Reinforced Concrete-I Lab Manual

LAB MANUAL

REINFORCED CONCRETE-I

Submitted to: Engr. Moazam Sattar

Submitted by: ________________________

Reg. no ______________________________

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

ARMY PUBLIC COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT &

SCIENCES

RAWALPINDI

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Name: Reg. No.

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EXPERIMENT INDEX

Week 1: Review of basics and layout of lab

Week 2: Determination of standard consistency of hydraulic cements

Week 3: Determination of initial and final setting times of cement

Week 4: Strength check of hydraulic cement using mortar cubes

Week 5: Sieve analysis of aggregates and determination of fineness modulus

Week 6: Determination of bulk density of aggregates.

Week 7: Determination of specific gravity and water absorption of aggregates

Week 8: Determination of aggregate impact value of aggregates.

Week 9: Preparing concrete mix and casting for hardened concrete properties

Week 10: Slump test.

Week 11: Compacting factor test

Week 12: Comparison of cylinder and cube concrete specimens for compression.

Week 13: Study of behaviour of reinforced concrete beams.

Week 14: Determination of splitting tensile strength of concrete.

Week 15: Determination of tensile strength of concrete by double punch test.

Week 16: Determination of modulus of rupture of concrete

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Week1: Layout of RC-I lab and detail of equipment

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Objectives:
To establish layout of RC-I lab and details regarding the equipment used in this lab.
1. Sieves (Particle size distribution and Sieve analysis)
A sieve analysis is an analytical technique used to determine the particle size distribution
of a granular material with macroscopic granular sizes. The sieve analysis technique
involves several layers of sieves with different grades of sieve opening sizes.

2. Drying Oven:
Laboratory ovens are multi-purpose appliances used in scientific and manufacturing
industries. Their functions are essential in the process of baking, curing, or drying various
substances which are later used in science labs.

Construction materials test applications use laboratory ovens to dry materials at controlled
temperatures and to heat asphalt materials for handling and testing. It is important to follow
test protocol when heating aggregates, soils, and asphalt and avoid high temperatures that
may alter their properties

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3. Le Chatelier's Apparatus:
Le Chatelier Apparatus test is used to determine the presence of unburnt lime (CaO). The
Cracks developed in the structure are mostly due to the unburnt lime because it increases the
volume of the cement.
It is used for checking the soundness of cement.

4. Vicat Apparatus:
It is a device used for determining the normal consistency and time of setting of Portland
cements that consists of a rod weighing 300 grams, having a needle in each end, and supported
in a frame with a graduated scale to measure the distance to which the needle penetrates the
cement.

5. Cement and Mortar Molds (Cylinders and Cubes)

Destructive tests of mortar and concrete is performed with the help of molds of different sizes.

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6. Universal Testing Machine (UTM):

Universal testing machine (UTM) is used to test the mechanical properties (tension,
compression etc.) of a given test specimen by exerting tensile, compressive or transverse
stresses. The machine has been named so because of the wide range of tests it can perform over
different kind of materials.

7. Shaking Table:
The shaking table test is one of the most widely used techniques to assess the seismic
performance of structures made of various materials. Commonly, it is widely used for
assessing linear/nonlinear and elastic/inelastic dynamic response of structures.

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REVIEW OF BASICS:
Concrete is the most used construction material these days. This is a plastic material that possesses
transit properties (properties that change with time) i.e. strength, hardness, ductility, fluidity etc.

1.1 Definition:
Concrete is a mixture of coarse aggregate, fine aggregate/fillers, cement
Being more specific,
Concrete is a transient material comprised of coarse aggregates, matrix and ITZ
(Interfacial Transition zone)

Let us discuss the individual items,

a. Coarse Aggregates:
Coarse aggregates constitute the largest portion of the concrete. The main purpose of coarse
aggregates is to provide strength. In normal strength concrete compressive strength is mainly
contributed by the coarse aggregates.
These are the particles retained on sieve # 4 (with an opening of 5mm). There is no set upper limit
on the size of particles but usually an upper limit of 50mm (2in) is considered.
b. Matrix
In simple words we can say that matrix is a mixture of all constituents of concrete other than coarse
aggregates. This contains the binding material, fillers, water, admixtures and additives etc. Each
of these have been explained below,
i. Binding Material:
This is the component that holds primarily the coarse aggregate particles together. All the particles
in concrete are held together by this component. The function of binding material can be defined
as it provides confinement to coarse and fine aggregate particles.
In case of concrete confinement is of utmost importance. It can be understood by the following
example,
If we place coarse aggregate particles in a mold (form work) and test that in a machine. It will
provide some strength. But if the aggregates are tried to be tested without the mold, it would be
very difficult to hold them at their location. Before the machine can apply the load, the coarse
aggregate particles will drop down. Hence, for testing course should be put in some mold. The
mold provides aggregates their confinement aggregates.
The most used binding material in concrete is Portland cement (o cement) and the resulting
concrete is called, ordinary Portland cement (OPC)

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There are different types of cement.

Type-1 (Normal strength cement)
Type-II (Moderate sulfate resistant cement)
Type-III (High early strength cement) Type-IV (Low heat of hydration cement)
Type-V (Sulfate resistant cement)
ii. Fillers:
Fillers are mainly used to fill the gaps between the coarse aggregate particles. Provide better
packing and economize the concrete production by reducing the cement required.
The most used filler is sand/fine aggregate. In road construction stone is also used. In high strength
concrete, where binders and fillers are equally imp in achieving strength as the coarse aggregates,
some other types of filler material quartz sand: used to fill in the gaps between the fine aggregate
particles.
iii. Water:
Water is a very important constituent of concrete. It is provided for two main reasons, first one is
the hydration process and second one is the workability of concrete.
Water is required for the hydration process. It reacts with cement and forms ca hydrate silicate gel
that provides the binding property. Further it acts as a lube between different particles present in
concrete and allows them to move while in state. This makes it possible to pour concrete in the
form work.
Workability and hydration processes have been explained later.
iv. Admixtures:
Admixtures are the ingredients that are used to change properties like workability, setting time etc.
These are mostly mixed with water and added to concrete at a later stage of mixing high strength
concrete these are usually added in the second step to form a paste powdered substances)
Some common types of admixtures are,
Water Reducing Admixtures (plasticizers and super plasticizers); these are used for increasing
workability with constant amount of water. The excessive amount of water can render the concrete
weak as after the evaporation of extra water voids are left behind that cause serious reduction in
strength by two main processes. First one is the direct effect on compressive strength due to
reduction in area of concrete available at a section. Secondly the voids allow the entrance of
harmful chemicals that can either affect the cement or aggregates or cause corrosion of steel
present in form of tensile reinforcement.
b. Retarding admixtures:
Retarding admixtures are used to delay the setting time of cement. This provides extra time to use
concrete especially in those construction projects where concrete batching plants are installed at a
large distance from the site. In such projects transportation takes a lot of time. Concrete cannot be
used after the initial setting time of cement. So in order to delay this initial setting time of cement
retarders are used.
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c. Accelerating Admixtures:
Accelerators are used to reduce the setting time of cement. This type of admixtures is usually used
while concreting in cold regions where the setting of cement occurs at a slow rate. This may also
be used to speed up the construction process in order to use the same formwork on upper stories
or to open a project earlier for public (e.g. repair or new construction of a bridge)
d. Corrosion inhibiting admixtures:
Corrosion inhibiting admixtures are added to avoid the corrosion of steel Corrosion of steel affects
the strength of reinforced cement concrete in two ways. By reducing the area of steel required to
resist the applied tensile stresses and by reducing the grip of concrete over steel that ensures the
transfer of tensile stresses from concrete to steel.
v. Additives:
These are the substances used to increase the strength of concrete. These can be pozzolanic
materials like silica fumes, fly ash or other materials like metakaolin or even powdered fillers like
quartz powder that fill in the gaps between binder particles.
These are usually added in dry state along with the other binding materials like cement.
Interfacial transition zone:
This is the boundary zone between the matrix and coarse aggregates. The study of this b is very
important especially in high strength concrete where the function of matrix is important as that of
coarse aggregates
1.2 Proportioning of concrete materials:
Proportioning of different materials is very important to achieve a material with desired and
properties. For example, some concrete with less amount of coarse aggregate particle provide less
strength. Similarly, some concrete with less amount of matrix will not be able t in the form work
and settle properly.
Knowing the properties of each of the constituents of concrete, the amount of all components
decided. The process is call concrete mix design covered in experiment number 7.
1.3 Hydration of cement:
Hydration process is the one in which cement reacts with water to form a paste known as c hydrate
silicate gel responsible for providing the binding property. The hydration process begins as soon
as the water is added to cement.
1.4 Workability of concrete:
This can be defined as
Glanville, et al. (1947), The amount of work needed to produce full compaction
ACI, 1990, That property of freshly mixed concrete or mortar which determines the ease
homogeneity with which it can be mixed, placed, consolidated and finished.
ASTM, 1993, That property determining the effort required to manipulate a freshly quantity of
concrete with minimum loss of homogeneity
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a. Measurement of Workability:
Workability can be by different techniques such as,
• Slump Test.
• Compacting Factor Test.
• VB Test.
• Flow Table Test.
• Lump Flow Test.
• Degree of compatibility test.
The workability is lost due to the following reasons,
• Evaporation of the mix water
• Mix water being absorbed by the aggregate if this not in a saturated state before mixing
• Early hydration reactions (but this should not be confused with cement setting)
• Interactions between admixtures (particularly plasticizers and super-plasticizers) and the
cementitious constituents of the mix.

