cm specimen, or less
than 13.3 cm but greater than 11.0 cm for a 10.0 cm specimen
where,
P = maximum load in kg applied to the specimen,
l = length in cm of the span on which the specimen wassupported,
d = measured depth in cm of the specimen at thepoint of failure and
b = measured width in cm of the specimen
CONCLUSIONS / RESULTS:

The average 28 Days Modulus of Rupture of concrete sample is found to

be___________N/mm²

EXPERIMENT NO.: 12

TEST FOR SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH OF CEMENT CONCRETE

REFERENCE:(IS: 516 - 1959, IS: 1199-1959, SP: 23-1982, IS: 10086-1982)

AIM: To determine the splitting tensile strength of cylindrical concrete specimens.

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 5.5of IS
416-1959. The permissible error shall be not greater than ± 2 percent of the maximum
load.
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, 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- The cylindrical mould shall be of 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height
conforming to IS: 10086-1982.
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–
i. The bearing surfaces of the supporting and loading rollers shall be wiped clean, and
any loose sand or other material removed from the surfaces of the specimen where
they are to make contact with the rollers.
ii. 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.
iii. 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.
iii. Draw diametric lines at each end of the specimen using a suitable device that will
ensure that they are in the same axial plane. Center one of the plywood strips along
the center of the lower bearing block.
iv. Place the specimen on the plywood strip and align so that the lines marked on the
ends of the specimen are vertical and centered over the plywood strip.
v. Place a second plywood strip lengthwise on the cylinder, centered on the lines
marked on the ends ofthe cylinder. Apply the load continuously and without shock, at
a constant rate within, the range of 689 to 1380 kPa/min splitting tensile stress until
failure of the specimen
vi. Record the maximum applied load indicated by the testing machine at failure. Note
the typeof failure and appearance of fracture

OBSERVATIONS:
Sr. No. Age of Dia. of Length of Maximum Tensile Average
Specimen Specimen Specimen Load Strength Tensile
(mm) (mm) (N) (MPa) Strength
(MPa)
1
2 28 Days
3

CALCULATIONS: Calculate the splitting tensile strength of the specimen as

follows:
2𝑃
𝑇=
Ld
where
T:Splitting tensile strength, kPa
P:Maximum applied load indicated by testingmachine, kN
L:Length, m
d:Diameter, m

CONCLUSION/RESULTS:
The average 28 Days Tensile Strength of concrete sample is found to
be_________N/mm²
 EXPERIMENT NO.: 13 (a)

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN BY INDIAN STANDARD METHOD

REFERENCE: (IS 10262-2009, IS 456 -2000)

AIM: To determine the concrete mix proportion by Indian standard Recommended

method IS 10262-2009

THEORY:
Data to be collected:
1. Characteristic compressive strength (that is, below which only a specified
proportion of test results are allowed to fall ) of concrete at 28 days (fck)
2. Degree of workability desired
3. Limitations on the water-cement ratio and the minimum cement content to ensure
adequate durability
4. Type and maximum size of aggregate to be used
5. Standard deviation (S) of compressive strength of concrete.

APPARATUS: (1) Concrete mixer, (2) Balance, (3) Molds for casting of the test

PROCEDURE:

1. According to IS: 456–2000 and IS: 1343–‘80, the characteristic strength is

defined as that value below which not more than 5 per cent results are expected
to fall, in which case the Target mean strength for mix design is
:. Target mean strength, fck’ = fck + t s.

wherefck=characteristic compressive strength at 28 days

S = standard deviation

t = risk factor
 Table No. 2 Assumed Standard Deviation

Sr. Nominal Maximum Size of Aggregate AssumedStandard Deviation

No.

1 M 10 3.50
2 M 15

3 M 20 4.00
4 M 25

5 M 30
6 M 35
7 M 40
8 M 45 5.00
9 M 50

2. Selection of Water / Cement Ratio:- The w/c ratio corresponding to the target
strength may be determined from the relationship shown in following figure
 Fig. (3)
• The water/cement ratio thus selected as mentioned above, should be checked
for limiting value ensuring durability which are as follows.
Table No.

