CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY

LAB MANUAL

Department of Civil Engineering

A.Y: 2024-2025 (Even Semester)
Y23 Regulation

Course Coordinator

Dr. J. D. CHAITANYA KUMAR

Asst. Professor
Department of Civil Engineering

KONERU LAKSHMAIAH EDUCATIONAL

FOUNDATION
VADDESWARAM – 522 502
 INDEX

Experiment
Experiment Name Page No
No

1 Specific gravity of cement.

2 Standard consistency of cement.

3 Initial and final setting times of cement.

4 Fineness Modulus of Cement by Dry Sieving.

5 Fineness modulus of fine aggregate.

Bulk density, specific gravity, void ratio, and porosity

6
of fine aggregates

7 Fineness modulus of coarse aggregate.

Bulk density, specific gravity, void ratio, and porosity

8
of course, aggregates.

9 Workability of freshly mixed concrete by Slump cone method.

Workability of freshly mixed concrete by compaction factor

10
test.

11 Compressive strength of concrete.

12 Split tensile strength of concrete.

Exp. No: 1 Date:

SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF CEMENT

AIM: To determine the specific gravity of cement.

Introduction: Based on the moisture content present in the cement, the specific gravity can
either increase or decrease. Cement particles have pores or particles that can contain water
within them. A nominal mix is prepared with a cement of specific gravity 3.15. Any change in
this value of specific gravity will affect the mixed design. Hence, it is necessary to test the
specific gravity of the cement procured before mixing process. This is the main reason why we
ignore the use of old stock cement. Old stock cement may be affected by external moisture
content. The value of specific gravity of cement greater than 3.19 shows that the cement was
not properly minced into fine powder during its production, or the cement has more moisture
content. The presence of moisture content in cement is easily identified by the presence of
chunks in cement.

Apparatus:

 Le Chaterlier’s flask

 Weighing balance

 Kerosene (free from water).

 Weighing Balance

Procedure for Specific Gravity Test on Cement:

1. The flask is allowed to dry completely and made free from liquid and moisture. The
weight of the empty flask is taken as W1.

2. The bottle is filled with cement to its half (Around 50gm of cement) and closed with a
stopper. The arrangement is weighed with stopper and taken as W 2.

3. To this kerosene is added to the top of the bottle. The mixture is mixed thoroughly, and
air bubbles are removed. The flask with kerosene, cement with stopper is weighed and
taken as W3.

4. Next, the flask is emptied and filled with kerosene to the top. The arrangement is
weighed and taken as W4.
Observations and Calculations

Specific Gravity of Cement Sg is given by the formula

(W − W )
Specific Gravity of Cement = Χ 0.79
(W − W ) − (W − W )

Here, the specific gravity of kerosene is 0.79g/cc Note:

 Duplicate determination of specific gravity should agree within 0.01.

 To get an accurate result, the flask should be held at a constant temperature before
each reading is taken.

Result
The specific gravity of a sample of cement =
Exp. No: 2 Date:

STANDARD CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT

Ref: IS: 4031-4 (1988), and IS:269-1958

AIM: To determine the standard consistency of cement paste.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
1. Vicat apparatus with plunger and Mould
2. Gauging trowel
3. 100 ml measuring jar
4. Weighing balance
5. Stopwatch and China dish.

THEORY: Normal or standard consistency is defined as that percentage of water requirement

of cement paste, the viscosity of which will be such that the Vicat plunger penetrates to a point,
5 to 7 mm from the bottom of the Vicat mould. The consistency is used to fix the quantity of
water to be added in cement before performing test for compressive strength, setting time and
soundness. This is a ethological property since it is defined corresponding to standard flow of
cement paste under standard force exerted by weight of relevant plunger.
PROCEDURE:
1) Take 400 gm. of cement, which passes through 90micron sieve to prepare one mould.
2) Prepare a cement paste with a measured quantity of water. The time of mixing
(gauging) is in between 3 to 5 minutes and shall be completed before any signs of
setting become visible. The gauging time shall be counted from the time of adding
water to the dry cement until commencing to fill the mould.
3) Fill the Vicat mould resting on a non-porous plate with this paste. After completely
filling the mould, smooth off the surface and making it level. The mould may be
slightly shaken to expel the air.
4) Place the test block in the mould together with non-porous resting plate under the rod
attached with the plunger.
5) Lower the plunger gently to touch the surface of the test block and quickly release,
allowing it to sink into the paste. The operation should be carried out immediately after
filling the mould at room temperature.
 6) Trial test pastes are prepared with varying percentages of water from 28% and 36%
with increment of 1% until the amount of water necessary for making up the standard
consistency is attained.
7) A graph is drawn between percentage of water and penetration (in mm).
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATION

Quantity of % of water Volume of Height of

Cement by weight penetration from

S. No. Added Water in ml
bottom (mm)

1 400 grams

2 400 grams

3 400 grams

4 400 grams

5 400 grams

6 400 grams

PRECAUTIONS:
1) From the instant of adding water to the cement, it should be thoroughly mixed with
fingers at least for one minute.
2) The consistency plunger should be released immediately when the plunger is allowed
to tough the surface of the test block, without pressure or jerk.
3) For each cycle of the experiment fresh cement is to be taken.
4) Plunger should be cleaned during every repetition and make sure that it moves freely.
PRACTICAL SIGNICANCE:
Normal consistency is used to find the water requirement for making specimens for the
determination of setting times, tensile strength, compressive strength and soundness of cement.
This normal consistency or water demand of cement depends upon the compound composition
and fineness of cement.

RESULT: Standard consistency of cement paste =

Exp. No: 3 Date:
INITIAL AND FINAL SETTING TIMES OF CEMENT

Ref: IS:6932 (PART-XI) – 1983 IS:4031-1968 & IS:269-1967

AIM: To determine the initial and final setting times of cement.

APPARATUS:
1. Vicat apparatus with initial and final setting needles
2. Measuring jar of 100cc
3. Stopwatch
4. China dish
5. Trowel

THEORY:
When water is added to cement the resulting paste starts stiffening and gains strength
simultaneously, losing its consistency. Two stiffening stages are identified during this process.
These two stages are called initial and final setting times respectively. Initial setting time is
defined as the time taken by the paste to stiffen to an extent such that the Vicat’s needle is not
permitted to move down through the paste within 5 ± 0.5mm measured from the bottom of the
mould. Final setting time is the time when the paste becomes so hard that the annular
attachment to the needle, under standard weight fails to leave a mark on the hardened cement
paste. The needle used for finding initial setting time is 1mm2 in area or 1.13 mm in dia. with
the lower end being flat. The needle used for finding final setting time is a metal attachment
hallowed out so as to leave a circular cutting edge of 5 mm in dia. The end of the needle projects
by 0.5mm.

PROCEDURE:
1) Prepare a cement paste by weighing the cement with 0.85 times the water required to
give a paste of standard consistency (0.85p).
2) Start a stopwatch at the instant when water is added to the cement.
3) Fill the Vicat mould with the cement paste gauged as above and smooth off the surface
making it level with the top of the mould. The cement block thus prepared in the mould
is the test block.
 4) Determination of initial setting time:
a) Place the test block confined in the mould on the non-porous plate under the
Vicat rod-bending initial setting needle.
b) Lower the initial setting needle gently in contact with the surface of the test
block and quickly release allowing it to penetrate into the test block.
c) In the beginning, the needle will completely pierce the test block, repeat this
procedure until the needle, when brought in contact with the test block and
released as described above, fails to pierce the block for about 5 ± 0.5mm
measured from the bottom of the mould.
d) The period elapsed between the time when water is added to the cement and the
time at which the needle fails to pierce the test block by about 5 ± 0.5mm shall
be the initial setting time.
5) Determination of final setting time:
a) The mould is prepared as for the determination of initial setting time.
b) The cement shall be considered as finally set, when upon applying the annular
attachment gently to the surface of the test block, makes an impression thereon
whereas the attachment fails to do so.
c) The time elapsed since adding water is called as final setting time.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCUALTIONS:

1. Quantity of cement taken by weight =
2. % of water added (0.85p) =
3. Volume of water in CC =

TIME 10 15 20 25 30 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90

(Minutes)

VICAT

READING
PRECAUTIONS:
1) The standard consistency is an important consideration for calculating times.
2) Care is taken to check whether the appropriate needle is used, for initial and final setting
times.

PRACTICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
The initial setting time is the time before which all the steps like mixing, transporting,
placing, compacting and finishing should be completed. The initial setting time of a cement
is the limiting time beyond which mortar or concrete prepared with this cannot be placed
or compacted without loss of useful properties viz. Strength. The initial set is a stage in the
process of hardening after which any crack that may appear will not re-unite. Final setting
time is that beyond which moulds can be removed. This is the stage where the concrete is
finally set with sufficient strength and hardness.

IS SPECIFICATIONS:
For ordinary Portland cement the initial setting time should not be less than 30 minutes
and final setting time should not be greater than 10 hours. For quick setting cement initial
setting time should not be less than 5 minutes and final setting time should not be greater
than 30 minutes.

