ENGINEERING

MATERIALS 2.
5/1/2022

LABORATORY REPORT ON TESTS

PERFORMED.

NANCY WANJIRU NYAGA

BTCE/0148/2021
Experiment No: 1

Title: Determination of Workability of Fresh Concrete using Slump test

Theory:

The word ―workability or workable concrete signifies much wider and deeper meaning than
the other terminology ―consistency often used loosely for workability. Consistency is a
general term to indicate the degree of fluidity or the degree of mobility. The factors helping
concrete to have more lubricating effect to reduce internal friction for helping easy
compaction are given below: (a) Water Content (b) Mix Proportions (c) Size of Aggregates
(d) Shape of Aggregates (e) Surface Texture of Aggregate (f) Grading of Aggregate (g) Use
of Admixtures.

Measurement of Workability

The following tests are commonly employed to measure workability (a) Slump Test (b)
Compacting Factor Test (c) Flow Test (d) Kelly Ball Test (e) Vee Bee Consistometer Test.

Slump Test: Slump test is the most commonly used method of measuring consistency of
concrete which can be employed either in laboratory or at site of work. It is not a suitable
method for very wet or very dry concrete. It does not measure all factors contributing to
workability, nor is it always representative of the placability of the concrete.

The pattern of slump is shown in Fig 1. It indicates the characteristic of concrete in addition
to the slump value. If the concrete slumps evenly it is called true slump. If one half of the
cone slides down, it is called shear slump. In case of a shear slump, the slump value is
measured as the difference in height between the height of the mould and the average value
of the subsidence.

Apparatus:

The Slump Cone apparatus for conducting the slump test essentially consists of a metallic
mould in the form of a frustum of a cone having the internal dimensions as under:

Bottom diameter : 20 cm, Top diameter : 10 cm, Height : 30 cm and the thickness of the
metallic sheet for the mould should not be thinner than 1.6 mm Weights and weighing device,
Tamper ( 16 mm in diameter and 600 mm length), Ruler, Tools and containers for mixing, or
concrete mixer etc.

1
Procedure

1. Dampen the mold and place it on a flat, moist, non-absorbent (rigid) surface. It shall be
held firmly in place during filling by the operator standing on the two foot pieces.
Immediately fill the mold in three layers, each approximately one third the volume of the
mold.

2. Rod each layer with 25 strokes of the tamping rod. Uniformly distribute the strokes over
the cross section of each layer.

3. In filling and rodding the top layer, heap the concrete above the mold before rodding start.
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 time.

4. After the top layer has been rode, strike off the surface of the concrete by means of
screeding and rolling motion of the tamping rod.

5. Remove the mold immediately from the concrete by raising it carefully in the vertical
direction. Raise the mold a distance of 300 mm in 5 ± 2 sec by a steady upward lift with no
lateral or torsional motion.

6. Immediately measure the slump by determining the vertical difference between top of the
mold and the displaced original center of the top surface of the specimen. Complete the entire
test from the start of the filling through removal of the mold without interruption and
complete it within 2½ min.

7. If a decided falling away or 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 a falling away or shearing off of a portion of
concrete from the mass of specimen, the concrete lacks necessary plasticity and cohesiveness
for the slump test to be applicable.

8. After completion of the test, the sample may be used for casting of the specimens for the
future testing.

2
Figure 1

Observation

1. The vertical difference between top of the mold and the displaced original center of
the top surface of the specimen 130mm.
2. The pattern of slump shown is Shear Slump.

Conclusion / Result:

The slump pattern indicates that concrete is not acceptable due to lack of cohesion.

3
Experiment No: 2

Title: Determination of Workability of Fresh Concrete using Compaction Factor test

Theory

Compacting Factor Test: The compacting factor test is designed primarily for use in the
laboratory but it can also be used in the field. It is more precise and sensitive than the slump
test and is particularly useful for concrete mixes of very low workability as are normally used
when concrete is to be compacted by vibration. The method applies to plain and air-entrained
concrete, made with lightweight, normal weight or heavy aggregates having a nominal
maximum size of 40 mm or less but not to aerated concrete or no-fines concrete.

Apparatus

Compacting Factor Apparatus; Trowel, Scoop about 150 mm long., Balance capable of
weighing up to 25 kg with the sensibility of 10 g. Weights and weighing device, Tamper ( 16
mm in diameter and 600 mm length), Ruler, Tools and containers for mixing, or concrete
mixer etc.

Procedure

1. The internal surface of the hoppers and cylinder shall be thoroughly clean and free from
superfluous moisture and any set of concrete commencing the test.

2. The sample of concrete to be tested shall be placed gently in the upper hopper using the
scoop. The trap door shall be opened immediately after filling or approximately 6 min after
water is added so that the concrete falls into the lower hopper. During this process the
cylinder shall be covered.