3. Calculation of Water Content and fine to total aggregate ratio:-

i. The water content and percentage of sand in total aggregate by absolute
volume are determined from following tables
ii. Both these tables are based on the following conditions
a. Crushed (angular) coarse aggregate,(IS:383-70)
 b. Fine aggregate consisting of natural sand conforming to grading zone-II
of table of IS:383-70

iii. For any departure from above mentioned conditions, corrections have to be
applied as per following table

4. Calculation of Cement Content:-

i. The cement content per unit volume of concrete may be calculated from free
water-cement ratio and the quantity of water per unit volume of concrete.
(cement by mass= Water content/Water cement ratio)
ii. The cement content so calculated shall be checked against the minimum
cement content for the requirement of durability and the greater of the two
values to be adopted.
 5. Calculation of Aggregate Content:-
• Aggregate content can be determined from the following equations:

and
where,
V= absolute volume of fresh concrete, which is equal to gross volume (m³)
minus the volume of entrapped air
w= mass of water (kg) per m³ of concrete
C= mass of cement (kg) per m³ of concrete
Sc= Specific gravity of cement
P= Ratio of FA to total aggregate by absolute volume
fa, Ca= Total masses of FA and CA (kg) per m³ of concrete respectively
Sfa, Sca= Specific gravities of saturated, surface dry FA and CA respectively

• Entrapped air can be estimated from the table given below for normal
maximum size of aggregate used

6. Actual quantities required for mix:-

i. It may be mentioned that above mix proportion has been arrived at on the
assumption that aggregates are saturated and surface dry.
ii. For any deviation from this condition i.e., when aggregate are moist or air
dry or bone dry, correction has to be applied on quantity of mixing water as
well to the aggregate.
RESULT/ CONCLUSION: Final Mix Proportion by Indian Standard Recommended
Method of Mix Design is as below
Ingredients Cement Fine Coarse Water Chemical
Aggregate Aggregate
Quantity
(Kg/m3)
Ratio
 EXPERIMENT NO.: 13 (b)

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN BY ACI METHOD

REFERENCE: (ACI Committee 211.1 of 1991)

AIM: To determine the concrete mix proportion by American Concrete Institute

Method of Mix Design Method

THEORY:
Data to be collected:
(i) Fineness modulus of selected F.A.
(ii) Unit weight of dry rodded coarse aggregate.
(iii) Sp. gravity of coarse and fine aggregates in SSD condition
(iv) Absorption characteristics of both coarse and fine aggregates.
(v) Specific gravity of cement.

APPARATUS: (1) Concrete mixer, (2) Balance, (3) Molds for casting of the test
specimens

PROCEDURE:

1. From the minimum strength specified, estimate the average design strength
either by using standard deviation
:. The mean strength, fm = fmin + ks
Use table 2 and table 9 to calculate s and k
2. Find the water/cement ratio from the strength point of view from Table 10. &
also from durability point of view from Table 11. Adopt lower value out of
strength consideration and durability consideration.
3. Decide maximum size of aggregate to be used. Generally for RCC work 20 mm
and pre-stressed concrete 10 mm size are used.
4. Decide workability in terms of slump for the type of job in hand. General
guidance can be taken from table 12

5. The total water in kg/m3 of concrete is read from table 13 entering the table
with the selected slump and selected maximum size of aggregate. Table 13 also
 gives the approximate amount of accidentally entrapped air and non-air-
entrained concrete.

6. Cement content is computed by dividing the total water content by the

water/cement ratio.
The required cement content = Total Water (kg/m³)
w/c ratio from step2
7. From table.14, the bulk volume of dry rodded coarse aggregate per unit volume
of concrete is selected, for the particular maximum size of coarse aggregate and
fineness modulus of fine aggregate.
8. The weight of C.A. per cubic meter of concrete is calculated by multiplying the
bulk volume with bulk density. Therefore,
The weight of C.A. (kg/m³) = Dry bulk volume of C.A. per unit volume of
concrete X Bulk density of C.A.
9. From Table 15, the first estimate of density of fresh concrete for 20 mm
maximum size of aggregate and for non-air-entrained concrete can be find
 10. The solid volume of coarse aggregate in one cubic meter of concrete is
calculated by knowing the specific gravity of C.A.
11. Similarly the solid volume of cement, water and volume of air is calculated in
one cubic meter of concrete.
12. The solid volume of sand is computed by subtracting from the total volume of
concrete the solid volume of cement, coarse aggregate, water and entrapped air.

Item Ingredients Weight Absolute volume (cm³)

(Kg/m³)
1 Cement ³
= ___________= _______
.

