Lab Manual

CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY
SPRING-2019

Department of Civil Engineering

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
HAZRATBAL,SRINAGAR-(190006)
 Vision of the Institute

To establish a unique identity of a pioneer technical Institute by developing a high-quality technical

manpower and technological resources that aim at economic and social development of the nation as a
whole and the region in particular keeping in view the global challenges.

Mission of the Institute

M1. To create a strong and transformative technical educational environment in which fresh ideas,
moral principles, research and excellence nurture with international standards.

M2. To prepare technically educated and broadly talented engineers, future innovators and
entrepreneurs, graduates with understanding of the needs and problems of the industry, the
society, the state and the nation.

M3. To inculcate the highest degree of confidence, professionalism, academic excellence and
engineering ethics in budding engineers.
 VISION OF THE DEPARTMENT
To nurture Civil engineers with passion for professional excellence, ready to take global
challenges and to serve the society with high human values.

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT

(1) To provide facilities and infrastructure for academic excellence in the field of Civil engineering.
(2) To inculcate in the student the passion for understanding professionalism, ethics, safety, sustainability
and then actively contribute in the society.
(3) To nurture creativity and encourage innovative solutions to real life challenging problems in
Civil engineering students.
(4) To prepare student for lifelong learning in global perspective.

PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

PEO1: To prepare students to get employment, profession and/or to pursue post-graduation and research
in Civil engineering discipline in particular and allied engineering fields in general.

PEO2: To prepare students to identify and analyse Civil engineering problems in an iterative approach
that involves defining, quantifying, testing and review of the identified problem.

PEO3: To prepare students to plan, organize, schedule, execute and communicate effectively as an
individual, a team member or a leader in multidisciplinary environment.

PEO4: To provide the students, an academic environment that makes them aware of excellence in field
of Civil Engineering and enables them to understand significance of lifelong learning in global
perspective.
Introduction

The behavior and properties of structural materials, e.g. concrete, asphalt and steel can be better understood
by detailed, well-designed, first hand experience with these materials. The students will become familiar
with the nature and properties of these materials by conducting laboratory tests. These tests have been
selected to illustrate the basic properties and methods of testing of cement, aggreg ates, paste, mortar,
concrete, asphalt and steel. Test procedures, sometimes simplified because of time limitation, are mostly
those outlined by the Indian Standards.

Course Objectives

1. To prepare the students to effectively link theory with practice and application and to demonstrate
background of the theoretical aspects.
2. To prepare the students to generate and analyze data using experiments and to apply elements of data
statistics.
3. To prepare the students to have hands on experiments and to have exposure to equipment and machines
4. To prepare the students to solve problems including design elements and related to their course work.
5. To encourage the students to use computers in analyzing the data.
6. To emphasize the knowledge and application of safety regulations.

Student Responsibilities

1. In the very beginning of the laboratory work, the students will be organized into groups. For this reason,
regular attendance is strictly required.
2. Every laboratory session is divided into two parts. In the first part, the instructor will be lecturing on the
test objective, procedure and data collection. In the second part, the students, organized in groups, are
required to conduct the field work. In order to perform the field work within the assigned period, and to gain
the maximum benefit from the field work, the students must familiarize themselves with the purpose,
objective, and procedure of the experiment before coming to the laboratory. Relevant lecture notes and
laboratory manual should be studied carefully and thoroughly.
3. At the end of the test, every group should submit a draft sheet of the data collected for approval by the
instructor.
4. It should be understood that laboratory facilities and instruments are provided to enhance the learning
process and to give first hand experience of surveying.
5. The instruments and tools must be properly cared and cleaned during and after every laboratory
session. Also, students should always take precautions to avoid any possible hazards. Students must
follow laboratory regulations provided at the end of this section.

Laboratory Regulations

1. Make sure that you know the location of Fire Extinguishers, First Aid Kit and Emergency Exits
before you start your experiments.
2. Get First Aid immediately for any injury, no matter how small it is.
3. Do not wear loose dress
4. Always use close shoes (i.e. safety or boots)
5. Do not play with valves, screws and nuts.
 List of experiments as per NIT,Srinagar Curriculum

1. Cement
Normal consistency of cement 1
Determination of setting time of standard cement paste 3
Specific gravity of cement 6
Fineness test of cement by sieve analysis 8
Compressive strength test of hydraulic cement 10
Soundness of cement 13

2. Fresh Concrete
Slump test 15
Compaction factor test 17
Vee-bee consistometer 20

3. Hardened Concrete
Determine compressive strength of cubic concrete specimens 22
Determine flexural strength of concrete specimens 25
Determine splitting tensile strength of cylindrical concrete specimens
29
4. Aggregates
Particle size distribution of fine aggregates 33
Determination of specific gravity of fine aggregate 35
Flakiness index: 37
Elongation index 39
Angularity number test 41
Aggregate impact value test 43
Aggregate crushing value test 46
Aggregate abrasion value test 48

5. Non-destructive testing of concrete

Non-destructive testing of concrete rebound hammer test 51
 Concrete Lab Manual

NORMAL CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT

EXPERIMENT NO. : 1

AIM:
To determine the quantity of water required to produce a cement paste of standard
consistency.

APPARATUS:
 Vicat’s apparatus conforming to IS: 5513-1976
 Weighing Balance
 Gauging Trowel
 Stop Watch.

REFERENCE CODE:
 IS: 4031 (Pat 4) – 1988 methods of physical test for hydraulic cement
 IS : 5513-1996 for specification for Vicat’s apparatus.

THEORY:
The standard consistency of a cement paste is defined as that consistency which will permit
the vicat plunger to penetrate to a point 5 to 7 mm from the bottom of the vicatmould. For
finding out initial setting time, final setting time, soundness of cement and compressive
strength of cement, it is necessary to fix the quantity of water to be mixed in cement in each
case.

PROCEDURE:
1. Prepare a paste of weighed quantity of cement (300 grams) with a weighed quantity
of potable or distilled water, starting with 26% water of 300g of cement.
2. Take care that the time of gauging is not less than 3 minutes, not more than 5
minutes and the gauging shall be completed before setting occurs.
3. The gauging time shall be counted from the time of adding the water to the dry
cement until commencing to fill the mould.
4. Fill the vicatmould with this paste, the mould resting upon a non porous plate.
5. After completely filling the mould, trim off the surface of the paste, making it in
level with the top of the mould. The mould may slightly be shaken to expel the air.
6. Place the test block with the mould, together with the non-porous resting plate, under
the rod bearing the plunger (10mm diameter), lower the plunger gently to touch the
surface of the test block and quickly release, allowing it to penetrate into the paste.
7. This operation shall be carried out immediately after filling the mould.
8. Prepare trial pastes with varying percentages of water and test as described above
until the amount of water necessary for making the standard consistency as defined
above is obtained.