RESULTS:
1) Initial setting time of the given cement =
2) Final setting time of the given cement =
Exp. No: 4 Date:

FINENESS MODULUS OF CEMENT BY DRY SIEVING

AIM: To determine the fineness modulus of cement by dry sieving.

Apparatus

1. 90µm Sieve.

2. Balance capable of weighing 10g to the nearest 10mg.

3. Glass rod

4. Stoppered jar

5. Pan and Lid

Procedure to Determine Fineness of Cement

1. Stir the sample of cement to be tested by shaking for 2 minutes in a stoppered jar to
disperse lumps. Stir the resulting powder gently using a clean dry rod in order to
distribute the fines throughout the cement.
2. Attach a pan under the sieve to collect the cement passing the sieve.
3. Weigh approximately 10 g of cement to the nearest 0.01 g and place it on the sieve. Fit
the lid over the sieve.
4. Shake the sieve by swirling, planetary and linear movement until no more fine material
passes through it.
5. Remove and weigh the residue. Express its mass as a percentage (R1) of the quantity
first placed in the sieve.
6. Repeat the steps 3 to 5 with a fresh sample to obtain R2.
 7. If the results differ by more than 1 percent absolute, carry out a third sieving and
calculate the mean of the three values.

Calculation:
(𝑅 + 𝑅 + 𝑅 )
𝑅 =
3
𝑅
Fineness modulus of cement =
100

Importance of Cement Fineness

1. The fineness of cement affects hydration rate, and in turn, the strength. Increasing
fineness causes an increased rate of hydration, high strength, and high heat generation.
2. Bleeding can be reduced by increasing fineness. However, increased fineness can also
lead to the requirement of more water for workability, resulting in a higher possibility
of dry shrinkage.
3. The increased surface area-to-volume ratio will ensure a more available area for water-
cement interaction per unit volume.

RESULT: Fineness modules of Cement =

Exp. No: 5 Date:
FINENESS MODULUS OF FINE AGGREGATE

AIM: To determine the fineness modulus of fine aggregate

APPARATUS REQUIRED :
Set of IS sieves (4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600 , 300 , 150 ), lid, pan, balance and
sieve shaker.

THEORY : The aggregate most of which passes through IS 4.75 mm sieve is known as fine
aggregate. The fine aggregates obtained from Natural disintegration of rocks and deposited by
streams are known as natural sands. Fine aggregates resulting from crushing of hard stone and
natural gravel are known as crushed stone sand and crushed gravel sand respectively.

Sieve analysis is carried out for the determination of particles size distribution of fine
aggregates by sieving. Sieves of size 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600 , 300 & 150 
conforming to IS 460 specifications are used. The fineness modulus of aggregate is defined as
the sum of cumulative percentage weight retained on standard set of sieves divided by 100.
The object of finding fineness modulus is to grade the given aggregate and then use it for the
economical proportions of mix and achieving required workability with minimum w/c ratio.
Recommended values of fineness modulus of fine aggregates varying from 2.00 to 3.50 for
better concrete mixes

PROCEDURE :
1. Take 500g of dry fine aggregate
2. Arrange the IS sieves in the descending order with 4.75 mm sieve at top and 150  sieve
at bottom
3. Keep a collecting pan below 150  sieve to collect fine aggregate passing through 150
 sieve
4. Place the aggregate on the top sieve and cover it with a lid.
5. Place the complete set of sieves on sieve shaker and sieve it for 15 minutes.
6. Find the weight of aggregate retained on each sieve and tabulate as shown in table.
7. Calculate the Percentage retained, cumulative percentage retained on each sieve.
 8. The fine ness modulus of fine aggregate = sum of cumulative % of weight retained /
100

S. No. Sieve size Weight % Retained Cumulative % Finer

retained (g) % retained

1 4.75 mm

2 2.36 mm

3 1.18 mm

4 600 

5 300 

6 150 

CALCULATION:

Fineness Modulus = Sum of cumulative % of weight retained / 100

GRAPH : Draw the grain size distribution curve on semi log paper by taking the sieve size in
mm on X – axis and % finer on Y – axis.

RESULT: Fineness modulus of fine aggregate =

Exp. No: 6 Date:

BULK DENSITY, SPECIFIC GRAVITY, VOID RATIO AND POROSITY

OF FINE AGGREGATES

AIM: To determine the Density, Specific Gravity, Void ratio and Porosity of Fine aggregate.

APPARATUS: Cylindrical container (15 Lt. Capacity), Pycnometer, Metal tray, tamping rod
(6 mm diameter), Trowel, Specific Gravity bottle and Balance.

