Concrete

Technology
CIVL 222
Lab 2 - Properties and
Testing of Hardened
Concrete
Curing

• To achieve 28-day strength sooner the ideal

conditions are:

◦ 100% relative humidity

◦ 21ºC temperature

◦ Wet and warm

◦ Practical curing time = 7 days

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Compressive Strength Gain Chart

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28 Day Strength vs W/C Ratio

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28 Day Strength vs W/C Ratio

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Hardened Density

• Hardened Density is the actual density of the

concrete sample once it has cured.
• It is measured by first determining the
Relative Density (RD) of the concrete.
• RD is defined as the ratio of the density of a
substance in relation to a reference material
which is typically water.

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Hardened Density

• The formula for Hardened Density is shown

below.
• Hard. Den. = MassAir * DensityWater
MassAir – MassWater

• The first portion of the formula is the RD

which is dimensionless as it is mass/mass.
• The density of water is approximately 1000
kg/m3.

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Hardened Density Measurement

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Compressive Strength

• Pushing force concrete can withstand

• Measured in MPa (Megapascals)

• Measured at 28 days per CSA A23.1

• 1 MPa = 1 N/mm2

• Avg. person exerts 700-800 N on floor

• Increases rapidly after mixing

• Slows down over time

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Compressive Strength

• 75% - 80% of 28 day strength @ 7 days

depending on concrete mix design

Common Compressive strengths:

• 20 MPa – House Foundation
• 30 MPa – Structural Concrete
(Columns, Beams)
• 50 MPa – High-rise Construction

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

 Compressive Strength Example

Compressive Strength (Fc) = Force / Area

300 kN
Force = 300 KN
= 300 KN*1000 N/KN = 300000 N
Area = 100 mm*100 mm = 10000 mm2
Fc = 300000/10000 = 30 N/mm2 = 30 MPa

Remember: 1 MPa = 1 N/mm2

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Lab Procedure

• Measure the diameters of the 4 cylinders that

were cast last week. Take 2 measurements at
the center of each cylinder.
• Measure the mass in air and the mass in
water for the 4 cylinders to calculate the
Hardened Density.
• Load all the cylinders in the hydraulic
Universal Testing Machine until the ultimate
load for each sample is determined in KPa.
• Then calculate the compressive strength for
each cylinder (7 Day and 28 Day)
© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Concrete Cylinder Failure

Source: www.concreteanswers.org

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Canadian Standards

• CSA Standard Practices for Concrete

Materials and Testing are:
◦ CAN/CSA A23.1-09
▪ Concrete Materials and Methods of Concrete
Construction
◦ CAN/CSA A23.2-09
▪ Methods of Test for Concrete

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

References

Kosmatka, S. H., Kerkhoff, B., Hooton, R. D., & McGrath,

R. J. (2011). Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures
(8th ed.). Ottawa: Cement Association of Canada.

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Lab 3 Sieve Analysis of
Fine & Coarse Aggregate
Lab Procedure

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Grading of Aggregate

Grading is the particle-size distribution of an

aggregate as determined by a sieve analysis
using wire mesh sieves with square openings
(CSA A23.2-2A)

Fine Aggregates (F.A.) use sieves with openings

from 160 m to 10 mm. Max size in the Concrete
lab is 5 mm.

Coarse Aggregates (C.A.) use sieves with

openings from 1.25 mm to 112 mm. Max size in
the Concrete Lab is 28 mm.

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Lab Procedure Fine Aggregate

Weigh approximately 5.0 kg of Sand on scale.

Use Splitter box to split sample 3 times to
approximately 500-800 grams. Weigh this
sample and record as Initial Weight.
Place material into the top of sieve and lock in
place on smaller shaker located on table.
Shake material for 5 minutes.
After shaking, record the mass retained on
each sieve, ensuring to brush material if
required.