1.5 Placing and Finishing concrete:

By placing and finishing we mean how to put concrete in the mold and how to get the final shape
and finish. The basic process is that concrete is poured in the form work by concrete pump of
buckets. Then it is consolidated (vibrations are provided by external or internal vibrators i.e.
vibrating table & pokers/needle vibrators)
There are a few things to be considered while working with concrete, The concrete should be
discharged as close as possible to its final position,
• Preferably straight into the formwork
• A substantial free-fall distance will encourage segregation and should therefore be
avoided.
• With deep pours, the rate of placing should be such that the layer of concrete below that
being placed should not have set; this will ensure full continuity between layers, and avoid
cold joints and planes of weakness in the hardened concrete
• Once the concrete is in place, vibration, either internal or external, should be applied to
mold the concrete around embedment’s e.g. reinforcement, and to eliminate pockets of
entrapped air, but the vibration should not be used to move the concrete into place
• High-workability mixes should not be over vibrated-this may cause segregation.

1.6 Curing of concrete:

As we know that water is added for workability and hydration. So if water is not available for
hydration, strength will be compromised. We also studied that water is lost (loss of workability) is
due to water absorption and evaporation. This loss of water is to be compensated by either adding
extra amount of water or preventing the already present amount of water from: evaporating. This
process is called curing. Different techniques used in curing are:
 Adding extra water by spraying and covering the concrete by gunny bags etc.
 By allowing water to stand on the roofs

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Week 2: Determination of Standard Consistency of Hydraulic Cement

Standard Used: ASTM C-187

Objective
The performance of this test aims at the following
objectives:

 To precisely determine the quantity of

water required for achieving the normal
consistency of cement paste
 To kick start the performance of other lab
tests that include the determination of initial
and final setting time of cement and
soundness test on cement.

Apparatus

 Weighing balance, to weigh cement and water

 VICAT Apparatus, comprising a plunger and conical ring mold, supported on a glass
plate at the bottom. The assembly consists of a frame with a movable rod, fixed in a
particular position using screws. The graduated scale attached to the frame gives the
amount by which the plunger end is lowered. The plunger is of 10mm diameter and 50mm
length. The tapered conical ring is non-absorptive and non-corroding with an inside
diameter of 70mm at the base and 60mm at the top, and a height of 40mm. In addition, the
ASTM standard has given precise values of the above dimensions of test assembly with
possible or acceptable variations as given below:

 Non-absorptive square glass plate measuring 10cm by 10cm, to hold the conical mold
containing cement paste
 Graduated cylinders, for adding a measured quantity of water to the cement
 Scarper, to thoroughly mix water and cement
 Trowel, to level off the mold top once it is filled with the cement paste

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Test Procedure

 Check for the conformance of temperature and humidity with the standard’s guidelines.
 Take a measured quantity of powdered cement and record its weight as M1.
 Add a weighed amount of water (M2) to the cement and thoroughly mix to make a paste
out of it.
 Take an ample quantity of the cement paste in your hands and make a ball out of it. Toss
the cement ball between two hands, spaced approximately 150mm from each other, six
times. This results in a nearly spherical ball of cement paste that is ready to go into the ring.
 Carefully press the ball into the larger diametric end of the conical ring and fill it with the
paste.
 Remove the excess paste with a trowel by leveling the top of the mold.
 Place the mold on the glass plate on a leveled surface such that the center of the ring just
comes under the center of the plunger.
 Set the pointer to zero reading or record the initial reading on the scale.
 Release the plunger into the cement paste by rotating the release pin. The plunger begins
to lower into the paste.
 Record the penetration achieved by the plunger after 30 seconds of its release by noting
the value on the graduated scale.
 Repeat the above procedure by taking variable quantities of water as some percentage of
cement and recording the plunger penetration in each case.
 The water percentage that yields a plunger penetration of 10mm is termed as the normal or
standard consistency of cement and is reported so.

Precautions:

 While carrying out the mixing, tossing, and placing operations, record the time taken and
ensure its conformance with the test specifications.
 Care should be exercised so as to not compress the paste while leveling it off and smoothing
using the trowel.
 The plunger should be released within 30 seconds post completion of mixing.
 The test setup should be free from any external vibrations that may otherwise aid in the
penetration of the plunger.
 Each trial is to be made using fresh cement, instead of tampering with the already used
cement paste.

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Observations and Calculations:

Type of Cement:

Manufacturer of Cement:

Quantity of cement taken for the test = M1 (gm) =

Amount of Water Added (M2) Penetration of Plunger % Water by Weight

Trial No.
(gm) (mm) = (M2 / M1) *100

1.

2.

3.

Results:
Percentage of water required for normal consistency of cement.

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Week 3: Determination of Initial and Final Setting Times of Cement.

Standard ASTM C 191-04
Scope & significance:
This test method is used to determine the time of setting of the hydraulic cement by means of the
Vicat needle.

The knowledge of the setting time of the cement is always helpful in deciding the time
duration of mixing, transportation, placing, compaction and finishing of the concrete
effectively.

We always prefer a larger initial setting time so that we can mix, transport, place, compact and
finish the concrete easily. According to ASTM specifications, the initial setting time shall not be
less than 45 minutes and not more than 375 minutes.
45 min. < Initial Setting Time <375 min

A smaller value of the final setting time is always preferred in order to avoid large expenditures
on the formworks. According to most of the specifications, the final setting time shall not be
greater than 10hrs and shall not be less than [90+12 (initial setting time)) min.
190 + 1.2 (initial setting time)) min <Final Setting Time<10 hrs
Apparatus:
 Vicat apparatus
 Needle of 1.00 _+ 0.05 mm and Iength not less than 50mm.
 Flat trowel
 Reference masses and devices for determining mass
 Spatula
 Graduated cylinders

Related theory:
a. Setting

In the setting process very little chemical reaction takes place. It only includes the shape
acquisition due to evaporation of water. During the setting process the cement remains in the fluid
or the semi-fluid state and there is very little or no gain in strength. Finer the cement particles
more will be the hydration and therefore it will lead to quick settlement.

b. Hardening:

Hardening is the tale of gain of strength due to the chemical reaction. It also refers strength
of the concrete after a specified interval of time.

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c. Initial setting time/Vicat initial time of setting

The time elapsed between the initial contact of cement and water and the time when a diameter
needle gives a penetration of 25 mm in a standard Vicat apparatus is known as setting time or
Vicat initial time of setting of the particular cement paste.

d. Final setting time/Vicat final time of setting

It is the time elapsed between the initial contact of cement and water and the time when needle
does not sink visibly into the cement paste.
According to specifications;
Maximum final setting time = 10hrs
Minimum final setting time = [90 + 1.2 (initial setting time)] min

3.4 Test specification

a. Needle sine for initial and final setting time
Needle of 1.00 _+ 0.05 mm and length not less than 50 mm.
b. Mixing water
Potable water is satisfactory for the routine tests.
c. Temperature & humidity
The temperature of the air in the vicinity should be between 23.0 _+ 3.0°C. The temperature
The mixing water should be 23.0 _+ 2.0°C.
The relative humidity of the laboratory should not be less than 50%.
d. Amount of cement
Amount of cement required for the test according to various specifications are mentioned below.

ASTM = 650 g
3.5 Procedure:

Prepare a cement paste of standard consistency and put it in the ring of the Vicat apparatus within
the allowable time of 4_+1/4 min. Clear and level any extra paste by means of a trowel.
1- Initial Setting Time

Allow the time of setting specimen to remain in the moist cabinet or moist room for 30 min after
molding without being disturbed. Determine the penetration of the 1-mm needle in 30 sec at this
time and every 15 min thereafter (every 10 min for Type Ill cements) until a penetration of 25
mm or less is obtained.

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Make each penetration test at least 5 mm away from any previous penetration and at least 10 mm
away from the inner side of the mold.

Record the results of all penetration tests and by interpolation, determine the time when a
penetration of 25 mm is obtained. The elapsed time between the initial contact of cement and
water and the penetration of 25 mm is the Vicat time of setting or Vicat initial time of setting.
Calculate the Vicat time of setting to the nearest 1 min as follows:
((H-E\C-D) × (C - 25)) + E
E = time in minutes of last penetration greater than 25 mm,
H = time in minutes of first penetration less than 25 min,
C = penetration reading at time E and
D = penetration reading at time H
2- Final Setting Time

Determine the Vicat final time of setting end point to be the first
penetration measurement that does not mark the specimen with a
complete circular impression, verified by two additional penetration
measurements performed on different areas of the specimen surface.
The elapsed time between the initial contact of cement and water and
the end point determination above is the Vicat final time of setting.
Report the Vicat final time of setting to the nearest 5 min.

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Observations & Calculations:

Type of cement: ___________________ Room temperature, C: __________________

Manufacture: ___________________ Water temperature, C: __________________

Sampling Person: ___________________ Relative humidity, %: __________________

Sr No. Description Time Time interval Penetration

(min) (min) (mm)

1 Addition of water to cement 0 - -

2 Mixing and filling of the mold -

3 1st reading 30

4 2nd reading

5 3rd reading

6 4th reading

7 5th reading

8 6th reading

9 7th reading

10 8th reading

11 9th reading

12 10th reading

13 11th reading

14 12th reading

15 13th reading

Observations In minutes

Initial Setting Time

Final Setting Time

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Week 4: Strength Check of Hydraulic Cement using Mortar Cubes.

Standard: ASTM C-109

Scope & significance:

The following covers only that portion of ASTM Designation: C 109 that is required to determine
the compressive strength of 50-mm (2-in.) Portland cement mortar cubes.
Apparatus:
• Two-kg scale accurate to 0.1 gram
• Hard rubber rampers 13 x 25 mm (1/2 x 1 in.) cross section and 12 to 15 cm (5 to
6 in.) in height
• Six 50 mm (2 in.) cube molds
• Small steel trowels
• 500 grams of Portland cement (C / S = 1: 2.75)
• 1375 grams of Ottawa Sand
• 242 CG of water (W / C = 0.484)
According to C 778-200Q, graded ad standard Ottawa sand consists of almost entirely naturally
rounded grains of nearly pure quartz having following percentages passing:

Size Percentage Passing

1.18 mm (No. 16) 100

600 µm (No. 30) 96 to 100

42Sµm (No. 40) 65 to 75

300 µm (No. 50) 20 to 30

150 µm (No. 100) 0 to 4

In other words, about 30 % of size ranging between 600 µm and 425 µm, 45 % of size ranging
between 425 µm and 300 µm and 25 % of size ranging between 300 µm and 150 µm may be
considered equivalent to Ottawa sand.

Procedure:

A. Preparation of Mortar:
i. Weigh (300) gm of cement and prepare the corresponding weights of standard sand
and water.
ii. Place the dry paddle and the dry bowl in the mixing position in the mixer. Then the
materials for a batch the howl and mix in the following manner:
 Place all the mixing water in the bowl.

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 Add the cement to the water, then at the mixer and mix at the low speed (140 r/mix) fox
(30s).
 Add the entire quantity of sand slowly over a (30 s) period, while mixing at slow speed.
 Stop the miser, change to medium speed (285 +10 t/min) und mix for 30.
 Stop the miser and let the mortar stand for 13 min. During the first (15s) of the interval,
quickly scrape down into the batch any mortar that may have collected on the side of the
bowl.
 Finish by mixing (1 min) at medium speed.
 Temperature must remain between 20 and 27.5 C and relative humidity must be greater
than 50%.

B. Molding Test Specimens:

 Thinly cover the interior faces of the specimen molds with oil.
 Start molding the specimens within a total time of tot more than 2.5 min after completion
of mixing.
 Place a layer of mortar about 25 mm (half the depth of the mold) in all the cube specimen.
 Compaction is to be done in 2 layers.
 Tamp the mortar in each cube 32 times (48), about 4 rounds, each round to be at right angles
to the other.

 The tamping pressure shall be just sufficient to mate uniform of molds.

 The 4 rounds of taming shall be completed in one cube before going to the next.
 When the ramping of the first layer in all cube is completed, fill the molls with the
remaining tar and tap as specified for the first layer.
 Cut off the mortar to a plans surface with a straight edge.
 Keep the molds in a most room for 20-24 hours then open them and keep the specimen in
a water basin for a week. Curing it to be done in line water.

C. Testing Specimens:

 After 7 days (+3 hour), take the specimens out of the basin, dry them with clean clothes put
them one after the other in the testing machine.
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 The cubes man be put on one side, using extra steel plats up and down the specimen.
 Start loading at a speed of 1.4 KN /sec (350 kg/cm²) in a minute.
 When failure, record load sed the compressive strength.
 3 days required strength for OPC = 12.0 MPA.
 7 days required strength for OPC = 19.0 MPa.
 According to Cl 50, OPC samples mar be tested at 24 h, 3 d, 7 d or 28 d, but all the 6 cubes
are to be tested at the same age.
 According to C109-8.1, make 2 or 3 specimens from a batch of mortar for each period of
test or test age.

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Observations & Calculations:

Type of cement = ----------------- Date of casting = -----------------

Manufacturer = ----------------- C: S = -----------------

Sampling person = ----------------- Water/cement = -----------------

AGE Cube No. Load Compressive Average

(days) (KN) strength (MPa) Compressive
Strength (MPa)
1
2
3
4
5
6

Comments:

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Week 5: Sieve Analysis of Aggregates and Determination of Fineness Modulus

ASTM C 136-05, "Standard test method for sieve analysis of fine and coarse aggregates"
(>75gm)

ASTM C 117-04, "Standard test method for materials finer than 75gm (No. 200) sieve in
mineral aggregates by washing" (< 75gm)
Scope & significance:

 This test method is used to determine the fineness modulus of the given fine grained
specimen. The information obtained from fineness modulus is helpful in the following
ways;
 Fineness modulus tells us directly whether the material is well-graded or gap-graded.
 Fineness modulus gives us an overall idea whether the material is fine or coarse.
 It also indicates the surface area of the particles.
 1

 Lower the surface area of the aggregate, the required amount of fresh cement paste to
cover the aggregate particles will be less and thus less water is required.
 Larger value of FM is preferred for fine aggregates. For a good fine aggregate, the FM
should be between 2.3 and 3.1 (ASTM Range for fine aggregates).

Categorization of fineness of sands using FM

FM Sand fineness
< 1.0 Very fine
1.0 - 2.0 Fine
2.0 - 2.9 Medium
2.9 - 3.5 Coarse
>3.5 Very coarse

Apparatus:
Standard set of sieves
Sieve shaker
Aggregate samples
Related theory:

a) Fineness modulus
It is the cumulative percentage retained on standard sieve 150 m and above divided by 100.
It is a single factor or an empirical number which we get from the results of sieve analysis.

The value of FM will not change if we add sieves above as the percentages retained on these
sieves will be zero.

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b) Sieve analysis
It is the operation of dividing the aggregate into various fractions, each consisting
of particles of same size.
OR

It is the operation of determining the particle size distribution of the given

specimen. The standard approach is to designate the sieve sizes by nominal
Aperture sizes in mm or m (micron).

1 mm = 1000 m (micron)
Notes:
5 mm is the dividing line between coarse and fine aggregate.
Well graded coarse aggregates of large size will reduce shrinkage of
concrete by 50%

iv. Functions of sieve analysis

Sieve analysis is performed on coarse and fine aggregates in order to check their gradation.
The gradation gives an indirect measure of the workability and average particle size.

v. Set of sieves
The set of sieves used for the process of sieve analysis can be categorized as;

Coarse Aggregates:

Standard Non-Standard
75mm (3 ")
63mm
50mm
37.5mm (1 ½")
25mm
19mm (3/4")
9.5mm (3/8 ")
4.75mm (3/16 ")
2.36mm (3/32 ")
Pan
Note: For sieves with openings 4.75mm & larger, the quantity
retained in kg shall not exceed the product of
2.5 X sieve opening (mm) x effective sieving area (mm2)

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B. Fine Aggregates:

ASTM Sieves (mm) British Standard Sieves

(inches)
4.75mm 3/16 (#4)
2.36mm 3/32 (#8)
1.18mm 3/64 (#16)
600 m 3/128 (#30)
300 m 1/88 (#50)
150 m 1/176 (#100)
Pan Pan
Note: For the sieves with openings smaller than 4.75mm, the quantity retained
on any sieve at the completion of sieving shall not exceed 7 kg/m2 of sieving
area.

v. Quality of a good sample

There are some limiting values for every sieve provided by ASTM or BS, we use these limiting
values to get our final answer by the method explained below.
Take the minimum and the maximum values provided by ASTM and plot them on the grading
curve. Now take these minimum and maximum value lines as your reference and if the curve of
our own data lies inside these two lines then the quality of our sample is OK but if your curve lies
outside these two lines of maximum and minimum range then the sample is not according to
specifications.

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a. ASTM grading requirements for fine aggregates

Sieve Size Percentage passing

Minimum Maximum

9.5mm 100 100

4.75mm 95 100

2.36mm 80 100

1.18mm 50 85

600 m 25 60

300 m 10 30

150 m 2 10

b. ASTM grading requirements for coarse aggregates

Percentage
Sieve Size passing
37.5 mm
(mm) down 19.0 mm down 12.5 mm down

Minimu Minimu Maximu Minimu Maximu

m Maximum m m m m

50 100 100 - - - -

37.5 95 100 - - - -

25 - - 100 100 - -

19 35 70 90 90 100 100

12.5 - - - - 90 100

9.5 10 30 20 55 40 70

4.75 0 5 0 10 0 15

2.38 - - 0 5 0 5

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Procedure:
Take 2 kg of the oven-dried sample. The sample should be perfectly dry because if there is
some moisture content present then the particles will stick together and will not pass through
the sieves.

Temperature of the oven = 110+5 ℃

Place the set of standard and non-standard sieves one above another
with the smallest aperture opening at the bottom. The pan is placed at
the bottom-most position. This experiment can be performed manually
or with the aid of a machine called "sieve shaker".
The manual method should be performed in a proper sequence which
as follows;

 Forward and backward motion.

 Left and right motion.
 Clockwise (CW) and counter-clockwise (CCW) motion.
 Frequent jolting

Time elapsed for the sieving process is 3-5 minutes.

Weigh the mass retained on each sieve and calculate the percentage passing
through each sieve. Then the FM can be calculated by using the relation;

FM = (Cumulative % retained on the sieves of 150um or above)/100

Following points must be kept in mind while calculating the FM;

 Only sum up the values of standard sieves and do not include the values of the non-standard
sieves.
 Only add the sieves of 150gm and above sizes.
 If any standard sieve is missing, we may use the value of next higher sieve.
 Adding extra sieves does not change the result of FM.

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Observations & Calculations:

Source of sample: __________________

Sampling Person: __________________

Fine Aggregate:

Sieve # Sieve Size Wt. Retained % Wt. retained Cumulative %age

(g) retained
75mm(3") 75mm(3") - - -
37.5mm(1.5") 37.5mm(1.5") - - -
19mm(3/4") 19mm(3/4") - - -
9.5mm(3/8") 9.5mm(3/8") - - -
4 4.75mm(3/16")
8 2.63mm(3/32")
16 1.18mm
30 600
50 300
100 150
Pan Pan - -
Sum

Coarse Aggregate:

Source of sample: __________________

Sampling Person: __________________

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Cumulative Cumulative
Sieve # Sieve Size Wt. Retained %age
%age %age
(grams) Retained Passing Retained
C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
75mm(3") 75mm(3")
37.5mm(1.5"
37.5mm(1.5")
)
19mm(3/4") 19mm(3/4")
9.5mm(3/8") 9.5mm(3/8")
4 4.75mm(3/16")
8 2.63mm(3/32")
16 1.18mm
30 600
50 300
100 150
Pan Pan
Sum
Fineness Modulus = Sum of cumulative percentages retained on
set of standard sieves of 150 m and above
(increasing in the ratio of 2 to 1) divided by
100

𝐶2
C3 = 𝑚 x 100
𝑡

C4 for first row = 100

(𝐶4)𝑖 = (𝐶4)𝑖−1 − (𝐶3)𝑖
C5 = 100 – C4
Fineness Modulus = Sum of cumulative percentages retained on set of standard
sieves of
150 𝜇m and above divided by 100
=

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Gradation curve of fine aggregate

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Gradation curve of coarse aggregate

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Week 6: Determination of Bulk Density of Aggregates