THEORY: Bulk density is the weight of material in a given volume. It is normally expressed
in Kg/L. The bulk density of aggregate is used to judge the type of aggregate on comparing
with Normal density. It is also used in converting weight batching of concrete to volumetric
batching. Specific gravity indicates the quality and properties viz. shape and grading of
aggregate. It is used in calculating the moisture content in mix design.

PROCEDURE:

a). Bulk Density

1. Take a cylindrical container and weigh the empty cylinder (W1) kg.
2. Fill the cylinder with water up to top and weigh it (i.e.) W 2 kg
3. Calculate the volume of the cylinder (i.e.) (W2 – W1) kg
4. Fill the cylinder in three equal layers with aggregate and each layer being tamped with
25 blows with a free fall by rounded end of tamping rod.
5. The blows should be evenly distributed over the entire surface area.
6. Remove the excess material above the top surface of cylinder by using tamping rod
7. Weigh the cylinder full of compacted aggregate (W3) kg.
8. Calculate the net weight of compacted aggregate (W3 – W1) kg.

b). Specific Gravity

1. Measure the weight of Pycnometer (W1)
2. Fill the Pycnometer with coarse aggregate up to 2/3 of its volume and weigh it (W 2)
3. Fill the balance space in Pycnometer with water and weigh it (W3).
 4. Empty the Pycnometer, properly clean it and then fill with water up to the top and weigh
it (W4)
OBSERVATIONS

Bulk Density ()

Weight of empty cylinder (w1) =

Weight of cylinder with water (w2) =
Weight of cylinder with compacted aggregate (w3) =
Volume of water = w2 –w1 =
Net weight of aggregate = w3 – w1 =
(𝑾𝟑 − 𝑾𝟏 )
𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐤 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 =
(𝑾𝟐 − 𝑾𝟏 )

Specific Gravity (G)

Weight of empty Pycnometer (w1) =

Weight of Pycnometer with aggregate (w2) =
Weight of Pycnometer with aggregate and water (w3) =
Weight of Pycnometer with water (w4) =
(𝑾𝟐 − 𝑾𝟏 )
𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 (𝐆) =
(𝑾𝟒 − 𝑾𝟏 ) − (𝑾𝟑 − 𝑾𝟐 )
𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 =

Porosity () = 1- ( / G w)

Void ratio (e)= (G w /) - 1

RESULT:

Bulk Density of the fine aggregate =

Specific Gravity of the fine aggregate =
Porosity of the fine aggregate =
Void ratio of the fine aggregate =
Exp. No: 7 Date:

FINENESS MODULUS OF COARSE AGGREGATE

AIM : To determine the fineness modulus of coarse aggregate

APPARATUS REQUIRED :
Set of IS sieves (80 mm, 40 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, 4.75 mm), lid, pan, balance and sieve
shaker.

THEORY : Aggregate most of which is retained on IS 4.75 mm sieve is known as coarse

aggregate. It may be in the form of uncrushed gravel or stone resulting from natural
disintegration of rocks. Crushed gravel or stone aggregate is obtained by crushing gravel or
hard stone. Mixture of the above two is classified as partially crushed gravel or stone.

Sieve analysis is carried out for the determination of particles size distribution of coarse
aggregates by sieving. Sieves of size 80 mm, 40mm, 20mm, 10mm and 4.75mm conforming
to IS 460 specifications are used. The fineness modulus of aggregate is defined as the sum of
cumulative percentage weight retained on standard set of sieves divided by 100. The object of
finding fineness modulus is to grade the given aggregate and then use it for the economical
proportions of mix and achieving required workability with minimum w/c ratio. Recommended
values of fineness modulus of fine aggregates varying from 6.0 to 8.0 for better concrete mixes

PROCEDURE :
1. Take 2 Kg of dry coarse aggregate
2. Arrange the IS sieves in the descending order with 80 mm sieve at top and 4.75 mm
sieve at bottom
3. Keep a collecting pan below 4.75 mm sieve to collect fine aggregate passing through
4.75 mm sieve
4. Place the aggregate on the top sieve and cover it with a lid.
5. Place the complete set of sieves on sieve shaker and sieve it for 15 minutes.
6. Find the weight of aggregate retained on each sieve and tabulate as shown in table.
 7. Calculate the Percentage retained, cumulative percentage retained on each sieve.
8. The fineness modulus of coarse aggregate = sum of cumulative % of weight retained
/ 100
S. No. Sieve size Weight % Retained Cumulative % Finer
retained (g) % retained
1 80 mm
2 40 mm
3 20 mm
4 10 mm
5 4.75 mm
6 2.36 mm
7 1.18 mm
8 600 
9 300 
10 150 

CALCULATION:

Fineness Modulus = Sum of cumulative % of weight retained / 100

GRAPH: Draw the grain size distribution curve on semi log paper by taking the sieve size in
mm on X – axis and % finer on Y – axis.