3. Immediately after the concrete has come to the rest the cylinder shall be uncovered, the
trap door of the lower hopper opened and the concrete allowed falling into the cylinder.

4. For some mixes, they have a tendency to stick in one or both of the hoppers. If this occurs
the concrete shall be helped through by pushing the tamping rod gently into the concrete from
the top.

5. The excess of concrete remaining above the level of the top of the cylinder shall then be
cut off by holding a trowel in each hand, with the plane of the blades horizontal, and moving

4
them simultaneously one from each side across the top of the cylinder, at the same time
keeping them pressed on the top edge of the cylinder. The outside of the cylinder shall then
be wiped clean. This entire process shall be carried out at a place free from vibration or
shock.

6. Determine the weight of concrete to the nearest 10 g. This is known as "weight of partially
compacted concrete", Wp.

7. Refill the cylinder with concrete from the same sample in layers approximately 50 mm
depth. The layers are being heavily rammed with the compacting rod to obtain full
compaction. The top surface of the fully compacted concrete shall be carefully struck off and
finished level with the top of the cylinder. Clean up the outside of the cylinder.

8. Determine the weight of concrete to the nearest 10 g. This is known as "weight of fully
compacted concrete", Wf.

9. The compacting factor, Fc can be calculated as follows:

Weight of partially compacted concrete

The compacting factor = Wp / Wr
Weight of fully compacted concrete

5
Observation

The compacting factor is defined as the ratio of the weight of partially compacted concrete
to the weight of fully compacted concrete. It shall normally be stated to the nearest second
decimal place.

Sr. No. Description Sample 1

1 Weight of Empty Cylinder (W1) 5.76Kg
2 Weight of cylinder + Free Fall Concrete (W2) 18.1Kg
3 Weight of cylinder + Hand Compacted Concrete (W3) 19.1Kg
4 Weight of Partially Compacted Concrete (Wp =W2- W1) 12.34Kg
5 Weight of Fully Compacted Concrete (Wf =W3- W1) 13.34Kg
6 The Compacting Factor = Wp/Wf 0.93

Calculation

Weight of partially Compacted Concrete = 18.1Kg – 5.76Kg

= 12.34Kg

Weight of partially Compacted Concrete = 19.1Kg – 5.76Kg

= 13.34Kg

12.34 Kg
The compacting factor =
13.34 Kg

= 0.93

Conclusion

This test is particularly useful for dryer mixes for which the slump test is not
satisfactory. The sensitivity of the compaction factor is reduced outside the normal range
of workability and is generally unsatisfactory for compacting factor greater than 0.92.

6
Experiment No.: 3

Title: Particle size distribution of course aggregates

Objective: To determine the particle size distribution of course aggregates by sieving.

Theory:

Grading refers to the determination of the particle-size distribution for aggregate. Grading
limits and maximum aggregate size are specified because grading and size affect the amount
of aggregate used as well as cement and water requirements, workability, pump ability, and
durability of concrete. In general, if the water-cement ratio is chosen correctly, a wide range
in grading can be used without a major effect on strength. When gap-graded aggregate are
specified, certain particle sizes of aggregate are omitted from the size continuum. Gap-graded
aggregate are used to obtain uniform textures in exposed aggregate concrete. Close control of
mix proportions is necessary to avoid segregation.

Apparatus:

Test Sieves conforming to IS : 460-1962 Specification of 37.5 mm, 28 mm, 20 mm, 14 mm,
10 mm, 5mm, Balance, Gauging Trowel, Stop Watch, etc.

Procedure

1. The sample shall be brought to an air-dry condition before weighing and sieving. This may
be achieved either by drying at room temperature or by heating at a temperature of 100l to
110°C. The air-dry sample shall be weighed and sieved successively on the appropriate sieves
starting with the largest. Care shall be taken to ensure that the sieves are clean before use.

2. Each sieve shall be shaken separately over a clean tray until not more than a trace passes,
but in any case for a period of not less than two minutes. The shaking shall be done with a
varied motion, backward sand forwards, left to right, circular clockwise and anti-clockwise,
and with frequent jarring, so that the material is kept moving over the sieve surface in
frequently changing directions.

3. Material shall not be forced through the sieve by hand pressure. Lumps of fine material, if
present, may be broken by gentle pressure with fingers against the side of the sieve.

7
4. On completion of sieving, the material retained on each sieve, together with any material
cleaned from the mesh, shall be weighed.