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9. Express the amount of water as a percentage by weight of the dry cement.

Repetition of the experiment fresh cement is to be taken.

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

1. Type of cement…………………….
2. Brand of cement…………………..
3. Time of Test……………………….
4. Room Temperature…………………

Percentage by water of dry

Weight of cement Amount of water Penetration
Trail No. Cement
(g) added (mL) (mm)
(%)

1
2
3
4

Figure 1: Vicat’s Apparatus

RESULT:
Normal consistency for the given sample of cement is............................... %

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DETERMINATION OF SETTING TIME OF

STANDARDCEMENT PASTE

EXPERIMENT NO. : 2

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

APPARATUS:
 Vicat apparatus conforming to IS : 5513-1976
 Weighing Balance
 Glass plate
 Gauging Trowel
 Stop Watch

REFERENCE CODE:
 IS: 4031 (Pat 4) – 1988 methods of physical test for hydraulic cement
 IS : 5513-1996 for specification for Vicat’s apparatus.

THEORY:
Initial setting time is regarded as the time elapsed between the moments that the
water is added to the cement to the time that the paste starts losing its plasticity.
The final setting time is the time elapsed between the moment the water is added to
the cement and the time when the paste has completely lost its plasticity and has
attained sufficient firmness to resist certain definite pressure.

PROCEDURE:
1. Preparation of Test Block: - Prepare a neat 300 gms cement paste by gauging the
cement with 0.85 times the water required to give a paste of standard consistency.
Potable or distilled water shall be used in preparing the paste.
2. Start a stop-watch at the instant when water is added to the cement. Fill the Vicat
mould with a cement paste gauged as above and the mould resting on a nonporous
plate. Fill the mould completely and smooth off the surface of the paste making it
level with the top of the mould.
3. Immediately after moulding, place the test block in the moist closet or moist room
and allow it to remain there except when determinations of time of setting are being
made.
4. Determination of Initial Setting Time: - Place the test block confined in the mould
and resting on the non-porous plate, under the rod bearing the needle lower the
needle gently until it comes in contact with the surface of the test block and quickly
release, allowing it to penetrate into the test block
5. Repeat this procedure until the needle, when brought in contact with the test block
and released as described above, fails to pierce the block beyond 5.0 ± 0.5 mm

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measured from the bottom of the mould shall be the initial setting time.
6. Determination of Final Setting Time: - Replace the needle of the Vicat apparatus by
the needle with an annular attachment.
7. The cement shall be considered as finally set when, upon applying the needle gently
to the surface of the test block, the needle makes an impression there on, while the
attachment fails to do so.
8. The period elapsing between the time when water is added to the cement and the
time at which the needle makes an impression on the surface of test block while the
attachment fails to do so shall be the final setting time.

OBSERVATION:
1. Type of cement=…………………….
2. Brand of cement = …………………..
3. Weight of given sample of cement is =.......................... g
4. The normal consistency of a given sample of cement is=.............................. %
5. Volume of water addend for preparation of test block = ............................ mL

S. No. Setting Time (min) Penetration (mm)

1
2
3
4
5
6

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Figure: Vicat’s Apparatus

RESULT:
1. The initial setting time of the cement sample is found to be.............. minutes
2. The final setting time of the cement sample is found to be................. minutes

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SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF CEMENT

EXPERIMENT NO. : 3

AIM:
To determine the specific gravity of given sample of cement.

APPARATUS:
 Weighing balance
 specific gravity bottle (50ml capacity)
 kerosene
 funnel

INTRODUCTION:
Specific gravity is defined as the ratio between weight of a given volume of
material and weight of an equal volume of water. To determine the specific gravity
of cement, kerosene is used which does not react with cement.

PROCEDURE:
1. Clean and dry the specific gravity bottle and weigh it with the stopper (W1).
2. Fill the specific gravity bottle with cement sample at least half of the bottle and
weigh with stopper (W2).
3. Fill the specific gravity bottle containing the cement, with kerosene (free of
water) placing the stopper and weigh it (W3) ,While doing this do not allow any
air bubbles to remain in the specific gravity bottle.
4. After weighing the bottle, the bottle shall be cleaned and dried again.
5. Then fill it with fresh kerosene and weigh it with stopper (W4).
6. Remove the kerosene from the bottle and fill it with full of water and weigh it
with stopper (W5).

OBSERVATIONS:
Description of item Trial 1 Trial 2
Weight of empty bottle(W1 g)
Weight of bottle + Cement ( W2 g)
Weight of bottle + Cement + Kerosene( W3 g)
Weight of bottle + Full Kerosene( W4 g)
Weight of bottle + Full Water( W5 g)

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(W2 - W1) x (W4 - W1)

Specific gravity of Cement =
((W4 - W1)-(W3-W2)) x (W5 - W1)

Figure: Specific Gravity Bottle

RESULTS:
Specific gravity of given Cement =---------------------------------------

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FINENESS TEST OF CEMENT BY SIEVE ANALYSIS

EXPERIMENT NO. : 4

AIM: To determine the fineness of the cement of the given sample by sieve analysis.

APPARATUS:
 IS: 90μ test sieve
 bottom pan
 weighing balance,
 brush

REFERENCE CODE:
 IS 4031 (PART1): 1988
 IS460 (PART1): 1985

THEORY:
The degree of fineness of cement is a measure of the mean size of the grains. The
finer cement has quicker action with water and gains early strength without change
in the ultimate strength. Finer cement is susceptible to shrinkage and cracking.

PROCEDURE:
1. Accurately weigh 100 g of cement sample and place it over the test sieve. Gently
breakdown the air set lumps if any with fingers.
2. Hold the sieve with pan in both hands and sieve with gentle wrist motion, in circular
and vertical motion for a period of 10 to 15 minutes without any spilling of cement.
3. Place the cover on the sieve and remove the pan. Now tap the other side of the sieve
with the handle of brush and clean the outer side of the sieve.
4. Empty the pan and fix it below the sieve and continue sieving as mentioned in the
steps 2 and 3.
5. Totally sieve for 15 minutes and weigh the residue (Left over the sieve).