Standard: ASTM C-29/C-29M
Scope: This test method is used to determine the bulk density of the given fine grained specimen.
During the concrete mix design, when the aggregate is to be matched by volume or by weight, then
it becomes necessary to know the mass of the aggregates that will fill the container of unit volume.
If we know the bulk density of the aggregate material then we can easily determine the mass required
to fill a unit volume container. Bulk density also indicates the percentage of voids present in the
aggregate material. This percentage of voids affects the grading of the aggregates which is important
in high strength concrete. Bulk density also indicates the compactive effort required to compact the
concrete.
Apparatus:
 Balance
 Temping rod
 Measuring Cylinder
 Shovel or Scoop

Related theory:
 Bulk density: It is the mass of the unit volume of bulk aggregate material the term volume
includes the volume of the individual particles and the volume of the voids between the
particles. Bulk density is used in weight and volume batching.
 Voids It is the space between the individual particles in a unit volume of the aggregate mass
and is not occupied by the void mineral matter. Voids within the particles, either permeable or
impermeable are not included in the voids for the determination of bulk density by this method.
 Absolute density: It is the mass per unit volume of the individual particles only.
 Facts about bulk density Bulk density depends upon how densely the aggregate is packed. It
also depends upon distribution and shape of the particles. If the particles are of the same size,
then it can be limited extent but when the smaller particles are added, the voids get filled with
them and the density increases. Packed be Foot a coarse aggregate, a higher bulk density means

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that there are few voids which are to by the fine aggregate and cement. Thus bulk density also
depends upon the degree of packing.

Procedure: Note down the dimensions and empty weight of the measuring container and
compute its value for the determination of the loose bulk density, fil the container with the
aggregate material by of a shovel and level its top surface. Weigh the container filled with the
aggregate and note do reading Then the loose bulk density of the aggregate material can be
computed by using the relation
(Weight of container + Loose aggregate) - (Weight of empty container) / Volume of the
container Loose Bulk Density M
Now for the determination of the compacted bulk density, the only difference is in filling the
container. In this case, the container is filled in three equal layers. Fill the container about one-third
full and level the surface with the fingers. Rod the layer of the aggregate with 25 strokes of the
temping rod evenly distributed over the surface. Next fill the container two-third full and again rod
it with 25 strokes of the temping rod. Finally, fill the container to overflowing and rod again in the
manner previously mentioned. Now level the top surface and weigh the container. Calculate the
compacted bulk density using the relation:
Compact bulk density = (weight of container+ compacted aggregates)-(weight of empty container)/
volume of container

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Observation and Calculation

Wt. of Volume
Wt. of Wt. of
sample state cylinder + of Bulk density
cylinder Aggregate
Aggregate cylinder
Kg Kg Kg m3 Kg/m3
Compacted
Coarse
aggregates
Loose
Compacted
Fine
aggregates
Loose

Comments:

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Week 7: Determination of Specific Gravity and Water Absorption of Aggregates.

Standard: ASTM C-127/128
Scope & significance:
In this test method we determine the relative density (i.e. specific gravity) and the water absorption
of the coarse aggregates.
The information obtained from specific gravity is helpful in the following ways;
1. The knowledge of the specific gravity is important for the concrete technologist to determine
the properties of concrete made from such aggregates.
2. It is used for the calculation of the volume occupied by the aggregates in various
Mixture.
3. The pores at the surface of the particles affect the bond between the aggregate and the
Cement paste and thus influence the concrete strength.
4. Normally it is assumed that at the time of setting of concrete, the aggregate is in the
Saturated and surface dry condition. If the aggregate is to be batched in the dry condition, then it
is assumed that sufficient amount of water will be absorbed from the mix to bring the aggregate
in the saturated condition. If an additional amount of water is not added as a cover for the absorbed
water, the loss of workability is resulted.
Limitation
The limitation of the test is that, it cannot be used for the light weight aggregates.
Apparatus:
 Balance
 Sample container
 Water tank
 Sieves
 Oven

Related theory:
Aggregates:-
 Aggregates may be classified as;
 Coarse Aggregates
 Fine Aggregates

b. Coarse aggregates:-

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Any material which is retained on ASTM sieve 4.75 mm is known as coarse aggregate.
c. Fine aggregates:-

Any material which is passing ASTM sieve 4.75 mm is known as fine aggregate

d. Types of crush available in Pakistan:-

SARGODHA CRUSH
Sargodha crush possess the following properties;
 Greener in color
 High strength
 Usually elongated particles

MARGHALLA CRUSH
Margallo crush possess the following properties;
 Grayish in color
 Low in strength

SAKHI SARWAR CRUSH

Sakhi Sarwar crush possess the following properties;
 Whitish in color

e. Absorption:-
It is the increase in the mass of aggregate due to water penetration into the pores of the
particles during a prescribed period of time, but not including water adhering to the outside surface
particles, expressed as a percentage of the dry mass.

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f. Saturated surface dry (s.s.d.) condition:-

It is the condition related with the aggregate particles in which the permeable pores of the
aggregate particles are filled with water but without free water on the surface of the particles
g. Oven dry density:-
It is the mass of the oven dried aggregate per unit volume of the aggregate particles.
The term volume includes the volume of the permeable and the impermeable pores and does
not includes the volume of the voids between the particles.
h. Saturated surface dry (s.s.d) density:-
It is the mass of the saturated surface dry aggregate per unit volume of the aggregate
particles.
The term volume includes the volume of the permeable and the impermeable pores which
are filled with water and does not include the volume of the voids between the particles.
i. Apparent density:-
It is the mass per unit volume of the impermeable portion of the aggregate particles.
OR
It is the mass per unit volume of the solid portion of the particles excluding the voids.
j. Specific gravity/relative density:-
It is the ratio of the density of the aggregate material to the density of the gas free distilled
water at a standard temperature (1.e. 4 °C).
The relative density is a dimensionless quantity and is expressed as oven dried, saturated
surface dry and apparent
k. Oven dried specific gravity:-
It is the ratio of the oven dried density of the aggregate to the density of the gas free distilled
water at a standard temperature (1.e. 4 °C).
l. Saturated surface dry specific gravity:-
It is the ratio of the saturated surface dry density of the aggregate to the density of the gas
free distilled water at a standard temperature (i.e. 4 °C).
m. Apparent specific gravity:-
It is the ratio of the apparent density of the aggregate to the density of the gas free distilled
water at a standard temperature (1.e. 4 °C).

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Procedure:
A. Coarse Aggregate
i. Select by quartering or use of a sample splitter approximately 5 kg of aggregate. Reject
all material passing a 4.75mm sieve.
ii. Thoroughly wash the sample to remove all dust or other coatings from the particles.
iii. Dry the sample to a constant weight at a temperature of 100 to 110°C (212 to 230°F).
Cool at room temperature for about 15 min. and then immerse in water at room
temperature for approximately 30 min.
iv. Remove sample from water and wipe the particles until all surface films are removed.
Weight the sample in this saturated surface dry condition to the nearest 0.5 g.
v. Immediately after weighing, place the sample in a wire basket, suspend in water, and
obtain the buoyant weight

vi. Dry the sample to a constant weight at a temperature of 100 to 110°C (212 to 230°F.
in room temperature for at least 30 min. and weigh.
vi. Computations;
 A = Weight of oven-dry sample in air (g)
 B = Weight of saturated-surface-dry sample in air (g)
 C = Weight of saturated sample in water (g)
 Bulk specific gravity (oven-dry) = A/B-C
 Bulk specific gravity (SSD) =A/B-C
 Apparent specific gravity = A/A-C
 Absorption in percent =(B-A)*100/A

B. Fine Aggregate:-
i. Obtain by sample splitting or quartering 3000 grams of aggregate, including equal quantity
of all fractions
ii. Dry to a constant weight at a temperature of 100 to 110°C (212 to 230°F).
iii. Allow to cool and cover with water for about 30 min.
iv. Remove excess water and spread on a flat surface. Expose to a gentle moving flame until
v. Sample approaches a free-flowing condition.
vi. Place a portion of the fine aggregate sample loosely into the mold. Tamp lightly 25 times
as lift the mold vertically. If surface moisture is present, the fine aggregate will maintain
molded shape. Continue drying and testing until upon removal of the mold, the aggregate
slump slightly. This indicates that the saturated, surface-dry condition has been reached.
vii. Immediately introduce into the pycnometer 500.0 g of the fine aggregate. Fill the
pycnometer almost to capacity and eliminate the air bubbles by agitation. Add water until
the bottom the meniscus is at the 500 cc line, etched on the pycnometer. Determine the
total weight the flask, including the sample, and the water. Carefully remove the fine

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aggregate and dry to a constant weight of 100 to 110°C (212 230°F) and cool for at least
30 min. and weigh.

