NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AGARTALA

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AGARTALA

BARJALA, JIRANIA, TRIPURA (W), PIN: 799046

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

MATERIAL TESTING LABORATORY

(UCE04P01)
LABORATORY MANUAL
Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

LIST OF EXPERIMENTS:
1. Fineness of cement by sieving.
2. Water content for standard consistency of cement.

3. Initial and final setting times of cement

4. Fineness of cement by air permeability method.

5. Soundness of Cement by Le-Chatalier’s Apparatus.

6. Soundness of cement by Autoclave test method.

7. Compressive strength of cement.

8. Tensile strength of cement
9. Moisture content and bulking of fine aggregate.

10. Gradation & Fineness modulus of coarse and fine aggregates.

11. Crushing strength test of coarse aggregate.
12. Soundness test of coarse aggregate.

13. Water absorption, compressive strength of Bricks.

14. Workability of cement concrete by (a) Slump test, and compaction factor test.
15. Concrete mix design for a given concrete strength and slump by I.S. Code
method.

16. Flexural strength of concrete.

17. Tensile and bend test of M.S and HYSD bar.

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

EXPERIMENT NO:-1

NAME OF EXPERIMENT: DETERMINATION OF FINENESS OF CEMENT BY

SIEVING.

OBJECT: To determine the fineness of cement by sieving.

THEORY:

Strength development of concrete is the result of the chemical reaction of water with cement
particles. The reaction always starts at the surface of the cement particles. Thus larger the
surface area available for reaction, greater is the rate of hydration and strength development.
Rapid development of strength requires greater degree of fineness. And, therefore, rapid
hardening cement requires greater degree of fineness.

However too much fineness is also undesirable because the cost of grinding during its
manufacture the cement t higher fineness is considerably high. Finer cement deteriorates more
quickly when exposed to air and likely to cause more shrinkage, but less prone to bleeding.
Greater fineness also requires greater amount of gypsum for proper retardation of setting.
Fineness of cement is controlled by minimum specific surface area defined as surface area of
cement particles per gram of cement. For Ordinary Portland cement the specific surface area
should not be less than 2250 cm2/gm.

NECESSITY:

It is a very useful test which indicates if lumps have formed in cement due to poor storage and
chemical reaction with moisture from the air of the ambient environment.

NECESSARY INSTRUMENTS/ EQUIPMENTS:

1. Analytical balance- capable of producing results within 0.0002gm with an accuracy of

±0.0002 gm.
2. Wire cloth test sieve of size 90 micron conforming to IS: 460 (Part-I)-1985.
3. Standard weights.
4. Brush- A nylon or pure bristle brush preferably with 25 to 40 mm bristle for cleaning the
sieve.
5. Trowel.
6. Tray of size 300mm x 300 mm

SPECIMEN SUPPLIED:

The sample of the cement shall be taken according to the requirements of IS: 3353-1986 and the
relevant standard specification for the type of cement being tested. The representative sample of
the cement selected shall be thoroughly mixed before testing.

Fig.: SET OF SIEVES

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

PROCEDURE:

1. Weigh accurately 100 gm of cement and place it on a standard IS sieve 90 micron.

2. Breakdown any air set umps in the sample with finger but does not rub on the sieve.
3. Continuously sieve the sample by holding the sieve in both hands and giving a gentle wrist
motion or mechanical sieve shaker may be used for this purpose. The sieving should be
continuous for 15 minutes.
4. Weigh the residue left after 15 minutes sieving. This residue shall not exceed the specified
limit as follows:
5. After sieving the residue by weight on 90 micron IS sieve not to exceed 10% for ordinary
cement and 5% for rapid hardening cement.

OBSERVATIONS:

Description of Items Sample I Sample II Sample III

Weight of cement W (gm)
IS Sieve size (μ)
Sieving time (minutes)
Weight retained on sieve W1 (gm)
Percentage weight retained on sieve
W1
 100
W
Mean percentage

RESULT:

Calculate the mean of the mass of cement retained on 90 micron IS sieve as percent of the
original mass.

CONCLUSION/ DISCUSSION:

Compare the result with standard values for the type of cement used and give your comments on
the suitability of using cement sample for construction purposes.

PRECAUTIONS:

1. The cleaning of the sieve should be done very gently with the help of brush.
2. After sieving the cement must be removed from the bottom surface of the sieve gently.
3. Weighing machine must be checked before use.
4. Sieving must be carried out continuously.

REFERENCE:

1. IS: 4031 (Part-I)-1988 Method of Physical tests for hydraulic cement: Part-I,
Determination of Fineness by dry sieving.
2. IS:3535 (Part-I) 1986-Method of sampling of hydraulic cement (first revision)
3. Concrete Technology by A.M. Neville, ELBS Publication
4. Concrete Technology by M.L Gambhir, Tata Mcgrow Hill Publication.

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

EXPERIMENT NO:-2
NAME OF EXPERIMENT: DETERMINATION OF NORMAL CONSISTENCY OF
CEMENT.

OBJECT: To determine the Normal Consistency for a given sample of cement.

THEORY:

Normal consistency of cement is defined as a percentage of water by weight of cement

which produces a cement paste of standard consistency permitting a standard plunger of 10 mm
diameter to penetrate upto a depth of 5 mm to 7 mm above the bottom of the Vicat’s mould. The
percentage of water in the cement paste for standard consistency will vary cement to cement and
from batch to batch of the same cement. Normal consistency generally ranges from 26 to 33
expressed as a percentage by weight of dry cement. Many a times higher normal consistency
values are observed for old cement or if the cement is too fine (very high specific surface area)

NECESSARY INSTRUMENTS/ EQUIPMENTS:

i. Vicat apparatus with plunger of 10 mm diameter and 50 mm long.

ii. Vicat mould with mild steel base plate
iii. Balance with weights (capacity 1 kg, sensitivity upto 0.1 gm accuracy)
iv. Trowel (small, weighing about 219 gm)
v. Marble stone slab (non-porous)
vi. Enamel trough
vii. Measuring glass (100 cc-2 nos)
viii. Thermometer range 50°C
ix. Stop watch
x. Standard spatula

Fig-1 VICAT’S APPARATUS

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

PROCEDURE:

1. Weigh about 400 gm of dry cement accurately and place it in the enamel trough.
2. Add 25% of clean water and mix it uniformly by means of spatula.
3. Care should be taken that the time of mixing (gauging) is not less than three minutes and
not more than 5 minutes. The gauging time shall be counted from the instant of adding
water to the dry cement until commencing to fill the mould.
4. Fill the Vicat-mould with the cement paste, the mould resting on the marble slab or non-
porous plate.
5. Make the surface of the cement paste in level with the top of the mould with a trowel
weighing about 210 gm. The mould should be slightly shaken to expel air bubbles.
6. Place this mould together with the non-porous plate under the rod bearing the plunger.
Bring the bottom of the plunger gradually to the surface of the cement paste.
7. Release the plunger quickly, allowing it to sink into the paste. A reading of 5 to 7 mm
above the bottom of the mould is desired for normal consistency of the cement paste. In
case the reading is different continue with the following steps:
8. Prepare trial pastes with varying percentages of water and the tests as described above
until the plunger penetrates upto a depth of 5 mm to 7 mm above the bottom of the mould.
9. Indicate this amount of water as a percentage by weight of dry cement which indicates the
normal consistency of cement.

OBSERVATION TABLE:

Weight
Percentage Quantity Un-
Sl Type of Manufactured of
of water of water penetrated Remarks
No Cement by cement
added added depth in mm
sample

REPORT:

1. Specimen calculation: Calculations for percentage of water added is to be given as

(Weight of water/ weight of dry cement) x 100%
2. Results: Percentage of water is __________, so the cement is of normal consistency.

PRECAUTIONS:

1. The temperature of cement, water and that of the test room at the time of test should be
between 25 to 29oC.
2. Appliances to be used for gauging should be neat and clean.
3. The gauging time should be between 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Plunger and mould must be clean for each trial.

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

REFERENCE:

1. IS: 269-1989, Specification for 33 grade ordinary grade Portland cement

2. IS: 4031 (Part-iv)-1988 Determination of consistency of standard paste
3. Concrete Technology-M.L. Gambhir, Tata McGraw Hill Publication
4. Cement, Aggregate and Concrete Laboratory Manual, National Institute of Technical
Teachers’ Training and Research

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

EXPERIMENT NO:-3

NAME OF EXPERIMENT: DETERMINATION OF INITIAL AND FINAL SETTING

TIME OF CEMENT.

OBJECT:

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

THEORY:

The term setting of cement is used to describe stiffening of cement paste. When the cement is
mixed with water, the three main compounds of cement i.e., tri-calcium silicate (C3S), tri-
calcium aluminate (C3A) and di-calcium silicate (C2S) react with water. C3S hydrates more
rapidly and develop early strength, generates heat more rapidly and has less resistance to
chemical attack. Whereas C2S hydrates and hardens slowly and it adds to the ultimate strength
and provide more resistance to chemical attack. C3A is fast reacting and large amount of heat
generates and cause initial setting. The phenomenon of changing from fluid state to a rigid state
is called setting of cement. Hardening of cement is due to its hydration, which results in strength
development, is different from setting. In concrete construction work, it is specified that the
plastic concrete should be placed and consolidated before the initial setting has occurred. It
should not be disturbed until it has hardened. The initial setting time should not be too small and
therefore the standards specify the minimum initial setting time. After initial setting, the
concrete becomes rigid at final setting and thereafter through hardening attains strength more
rapidly; so there is minimum to delay before side shuttering can be removed. The setting time
measures the time taken for the cement paste to offer a certain degree of resistance to the
penetration of a special attachment pressed into it. Two periods of times are used to assess the
setting behavior. These are called initial setting time and final setting time. The terms initial and
final set are used to describe arbitrarily chosen stages of setting.

Initial setting time is defined as the period or the time starting from the instant of mixing of
water to a state at which the cement paste loses its plasticity. It indicates the end of slow and
steady rate of chemical reaction after which rapid rises in temperature occurs due to faster rate
of chemical reaction. Practically, it is defined as the period elapsing between the time when the
water is added to the cement and the time at which a needle of 1 mm square section penetrates
not deeper than to a point 5mm ±0.5 mm from the bottom of the Vicat apparatus mould with the
cement paste. Initial setting time (minimum) as specified by ISI is 30 minutes for ordinary and
rapid hardening Portland cement and 60 minutes for low heat cement.
Whereas the final setting time is the time taken to reach the stage when the paste becomes a
rigid mass. Practically, it is defined as 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 test block
while the annular attachment fails to do so.