OBSERVATIONS:
1. Weight of cement taken =...................................
2. Weight of cement retained after sieving =................................
3. Type of cement =.............................
4. Brand of cement=.....................................
5. Room temperature=............................

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RESULT:
Fineness of the given sample is=.......................................................... %

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COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST OF HYDRAULIC

CEMENT

EXPERIMENT NO. : 5

AIM:
To determine the compressive strength of standard cement mortar cubes

THEORY:
The compressive strength of cement mortars is determined in order to verify whether the
cement conforms to IS specifications and whether it will be able to develop the required
compressive strength of concrete. The average compressive strength of at least three mortar
cubes (area of the face 50 cm2 ) composed of one part of cement and three parts of standard
stand should satisfy IS code specifications.

REFERENCE:
 IS: 4031 ( Pat 6 ) – 1988.

APPARATUS:
 Vibration Machine
 Poking Rod
 Cube Mould size conforming to IS : 10080-1982
 Weighing Balance
 Trowel
 Stop Watch
 Graduated Glass Cylinders

INTRODUCTION:
The compressive strength of cement mortars is determined in order to verify
whether the cement conforms to IS specifications and whether it will be able to
develop the required compressive strength of concrete. The average compressive
strength of at least three mortar cubes (area of the face 50 cm2 ) composed of one
part of cement and three parts of standard stand should satisfy IS code
specifications.

PROCEDURE:
1. Preparation of test specimens: Clean appliances shall be used for mixing and the
temperature of water and that of the test room at the time when the above operations
are being performed shall be 27 ± 2°C.distilled water shall be used in preparing the
cubes.
2. The material for each cube shall be mixed separately and the quantity of cement,
standard sand and water shall be as follows: Cement 200 g and Standard Sand 600 g

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3. Water (P/4+0.3) percent of combined mass of cement and sand, where P is the
percentage of water required to produce a paste of standard consistency.
4. Place on a nonporous plate, a mixture of cement and standard sand. Mix it dry with a
trowel for one Minute and then with water until the mixture is of uniform colour. The
quantity of water to be used shall be as specified in step 2. The time of mixing shall
in any event be not less than 3 min and should the time taken to obtain a uniform
colour exceed 4 min, the mixture shall be rejected and the operation repeated with a
fresh quantity of cement, sand and water.
5. Moulding Specimens: In assembling the moulds ready for use, treat the interior faces
of the mould with a thin coating of mould oil.
6. Place the assembled mould on the table of the vibration machine and hold it firmly in
position by means of a suitable clamp. Attach a hopper of suitable size and shape
securely at the top of the mould to facilitate filling and this hopper shall not be
removed until the completion of the vibration period.
7. Immediately after mixing the mortar in accordance with step 1 & 2, place the mortar
in the cube mould and prod with the rod. Place the mortar in the hopper of the cube
mould and prod again as specified for the first layer and then compact the mortar by
vibration.
8. The period of vibration shall be two minutes at the specified speed of 12 000 ± 400
vibration per minute.
9. At the end of vibration, remove the mould together with the base plate from the
machine and finish the top surface of the cube in the mould by smoothing the surface
with the blade of a trowel.
10. Curing Specimens:- keep the filled moulds in moist closet or moist room for 24 ± 1
hour after completion of vibration. At the end of that period, remove them from the
moulds, immediately submerge in clean fresh water, and keep there until taken out
just prior to breaking.
11. The water in which the cubes are submerged shall be renewed every 7 days and shall
be maintained at a temperature of 27 ± 2°C. After they have been taken out and until
they are broken, the cubes shall not be allowed to become dry.
12. Test three cubes for compressive strength for each period of curing mentioned under
the relevant Specifications (i.e. 3 days, 7 days, 28 days)
13. The cubes shall be tested on their sides without any packing between the cube and
the steel plattens of the testing machine. One of the plattens shall be carried on a base
and shall be self-adjusting, and the load shall be steadily and uniformly applied,
starting from zero at a rate of 35 N/mm2/min.

OBSERVATIONS:
 Type of cement=...........................
 Brand of cement=........................
 Date of casting=..............................

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Dimensions
Of the specimen Weight of Cross- Average
Trail Age of (mm) Crushing
Cement Sectional Compressive
No Cube Load (N)
L B H Cube (g) area(mm2) strength(MPa)
mm mm mm
1
2
3
4

Figure: Cube Testing Machine

RESULT:
The average compressive strength of the given cement
1. 3 days ...................................... N/mm2
2. 7 days ...................................... N/mm2
3. 28 days .................................... N/mm2

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SOUNDNESS OF CEMENT

EXPERIMENT NO. : 6

AIM:
To determine the soundness of the given sample of cement by: Le-Chatlier’s Method.

APPARATUS:
• Le-chatlier’s apparatus
• Weighing Balance
• Water bath
• Measuring cylinder

REFERENCE CODE:
• IS : 4031 ( Pat 3 ) – 1988 methods of physical test of hydraulic cement
• Part-3 determination of soundness

THEORY:
Once of the most important properties of cement is its soundness. Unsoundness in
cement is caused by expansion of some of the constituents like free lime produced in
the manufacturing process of cement. Another possible case of unsoundness is the
presence of too high a magnesia content in the cement and presence of excess of lime
than that could be combined with acidic oxide at kiln.

PROCEDURE:
1. Prepare a cement paste formed by gauging cement with 0.78 times water rag to give
a paste of standard consistency. The gauging time should not be less than 3 minutes
nor greater than 5 min.
2. On the inner surface of mould. Place the mould on glass sheet & fill it with cement
paste taking care to keep the edges of the mould gently together cover the mould
with another piece of glass sheet & place a small weight on this Covering glass sheet
& immediately submerge the whole assembly in water at a temp of 27 oC& keep it
for 24 hrs.
3. Take out the assembly from water after 24 hrs measure the distance flow the
indicator points & record its.
4. Submerge the mould again in water in 25 to 30 minutes.
5. Remove the mould from the water. Allow it to cool & measure the distance the
indicator points & record it. The difference b/w two measurements represent the
same expansion of cement.

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6. The sample should be tested & average of the results should be reported.
OBSERVATION:
Type of Cement Tested

Initial Length Of The Specimen L1

Final Length Of The Specimen L2

Expansion Of The Specimen (L1- L2 )

Fig.: Soundness Testing Apparatus

RESULT:
Soundness of cement =…………………………………………..

