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Vicat Apparatus

Observations and calculations:

Mass of the dry cement taken = 400gms

Sl. No. % of water Initial Reading Final Reading Height not penetrated
(mm)
1 25%
2 27%
3 29%
4 31%

5 33%

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Experiment No: 1

STANDARD CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT

Aim: To determine the standard consistency of the cement paste.

Theory:

The object of conducting this test is to find out the amount of water to be added to the
cement to get a standard paste of normal consistency, which is used to fix the quantity of water
to be mixed in cement before performing other tests on cement. The purpose of the test is
determine the percentage of weight of water to be added to cement to produce a cement paste of
standard consistency, i.e. the paste of certain solidity, which is used to fix the quantity of water
to be mixed in cement before performing tests for Initial setting time, final setting time,
soundness and compressive strength of cement. Standard consistency of a cement paste is
defined as that consistency which will permit a vicat plunger having 10 mm dia and 50 mm
length to penetrate to a depth of 33-35 mm from top of the mould or 5-7mm from the bottom.
As the fineness of cement varies from batch to batch, the quantity of water required to get a paste
of standard consistency also varies.

Apparatus:

Vicat apparatus confirming to IS: 5513-1976, Balance, standard weights and gauging trowel.
Gauging trowel shall have a steel blade of 100 to 150mm in length with straight edges weighing
210 ± 10gm. Fig shows vicat apparatus.

Procedure:

1. Take 400gms of cement and prepare a paste of cement with a weighed quantity of potable or
distilled water (100ml) taking care that the time of gauging is not less than 3 minutes, not
more than 5 minutes. The gauging time shall be counted from the time of adding water to the
dry cement until commencing to fill the mould.
2. Fill the mould with this paste, the mould resting upon a non-porous plate. After completely
filling mould, smoothen the surface of the paste, making it level with the top of the mould.
The mould may be slightly shaken to expel air.

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Technical Reference

NAME OF TEST AMOUNT OF WATER REQUIRED

Soundness (Le-chatelier method) 0.78 P (P=Consistency of standard cement paste)

Setting time 0.85 P (P=Consistency of standard cement paste)

Compressive strength P/4+ 3% of combined mass of cement and sand.

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3. Place the test block in mould, together with the non-porous plate under the rod attached with
the plunger. Lower the plungers gently to touch the surface of the test blocks and release it
quickly, allowing it to sink into the paste.
4. Take fresh sample of cement and add 2 more percent of water. Prepare trial pastes with the
varying percentages of water and test as described above until the amount of water necessary
for the standard consistency as defined is obtained.

Results:

Standard consistency of cement = ---------------%

Requirement:

The standard consistency of a cement paste which permits vicat plunger to penetrate to a height
of 5 to 7 mm from the bottom of the vicat mould is varies from 24% to 34% depending on the
sample.

Application:
Mainly check the amount of water needed to prepare a uniform cement paste.
Reference Code:
IS 5513 – 1976 Specification for vicat apparatus
IS 4031 – part4 – 1988 Determination of consistency of standard cement paste

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Vicat apparatus

Observation and Calculations:

Mass of cement taken = 400gms
Mass of water taken = 0.85 x P x 400 = --------------------ml.
Where “P” is the standard consistency

Sl. No. Reading (mm) Time in minutes

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Experiment No: 2

SETTING TIME OF CEMENT

Aim:
To determine the initial and final setting time of the cement.

Theory:

Setting refers to the stiffening process which the cement paste undergoes as time elapses. The
time interval for which the cement products remain in plastic condition is known as setting time.
It should not be confused with hardening which refers to the gain in mechanical strength after
the paste has solidified. Two periods of times are used to assess the setting behavior. These are
the called the initial and final setting time. Initial setting time is regarded as 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. The
setting time during which the cement products remain in plastic condition is required for mixing,
transporting and placing cement products. Once the concrete is placed in the final position,
compacted and finished, it should lose its plasticity in the earliest possible time so that it is least
vulnerable to damages from external destructive agencies.

Apparatus:

Vicat’s apparatus confirming to IS: 5513 – 1976, balance, standard weights, Gauging trowel,
Stop watch.

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Procedure:
1. Preparation of Test block: Prepare a neat 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. The gauging time is again kept between 3 to 5
minutes.
2. Start the stop-watch at the instant when water is added to the cement. Fill the vicat mould
and smooth off the surface of the paste making it level with the top of mould.
3. The cement block thus prepared in the mould is the test block. 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 attached with the initial setting time 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. In the beginning, the needle will completely pierce the test block and released as
described above, fails to pierce the block beyond 5.0 ± 0.5mm measured from the bottom
of the mould. The period elapsing between the time when water is added to the cement
and the time at which the needle fails to pierce the test block to a point 5.0 ± 0.5mm
measured from the bottom of the mould shall be initial setting time.
6. Determination of Final Setting Time: Replace the initial setting time needle of the vicat
apparatus by the needle with an annular attachment (i.e. setting time needle).
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 thereon, while the
attachment fails to do so, shall be the final setting time. In the event of a scum forming
on the surface of the test block, use the underside of the block for determination.
Results:
Initial setting time = ---------------------- minutes
Final setting time = ----------------------- minutes

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Standard values:

As per IS specifications the initial setting time should be less than 30 minutes and final
setting time should not be more than 10 hours for ordinary Portland cement.

Application: Initial setting time test is important for transportation, placing and compaction of
cement concrete, final setting time is important in formwork removal process.

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Autoclave

Observation and Calculations:

Type of cement tested
Gauge lengths
Initial length of the specimen L1mm
Final length of the specimen L2mm
Expansion of the specimen
(L2 - L1)mm

Unsoundness = [(L2 - L1) x100] / L1

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Experiment No: 3A

SOUNDNESS OF CEMENT BY AUTOCLAVE METHOD

Aim:
To determine the soundness of cement.
Theory:
Excess of free lime and magnesia present in the cement slakes very slowly and cause
applicable change in volume after setting. This results in cracks, distortion and disintegration.
This defect is known as unsoundness. Le-chatelier method detects unsoundness due to free lime
only. The unsoundness due to magnesia present in the raw materials from which the cement is
manufactured can be determined by autoclave test. This test is sensitive to both magnesia and
lime. The results of the autoclave test are effected by, in addition to the compounds cusing
expansion, the tricalcium alluminate (C3A) content. The test thus gives no more than broad
indication of the long term expansion expected in service.
Apparatus:
Weighing balance, weights, graduated glass cylinders, trowel, autoclave (high pressure
steam boiler with automatic pressure control and safety value), mould of size 25mm x 25mm x
250mm.
Procedure:
1. Oil the mould lightly with a layer of mineral oil. Set the reference points which are clean and
free from oil.
2. Take 500gms of cement and gauge it with a weighed quantity of water just sufficient to give
a paste to give a paste of standard consistency (approximately 30%)
3. Fill the mould in one or two layers by pressing the paste into corners by thumb. Smooth the
top surface with the flat side of trowel.
4. Immediately upon completion of moulding, place the mould in a moist room (humidity
chamber). After 24 hours remove the specimens from the moulds.
5. At 24 ± ½ hours after moulding, remove the specimen from the moist atmosphere and
measure the length L1.
6. Place the specimen in an autoclave at room temperature in a rack so that the four sides of
each specimen shall be exposed to the air. Turn on the heat and allow the air to escape from
the autoclave during the early portion of heating period (i.e. the air vent valve shall

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be kept open until steam begins to escape). Close the valve and rise the temperature of
autoclave at such a rate as will bring the gauge pressure of the steam to 2.1 N/mm2 in 1 to 1
½ hours from the time heat is turned on. Maintain a pressure of 2.0 + 0.1 N/mm2.
7. Switch off the autoclave after three hours and cool it at such a rate so as to lower the pressure
to 0.1 N/mm2 in an hour and open the air vent valve to bring it to atmospheric pressure.
8. Remove the specimen immediately from the autoclave and place it in the water of
temperature above 900C. Then cool the water to 27 ± 20 C in 15minutes.
9. Calculate the unsoundness as the percentage of the effective gauge length.
Results:
Unsoundness = _______________ %
Standard values:
As per IS this value should not exceed 0.8%.
Application: Soundness test is performed to ascertain the soundness or unsoundness of cement,
which affect’s durability of the structure in which cement is used.

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Observations
Initial Distance b/w the indicators, (D1) mm =
Final Distance b/w the indicators, (D2) mm =
Expansion of the cement specimen,( D2-D1), mm =

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Experiment No: 3B

SOUNDNESS TEST BY LE-CHATELIER METHOD

Aim: To determine the soundness of given sample of cement.

Theory: Excess of lime and magnesia present in cement slakes very slowly and cause
appreciable change in volume after setting. In consequence cracks, distortion and
disintegration results, thereby giving passage to water and atmospheric gases, which may
have injurious effect on concrete and reinforcement. This defect is known as unsoundness.
Appartus: Le-chatelier apparatus, 2 glass plates, Temperature controlled water bath, scale,
Weighing balance, weights, 850 micron IS sieve.
Procedure:
1. Take 100 grams of cement passing through 850-micron sieve
2. Make a paste with 0.78 P times the weight of cement and mix well.
3. Place the Le-chatelier mould on glass plate, fill it properly with cement paste and level
it.
4. Cover the upper side also with the glass plate and submerge in water bath for 24 hours.
5. After 24 hrs, measure the distance b/w the 2 indicators (D1).
6. Boil the water and keep the mould submerged in boiling water for 3 hrs.
7. Remove the mould from the water, measure the distance b/w the indicator points (D2).
8. The difference (D2-D1) b/w the 2 measurements give the expansion of the cement.

Result:
Unsoundness = …………..mm
References:
IS 4031 (Part 3) – 1988

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Observations and calculations:

3-days strength 7-days strength

Sl. No Strength Strength
Load KN Load KN
N/mm2 N/mm2
1
2
3
Avg

Mass of cement taken =200 gms

Mass of sand taken = 600 gms
Percentage of water = ----------------
Mass of water taken = ------------- ml.

Standard Values:

Compressive strength in MPa IS:4031 (Part-6)-1988

PPC
IS: 1489- PPC SRC
PSC
(Part-1) IS:1489 12330-
Type of OPC IS:455-
OPC 43 OPC 53 1991 (Part-2) 1988
grade and 33 1989
IS:8112- IS:12269- Fly ash 1991 Sulphate
Ref., code IS:269- Portland
1969 1987 based Calsined resisting
properties 1989 slag
Portland clay Portland
cement
pozzolona based cement
cement
a) 72±1 hour
16 23 27 16 16 16 10
not less than
b) 168 ±2
hour not less 22 33 37 22 22 22 16
than
c) 672 ± 4
hour not less 33 43 43 33 33 33 33
than

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Experiment No: 4
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CEMENT
Aim:
To determine the compressive strength of cement.
Theory:

The compressive strength of cement is determined from tests on cement mortar (1:3) cubes.
The standard sand confirming to IS: 650 – 1956 is used for preparing the cubes. Strength tests
are not made on neat cement paste because of difficulties of excessive shrinkage and subsequent
cracking of neat cement. Strength of cement is indirectly found from cement mortar. There is
also a good correlation between the compressive strength of cement mortar test cubes and
strength of concrete made with same cement. The mechanical strength of hardened cement is the
property of the material that is needed in structural design.

Apparatus:

Universal testing machine or Compression testing machine, cube moulds (70.71mm),

vibrating machine, crucible for mixing cement and sand, measuring cylinder, trowels, non-
porous plate and balance with weight box.