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Fine Aggregate Sieve

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Fine Aggregate Shaker

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Lab Procedure Coarse Aggregate

Weigh approximately 15.0 kg of 5-14mm on

scale.
Use Splitter box to split sample 2 times to
approximately 3.5-4.0 kg. Weigh this sample
and record as Initial Weight.
Place material into the larger floor mounted
shaker. Ensure to lock trays into place. Shake
material for 5 minutes.
After shaking, record the mass retained on
each sieve, ensuring to brush material if
required.
© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Coarse Aggregate Sieve

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Lab Procedure Coarse Aggregate

Weigh approximately 20.0 kg of 14-28mm on

scale.
Use Splitter box to split sample 2 times to
approximately 5 kg. Weigh this sample and
record as Initial Weight.
Place material into the larger floor mounted
shaker. Ensure to lock trays into place. Shake
material for 5 minutes.
After shaking, record the mass retained on
each sieve, ensuring to brush material if
required.
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Safety

Put safety boots & safety glasses on.

Feel free to use dust masks.
Put ear plugs on when you turn on gravel
shakers.

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House Keeping

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House Keepings

aggregates back in the crate that you got it

from.
When putting the sieves back in the shakers
make sure the labels face outward
Clean up after you are done
No aggregates in the shaker room
No aggregates on the tables
Clean up the sieves
Put brushes, splitter boxes, and sieves
back on the tables
© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Analysis & Calculations

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Sieve Analysis

Example 1: Using the

data, calculate and
present sieve analysis
data:
Initial sample mass =
462.6 g

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Sieve Analysis
The results are entered into the table and the
cumulative percentages passing is calculated. Is
the total reasonably close to what we started with?

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Sieve Analysis

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Sieve Analysis

Calculate the cumulative percentages retained

and passing for each sieve size.
This is done by calculating the percentages of
aggregate larger or smaller than each sieve size.
For example, since 2.2% is retained on the 5 mm
sieve 2.2% of the aggregate is larger than 5 mm
and 97.8% is smaller than 5 mm.
These are referred to as the cumulative
percentages and are entered in the next two
columns of the table:

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Sieve Analysis

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Sieve Analysis

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Sieve Analysis

Large size Small size

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Sieve Analysis

The fineness modulus of the sand is calculated

by adding the cumulative percentages retained
and on the standard sieves and dividing by 100.

It is a quantitative measure and is used in

concrete mix design when selecting the amount
of coarse aggregate.

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Sieve Analysis

A number is allocated which ranges from 2.3

(very fine) to 3.2 (very coarse).
Note that the pan value of 100% is not included!
The value should be in the range 2.3 to 3.2.

Fineness Modulus percentages / 100

= 292.6/100 = 2.93

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Sieve Analysis

The percentages passing (cumulative) are

compared to standard CSA grading limits as given
in A23.1 Table 10

The percentages may be compared by inspection in

the table above but the preferred method is to
present and compare the results graphically.
© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Sieve Analysis

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Grading limits for FA

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Grading limits for CA

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Canadian Standards

CSA Standard Practices for Concrete

Materials and Testing are:
CAN/CSA A23.1-09
Concrete Materials and Methods of Concrete
Construction
CAN/CSA A23.2-09
Methods of Test for Concrete

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

References

Kosmatka, S. H., Kerkhoff, B., Hooton, R. D., & McGrath,

R. J. (2011). Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures
(8th ed.). Ottawa: Cement Association of Canada.

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Concrete
Technology
CIVL 222
Lab 4 – Organic Impurities,
Moisture Contents, < 80 μm
Material & Bulk Densities
In today’s lab we do the following 4 tests
on aggregates:

1- Organic impurities

2- Moisture content

3- Finer than 80 μm material

4- Bulk density

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Part 1 - Organic Impurities

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

 Part 1 - Organic Impurities
• Standard Procedure:
CSA-A23.2-7A : Test for Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregates for Concrete

• Obtain a sample of fine aggregate and place in small pan.

• Fill a 300 mL glass medicine bottle to the 130 mL mark.

• Using gloves, add 3% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to the

bottle up to the 200 mL mark. Shake the mixture to ensure
through mixing.