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SLUMP TEST
EXPERIMENT NO. : 7

AIM:
To determine the workability or consistency of concrete mix of given proportion by slump
test.

APPARATUS:
• pan to mix concrete
• weighing balance
• trowel
• cone
• steel scale
• tamping rod
• mixing tray

REFERENCE CODE:
• IS: 456-2000, code for plain and reinforced concrete
• IS: 1199-1959 methods of sampling and analysis of concrete

THEORY:
This is the test extensively used in site work all over the world. Fresh unsupported
concrete will flow to the sides and the vertical sinking of concrete is known as slump.
The slump cone is a hollow frustum made of thin steel sheet with internal dimensions,
as the top diameter 10 cms. The bottom diameter 20 cms, and height 30cms.

PROCEDURE
1. Mix the dry constituents thoroughly to get a uniform colour and then add water.
2. The internal surface of the mould is to be thoroughly cleaned and placed on a
smooth, horizontal and non-absorbent surface.
3. Place the mixed concrete in the cleaned slump cone in 4 layers each
approximately 1/4 in height of the mould. Tamp each layer 25 times with tamping
rod.Using the tampering rod or a trowel strike of the excess concrete above the
concrete cone. Measure the vertical height of cone (h1).
4. Slowly and carefully remove in the vertical direction. As soon as the cone is
removed the concrete settles in vertical direction. Place the steel scale above top of
settled concrete in horizontal position and measure the height of cone(h2).
5. Complete the experiment in two minutes after sampling.

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6. The difference of two heights (h1-h2) gives the value of slump

OBSERVATIONS:
1) Type of cement=……………….
2) Brand of cement=……………….
3) Density of concrete=...............

Proportion SLUMP
Trail
In
No W C FA CA Remarks
w/c mm
litre kg kg kg
1
2
3
4

Figure: Different Types of Slump

Result:
The slump of concrete= ................................................ mm
(indicate Low/Medium/ High Degree of workability)

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COMPACTION FACTOR TEST

EXPERIMENT NO. : 8

AIM:
To determine the workability of freshly mixed concrete by the of Compacting Factor Test.

APPARATUS:
• Compaction factor apparatus
• Weighing balance
• tamping rod Trowel
• Scoop about 150 mm long
• Tamper( 16 mm in diameter and 600 mm length)
• Ruler
• Tools and containers for mixing or concrete mixer etc.

REFERENCE CODE:
• IS; 1199-1959 methods of sampling and analysis of concrete
• IS:5515-1983 Specification for compressive factor apparatus

THEORY:
The compaction factor is defined as the ratio of the weight of partially compacted concrete
to the weight of fully compacted concrete. 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.

PROCEDURE:
1. Grease the inner surface of the hoppers and the cylinder and fasten the hopper doors.
2. Weigh the empty cylinder accurately (W1 Kg) an Fix the cylinder on the base with
nuts and bolts.
3. Mix coarse and fine aggregates and cement dry until the mixture is uniform in colour
and then with water until concrete appears to be homogeneous.
4. Fill the freshly mixed concrete in upper hopper gently with trowel without
compacting.
5. Release the trap door of the upper hopper and allow the concrete of fall into the
lower hopper bringing the concrete into standard compaction.
6. Immediately after the concrete comes to rest, open the trap door of the lower hopper
and allow the concrete to fall into the cylinder, bringing the concrete into standard
compaction.

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7. Remove the excess concrete above the top of the cylinder by a trowel.
8. Find the weight of cylinder i.e. cylinder filled with partially compacted concrete(W2
kg)
9. Refill the cylinder with same sample of concrete in approx. 4 layers, tamping each
layer with tamping for 25 times in order to obtain full compaction of concrete.
10. Level the mix and weigh the cylinder filled with fully compacted concrete (W3 Kg).
11. Repeat the procedure for different for different a trowel.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

Weight of cylinder W1 = ......................................... Kg

Quantity of material
Compaction
Mass of cylinder Mass of cylinder Factor
Trail with partially withfully
no W C FA CA compaction compaction
w/c
litre kg kg kg W2 (Kg) W3 (Kg)

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Figure: Compaction factor apparatus

RESULTS:
Compaction factor IS =…………………………………..

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 Concrete Lab Manual

VEE-BEE CONSISTOMETER

EXPERIMENT NO. : 9

AIM:
To measure the workability of concrete by Vee-Bee Consistometer.

APPARATUS:
 Vee-Bee consistometer test apparatus
 Stopwatch
 Standard iron rod
 Weighing device
 Tamper( 16 mm in diameter and 600 mm length)
 Tools and containers for mixing

REFERENCE CODE:
 IS: 1199-1959 method of sampling and analysis of concrete
 IS: 456-2000 code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete
 IS: 10510:1983 specification for Vee-Bee consistometer

THEORY:
The Vee-Bee consistometer (measures the remoulding ability of concrete under vibration.
The test results reflect the amount of energy required to remould a quantity of concrete
under given vibration conditions. The Veebee consistometer is applicable to concrete with
slumps less than 5cm.

PROCEDURE:
1. Slump test as described earlier is performed, placing the slump cone inside the sheet
metal cylindrical pot of the consistometer.
2. The glass disc attached to the swivel arm is turned and placed on the top of the
concrete in the pot. The electrical vibrator is then switched on and simultaneously a
stop watch started.
3. The vibration is continued till such a time as the conical shape of the concrete
disappears and the concrete assumes a cylindrical shape. This can be judged by
observing the glass disc from the top for disappearance of transparency.
4. Immediately when the concrete fully assumes a cylindrical shape, the stop watch is
switched off. The time required for the shape of concrete to change from slump cone
shape to cylindrical shape in seconds is known as Vee Bee Degree.
5. This method is very suitable for very dry concrete whose slump value cannot be
measured by Slump Test, but the vibration is too vigorous for concrete with a slump

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greater than about 50 mm.

OBSERVATIONS:
1. Type of cement=……………….
2. Brand of cement=……………….

Quantity of material
The Vee Bee
Slump
Trail Degree of Remark
W C FA CA mm
no w/c concrete in sec
litre kg kg kg

1
2
3 `

Figure: Vee-bee Consistometer

RESULTS:
The VEE-BEE Degree for 0.5 W/C = .......... Sec

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Determine Compressive Strength of Cubic Concrete Specimens

EXPERIMENT NO. : 10

AIM:
The test method covers determination of compressive strength of cubic concrete specimens.