Computations;
 A = Weight of oven-dry sample in air (g)
 B = Weight of, pycnometer filled with water (g)
 C = Weight of pycnometer with sample in water (g)
 Bulk specific gravity (oven-cry) =A/(B+500-C)
 Apparent specific gravity =A/( B-C+A)
 Bulk specific gravity (SSD condition) = 500/( B+500-C)
 Absorption, percent = (500 - A) x 100/A

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Observation and Calculations

Coarse Aggregate-----ASTM Designations C 127
Passing on sieve Sample1 Sample2 Sample3 Sample 4
Retained on sieve
(A) Wt. Oven-dry
sample(g)
(B) Wt. SSD Sample (g)

(C)Wt. Saturated Sample in

water (g)
Apparent specific gravity
Effective specific gravity
Absorption (%)
Aggregate values:
Bulk sp.gravity=--------------------------------------------; Apparent sp.gravity = ------------------------
Effective specific gravity=-------------------------------; Absorption = -----------------------------------

Fine aggregate_ ASTM Designation C128

Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4
(A) Wt. oven
dry sample (g)
(B) Wt.
pycnometer
water to
calibration
mark
(C ) pycnometer
+ water +sample
to calibration
mark (g)

Bulk specific
gravity
Apparent
specific gravity
Effective
specific gravity
Absorption (%)
Average values :
Bulk sp. Gravity = ------------------------------------; Apparent sp. Gravity =------------------------
Effective sp. Gravity =------------------------------- ; Absorption = ------------------------------------

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Week 8: Determination of Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) of Aggregates.

Specification: BS 812

Scope & significance:

The aggregate impact value gives a relative measure of the toughness or the resistance of aggregate to
sudden shock or impact. It is not directly proportional to the resistance to a slowly applied compressive
load. However, it provides indirect idea about the strength of aggregate. The property of a material to
resist impact is known as "toughness." The aggregate impact value is a measure of resistance to sudden
impact or shock, which may differ from its resistance to gradually applied compressive load.
Greater ATV means less toughness. Aggregate particles having corners and edges, as compared to
round natural gravel, are likely to give more impact value. However, such aggregates may actually be
stronger in concrete. Toughness determined in this manner is also related to its crushing value.
Apparatus:
 Coarse aggregate from various sources
 Impact testing machine
 Spanner
 Balance
 Tamping rod, 10 mm diameter and 230 mm long, rounded at one end
 Measure of 75 mm internal diameter and 50 mm depth

Test specifications:
The test sample shall consist of aggregates the whole of which passes through 12.7mm (1/2 inch) sieve
and is retained on a 9.51mm (3/8 inch) sieve. The aggregate comprising the test sample shall be dried
in an oven for a period of four hours at a temperature of 100-110 °C and cooled. The measure (cup)
shall be filled about one-third full with the aggregate and 25 blows of tamping rod are applied. A
further similar quantity of aggregate shall be added and a further 25 blows of tamping rod should be
given to the second layer and on the last layer 25 tamping rod blows should again be given. The surplus
aggregate should be struck off using the tamping rod as a straight-edge. The net weight of aggregate
in the measure shall be determined to the nearest gram (weight A) and this weight shall be used for
the duplicate test on the same material. A total of 15 blows of a standard hammer that falls under its
own weight upon the aggregate placed in a cylindrical container apply the impact load in this test.

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Procedure:
The impact machine shall test without wedging or packing upon the level plate, block or floor, so that
it is rigid and hammer guide columns are vertical. The measuring cup shall be fixed firmly in position
on the base of the machine and the whole of the test sample placed in it and compacted by 25 the
tamping rod stroke. The hammer of 13.5 to 14.0 kg weight shall be raised until its lower face is 380±5
mm (15 inch above from the upper surface of the aggregate in the cup, and is allowed to fall freely on
aggregate. The test sample shall be subjected to a total 15 such blows each being delivered at an
interval of not less than one second.
The crushed aggregate shall then be removed from the cup and the whole of it shall be sieved 2.83mm
(No. 7) sieve until no further significant amount passes in one minute. The fraction passing the sieve
shall be weighed to an accuracy of 0.1 gram (weight B). The fraction retained on the sieve shall also
weighed (weight C), and if the total weight B+C is less than the initial weight (weight A) by more
than 1 gm the result shall be discarded and a fresh test made. Two tests shall be made to take average.

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Calculations
The ratio of the weight of fines formed to the total sample weight in each test shall be express as a
percentage, the result being recorded to the first decimal place.
B
Aggregate Impact Value = A x 100
Where,
A = weight of oven dried sample
B=weight of fraction passing 2.83mm sieve
According to BS 882:1992, average of two samples is to be taken and following are the maximum
values:
25% for heavy-duty concrete floor finishes
30% for concrete pavement wearing surfaces
45% for other concretes
10-20% for strong aggregate
<10% shows exceptionally strong aggregate

Observations & Calculations:

A = Total Wt. of the Sample
B = Fraction passing 2.83mm sieve after crushing
C = Fraction retained on 2.83mm sieve after crushing
B
Aggregate Impact Value = A x 100

Sample Sample A B C Impact

No. Type Value
(gm) (gm) (gm) (%)
1
2
3
4
5
6

Comments:

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Week 9: Slump Test

Standard: ASTM C 143/C 143M-03

Scope & significance:

This test method is used to determine the consistency of freshly mixed hydraulic-cement concrete by
measuring the slump, both in the laboratory and in the field.
The slump test does not measure the workability of concrete directly but it co-relates the workability
with some physical measurement.
Limitations:
1- This test method is considered applicable to plastic concrete having coarse aggregate up to
37.5 mm in size.
2- This test method is not considered applicable to non-plastic and non-cohesive concrete.
3- For non-plastic concrete slump is less than 15 mm.
4- For non-cohesive concrete slump is greater than 230 mm.
Apparatus:
Mold: The test specimen shall be formed in a mold made of metal and it shall not be thinner than 1.5
mm. The mold shall be in the form of the lateral surface of the frustum of a cone with the base 200
mm in diameter, the top 100 mm in diameter, and the height 300 mm. The base and the top shall be
open and parallel to each other and at right angles to the axis of the cone.

The mold shall be provided with foot pieces and handles. The interior of the mold shall be relatively
smooth and free from projections. The mold shall be free from dents, deformations, or adhered mortar.
Temping rod: A round, straight steel rod 16 mm in diameter and approximately 600mm in length,
having the tamping end or both ends rounded to a hemispherical tip, the diameter of which is 16 mm.