Procedure:

1. The material for each cube shall be mixed separately by taking quantities of cement; standard
sand and water are as follows;
2. Cement: 200gms, standard sand: 600gms,
3. Water: P/4 + 3% of combined weight of cement and sand
4. (Where ‘P’ is standard consistency)
5. Place on a non-porous plate a mixture of cement and standard sand in the proportion of 1:3
by weight as given above.
6. Mix it dry with a trowel for one minute and then add water until mix is of uniform colour.
7. Gauging time should not be less than 3 minutes and should not exceed 4 minutes. If it
exceeds, mixture is rejected and operation is repeated.
8. Oil the interior faces of the mould.

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9. Place the assembled mould on the table of the vibrating machine and firmly hold it in position
by means of suitable clamps. Securely attach the hopper at the top of the mould to facilitate
filling and this hopper shall not be removed until completion of vibration period
10. Immediately after mixing the mortar as explained above, fill the entire quantity of mortar in
the hopper of the cube mould and by vibration. The period of vibration shall be two minutes
at the specified speed of 12,000±400 cycles per minute.
11. Remove the mould from the machine and keep it at a temperature of 27±2oC in an atmosphere
of atleast 90% relative humidity for 24hours after completion of vibrations.
12. At the end of this period, remove the cube from the mould and immediate submerge it in
clean and fresh water and keep them until taken out just prior to breaking. The water in which
the cubes are submerged shall be releaved after every 7 days and be maintained at a
temperature of 27±2oC. keep the cubes wet till they are placed in machine for testing .
13. Test all three specimens after three days. The periods being record from the completion of
vibration. The compressive strength shall be the average of the strengths of three cubes for
each period. The cubes shall be tested on their sides , the load being applied at the rate of 35
N/mm2/minute.
Results:
The mean three days compression strength of cement = -----------MPa

Application: The goal of a compression test is to determine the behavior or response of a

material while it experiences a compressive load by measuring fundamental variables, such as,
strain, stress, and deformation. By testing a material in compression the compressive strength,
yield strength, ultimate strength, elastic limit, and the elastic modulus among other parameters
may all be determined. With the understanding of these different parameters and the values
associated with a specific material it may be determined whether or not the material is suited for
specific applications or if it will fail under the specified stresses.

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Blaine’s air permeability apparatus

Observations and Calculations:

Apparatus identification
Mass of empty crucible,gms
Mass of crucible + mercury required to fill the cell, gms
Mass of Mercury required to fill the cell Wa, gm.
Mass of crucible + mercury required to fill the portion
of the cell above the cement bed, gm.
Mass of mercury required to fill portion of cell above
the cement bed, Wb gm.
Bulk volume of compacted bed of cement, v, cm3
Mass of ample, w, gm
Average time taken by manometer liquid to fall from
second to third line Ts, sec
Air temperature, 0C
Specific surface of standard cement, Ss, cm2/g

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Experiment No: 5A

TEST FOR FINENESS OF CEMENT BY SPECIFIC SURFACE BY

BLAINE AIR PERMEABILITY METHOD

Aim:
To determine the specific surface of cements, pozzolanas, etc.
Theory:
The degree of fineness of cement is a measure of the mean size of the grains in the cement.
The rate of hydration and hydrolysis and consequent development of strength depends upon the
fineness of cement. To have the same rate of hardening in different brands of cement, the
fineness has been standardized. The finer cement has quicker action with water and gains early
strength through its ultimate strength remains unaffected. However, the shrinkage and cracking
of cement will increase with fineness of cement.

Apparatus:
Blaine’s variable air permeability apparatus.
Procedure:
1. Calculate the bulk volume of the compacted bed of cement (V) by the following formula;
2. V = (Wa – Wb) / p
3. Where; Wa = mass of the mercury required to fill the permeability cell.
i. Wb = mass of the mercury to fill the proportion of the cell not occupied by the bed
of cement formed by 2.8gms of the standard cement sample.
ii. p = density of mercury at the temperature of test.
iii. The masses Wa and Wb are obtained by weighing mercury in the crucible.
4. Determine the mass of sample, w required to produce a bed having porosity of 0.500 (=e)
as follows:
5. w = 3.15 v (1 – e)
6. Evacuate the air until the fluid moves above the upper line without pulling it over the top of
the side outlet. Close the valve and note the time Ts taken by manometer liquid to fall from
second mark

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Standard values:
The specific surface by air permeability method for different should not be less than;
a) Ordinary Portland cements = 2250 cm2/g
b) Rapid hardening cement = 3250 cm2/g
c) Low heat cement = 3200 cm2/g
(From top) to the third mark on the manometer when the air is allowed to permeate through the
compacted bed of standard cement sample. Note the air temperature.
Specific surface Determination:
1. Weigh an amount of cement sample equal to that determined in step 2, in the calibration.
2. Place the perforated disc in the permeability cell, then add a filter paper, followed by the
sample and another filter paper. Compress the specimen with plunger, remove the plunger
and couple the permeability cell with the manometer.
3. Evacuate the air until the fluid moves above the upper line without pulling it over the top
of side tube. Close the valve of manometer and note the time T it takes for the fluid to drop
from the second mark to the third mark on the manometer when the air is allowed to
permeate through the compacted bed of cement obtained in step 5. Note the air
temperature.
4. Calculate the specific surface S in square centimeters per gram of the tested cement by
using the following formula , if the temperature at calibration and at the time of test is
within ± 3% of each other:
√T
5. S = Ss
√Ts

6. Where Ss = specific surface of the standard cement used in calibration in cm2 / gm

i. Ts = measured time in seconds required for the fluid to fall the middle
interval for
ii. Standard sample, and T = measured time in seconds required for the fluid to
drop over the middle interval.
7. Compare the test values with specified values of the cement sample used.
Application:
The fineness of cement has an important bearing on the rate of hydration and hence on the rate
of gain of strength and also on the rate of evolution of heat. Finer cement offers a greater
surface area for hydration and faster the development of strength.
Increase in fineness of cement is also found to increase the drying shrinkage of concrete.

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Observation

Mass of the cement taken on IS sieve, W1 gm

Mass of the residue , W2gm

Fineness= ( W2/ W1)X 100 %

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Experiment No: 5B

FINENESS OF CEMENT BY SIEVE ANALYSIS

Aim: To determine the Fineness of cement.

Theory: Fineness is the measure of mean size of grains. Rate of hydration and
development of strength depends on the size of grains. Finer cement has quicker action with
water and early strength but ultimate strength does not change. However, shrinkage and
cracking of cement concrete will increase with fineness of cement.
Apparatus: 90 µ sieve, weighing balance, Bristle
brush.
Procedure:-
1. Weigh 100 grams of cement accurately.
2. Transfer the cement to the pan- sieve assembly, break down any lumps.
3. Holding the pan, sieve and lid assembly together sieve the cement in circular motion for 8-
10 mins.
4. Remove the sieve from the assembly clean the sieve and the lid with the brush.
5. Weigh the residue.

Results: Fineness of Cement……………%

Introduction / References:-
IS 4031 (Part 1) – 1988

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Observation and calculations:

(i) Weight of empty bottle (W1) = _______________ gms.
rd
(ii) Weight of bottle + 1/3 cement (W2) = _______________ gms.
rd
(iii) Weight of bottle + 1/3 cement + kerosene (W3) = ______________ gms.
(iv) Bottle + kerosene (W4) = ______________ gms.
Formula to calculate the Specific gravity;
W2 − W1
Specific Gravity = (W2 − W1 )− (W3 − W4 )
x Specific gravity of kerosene

Standard value:
Specific gravity of cement should be between 3 and 4.

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Experiment No: 6

SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF CEMENT

Aim:
To determine the specific gravity of cement sample.
Apparatus:
Specific gravity bottle, electronic weighing machine.
Significance:
Specific gravity is made use of in design calculations of concrete mixes. It is required in
calculating the compacting factor in connection with the workability measurements. It is also
considered when dealing with light weight and heavy weight concrete. Fig shows Specific gravity
bottle (Le-Chatelier’s flask).
Procedure:
1. The specific gravity bottle is cleaned and weight (W1) is noted.
2. The bottle is filled about 1/3rd of cement and the weight (W2) is noted.
3. This is again filled with kerosene and the weight (W3) is noted.
4. The specific gravity bottle is cleaned and it is filled with kerosene and the weight (W4) is
noted.
Results:
Specific gravity of cement = ______________
Application:
Specific gravity is normally used in mixture proportioning calculations. The specific gravity
of Portland cement is generally around 3.15 while the specific gravity of Portland-blast-
furnace-slag and portland-pozzolan cements may have specific gravities near 2.90

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Slump cone, tamping rod

Types of slump

Observations & Results:

Water-cement ratio Slump (mm)

Standard values:
Sl. No. Name of works Slump, mm Water-cement ratio
1 Concrete for roads and mass concrete 25 to 50 0.70
2 Concrete for R.C.C beams and slabs 50 to 100 0.55
3 Columns and retaining walls 75 to 125 0.45
4 Mass concrete in foundation 25 to 50 0.70

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Experiment No: 7A

SLUMP CONE TEST

Aim:
To determine the consistency of concrete mix of given proportions.
Theory:
Unsupported fresh concrete flows to the sides and a sinking in height takes place. This vertical
settlement is known as Slump. In this test fresh concrete is filled into a mould of specified shape
and dimensions, and the settlement or slump is measured when supporting mould is removed.
Slump increases as water content is increased. For different works different slump values have
been recommended.
The slump is a measure indicating the consistency or workability of cement concrete. It gives an
idea of water content needed for concrete to be used for different works. A concrete is said to be
workable if it can be easily mixed, placed compacted and finished. A workable concrete should
not show any segregation or bleeding. Segregation is said to occur when coarse aggregate tries to
separate out from the finer material and a concentration of coarse aggregate tries to separate out
from the finer material and a concentration of coarse aggregate at one place occurs. This results in
large voids, less durability and strength. Bleeding of concrete is said to occur when excess water
comes up at the surface of concrete. This causes small pores through the mass of concrete and is
undesirable.
By this test we can determine the water content to give specified slump value. In this test water
content is varied and in each case slump value is measured till we arrive at water content giving
the required slump value.
This test is not a true guide to workability. For example, a harsh mix cannot be said to have same
workability as one with a large proportion of sand even though they may have the same slump
Apparatus:
Iron pan to mix concrete, slump cone, spatula, trowels, tamping rod and graduated cylinder.

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Procedure:
1. Four mixes are to be prepared with water-cement ratio (by mass) of 0.5, 0.6, 0.7 and 0.8,
respectively, and for each mix take 10kg of coarse aggregates, 5kg of sand and 2.5kg of cement
with each mix.
2. Mix the dry constituents thoroughly to get a uniform colour and then add water.
3. Place the mixed concrete in the cleaned slump cone mould in 4 layers, each approximately ¼
of the height of the mould. Tamp each layer 25 times with tamping rod distributing the strokes
in a uniform manner over the cross-section of the mould. For the second and subsequent layers
the tamping rod should penetrate in to the underlying layer.
4. Strike off the top with trowel or tamping rod so that the mould is exactly filled.
5. Remove the cone immediately, raising it slowly and carefully in the vertical direction.
6. As soon as the concrete settlement comes to a stop, measure the subsidence of concrete in mm
which will give the slump.
Note: Slump test is adopted in the laboratory or during the progress of work in the field for
determining consistency of concrete where nominal maximum size of aggregate does not exceed
40mm.
Any slump specimen which collapses or shears off laterally gives incorrect results and if
this occurs the test is repeated, only the true slump should be measured. Fig shows types of slump.

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Compaction factor apparatus

Observations and Results:
Mass of the cylinder = --------------- kg.

Mass with Mass of Mass with Mass of C.F=

Water- partially fully partially fully
Sl. No. cement compacted compacted compacted compacted 𝐖𝟐 − 𝐖𝟏
ratio concrete concrete concrete concrete
W2 W3 W2 – W1 W3 - W1 𝐖𝟑 − 𝐖𝟏

1 0.5

2 0.6

3 0.7

4 0.8

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Experiment No: 7B

COMPACTION FACTOR TEST

Aim:
To determine the workability of concrete mix of given proportions by the compaction factor test.
Theory:
Compaction factor test is adopted to determine the workability of concrete, where nominal size of
aggregates does not exceed 40mm, and is primarily used in laboratory. It is based upon the
definition, that the workability is that property of the concrete which determines the amount of
work required to produce full compaction. The test consists essentially of applying a standard
amount of work to standard quantity of concrete and measuring the resulting compaction. To find
the workability of freshly prepared concrete, the test is carried out as per specifications of IS: 1199-
1959. Workability gives an idea of capability of being worked, i.e. idea to control the quantity of
water in cement concrete mix to get uniform strength.
It is more sensitive and precise than slump test and is particularly useful for concrete mixes of low
workability. The compaction factor (C.F) test is able to indicate small variations in workability
over a wide range.
Apparatus:
Compaction factor apparatus, trowels, graduated cylinder, balance, tamping rod and iron buckets.
Procedure:
1. Keep the compaction factor apparatus on a level ground and apply grease on the inner surface
of the hoppers and cylinder.
2. Fasten the flap doors.
3. Weigh the empty cylinder accurately and note down the mass as W1 kg.
4. Fix the cylinder on the base with fly nuts and bolts in such a way that the central points of
hoppers and cylinder lie on one vertical line. Cover the cylinder with a plate.

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Standard values Compacting Factor of concretes with 20mm or 40mm maximum size of
aggregate:
Compacting factor
Degree of
Small Large Uses for which concrete is suitable
workability
apparatus apparatus
Roads vibrated by power-operated machines. At
the more workable end of this group, concrete
Very low 0.78 0.80
may be compacted in certain cases with hand
operated machines.
Roads vibrated by hand-operated machines. At the
more workable end of this group, concrete may be
manually compacted in roads using aggregates of
Low 0.87 0.87
rounded or irregular shape. Mass concrete
foundations without vibration or lightly reinforced
sections with vibration.
At the less workable end of this group, manually
compacted flat slabs using crushed aggregates.
Medium 0.92 0.935
Normal reinforced concrete manually compacted
and heavily reinforced sections with vibration.
For section with congested reinforcement. Not
High 0.95 0.96
normally suitable for vibrations

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5. Four mixes are to be prepared with water-cement ratio (by mass) 0.5, 0.6, 0.7 and 0.8,
respectively. For each mix take 2.25kg of cement, 4.5kg sand and 9kg of aggregates. With each
mix proceed as follows;
a. Mix the sand and cement dry, until a mixture of uniform colour is obtained. Now mix the
coarse aggregate and cement-sand mixture until coarse aggregate is uniformly distributed
throughout the batch.
b. Add the required amount of water to the above mixture and mix it thoroughly until concrete
appears to be homogenous.
6. Fill the freshly mixed concrete in upper hopper gently and carefully with hand scoop without
compacting. Fig shows apparatus used for determining compaction factor.

Result: The Compaction factor for fresh concrete :…………………

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Vee-Bee consistometer

Observations and Calculation:

Initial reading on the graduated rod, a

Final reading on the graduated rod, b

Slump (b) – (a), cm

Time for completing remoulding, secs

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Experiment No: 7C

WORKABILITY BY VEE-BEE CONSISTOMETER

Aim:
To determine the workability of freshly mixed concrete by the use of Vee-Bee consistometer.
Theory:
The workability of fresh concrete is a composite property, which includes the diverse requirements
of stability, mobility, compactability, placeability and finishability. There are different methods
for measuring the workability. Each of them measures only a particular aspect of it and there is
really no unique test, which measures workability of concrete in its totality. This test gives an
indication of the mobility and to some extent of the compatibility of freshly mixed concrete.
The test measures the relative effort to change a mass of concrete from one definite shape to
another (i.e. from conical to cylindrical) by means of vibration. The amount of effort called
remoulding effort is taken as the time in seconds required completing the change. The results of
this test are of value in studying the mobility of the masses of concrete made with varying amount
of water, cement and with various types of grading of aggregate.
The time required for complete remoulding in seconds is considered as a measure of workability
and is expressed as the number of Vee-Bee seconds. The method is suitable for dry concrete. For
concrete of slump in excess of 50mm, the remoulding is so quick that the time cannot measured.
Apparatus:
Cylindrical container, Vee-Bee apparatus (consisting of vibrating table, slump cone) standard iron
rod, weighing balance and trowels.

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Standard values:
Workability description Vee-Bee Time, Seconds

Extremely dry 32 – 18
Very stiff 18 – 10
Stiff 10 – 5
Stiff plastic 5–3
Plastic 3–0
Flowing ------

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1. Place the slump cone in the cylindrical container of the consistometer. Fill the cone in four
layers, each approximately one quarter of the height of the cone. Tamp each layer with 25
strokes of the rounded end of the tamping rod. The strokes are distributed in a uniform manner
over the cross-section of the cone and for the second and subsequent layers the tamping bar
should penetrate into the underlying layer. After the top layer has been rodded, struck off level
the concrete with a trowel so that the cone is exactly filled.
2. Move the glass disc attached to the swivel arm and place it just on the top of the slump cone
in the cylindrical container. Adjust the glass disc so as to touch the top of the concrete cone,
and note the initial reading on the initial reading on the graduated rod.
3. Remove the cone from the concrete immediately by raising it slowly and carefully in the
vertical direction. Lower the transparent disc on the top of concrete. Note down the reading on
the graduated rod.
4. Determine the slump by taking the difference between the readings on the graduated rod record
in the steps (2) and (3) above.
5. Switch on the electrical vibrations and start the stop watch. Allow the concrete to remould by
spreading out in the cylindrical container.
6. The vibrations are continued until the concrete is completely remoulded, i.e. the surfaces
becomes horizontal and the whole concrete surface adheres uniformly to the transparent disc.
7. Record the time required for complete remolding seconds which measures the workability
expressed as number of Vee-Bee seconds.
Results:
The consistency of the concrete is ------------------.

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Compression testing machine

Observations, Calculations and Results:

Date of casting = ____________

Date of testing = ____________
Compressive Breaking
ID Weight Length Breadth Height Area
strength Remarks load
No. (kgs) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm2)
(MPa) (kN)

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Experiment No: 8

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE

Aim:
To determine the compressive strength of concrete cubes.
Theory:

Concrete is primarily is strong in compression and in actual construction, the concrete is used in
compression. Concrete besides strong in compression is also good in other qualities. Higher the
compressive strength better is the durability. Bond strength also improves with the increase in
compressive strength and is important in RCC works. Compressive strength also indicates extent
of control exercised during construction. Resistance to abrasion and volume stability improves
with the compressive strength. Test for compressive strength is, therefore very important in quality
of concrete. Preparation and conduct of compressive strength is comparatively easy and give more
consistent results than tensile or flexural strength. This test for determining the compressive
strength of concrete has, therefore attained maximum importance. For acceptance criteria, refer to
IS: 456. Generally 15cm cubes are used for testing at 28 days.

Apparatus required:

Cube moulds 150mm size as per IS: 516, Trowels, GI sheet for mixing, 16mm dia, 400mm long
tamping rod with bullet pointed at the lower end, glass plate thicker than 6.5mm or 13mm thick
machined plate and of dimensions greater than 17.5mm, 100 ton compressive testing machine.

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Standard Values:

IS: 456 gives 7 grade designations as M10, M15, M20, M25, M30, M35 and M40. The
compressive strength requirements for various grades of concrete are given below.

Grade
M10 M15 M20 M25 M30 M35 M40
designation
Compressive
strength at
10 15 20 25 30 35 40
28 days
(N/mm2)

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Procedure:

1. Fill concrete into the mould in layers approximately 5cm deep by moving the scoop around
the top edge of the mould. This is done in order to ensure a symmetrical distribution of the
concrete within the mould.
2. Compaction: If compaction is done by hand, tamp the concrete with the standard rod,
strokes being uniformly distributed over the cross-section of the mould. For 15cm cube,
number of strokes should not be less than 35 per layer. Strokes should penetrate into the
underlying layer. Tamp the sides of the mould to close the voids left by tamping bars.
3. If compaction is done by vibration, then each layer is compacted by means of suitable
vibrating hammer or vibrator or vibrator table. Mode an quantum of vibration of laboratory
specimen shall be as nearly the same as those of adopted in actual operations.
4. Curing: Store the specimen in a water bath at temperature of 27o ± 20 C for 24 ± ½ hour
from the time of addition of water to dry the ingredients. Remove the specimen from the
mould and keep it immediately submerged in clean, fresh water and keep there until taken
out just prior to test. Water in which specimen is submerged shall be renewed every seven
days.
5. Test for compressive strength:
Age at test; Usually testing is done after 7 days and 28 days, the days being measured from
the time the water is added to the dry ingredients. Test atleast three specimens at a time.
6. Test specimens, after about half an hour an removal from the water, till it is in surface
saturated dry condition. If the specimens are received dry, keep them in water for 24 hours
before testing.
7. Note down the dimensions of specimens nearest to 0.2mmand also note down their weight.
8. Placing specimen in the machine:
(i) Place the specimen in such a manner that the load shall be applied to opposite sides of
cubes as cast, i.e. not to the top and bottom.
(ii) Align carefully the centre of thrust of the spherically seated platen.
(iii) Apply load slowly and at the rate of 140kg/cm2/minute till the cube breaks.
(iv) Note the maximum load and appearance of the concrete failure i.e. whether aggregate
has broken or cement paste has separated from the aggregate etc.

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Results:

Mean Characteristic compressive strength = ____________ MPa

Questions:

(i) Why is the compression test supposed to be the most important for concrete?
(ii) Discuss the acceptance criterion for concrete as given in IS 456?
(iii) How is the strength related to the cube compressive strength?

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Flexural Testing on Concrete Beam

Calculations:

The flexural strength of the specimen shall be expressed as the modulus of rupture. The theoretical
maximum tensile stress reached in the bottom fibre of the test beam is known as the modulus of
rupture fcr, which, if ‘a’ equals to the distance between the line of fracture and nearest support,
measured on the centre line of support, measured on the centre line of the tensile side of the
specimen, in cm, shall be calculated as follows:

𝑃𝐿
fcr = 𝑏𝑑2

when ‘a’ is greater than 20 cm for 15 cm specimen, or greater than 13.3 cm for a 10 cm specimen
or

3𝑝𝑎
fcr = 𝑏𝑑2

when ‘a’ is less than 20 cm but greater than 17 cm for 15 cm specimen, or less than 13.3 cm but
greater than11 cm for a 10 cm specimen

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Experiment No: 9

FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF CONCRETE

Aim: To determine, the strength of concrete using flexural test

Apparatus: The following apparatus are required for the test.

1. Prism mould (15 cm x 15 cm x 70 cm)

2. Flexural test machine

Theory of Test:

Concrete is relatively strong in compression and weak in tension. In RCC concrete members, little
dependence is placed on tensile strength of concrete since steel reinforcing bars are provided to
resist all tensile forces. However, tensile stresses are likely to develop in concrete due to drying
shrinkage, rusting of steel reinforcement, temperature gradient and many other reasons. Therefore,
the knowledge of tensile strength of concrete is of importance.

The theoretical maximum tensile stress at the bottom face at failure is termed the modulus of
rupture. It is about 1.5 times the tensile stress determined by the splitting test.

Procedure:

1. Test specimens are stored in water at a temperature of 24o C to 30o C for 48 hours before
testing. They are tested immediately on removal from the water whilst they are still wet
condition.
2. The dimension of each specimen should be noted before testing.
3. The bearing surface of the supporting and loading rollers is wiped and clean, and any loose
sand or other material removed from the surfaces of the specimen where they are to make
contact with the rollers.
4. The specimen is then placed in the machine in such manner that the load is applied to the
upper most surface as cast in the mould
5. The axis of specimen is carefully aligned with the axis of the loading device. No packing
is used between the bearing surfaces of the specimen and rollers.

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6. The load is applied without shock and increasing continuously at a rate of the specimen.
The rate of loading is 4kN/min for the 15cm specimen and 18 KN /min for the 10cm
specimen.
7. The load is increased until the specimen fails and the maximum load applied to the
specimen during the test is recorded.

Result: The flexural strength of the given concrete is N/mm2

IS Specification:

An estimate of the tensile strength from the compressive strength from the compressive strength
can be estimated using the formula:

Flexural strength, fcr = 0.7 √fck

Where fck is the characteristic cube compressive strength of concrete in N/mm2

Technical Discussions:

 The splitting tensile test is a simple test and the results are more uniform than other tension
tests. The tensile strength obtained is closer to the actual tensile strength of concrete than
the flexural tensile strength which is about 1.25 to 2 times the split tensile strength.

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Compression testing machine

Observations and Calculations:

Dia of the Length of the Breaking load Splitting tensile

ID No.
specimen (mm) specimen (mm) (N) strength (MPa)

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Experiment No: 10

SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE

Aim:
To determine the split tensile strength of concrete of given mix proportions.
Theory:
The tensile strength is one of the basic and important properties of the concrete. The concrete is
not usually expected to resist the direct tension because of its low tensile strength and brittle nature.
However, the determination of tensile strength of concrete is necessary to determine the load at
which the concrete members may crack. The cracking is a form of tension failure.
Apart from the flexure test the other methods to determine the tensile strength of concrete can be
broadly classified as (a) direct methods and (b) indirect methods. The direct method suffers from
a number of difficulties related to holding the specimen properly in the testing machine without
introducing stress concentration, and to the application of uniaxial tensile load which is free from
eccentricity of load will introduce combined bending and axial force condition and the concrete
fails at the apparent tensile stress other than the tensile strength.
As there are many difficulties associated with the direct tension test, a number of indirect methods
have been developed in the specimen. The tensile stress at which the failure occur is termed as the
tensile strength of concrete.
The splitting tests are well known indirect tests used for determining the tensile strength of
concrete sometimes referred to as split tensile strength of concrete. The test consists of applying a
compressive line load along the opposite generators of concrete cylinder placed with its axis
horizontal between the compressive platens. Due to the compression loading a fairly uniform
tensile stress is developed over nearly 2/3 of the loaded diameter as obtained from an elastic
analysis. The magnitude of this tensile stress Osp (acting in a direction perpendicular to the line of
action of applied loading) is given by the formula (IS: 5816-1970).
O 2P
sp= =0.63 P/dl
πDL

The ratio of the split tensile strength to cylinder strength not only varies with the grade of the
concrete but is also dependent on the age of concrete. This ratio is found to decrease with time

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after about a month. The air-cured concrete gives lower tensile strength than that given by moist-
cured concrete. The flexural strength as obtained by rupture test is found to be greater than the
split tensile strength. This test is becoming very popular because of the following advantages viz.
The test is simple to perform and gives more uniform results than that given by other tests. The
strength determined is closer to the actual tensile strength of concrete than the modulus of rupture
value.
The same moulds and testing machine can be used for compression and tension tests similar to the
splitting of the cylinder cubes can also be split either (a) along its middle parallel to the edges by
applying opposite compressive forces through 15mm square bar of sufficient length or (b) along
one of its diagonal planes by applying compressive forces along two opposite edges. In the side
splitting of cubes the tensile strength is obtained from Osp = 0.642 P / S2 and in diagonal splitting it is
determined from Osp = 0.5187 PS2 where P is the failure load and S is the side of the cube.
Apparatus:
Compression testing machine, weighing balance, mixer, tamping rods.

Procedure:

1. Take mix proportion as 1: 2: 4 with water cement ratio of 0.6. Take 21kg of aggregate,
10.5kg of fine aggregates 5.25kg of cement and 3.15 litres of water. Mix them thoroughly
until uniform colour is obtained. This material will be sufficient for casting three cylinders
of the size for casting three cylinders of the size 150mm diameter x 300mm length.
2. In mixing by hand cement and fine aggregate be first mixed dry to uniform colour and then
coarse aggregate is added and mixed until coarse aggregate is uniformly distributed
throughout the batch. Now, the water shall be added and the ingredients are mixed until
resulting concrete is uniform in colour. Mix atleast for two minutes.
3. Pour concrete in moulds oiled with medium viscosity oil. Fill the cylinder mould in four
layers each of approximately 75mm and ram each layer more than 35 times with evenly
distributed strokes.
Remove surplus concrete from the top of the moulds with the help of trowel.
4. Cover the moulds with wet mats and put the identification mark after about 3 to 4 hours.
Remove the specimens from the mould after 24 hours and immerse them in water for curing.
These tests are usually conducted at the range of 7–28 days. The time age shall be calculated
from the time of addition of water to the dry ingredients.

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5. Test at least three specimens for each age of test follows, draw diametrical lines on two ends
of the specimen so that they are in the same axial plane.
6. Determine the diameter of specimen to the nearest 0.2mm by averaging the diameters of the
specimen lying in the plane of pre marked lines measured near the ends and the middle of
the specimen also shall be taken be nearest 0.2mm by averaging the two lengths measured
in the plane containing pre marked lines.
7. Centre one of the plywood strips along the centre of the lower pattern. Place the specimen
on the plywood strip and align it so that the lines marked on the end of the specimen are
vertical and centered over the plywood strip. The second plywood strip is placed length
wise on the cylinder centered on the lines marked on the ends of the cylinder.
8. The assembly is positioned to ensure that lines marked on the end of the specimen are vertical
and the projection of the plane passing through these two lines interest the centre of the
platen.
9. Apply the load without shock and increase it continuously at the rate to produce a split tensile
stress of approximately 1.4 to 2.1 N/mm2 /minute, until no greater load can be sustained.
Record the maximum load applied to the specimen.
Note the appearance of concrete and any unusual feature in the type of failure.
10. Compute the split tensile strength of the specimen to the nearest 0.25 N/mm 2.

Results:
Split tensile strength of concrete = ____________

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Apparatus to conduct specific gravity of aggregates

Observation and calculations:

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Experiment No: 11

DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND WATER

ABSORPTION OF AGGREGATES

Aim:
To determine the specific gravity and water absorption of coarse aggregate.
Apparatus:
Wire basket, weighing balance, spring balance, bucket containing water and oven.
Procedure:
1. First the empty weight of the wire basket shall be noted and aggregates of weight 2kgs are
taken.
2. The aggregates are poured in the wire basket and it is kept in water tank for 24 hours.
3. After soaking for 24 hours, aggregates along with wire basket is hanged to a weighing
balance, and the wire basket is made to immerse in bucket containing water and saturated
weight is noted down.
4. The aggregates are poured outside from the wire basket and made Saturated Surface Dry
(SSD). Weight shall be noted.
5. The SSD aggregates are kept in oven for one day and weight is recorded.

Results:
Specific Gravity of coarse aggregates = ---------------------------
Water absorption of coarse aggregates = --------------------------%

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Flakiness and Elongation index apparatus

Observation and calculations:

(a) Flakiness index of coarse aggregates

Table 1: Dimensions of thickness and length gauges

Size of aggregate Weight of Weight of

Sl. Passing aggregate aggregate
No. Retained on Thickness gauge retained on passing
through IS:
IS: sieve, mm Size, mm each sieve through slot
sieve, mm
1 63 50 33.90
2 50 40 27.00
3 40 32.5 19.50
4 32.5 25 16.95
5 25 20 13.50
6 20 16 10.80
7 16 12.5 8.55
8 12.5 10 6.75
9 10 6.3 4.89
∑W = W1 ∑W = W2

W
Flakiness index of coarse aggregate = W2 x 100
1

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Experiment No: 12

SHAPE TEST- DETERMINATION OF FLAKINESS &

ELONGATION INDEX

Aim:

This method of test lays down the procedure for determining the flakiness index of coarse
aggregate.

Theory:
An aggregate having least dimension less than 3/5th of its mean dimension is termed flaky. The
mean dimension is the average of the sieve sizes through which the particles pass and the sieve
size on which these are retained. On the other hand the particles having the largest dimension
(length) greater than 9/5 times the mean size termed as elongated. The presence of excess of flaky
and elongated particles in concrete aggregate decreases the workability appreciably for a given
water-cement ratio, thus requiring larger amounts of sand, cement and water. The percentage of
flaky and elongated particles should be limited to 10 to 15. The tests are not applicable to aggregate
of sizes smaller than 6.3mm.

Apparatus:

Balance a set of 10 sieves ranging from 63mm IS sieve to 6.3mm thickness guage and length
guage.

Procedure:
1. Take sufficient quantity (W1) of coarse aggregate sample by quartering so as to provide at
least 200 pieces of any fraction.
2. Carry out sieving by hand: The sample shall be sieved with the sieves specified in the
table 1. The sieving shall be done over a clean dry tray for a period not less than 2
minutes.
3. Pass the separated aggregate fractions as retained on the sieves in step 2 through the
corresponding slots in the thickness guage e.g. the material passing through 50mm sieve
1 3
and retained on 40mm sieve is passed through (50 + 40)𝑋 ( ) = 27.0mm slot.
2 5
4. Find the total mass W2 of the materials passing through the slots of the thickness guage.

Results:

Flakiness Index = ----------------- %

Elongation Index = --------------- %

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(b) Elongation index of aggregate

Size of aggregate Weight of Weight of

Passing aggregate aggregate
Sl. Retained on Length gauge
through IS: retained on passing
No. IS: sieve, mm Size, mm
sieve, mm each sieve through slot
1 63 50 -------
2 50 40 81.0
3 40 32.5 58.5
4 32.5 25 -------
5 25 20 40.5
6 20 16 32.4
7 16 12.5 25.6
8 12.5 10 20.2
9 10 6.3 14.7
∑W = W3 ∑W = W4

W4
Elongation index = x 100 = -------------%
W3

Standard values:

Indian Road Congress has recommended the maximum allowable limits of flakiness index
values for various types of construction, as given in table 2.

Table 2: Maximum allowable flakiness index of aggregates in different types of pavement

construction

Sl.
Types of Pavement construction Maximum limits of Flakiness index, %
No.
1 Bituminous carpet 30
Bituminous / Asphaltic concrete
Bituminous penetration macadam
2 Bituminous surface dressing 25
(single coat, two coats and
precoated), Built-up Spray grout
Bituminous macadamWater bound
3 macadam. Base and surfacing 15
courses

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5. Calculate the flakiness index as defined below. The flakiness index is an empirical factor
expressing a total material passing through the slots of the thickness guage as the
percentage of the mass of sample taken for testing.
To determine the Elongation index of coarse aggregate (retaining):
1. Take a sufficient quantity W3 of coarse aggregate by quartering so as to provide at least 200
pieces of any fraction.
2. Carry out sieving by hand: The sample shall be sieved with the sieves specified in the table
1. The sieving shall be done over a clean dry tray for a period not less than 2 minutes.
3. Pass the separated aggregate fractions as retained on the sieves in step 2 through the
corresponding slots in the thickness guage e.g. the material passing through 50mm sieve
9
and retained on 40mm sieve is passed through (50 + 40) = 81.0mm slot
5

4. Find the total mass W4 of the material retained on the length gauges.
5. Determine the elongation index as percentage material retained by the length gauges of
the total material taken for testing.

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Impact testing apparatus

Observations and calculations:

Initial weight of dry aggregates taken in the measuring the cylinder of (A) = --------gms

Weight of fraction passing 2.36mm IS sieve (B) = --------gms

B
Aggregate Impact value = x 100
A

Standard values:

Aggregate impact value Classification

Less than 10% Exceptionally strong

10 – 20% Strong
10 – 30% Satisfactory for road surfacing
Greater than 35% Weak for road surfacing

Note: As per IS: 2386 (Part IV) – 1963 the aggregate impact value shall not exceed 45% by
weight for aggregates used for concrete other than for wearing surfaces and 30% by weight for
concrete for wearing surfaces such as runways, roads and pavements

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Experiment No: 13

DETERMINATION OF AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE

Aim:

This method of test covers the procedure for determining the aggregate impact value of coarse
aggregate.

Theory:

The property of a material to resist the impact is known as toughness. Due to the movement of
vehicles on road the aggregates are subjected to impact resulting in their breaking down into
smaller pieces. The aggregates should therefore have sufficient toughness to resist their
disintegration due to impact. This characteristic is measured by impact value test. The aggregate
impact value is a measure of resistance to sudden impact or shock, which may differ from its
resistance to gradually applied compressive load.
Apparatus:

Stewart’s aggregate impact testing machine, IS sieves of sizes 12.5mm, 10mm and 2.36mm,
cylindrical measure of 75mm diameter and 50mm depth, Tamping rod, Balance, Oven. Fig
shows the aggregate impact apparatus.

Procedure:

1. Take about 350gms of aggregate passing through 12.5mm IS sieve and retained on 10mm
IS sieve.
2. Dry the aggregate sample for four hours in an oven at a temperature of 100-1100c.
3. Pour the aggregates to fill about just 1/3rd depth of measuring cylinder. Compact the
material by giving 25 gentle blows with the rounded end of the tamping rod. Add two
more layers in similar manner, so that cylinder is full. Strike off the surplus aggregates.
4. Determine the net weight of the aggregates to the nearest gram.

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5. Pour the aggregate in the cylinder of the impact testing machine, level the surface and
twenty- five gentle strokes with standard hammer.
6. Release the falling hammer and repeat the procedure until 15 blows are given to the
aggregate at 2 seconds interval.
7. Remove the sample and subject it to sieving on 2.36mm IS sieve.
8. Weigh the samples passing through 2.36mm IS sieve and express this as the percentage of
total mass of the aggregate.
9. Perform three tests and take the average of three values as the impact value.

Results:

Aggregate impact value = ------------ %

References:

IS: 2386 (Part IV) – 1963

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Impact testing apparatus

Observations and Calculations:

B
Aggregate Crushing Value = x 100
A
Where;
A = Weight of surface dry sample.
B = Weight of fraction passing the appropriate sieve.

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Experiment No: 14

DETERMINATION OF AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE

Aim:

This method of test covers the procedure for determining the aggregate crushing value of coarse
aggregate.

Theory:

The ‘Aggregate crushing value’ gives a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to
crushing under a gradually applied compressive load. It is the percentage of weight of the crushed
(or finer) material obtained when the test aggregates are subjected to a specified load under
standardized conditions. It is the numerical index of the strength of the aggregate. Aggregates with
lower crushing value indicate a lower crushed fraction under load and would give a longer service
life to the road and hence a more economical performance. Weaker aggregates if used would get
crushed under traffic loads, and produce smaller pieces not coated with binder and these would be
easily displaced or loosened out resulting in loss of the surface/layer. In short the aggregates used
in road construction must be strong enough to withstand crushing under roller traffic.

Apparatus:

The apparatus for the standard test shall consist of the following:

1. A 15cm diameter open-ended steel cylinder, with plunger and base-plate. The surfaces in
contact with the aggregate shall be machined and case-hardened or otherwise treated so as to
have a diamond (VH) pyramid hardness number of not less than 650 VH.
2. A straight metal tamping rod of circular cross-section 16 mm in diameter and 45 to 60 cm
long, rounded at one end.
3. A balance of capacity 3 kg, readable and accurate to one gram.
4. IS Sieves of sizes 12.5, l0 and 2.36mm.

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Standard Values:
Aggregate crushing value not more than
Type of road construction
(%)
1. Flexible pavements 50
(a)Soiling 40
(b)Water bound macadam 40
(c)Bituminous macadam 30
(d)Bituminous surface-dressing or thin
30
premix carpet
2. Rigid pavements
(a) Other than wearing course 45
(b) Surface of wearing course 30

Note: the aggregate crushing value shall not exceed 45% for aggregate used for concrete other
than for wearing surfaces and 30% for concrete for wearing surfaces.

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5. A compression testing machine capable of applying a load of 40 tons and which can be
operated to give a uniform rate of loading so that the maximum load is reached in 10 minutes.
The machine may be used with or without a spherical seating.
6. For measuring the sample, cylindrical metal measure of sufficient rigidity to retain its form
under rough usage and of the following internal dimensions:
1. Diameter 1 l.5 cm
2. Height 18.0 cm

Test Procedure:

1. The material for the standard test shall consist of aggregate passing through 12.5-mm IS
Sieve and retained on a 10mm IS Sieve. Take about 5kgs of this material.
2. The aggregates are filled in three layers until it fills just more than 1/3 rd depth of it. Each
layer being subjected to 25 strokes from the tamping rod. Add two more layers in similar
manner, such that the cylinder is full. The surface of the aggregates shall be carefully
levelled and the plunger inserted rests horizontally on this surface.
3. Empty the cylinder and weigh the aggregates (Weight A). Transfer the whole of this
quantity to the test mould in the same manner.
4. The apparatus, with the test sample and plunger in position, shall then be placed between
the platens of the testing machine and loaded at a uniform rate of 4 tons per minute. The
total load applied is 40 tons (400kN).
5. The load shall be released and the whole of the material removed from the cylinder and
sieved on a 2.36mm IS Sieve for the standard test. The fraction passing the sieve shall be
weighed (Weight B).

Results:

Aggregate Crushing Value = --------------- %

References:

IS: 2386 (Part IV) - 1963

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Los Angeles Apparatus

Table 1: Details of abrasive charge

Weight of
Number of
Grading charge
Spheres
(gms)
A 12 5,000±25
B 11 4,584±25
C 8 3,330±20
D 6 2,500±15
E 12 5,000±25
F 12 5,000±25
G 12 5,000±25

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Experiment No: 15

DETERMINATION OF AGGREGATE ABRASION VALUE

Aim:

This test covers the following two methods of determining the abrasion value of coarse aggregates.

Theory:

Due to movements of traffic, the road metals used in the surface courses are subjected to wearing
action at the top. Resistance to wear or hardness is hence an essential property for road aggregates.
The road metals or aggregates should be hard enough to resist the abrasion due to traffic. When
vehicles move on the road, the soil particles present between the pneumatic tyres and road surfaces
causes abrasion of road aggregates. The steel reamed wheels of animal driven vehicles also cause
considerable abrasion of the aggregates on the road surface. The IS has specified the Los angeles
abrasion test for the determination for the determination for the determination of abrasion value of
aggregates. In this test, steel balls are mixed with aggregates and rotated in drum of specific
number on aggregates. The percentage wear of the aggregates due to abrasive action (or rubbing
action) with steel balls is determined and is known as Los angeles abrasion values.

Apparatus:

Los Angeles apparatus, Abrasive charge consisting of cast iron spheres approximately 48mm
diameter and each weighing between 390 to 445gms.1.70mm IS Sieve. The number of spheres to
be used for different grading of aggregates. Fig shows Los angeles apparatus and Table 1 gives
the weight of the charge.

Procedure:

1. Take the test sample consisting of clean which has been dried in an oven at 105 to 1100c
aggregate to substantially constant weight and shall conform to one of the grading Shown
in table 2. The weight of aggregates to be taken depends on the grade of aggregate and is
as shown in table 2.

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Table 2: Grading of the test sample

Sieve Size Weight of test sample for different grade

Passing(mm) Retained A B C D E F G
on (mm)
80 63 2,500
63 50 2,500
50 40 5,000 5,000
40 25 1,250 5,000 5,000
25 20 1,250 5,000
20 12.5 1,250 2,500
12.5 10 1,250 2,500
10 6.3 2,500
6.3 4.75 2,500
4.75 2.36 5,000

Tolerance of ±2 percent is permitted

Observation and Calculations:

Original mass of the test sample (W1) = ---------- gms
Final mass of the test sample (W2) = ------------ gms

W2 −W1
Percentage of wear = x 100 = ------------ %
W1

Standard values:

Type of pavement layer Max. permissible abrasion value in %

Water bound macadam, sub base coarse 60
WBM base course with bituminous surfacing 50
Bituminous bound macadam 50
WBM surfacing course 40
Bituminous penetration macadam 40
Bituminous surface dressing, cement
35
concrete surface course
Bituminous concrete surface course 30
For aggregates to be used in concrete for
30
wearing surfaces
For aggregates to be used in other concrete 50

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2. Place the test sample and the abrasive charge in the Los-Angeles abrasion testing machine.
Rotate the cylinder at a speed of 30 to 33 rpm. For grading A and B, the machine shall be
rotated for 500 revolutions and for grading E it shall be rotated for 1,000 revolutions.
3. At the completion of the required revolutions, discharge the materials carefully from the
machine to tray. Make preliminary separation of sample on a sieve coarser than 4.75mm
sieve. Sieve the finer portion on a 1.70mm IS sieve.
The material retained on 1.70mm IS sieve shall be washed, dried in an oven at 105-1100c
to a substantially constant mass and accurately weighed to the nearest gram.
4. Determine the loss in mass (represented by the material passing the 1.70mm IS sieve) by
difference and express it as a percentage of the original mass of the sample.

Results:

Percentage of wear = ------------ %

References:

IS: 2386 (Part IV) - 1963

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Specific gravity of Bituminous Material

Observation and calculations:

Then specific gravity of bituminous material is given by formula.

W2 − W1
Specific Gravity (G) = (W
3 − W1 )−(W4 − W2 )

Where,

W1 = Weight of empty specific gravity bottle

W2 = Weight of bottle+bitumen

W3 = Weight of bottle +water

W4 = Weight of bottle + water +bitumen

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Experiment No: 16

SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST FOR BITUMEN

Aim:
To determine the specific gravity of given Bituminous material.
Theory:
The specific gravity is defined as the mass of given volume of the bituminous material to mass of
equal volume of water at temperature 27 0 C. in most pplications the bitumen is weighed but finally
in use with aggregate system, the bitumen content is converted on volume basis. Thus , an accurate
specific gravity value is required for conversion of weight to volume. Specific gravity values are
also used to know the quality of bituminous material.
Apparatus required:
Specific gravity bottle, balance and distilled water.
Procedure:
1. The clean, dried specific gravity bottle is weighed let that be W1 gm

2. Than it is filled with fresh distilled water and then kept in water bath for at least half an hour
at temperature 27 0C±0.1 0C.

3. The bottle is then removed and cleaned from outside. The specific gravity bottle containing
distilled water is now weighed. Let this be W2 gm.

4. Then the specific gravity bottle is emptied and cleaned. The bituminous material is heated to
a pouring temperature and the material is poured half the bottle, by taking care to prevent
entry of air bubbles. Then it is weighed. Let this be W3 gm.

5. The remaining space in specific gravity bottle is filled with distilled water at 27oC and is
weighed. Let this be W4 gm.