REFERENCE CODES:
 IS: 516 - 1959
 IS: 1199-1959
 SP: 23-1982
 IS: 10086-1982

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.
Cube Moulds:The mould shall be of 150 mm size conforming to IS: 10086-1982.
Cylinders:The cylindrical mould shall be of 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height
conforming to IS: 10086-1982.
Weights and weighing device, Tools and containers for mixing, Tamper (square in cross
section) etc.

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

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respects 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 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. 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.

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OBSERVATION:
Data for the calculating of the mix proportion
Sr.
Description Value
No.
1 Compressive strength at 28 days
2 Slump
3 Type of cement
4 Specific gravity of cement
5 Type of sand
6 Specific gravity of sand
7 Fineness modulus
8 Type of coarse aggregate

Calculations of Mix Proportion

Mix proportion of For one cubic meter of
For one batch of mixing
concrete concrete
Coarse aggregate (kg)
Fine aggregate (kg)
Cement (kg)
Water (kg)
S/A
w/c
Admixture

Weight of Cross- Compressive Average

Sr. Age of Load
Cement Sectional strength Compressive
No. Cube (N)
Cube (g) area (mm2) (N/mm2) strength (MPa)
1
2 7 Days
3
4
5 28 Days `
6

CONCLUSION:
i) The average 7 Days Compressive Strength of concrete sample is found to be ……..
ii) The average 28 Days Compressive Strength of concrete sample is found to be ……..

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 Concrete Lab Manual

Determine Flexural Strength of Concrete Specimens

EXPERIMENT NO.: 11

AIM:
This clause deals with the procedure for determining the flexural strength of moulded
concrete flexure test specimens

REFERENCE CODES:
 IS: 516 – 1959
 IS: 1199-1959
 SP: 23-1982
 IS: 10086-1982

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.
Beam Moulds - The beam moulds shall conform to IS: 10086-1982. The standard size shall
be 15 × 15 × 70 cm. Alternatively, if the largest nominal size of the aggregate does not
exceed 19 mm, specimens 10 × 10 × 50 cm may be used.
Weights and weighing device, Tools and containers for mixing, Tamper (square in cross
section) etc.

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

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respects 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 - The standard size shall be 15 × 15 × 70 cm. Alternatively, if the largest
nominal size of the aggregate does not exceed 19 mm, specimens 10 × 10 × 50 cm
may be used.
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 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
supporting and loading rollers shall be wiped clean, and any loose sand or other
material removed from the surfaces of the specimen where they are to make contact
with the rollers.
9. The specimen shall then be placed in the machine in such a manner that the load
shall be applied to the uppermost surface as cast in the mould, along two lines
spaced 20.0 or 13.3 cm apart.
10. The axis of the specimen shall be carefully aligned with the axis of the loading
device. No packing shall be used between the bearing surfaces of the specimen and
the rollers.
11. The load shall be applied without shock and increasing continuously at a rate such
that the extreme fibre stress increases at approximately 7 kg/sq cm/min, that is, at a
rate of loading of 400 kg/min for the 15.0 cm specimens and at a rate of 180 kg/min
for the 10.0 cm specimens.
12. The load shall be increased until the specimen fails, and the maximum load applied
to the specimen during the test shall be recorded. The appearance of the fractured
faces of concrete and any unusual features in the type of failure shall be noted.

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 Concrete Lab Manual

Figure: Flexural strength test of moulded concrete flexure test specimens

Observation :
Calculations of Mix Proportion
Mix proportion of For 1 cubic meter of
For one batch of mixing
concrete concrete
Coarse aggregate (kg)
Fine aggregate (kg)
Cement (kg)
Water (kg)
S/A
w/c
Admixture

Position Modulus
Size of Span Max.
Sr. Age of Identification of of
Specimen Length Load
No. Specimen Mark Fracture Rupture
(mm) (mm) (N)
‘a’ (mm) (MPa)
1
2 7 Days
3
4
5 28 Days `
6

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CALCULATION:
The flexural strength of the specimen shall be expressed as the modulus of rupture fb,
which, if ‘a’ equals the distance between the line of fracture and the nearer support,
measured on the centre line of the tensile side of the specimen, in cm, shall be calculated to
the nearest 0.5 kg/sq cm as follows:

when ‘a’ is greater than 20.0 cm for 15.0 cm specimen, or greater than 13.3 cm for a 10.0
cm specimen, or

when ‘a’ is less than 20.0 cm but greater than 17.0 cm for 15.0 cm specimen, or less than
13.3 cm but greater than 11.0 cm for a 10.0 cm specimen
where,
b = measured width in cm of the specimen,
d = measured depth in cm of the specimen at the point of failure,
l = length in cm of the span on which the specimen was supported, and
p = maximum load in kg applied to the specimen.

CONCLUSION:
i) The average 7 Days Modulus of Rupture of concrete sample is found to be …..…..
ii) The average 28 Days Modulus of Rupture of concrete sample is found to be …..…..

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 Concrete Lab Manual

Determine Splitting Tensile Strength of Cylindrical Concrete

Specimens

EXPERIMENT NO.: 12

AIM:
This method covers the determination of the splitting tensile strength of cylindrical concrete
specimens.

REFERENCE CODES:
 IS: 516 – 1959
 IS: 1199-1959
 SP: 23-1982
 IS: 10086-1982

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.
Cylinders -The cylindrical mould shall be of 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height
conforming to IS: 10086-1982.
Weights and weighing device, Tools and containers for mixing, Tamper (square in cross
section) etc.

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

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respects 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 - The cylindrical mould shall be of 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height
conforming to IS: 10086-1982.
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 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
supporting and loading rollers shall be wiped clean, and any loose sand or other
material removed from the surfaces of the specimen where they are to make contact
with the rollers.
9. Two bearings strips of nominal (1/8 in i.e 3.175mm) thick plywood, free of
imperfections, approximately (25mm) wide, and of length equal to or slightly longer
than that of the specimen should be provided for each specimen.
10. The bearing strips are placed between the specimen and both upper and lower bearing
blocks of the testing machine or between the specimen and the supplemental bars or
plates.
11. Draw diametric lines an each end of the specimen using a suitable device that will
ensure that they are in the same axial plane. Center one of the plywood strips along
the center of the lower bearing block.
12. Place the specimen on the plywood strip and align so that the lines marked on the
ends of the specimen are vertical and centered over the plywood strip.
13. Place a second plywood strip lengthwise on the cylinder, centered on the lines marked
on the ends of the cylinder. Apply the load continuously and without shock, at a
constant rate within, the range of 689 to 1380 kPa/min splitting tensile stress until
failure of the specimen
14. Record the maximum applied load indicated by the testing machine at failure. Note
the typeof failure and appearance of fracture.