Related theory:
Slump
Slump is the decrease in the height of concrete when the mold of standard dimensions is lifted.
Types of slump
Depending on the type of settling of the concrete during a slump test, three types of slumps may be
defined.
True Slump
A true slump occurs if the concrete after the removal of the cone only bulges out.
Shear Slump
A shear slump is obtained if some part of the concrete slides down at inclined plane and is separated
from rest of the mass.
Collapse slump

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If the concrete excessively settles as well as flows outwards at the base, the resulting slumps is called
collapse slump.
Types of Slump
Relation between workability and slump

Workability Compacting Factor Slump (mm)

Very Low 0.7 80-25
Low 0.85 25-50
Medium 0.9 250-100
High 0.95 100-175
Note: More is the slump value more will be the workability.

Procedure:
Dampen the mold and place it on a flat, moist, nonabsorbent (rigid) surface. It shall be held firmly
in place during filling by the operator standing on the two foot pieces. Fill the mould with concrete
in three layers, each approximately one third the volume of the mold. One third of the volume of the
slump mold fills it to a depth of 70 mm; two thirds of the volume fills it to a depth of 160 mm.
Rod each layer with 25 strokes with using tamping rod. Uniformly distribute the strokes over the
cross section of each layer. For the bottom layer, incline the rod slightly and make approximately
half of the strokes near the perimeter, and then progressing with vertical strokes spirally towards the
center. Rod the bottom layer throughout its depth. Rod the second layer and the top layer each
throughout its depth, so that the strokes just penetrate into the underlying layer.
In filling and rodding the top layer, heap the concrete above the mold before rodding is started. If
the rodding operation results in subsidence of the concrete below the top edge of the mold, add
additional concrete to keep an excess of concrete above the top of the mold at all times. After the
top layer has been rodded, strike off the surface of the concrete by means of a screeding and rolling
motion of the tamping rod. Continue to hold the mold down firmly and remove concrete from the
area surrounding the base of the mold to preclude the interference with the movement of slumping
concrete.
Remove the mold immediately from the concrete by raising it carefully in a vertical direction. Raise
the mold a distance of 300 mm in 5 ± 2 seconds by a steady upward lift with no lateral or torsional

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motion. Complete the entire test from the start of the filling through removal of the mold without
interruption and complete it within an elapsed time of 2½ min.
Immediately measure the slump by determining the vertical difference between the top of the mold
and the displaced original center of the top surface of the specimen. If shearing off of concrete from
one side or portion of the mass occurs, disregard the test and make a new test on another portion of
the sample. If two consecutive tests on a sample of concrete show shearing off of a portion of
concrete from the mass of the specimen, the concrete probably lacks necessary plasticity and
cohesiveness for slump test to be applicable.
Reporting:
Report the slump in terms of inches to the nearest % in. and in terms of millimeters to the nearest 5
mm of subsidence of the specimen during the test.

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Observations & Calculations:

Date

Mix No.

Mix proportions

W/C Ratio

Type of fine aggregates

Type of coarse
aggregates

Admixture

Temperature

Relative humidity

Slump

Slump type (inches) (mm)

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Week 10: Compacting Factor Test

Scope & significance:

This test also gives the workability of concrete indirectly. This test appropriate for concrete with the
Maximum aggregate size of 40mm
Apparatus:
Apparatus consists 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
Related theory:
a. Compacting factor
The degree of compaction is also called the
compacting factor and is measured with the help
of Density ratio that is the ratio of density
actually achieved in the test to the density of
same concrete when it is fully compacted.
Its maximum answer is 1 but practically it is
lesser than 1.
b. RELATION BETWEEN
WORKABILITY AND COMPACTING
FACTOR
Workability Compacting Factor Slump (mm)
Very low 0.78 0-25
Low 0.85 25-50
Medium 0.92 50-100
High 0.95 100-175
Note: More is the compacting factor more will be the workability.
Procedure:
First the concrete is placed gently at the upper hopper so that no work is done on concrete to produce
compaction. The bottom door of the upper hopper is then released and the concrete falls into the lower
hopper. The bottom door of the lower hopper is then released and the concrete fails to the cylinder.
Excess concrete is then removed from the cylinder.

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The density of concrete in now calculated and this density divided by the density of fully comp concrete
a known as compacting factor.
More as the compacting factor more will be the workability.
Observations:
Weight of empty cylinder (W):
Weight of cylinder + partially compacted concrete (W):
Weight of fully compacted concrete (W)
Compacting factor = W₁-W₁/W3-W1X100
OR
Partially Compacted Density = Pc= W/V=______________ = kg/m3
Fully Compacted Density=PFC=W/V=___________________= kg/m³
Comp active Factor= PPC/PFC=_________________________=

Comments:

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 Reinforced Concrete-I Lab Manual

Week 11: Comparison of Cylinder and Cube Concrete Specimens for

Compression.
Standard: ASTM C 39 (Only for cylinders)

Scope & significance:

The purpose is to determine the compressive strength of cylindrical specimens, either molded or
drilled cores. The method is limited to concrete having a density of at least 800 kg/m3 (50 lb/ft3). The
28-day compressive strength (fc) of molded cylinders is normally used in design.

Apparatus:
 Universal Testing Machine
 Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
 Cubical Concrete Specimens

Procedure:

Preparation of cylindrical specimens.

 Prepare and cure the specimens in accordance with ASTM Designation: C 192.
 Perform air content, slump, and penetration tests on the fresh concrete prior to casting
 The specimens in accordance with ASTM Designations: C 143, C231, and C 360. Fill the
cylinders with three lifts of freshly mixed concrete, tamping each lift 25 times with the
camping rod. Also tap each lift lightly with a mallet 10 to 15 times. Strike off the excess
concrete with the tamping rod and finish to a smooth surface with s steel trowel.
 It is recommended that specimens be prepared and tested in groups of tree.

Curing of the concrete specimens.

 Allow the specimens to set for about 24 hours at normal room temperature, with the top surface
covered to prevent loss of moisture.
 Strip the mold from the specimens and place in the curing facility until ready for testing.

Compression testing procedure

 Remove the specimen from the curing facility just prior to testing. Specimens shall be tested
while still in a moist condition.
 Measure the diameter of the specimen, determined at night angles to each other about mid-
height of the specimen. Average the two values to the nearest 0.25 mm (0.01 in.).
 Center the capped specimens in the testing machine and load them.
 Load to failure.
 Record the ultimate load, the angle of fracture, and any other pertinent aspects of failure such
as voids.

Use the same procedure for testing cubes.

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Curve showing the rate of strength (Strength Vs Days) of the cylinders and cubes

Comments:

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 Reinforced Concrete-I Lab Manual

Week 12: Study of Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beams.

Scope & significance:

 In this test, four model beams are constructed. One beam is designed to show under-reinforced failure,
one is designed to show over-reinforced flexural failure, one is a doubly reinforced beam, while another
one is having no shear reinforcement.
 It is desired to compare the theoretical load carrying capacity of each beam with the practical value.
 The type of failure and the resulting ductility are to be observed.
 The behavior is also compared based on the load deflection curves.

Apparatus:

 Universal Testing Machine

 Supporting Beam and Roller/hinge supports
 Third point loading arrangement

Procedure:

 Preparation: Make the specimens in accordance with the concrete batch procedure. Test the concrete
for slump and air content. Fill the beam forms with three lifts of concrete, tamping each lift 25 times
with the 16 mm (5/8 in.) tamping rod or fill the form in one lift and consolidate the concrete with a
mechanical vibrating table. Be careful not to over vibrate since that would cause segregation
 Curing: Allow the specimens to remain in the steel forms with the top properly covered for about 24
hours at normal room temperature. Strip the forms and place the specimens in the curing facility until
ready for testing
 Testing: Remove the specimens from the curing facility and mark the beam where it will be in contact
with the supports and at the opposite side where it will be in contact with the third-point loading.
Remember that none of these contact points should be on the top or hand-finished surface of the
specimen. In other words, the beam should be tested 90° to its casting position.
 Record the ultimate load, the exact location of fracture, and the type of failure.