Result:

The specific gravity of given bituminous binder is ________________

References:

(IS: 1202-1978)

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Trial No
Penetrometer dial reading
a) Intial
b) Final
Penetration Value

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Experiment No: 17

DETERMINATION OF PENETRATION VALUE OF BITUMEN

Aim:
(i) To determine the consistency of bituminous material
(ii) To assess the suitability of bitumen for its use under different climatic condition and type
of construction.
Theory:
Penetration is a measurement of hardness or consistency of bitumen material. It is the vertical
distance traversed or penetrated by the point of a standard needle in to the bituminous material
under standard condition of load, time and temperature. The distance is measured in one tenth of
millimeter. This test is used for evaluating consistency of bituminous materials. It is not regarded
as suitable for use in connection with the testing of road tar because of high surface tension
exhibited by these materials and the fact that they contain relatively large amount of free carbon.
Apparatus required:
Penetration apparatus, thermometer, time measuring device, transfer dish, water bath, needle
Procedure:
1. Soften the material to a pouring consistency at a temperature not more than 60 0C for tars and
90 0C for bitumen above the approximate softening point and stir it thoroughly until it is
homogenous and is free from air bubbles and water. Pour the melt into the container to a
depth at least 10mm in excess of the expected penetration. Protect the sample from dust and
allow it to cool in an atmosphere at a temperature between 15o to 30 0C for one hour. Then
place it along with the transfer dish in the water bath at 25.00 ±0.1 0C and allow it to remain
for 1 to 11/2 hour. The test is carried out at 25.00 ±0.1 0C, unless otherwise stated.
2. Fill the transfer dish water from the water bath to depth sufficient to cover the container
completely. Place the sample in it and put it upon the stand of the penetration apparatus.
3. Clean the needle with benzene, dry it and load with weight. The total moving load required
is 100±0.25gms, including the weight of the needle, carrier and super-imposed weights.
4. Adjust the needle to make contact with the surface of the sample. This may be done by placing
the needle point with its image reflected by the surface of the bituminous material.
5. Make the pointer of the dial to read zero or note the initial dial reading

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6. Release the needle for exactly five seconds

7. Adjust the penetration machine to measure the distance penetrated.
8. Make at least 3 reading at points on the surface of the sample not less than 10mm apart and
not less than 10mm from the side of the dish. After each test return the sample and transfer
dish to the water bath and wash the needle clean with benzene and dry it. In case of material
of penetration greater than 225 three determinations on each of the two identical tests
specimens using a separate needle for each determination should be made, leaving the needle
in the sample onj completion of each determinations to avoid disturbance of the specimen.

Result: The Penetration value of given bitumen is ________________

References:

(IS: 1203-1978)

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Fig: Ductility testing machine

Observations and calculations:

1. Bitumen grade:
2. Pouring temperature (OC):
3. Test temperature (OC):
4. Periods of cooling, minutes:
a) In air:
b) In water bath before trimming:
c) In water bath after trimming:

Briquette No.
(a) Intial Reading
(b) Final Reading
(c) Ductility= b-a (cm)

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Experiment No: 18

DETERMINATION OF DUCTILITY OF THE BITUMEN

Aims:
(i) To measure the ductility of a given sample of bitumen
(ii) To determine the suitability of bitumen for it use in road construction

Theory:

The ‘Ductility Test’ gives a measure of adhesive property of Bitumen and its ability to stretch. In
flexible pavement design, it is necessary that the binder should form a thin ductile film around the
aggregates so that the physical interlocking of the aggregate is improved. Binder material having
insufficient ductility gets cracked when subjected to repeat traffic loads and it provides pervious
pavement surface. Ductility of a bituminous material is measured by the distance in centimeters to
which it will elongate before breaking when two ends of standard briquette specimen of the
material are pulled apart at a specified speed and at a specified temperature.
Apparatus:

Briquette mould, (length – 75mm, distance between clips – 30mm, width at mouth of clips –
20mm, cross section at minimum width – 10mm x 10mm), Ductility machine with water bath and
a pulling device at a precaliberated rate, a putty knife, thermometer.

Procedure:

1. Melt the bituminous test material completely at a temperature of 75oC to 100oC above the
approximate softening point until it becomes thoroughly fluid
2. Strain the fluid through IS sieve 30.
3. After stirring the fluid, pour it in the mould assembly and place it on a brass plate

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4. In order to prevent the material under test from sticking, coat the surface of the plate and
interior surface of the sides of the mould with mercury or by a mixture of equal parts of
glycerin and dextrin.

5. After about 30 – 40 minutes, keep the plate assembly along with the sample in a water bath.
Maintain the temperature of the water bath at 27oC for half an hour.

6. Remove the sample and mould assembly from the water bath and trim the specimen by
leveling the surface using a hot knife.

7. Replace the mould assembly in water bath maintained at 27oC for 80 to 90 minutes

8. Remove the sides of the moulds

9. Hook the clips carefully on the machine without causing any initial strain

10. Adjust the pointer to read zero

11. Start the machine and pull two clips horizontally at a speed of 50mm per minute

12. Note the distance at which the bitumen thread of specimen breaks.

13. Record the observations in the proforma and compute the ductility value report the mean
of two observations, rounded to nearest whole number as the “Ductility Value”

Result: The Ductility value of given bitumen is ________________

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Fig: Ring and Ball appararus

Observation and calculations:

Specimen number
Temperature when the ball
touches bottom , 0 C
Average

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Experiment No: 19

DETERMINATION OF SOFTENING POINT OF BITUMINOUS

MATERIAL

Aim:

To determine the softening point of bitumen.

Theory:

The softenening point of bitumen is the temperature at which the substance attains a particular
degree of softening. It is the temperature at which standard ball passes through a sample of bitumen
in a mould and falls through a height of 2.5 cm, when heater under water or glycerine at specified
condition of test. The binder should have sufficient fluidity before its applications in road uses.
The determination of softening point helps to know the temperature up to which bituminous binder
should be heated for various road use applications. Softening point is determined by ring and ball
apparatus.

Apparatus:

1. Standard Ring and Ball Apparatus.

Steel balls 2 No, each 9.5mm in diameter and weighing 3.5 + 0.05 grams. Thermometer
capable of reading temperature up to 0 0C to 250 0C.
2. Water bath should be a heat resistant glass vessel not less than 85mm in diameter
and 120mm in depth.
3. Stirrer shall be manual or mechanical to ensure uniform heat distribution at all
times throughout the water bath.

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Procedure:

1. Heat the material to a temperature between 75o – 100oC above its softening point, stir until,
it is completely fluid and free from air bubbles and water. If necessary filter it through IS
sieve 30. Place the rings, previously heated to a temperature approximating to that of the
molten material. On a metal plate which has been coated with a mixture of equal parts of
glycerin and dextrin. After cooling for 30 minutes in air, level the material in the ring by
removing the excess with a warmed, sharp knife.

2. Assemble the apparatus with the rings, thermometer and ball guides in position.

3. Fill the bath with distilled water to a height of 50mm above the upper surface of the rings.
The starting temperature should be 5oC

4. Apply heat to the bath and stir the liquid so that the temperature rises at a uniform rate of
5±0.5 0C per minute

5. Note down the temperature when any of the steel ball with bituminous coating touches the
bottom plate.

Result:

The Softening value of given bitumen is ________________

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Observations:

Flash point:

Fire point:

Fig: Pensky-marten-closed cup apparatus

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Experiment No: 20

FLASH AND FIRE POINT TEST

Aim:

To determine the flash and fire point of a given bituminous material.

Theory:

At high temperature, the bituminous materials emit hydrocarbons vapours. These volatile vapours
are susceptible to catch fire. This condition is very hazardous and it is therefore essential to qualify
this temperature for each bitumen grade. Flash and fire point is essential from safety point of view.

Apparatus required:

Pensky-martens closed cup tester, thermometer, heating source, flame exposure

Procedure:
1. All parts of the cup are cleaned and dried thoroughly before the test is started.

2. The material is filled in the cup upto a mark. The lid is placed to close the cup in a closed
system. All accessories including thermometer of the specified range are suitably fixed.
3. The bitumen sample is then heated. The test flame is lit and adjusted in such a way that the size
of a bed is of 4mm diameter. The heating of sample is done at a rate of 5o to 6oC per minute. During
heating the sample the stirring is done at a rate of approximately 60 revolutions per minute.
4. The test flame is applied at intervals depending upon the expected flash and fire points and
corresponding temperatures at which the material shows the sign of flash and fire are noted.
The fire point is defined as the temperature when the surface of the heated specimen catches fire
on application of the test flame, and continues to burn for a period of atleast five seconds; thus,
when the surface catches fire and continues to burn even after the test flame is removed, the
temperature is recorded as the Flash point.
Result: Flash point:……………..

Fire point: …………..,,,,

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Experiment No: 21

DETERMINATION OF VISCOSITY OF BITUMINOUS MATERIAL

Aim:
To determine the viscosity of bituminous binder.
Apparatus required: A orifice viscometer (one of 4.0mm diameter used to test cut back grades 0
and 1 and 10mm orifice to test all other grades), water bath, stirrer and thermometer.
Theory:
Viscosity of the fluid is the property by virtue of which it offers resistance to flow. Higher the
viscosity, slower will be the movement of the liquid. The viscosity affects the ability of the binder
to spread, move into fill up the voids between aggregates. It also plays an important role in coating
of aggregates together but just act as lubricant. The viscosity of bituminous binder falls very
rapidly as the temperature rises. Since the binders exhibit viscosity over a wide range, it is
necessary to use different methods for determination of viscosity. For binders in liquid state ( road
tars and cutback bituminous), the viscosity is determined as the time in seconds by 50 cc. of the
material to flow from a cup through a specified orifice under standard conditions of test and at
specified temperatures.
Apparatus required:
Tar viscometer , Receiver, thermometer.
Procedure:
1. Adjust the tar viscometer so that the top of the tar cup is leveled. Select the test temperature.
Heat the water in water bath to the temperature specified for the test and maintains it within
±0.1oC of the specified temperature throughout the duration of test. Rotate the stirrer gently
at frequent intervals or perfectly continuously

2. Clean the tar cup orifice of the viscometer with a suitable solvent and dry thoroughly

3. Warm and stir the material under examination to 20oC above the temperature specified for
test and cool, while continuing the stirring.

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4. When the temperature falls slightly above the specified temperature, pour the tar into the cup
until the leveling peg on the valve rod is just immersed when the latter is vertical.

5. Pour into the graduated receiver 20ml of mineral oil, or one percent by weight solution of
soft soap, and place it under the orifice of the tar cup.

6. Place the other thermometer in the tar and stir until the temperature is within ±0.1oC of the
specified temperature. When this temperature has been reached, suspend the thermometer
coaxially with the cup and with its bulb approximately at the geometric center of the tar.

7. Allow the assembled apparatus to stand for five minutes during which period the thermometer
reading should remain within 0.05oC of the specified temperature. Remove the thermometer
and quickly remove any excess of tar so that the final level is on the central line of the leveling
peg when the valve is in vertical position.

8. Lift the valve and suspend it on valve support

9. Start the stop watch when the reading in the cylinder is 25ml and stop it when it is 75ml. note
the time in seconds

10. Report the viscosity as the time taken in seconds by 50ml of tar to flow out at the temperature
specified for the test.