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Figure: Loading Arrangement for Determining Split Tensile Strength

Figure: Cylinder in compression machine

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 Concrete Lab Manual

OBSERVATIONS:
Calculations of Mix Proportion
Mix proportion of concrete For 1 cubic meter of concrete For one batch of mixing
Coarse aggregate (kg)
Fine aggregate (kg)
Cement (kg)
Water (kg)
S/A
w/c
Admixture

Average
Dia of Tensile
Sr. Age of Identification Depth Maximum Tensile
Specimen Strength
No. Specimen Mark (mm) Load (N) Strength
(mm) (MPa)
(MPa)
1
2 7 Days
3
4
5 28 Days `
6

CALCULATION:
Calculate the splitting tensile strength of the specimen as follows:

Where
T: splitting tensile strength, kPa
P: maximum applied load indicated by testing machine, kN
L: Length, m
d: diameter

CONCLUSION:
i) The average 7 Days Tensile Strength of concrete sample is found to be …..…..
ii) The average 28 Days Tensile Strength of concrete sample is found to be …..…..

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 Concrete Lab Manual

Particle Size Distribution of Fine Aggregates

EXPERIMENT NO. : 13

AIM:
To determine fineness modulus of fine aggregate and classifications based on IS: 383-1970

REFERENCE CODES:
 IS 2386 (Part I) – 1963
 IS: 383-1970
 IS: 460-1962

APPARATUS:
Test Sieves conforming to IS : 460-1962 Specification of 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600
micron, 300 micron, 150 micron, Balance, Gauging Trowel, Stop Watch, etc.

Theory:
This is the name given to the operation of dividing a sample of aggregate into various
fractions each consisting of particles of the same size. The sieve analysis is conducted to
determine the particle size distribution in a sample of aggregate, which we call gradation.
Many a time, fine aggregates are designated as coarse sand, medium sand and fine sand.
These classifications do not give any precise meaning. What the supplier terms as fine sand
may be really medium or even coarse sand. To avoid this ambiguity fineness modulus could
be used as a yard stick to indicate the fineness of sand.
The following limits may be taken as guidance: Fine sand : Fineness Modulus : 2.2 - 2.6,
Medium sand : F.M. : 2.6 - 2.9, Coarse sand : F.M. : 2.9 - 3.2
Sand having a fineness modulus more than 3.2 will be unsuitable for making satisfactory
concrete.

PROCEDURE:
1. The sample shall be brought to an air-dry condition before weighing and sieving. 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. 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.

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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.
4. Light brushing with a fine camel hair brush may be used on the 150-micron and 75-
micron IS Sieves to prevent aggregation of powder and blinding of apertures.
5. On completion of sieving, the material retained on each sieve, together with any
material cleaned from the mesh, shall be weighed.

OBSERVATION:

Weight Percentage of Percentage of Cumulative

I S Sieve Retained on Weight Weight Percentage of Remark
Sieve (g) Retained (%) Passing (%) Passing (%)

4.75 mm
2.36 mm
1.18 mm
600 micron
300 micron
150 micron
Total

CALCULATION:
Fineness modulus is an empirical factor obtained by adding the cumulative percentages of
aggregate retained on each of the standard sieves ranging from 4.75 mm to 150 micron and
dividing this sum by anarbitrary number 100.

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑢𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑃𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 (%)

𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑠, 𝐹𝑀 =
100

CONCLUSION / RESULT:
a. Fineness modulus of a given sample of fine aggregate is …….. that indicate Coarse
sand/ Medium sand/Fine sand.
b. The given sample of fine aggregate is belong to Grading Zones I / II / III / IV

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 Concrete Lab Manual

DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF

FINEAGGREGATE

EXPERIMENT NO. : 14

AIM:
To determine specific gravity of a given sample of fine aggregate.

APPARATUS:
 Pycnometer bottle
 Taping rod
 Funnel

PROCEDURE:
1. Take the empty pycnometer (w1) gms.
2. Take a sample of fine aggregate for which specific gravity is to be find out, transfer
that to the pycnometer, and weight (w2).
3. Pour distilled water into pycnometer.
4. Eliminate the entrapped air by rotating the pycnometer.
5. Wipe out the outer surface of pycnometer and weight it (w3).
6. Transfer the aggregate of the pycnometer into a try care being taken to ensure that all
the aggregate is transferred.
7. Refill the pycnometer with distilled water up to the mark and it should be completely
dry from outside and take the weight w4.

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 Concrete Lab Manual

CALUCULATIONS:

Weight of empty
Weight of Weight of empty bottle + Weight of empty
Trail bottle + water +
empty bottle Fine aggregate bottle + water
No Fine aggregate
(W1) g (W2) g (W4) g
(W3) g

Figure: Pycnometer bottle

RESULT:
The Specific Gravity of a given sample of fine aggregate is =

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 Concrete Lab Manual

SHAPE TEST

FLAKINESS INDEX:

EXPERIMENT NO. :15

AIM:
To determining the flakiness index of the coarse aggregate.

APPARATUS:
 metal gauge
 Weighing Balance
 Gauging Trowel
 Sieves.

REFERENCE:
 IS : 2386 ( Part I) – 1963 Method of tst for aggregates for concrete
 IS: 383-1970 specification for coarse and fine aggregate from natural source for
concrete

THEORY:
The flakiness index of an aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles in it whose least
dimension (thickness) is less than three-fifths of their mean dimension. Particle shape and
surface texture influence the properties of freshly mixed concrete more than the properties
of hardened concrete. Rough-textured, angular, and elongated particles require more water
to produce workable concrete than smooth, rounded compact aggregate. Consequently, the
cement content must also be increased to maintain the water-cement ratio. Generally, flat
and elongated particles are avoided or are limited to about 15 % by weight of the total
aggregate.

PROCEDURE
1. A quantity of aggregate shall be taken sufficient to provide the minimum number of
200 pieces of any fraction to be tested.
2. The sample shall be sieved with sieves specified in Table.
3. Then each fraction shall be gauged in turn for thickness on a metal gauge of the
pattern shown in Fig or in bulk on sieves having elongated slots. The width of the
slot used in the gauge or sieve shall be of the dimensions specified in column 3 of
Table for the appropriate size of material.