RESULT : Fineness modulus of coarse aggregate =

Exp. No: 8 Date:

BULK DENSITY, SPECIFIC GRAVITY, VOID RATIO AND POROSITY

OF COARSE AGGREGATES

AIM : To determine the Density, Specific Gravity, Void ratio and Porosity of Coarse
aggregate.

APPARATUS : Cylindrical container (15 Lt. Capacity), Metal tray, tamping rod (6 mm
diameter), Trowel, Specific Gravity bottle and Balance.

THEORY: Bulk density is the weight of material in a given volume. It is normally expressed
in Kg/L. The bulk density of aggregate is used to judge the type of aggregate on comparing
with Normal density. It is also used in converting weight batching of concrete to volumetric
batching. Specific gravity indicates the quality and properties viz. shape and grading of
aggregate. It is used in calculating the moisture content in mix design.

PROCEDURE:

a). Bulk Density

1. Take cylindrical container and weigh the empty cylinder (w1) kg.
2. Fill the cylinder with water up to top and weigh it (i.e) w2 kg
3. Calculate the volume of the cylinder (i.e) (w2 – w1) kg
4. Fill the cylinder in three equal layers with aggregate and each layer being tamped with
25 blows with a free fall by rounded end of tamping rod.
5. The blows should be evenly distributed over the entire surface area.
6. Remove the excess material above the top surface of cylinder by using tamping rod
7. Weigh the cylinder full of compacted aggregate (w3) kg.
8. Calculate the net weight of compacted aggregate (w3 – w1) kg.

b). Specific Gravity

1. Measure the weight of cylindrical container (w1)
2. Fill the container with coarse aggregate upto 2/3 of its volume and weigh it (w2)
3. Fill the balance space in container (upto brim) with water and weigh it (w3).
4. Empty the container, properly clean it and then fill with water upto the top and weigh
it (w4)
OBSERVATIONS:

Bulk Density ()

Weight of empty cylinder (w1) =

Weight of cylinder with water (w2) =
Weight of cylinder with compacted aggregate (w3) =
Volume of water = w2 –w1 =
Net weight of aggregate = w3 – w1 =
w3-w1
Bulk Density () = =
w2-w1

Specific Gravity (G)

Weight of empty cylinder (w1) =

Weight of cylinder with aggregate (w2) =
Weight of cylinder with aggregate and water (w3) =
Weight of cylinder with water (w4) =

w2 – w1
Specific Gravity (G) =
(w4 – w1) – (w3 – w2)

Porosity () = 1-( / G w)

Void ratio (e)= (G w /) - 1

RESULT:

Bulk Density of the coarse aggregate =

Specific Gravity of the coarse aggregate =
Porosity of the coarse aggregate =
Void ratio of the coarse aggregate =
Exp. No: 9 Date :

WORKABILITY OF FRESHLY MIXED CONCRETE BY SLUMP CONE METHOD.

AIM: To determine the consistency of concrete mix of given proportions by using slump test.

APPARATUS REQUIRED: Iron pan to mix concrete, weighing plat form machine, spatula,
Trowels, slump cone, tamping rod, graduated cylinder of 1000 ml. capacity.

THEORY: This is a test used extensively at construction sites all over the world. The slump
test does not measure the workability of concrete. However, it is very useful in detecting the
variations in the uniformity of a mix of given nominal proportions. It also gives an idea of W/C
ratio needed for concrete to be used for different works. Fresh unsupported concrete flows to
the sides and a sinking in the height takes place. This vertical settlement is known as Slump.
In the slump test fresh concrete is filled in a mould of specified shape and dimensions and
settlement or slump is measured when the supporting mould in removed.

Concrete is said to be workable if it can be easily mixed, placed, compacted and easily
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 we get
concentration of coarse aggregate at one place. This results in large voids, less durability and
less strength. Bleeding of concrete is said to occur when excess water comes up at the surface
of the concrete. This causes small pores in the mass of the concrete and is undesirable.
PROCEDURE:

1. Take 2.5 kg. cement and 5 kg of sand and mix them thoroughly.
2. The above mix is added to 10 kg. of 20 mm coarse aggregate and again mix them
thoroughly
3. Add 0.55 W/C ratio of water to the mix and a homogeneous mixture is prepared.
4. Place the mixed concrete in a clean slump cone (i.e.) 4 layers each approximately one
fourth of the weight of mould after applying a thin coat of oil to the inner surface of
cone. Tamping each layer 25 times with tamping rod uniformly throughout the surface
of the mould.
5. Smooth the surface by using straight edge after the cone is completely filled by the
concrete.
6. Lift the cone vertically by holding the lifting handles and measure the slump (i.e.) the
average height of falling concrete.
7. Repeat the same procedure for different W/C ratios as 0.5, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8 etc.
and measure the values of slumps.
8. The consistency of concrete mix can be identified from the above slump values.
OBSERVATION AND CALCULATIONS:

S. No. W/C ratio Weight of water (ml) Slump (cm)

RESULT: The consistency of concrete mix for given proportion is determined as the slump
is collapsed at W/C ratio =
Exp. No : 10 Date :

WORKABILITY OF FRESHLY MIXED CONCRETE BY

COMPACTION FACTOR TEST

AIM: To determine the workability of freshly mixed concrete by the compaction factor test.

APPARATUS REQUIRED: Compaction factor apparatus, Trowel, graduated cylinder of 100

ml. Capacity, balance and freshly mixed concrete

THEORY : Compaction factor test specifies the procedure for determining the workability of
concrete, where the nominal size of the aggregate does not exceed 38 mm. The test is designed
primarily for use in the laboratory, but if circumstances permit, it may also be used in the field.
It is more precise and sensitive than the slump test and is particularly useful for concrete mixes
of very low workability as are normally used when concrete is to be compacted by vibration,
such concrete may consistently fail to slump. This test is based on the definition, that
workability is that property of the concrete which determines the amount of work required to
produce full compaction. This test therefore consists essentially of applying a standard amount
of work to standard quantity of concrete and measuring the resulting compaction.

PROCEDURE:

1. The sample of concrete to be tested shall be placed gently in upper hopper.

2. The hopper shall be filled level with its brim and the trap door shall be opened so that
the concrete falls into the lower hopper.
3. Certain mixes have a tendency to stick in one or both the hoppers. If this occurs, the
concrete may be helped through by pushing the rod gently into the concrete from the
top. During this process, the trowels shall cover the cylinder. Immediately after the
concrete has come to rest, the cylinder shall be uncovered and the trap door of the lower
hopper opened and the concrete allowed to fall into the cylinder.
4. The excess concrete remaining above the level of the top of the cylinder shall then be
cut off by holding a trowel in each hand with the hand with the plane of the blades
 horizontal and moving them simultaneously one from each side across the top of the
cylinder, at the same time keeping them pressed on the top edge of the cylinder.
5. The outside of the cylinder shall then be wiped clear.
6. The above operation shall be carried out at a place free from vibration or shock.
7. The weight of concrete in cylinder shall be then determined to the nearest 0.01N (1g)
(W2). This weight shall be known as the sample to layers approximately 50 mm deep,
the layers being heavily rammed or preferably vibrated so as to obtain full compaction.
8. The top surface of the fully compacted concrete shall be carefully struck off level with
the top of the cylinder.
9. The outside of the cylinder shall then be wiped clear and weight of fully compacted
cylinder noted nearest to 0.01 N (1g) (W3).
10. The compacting factor is defined as the ratio of weight of partially compacted concrete
to the weight of fully compacted concrete. It shall normally be stated to the nearest
second decimal place.
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

Weight of empty cylinder (W1) =

S. No. W/C ration with Weight of Weight of Weight of Weight of Compaction

partially cylinder cylinder partially fully Factor =
compacted with fully compacted compacted compacted W2-W1
concrete (W2) compacted concrete concrete concrete /
(kg) concrete (W2 – W1) (W3-W1) (W3-W1)
(W3) (kg) kg kg

PRECAUTIONS :
1. Oil the inner surface of the hoppers and cylinder before starting the experiment.
2. Perform the test on a level ground
3. Fill the top hopper gently and to the same extent each time
4. The time between the end of mixing and release of concrete from top hopper must be
constant say 2 minutes
5. The hoppers and the cylinder must be washed clean and wiped off before use.
GRAPH :
Plot a graph between compaction factor and W/C ratio.
RESULTS: The Compaction factor for the given freshly mixed concrete =
Exp. No: 11 Date:

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE

AIM: To determine the compressive strength of concrete cubes.

OBJECTIVE:
The compressive strength of concrete is given in terms of the characteristic compressive
strength of 150 mm size cubes tested at 28 days (fck)- as per Indian Standards (ACI standards
use cylinder of diameter 150 mm and height 300 mm). The characteristic strength is defined as
the strength of the concrete below which not more than 5% of the test results are expected to
fall. Characteristic strength of concrete is the strength of concrete specimens cast and tested as
per given code of practice and cured for a period of 28 days; 95% of tested cubes should not
have a value less than this value.

Fig.: Normal Distribution curve on test specimens for determining compressive strength
APPARATUS REQUIRED:
 Compression Testing Machine
o The testing machine may be of any reliable type, of sufficient capacity for the
tests and capable of applying the load at the specified rate. The permissible
error shall be not greater than ± 2 percent of the maximum load.
 Moulds/ Cubes for Testing
o The mould shall be 150 mm size conforming to IS: 10086-1982.
Reference:
 IS 516:1959 Methods of Tests for Strength of Concrete (Eighteenth revision).
Reaffirmed- May 2013.
PROCEDURE
1. All materials shall be brought to room temperature, preferably 27 ± 3 oC before
commencing the test.
2. Samples of aggregates for each batch of concrete shall be of the desired grading and
shall be in an air-dried condition. The cement samples, on arrival at the laboratory, shall
be thoroughly mixed dry either by hand or in a suitable mixer in such a manner as to
ensure the greatest possible blending and uniformity in the material. Care being taken
to prevent intrusion of foreign materials.
3. The proportions of the materials, including water, in concrete mixes used for
determining the suitability of the materials available, shall be similar in all respects to
those to be employed in the work.
4. The quantities of cement, each size of aggregate, and water for each batch shall be
determined by weight, to an accuracy of 0.1 percent of the total weight of the batch.
5. The concrete shall be mixed by hand, or preferably, in a laboratory batch mixer, in such
a manner as to avoid loss of water or other materials. Each batch of concrete shall be
of such a size as to leave about 10 percent excess after moulding the desired number of
test specimens.
6. Each batch of concrete shall be tested for consistency immediately after mixing, by one
of the methods described in IS:1199-1959. Provided that care is taken to ensure that no
water or other material is lost, the concrete used for the consistency tests may be
remixed with the remainder of the batch before making the test specimens. The period
of re-mixing shall be as short as possible yet sufficient to produce a homogeneous mass.
7. Test specimens cubical in shape shall be 15 × 15 × 15 cm. If the largest nominal size of
the aggregate does not exceed 2 cm, 10 cm cubes may be used as an alternative.
Cylindrical test specimens shall have a length equal to twice the diameter. They shall
be 15 cm in diameter and 30 cm long. Smaller test specimens shall have a ratio of
diameter of specimen to maximum size of aggregate of not less than 3 to 1, except that
the diameter of the specimen shall be not less than 7·5 cm for mixtures containing
aggregate more than 5 percent of which is retained on IS Sieve 480.
8. The test specimens shall be made as soon as practicable after mixing, and in such a
way as to produce full compaction of the concrete with neither segregation nor
excessive laitance. The concrete shall be filled into mould in layers approximately 5 cm
deep. In placing each scoopful of concrete, the scoop shall he move around the top edge
of the mould as the concrete slides from it, in order to ensure a symmetrical distribution
 of the concrete within the mould. Each layer shall be compacted either by hand or by
vibration.
9. The test specimens shall be stored in a place, free from vibration, in moist air of at least
90 percent relative humidity and at a temperature of 27° ± 2°C for 24 hours ± ½ hour
from the time of addition of water to the dry ingredients.
10. The ends of the specimen shall be capped before testing. The material used for camping
shall be such that its compressive strength is greater than that of the concrete in the
core. Caps shall be made as thin as practicable and shall not flow or fracture before the
concrete fails when the specimen is tested. The capped surfaces shall be at right angles
to the axis of the specimen and shall not depart from a plane by more than 0·05 mm.
11. The bearing surfaces of the testing machine shall be wiped clean, and any loose sand
or other material removed from the surfaces of the specimen which are to be in contact
with the compression plates.
12. In the case of cubes, the specimen shall be placed in the machine in such a manner that
the load shall be applied to opposite sides of the cubes as cast, that is, not to the top and
bottom.
13. The axis of the specimen shall be carefully aligned with the centre of thrust of the
spherically seated platen. No packing shall be used between the faces of the test
specimen and the steel platen of the testing machine.
14. The load shall be applied without shock and increased continuously at a rate of
approximately 140 kg/sq cm/min until the resistance of the specimen to the increasing
load breaks down and no greater load can be sustained.
15. The maximum load applied to the specimen shall then be recorded and the appearance
of the concrete and any unusual features in the type of failure shall be noted
OBSERVATION AND RECORDING
Avg.
Cross Compressive
S. Age of Load Compressive
Sectional Strength
No Cube (N) Strength
Area (mm2) (N/mm2)
(MPa)
1
3
2
days
3
4
7
5
days
6
7
28
8
days
9
OBSRVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:
 The measured compressive strength of the cubes shall be calculated by dividing the
maximum load applied to the cubes during the test by the cross-sectional area,
calculated from the mean dimensions of the section and shall be expressed to the nearest
0.5 N/mm2.
 In determining the compressive strength, do not consider specimens that are manifestly
faulty, or that give strengths differing by more than 10 percent from the average value
of all the test specimens.
Concrete mix used =
Cement =
Fine aggregate =
Coarse aggregate =
Water / cement ratio =
Amount of water =
Type of cement used =
Dimensions of specimen =
Loading rate =
1. The average 3 Days Compressive Strength of given cement sample is found to be ….…..

2. The average 7 Days Compressive Strength of given cement sample is found to be ….…..

3. The average 28 Days Compressive Strength of given cement sample is found to be ….…..

Graph
Draw graph between Characteristics Compressive Strength of Concrete versus Time (Days).

RESULTS:
Compressive Strength Destructive (CTM) test =
Exp. No: 12 Date:

SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE

AIM: To determine the split tensile strength of concrete of given proportions.

APPARATUS REQUIRED: Compression testing machine, concrete cylinder

THEORY: Concrete is not usually expected to resist direct tensile forces because of its low
tensile strength and brittle nature. However, tension is of importance with regard to cracking,
which is a tensile failure. Most cracking arises from that due to load or due to settlement of
parts of the structure or due to the resistance of contraction induced by drying or by lowering
of temperature. Direct tension tests of concrete are seldom made because of difficulties in
mounting the specimens and uncertainties as to the secondary stresses induced by the holding
devices. An indirect test for tensile strength of concrete developed originally in Brazil has
recently come rather in general use and has been standardized by ASTM, with diameters not
less than 4 times the maximum size of the coarse aggregate and not less than 15 cm. The length
of the specimens shall not be less than the diameter and not more than twice the diameter. For
routine testing and comparison of results unless otherwise specified the specimens shall be
cylinders 15 cm in diameter and 30 cm long for concrete having maximum nominal size of the
aggregate not greater than 38 mm, the sample of aggregate shall be screened to exclude
aggregate of size larger than 38 mm.

PROCEDURE:

1. Cast 150 mm x 300 mm cylinder of mix ratio 1: 2: 4, W/C = 0.6 and the total concrete
required for one cylinder is 14 kg.
2. Cast 6 cylinders by using the moulds and cure three cylinders for 7 days and the
remaining three cylinders for 28 days.
3. Tests shall be made at the recognized ages of the test specimens, the most usual being
7 and 28 days. The ages shall be calculated from the time of the addition of water to the
dry ingredients. At least three specimens shall be tested for each type of test.
4. Specimens shall be tested immediately on removal from the water whilst they are still
wet. Surface water and grit shall be wiped off the specimens and any projecting fins
removed from the surface, which are to be in contact with the packing strips
5. Diametral lines shall be drawn on the two ends of the specimen using any reliable
procedure and device that will ensure that they are in the same axial plane.
 6. The diameter and the dimensions of the specimens shall be noted before testing. The
diameters of the specimen, lying in the plane of the pre marked lines, shall be ensured
near the ends and the middle of the specimen and the average taken to the nearest 0.2
mm.
7. The length of the specimen shall be taken to the nearest 0.2 mm by averaging the two
lengths measured in the plane containing the pre marked lines.
8. The bearing surface of the testing machine and of the packing strips shall be wiped
clean. One of the plywood strips shall be centered along the centre of the lower platen.
9. The specimen shall be placed on the plywood strip and aligned so that the lines marked
on the ends of the specimen are vertical and centered over the plywood strip.
10. The second plywood strip shall be placed lengthwise on the cylinders, centered on the
lines marked on the ends of the cylinder. The rate of loading will be 1.4 to 2.1 N/mm 2

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

The split tensile strength shall be calculated from the following formula
2𝑃
𝜎 = 
𝜋𝑑𝑙
where sp = Splitting tensile strength (N/mm2)
P = Maximum Load (N)
d = Diameter of the specimen (mm)
l = Measured length of the specimen (mm)
PRECAUTIONS:
1. All the materials should be weighed to an accuracy of 1 in 1000.
2. The mould and the base plate must be oiled lightly before use.
3. The cylinders should not be allowed to dry, and they must be tested in wet.
4. The cylinders should be placed in the testing machine centrally.
5. The load shall be applied without jerks.

RESULT :
Split tensile strength =