2 Water ³
= ___________= _______
.

3 Coarse . . ³
= ___________= _______
Aggregate . . .

4 Air % ³
= ___________=
_______
Total =
absolute
volume

13. Wight of fine aggregate is calculated by multiplying the solid volume of fine
aggregate by specific gravity of F.A.
:. Absolute volume of F.A. = (1000-Total Absolute volume) X 10³
andWeight of F.A. = Absolute volume of F.A. X specific gravity of F.A.

RESULT/ CONCLUSION: Final Mix Proportion by American Concrete Institute

Method of Mix Design (ACI Committee 211.1 of 1991) Method can be written in
following table

Ingredients Cement Fine Coarse Water Chemical

Aggregate Aggregate
Quantity
(Kg/m3)
Ratio
 EXPERIMENT NO.: 13 (c)

CONCRETE MIX DESIGN BY DOE METHOD

AIM: To determine the concrete mix proportion by DOE Method of Concrete Mix
Design Method.

THEORY: The DOE method was first published in 1975 and then revised in 1988.
While Road Note No 4 or Grading Curve Method was specifically developed for
concrete pavements, the DOE method is applicable to concrete for most purposes,
including roads. The method can be used for concrete containing fly ash (in U.K. it is
called pulverized fuel ash, PFA) or GGBFS. Since DOE method presently is the
standard British method of concrete mix design, the procedure involved in this method
is described instead of out dated Road Note No 4 method.
Data to be collected:
(i) Fineness modulus of selected F.A.
(ii) Unit weight of dry rodded coarse aggregate.
(iii) Sp. gravity of coarse and fine aggregates in SSD condition
(iv) Absorption characteristics of both coarse and fine aggregates.
(v) Specific gravity of cement.

APPARATUS: (1) Concrete mixer, (2) Balance, (3) Molds for casting of the test
specimens

PROCEDURE:

1. Find the target mean strength from the specified characteristic strength:
Target mean strength = specified characteristic strength + (Standard
deviation x risk factor)
(Risk factor is on the assumption that 5 percent of results are allowed to fall
less than the specified characteristic strength).
:. The mean strength, fm = fmin + ks
Use table 2 and table 9 to calculate s and k

2. Calculate the water/cement ratio. This is done in a rather round about method,
using fig.4 &Table.16.
Fig.4. Relation between compressive strength and free water/cement ratio for use
in the British mix design method
3. Check this W/C ratio from durability consideration from Table 17. Adopt lower
of the two

4. Next decide water content for the required workability, expressed in terms of
slump or Vebe time, taking into consideration the size of aggregate and its type
from Table 18.
5. Find the cement content knowing the water/cement ratio and water content.
Cement content is calculated simply dividing the water content by W/C ratio.
The required cement content = Total Water (kg/m³)
w/c ratio from step2
• The cement content so calculated should be compared with the minimum
cement content specified from the durability consideration as given in Table 17
or Table 20 and higher of the two should be adopted. The calculated cement
content must be less than the specified maximum cement content.
6. Next find out the total aggregate content. This requires an estimate of the wet
density of the fully compacted concrete. This can be found out from Fig. 5 for
approximate water content and specific gravity of aggregate. If specific gravity
is unknown, the value of 2.6 for uncrushed aggregate and 2.7 for crushed
aggregate can be assumed. The aggregate content is obtained by subtracting the
weight of cement and water content from weight of fresh concrete.

The weight of total aggregate (kg/m³) = The wet density of concrete –

(weight of cement + weight of water)
 Fig. (5)

7. Then, proportion of fine aggregate is determined in the total aggregate using

Fig. 6. Fig. 6 (a) is for 10 mm size, 6 (b) is for 20 mm size and Fig. 6 (c) is for
40 mm size coarse aggregate. The parameters involved in Fig. 6 are maximum
size of coarse aggregate, the level of workability, the water/cement ratio, and
the percentage of fines passing 600 µ sieves. Once the proportion of F.A. is
obtained, multiplying by the weight of total aggregate gives the weight of fine
aggregate. Then the weight of the C.A. can be found out. Course aggregate can
be further divided into different fractions depending on the shape of aggregate.
Fig.6 (b) for 20 mm size
 Fig.6 (c) for 40 mm size

RESULT/ CONCLUSION: Final Mix Proportion by DOE Method of Mix Design

Method can be written in following table

Ingredients Cement Fine Coarse Water Chemical

Aggregate Aggregate
Quantity
(Kg/m3)
Ratio