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4. The total amount passing the gauge shall be weighed to an accuracy of at least 0.1
percent of the weight of the test sample.
CALUCULATIONS:

Where, w is the weights of material passing the various thickness gauges and W is the total
weights of aggregate passing and retained on the specified sieves.

Dimensions of Thickness:
Size of Aggregate (mm) Weight Thickness
Weight
Passing Retained Retained on Gauge
Of flaky particles
through on Thickness (mm)
Wg
IS sieve IS sieve Gauge
63 50 33.90
50 40 27.00
40 31.5 21.50
31.5 25 16.95
25 20 13.50
20 16 10.80
16 12.5 8.55
12.5 10 6.75
10 6.3 4.89

Figure: Thickness Gauge

Results:

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 Concrete Lab Manual

Flakiness index=........................................
ELONGATION INDEX

EXPERIMENT NO. : 16
AIM:
To determining the elongation index of the coarse aggregate.

APPARATUS:
 metal gauge
 weighing Balance
 Gauging Trowel
 Sieves.

REFERENCE CODE:
 IS : 2386 ( Part I) – 1963 Method of tst for aggregates for concrete
 IS: 383-1970 specification for coarse and fine aggregate from natural source for
concrete

THEORY:
The elongation index of an aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles in it whose
greatest dimension (thickness) is greater than one and four-fifths of their mean dimension.
The test is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3mm.

PROCEDURE:
1. A quantity of aggregate shall be taken sufficient to provide the minimum number of
200 pieces of any fraction to be tested.
2. The sample shall be sieved with sieves specified in Table.
3. Each fraction shall be gauged in turn for length on a metal gauge of the pattern
shown in Fig. The gauge length used shall be of the dimensions specified in column
4 of Table for the appropriate size of material.
4. The total amount of aggregate retained by the length gauge shall be weighed to an
accuracy of at least 0.1 percent of the weight of the test sample.

CALUCULATIONS:
Elongation index=100 x (x/W) %
Where, x is the weight of materials retained on specified gauges and W is the total weights
of aggregate passing and retained on the specified sieves.

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 Concrete Lab Manual

Figure: Length Gauge

Dimensions of Length gauge
Size of Aggregate (mm) Weight
Length Weight of
Passing Retained on
Retained on IS Gauge elongation
through IS Length
sieve (mm) particles X g
sieve Gauge
63 50 -
50 40 81.0
40 31.5 58.5
31.5 25 -
25 20 40.5
20 16 32.4
16 12.5 25.5
12.5 10 20.2
10 6.3 14.7

RESULTS:
Elongation Particles=............................................................. %

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 Concrete Lab Manual

ANGULARITY NUMBER TEST

EXPERIMENT NO. : 17

AIM:
To determine the angularity number of coarse aggregate.

REFERENCECODE:
 IS : 2386 ( Part I) – 1963 Method of test for aggregates for concrete
 IS: 383-1970 specification for coarse and fine aggregate from natural source for
concrete

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
Metal cylinder, Tamping rod, balance, metal scoop.

THEORY:
Angularity test helps us to determine the angularity of the coarse aggregate. Higher the
angularity number better is the interlocking of the aggregate.

TEST DESCRIPTION:
First the metal mould calibrated by filling it with water and determining the weight of water
in it. Then the mould is filled with clean dried aggregates in three layers. The weight of
aggregate in the mould is recorded. Determine the specific gravity of the aggregate. Finally,
the angularity number of aggregate is calculated.

PROCEDURE:
1. The aggregate is compacted in three layers, each layer being given 100 blows using
the standard tamping rod at a rate of 2 blows/second by lifting the rod 5 cm above
the surface of the aggregate and then allowing it to fall freely.
2. The blows are uniformly distributed over the surface of the aggregate.
3. After compacting the third layer, the cylinder is filled to overflowing and excess
material is removed off with temping rod as a straight edge.
4. The aggregate (water) with cylinder is then weighed. Three separate determinations
are made and mean weight of the aggregate in the cylinder is calculated.

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

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Volume of water required to fill

Volume of metal
Trail the metal measures Percentage of voids
measures
No containing aggregate (V2/ V1)x100
V1(ml)
V2 (ml)

1
2
3

Angularity number = V-33=...................

RESULT:
Aggregate angularity number=…………………………………..

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 Concrete Lab Manual

AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE TEST

EXPERIMENT NO. : 18

AIM:
To determine the aggregate impact value of given aggregates

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
 Impact testing machine
 cylinder, tamping rod
 IS Sieve
 Weighing balance.

REFERENCE CODE:
 IS : 2386 ( Part IV) – 1963 methods of test for aggregate for concrete
 IS:383:1970- specification for coarse and fine aggregate from natural source for
concrete
 IS:9377:1979-specification for apparatus for aggregate impact value test

THEORY:
The aggregate impact value gives a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to
sudden shock or impact, which in some aggregates differs from its resistance to a slow
compressive load.

PROCEDURE:
1. The test sample consists of aggregates passing 12.5mm sieve and retained on
10mmsieve and dried in an oven for 4 hours at a temperature of 100oC to 110oC
2. The aggregates are filled up to about 1/3 full in the cylindrical measure and tamped
25 times with rounded end of the tamping rod
3. The rest of the cylindrical measure is filled by two layers and each layer being
tamped 25 times.
4. The overflow of aggregates in cylindrically measure is cut off by tamping rod using
it has a straight edge.
5. Then the entire aggregate sample in a measuring cylinder is weighed nearing to
6. 0.01gm
7. The aggregates from the cylindrical measure are carefully transferred into the cup
8. Which is firmly fixed in position on the base plate of machine. Then it is tamped 25
times.

9. The hammer is raised until its lower face is 38cm above the upper surface of

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aggregate in the cup and allowed to fall freely on the aggregates. The test sample is
subjected to a total of 15 such blows each being delivered at an interval of not less
than one second. The crushed aggregate is than removed from the cup and the whole
of it is sieved on 2.366mm sieve until no significant amount passes. The fraction
passing the sieve is weighed accurate to 0.1gm. Repeat the above steps with other
fresh sample.
10. Let the original weight of the oven dry sample be W1gm and the weight of fraction
passing 2.36mm IS sieve be W2gm. Then aggregate impact value is expressed as the
% of fines formed in terms of the total weight of the sample.

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

Description Trail 1 Trail 2 Trail 3

Total weight of the aggregate filling the

cylindrical metal measures
W1 (g)

Weight of aggregate passing through

2.36 mm sieve
W2 (g)

Aggregate impact = (W2/W1) X 100 %

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Fig.: Aggregate Impact Test Machine

RESULT:
Aggregate Impact Value………………………….