Table 1

BS Weight Percentage Weight Percentage Cumulativ

SIEVE retained weight passing weight e
(mm) on sieve retained on sieve passing percentage
(g) (%) (g) (%) passing
(%)
37.5 00 00 1385 100 100
28 20 1 1365 99 99
20 181 13 1184 85 86
14 510 37 674 49 49
10 410 30 264 19 19
5 255 18 9 1 1
Pan 09 1 0 0 0
Total 1385
Mass
Percentage Weight Passing Percentage Weight Retained

1385 20
× 100 = 100 × 100 = 1
1385 1385

1365 181
× 100 = 99 × 100 = 13
1385 1385

1184 510
× 100 = 85 × 100 = 37
1385 1385

674 410
× 100 = 49 × 100 = 30
1385 1385

264 255
× 100 = 19 × 100 = 18
1385 1385

9 9
× 100 = 1 × 100 = 1
1385 1385

8
 PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION CURVE
120

100

80

60

40

20

0
0.01 0.1 1 10

Conclusion/Result:

The nominal maximum size of the aggregate sample is 14.0mm because it has the highest
percentage weight retained.

Experiment No.: 4

Title: Determine Compressive Strength of Cubic Concrete Specimens

Theory

Age at Test - Tests shall be made at recognized ages of the test specimens, the most usual
being 7 and 28 days. Where it may be necessary to obtain the early strengths, tests may be
made at the ages of 24 hours ± ½ hour and 72 hours ± 2 hours. The ages shall be calculated
from the time of the addition of water to the dry ingredients.

Number of Specimens - At least three specimens, preferably from different batches, shall be
made for testing at each selected age.

Apparatus

Testing Machine - The testing machine may be of any reliable type, of sufficient capacity for
the tests and capable of applying the load at the rate specified in 5.5. The permissible error
shall be not greater than ± 2 percent of the maximum load.

9
Cube Moulds - The mould shall be of 150 mm size conforming to IS: 10086-1982.

Procedure

1. Sampling of Materials - Samples of aggregates for each batch of concrete shall be of the
desired grading and shall be in an air-dried condition. The cement samples, on arrival at the
laboratory, shall be thoroughly mixed dry either by hand or in a suitable mixer in such a
manner as to ensure the greatest possible blending and uniformity in the material.

2. Proportioning - The proportions of the materials, including water, in concrete mixes used
for determining the suitability of the materials available, shall be similar in all respect to
those to be employed in the work.

3. Weighing - The quantities of cement, each size of aggregate, and water for each batch
shall be determined by weight, to an accuracy of 0.1 percent of the total weight of the batch.

4. Mixing Concrete - The concrete shall be mixed by hand, or preferably, in a laboratory

batch mixer, in such a manner as to avoid loss of water or other materials. Each batch of
concrete shall be of such a size as to leave about 10 percent excess after moulding the desired
number of test specimens.

5. Mould - Test specimens cubical in shape shall be 15 × 15 × 15 cm. If the largest nominal
size of the aggregate does not exceed 2 cm, 10 cm cubes may be used as an alternative.
Cylindrical test specimens shall have a length equal to twice the diameter.

6. Compacting - The test specimens shall be made as soon as practicable after mixing, and in
such a way as to produce full compaction of the concrete with neither segregation nor
excessive laitance.

7. Curing - The test specimens shall be stored in a place, free from vibration, in Page 43 of
43 moist air of at least 90 percent relative humidity and at a temperature of 27° ± 2°C for 24
hours ± ½ hour from the time of addition of water to the dry ingredients.

8. Placing the Specimen in the Testing Machine - The bearing surfaces of the testing
machine shall be wiped clean and any loose sand or other material removed from the surfaces
of the specimen which are to be in contact with the compression platens.

9. In the case of cubes, the specimen shall be placed in the machine in such a manner that the
load shall be applied to opposite sides of the cubes as cast, that is, not to the top and bottom.

10
10. The axis of the specimen shall be carefully aligned with the centre of thrust of the
spherically seated platen. No packing shall be used between the faces of the test specimen
and the steel platen of the testing machine.

11. The load shall be applied without shock and increased continuously at a rate of
approximately 140 kg/sq cm/min until the resistance of the specimen to the increasing load
breaks down and no greater load can be sustained.

12. The maximum load applied to the specimen shall then be recorded and the appearance of
the concrete and any unusual features in the type of failure shall be noted.

Observation

The measured compressive strength of the cubes shall be calculated by dividing the
maximum load applied to the cubes during the test by the cross-sectional area, calculated
from the mean dimensions of the section and shall be expressed to the nearest 0.5 N/mm2.

Calculation

Maximum load applied = 460.5KN

Cross-sectional area of the cubes = (150x150) =22500mm2

460.5 ×10 00 N
Compressive strength =
22500 mm 2

11
 = 20.50 N/mm2

Conclusion

This indicates that the concrete strength has failed and therefore not suitable for
constructions.

12