Final setting time (maximum) is 600 minutes for all types cement. Final setting time chemically
implies a maximum rise of temperature in the sample. The phenomenon of abnormal premature
hardening of concrete or cement within a few minutes of mixing of water is called false setting
of cement. In this case not much heat is evolved and re-mixing without additional water gives
the required workability and the cement sets in the normal manner with no appreciable loss of
strength. There is no relationship between setting time and rate of strength development of
concrete. Final setting time is approximately equal to 90+1.2 times initial setting time for
normal Portland cement at room temperature.

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

NECESSARY INSTRUMENTS/ EQUIPMENTS USED:

i. Vicat’s apparatus with mould and non-porous plate

ii. Needle for initial setting time and needle for final setting time
iii. Balance (capacity 1 kg, Sensitivity 0.1 gm)
iv. Trowel (weighing about 210 gm)
v. Enamel tray
vi. Standard spatula
vii. Stop watch
viii. Thermometer
ix. Measuring Cylinder, 2 nos. (100 c.c.)

Fig-2 VICAT’S APPARATUS

PROCEDURE:

i. Preparation of Cement Paste: Weigh 400-450 gm of ordinary Portland cement accurately

(W) having standard consistency (P). The water which is to be added in the above weighed
cement is 0.85 times the percentage of water required for the standard consistency i.e., 0.85
PW. Start the stopwatch at once, when the water is added in the cement. Mix it uniformly
with spatula over a glass plate. The mixing or gauging time of cement water is not less than
3 minutes and not more than 5 minutes. It is counted from the instant of adding water to dry
cement upto the filling of the mould.
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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

ii. Determination of Initial Setting Time:

1. The cement paste as prepared above is filled in Vicat’s mould, which is rested on a non-
porous plate.
2. Smooth off the upper surface of the paste, making it level with the top of the mould to
give the test block.
3. The mould resting on non-porous plate is placed under the rod bearing the needle (C) as
shown in Fig.1.
4. Lower the needle gently in contact with the surface of the test block and quickly release
the needle allowing it to penetrate into the test block. In the beginning the needle (C)
will completely pierce the test block.
5. Repeat this procedure until the reading becomes 5± 0.5 mm, measured from the bottom
of the mould.
6. Note the initial setting time.
7. Record the time in the observation table.

iii. Determination of Final Setting Time:

1. Replace the needle C (used for initial setting time) of the Vicat’s apparatus with the
needle with an annular attachment (F) for the final setting time.
2. Release the needle gently as described in initial setting time, till the needle makes an
impression thereon, while the annular attachment fails to do so after about 1 ½ hour of
initial setting at intervals of 10 minutes.
3. 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 the test block while the annular
attachment fails to do so shall be the final setting time.
4. Record that time in the Observation Table.
5. Use the underside of test block if a scum is forming on the surface, for the
determination of final setting time.

OBSERVATION:

1. Weight of cement (W) = gm

2. Standard consistency of water (P) = %
3. Weight of water to be added = 0.85 x W x P

Sl No Time in minutes Vicat’s apparatus reading

1
2
3
4
5
6

RESULT:

1. Initial setting time = minutes

2. Final setting time = minutes

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

CONCLUSION/ DISCUSSION:

After doing this test in the laboratory compare the observed values with the standard values for
the type of cement which is used in the test and a comment on the suitability of that cement to
use in the construction site may be given.

PRECAUTIONS:

1. Needle should be cleaned every time before use.

2. Proper needle is fixed for initial and final setting time.
3. Release the needle gently after it comes in contact with the surface of the test mould.
4. Gauging time should not be less than 3 minutes and not more than 5 minutes.
5. Check up the stop watch for accuracy.
6. Shift the position of the mould after recording the penetration reading so that the
penetration should not be at the same place.
7. Test block should be kept in 90% relative humidity and at temperature 27°C ±2ºC
8. The experiment should be performed away from vibration and other disturbance.

REFERENCES:

1. IS: 269-1989 Specification for 33 grade ordinary Portland cement.

2. IS: 4031 (Part-V)-1988 Determination of initial and final setting time.
3. Concrete Technology by M.L. Gambhir, Tata Mcgraw Hill Publication.
4. Properties of Concrete by A.M. Neville, ELBS Publication.

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

EXPERIMENT NO:-4

NAME OF EXPERIMENT: DETERMINATION OF FINENESS OF CEMENT BY

BLAINE AIR PERMEABILITY METHOD.

OBJECT: To determine the fineness or surface area per gram of the cement by Blaine air
permeability test.

THEORY:

The fineness of cement can also be expressed as specific surface of cement (in cm2/gm). 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 exceeding 65 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.
The principle is based on the relation between the flow of air through the cement bed and the
surface area of the particles comprising the cement bed. From this the surface area per unit
weight of the body material can be related to the permeability of a bed of a given porosity.

REFERENCE CODES:

 IS: 5516-1996
 IS: 4031(part 2)-1999

NECESSARY INSTRUMENTS/ EQUIPMENTS:

1. Blaine air permeability apparatus and accessories (Variable flow type): IS:5516
2. Analytical balance- capable of producing results within 3 gm with an accuracy of ±1 gm.
3. Wire cloth test sieve of size 90 micron conforming to IS: 460 (Part-I)-1985.
4. Stopwatch with an accuracy of 0.2 sec
5. Mercury : Density 13.53 at temperature 27oC ± 3oC
6. Brush- A nylon or pure bristle brush for cleaning the sieve.
7. Filter Paper
8. Trowel.
9. Tray of size 300 mm x 300 mm

SPECIMEN SUPPLIED:

The sample of the cement shall be taken according to the requirements of IS: 3353-1986.

Fig.: Blaine Air Permeability Apparatus

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

PROCEDURE:

1. Put a filter paper into the cell then weight 2.84g of cement sample into it.
2. Put another filter paper on it and compress with the plunger.
3. Attach the cell on top of the U-tube manometer.
4. Evacuate the air in the manometer through the side tube using the aspirator bulb until the
oil reaches level 1.
5. Close the side valve and monitor the oil as it starts to fall.
6. Using a stop watch, measure the time taken for the oil to fall from level 2 to level 3.

OBSERVATIONS:

Average Specific surface of reference cement

Sl Time: t Apparatus constant
time: t (S) = k√t (cm2/g)
No. (sec) (k)
(sec)
1.
2.
3.

Where; k is 523.0547

RESULT:

Fineness / Specific surface of given sample of cement =

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

CONCLUSION/ DISCUSSION:

1. Fineness of cement has a great effect on the rate of hydration and hence the rate of gain of
strength. Fineness of cement increases the rate of evolution of heat. Finer cement offers a
great surface area for hydration and hence faster the development of strength.
2. Increase in fineness of cement also increases the drying shrinkage of concrete and hence
creates cracks in structures.
3. Excessive fine cement requires more water for hydration, resulting reduced strength and
durability.
4. Fineness of cement affects properties like gypsum requirement, workability of fresh
concrete & long term behavior of structure.
5. Coarse cement particles settle down in concrete which causes bleeding.
6. Approximately 95% of cement particles are smaller than 45 micrometers, with the average
particle around 15 micrometers.
7. Cements with finer particles have more surface area in m2 per kg of cement.

PRECAUTIONS:

1. The volume of the compacted cement bed should be calculated accurately.

2. The time taken by the manometer liquid to fall from one mark to the other should be
measured very accurately.

STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS:

Type of cement Indian Standard Reference Fineness Value = (cm2/g)

OPC 269-1976 2250

Rapid hardening 8041-1990 3250
Portland slag cement 455-1989 2250
PPC 1489-1991 (Part 1) 3000

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

EXPERIMENT NO:-5
NAME OF EXPERIMENT: VERIFICATION OF SOUNDNESS OF CEMENT BY LE–
CHATELIER APPARATUS METHOD.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the soundness of cement by Le–chatelier method.

THEORY:
It is essential that cement paste, once it has set, dose not undergo an appreciable change in
volume. Cements, which exhibit no such appreciable change, are described as sound. The
unsoundness of cement is caused by undesirable expansion of some of its constituents after
setting. These expansions result in disintegration and severe cracking. Such expansions may
occur due to the reaction of free lime (Cao) and magnesia and calcium sulphate. Free lime
hydrates very slowly because a thin film of cement, which prevents direct contact between lime
and water when the cement sets, covers it. Also, hard – burnt excess free lime in cement
hydrates very slowly. Slacked lime occupies the larger volume; as a result of this expansion
severe cracking will take place. Magnesia also reacts with water in a similar manner to that of
lime. Calcium sulphate is also liable to cause expansion through the formation of calcium
sulphoaluminate from excess gypsum. Cement is said to be sound if it does not undergo
significant volumetric change during hardening process. Cement is said to be unsound when the
percentage of free lime and magnesia is more than that specified. The unsoundness may be
reduced by limiting the magnesia content to less than 0.5 percent, by fine grinding, by allowing
the cement to aerate for several days and through proper mixing. The methods with which the
soundness of cement can be determined are ( 1 ) Le – Chatelier test , ( 2 ) Autoclave test .

The expansion in cement should not be more than 10 mm in Le –Chatelier’s test according to
IS: 269 -1976. It may be noted that expansion due to the presence of free lime is mostly reflected
in Le – Chatelier’s test.

NECESSARY INSTRUMENTS / EQUIPMENT USED:

1. Le –Chatelier’s apparatus as shown in fig is as per IS 4031 (Part III) – 1988. It is made
of a small split cylinder of brass having 0. 5 mm thickness and height of 30 mm. On either
side of the split are attached two indicators with pointed ends. The length of this
attachment from the center of the split cylinder is 165 mm. The mould should be kept in
good condition with the jaws not more than 0.5 mm apart.
2. Glass plates in 2 numbers
3. Lead weight
4. Trowel
5. Measuring cylinder for measure of water
6. Enamel
7. Thermometer
8. Stop watch
9. Balance with weight
10. Blowlamp or water bath with electric heating arrangement.

Le-Chatelier’s Apparatus

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

Detail diagram: Le-Chatelier’s Apparatus

MATERIAL USED:

Cement, water and petroleum jelly.