• Label the bottle with group name, and let the sample
stand for 24 hours. After 24 hours, return and record the
liquid colour which is nearest in colour to that shown on the
filter. © 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Part 1 - Organic Impurities
You should come back tomorrow to record the color

Color Bar Label with your group name

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Part 1 - Safety

• Put on safety glasses & gloves when pouring sodium

hydroxide

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Part 2 – Moisture Content

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

 Part 2 - Moisture Content
• Standard Procedure
CSA-A23.2-11A : Moisture Content of Aggregates for Concrete

• Moisture content is the measure of the quantity of water in

a material such as aggregate and is calculated as
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑤𝑒𝑡 − 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑑𝑟𝑦
𝑚𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡(%) = × 100
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑑𝑟𝑦

• Place approximately 500 to 600 g of sand and 1000 g of 5-

14 mm coarse aggregate in the pan. Ensure to record the
mass of pan prior to weighing material.

• Heat the sample on the Bunsen burner until the mass

remains almost constant. This will take 10-15 minutes.
© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Part 2 - Moisture Content
Repeat this process for fine aggregate (<5 mm) and
5-14 mm coarse aggregate

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Part 2 - Safety

• Put oven mitts on when working with the heater and

hot pans

• Be careful to not the burn the plastic hose when

working with the burner

• Put wooden board on the scale to prevent contact

with the hot pan

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Part 3 – Finer than 80 μm Material

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Part 3 – Finer Than 80 μm Material

• Standard Procedure:
CSA-A23.2-5A: Amount of Material Finer Than 80 Micron (um) in Aggregate

• The material passing an 80 µm sieve cannot be

evaluated by dry sieving since very fine particles
tend to stick to coarser particles (coatings), to
the sieves and to themselves (clay lumps).

• Water is required to disperse very fine particles.

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Part 3 – Finer Than 80 μm Material

• Using the dried sand and 5-14 mm samples (from part

2), fill pans half-full with water and stir to agitate and
suspend the fines.

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Part 3 – Finer Than 80 μm Material

• Slowly pour water through 80 micron sieve which is

placed in the sink. Repeatedly wash and sieve until
water is clear.

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Part 3 – Finer Than 80 μm Material

• Wash the sieve under the tap, and transfer any

retained material back to the pan.

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Part 3 – Finer Than 80 μm Material

• Put group name on samples and place in oven.

You should come back tomorrow (24 hours) to record the dry mass

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Part 4 – Bulk Density

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Part 4 - Bulk Density

• Bulk Density (BD) is based on the bulk volume of

aggregate in a container, which includes the spaces
between the particles.

• The bulk density of coarse aggregate is used in

concrete mix design.

• The 50:50 blend has a higher bulk density since the

grading is more continuous and the void content is
lower.

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Part 4 - Bulk Density

• Obtain one sample of 5-14 mm, 14-28 mm,

and 50:50 blended aggregate.
• Ensure to use the 14.15 litre bucket and
weigh the bucket empty prior to filling.
• Place each of the aggregate samples to the
very top of the bucket in three equal layers.
Ensure to rod each layer 25 times before
placing the next layer.
• Record the mass of each aggregate and
determine the bulk density of each sample.

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

 Part 4 - Bulk Density

1- Filling the bucket 2- rodding 3- weighing

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Housekeeping

• Ensure that working area is clean before you

leave
• Place every thing back to where you got them
from
• Sweep floors

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Canadian Standards

• CSA Standard Practices for Concrete

Materials and Testing are:
◦ CAN/CSA A23.1-09
▪ Concrete Materials and Methods of Concrete
Construction
◦ CAN/CSA A23.2-09
▪ Methods of Test for Concrete

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

References

Kosmatka, S. H., Kerkhoff, B., Hooton, R. D., & McGrath,

R. J. (2011). Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures
(8th ed.). Ottawa: Cement Association of Canada.

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

 Support Slides

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Part 1 - Organic Impurities

• Standard Procedure:
CAN/CSA-A23.2-7A: Test for Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregates for Concrete

• A standard solution of sodium hydroxide

(caustic soda) is allowed to react with a
sample of sand for 24 hours.
• The colour intensity of the liquid is compared
to standard values.
• Based on colour intensity from light to dark,
the sample may be classified from Colour No.
1 to Colour No. 5.