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Observations & Calculations:

Load
Load Practical Percentage
Sr. No Type of beam Theoretical
(KN) Difference
(KN)
1

Explain the mode of failure for each beam in space below.

Comments:

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 Reinforced Concrete-I Lab Manual

Week 13: Determination of Splitting Tensile Strength of Concrete.

Standard: ASTM C 496/C 496 M-04

Scope & significance:

This test method is used for the determination of the splitting tensile strength of cylindrical concrete
specimens. Splitting tensile strength is helpful for the following purposes;
Splitting tensile strength is generally greater than the direct tensile strength and lower than the flexural
strength (modulus of rupture).
Splitting tensile strength is used in the design of structural lightweight concrete members to evaluate
the shear resistance provided by concrete and to determine the development length of the reinforcement.

T=2P/ πLd

where,
T = Splitting tensile strength (to be reported in 0.05 MPa multiples)
P = Applied load
= length of the specimen (mm) d = Diameter of the specimen mm)

Apparatus:

Testing Machine

Supplementary Bearing Bar Or Plates (If the diameter or the largest dimension of the upper bearing face
or the lower bearing block is less than the length of the cylinder to be tested, a supplementary bearing
bar or plate of machined steel shall be used. The bar or plate shall be manner that the load will be applied
over the specimen.)

Bearing Strips (Two bearing strips of nominal 1 / 8 in [3.2 mm] thick plywood, free of imperfections,
approximately 1 in. [25 mm] wide, and of a length equal to, or slightly longer than, that of the specimen
shall be provided for each specimen. The bearing strips shall be placed between the specimen and both
the upper and lower bearing blocks of the testing machine or between the specimen and supplemental
bars or plates, when used (see 5.2). Bearing strips shall not be reused.)

Test specifications:

Size of the specimen

The specimen is a cylinder of 150mm diameter and 300mm height.
d=150mm

Standard

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Determine the diameter to the nearest 0.25mm by averaging the three diameters. Determine the length
to the nearest 2mm by averaging at least two lengths.
Size of bearing strips.
According to ASTM specifications, the bearing strips should be 3.2mm thick and 25mm.
There is no restriction on their length.

Rate of loading
The rate of loading should be such that a stress of 0.7 — 1.4 MPa/min is produced.

Procedure:
This test method consists of applying a diametrical force along the length of a cylinder• concrete at a
rate that is within a prescribed range until failure. This loading induces tensile stressed on the plane
containing the applied load and relatively high compressive stresses in the area immediately around the
applied load.

Although we are applying a compressive load but due to Poisson's effect, tension is produced and the
specimen fails in tension. Tensile failure occurs rather than compressive failure because the areas of
load application are in a state of tri axial compression, thereby allowing them to withstand much higher
compressive stresses than would be indicated by a uniaxial compressive strength test result.

Thin plywood bearing strips are used to distribute the load applied along the length of the cylinder. The
maximum load sustained by the specimen is divided by appropriate geometrical factors to obtain the
splitting tensile strength.

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 Reinforced Concrete-I Lab Manual

Observation and Calculations

Calculate the splitting tensile strength of the specimen as follows:
T=2P/ πLd
where:
T = splitting tensile strength, (psi or MPa),
P = maximum applied load indicated by the testing machine, (lbf or N),
I = length, (in. or mm), and d = diameter, (in. or mm).

Dia of Length of Splitting Tensile

Max. Applied Load Strength Mean
Sr.# Specimen Specimen
(Tons) (N) (mm) (mm) (MPa) (MPa)
1
2
3
4
5
6

Comments:

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 Reinforced Concrete-I Lab Manual

Week 14: Determination of Tensile Strength of Concrete by Double Punch Test

Apparatus:
• Testing Machine.

• Testing Samples

• Punches (2 in number, to be placed at the top and bottom of the sample)

Test specifications:
Size of the specimen Q
The specimen is a cylinder of 150mm diameter and 150mm height.
D =150mm 2a

Q 150mm
H 2b

25
Specimen

Procedure: Q
 It is an indirect method in which we determine the tensile strength of concrete based on the
theory of perfect plasticity.
 In this test a concrete cylinder is placed vertically between the loading platens of the machine
and is compressed by two steel punches placed parallel to the top and bottom end surfaces.
 The sample splits across many vertical diametrical planes radiating from central axis.
 Samples should be placed under wet conditions for 24 hours and later on in a curing tank for
28 days.

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Observation and Calculation

The tensile strength can be computed as;
F1= Q/ [∏ (1.2 b H-a2)]
Where, Q = Crushing Load

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Week 15: Determination of Modulus of Rupture of Concrete

Standard: ASTM C 78 – 02

Scope & significance

 This test method is used to determine the flexural strength of specimens prepared and cured in
accordance with the specifications. Results are calculated and reported as the modulus of
rupture.
 The strength determined will vary where there are differences in specimen size, preparation,
moisture condition, curing, or where the beam has been molded or swayed to size
 The results of this test method may be used to determine compliance with specifications or as
a basis for proportioning, mixing and placement operations. It is used in testing concrete for
the construction of slabs and pavements.
 The modulus of rupture is also used as an indirect measure of the tensile strength of concrete.

Apparatus:

 Universal Testing Machine

 Supporting Beam and Roller/hinge supports
 Third point loading arrangement

Background Theory:
In a flexural test on plain concrete specimen, the maximum tensile stress reached in the bottom fiber
of a standard size test beam under a predefined loading type is known as modulus of Rupture. The
value for the modulus of rupture depends upon the dimensions of the beam and the loading
arrangement besides the concrete strength. To calculate a comparable value of the tensile strength, the
first two parameters are made constant by using a standard test specimen and using a fixed loading
arrangement. According to BS 1881, the preferred size of beam for all types of concretes are
150x150x750mm. For size of aggregate lesser than 25mm, 100x100x510mm prisms may also be used.
According to these specifications, the rate of loading should be between 0.02 and 0.1v MP/sec, the
smaller value is to be used for low strength concretes. However, ASTM C 78 specifies the size of
prism as 150x150x510mm and the rate of loading to be between 0.014 and 0.020 MPa/sec. The
standard loading consists of symmetrical two-point loading (at the third points of the span), as shown
in the accompanying figure. The advantage of this loading is that a constant bending moment with
zero shear force is obtained in middle one-third of the beam. The cracking is generally expected in
this central portion of the span. Once the first crack appears, the specimen completely fails as no steel
is provided to take care of tensile stresses.
The flexural stress in the required rate of loading =

[ (0.02x100x1002 ) / (3x135)] x (60/9.81)

=300 kg/min.

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Procedure:
Preparation: Make the specimens in accordance with the concrete batch procedure. Test the concrete
for slump and air content. Fill the beam forms with three lifts of concrete, tamping each Lift 25 times
with the 16 mm (5/8 in.) tamping rod or fill the form in one lift and consolidate the concrete with a
mechanical vibrating table. Be careful not to over vibrate since that would cause segregation.

Curing: Allow the specimens to remain in the steel forms with the top properly covered for about 24
hours at normal room temperature. Strip the forms and place the specimens in the curing facility until
ready for testing.
Testing: Remove the specimens from the curing facility and mark the beam where it will be in contact
with the supports and.at the opposite side where it will be in contact with the third-point loading.
Remember that none of these contact points should be on the top or hand-finished surface of the
specimen. In other words, the beam should be tested 90° to its casting position. Record the ultimate
load, the exact location of fracture, and the type of failure.

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Observation and Calculation

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