PROCEDURE:

1) PREPARATION OF CEMENT SAMPLE: Before making the sample for this test, first
determine the normal consistency of cement with Vicat’s apparatus. Weigh the cement ( 50 gm )
for each mould .Measure the amount of water equal to 0 .78 W P , where ‘P’ is the consistency
of cement on which the soundness test is performed and ‘W’ is the weight of cement taken for
each mould . Mix it properly to form a paste.

2) FILLING AND TESTING WITH LE –CHATELIER, S APPARATUS:

1. Place the brass split cylinder mould on one glass plate and fill up the mould with cement
pastes in it.
2. Care should be taken to keep the edge of the mould gently together, while filling the
cement paste in the mould.
3. Cover the above split cylinder (with sample) with another piece of glass plate.
4. Place the lead weight over the glass plate .
5. Submerge the above assembly in fresh and clean water at a temperature 27 °C ± 2 °C and
keep it there for 24 hours .
6. Accurately measure the distance separating the indicating points in mm after curing.
7. Submerge the mould again in water at the same above prescribed temperature in a water
container .
8. Allow the water to boil with the mould kept submerged by rising temperature in 25 to 30
minutes and boil it for 3 hours .
9. Remove the mould from water .
10. Allow it to cool in natural way and measure the distance between the indicating points.
11. The difference between two measurements represents the Le – Chatelier expansion of
cement on hydration.
12. Record all the observations in the observation table correctly.
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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

OBSERVATION & CALCULASIONS:

Particulars Specimen No.

1 2 3
a Weight of cement sample (W )gm.
b Water required for normal consistency ( P )
c Water added to the sample 0 .78 WP
d Time at which the sample is put in water at 27° C± 2°C
e Time when the water is brought to the boiling point
f Distance between the pointer ends before heating ( D1 ) mm
g Time of heating
h Distance between the pointer ends after heating ( D 2 ) mm
i Difference ( D 1 – D 2 ) in mm

RESULTS:

Average Le –Chatelier’s expansion for the cement has been found to be …. mm

CONCLUSION / DISCUSSION:

The expansion of cement (soundness) should not be more than 10 mm for ordinary
Portland cement, rapid hardening cement, low heat Portland cement and blast furnace slag
cement. When tested by Le – Chatelier, s method describe in IS 4031 (Part -3): 1988 unaerated
cement shall not have an expansion of more than 10 mm. Compare the observed values with
standard values and give comment; either cement is sound or unsound.

PRECAUTIONS:

1. Weighing of cement and Measurement of water is done accurately.

2. While filling the cement paste in the split cylinder mould, keep the edges of the mould
together gently.
3. Submerge the sample in water having temperature 27 °C± 2°C for 24 hours.
4. From the time of addition of water for mixing it with cement till the time to fill up the
mould should not be less than 3 minutes and not more than 5 minutes.
5. Handle the mould carefully while conducting the test. Mishandling will change the
dimension, specially the gap between the two jaws that is split edges.

REFERENCES:

 IS 4031 (Part III) – 1988 Method of physical tests for hydraulic cement: Part – III
Determination of soundness of cement.
 Concrete Technology by M. L. Gambhir, Tata Mc Graw Hill Publication.
 Concrete Technology by A. M. Neville, J. J. Brooks.

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

EXPERIMENT NO:-6
NAME OF THE EXPERIMENT: VERIFICATION OF SOUNDNESS OF CEMENT BY
AUTOCLAVE TEST METHOD

OBJECTIVE: To Verify the Soundness of Cement by Autoclave Test Method

THEORY:

It is essential that cement paste, once it has set, does not undergo an appreciable change in
volume. Cements, which exhibit no such appreciable change, in volume are described as sound.
The unsoundness of cement is caused by undesirable expansion of some of its constituents after
setting .These expansions result in disintegration and severe cracking. Such expansions may
occur due to the reaction of free lime (CaO) and magnesia and calcium sulphate. Free lime
hydrates very slowly because a thin film of cement, which prevents direct contact between lime
and water when the cement sets, covers it. Also, hard – burnt excess free lime in cement
hydrates very slowly. slacked lime occupies the larger volume , as a result of this expansion
severe cracking will take place . Magnesia also reacts with water in a similar manner to that of
lime. Calcium sulphate is also liable to cause expansion through the formation of calcium
sulphoaluminate from excess gypsum. Cement is said to be sound if it does not undergo
significant volumetric change during hardening process. Cement is said to be unsound when the
percentage of free lime and magnesia is more than that specified. The unsoundness may be
reduced by limiting the magnesia content to less than 0.5 percent, by fine grading, by allowing
the cement to aerate for several days and through proper mixing. The methods with which the
soundness of cement can be determined are:

(1) Le – Chatelier test,

(2) Autoclave test.

Autoclave test is more accurate than Le – Chatelier test. It may be noted that expansion due
to presence of free lime and magnesia is mostly reflected in autoclave test. This test is intended
to determine the soundness of Cement for the expansion in length nearest to 0.01% of the
effective length which is the length between the inner most part of the metal inserts used as
reference points .Autoclave expansion should not exceed 0.5% in ordinary Portland Cement ,
Rapid hardening , Low heat and Super sulphated cement . In case of Portland – Pozzolona
cement it is 0.3%. Prefixing a minus sign to the percentage expansion shall indicate a
contraction (negative expansion)

NECESSARY INSTRUMENTS / EQUIPMENTS USED:

1. Autoclave apparatus: The autoclave consists of a high – pressure stream boiler

equipped with automatic pressure control and a safety valve. The capacity of the heating
unit shall be such that with maximum load (water + Specimen) the pressure of the
saturated steam in the autoclave can be raised to a gauge pressure of 2.1 MPa in 1 to 1 ¼
hour from the time the heater is turned on .The automatic pressure control shall be
capable of maintaining the pressure at 2.1±0.1 MPa corresponding to a temperature of
215.7 ° C ±1.7 ° C. The autoclave is designed to permit the pressure to drop from 2.1
MPa to less than 0.07 MPa in one hour after the heat supply has been shut off. It is
equipped with a vent valve for allowing the escape of air during the early part of the
heating period and for releasing any stream pressure remaining at the end of the one –
hour cooling period. It is as per IS 4031(Part III) – 1988.

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

Fig. : Autoclave Apparatus Fig. : Mould Fig. : Length of Comparator

2. Length of Comparator: Changes in length of the test specimens shall be measured by a

dial gauge or micrometer comparator having a range of at least 7.6 mm .The instruments
shall be graduated to at least 0.05 mm and when tested at any point through its range, the
error shall be not greater than plus or minus 0.025 mm. The difference between repeated
measurements shall be not greater than 0.025 mm. The comparator shall be equipped with
a steel reference bar and shall be frequently checked with this reference bar.

3. Mould: The mould is 25 X 25 mm in size and 282 mm in internal length. The parts of the
mould shall be tight fitting and firmly held together when assembled. It is made up of steel
or hard metal. The sides of the mould shall have provision to hold properly in place,
during the setting period, a pair of stainless steel or non corroding metal reference points
having a diameter of 6.5 mm. The reference points shall be set to obtain an effective gauge
length of 250 mm, care being taken to keep them clean & free from oil.

4. Graduated Glass Cylinders: It is of 150 ml capacity. The main graduation lines of

cylinder shall be in circles and shall be numbered. The least graduation shall extend at
least one seventh of the way around, the intermediate graduation shall be extend at least
one fifty of the way.

5. Balance with weights.

6. Trowel [The whole above apparatus is as per IS Code 4031 ( Part III) – 1988]

PROCEDURE:

Preparation of test Specimen:

1. At first a coating of mineral oil is given on the inside surface of the mould and then
stainless steel metal reference inserts are set inside the holes so as to obtain the effective
gauge length of the test specimen equal to 250 mm.
2. Weigh about 600 gm of cement accurately (W) g. Calculated amount of water in ml
given by {(N/100) x W}, where N= Normal consistency of cement.
3. Mix the water with cement thoroughly to give a paste of uniform colour.
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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

4. After proper mixing the mould for test specimens shall be filled in two layers, each layer
being compacted with thumb or fore finger by pressing the paste into the corner around
the references inserts and along the surface of the mould until a homogeneous specimen
is obtained.
5. After compaction, the top layer shall be cut – off, flush with the top of the mould and
then smoothen the surface with the trowel.
6. The mould is kept in a moist room for 24 hours.
7. Remove the test specimen from the mould after 24 hours and measures its length
between the reference inserts.
8. Fill up to 7% to 10% (approximately 15 cm to 20 cm depth) of the space of the autoclave
with water so as to maintain an atmosphere of saturated stream vapor inside during
testing.
9. The test specimen in place in the bar mould stand so that each side of the specimen shall
be exposed in autoclave.
10. Switch on the autoclave, during the start the vent valve shall be opened permitting air to
escape from autoclave until steam begin to escape at about 104°C.
11. Close the vent valve and temperature of the autoclave shall be raised at such a rate as
will bring gauge pressure of the steam ± 2.1 MPa in 1 to 1 1/4 hours from the time when
the autoclave is started.
12. The pressure 2.1± 0.1 MPa shall be maintaining for 3 hours. If the thermostat controls
puts off the heater at a pressure of 2.1 MPa ( at a temperature of 215°C ) the heater
switch should be put on again when the temperature drops below 214°C after some
times .
13. Switch off autoclave heater and the inbuilt fan cools it at a rate such that the pressure will
be less than 0.1 MPa at the end of the one hour.
14. The vent valve is opened partly so that the remaining pressure, if any, is released slowly.
15. Open the autoclave lid and take out the specimen.
16. Place the specimen immediately in water.
17. Cool the specimen at uniform rate adding cold water so that the temperature comes down
27°C ±2°C in fifteen minutes.
18. Place the specimen at 27°C ±2°C in water for another fifteen minutes
19. After taking out from water, the specimen is placed in room temperature for surface
dring, its length is measured again.
20. The difference in length of the test specimen before and after autoclave shall be
calculated. It gives the autoclave expansion or contraction of the cement.

OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS:

The length of the specimen before placing in the autoclave, X = ……………. mm

The length of the specimen after taking out from the autoclave, Y = ……… mm

Increase in length due to heating in the autoclave, Z = Y-X = ……… mm

Autoclave expansion of cement, (Z/ X) x100 = ….. %

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

RESULTS:

Autoclave expansion / contraction in cement = ……….. %

NOTE: Autoclave test is very accurate test of finding the soundness of cement. Expansion /
contraction in lengths shall be calculated in nearest 0.01% of the effective gauge length. When
tested by autoclave test described in IS 4031 (Part -3) 1988 unaerated cement shall not have an
expansion of more than 0.8%. Compare the observed values of expansion / contraction with
standard specified values and comment whether cement is sound or unsound or whether it is
suitable for construction work or not .

PRECAUTIONS:

1. While preparing the test specimen, the effective gauge length between two metal
references should be 250 mm.
2. Cement paste must be filled in the mould in two layers and each layer being compacted
with the thumb or fore finger by pressing the paste into the corners around the metal
reference inserts.
3. The pressure gauge should have a capacity range of 4.2 MPa. While operating, it should
be carefully observed that the pressure gauge had never approaches this maximum
marked range.
4. Pressure gauge is checked periodically during early span of heating period. Further, the
thermometer must always be used to provide a means of detecting any failure of pressure
gauge or thermostat control.
5. The automatic control shall be maintained in proper working order at all time.
6. Safety valve shall be tested twice a year.
7. After switching off the heater the assembly is cooled through an inbuilt fan.
8. Heavy leather gloves shall be worn to prevent burning of the hands when removing the
top lid of the autoclave .Care should be taken to avoid scaling by using any suitable
liquid.
9. The position of the vent valve shall be away from the operator’s side.
10. A few drops of kerosene oil are placed in the vent valve about once a week and it is
cleared with needle so that it is in good working conditions.

REFERENCES:

 IS: 4031 (part-III) – 1988 Method of physical tests for hydraulic cement: Part-III
Determination of soundness of cement.
 Concrete Technology – by A.M.Neville, J.J. Brooks
 Properties of concrete – by A.M. Neville, ELBS Publication.

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

EXPERIMENT NO:-7
NAME OF EXPERIMENT: DETERMINATION OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CEMENT.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the compressive strength of cement.

THEORY:

The compressive strength of cement is measured by determining the compressive strength

of cement mortar cubes of 1: 3 proportion with a water –to- cement ratio of ( P + 12 )/ 100
where , p is the normal consistency of cement . The fine aggregate ( sand) to be used is standard
sand, washed clean, dried at 100°C to 110°C & cooled, passing through IS - 850µ sieve not
more than 10% passing through IS -600µ sieve as specified by IS: 650-1991 ( 2nd Revision ) .
The compression test enables also to distinguish rapid hardening cement from low heat and
ordinary cement .This test is the final check on the quality of cement and can be calculated by
measurement of applied load on the contact area of a cube. Different cements have different
minimum specified strength at specified ages. Normal Portland cement should have minimum
compressive strength of 16 MPa, 22 MPa & 33 MPa, at 3, 7 & 28 days respectively. 28 days
compressive strength of cement is referred to as its grade (without the unit of MPa) e.g., cement
of grade 33, 43 or 53.

INSTRUMENTS / EQIPMENTS USED:

1. Vibration Machine
2. Cube mould for 7.06 cm. cube specimens, made of metal not attached by cement mortar.
3. Standard spatula & gauging trowel.
4. Enamel trough
5. Measuring cylinder

Fig-6(a) Trowel Fig -6(b) Mould

6. Non- porous plate

7. Compression testing machine.
8. Balance
9. Thermometer.

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

Fig 6(c) Compression Testing machine

PROCEDURE:

1. Oil the interior faces of nine cube moulds.

2. Place the one of the assembled moulds on the table of vibration machine and firmly hold
it in position by means of suitable clamps.
3. Securely attach a hopper of suitable size and shape at the top of the mould to facilitate
filling and this hopper shall not be removed until completion of the vibration period.
4. On a non-porous plate a mixture of cement (185 gm) and standard sand (555 gm) i.e. in
the proportion of 1:3 by weight, is placed mixed dry for one minute with a trowel.
5. Water is then poured in a measure quantity and the mixture again gauged to get a uniform
colour is not less than 3 minutes and not more than 4 minutes. The quantity of water for
each cube is (P/ 4 + 3.5) % where P = % of water required to produce a paste of standard
consistency.
6. Immediately after mixing the mortar, the entire quantity of it is placed in the hopper of the
cube mould and compacted by vibration for two minutes.
7. The same procedure is repeated for other 8 cube moulds.
8. Keep the cube at a temperature of 27◦ ± 2◦ C in an atmosphere of at least 90% relative
humidity for 24 hours after completion of vibration.
9. At the end of the period, remove them from the moulds and immediately submerge in
fresh water at 27◦C ± 2◦ C. Keep the cubes there until taken out just prior to testing in
compression. The period shall be recorded just after the completion of compaction in the
vibratory machine.
10. Although 28 days strength can identify the grade of cement, the following period may be
observed for different type of cement as minimum.
a) Ordinary Portland cement: 3 days & 7 days
b) Rapid hardening Portland cement: 1 days & 3 days
c) Low heat Portland cement: 3 days, 7 days & 28 days

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

11. Three of the cubes were tested after 3 days of completion of vibration and other three are
tested after 7 days and 28 days. The testing done on the sides of the cubes using no
packing between the cube and the steel plates of the compression testing machine .Apply
the load steadily and uniformly starting from zero at the rate of 35 MPa / min till the cube
fails .

OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS:

Date of casting ……….. Room Temp ……….◦C

Time of casting ………… Water Temp ……… ◦C.

Specimen Area of Loading Test period Crushing Load Compressive Average value
No (mm2) ( days) (N) Strength (N / mm2) in (N/mm2)
(Col-4/ Col-2)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

RESULTS:

The average compressive strength of cement at days = …… N / mm2

PRECUATION:

a) All appliances should be neat and clean.

b) The mixtures that take more than 4 minutes of mixing before starting of cube casting should be
rejected.
c) In assembling the mould, cover the joints between halves of the mould with a thin film
petroleum jelly in order to ensure that no water escapes during vibration.
d) Water in which the cubes are submerged should be changed after every 7 days. The cubes
should be allow to dry up before testing ; however the free water from the surface should be
removed with jute or a piece of dry cloth .
e) The load on the specimen should be applied gradually.
f) The specimen should be immediately tested after it is removed from curing tank.

REFERENCES:

1. IS: 4031(Part-VI) -1988 Method of physical tests for hydraulic cement: Part –VI Determination
of compressive strength of hydraulic cement.
2. IS: 650-1991 Specification for standard sand for testing of cement.
3. Concrete Technology – by M.L. Gambhir , Tata McGraw Hill Publication
4. Concrete Technology – by A.M.Neville & H. J. Brook
5. Properties of concrete – by A. M. Neville, ELBS Publication.

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

EXPERIMENT NO:-8
NAME OF EXPERIMENT: DETERMINATION OF TENSILE STRENGTH OF CEMENT.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the tensile strength of cement.

THEORY:

The tensile strength of cement is estimated by determining the tensile strength of cement
sand mortar. For conducting the test the briquettes of standard size are prepare. The briquettes
are 2.54 cm thick and will have a minimum cross sectional area of 2.54 cm x 2.54 cm. The
cement mortar is made by mixing one part of cement to three parts of Leighton Buzzard Sand.
The percentage of water to be used for making the mix is taken 8% of the weight of the solid. At
least 12 briquettes are to be made. Six briquettes are tested after three days and other after seven
days.
Now stress at failure = (Load at failure / Minimum sectional area of briquette)

Following are the requirement for good cement

Portland cement:-

After 3 days, the stress at failure shall not be less than = 20 kg / cm2 (2.0 N / mm2)
After 7 days, the stress at failure shall not be less than = 25 kg / cm2 (2.5 N / mm2)

Rapid hardening cement:-

After 1 days, the stress at failure shall not be less than = 20 kg / cm2 (2.0 N / mm2)
After 3 day, the stress at failure shall not be less than = 30 kg / cm2 (3.0 N / mm2)

INSTRUMENTS / EQIPMENTS USED:

1. Tensile Strength testing Machine

2. Mould for briquettes
3. Spatula

Fig. : Cement Tensile

Strength Testing
Machine
Fig. : Standard briquette

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

PROCEDURE:

1. Take necessary quantities of ingredients (i.e. . Cement and sand) in 1: 3 ratio and mix them
uniformly.
2. Add the sufficient quantities of water i.e. 8 % of the weight of solid and mix them properly.
3. At least 12 briquettes are to be made. After the mould is made a small heap of paste is placed
on the top and is lightly beaten with the standard spatula until water appears on the surface.
4. Now the same is repeated on other face of the briquettes.
5. The briquettes are now kept in a damp tank, the relative humidity in the tank being 90%.
6. Now six briquettes are tested after three days and other after seven days in the testing machine
to destruction. The load must be increased at the rate of 35 kg / cm2 (3.5N / mm2) of the section
for each minutes.

OBRERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS:

Type of cement: Portland / rapid hardening cement

Particulars Specimen
I II III IV V VI
Area of the Specimen
Load at failure ( After 3Days )
Load at failure ( After 7Days )
Stress at failure ( After 3Days )
Stress at failure ( After 7Days )

Average Stress at failure (After 3 days) = ………..N / mm2

Average Stress at failure (After 7days) = ………..N / mm2

RESULTS:

Average Stress at failure (After 3 days) = ………..N / mm2

Average Stress at failure (After 7days) = ………..N / mm2

PRECAUSIONS:

 Mixing of cement and sand must be done uniformly.

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

EXPERIMENT NO:-9

NAME OF EXPERIMENT: DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT &

BULKING FACTOR OF FINE AGGREGATE.

OBJECTIVE: To Determine the moisture content & percentage Bulking of given Sand.

THEORY:

Bulking is defined as the increase in volume of given sand caused by films of surface
water, thereby pushing the sand particle apart due to surface tension. Fine sand particle bulk
more than the coarse sand because , fine sand has more number of particles per unit volume and
consequently more surface area .With the moisture content of about 5 to 8 percent , the increase
in volume of sand may vary from 20 to 40 percent depending upon the fineness of sand .
Normally, beyond this percentage of moisture content, bulking tends to decrease .For saturated
sand the volume is approximately the same when it is measured under dry and loose state.

In a concrete mix when sand is measured by volume, it’s bulking results in smaller
weights of sand occupying the fixed volume measuring box. The concrete mix than becomes
harsh, deficient in sand and is prone to segregation. The yield of concrete is also reduced.
Therefore, while adding fine aggregate to the concrete mix by volume, the specified volume of
sand based on dry condition is corrected by appropriately increasing its volume because of
bulking at a moist condition. Thus, with volume batching, bulking has to be allowed for by
increasing the total volume of (moist) sand used. This is done by multiplying the Vs with a
factor, given by Vm / Vs , that is known as ‘ bulking factor ’, where Vs is the volume of the sand
in the saturated state ( which is approximately equal to the volume of dry loosely packed sand )
, and Vm is the initial apparent volume of the moist sand ( i.e. , the corrected volume of the
container ) . Percentage bulking will then be given by (Vm / Vs - 1) X 100. Therefore, we need to
know the graph either showing percentage bulking or bulking factor against moisture content of
sand.

NECESSARY INSTRUMENTS / EQUIPMENT USED:

1. A container for mixing

2. Steel rule Fig. : Measuring cylinder
3. Steel rod 6 mm diameter (Glass)
4. Measuring cylinder -500 ml / 1000 ml (glass)
5. Balance

PROCEDURE:

1. A known volume of sand passing through 1.18 mm IS sieve and retained on 600 micron IS
sieve is taken, poured in to a previously weighted dry and clean glass cylinder and
weighted. Level off the top surface of sand. Push a steel rule, at the middle of surface,
vertically down through the sand to its bottom. Measure this height, say equal to h mm.
2. The sand is than taken into a dry pan or container and 1 % of water by weight of sand is
added to it and mixed thoroughly.
3. The mixture is than put back into the cylinder and rammed properly by a glass rod to drive
out air babbles, if any and level off the top surface.
4. The increase in volume is noted ( i.e. by measuring its height , say equal to h1 mm)

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

5. The operation 2 to 4 is repeated several times by adding 1% of water every time till the
volume of the sand reaches the original volume (i.e. height equal to h mm) after attaining a
maximum.

OBSERVATIONS CALCULATIONS:

Wt. of water added in

Volume of sand after

(initial height h mm)

Bulking factor in
taken in cc ( Vm) or
Volume of dry sand

(height of saturated
Weight of dry sand

adding water in cc
Water added in
%
taken , in gms.

W x ( n /100)

sand h1 mm)
percent ( n)
= Vm – Vs x 100

Remark
( Vs) or
( W) Vs

gms
or

= h – h1 x 100
h

RESULTS:

1. Draw a curve between % of water added (n) vs. corresponding volume of the mixture (V1)
2. Draw a curve between % bulking or bulking factor (Y – axis) and % of water added (X –
axis).
3. Maximum percentage of bulking at moisture content of = …………. %

PRECAUTIONS:

1. Height of inundated sand should be measured correctly.

2. No sand should be lost in transferring from one container to another.
3. Consolidation by shaking is to be done frequently while pouring the sand in to the
cylinder.

REFERENCES:

1. IS: 2386 (Part III) -1963. Method of test for aggregates for concrete Part III, Specific
gravity, density, voids, absorption and bulking.
2. Concrete Technology by M.L.Gambhir
3. Properties of concrete by A M. Neville, ELBS publication.

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EXPERIMENT NO:-10 (A)

NAME OF EXPERIMENT: DETERMINATION OF GRADATION & FINENESS
MODULUS OF FINE AGGREGATE BY SIEVE ANALYSIS.

OBJECTIVE:

1. To determine the fineness Modulus of sand.

2. To plot a particle size distribution curve ( Grading curve )
3. To determine the grading zone of sand.

THEORY:

Sieve analysis is a mechanical process of separating aggregate (sand) in to its

different size fractions by sieving or screening through a series of test sieves in order to
determine the grading of particle size distribution i.e. proportion particle of different sizes. Sand
as a fine aggregate for concrete and mortar should be well graded on the principle that the
smaller particle shall fill the voids between larger particle leaving minimum voids that are
supposed to be filled up by the cement particle in the resulting mass .For normal structural
purposes the grading shall be within the limits specified in IS:383-1970.The sieves that are to be
used for the sieve analysis of fine aggregate (sand) as per IS:2306(part-I) -1963 are 4.75mm
,2.36mm,1.18mm, 600 µm,300 µm, 150µm,&75µm. The sieves are arranged in such an order
that the square openings are nearly half for each succeeding smaller size.
The curve showing the cumulative percentage of the material passing the sieves
represented on the ordinate and with the sieve opening plotted to a logarithmic scale represent
on the abscissa is termed as the grading curve. The grading curve indicates whether the grading
of a given sample conforms to that specified or is too coarse or too fine, or deficient in a
particular size.
Fineness Modulus (F.M.) of fine aggregate is an approximate numerical index of
fineness, giving some idea of the mean size of the particles present in the entire body of the
aggregate. Larger the value, the larger is the average size approximately .It is define as the some
of the cumulative percentages retained on the sieves (from 4.75 mm to 150 µm) divided by 100.
Standard grading zone or limits of percentages passing different sieves are available
for proper grading of sand in grading zones I, II , III ,IV as shown in table below reproduced
from IS: 383 -1970 .Coarse sand is suitable for making concrete where finer sand can be used
for smooth plastering of masonry or concrete surface. But mortar with coarser sand is stronger
than the mortar with finer sand for same proportion of cement to sand ratio and workability.

TABLE-1: SHOWING THE PERCENTAGE OF SAND PASSING SIEVES FOR

DIFFERENT GRADING ZONES:

IS Sieve Grading Zone Grading Zone Grading Zone Grading Zone

designation I II III 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
600 µm 15-34 35-59 60-79 80-100
300 µm 5-20 8-30 12-40 15-50
150 µm 0-10 0-10 0-10 0-15

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

NECESSARY INSTRUMENTS / EQUIPMENT USED:

1. A set of IS –Sieves ( of 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm,1.18 mm, 600 µm,300 µm, 150 µm & 75 µm)
with a lid at top and receiving pan at the bottom .
2. A weighting balance or scale of 5 kg capacity accurate to 0.1 percent the weight of the
test sample
3. A sieve shaking machine, Soft brush, tray, duster, stop watch etc.

Fig.1 (a). Set of Sieves Fig.1. (b). Sieve Shaker

PROCEDURE:

1. Firstly cool the oven dry (100 ° C - 110° C) sample to room temperature. Take about 1
kg from it, by quartering and break the lumps if any. Now weigh 1000 gm of the sample
prepared for testing = W gm.
2. Weigh each sieve = W1 gm Weight also the receiving pan and keep the record.
3. Set the sieve in – order with the largest sieve (4.75mm) at the top, put the receiving pan
at the bottom of 75 micron sieve.
4. Place the weighed sample into the top sieve and put the lid over it.
5. Put the whole assembly on the sieve – shaking machine and shake for 10 minutes.
6. Weigh each sieve along with the sand retained on it = W2 gm.
7. Find out weight of the sample retained on each sieve = W2 – W1 = W 3 gm.
8. Find out the percentage of total sample by weight retained on each sieve =
[( W2-W1)/W ] x100
9. Find the cumulative percentage by weight of total sample retained on each.
10. Add up the cumulative percentages for sieve sizes 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600 µm,
300 µm and 150µm only and divide it by 100 to obtain Fineness Modulus (F.M.).
11. Check the weight of sample retained on sieves and receiving pan with that of test sample
taken (W).

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

OBSERVATION & CALCULATIONS:

Weight of sand taken W = 1000 gm.

Wt. of

Cumulative

Cumulative
Weight sieve & Wt. of sand % of Wt.

Retained

Passing
Sieve
IS sieve of sieve sand Retained Retained

%
order Remark
size (W1) retained (W1-W2) {(W2-W1)/
No.
gm. in (W2) gm W}× 100
gm.
1 4.75 mm
2 2.36 mm
3 1.18 mm
4 600 µ
5 300 µ
6 150 µ
7 75 µ
8 Pan
Total =

RESULTS:

Size of sand at:

1. 10 % finer than (D 10) = mm
2. 60% finer than (D 60) = mm
3. Uniformity Co- efficient (Cu) = D60 / D10
4. Fineness Modulus (F.M.) = ∑ cumulative % retained on each sieve = ……
100
5. The given sand falls in grading zone ………….

PRECAUTION:

1. Aggregate sample should be air-dried to prevent cogging in sieves.

2. Finer sieve should be cleaned gently with soft brushes.
3. Care should be taken to see that the sieves are not surcharged. The weight of sand sample
should not exceed 1000gm.
4. Sieving should be done by giving varied motion so that each particle gets sufficient
chance of passing through the sieve opening.
5. Care should be taken during the setting of sieves .They should be in exact size & order.

REFERENCES:

 IS: 2386(part –I) -1963, Methods of test for aggregates for concrete: Part –I Particle size
and shape.
 IS: 383 – 1970, Specification for coarse and fine aggregates from natural sources for
concrete.
 Concrete Technology by M.L.Gambhir, Tata McGraw Hill Publications.
 Properties of concrete by A. M. Neville, ELBS publication.

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EXPERIMENT NO:-10 (B)

NAME OF EXPERIMENT: DETERMINATION OF GRADATION OF COARSE
AGGREGATE BY SIEVE ANALYSIS.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the Particle Size Distribution of Coarse Aggregate by Sieve

Analysis.

THEORY:

Coarse aggregate is the one retain on 4.75 mm IS sieve. When the aggregate contains
different sizes of particles in suitable proportions, it is called graded aggregate. It provides
minimum voids as smaller particles fill in the voids created by large particles. The
workability of concrete is also improved with well- graded aggregate. Single size aggregate
makes the concrete harsh and does not work well with trowel and does not give good surface
finish. For this, sieve analysis is necessary which enables one to determine the proportions
smaller than different sizes of particles. It is given in terms of percentage of total aggregate
passing through each size of the sieve. Then the results are plotted on the graph , on which
ordinate shows percentage of aggregate passing and abscissa shows the sieve size on
logarithmic scale .The resulting curve is known as grading curve for the aggregate .Grading
curve can be finer or coarser as located respectively on the upper part and lower part on the
grading zone . These are the limit placed on the grading, upper limit for the finer grading and
lower limit for the coarser grading .Finer the grading, greater is the water requirement,
resulting in the poor quality of concrete. Coarser the grading, grater is the tendency of larger
particles to segregate from the concrete mass.

The grading curve indicates whether the grading of a given sample of aggregate is too
coarse, too fine, or deficient in a particle size.

a) If the actual grading curve is lower than the specified grading curve, the aggregate is
COARSER and segregation of mix might take place.
b) If the actual grading curve lies well above the specified grading curve, the aggregate is
FINER and more water will be required, thus increasing the quantity of cement for a
constant water cement ratio. Therefore, this is uneconomical.
c) If the actual grading curve is steeper than the specified grading curve, it indicates the
EXCESS of middle size particles and may lead to harsh mix.
d) If the actual grading curve is flatter than the specified grading curve, the aggregate will be
DEFICIENT in middle size particles. It tends to become one with more of larger uniform
sized aggregate, i.e. single size aggregate. Maximum size of aggregate increases the
workability of concrete. In mass concreting work, large size aggregate is preferred, as
with this, the consumption of cement is less. Due to smaller total surface area of larger
size aggregate, the water cement ratio can be decreased, which increases the strength. 10
to 20 mm size aggregate is generally used for high strength concrete.

According to IS 456-1978 the maximum nominal size of coarse aggregate should not be
greater than one fourth of the minimum thickness of the member and should also be restricted
to 5mm lass than the minimum clear distance between the main bar or 5mm less than the
minimum cover to reinforcement . In case of pre-stressed concrete members the maximum
size aggregate should also be 5mm less than the spacing between the cables, strands or
sheathing.

Within these limits, the nominal maximum size of coarse aggregate may be as large as
possible for low to moderately high strength concrete.
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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

The coarse aggregate, both graded and single sized, shall be supplied in nominal sizes
as per specification given as under:

TABLE-1: SPECIFICATION FOR PERCENTAGE PASSING LIMITS FOR SINGLE

SIZED AND GRADED AGGREGATES OF DIFFERENT NOMINAL SIZES.

Percentage passing for single size aggregate of Percentage passing for graded
Designation

nominal size ,by weight aggregate of nominal size ,by weight

IS Sieve

63mm 40mm 20mm 16mm 12.5m 10mm 40mm 20mm 16mm 12.5mm
m
80 mm 100 - - - - - 100 - - -
63 mm 85-100 100 - - - - - - - -
40 mm 0-30 85-100 100 - - - 95-100 100 - -
20 mm 0-5 0-20 85-100 100 - - 30-70 95-100 100 100
16 mm - - - 85-100 100 - - - 90-100 -
12.5 mm - - - - 85-100 100 - - - 90-100
10 mm 0-5 0-5 0-20 0-30 0-45 85-100 10-35 25-55 30-70 40-85
4.75 mm - - 0-5 0-5 0-10 0-20 0-5 0-10 0-10 0-10
2.36 mm - - - - - 0-5 - - - -

NECESSARY INSTRUMENTS / EQUIPMENT USED:

1) Sieve : Sizes 80 mm, 63 mm, 40 mm, 16 mm ,12.5mm , 10mm , 4.75mm, 2.36mm, top sieve
cover and bottom pan .
2) Sieve shaker
3) Balance
4) Sample drying tray
5) Oven having temperature range 100 ° C - 115° C
6) Soft brush.

Table.2. The minimum weight of different nominal sizes of aggregate may be taken as
suggested below:

Maximum size present in Minimum suggested weight of Minimum weight of sample to

substantial proportions( mm) sample to be taken for sieving be taken for sieving as per IS :
( kg) 2386 (Part I) – 1963 (kg)

40 15 15
20 4 2
16 3 2
12.5 2 1
10 1 0.5

PROCEDURE:

1) The sample should be oven dried at a temperature of 100 ° C - 110° C before

weighing and sieving.
2) Weigh the dried sample of coarse aggregate.
3) The weighed sample is placed on the upper most sieves starting from largest at the
top and lowest at the bottom and then the collecting pan is placed below it.
4) Place all the sieves with sample in the sieve shaker and shake the sieves with varied
motion, backward, forward, vertically upward and downward motion for about 5-10
minutes. At the end of sieving clean all the sieves from the bottom by light brushing.
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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

5) If sieve shaker is not available , in that case sieving can be done by hands
( manually)
6) After sieving weight the material retained on each sieve.

OBSERVATION & CALCULATIONS:

IS Sieve Passing Percentage Retained Percentage Cumulative Cumulative Remark

Designation (gm) Passing wt. Retained Retained Percentage
(gm) wt. (gm) Retained
80 mm
63 mm
40 mm
20 mm
16 mm
12.5 mm
10 mm
4.75 mm
2.36 mm
Pan

RESULTS:

Plot a graph on which ordinate shows percentage of aggregate passing and abscissa
shows the sieve size on logarithmic scale .Compare the curve with the standard specified curve
for single size and graded coarse aggregate. The standard specified curve can be plotted from the
data given in Table 1.
The given aggregate is ……..“ Well graded, Uniform sized or only partly graded” (mentioning
the size of aggregate)

PRECAUTIONS:

1) Aggregate sample should be air dried, to prevent clogging of sieves.

2) Care should be taken to see that the sieves are not surcharged. For coarse aggregate being
sieved through 30 cm dia size, weight of the sample should not exceed 1kg.
3) Sieving should be done by giving varied motion so that each particle gets sufficient chance of
passing through the sieve opening.
4) Care should be taken during the setting of sieves .They should be in exact size & order.

REFERENCES:

 IS: 2386(Part –I) -1963, Methods of test for aggregates for concrete: Part –I Particle size
and shape.
 IS: 383 – 1970, Specification for coarse and fine aggregates from natural sources for
concrete.
 IS: 460-1962- IS Specification for Test Sieves.
 Concrete Technology by M. L. Gambhir
 Properties of concrete by A M. Neville, ELBS publication.

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EXPERIMENT NO:-11
NAME OF THE EXPERIMENT: CRUSHING STRENGTH OF COARSE AGGREGATE.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the Crushing strength of coarse aggregate.

THEORY:

The “Aggregate Crushing Value” gives a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate
to crushing under a gradually applied compressive load. It is the percentage by weight of the
initially untested standard size aggregate that gets crushed smaller than a specified size when
subjected to specified load under standard condition. The standard aggregate crushing test is
made on aggregate passing through 12.5 mm IS sieve and retained on 10 mm IS sieve. The
aggregate is placed in a cylindrical mould and a load of 40 tonnes is applied through plunger.
The material crushed to finer than 2.36 mm is separated and expressed as a percentage of the
original weight taken on the mould. This percentage is referred to as aggregate crushing value. It
is, therefore, a numerical index, higher the value, higher is the proneness of the aggregate to get
crushed under load.

IS : 383 – 1970 prescribes a 45 % limit for the crushing value determined as per
IS:2386( Part IV ) – 1963 for the aggregate used for concrete other than for wearing surfaces and
30 % for concrete for wearing surfaces such as runways , road and pavements.

If the total weight of dry sample taken = W1 gm

Weight of portion of crushed material passing 2.36 mm IS sieve = W2 gm
The aggregate crushing value is defined as a ratio of fine passing the specified IS sieve to the
total weight of the sample, expressed as a percentage.
Aggregate Crushing value = (W 2 / W1) x 100 %

INSTRUMENTS / EQUIPMENT USED:

Aggregate crushing value test apparatus as per IS 2386 (Part IV) – 1963 is shown in fig.

1. The test mould has a 15.2 cm diameter open ended steel cylinder with square base plate ,
a plunger having piston of diameter 15 cm , with a hole provided across the stem of
plunger so that a rod could be inserted for lifting or placing the plunger in the cylinder
2. A straight metal temping rod of circular cross section, 16 mm in diameter and 45 to 60 cm
long, rounded at one end.
3. A balance.
4. IS – sieve sizes 12.5 mm, 10 mm, 2.36.
5. A compression testing machine capable of applying load up to 40 tonnes at a uniform rate
of 4 tonnes per minute.
6. A cylindrical measure having internal diameter of 11.5 cm and height 18 cm.

SPECIMEN SUPPLIED:

The material for the standard test consists of aggregates sizes of 10 mm to 12.5 mm. The
aggregates should in surface dry condition before testing. The aggregate may be dried by heating
at 100◦C – 110◦C for not more than 4 hours and cooled to room temperature before testing, if
necessary.

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TABLE I: DETAILS OF AGGREGATE CRUSHING TEST FOR NON-STANDARD

SIZES OF AGGREGATE

Sl. Nominal Sizes(IS Sieves) Diameter of Size of IS Sieve

No. Passing through Retained on Cylinder to be for Separating
(mm) (mm) Used (cm) Fines
1. 25 20 15.0 4.75 mm
2. 20 12.5 15.0 3.35 mm
3. 10 6.3 15.0 to 7.5 1.70 mm
4. 6.3 4.75 15.0 to 7.5 1.18 mm
5. 4.75 3.35 15.0 to 7.5 850 μm
6. 3.35 2.36 15.0 to 7.5 600 μm

NOTE - About 6.5 kg of natural aggregate is required to provide the two test samples for the 15
cm cylinder, or about 1 kg for the 7.5 cm cylinder.

Fig- Aggregate Crushing Value Test Apparatus

PROCEDURE:

1) Take about 6.5 kg of aggregates to prepare two test samples passing through 12.5 mm IS
sieve and retained on 10 mm IS sieve. Weigh cylindrical measure.
2) Fill the cylindrical measure with aggregate in three approximate equal layers, each layer
being tamped 25 times by tamping rod. The surface is leveled off by using a straight edge.
3) Weigh cylindrical measure and find out the test sample taken.
4) Place the cylinder in position of the base. Fill the cylinder in approximate three equal
layers each layer being subjected to 25 blows. The depth of the material in the cylinder
after tamping shall be 10 mm.
5) Level the surface of the aggregate and insert the plunger to rest of the surface.
6) Place the cylinder with test sample and the plunger in position of the compression testing
machine.
7) Applied load at a uniform rate 4 tonnes per minute until the load is 40 tonnes.
8) Remove the cylinder and the aggregates and sieve the test aggregates on a 2.36 mm IS
sieve. Take the weight of the material passing through this sieve.
9) Repeat on the same weight of the aggregate.

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OBRERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS:

Type of Specimen:

Sample Total weight Weight of fines Aggregate Average

No of dry sample Passing 2.36 crushing Aggregate
(W1) gms mm IS sieve value = crushing
(W2) gms. ( W1 / W2 ) x Value
100%
1
2

RESULTS:

The Aggregate crushing value = ……………%

PRECUASIONS:

1) During filling the aggregate in the mould the tamping should be done uniformly.
2) The application of load must be uniform.

REFERENCE:

 IS: 2386 (Part IV) -1963.

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EXPERIMENT NO:-12
NAME OF THE EXPERIMENT: SOUNDNESS TEST OF COARSE AGGREGATE.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the soundness test of coarse aggregate.

THEORY:

Soundness is the property of aggregate to resist disintegration when subjected to freezing

and thawing. The test is intended to study the resistance of Aggregates to weathering
condition in concrete or other applications. It is carried out to judge the durability of soundness
of the Aggregate. In order to quicken the effect of weathering due to alternate set-dry and or
freeze-thaw cycles in the laboratory, the resistance to disintegration of aggregate is determined
by soaking the aggregate specimen in saturated solution of sodium sulphate or magnesium
sulphate.

NECESSARY APPARATUS / EQUIPMENT USED:

1. Sieves for Coarse aggregate: 80 mm, 63 mm, 50 mm, 40 mm, 31.5 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm,
16 mm, 12.5 mm, 10 mm, 8.0 mm & 4.75 mm.
2. Temperature regulation.
3. Containers: Baskets made of suitable wire mesh or sieves with suitable openings are
satisfactory containers for the samples.
4. Balance: 5000 gm capacity (sensitive to at least 1gm).
5. Drying Oven: at least 110oC capacity.
6. Sodium sulphate (Na2SO4).
7. Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4).

PREPARATION OF REAGENTS:

Saturated solution of sodium sulphate (the anhydrous Na2SO4 or the crystalline Na2SO4.10
H2O) is prepared in water at a temperature of 25oC to 30oC. It should be ensured that the
solution is saturated and excess salt is present. The solution is maintained at a temperature of 27°
± 2° C and stirred at frequent intervals until it is used. At the time of using the solution should
have a specific gravity of not less than 1.151 and not greater than 1.171 and discolored solution
should not be used.
It may be necessary to use not less than 420 gm of anhydrous salt or 1300 gm of the crystalline
decahydrate salt per liter of water.

Saturated solution of magnesium sulphate may be prepared by dissolving either anhydrous

(Mg SO4) or crystalline (MgSO4. 7H2O) form in water at a temperature of 25oC to 30oC. The
mixture shall be thoroughly stirred during the addition of the salt aud the solution shall be stirred
at frequent intervals until used. The solution shall be cooled to a temperature of 27° ± 1oC and
maintained at that temperature for at least 48 hours before use. At the time of using, the solution
should have a specific gravity of not less than 1.295 and not more than 1.308. Not less than 400
gm of the anhydrous salt or 1600 gm of the crystalline hepta hydrate may be used per liter of
water.

PREPARATION OF TEST SAMPLE FOR COARSE AGGREGATE:

1. Wash the coarse aggregate through 4.75 mm IS sieve and dry the material retained on the
sieve in an oven maintained at a temp of 105 to 1100C, till it attains a constant mass.

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2. Sieve the dried sample to separate it into different size fractions using sieves of sizes 80
mm, 63 mm, 40 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, 4.75 mm.
3. The sample should be of such an amount that it will yield not less than the following
amount of the different sizes, which shall be available in amounts of 5 percent or more.
Size Yield
10 mm to 4.75 mm 300 g
1000 g (consisting of 12.5 mm
20 mm to 10 mm to 10 mm = 33% and 20 mm to
12.5 mm = 67%)
1500 g (consisting of 25 mm to
40 mm to 20 mm 20 mm = 33% and 40 mm to 25
mm = 67%)
3000 g (consisting of 50 mm to
63 mm to 40 mm 40 mm = 50% and 63 mm to 50
mm = 50%)
80 mm and larger 3000 g
4. Take proper weight of sample from each fraction and place it in separate containers for
the test.

PROCEDURE:
1. The sample of coarse aggregate should be thoroughly washed and dried to a constant
weight at 105° to 110°C and is separated to different size ranges.
2. The proper weight of the sample for each fraction is weighed and placed in separate
containers for the test. In the case of fraction coarser than 20 mm, the particles are also
counted.
3. The samples are immersed in the prepared solution of sodium sulphate or magnesium
sulphate for 16 to 18 hours in such a manner that the solution covers them to a depth of at
least 15 mm.
4. The containers are kept covered to reduce evaporation and during the period of
immersion, the temperature of the solution is maintained at 27°± 1°C.
5. After the immersion period, the aggregates are removed from the solution, drained for
about 15 minutes and placed in the drying oven at 105° to 110°C.
6. The samples are dried to a constant weight at this temperature by checking the weights
after 4 hours upto 18 hours.
7. When the successive weights differ by less than 1 gm, it may be considered that constant
weight has been attained and then it may be allowed to cool to room temperature. Then
the aggregates are again immersed in the prepared solution, for the next cycle of
immersion and drying. The number of cycles of alternate immersion and drying
are minimum five (5) for road aggregates.
8. After completion of the final cycle, the sample is cooled washed free from the sulphate.
This may be determined when there is no more reaction of the wash water with barium
chloride (i.e. when there is no white precipitation when barium chloride is added to wash
water it can be said that there is no sulphate with wash water).
9. Each fraction of the sample is then dried to constant temperature of 105° to 110°C and
weighed. Coarse aggregate fractions are sieved by IS sieves of sizes indicated below:

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Sieve size used to determine

Size of aggregate loss
63 to 40 mm 31.5 mm
40 to 20 mm 16.0 mm
20 to 10 mm 8.0 mm
10 to 4.75 mm 4.0 mm
10. Each fraction of aggregate is examined visually to see if there is any evidence of
excessive splitting crumbling or disintegration of the grains. A combined sieve analysis of
all the material subjected to the above test cycles may also be carried out to note the
variation from the original grain size distribution of the sample.

OBSERVATION & CALCULATIONS:

Sieve size(mm) Grading Weight of Weight of % age Weighted

original test test passing average
sample (%) fractions fractions fine sieve (corrected
before test after test after test percent loss)
(gm) (gm) (actual %
loss)
Passing Retained
60 40 3000
40 20 1500
20 10 1000
10 4.75 300
Total

N.B: Soundness of aggregates:

Loss with sodium sulphate - 5 cycles: max. 12%
Loss with magnesium sulphate - 5 cycles: max. 18%

RESULTS:

The result should be reported giving the following particulars

1. Type of solution used for the test.
2. Weigh of each fraction of sample before the test.
3. Material from each fraction of the sample passing through the specified IS sieve,
expressed as a percentage by weight of the fraction.
4. In the case of particles coarser than 20 mm size before the test, the number of particles in
each fraction before the test and the number of particles affected classified as to the
number disintegrating, splitting, crumbling, cracking, flaking etc.

CONCLUSION/ DISCUSSION:

 Discuss your observation before and after completing

the Soundness Test of aggregates.

REFERENCES:

 IS-2386 (Part-5) - Methods of test for aggregates

for concrete (Part-5-Soundness).

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EXPERIMENT NO:- 13(A)

NAME OF THE EXPERIMENT: WATER ABSORPTION TEST OF BRICKS

OBJECTIVE: To determine the percentage of water absorbed by the bricks.

THEORY:

This test is performed to determine water absorption of the bricks. If the water absorption
capacity of a bricks is more, its strength will be comparatively low.

Water absorption capacity = {(W2 – W1) / W1)} x 100 %

Where, W1 = Weight of dry brick
W2 = Weight of water + bricks.
st
For 1 class brick the water absorption capacity shall not be more than = 20 % by weight
For 2nd class brick the water absorption capacity shall not be more than = 22 % by weight
For 3rd class brick the water absorption capacity shall not be more than = 25 % by weight

NECESSARY EQUIPMENTS USED:

1) Oven
2) Water bath
3) Balance

PROCEDURE

1) Select five bricks at random out of the given sample.

2) Dry them in a ventilated oven at 105◦C to 115◦C till they attain practically constant
weight.
3) Remove the bricks from the oven and cool them to room temperature.
4) Weight the bricks in a balance. Let it be W1 kg
5) Immerse the five bricks in water completely at 27◦ C ± 2 ◦ C for 24 hour.
6) Remove the brick from water wipe off its surfaces with a damp cloth.
7) Weight the brick within three minutes after its removal from water. Lets it weight be W 2
kg.
8) Water absorption capacity = {(W2 – W1) / W1)} x 100 %
9) Take the average value of the water absorption capacities of the five bricks.

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS:

Sl. Weight of Weight of water + Water Average

No dry bricks bricks Absorption Water
W1 ( kg ) W2 ( kg) Capacity Absorption
W1 – W 2 x 100 Capacity
%
W1
1
2
3
4
5

RESULT:

The water absorption capacity of bricks = ………%

PRECAUTIONS:

1. Before using the bricks for the test dry them in the oven at temperature of 105 ◦ C to 115 ◦
C till they attain practically constant weight.
2. Weigh the brick within three minutes after its removal from water.
3. Use hand gloves while removing containers from oven after switching off the oven.
4. Thoroughly clean & dry the container before testing.
5. Special care should be taken that no outer air enters when using the balance.
6. To wear safety shoes & apron at the time of test.

REFERENCES:

 IS 3495 (Part 2): 1992 -Methods of tests of burnt clay building bricks: Part 2

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

EXPERIMENT NO:-13(B)
NAME OF THE EXPERIMENT: COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF BRICKS.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the Compressive Strength of bricks.

THEORY:

This test is performed to determine the Crushing strength of bricks. Bricks are a common
building material. So it must have the sufficient strength to withstand the compressive load e.g.
the compressive strength of a common brick should be 5 N/mm2 (50 kg/cm2). So before using
the bricks as a building material this test is done to determine the compressive strength.

For 1st class brick: compressive strength shall not be less than 105 kg/cm2
For 2nd class brick compressive strength shall not be less than 70 kg/cm2
For 3rd class brick compressive strength lies between 35 – 70 kg/cm2

The Compressive strength of brick = (Load at failure / Cross sectional area)

NECESSARY EQUIPMENT USED:

1) Compression Testing Machine.

2) Water bath
3) Tray , Trowel

Material Used:

1. Bricks should be of regular shape with square edges and parallel faces.
2. Cement should be fresh and lump free.
3. Coarse Sand of grade 3 mm and down.

Fig: - Specimen with Compression Testing Machine

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PROCDURE:

1) Take five bricks out of the sample randomly.

2) Immerse the bricks in water at room temperature for 24 hours.
3) Take out the bricks from the water and wipe off surplus water from their surfaces.
4) Fill the frogs and all the voids in the bed and face with cement mortar 1:1 (1 cement: 1
coarse sand).
5) Store the bricks under dump gunny bags for 24 hours and there after immersed them in
clean water for 72 hours.
6) Remove, and wipe out any traces of moisture.
7) Place the bricks with flat surfaces horizontal, and mortar filled forged face upwards
between two or three thin ply sheets and centered between plates of a compression testing
machine.
8) Apply the load at a uniform rate of 14 N/mm2 (140 kg/cm2) per minute till the brick fails.
9) Take the average value of the compressive strengths of the five bricks.

OBREVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

Sl. Length Breath Cross Load at Compressive Average

No (mm) (mm) Sectional Failure Strength Compressive
Area ( mm2 ) (N) N/mm2 Strength
N/mm2
1
2
3
4
5

RESULT:
The average compressive strength of bricks = ………. N/mm2

PRECAUTIONS:

1) Fill the fogs and all the voids with 1:1 cement mortar before the test.
2) Apply the load uniformly until the brick fails.

REFERENCES:

 IS 3495 (Part 1): 1992 -Methods of tests of burnt clay building bricks: Part 1

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

EXPERIMENT NO:-14(A)
NAME OF EXPERIMENT: WORKABILITY OF CONCRETE BY SLUMP TEST.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the workability of concrete by slump Test.

THEORY:

The property of concrete which determines the amount of useful internal work necessary
to produce complete compaction is known as workability .This property can be verified, either
in the laboratory or during the progress of work in the field ,by a measure of subsidence or
slump that occur in a standard specimen of concrete . The subsidence depends mainly on water
cement ratio of the mix and on the proportions of the mix. This method is best use where the
nominal size of the aggregate does not exceed 38 mm.

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 measure of workability.
There are four types of slump-
1. True slump refers to general drop of the concrete mass evenly all around without
disintegration.
2. Zero slump concrete is defined in the same document, as concrete of stiff or extremely
dry consistency showing no measurable slump after removal of the slump cone.
3. Collapse slump indicates that concrete mix is too wet and the mix is regarded as harsh
and lean.
4. Shear slump indicates that the concrete lacks cohesion. It may undergo segregation and
bleeding and thus is undesirable for the durability of concrete.

Fig: - Four types of slump

NECESSARY INSTRUMENTS / EQUIPMENT USED:

a) A Mould of thickness 1.6 mm in the form of a frustum of a cone with top and bottom
open and smooth internal surface. The height of the mould is 30 mm and top and bottom
diameter is 10mm and 20 mm respectively .It is also provided with foot pieces and
handles.
b) Tamping rod: A tamping rod made of steel, 16 mm in diameter, 0.6 m long and rounded
at one end is used.
c) Trowel.
d) G.I plain sheet, steel scale.

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

Fig:- Detail dimensions of Slump cone mould

SPECIMEN:

Perform the test for w/c ratio of 0.45, 0.50 and 0.60. For each mix take 2.5 Kg. Cement, 5 Kg.,
FA and 10 Kg. C.A. (1:2:4).

PROCEDURE:

1. A concrete mix, as per given proportion, is to be prepared by weight or volume as

directed by the teacher.
2. The internal surface of the mould was thoroughly cleaned and free from superfluous and
any set concrete before commencing the test .The mould was placed on smooth,
horizontal, rigid and non absorbent metal plate
3. The mould was filled in four – layers of the freshly mixed concrete, holding the mould
firmly in place when being filled. Each layer was tamped with 25 strokes by the rounded
end of the temping rod- the temping being uniform over the cross- section of the mould.
4. Concrete shall be struck off level with a trowel at the top surface.
5. The mould should be removed from the concrete immediately by raising it slowly and
carefully in a vertical direction.
6. Measure the subsidence concrete or slump immediately from the highest point of the
specimen.
7. The test shall be carried out at a place free from vibration or shock, within a period of 2
minutes after mixing.
8. The above steps of operations should be repeated for three different W / C ratio.

OBSERVATION & CALCULASIONS:

Sl. Particulars Specimen No -1 Specimen No -2 Specimen No -3

No
1 Initial Height of slump ( mm)
2 Final Height of slump ( mm)
3 Slump ( Initial – Final height )
mm
4 Remark
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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

RESULTS:

Slump for given proportion of concrete = ……. mm

CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSIONS:

Compare the value with standard values .Give your comments on W/C ratio, fine aggregate
and coarse aggregate percentage in the concrete.

PRECAUTIONS:

a) The test shall be carried out at a place free from vibrations within two minutes after
mixing of concrete if it is a field test and it can be done within 10 minutes after mixing if
it is a laboratory test.
b) If slump collapses or shears off laterally test may be repeated, and if again similar results
are obtained, the fact should be recorded .The slump is to be measured along the
longitudinal axis of the cone.

REFERENCE

a) IS: 1199-1959: Method of sampling and Analysis of Concrete.

b) Concrete Technology by A. M. Neville, H. J. Brook, ELBS Publication
c) Concrete Technology by M.L.Gambhir
d) Properties of concrete by A M. Neville, ELBS Publication.

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

EXPERIMENT NO:-14(B)
NAME OF THE EXPERIMENT: WORKABILITY OF CONCRETE BY COMPACTING
FACTOR TEST.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the workability of concrete by compacting factor test.

THEORY:

The workability of a freshly mixed concrete can be define as the amount of internal work
necessary to produced full compaction .But in practice, various requirements such as mixability
, stability, transportability, placability, mobility , compactability and finishability etc. are
collectively referred to as workability. IS-6461 (Part VII) – 1973 defines workability as that
property of freshly mixed concrete or mortar, which determines the ease of homogeneity with
which it can be mixed, placed, compacted and finished.

There is no really unique method, which can measure the workability of concrete in its
totality. A number of empirical tests are available for checking the uniformity of workability of
freshly mixed concrete. The empirical tests, which are widely used in finding the workability,
are

1. Compacting factor test.

2. The slump test.
3. The Vee-Bee consistency test.
4. The flow test.

Each test measure one or a few aspects of workability. The compacting factor test is one of
such available test. The method is especially suitable in the case of relatively dry concrete mix
which is insensitive top slump test. The test evaluates a factor known as compacting factor.

The compacting factor for a fresh concrete is defined as the ratio of the density actually
achieved in the test to the density of same concrete fully compacted. For a container of constant
volume , the compacting factor, as in the test is defined as the ratio of the weight of partially
compacted concrete in the cylinder at bottom under standard height of fall to the weight of
equal volume of compacted concrete

Table.1. Suggested ranges of workability of concrete for different condition of placing as

per IS -456(Part III) -1978 & IS: 1199-1959

Sl. Placing condition Degree of Workability Compacting

No Factors.
1 Concreting of small sections with Very low (stiff) 0.5 – 0.80
vibrations
2 Concreting of lightly reinforced Low (Stiff plastic) 0.80 -0.85
Section with vibrations
3 Concreting of lightly reinforced Medium ( Plastic ) 0.85 – 0.92
Section without vibrations or heavily
reinforced sections with vibrations
4 Concreting of heavily reinforced High ( Flowing ) More than 0.92
sections without vibrations

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INSTRUMENTS / EQUIPMENT USED:

1. Compacting factor apparatus (as per IS: 1199-1959 is shown in fig .): The apparatus
consists of three parts i.e. upper hopper , lower hopper and a cylinder .These are rigid
construction to true shape and smooth finish from inside . These shall be made of cast brass
or bronze, but stout sheet of brass or steel may also be considered satisfactorily provided
the inside surface of the joints are smooth and flush.3 mm thick metal plate trapdoor is
hinged tightly at the lowered ends of the hopper having quick release catches. The
following are the dimension of compacting factor apparatus used for the aggregate not
exceeding 38 mm nominal maximum size.

Details Dimensions in mm
Upper Hopper A:

 Top internal diameter 254

 Bottom internal diameter 127
 Internal height 279

Lower Hopper B:

 Top internal diameter 229

 Bottom internal diameter 127
 Internal height 229

Cylinder C:

 Internal diameter 152

 Internal height 305
 Distance between bottom of upper hopper and
 Top of the lower hopper 203

Distance between bottom of lower hopper and

 Top of cylinder 203
 Length of hand scoop 152

2. Stop watch
3. Tamping rod of diameter 16 mm and length 610 mm
4. Platform weighing machine.

Fig:- Compacting Factor Apparatus

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Material Testing Laboratory Civil Engineering Department

MATERIAL USED: Cement, Sand, Aggregate, Water

PROCEDURE:

a) Take the sample with required proportion by weight or by volume with specified water
cement ratio as directed by the instructor.
b) Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the whole apparatus internally.
c) Place the sample of concrete gently in the hopper with a hand scoop without any
compaction. Fill up the concrete in level with brim.
d) Open the trap door so that the concrete falls into the lower hopper.
e) If the concrete sticks to the sides of the hopper push it gently with the help of the rod from
top.
f) Open the trap door of the lower hopper and allow the concrete to fall into the cylinder.
g) Remove excess concrete remaining above the level of the top of the cylinder stuck off by
trowel.
h) Clean the cylinder from outside and weigh it to the nearest 10 gm.
i) Refill the cylinder from same sample of concrete in layers approx. 50 mm deep, every
layer is being heavily rammed by giving 25 blows with tamping rod or vibrated so as to
obtain full compaction.
j) Clean the cylinder from the outside and weigh it again.
k) Record all the observation in the observation table.

OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS:

Sl. Particulars Specimens

No 1 2 3
1 Weight of cylinder W1 kg
2 Weight of cylinder + concrete falling
through a standard height = W2 kg
3 Weight of concrete ( W2 – W1) = W3 kg
4 Weight of cylinder + fully compacted concrete
= W4 gm
5 Weight of fully compacted concrete
( W4- W1) = W5
6 Compacting factor = W3 / W5

RESULTS:

The Compacting factor or the degree of compaction of the concrete is = ………

PRECAUTION:

a) Test should be performed immediately after the mixing is completed.

b) The inconvenient time for releasing the concrete from the upper hopper is 2 minutes after
the mixing is completed.
c) The concrete, which sticks of the hopper, should be gently pushed with help of temping
rod from the top side.
d) Weighing should be done properly.

REFERENCES:

 IS 1199 – 1959: Method of sampling and analysis of concrete.

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