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AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE TEST

EXPERIMENT NO. : 19

AIM:To determine the crushing value of the road aggregates

APPARATUS:
The apparatus of the aggregate crushing value test as per IS 2386 (Part IV)-1963consists of:
1. A 15cm diameter open-ended steel cylinder with plunger and base plate, of the
general form.
2. A straight metal tamping rod of circular cross-section 16mm diameter and 45 to 60
cm long, rounded at one end.
3. A balance of capacity 3 kg
4. IS Sieves.
5. A compression-testing machine capable of applying load up to 40tonnes.
6. Cylindrical measure having internal dia. of 11.5cm & height 18 cm for measuring
the sample.

REFERENCE CODE:
1. IS : 2386 ( Part IV) – 1963 method of test for aggregates for concrete
2. IS:383:1970 specification for coarse and fine aggregate from natural source for
concrete
3. IS: 9376:1979 Specification for apparatus for measuring aggregate crushing value

THEORY:
The aggregate crushing value gives a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to
crushing under a gradually applied compressive load. Crushing value is a measure of the
strength of the aggregate. The aggregates should therefore have minimum crushing value.

PROCEDURE:
The test sample: It consists of aggregates sized 12.5 mm - 10.0 mm (minimum3kg). The
aggregates should be dried by heating at 1000-1100 C for a period of 4 hours and cooled.

1. Sieve the material through 12.5 mm and 10.0 mm IS sieve. The aggregates passing
through 12.5 mm sieve and retained on 10.0 mm sieve comprises the test material.
2. The cylinder of the test shall be put in position on the base-plate and the test sample
added in thirds, each third being subjected to 25 strokes with the tamping rod.
3. The surface of the aggregate shall be carefully leveled.
4. The plunger is inserted so that it rests horizontally on this surface, care being taken

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to ensure that the plunger does not jam in the cylinder

5. The apparatus, with the test sample and plunger in position, shall then be placed
between the plates of the testing machine.
6. The load is applied at a uniform rate as possible so that the total load is reached in 10
minutes. The total load shall be 40 tones.
7. The load shall be released and the whole of the material is removed from the
cylinder and sieved on 2.36mm IS Sieve.
8. The fraction passing the sieve shall be weighed and recorded

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

Trail 1 Trail 2 Trail 3

Total weight of dry sample taken
W1 (g)
Weight of aggregate passing
through 2.36 mm sieve W2 (g)
Aggregate crushing
(W2/W1) x100 (%)

Figure: Aggregate Crushing Test Apparatus

RESULT:
Aggregate Crushing Value=………………………………

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AGGREGATE ABRASION VALUE TEST

EXPERIMENT NO. : 20

AIM:
To determining the abrasion value of coarse aggregate by the use of Los Angeles machine.

APPARATUS:
 Los Angeles Machine: It consists of a hollow steel cylinder, closed at both the ends
with an internal diameter of 700 mm and length 500 mm and capable of rotating
about its horizontal axis.
 Cast iron or steel balls, approximately 48 mm in diameter and each weighing
between 390 to 445 g; 6 to 12 balls are required.
 IS sieve.
 Balance.

REFERENCE CODE:
IS 2386 (Part IV) – 1963, IS 383-1970.

THEORY:
The abrasion value of the aggregates is determined in order to determine their Resistance
against wearing. In this the aggregate sample is mixed with abrasive charge consisting
standard balls & rotated in closed inclined cylinders for specific number of revolutions.

PROCEDURE:
1. The test sample shall consist of clean aggregate which has been dried in an oven at
105 to 110°C to substantially constant weight and shall conform to one of the
grading shown in Table 3.22. The grading or grading used shall be those most nearly
representing the aggregate furnished for the work.
2. The test sample and the abrasive charge shall be placed in the Los Angeles abrasion
testing machine and the machine rotated at a speed of 20 to 33 rev/min. For grading
A, B, C and D, the machine shall be rotated for 500 revolutions; for grading E, F and
G, it shall be rotated for 1 000 revolutions.
3. The machine shall be so driven and so counter-balanced as to maintain a
substantially uniform peripheral speed. If an angle is used as the shelf, the machine
shall be rotated in such a direction that the charge is caught on the outside surface of
the angle.
4. At the completion of the test, the material shall be discharged from the machine and
a preliminary separation of the sample made on a sieve coarser than the l.70 mm IS

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Sieve.
5. The material coarser than the 1.70 mm IS Sieve shall be washed dried in an oven at
105 to 110°C to a substantially constant weight, and accurately weighed to the
nearest gram

Specified Abrasive Charge

Grading of Test Samples

OBSERVATIONS:
Trail 1 Trail 2 Trail 3
Total weight of dry sample taken W1
g
Weight of portion passing 1.7 mm
sieve W2 g
Aggregate abrasion value = (W2/W1)
x100 Value (%)

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Figure: Los Angeles Abrasion Testing Machine

RESULT:
Mean Los Angeles Abrasion value = ......................................... %

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NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF CONCRETEREBOUND

HAMMER TEST

EXPERIMENT NO. : 21

AIM:
To determine the compressive strength of concrete by using the rebound hammer.

APPARATUS:
 Rebound Hammer instrument.
 Abrasive Stone

PROCEDURE:
Hold the instrument firmly so that the plunger is perpendicular to the test surface. Gradually
push the instrument toward the test surface until the hammer impacts. After impact,
maintain pressure on the instrument and if necessary depress the button on the side of the
instrument to lock the plunger in its retracted position. Read the rebound number on the
scale to the nearest whole number and record the rebound number. Take ten readings from
each test area. No two impact tests shall be closer together than 25 mm (1 in). Examine the
impression made on the surface after impact, and if the impact crushes or breaks through a
near-surface air void, disregard the reading and take another reading.

Figure: Rebound Hammer

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READING YOUR RESULTS:

Make at least ten readings from a concrete surface and discard the highest and lowest
rebound numbers. Average the remaining eight numbers. If desired, take a few test readings
before you complete your series of ten regular tests. Use the average rebound number to
estimate the strength of the concrete. Compare your average rebound number to the chart
shown on your Concrete Rebound Hammer.

Average Rebound Number Quality of Concrete

˃40 Very good hard layer

30 to 40 Good layer

20 to 30 Fair

˂20 Poor concrete

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