THE UNIVERSITY OF LAHORE

REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN-I

(Lab Part)

PRESENTED BY:
Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq
[email protected]

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 1
 EXPERIMENT # 08

Preparing A Concrete Mix and Casting Various Samples Required For

Different Test.

Code Followed:
ACI-211.1

Standard Practice for Selecting Proportions for Normal, Heavyweight, and Mass
Concrete.

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 2
 Mix Design Procedure

Objective:
The purpose of this job is to select suitable ingredients of concrete and determining their
relative amounts with the objective of producing a concrete of the required, strength,
durability, and workability as economically as possible.

Design objective:

• To find concrete mix ratio.

• Maximum/minimum allowable w/c ratio.
• Required 28-day compressive strength.
• Minimum Portland cement content requirement.
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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 3
 Mix Design Procedure
Step # 1:
Collect the required data used to prepare mix design. Required Data will include:
• Compressive strength ( 𝑓𝑐′ )
• Required slump
• Maximum aggregate size
• Fineness modulus
• Specific gravity of fine and coarse aggregates
• Bulk density of coarse and fine aggregates
• Absorption capacity of coarse and fine aggregates
• Exposure conditions
• Moisture on aggregates
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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 4
 Mix Design Procedure

Step # 2:
Calculate the target strength on which we will design our concrete.

𝑓𝑐𝑟 = Target Compressive Strength of Concrete at 28 days (with F.O.S)

𝑓𝑐′ = Cylindrical Compressive strength of Concrete at 28 days

𝑓𝑐𝑟 = 𝑓𝑐′ +7.0 MPa for 𝑓𝑐′ < 21 MPa

𝑓𝑐𝑟 = 𝑓𝑐′ +8.5 MPa for 𝑓𝑐′ = 21 to 35 Mpa
𝑓𝑐𝑟 =1.10 𝑓𝑐′ +5.0 MPa for 𝑓𝑐′ > 35 MPa

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 5
 Mix Design Procedure
Step # 3
Select Cement Type which we will use in our concrete.
Usually, Ordinary Portland Cement is used in our construction industry.

Step # 4
Fix slump value as per your requirement.

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 6
 Mix Design Procedure
Step # 5
Estimation of Water to Cement (W/C) Ratio
Compressive strength Water- Cementitious materials ratio by mass
at 28 days, MPa

Non-air Entrained Air Entrained concrete

concrete

45 0.38 0.30

40 0.42 0.34

35 0.47 0.39

30 0.54 0.45

25 0.61 0.52

20 0.69 0.60

15 0.79 0.70
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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 7
 Mix Design Procedure

Step # 6
Estimation of Water and Air Content

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 8
 Mixing Water quantity in kg/m3 for the listed nominal maximum aggregate size

Slump (mm) 9.5 12.5 19 25 37.5 50 75 100

Non-Air entrained concrete

25-50 207 199 190 179 166 154 130 113
75-100 228 216 205 193 181 169 145 124
150-175 243 228 216 202 190 178 160 -
Typical entrapped air % 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0.3 0.2

Air Entrained concrete

25-50 181 175 168 160 150 142 122 107
75-100 202 193 184 175 165 157 133 119
150-175 216 197 197 184 174 166 154 -
Recommended air content %
Mild exposure 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0
Moderate exposure 6.0 5.5 5.0 4.5 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0

Severe exposure 7.5 7.0 6.0 5.5 5.5 5.0 4.5 4.0
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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 9
 Mix Design Procedure

Step # 7
Estimation of Cement Content

𝐶𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡ൗ𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝐶𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜

𝐶 = 𝑊൘𝑊
ൗ𝐶

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 10
 Mix Design Procedure
Step # 8
Estimation of Coarse Aggregate Content
Volume of rodded Coarse Aggregates per unit
Max size of Aggregates volume for different Fineness Modulus of Fine
(mm) Aggregates

2.40 2.60 2.80 3.00

9.5 0.50 0.48 0.46 0.44

12.5 0.59 0.57 0.55 0.53
19 0.66 0.64 0.62 0.60
25 0.71 0.69 0.67 65
37.5 0.75 0.73 0.71 0.69
50 0.78 0.76 0.74 0.72
76 0.82 0.80 0.78 0.76
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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 11
 Mix Design Procedure

Step # 9
Estimation of Fine Aggregates Content

𝑉𝑜𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐴𝑔𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠 = 1 − 𝑉𝑜𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 + 𝑉𝑜𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑜𝑎𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝐴𝑔𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠 + 𝑉𝑜𝑙 𝑜𝑓𝐶𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡

Step # 10
Adjustment of required water by incorporation absorption/moisture of coarse and fine
aggregates.