Result:

The viscosity of given binder is __________

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Fig 1: Component diagram of hot mix asphalt

Fig 2: Typical design graphs for Marshall mix design

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Experiment No: 22

DETERMINATION OF MARSHALL STABILITY VALUE

Aims:
(i) To determine the density void analysis for the given bituminous mixture
(ii) To determine the strength ( Marshall stability value) and flexibility ( Flow value) for the
given bituminous mixture.
(iii) To determine the suitability of the bituminous mixture to meet specified criteria for the
surface course.
Theory
The Marshall Mix Design method was originally developed by Bruce Marshall of the
Mississippi Highway Department in 1939. The main idea of the Marshall Mix Design method
involves the selection of the asphalt binder content with a suitable density which satisfies minimum
stability and range of flow values.
The test procedure is used in designing and evaluating bituminous paving mixes, and is widely
applied in routine test programs for the paving jobs. The major features of the Marshall method of
designing mixes ear to determine the two important properties of strength and flexibility.
Strength is measure in terms of the ‘ Marshall’s Stability’ of the mix which is defined as the
maximum load carried by a compacted specimen at a standard test temperature of 60 0 C. This
temperature represents the worst condition for a bituminous pavement in use. The flexibility is
measured in terms of the ‘flow value’ which is measured by the change in diameter of the sample
in the direction of load application between the start of loading and the time of maximum load. In
this test an attempt is made to obtain the optimum binder content for the aggregate mix type.

Apparatus required:

Mould assembly, sample extractor, compaction pedestal and hammer, breaking head, loading
machine flow meter, thermometers water bath and oven.

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Procedure:
Preparation of sample
1. The coarse aggregates, fine aggregates and mineral filler material should be proportioned and
mixed in such a way that final mix after blending has the graduation within the specified
range.

2. Approximately 1200 grams of aggregates and filler are taken and heated to a temperature of
175 0C to 195 0 C.

3. The compaction mould assembly and rammer are cleaned and kept pre- heated to a
temperature of 95 0C to 145 0C. The bitumen is heated to temperature of 120 0C to 165 0C
and the required quantity of first trial percentage of bitumen is added to the heated aggregate
and thoroughly mixed using a mechanical mixer or by hand mixing with trowel.

4. Then the mix is heated and a temperature of 150 0C to 160 0C is maintained and then the mix
is transferred into the pre-heated mould and compacted by giving seventy five blows on each
side.

5. The specific gravity values of different aggregates, filler and bitumen used are determined
first. The theoretical specific gravity of the mix is determined.

6. Soon after the compacted bituminous mix specimens have cooled to room temperature, the
weight, average thickness and diameter of the specimen are noted. The specimens are
weighted in air and then in water.

7. The bulk density value of the specimen if calculated from weight and volume.

Testing procedure:
8. Then the specimen to be tested is kept immersed under water in a thermostatically controlled
water bath maintained at 60 0 ±1 0C for 30 to 40 minutes.

9. The specimen were taken out, placed in marshall test head and tested to determine the
marshall stability value, which is the maximum load in kg before failure and the flow value,
which is deformation of specimen in mm at to the maximum load. The equipment used was
strain controlled with a strain rate of 5 cm/min.

10. A flow meter records the strain at the maximum load when failure occurs. The density and
void analysis is then done.

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Table 1: Mort&H Specification for Bituminous Concrete of Grading 2

Properties of Marshall specimen Specification Limits

Marshall Stability value Min 9 KN
Marshall Stability value 2-4
Air Voids in total mix , Va % 4
Voids filled with Bitumen, VFB % 65-75
Voids in Mineral aggregate VMA % Min 14
Height of the specimen 101.6 mm
Diameter of the specimen 63.5 mm

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11. The corrected Marshall Stability value of each specimen is determined by applying the
appropriate correction factor, if the average height of the specimen is not exactly 63.5mm.

12. Five graphs are plotted with values of bitumen content against the values of density, Marshall
Stability, voids in total mix, flow value, voids filled by bitumen.

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Table 1: standard load values on crushed stone aggregates for specified penetration values

Penetration Standard Load Unit Standard Load

(mm) (kg) (kg/cm2)

2.5 1370 70

5.0 2055 105

Figure 1: CGR test set up

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1.0 Volumetric Analysis of Marshall Specimen

Typical calculation
Weight of specimen in air =

Weight of specimen in water =

Saturated surface dry weight (SSD) =

1. Volume of specimen (V)

V = SSD- weight in water…………………………………………..……..(5.1)

2. Bulk density of mix (  mb)

 mb = weight in air / volume…………………………………………….....(5.2)

3. Specific gravity of mixture (Gm)

Gm = 100/ [W1/G1 + W2/G2 + W3/G3 + W4/G4 ]………………………….(5.3)
Where,
% by wt. of aggregate size19 mm down (W1) =
Sp. Gr of aggregate size 19 mm down (G1) =
% by wt. of aggregate size13.2 mm down (W2) =
Sp. Gr of aggregate size 13.2 mm down (G2) =
% by wt. of stone dust (W3) =
Sp. Gr of stone dust (G3) =
% of cement filler used (W4) =
Sp.Gr of cement (G4) =

4. Percentage volume occupied by bitumen ( %Vb)

%Vb = ( BC x  mb )/ Gb ………………………………………………..(5.4)
Where,
BC = Bitumen content = 4.5%
Gb = specific gravity of bitumen = 1.03
G = bulk density of the mix
5. Percentage volume of aggregate ( Vag)
Vag = [(100-B.C) ×  mb ]/Gm………….……………………………...(5.5)
6. Percentage air voids (%Va )
%Va = 100-[%Vb + %Vag]……………………….………………..……(5.6)
7. Percentage volume of mineral aggregate (%VMA)
%VMA = 100- %Vag………………………………………..…………….(5.7)
8. Percentage volume filled by bitumen (%VFB)
%VFB = [ % Vb / %VMA ]×100…………………………….…………..(5.8)

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Experiment No: 23

CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO TEST

Aim: To determine CBR value of soil or flexible pavement

Theory:

The California bearing ratio (CBR) test was developed by the California state highway department
as a method for evaluating the strength of subgrade soil and other pavement materials for the design
and construction of flexible pavements. Being an empirical test method, CBR test results can not
be related accurately with any fundamental property of the soil or pavement material tested. The
CBR method of test has also been standardised by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

The CBR test denotes a measure of resistance to penetration of a soil or flexible pavement material,
of standard plunger under controlled test conditions.. The test procedure should be strictly adhered
if high degree of reproducibility is desired. Procedure for field determination of CBR value of soil
in-place or in-situ has also been developed and standardised by different agencies including the
BIS.

The basic principle in CBR test is causing a cylindrical plunger of 50mm diameter to penetrate
into the soil or pavement component material to be tested at a rate of 1.25mm per minute. The
loads required to cause 2.5mm and 5.0mm penetration of the plunger in the soil or material tested
are recorded. The CBR value of the material tested is expressed as a percentage of standard load
value in a standard material. The standard load values have been established based on tests
conducted on a large number the standard material consisting of compacted hard crushed stone
aggregates, at the respective penetration levels of 2.5mm and 5.0mm. These standard load values
given in Table 1 are directly made use of for finding the CBR value of the test material.

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Apparatus:

CBR test equipment consists of a motorised loading machine fitted with a plunger which
penetrates at the specified rate into the test specimen placed in the CBR mould. cylindrical moulds,
spacer disc,compaction rammer, annular metal disc

Procedure:

(1) Preparation of remoulded test specimen by dynamic compaction:

1. About 45 to 50kg of sample material is dried and sieved through 19mm sieve and the
material passing this sieve is used for the CBR test.
2. If there is noteworthy proportion of materials retained on 19mm sieve allowance for larger
size materials retained on 19mm sieve is made by replacing it by an equal weight of
material passing 19mm sieve and retained on 4.75mm sieve from the same soil sample.
3. The optimum moisture content and maximum dry density of the soil are determined by
adopting either IS heavy compaction test (i.e., modified proctor compaction) vide IS 2720
Part–8 or light compaction test (i.e., proctor compaction) vide IS 2720 Part-7 as per the
requirement in the CBR test mould.
4. The summary of specifications for preparation of remoulded test specimen by dynamic
compaction in CBR test moulds of diameter 150mm per presented in Table 2.

(2) Penetration test:

1. The mould with the specimen is clamped over the base plate and the same number of surcharge
weights are placed on the specimen centrally such that the penetration test could be conducted.
The mould with base plate is placed under the penetration plunger of the loading machine.
2. The penetration plunger is seated at the centre of the specimen and is brought in contact with
the top surface of the soil sample by applying a seating load of 4kg. The dial gauge for
measuring the penetration values of the plunger is fitted in position and the penetration dial
gauge is set to zero.
3. The dial gauge of the proving ring for load readings (or the load cell reading) is also set to zero,
not considering the seating load of 4kg which was applied. The load is applied through

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Table 2: Specifications for dynamic compaction of CBR test specimen

Type of Number of Magnitude of blows
compaction layers Weight of hammer Fall Number
(kg) (cm) of blows
3 2.6 31 55
Light compaction
4.89 45 55
Heavy compaction 5

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the penetration plunger of the motorised loading machine at a uniform rate of 1.25mm/min.
The load readings are recorded at penetration readings of 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0,
5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5mm. In case the load readings start decreasing before 12.5mm
penetration, the maximum load value and the corresponding penetration values are recorded.

4. After the final reading, the load is released and the mould is removed from the loading machine.
If the load values are given by the proving ring assembly, calibration factor of the proving ring
is noted so that the load dial values can be converted into load in kg.
5. About 50gm of soil is collected from the top 30mm depth of the soil sample for the
determination of moisture content.

Calculations:

(a) CBR value from load – penetration curve

(b) The load values noted for each penetration level are divided by the area of the plunger of
diameter 50mm (area of 19.635cm2) to obtain the pressure or unit load values on the loading
plunger. The unit load vs. Penetration curve is then plotted in natural scale for each specimen
separately as shown in Figure 3. If the initial portion of the curve is uniformly convex upwards
as shown for specimen No. 1, there is no need for any correction. In case the initial portion of
the unit load – penetration curve is concave upwards (or there is a reverse curve in the initial
portion) as shown for specimen No. 2, there is a need to apply correction. The initial concavity
in the curve indicates that during the initial application of load, the plunger penetrated at a
more rapid rate and later further penetration values were consistent with respect to the load
applied. In order to make correction for the initial concavity of the curve, a tangent is drawn
from the steepest point on the curve to intersect the X-axis at point B which is taken as the
corrected origin corresponding to zero penetration. The unit load values corresponding to 2.5
to 5.0mm penetration values (either from the original origin for curve without correction or
from the corrected origin for the curve with correction, as the case may be) are found from the
graph. The CBR value is calculated from the formula below. CBR value (%) = 100 * (Unit
load carried by the soil at defined penetration level)/(Unit load carried by standard crushed
stone at the above penetration level)

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Figure 3: Load – Penetration curves for CBR test

Observations:

1. Dynamic: Heavy/Light
2. Compacting moisture content (%) = -----------------
3. Dry density (gm/c3) = -----------------
4. Condition of test specimen: Soaked/Unsoaked
5. Moisture content (%) : ------------------
6. Proving ring calibration factor = ---------------
7. Total weight of surcharge (kg) = ------------
8. Period of soaking (hrs) = -------------------

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The unit load values on standard crushed stones for standard penetration values of 2.5 and
5.0mm are given in Table 1.