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Part 1 – Organic Impurities

• A colour number of 3 or lower is acceptable and

indicates low levels of organic material.

• A colour number of 4 or darker indicates higher

levels of organic material, which may or may not
be harmful when used in concrete.
◦ Further testing is required to determine the
effect on strength (test on mortar cubes).
◦ Low strength indicates retardation of hydration
and/or air entrainment.
◦ Dark colours may be caused by the presence
of coal (common in Alberta).

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Part 3 - Finer Than 80 μm Material

• This process applies to fine aggregate (<5 mm) and 5-

14 mm coarse aggregate

• The aggregate sample is agitated with water in a pan to

suspend the fines and the fines are then poured onto
the 80 µm sieve.
◦ This prevents damage to the sieve.
◦ More effective in dispersing the fines.

• CSA specifications limit less than 80 μm material to

<3% for fine aggregate and <1% for coarse aggregate.

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Concrete
Technology
CIVL 222
Lab 5 – Relative Densities
and Absorption of Coarse
Aggregates
Moisture Conditions

Aggregates are porous and tend to absorb water

4 possible states

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Absorption

• The amount of water that aggregates absorb

to change from oven dry to Saturated Surface
Dry (SSD) state

Compare the absorption and moisture content

• Dry aggregates: absorb from the mix

• Wet aggregates: donate to the mix
© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Relative Density

Relative density (specific gravity):

𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑘 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙
𝑅𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 =
𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟

Relative density is an indication of

how dense
the aggregates are relative to water

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Standard procedure

CAN/CSA A23.2-12A: Relative density and

absorption of coarse aggregate

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 Lab Procedure

• Obtain 2 pre-soaked samples of 5-14 mm approximately 1000-1500 g.

• Obtain 2 pre-soaked samples of 14-28 mm approximately 2000-2500 g.

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Lab Procedure

• Zero the balance with the basket attached and determine the
weight of each sample in water (mass C)

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Lab Procedure

• Proceed to towel dry the samples until there is no visible moisture

on aggregate.

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Lab Procedure

• Determine the weight of each sample on the scales (record

weight of the empty pan)

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Lab Procedure

• Heat samples on a Bunsen burner until the sample is completely

dry (has a constant weight). Record this mass (A).

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Lab Calculations

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑆𝑆𝐷−𝑎𝑖𝑟
𝑅𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦𝑆𝑆𝐷 =
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑆𝑆𝐷−𝑎𝑖𝑟 − 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑆𝑆𝐷−𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑆𝑆𝐷−𝑎𝑖𝑟 − 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑑𝑟𝑦
𝐴𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 =
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑑𝑟𝑦

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Theory Slides

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Relative Density Equation

Vertical forces are in balance 𝑊𝑤

Fv = 0 → wa = ww + Fb
𝐹𝑏
wa = ww +  wV
ma
ma g = mw g +  w
D
ma
ma = mw + Dw
D 𝑊𝑎
ma
D= Dw
ma − mw
ma
RD =
ma − mw

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Absorption and Surface Moisture

Saturated Surface Dry (SSD):

• The aggregate is completely saturated inside,
but there is no moisture on the surface.

• Not a natural state; a reference state used to

determine:
◦ how much air-dry aggregates would absorb
from the mix water or
◦ how much wet aggregates would donate.

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Absorption and Surface Moisture

• During production of concrete it is important to

keep track of aggregate moisture content so
that the correct proportions by mass are used.
• Moisture adjustments may be needed to
maintain the required water/cement ratio.
• If the total mix water is not controlled,
unacceptable variations in strength and
workability can occur.

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Relative Density

Relative density (or specific gravity) is the

density of the rock itself:

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Relative Density

• It has no units since it is mass/mass.

• Its value is the number of times denser the
aggregate is relative to water.
• Typical values range from 2.4 to 2.9.
• The average value is 2.65.
• Rock type (mineralogy) and porosity due to
internal voids influence the value.