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 12
 Mix Design Procedure

EXAMPLE PROBLEM

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 13
 Mix Design Procedure

Step # 1:
Collect the required data used to prepare mix design

Specified strength = 25 MPa

Concrete Type = Non-Air Entrained
Maximum aggregate size = 25 mm
Slump = 75mm
Fineness Modulus of Sand = 2.7
Bulk density of coarse aggregate =1600 kg/𝑚3
Specific Gravity of cement = 3.15
SSD specific gravity of coarse aggregate = 2.7
SSD specific gravity of fine aggregate = 2.7
Absorption capacity of coarse aggregates = 0.7%
Moisture capacity of fine aggregates = 0.6 %
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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 14
 Mix Design Procedure
Step # 2:
Calculate the target strength on which we will design our concrete.
𝑓𝑐𝑟 = 𝑓𝑐′ +8.5 MPa
𝑓𝑐𝑟 = 25 + 8.5 MPa
𝑓𝑐𝑟 = 33.5 MPa
Step # 3
Select Cement Type which we will use in our concrete.

⇒ Ordinary Portland cement

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 15
 Mix Design Procedure

Step # 4
Fix slump value as per your requirement.

⇒ 75 mm Slump (Provided)

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 16
 Mix Design Procedure

Step # 5
Compressive Water- Cementitious materials ratio
Estimation of Water to Cement (W/C) Ratio
strength at 28 by mass
days, MPa Non-air Air Entrained

 35MPa  0.47 Entrained concrete

concrete

 30 MPa  0.54 45 0.38 0.30

40 0.42 0.34
0.47 − 0.54 0.47 − x 35 0.47 0.39
 W = =
C 35 − 30 35 − 33.5 30 0.54 0.45

25 0.61 0.52
 W = x = 0.491 20 0.69 0.60
C
15 0.79 0.70

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 17
 Mix Design Procedure
Step # 6
Estimation of Water and Air Content

⇒ Amount of water = 193 kg/m3

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 18
 Mix Design Procedure

Step # 7
Estimation of Cement Content
𝐶𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡ൗ𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝐶𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜

𝐶 = 𝑊൘𝑊
ൗ𝐶

𝐶 = 193ൗ0.491

⇒ 𝐶 = 393.075 kg/m3

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 19
 Mix Design Procedure
Step # 8
Estimation of Coarse Aggregate Content Volume of rodded Coarse Aggregates per
Max size of unit volume for different Fineness
Maximum Size of Aggregate = 25 mm Aggregates (mm) Modulus of Fine Aggregates
Fineness Modulus of Sand = 2.7
2.40 2.60 2.80 3.00

 2.60  0.69
9.5 0.50 0.48 0.46 0.44

 2.80  0.67 12.5 0.59 0.57 0.55 0.53

19 0.66 0.64 0.62 0.60
0.67 − 0.69 0.67 − x
  =
25 0.71 0.69 0.67 65

2.8 − 2.6 2.8 − 2.7 37.5 0.75 0.73 0.71 0.69

50 0.78 0.76 0.74 0.72
 x = 0.68 76 0.82 0.80 0.78 0.76
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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 20
 Mix Design Procedure

⇒ Bulk volume of coarse Aggregates = 0.68 m3/m3

⇒ Weight of Coarse Aggregates = 0.68 x 1600 = 1088 kg/m3

Step # 9
Estimation of Fine Aggregate Content
𝑉𝑜𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐴𝑔𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠 = 1 − 𝑉𝑜𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 + 𝑉𝑜𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑜𝑎𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝐴𝑔𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠 + 𝑉𝑜𝑙 𝑜𝑓𝐶𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡

193 1080 393.075

𝑉𝑜𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐴𝑔𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠 = 1 − + +
1000 2.7 × 1000 3.15 × 1000

𝑉𝑜𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐴𝑔𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠 = 0.282 m3/m3

⇒ Weight of Fine Aggregates = 0.282 x 2.7 x 1000 = 761.4 kg/m 3

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 21
 Mix Design Procedure
Step # 10
Adjustment of required water

0.7
Coarse Aggregate (Absorption) = × 1088 = 7.616 kg/m3
100

0.6
Fine Aggregate (Moisture) = × 761.4 = 4.57 kg/m3
100

Total Water = 193 + 7.616 – 4.57 = 196.046 4.57 kg/m3

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 22
 Mix Design Procedure
Step # 11
Final Quantities

Cement = 393.075 kg/m3

Fine Aggregate = 761.4 kg/m3

Coarse Aggregates = 1088 kg/m3

Water = 196.046 4.57 kg/m3

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 23
 Mix Design Procedure
Step # 12
Mix Ratio

Cement = 393.075 / 393.075 = 1

Fine Aggregate = 761.4 / 393.075 = 1.93

Coarse Aggregates = 1088 / 393.075 = 2.76

Mix Ratio ⇒ 1 : 1.93 : 2.76

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 24
 Example Problem
Problem Statement:

Perform Mix Design to design a non air entrained concrete whose required average
strength will be 24 MPa with a slump of 75 to 100 mm. The coarse aggregate has a
nominal maximum size of 37.5mm and dry rodded mass of 1600 kg/m3. Cement will be
Type-I with specific gravity of 3.15. Coarse Aggregate bulk specific gravity is 2.68 and
absorption is 0.5%. Fine Aggregate bulk specific gravity is 2.64 and absorption is 0.7%
and fineness modulus is 2.8

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 25
 THE UNIVERSITY OF LAHORE

REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN-I

(Lab Part)

PRESENTED BY:
Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq
[email protected]

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 1
 EXPERIMENT # 09

Standard Test Method for the Slump of Hydraulic Cement Concrete.

Code Followed:
ASTM C-143

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 2
 Related Theory
Scope & Significance:
This test method is performed in lab and field to determine the slump. This test is used
extensively in site works all over the world.
1. This test method is used to determine the slump of plastic hydraulic cement concrete.
• Slump < 15mm (Non-Plastic)
• Slump > 15mm (Plastic).
2. This test method is applicable to plastic concrete having coarse aggregate upto
37.5mm in size. If the coarse aggregate is larger than 37.5mm then this test method is
not applicable.
3. This test method is not applicable to non-plastic and non-cohesive concrete (due to
larger amount of water presence).
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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 3
 Related Theory

Apparatus:

1. Metal mold, thickness is 1.15mm, it is in cone form with the base 200mm diameter
and 300mm height with the top diameter 100mm. The top and base of cylindrical mold
is open and parallel to each other. The mold is provided with foot piece sand handles.

2. Tamping rod, 16mm diameter and 600mm in length having tamping ends.

3. Spatula

4. Measuring Tape

5. Tray
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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 4
 Related Theory
Slump Cone

Scale

Tamping Rod

Spatula

Tray

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 5
 Related Theory

Slump:
The decrease in the height of concrete when the mold of standard dimensions is lifted.

Types of Slump:

There are three types of slump.

1- Zero Slump
2- True slump
3- Shear slump
4- Collapse slump

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 6
 Related Theory
Zero Slump:
Concrete of stiff or extremely dry consistency showing no measurable slump after
removal of the slump cone.

True Slump:
True slump refers to general drop of the concrete mass evenly all around without
disintegration.

Shear Slump:
If one-half of the cone slides down in an inclined plane, it is called a shear slump. It is an
indication of lack of cohesion of the mix. Again, perform the experiment to avoid shear
slump.

Collapse slump
It indicates that concrete mix is too wet, and the mix is regarded as harsh and lean.
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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 7
 Procedure

• The mold is placed on a flat moist non-absorb surface with the smaller opening at the top.
• It is then held firmly in place during filling of concrete by the operator standing on two-foot
pieces.
• The mold is filled to a depth of 70mm and 2/3 of volume fills to a depth of 160mm.
• Each layer is given 25 strokes with the help of temping rod uniformly distributed over the
cross-section of each layer.
• Rod the 2nd and 3rd layer throughout its depth so that strokes just penetrates the underlying
layer. After the top layer is rodded strike off the surface of the concrete by means of rolling
motion of temping rod.
• Complete the entire test with an elapsed time of 2.5minutes. After filling, the cone is slowly
lifted and the unsupported concrete slumps. The decrease in the height of concrete is called
slump.
• It is measured with the nearest 5mm at the beginning of every test, before lifting the mold the
area immediately around the base of the cone should be cleaned off of concrete which may be
dropped accidentally.
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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 8
 Relation between Workability and Slump

Slump (mm) Workability

0 – 25 Very Low

25 – 50 Low

50 - 100 Medium

100 – 175 High

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 9
 Observation & Calculations

Slump = 2.5” = 65 mm (True Slump)

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 10
 THE UNIVERSITY OF LAHORE

REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN-I

(Lab Part)

PRESENTED BY:
Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq
[email protected]

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 1
 EXPERIMENT # 09

Determination of Compacting Factor of Fresh Concrete.

Code Followed:
BS-1881: Part 103: 1983

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 2
 Related Theory

Scope & Significance:

Compacting factor of fresh concrete is done to determine the workability of fresh
concrete. This test is appropriate for concrete with the maximum aggregate size of
40mm.

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 3
 Related Theory

Apparatus:
Apparatus consist of two hoppers each in the shape of frustum of a cone and one
cylinder. The hoppers have hinge door at the bottom and all the surfaces are polished to
reduce friction

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 4
 Related Theory

Compacting Factor:

The degree of compaction is also called the compacting factor and is measured with the
help of density ratio achieved in the test to the density of same concrete when it is fully
compacted.

Its maximum value is 1 but practically it is lesser than 1.

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 5
 Procedure

• The sample of concrete is placed in the upper hopper up to the brim.

• The trap-door is opened so that the concrete falls into the lower hopper.
• The trap-door of the lower hopper is opened and the concrete is allowed to fall into the
cylinder.
• The excess concrete remaining above the top level of the cylinder is then cut off with
the help of plane blades.
• The concrete in the cylinder is weighed. This is known as weight of partially
compacted concrete.
• The cylinder is filled with a fresh sample of concrete and vibrated to obtain full
compaction. The concrete in the cylinder is weighed again. This weight is known as the
weight of fully compacted concrete.

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 6
 Observation & Calculations
𝑊 12 𝐾𝑔
Partially Compacted Density = 𝜌𝑃𝑐 = = = 2264.15 ൗ𝑚3
𝑉 0.0053

𝑊 13.3 𝐾𝑔
Fully Compacted Density = 𝜌𝐹𝑐 = = = 2509.43 ൗ𝑚3
𝑉 0.0053

𝜌𝑃𝑐 2264.15
Compacting Factor = = = 0.902
𝜌𝐹𝑐 2509.43

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 7
 Relation between Workability and Slump

Compacting Factor Workability

0.78 Very Low

0.85 Low

0.92 Medium

0.95 High

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 8
 THE UNIVERSITY OF LAHORE

REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN-I

(Lab Part)

PRESENTED BY:
Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq
[email protected]

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 1
 EXPERIMENT # 11

Standard Test Method for the Compressive Strength of Cylindrical

Concrete Specimens.

Code Followed:
ASTM C-39

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 2
 Related Theory

Compressive Strength:
Compressive strength or compression strength is the capacity of a material or structure
to withstand loads tending to reduce size, when the axial forces act towards each other
tending to compress or shrink the member. In other words, compressive strength resists
being pushed together, whereas tensile strength resists tension.

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 3
 Related Theory

Scope & Significance:

This test method covers determination of compressive strength of cylindrical concrete
specimens such as molded cylinders and drilled cores. It is limited to concrete having a
density in excess of 800 kg/𝑚3 [50 lb/ 𝑓𝑡 3 ].
Summary of Test Method:
This test method consists of applying a compressive axial load to molded cylinders or
cores at a rate which is within a prescribed range until failure occurs. The compressive
strength of the specimen is calculated by dividing the maximum load attained during the
test by the cross-sectional area of the specimen.

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 4
 Related Theory

Significance & Use:

Care must be exercised in the interpretation of the significance of compressive strength
determinations by this test method since strength is not a fundamental or intrinsic
property of concrete made from given materials. Values obtained will depend on the
size and shape of the specimen, batching, mixing procedures, the methods of sampling,
molding, and fabrication and the age, temperature, and moisture conditions during
curing.

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 5
 Related Theory

Apparatus:
• Compression Testing Machine
• Cylindrical Concrete Specimen

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 6
 Related Theory

Specimen Preparation:
The diameter of the cylindrical specimen should be 150mm (6”) in diameter and 300mm
(12”) in height.
Specimens shall not be tested if any individual diameter of a cylinder differs from any
other diameter of the same cylinder by more than 2 %.

Caping must be done on both surfaces of

cylindrical specimen to make surfaces balance
and smooth so that load must be applied uniform
to the whole surface

𝜎 = 𝑃ൗ𝐴

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 7
 Related Theory

Rate of Loading:
Apply the load continuously and without shock. And the load shall be applied at a rate of
movement (platen to crosshead measurement) corresponding to a stress rate on the
specimen of 0.25 ± 0.05 MPa/s [35 ± 7 psi/s].

The designated rate of movement shall be maintained at least during the latter half of the
anticipated loading phase.

During application of the first half of the anticipated loading phase, a higher rate of
loading shall be permitted. The higher loading rate shall be applied in a controlled manner
so that the specimen is not subjected to shock loading.

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 8
Typical Fracture Patterns
 Related Theory

If the specimen length to diameter ratio is 1.75 or less, correct the result by multiplying by
the appropriate correction factor shown in the following table:

L/D Ratio 1.75 1.50 1.25 1.00

Factor 0.98 0.96 0.93 0.87

Use interpolation to determine correction factors for L/D values between those given in
the table.

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 10
 PROCEDURE

• Quantitative Measurements
• Average length or height of the specimen
• Average diameter
• Contact area under the platens
• Volume of the specimen
• Density
• Smoothening of surface area.
• Capping of the specimen if required.
• Placing the Specimen in the machine
• Application of Load until Failure
• Note down Failure Load
• Calculate Compressive Strength

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 11
 Observation & Calculations
Mean
Age of Fracture Compressive
Diameter Height Area Compressive
Sr# Specimen Load Strength
(mm) (mm) (𝒎𝒎𝟐 ) Strength
(Days) (kN) (MPa)
(MPa)

1 28 150 300 425

2 28 150 300 410

3 28 150 300 415

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 12
 Questions ?

1) Why Cylindrical Specimen is used to determine compressive strength Used ?

2) If rate of loading is changed, what will be the effect on compressive strength ?
3) Will result will vary if capping material is changed ?
4) Cylindrical Strength is a true measure of checking compressive strength or not ?

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 13
 THE UNIVERSITY OF LAHORE

REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN-I

(Lab Part)

PRESENTED BY:
Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq
[email protected]

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 1
 EXPERIMENT # 12

Standard Test Method for the Compressive Strength of Cube Concrete

Specimens.

Code Followed:
BS 1881 :Part 116 :1983

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 2
 Related Theory

Compressive Strength:
Compressive strength or compression strength is the capacity of a material or structure
to withstand loads tending to reduce size, when the axial forces act towards each other
tending to compress or shrink the member. In other words, compressive strength resists
being pushed together, whereas tensile strength resists tension.

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 3
 Related Theory

Scope & Significance:

This test method covers determination of compressive strength of cube concrete
specimens.

Summary of Test Method:

This test method consists of applying a compressive axial load to molded cubes at a rate
which is within a prescribed range until failure occurs. The compressive strength of the
specimen is calculated by dividing the maximum load attained during the test by the
cross-sectional area of the specimen.

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 4
 Related Theory

Significance & Use:

Care must be exercised in the interpretation of the significance of compressive strength

determinations by this test method since strength is not a fundamental or intrinsic
property of concrete made from given materials. Values obtained will depend on the
size and shape of the specimen, batching, mixing procedures, the methods of sampling,
molding, and fabrication and the age, temperature, and moisture conditions during
curing.

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 5
 Related Theory

Apparatus:
• Compression Testing Machine
• Cube Concrete Specimen

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 6
 Related Theory

Specimen Preparation:
The cube dimensions as per standard must be 6” x 6” x 6” (150mm x 150mm x 150mm)

Caping must be done on both surfaces of

cylindrical specimen to make surfaces balance
and smooth so that load must be applied uniform
to the whole surface

𝜎 = 𝑃ൗ𝐴

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 7
 Related Theory

Rate of Loading:

Loading. Without shock, apply and increase the load continuously at a nominal rate within
the range 0.2 MPa/s to 0.4 MPa/s until no greater load can be sustained. On manually
controlled machines as failure is approached the loading rate will decrease; at this stage
operate the controls to maintain as far as possible the specified loading rate. Record the
maximum load applied to the cube.

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 8
Typical Fracture Patterns
Typical Fracture Patterns
 PROCEDURE

• Quantitative Measurements
• Average length or height of the specimen
• Average dimensions
• Contact area under the platens
• Volume of the specimen
• Density
• Smoothening of surface area.
• Capping of the specimen if required.
• Placing the Specimen in the machine
• Application of Load until Failure
• Note down Failure Load
• Calculate Compressive Strength

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 11
 Observation & Calculations
Age of Mean
Depth Area Fracture Compressive
Specime Length Width Compressive
Sr# (mm) (𝒎𝒎𝟐 ) Load Strength
n (mm) (mm) Strength
(kN) (MPa)
(Days) (MPa)

1 28 150 150 150 512

2 28 150 150 150 497

3 28 150 150 150 507

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 12
 Questions ?

1) Why Cube Specimen has more Strength as compared to those of Cylinders?

2) If rate of loading is changed, what will be the effect on compressive strength ?
3) Will result will vary if capping material is changed ?
4) Cube Strength is a true measure of checking compressive strength or not ?
5) Which is more appropriate approach ? Cube or Cylinder ?

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Engr. Muhammad Hassan Ashfaq Reinforced Concrete Design-I 13