Results:

CBR value (%) = ------------------

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Appendix A
Indian Standards for Cement, Aggregate and Concrete
 IS 269:1989 – Specification for ordinary Portland cement, 33 grade
 IS 383:1970 – Specification for coarse and fine aggregates from natural sources for
concrete
 IS 455:1989 Specification for Portland slag cement
 IS 456:2000 Code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete
 IS 457:1957 Code of practice for general construction of plain and reinforced concrete
for dams and other massive structures
 IS 516:1959 Method of test for strength of concrete
 IS 650:1991 Specification for standard sand for testing of cement
 IS 1199:1959 Methods of sampling and analysis of concrete
 IS 1343:1980 Code of practice for prestressed concrete
 IS 1344:1981 Specification for calcined clay pozzolana
IS 1489(Part 1):1991 Specification for Portland pozzolana cement Part 1 Flyash based
 IS 1489(Part 2):1991 Specification for Portland-pozzolana cement: Part 2 Calcined clay
based
 IS 1727:1967 Methods of test for pozzolanic materials
 IS 2386(Part 1):1963 Methods of test for aggregates for concrete: Part 1 Particle size and
shape
 IS 2386(Part 2):1963 Methods of test for aggreegates for concrete: Part 2 Estimation of
deleterious materials and organic impurities
 IS 2386(Part 3):1963 Methods of test for aggregates for concrete: Part 3 Specific gravity,
density, voids, absorption and bulking
 IS 2386(Part 4):1963 Methods of test for aggregates for concrete: Part 4 Mechanical
properties
 IS 2386(Part 5):1963 Methods of test for aggregates for concrete : Part 5 Soundness
 IS 2386(Part 6):1963 Methods of test for aggregates for concrete : Part 6 Measuring
mortar making properties of fine aggregates

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 IS 2386(Part 7):1963 Methods of test for aggregates for concrete : Part 7 Alkali aggregate
reactivity
 IS 2386(Part 8):1963 Methods of test for aggregates for concrete: Part 8 Petrographic
examination
 IS 2430:1986 Methods for sampling of aggregates for concrete
 IS 2502:1963 Code of practice for bending and fixing of bars for concrete reinforcement
 IS 2645:2003 Integral waterproofing compounds for cement mortar and concrete –
Specification
 IS 2770(Part 1):1967 Methods of testing bond in reinforced concrete: Part 1 Pull-out test
 IS 3085:1965 Method of test for permeability of cement mortar and concrete
 IS 3370(Part 1):2009 Code of practice for concrete structures for storage of liquids: Part 1
General requirements
 IS 3370(Part 2):2009 Code of practice for concrete structures for storage of liquids: Part 2
Reinforced concrete structures
 IS 3370(Part 3):1967 Code of practice for concrete structures for the storage of liquids:
Part 3 Prestressed concrete
 IS 3370(Part 4):1967 Code of practice for concrete structures for the storage of liquids:
Part 4 Design tables
 IS 3466:1988 Specification for masonry cement
 IS 3535:1986 Methods of sampling hydraulic cement
 IS 3558:1983 Code of practice for use of immersion vibrators
 IS 3812(Part 1):2003 Specification for pulverized fuel ash Part 1 For use as pozzolana in
cement, cement
mortar and concrete
 IS 3812(Part 2):2003 Specification for pulverized fuel ash Part 2 For use as admixture in
cement mortar and concrete
 IS 4031(Part 1):1996 Methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement: Part 1
Determination of fineness by dry sieving
 IS 4031(Part 2):1999 Methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement: Part 2
Determination of fineness by specific surface by Blaine air permeability method

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 IS 4031(Part 3):1988 Methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement: Part 3

Determination of soundness
 IS 4031(Part 4):1988 Methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement: Part 4
Determination of consistency of standard cement paste
 IS 4031(Part 5):1988 Methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement: Part 5
Determination of initial and final setting times
 IS 4031(Part 6):1988 Methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement: Part 6
Determination of compressive strength of hydraulic cement (other than masonry cement)
 IS 4031(Part 7):1988 Methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement: Part 7
Determination of compressive strength of masonry cement
 IS 4031(Part 8):1988 Methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement: Part 8
Determination of transverse and compressive strength of plastic mortar using prism
 IS 4031(Part 9):1988 Methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement: Part 9
Determination of heat of hydration
 IS 4031(Part 10):1988 Methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement: Part 10
Determination of drying shrinkage
 IS 4031(Part 11):1988 Methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement: Part 11
Determination of density
 IS 4031(Part 12):1988 Methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement: Part 12
Determination of air content of hydraulic cement mortar
 IS 4031(Part 13):1988 Methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement: Part 13
Measurement of water retentivity of masonry cement
 IS 4031(Part 14):1989 Methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement: Part 14
Determination of false set
 IS 4031(Part 15):1991 Methods of physical test for hydraulic cement: Part 15
Determination of fineness by wet sieving
 IS 4032:1985 Method of chemical analysis of hydraulic cement
 IS 4305:1967 Glossary of terms relating to pozzolana
 IS 4634:1991 Methods for testing performance of batch-type concrete mixers
 IS 4845:1968 Definitions and terminology relating to hydraulic

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 IS 4926:2003 Ready mixed concrete – Code of practice

 IS 5512:1983 Specification for flow table for use in tests of hydraulic cements and
pozzolanic materials
 IS 5513:1996 Specification for vicat apparatus
 IS 5514:1996 Specification for apparatus used in Le-Chatelier test
 IS 5515:1983 Specification for compaction factor apparatus
 IS 5516:1996 Specification for variable flow type air-permeability apparatus (Blaine
type)
 IS 5525:1969 Recommendations for detailing of reinforcement in reinforced concrete
works
 IS 5536:1969 Specification for constant flow type air- permeability apparatus (Lea and
Nurse type)
 IS 5816:1999 Method of test for splitting tensile strength of concrete
 IS 6452:1989 Specification for high alumina cement for structural use
 IS 6461(Part 1):1972 Glossary of terms relating to cement concrete: Part 1 Concrete
aggregates
 IS 6461(Part 2):1972 Glossary of terms relating to cement concrete: Part 2 Materials
(other than cement and aggregate)
 IS 6461(Part 3):1972 Glossary of terms relating to cement concrete: Part 3 Concrete
reinforcement
 IS 6461(Part 4):1972 Glossary of terms relating to cement concrete: Part 4 Types of
concrete
 IS 6461(Part 5):1972 Glossary of terms relating to cement concrete: Part 5 Formwork for
concrete
 IS 6461(Part 6):1972 Glossary of terms relating to cement concrete: Part 6 Equipment,
tools and plant
 IS 6461(Part 7):1973 Glossary of terms relating to cement concrete: Part 7 Mixing,
laying, compaction, curing and other construction aspects
 IS 6461(Part 8):1973 Glossary of terms relating to cement concrete

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 IS 6461(Part 9):1972 Glossary of terms relating of cement concrete:Part 9 Structural

aspects
 IS 6461(Part 10):1973 Glossary of terms relating to cement concrete:Part 10 Tests and
testing apparatus
 IS 6461(Part 11):1973 Glossary of terms relating to cement concrete: Part 11 Prestressed
concrete
 IS 6461(Part 12):1973 Glossary of terms relating to cement concrete: Part 12
Miscellaneous
 IS 6491:1972 Method of sampling fly ash
 IS 6909:1990 Specification for supersulphated cement
 IS 6925:1973 Methods of test for determination of water soluble chlorides in concrete
admixtures
 IS 7246:1974 Recommendations for use of table vibrators for consolidating concrete
 IS 7320:1974 Specification for concrete slump test apparatus
 IS 7325:1974 Specification for apparatus for determining constituents of fresh concrete
 IS 7861(Part 1):1975 Code of practice for extreme weather concreting: Part 1
Recommended practice for hot weather
 IS 7861(Part 2):1981 Code of practice for extreme weather concreting:Part 2
Recommended practice for cold weather concreting
 IS 8041:1990 Specification for rapid hardening Portland cement
 IS 8042:1989 Specification for white Portland cement
 IS 8043:1991 Specification for hydrophobic Portland cement
 IS 8112:1989 Specification for 43 grade ordinary Portland
 IS 8125:1976 Dimensions and materials of cement rotary kilns, components and
auxiliaries (dry process with suspension preheater)
 IS 8142:1976 Method of test for determining setting time of concrete by penetration
resistance
 IS 8229:1986 Specification for oil-well cement
 IS 8425:1977 Code of practice for determination of specific surface area of powders by
air permeability

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 IS 9012:1978 Recommended practice for shotcreting

 IS 9013:1978 Method of making, curing and determining compressive strength of
accelerated cured
concrete test specimens
 IS 9103:1999 Specification for admixtures for concrete
 IS 9142:1979 Specification for artificial light weight aggregates for concrete masonry
units
 IS 9284:1979 Method of test for abrasion resistance of concrete
 IS 9376:1979 Specification for apparatus for measuring aggregate crushing value and ten
percent fines
 IS 9377:1979 Specification for apparatus for aggregate impact
 IS 9399:1979 Specification for apparatus for flexural testing of concrete
 IS 9459:1980 Specification for apparatus for use in measurement of length change of
hardened cement paste, mortar and concrete
 IS 9799:1981 Specification for pressure meter for determination of air content of freshly
mixed concrete
 IS 10070:1982 Specification for machine for abrasion testing of coarse aggregates
 IS 10078 :1982 Specification for jolting apparatus for testing
 IS 10079:1982 Specification for cylindrical metal measures for use in tests of aggregates
and concrete
 IS 10080:1982 Specification for vibration machine for casting Oct standard cement
mortar cubes
 IS 10086:1982 Specification for moulds for use in tests of cement and concrete
 IS 10262:2009 Guidelines for concrete mix proportioning
 IS 10510:1983 Specification for vee-bee consistometer
 IS 10850:1984 Specification for apparatus for measurement of water retentivity of
masonry cement
 IS 10890:1984 Specification for planetary mixer used in tests of cement and pozzolana
 IS 11262:1985 Specification for calorimeter for determination of heat of hydration of
hydraulic cement

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 IS 11263:1985 Specification for cylinder measures for determination of air content of

hydraulic cement
 IS 11578:1986 Method for determination of specific surface area of powder and porous
particle using low
temperature gas absorption techniques
 IS 11993:1987 Code of practice for use of screed board concrete vibrators
 IS 12089:1987 Specification for granulated slag for manufacture of Portland slag cement
 IS 12119:1987 General requirements for pan mixers for concrete
 IS 12269:1987 Specification for 53 grade ordinary Portland
 IS 12303:1987 Criteria for design of RCC hinges Dec
 IS 12330:1988 Specification for sulphate resisting Portland
 IS 12423:1988 Method for colorimetric analysis of hydraulic
 IS 12600:1989 Specification for low heat Portland cement
 IS 12803:1989 Methods of analysis of hydraulic cement by X-ray fluorescence
spectrometer
 IS 12813:1989 Method of analysis of hydraulic cement by atomic absorption
spectrophotometer
 IS 12870:1989 Methods of sampling calcined clay pozzolana
 IS 13311(Part 1):1992 Methods of non-destructive testing of concrete: Part 1 Ultrasonic
pulse velocity
 IS 13311(Part 2):1992 Methods of non-destructive testing of concrete: Part 2 Rebound
hammer
 IS 14345:1996 Specification for autoclave apparatus
 IS 14687:1999 Guidelines for falsework for concrete structures
 IS 14858:2000 Requirements for compression testing machine used for testing of
concrete and mortar
 IS 14959(Part 1):2001 Method of test for determination of water soluble and acid soluble
chlorides in mortar and concrete:Part 1 Fresh mortar and concrete
 IS 14959(Part 2):2001 Method of test for determination of water soluble and acid soluble
chlorides in mortar and concrete:Part 2 Hardened mortar and concrete

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 IS 15388:2003 Silica fume – Specification

 SP 16(S&T): 1980 Design aids for reinforced concrete to IS 456:1978
 SP 23(S&T): 1982 Handbook on concrete mixes ( Based on Indian 1 Standards)
 SP 24(S&T): 1983 Explanatory handbook on Indian Standard code of practice for plain
and reinforced concrete
 SP 34(S&T): 1987 Handbook on concrete reinforcement and detailing

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