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Relative Density

• Density of aggregate can be calculated from

the relative density:
Density = RD x Density of Water

• Density has units that are derived from those

used for water (1000 kg/m3)

Density = 2.65 x 1000 kg/m3 = 2650 kg/m3

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Canadian Standards

• CSA Standard Practices for Concrete

Materials and Testing are:
◦ CAN/CSA A23.1-09
▪ Concrete Materials and Methods of Concrete
Construction
◦ CAN/CSA A23.2-09
▪ Methods of Test for Concrete

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

References

Kosmatka, S. H., Kerkhoff, B., Hooton, R. D., & McGrath,

R. J. (2011). Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures
(8th ed.). Ottawa: Cement Association of Canada.

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Concrete
Technology
CIVL 222
Lab 6 – Relative Densities
and Absorption of Fine
Aggregates
Moisture Conditions

Aggregates are porous and tend to absorb water

4 possible states

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Absorption

• The amount of water that aggregates absorb

to change from oven dry to Saturated Surface
Dry (SSD) state

Compare the absorption and moisture content

• Dry aggregates: absorb from the mix

• Wet aggregates: donate to the mix
© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Relative Density

Relative density (specific gravity):

𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑘 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙
𝑅𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 =
𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟

Relative density is an indication of

how dense
the aggregates are relative to water

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

 Standard Procedure

CAN/CSA A23.2-6A : Relative density and

absorption of fine aggregate

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Summary of the Lab Procedure

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Lab Procedure Dry to SSD with a heat gun

 1200 g

 600 g  600 g

X : mass of SSD sand

A : mass of SSD sand (jar tared)

Y : mass of dry sand

C : mass of SSD sand + water + jar

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

B : mass of water + jar
Lab Calculations

X : mass of SSD sand A : mass of SSD sand (jar tared)

Y : mass of dry sand B : mass of water + jar

C : mass of SSD sand + water + jar

X −Y A
Absorption ( % ) =  100 RD =
Y A+ B −C

Repeat entire procedure for a new sample

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

 Lab Procedure
Sand Absorption

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Lab Procedure – Sand Absorption
• Take approximately 1100-1300 g of wet sand
• In the larger pan, dry the sample to the SSD state by using
a heat gun and continuously stirring the sample
• Switch to cool setting once sand turns colour

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Safety

• Put the oven mitts on and ensure that the heat gun
does not contact skin!

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Lab Procedure – Sand Absorption
• After drying you will get a light brown sand
• To test if you are at SSD state, fill the absorption cone and tamp
the sand 25 times.
• At SSD sand particles roll off the side when pulling up the cone

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Lab Procedure – Sand Absorption
• Split the sample into two
• Weigh the 1st SSD half (mass X), dry it on the Bunsen burner
to a constant mass & weigh it (mass Y)

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

 Lab Procedure
Sand Relative Density

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 Lab Procedure – Sand R.D.

• Zero the balance with the dry pycnometer on

• Use the 2nd half of the SSD sample to fill the pycnometer to
between 1/3-1/2 full & record the mass (mass A)

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Lab Procedure – Sand R.D.

• To avoid leakage, ensure that the O-ring and its contact

points with the jar and the cone are clean

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Lab Procedure – Sand R.D.
• Fill the pycnometer containing the sand to 90% capacity
with water and put the cone + clean O-ring on
• Invert & shake the jar to ensure there is no trapped air

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Lab Procedure – Sand R.D.
• Fill the remaining portion of the pycnometer with
water from tanks under electronic balances
• Top it up with the water bottle & record the mass of
pycnometer, sand, and water (mass C).

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Lab Procedure – Sand R.D.
• Clean up the pycnometer
• Fill the same pycnometer with water from tanks under
electronic balances (it should be at 23℃)

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Lab Procedure – Sand R.D.

• Fill the pycnometer to top & record the mass of the jar filled
with water (mass B)

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Canadian Standards

• CSA Standard Practices for Concrete

Materials and Testing are:
◦ CAN/CSA A23.1-19
▪ Concrete Materials and Methods of Concrete
Construction
◦ CAN/CSA A23.2-19
▪ Methods of Test for Concrete

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

References

Kosmatka, S. H., Kerkhoff, B., Hooton, R. D., & McGrath,

R. J. (2011). Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures
(8th ed.). Ottawa: Cement Association of Canada.

© 2016, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology