Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY
(CET 01114)

LAB MANUAL
SUBMITTED TO: SIR MAZHAR YASIN

SUBMITTED BY: HAMZA HUSSAIN

REG NO: BSCET 01193059

SECTION: CV2-D

Department Of Civil Engineering and Technology

The University Of Lahore

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

JOB NO.1
Layout of concrete lab

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

 Sieve sets
 Purpose:
Sieves series in which sieve #4 to sieve #200 is present.
An instrument with a meshed or perforated bottom which is a U.S.A standard
ASTM, used for separating coarse from fine parts of loose matter. A set of sieves is used
in sieve analysis by which particles are distributed according to their sizes.

 Vicat’s Apparatus
 Purpose:
It is used to find out the consistency,
initial setting time and final setting
time of the cement. In the normal
consistency test we have to find out
the amount of water to be added to
the cement to form a cement paste
of normal consistency.

 Parts of apparatus:
Vicat's apparatus consists of an
arrangement to hold the plunger of
10 mm diameter and two other
needles which are made to freely fall into a mold filled with the cement paste and the

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

amount of penetration of the needles of plunger can be noted using the vertical
graduations from 0 mm to 50 mm.
 Cylinder moulds
 Purpose:
Cylinder mould is a cylindrical object which is used to make concrete lab. Beam
moulds, prism moulds and cube moulds are also present in lab.

 Pycnometer
 Purpose:
A small, graduated glass vessel, of accurately defined volume, used for determining the
relative density of liquids. Similar device for measuring the relative density of soil
particles less than about 5 mm in diameter.

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

 Flakiness and elongation apparatus

 Purpose:
To determine the flakiness and elongation index of the aggregates.

 Flaky particles:
A flaky particle is one whose least dimension (thickness) is less than 0.6 times size.

 Flakiness index:
It is the percentage by weight of flaky particles.

 Elongated particles:
It is particles whose greater dimension is 1.8 times its mean size.

 Elongation index:
It is the percentage by weight of elongated particles in a sample.
The elongated particles as percentage of total weight of the sample.

 Aggregate crushing value apparatus

 Purpose:
This apparatus is used to measures resistance of an
aggregate to crushing under a gradually applied
compressive load.

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

 Slump cone Test Apparatus

 Purpose:
To determine the slump of concrete.
 Slump:
The decrease in height of concrete when
mould of standard dimension is lifted. It is an
indication of Workability of concrete.
 Workability:
It is ease with which the concrete can flow.

Slump Workability
0-25 Very low
25-50 Low
50-100 Medium
100-175 High

 Beam Load Apparatus

 Purpose:
To determine the flexural strength by the use of concrete beam with loading at the third
point.
Preferred size of beam is 150X150X750 mm or prism of length 100X100X510mm acc. to
ASTM-C-78

 Modulus of rupture or flexural strength:

The flexural strength, as it is usually called, is computed from the following equation
fracture occur within middle third of the span.

M.R=PI/b. d*2

When the fracture occurs outside the middle third of the specimen but within 5% of the
supported span length, the modulus of rupture is computed from following equation
M.R=3Pa/b. d*2

 P=the applied load in newton or pounds

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

 I=supported length of the beam in cm or inches

 b= average width of specimen in cm or inches
 d= average depth of specimen in cm or inches
 a= average distance between fractured line measured on the tension surface from
the nearest support in cm or inches
Compute the modulus of rupture to the nearest 0.05MPa (5psi)

 Vibrating machine
 Purpose:
It is a machine which is used for agitating
freshly mixed concrete during placement
by mechanical oscillation at a moderately
high frequency, to assist in consolidation .

 Compression testing apparatus

 Purpose:
To determine the compressive strength of a concrete cylinder .
 Compressive strength:
The maximum stress which a specimen can bear under compressive loading .
 Compressive strength of concrete:
It is the 28days compressive strength of a standard concrete cylinder.
Maximum range of this machine is 9000 psi or 600 kg/cm.

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

 Compressive testing machine:

A universal testing machine (UTM), also known as a universal tester, materials testing
machine or materials test frame, is used to test the tensile strength and compressive
strength of materials.

 Aggregate impact testing machine

 Purpose:
To determine the impact value of different aggregates samples.
 Aggregate impact value:
AIV is the percentage of fines produced from the aggregate sample after subjecting it to
a standard amount of impact. The standard amount of impact is produced by a known
weight, i.e. a steel cylinder, falling a set height, a prescribe no. of times, onto an amount
of aggregate of standard sieve and weight retained in a mould. Aggregate impact values,
below 10 are regarded as strong and AIV’s above 35 would normally be regarded as 100
weak for use in road surfaces.

Aggregate impact value=[B/A]X100

Where,
 A= Mass of oven dried sample
 B=Mass of fraction passing B.S Sieve
No. 7

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

 Specific gravity equipment

 Purpose:
To determine the Specific gravity of the aggregate.
Following are the equipment
 Specific gravity and fine aggregate kit:
The equipment needed to do specific gravity and
absorption of fine aggregate testing.
 Conical mold and temper:
Determine bulk and apparent specific gravity and
absorption of fine aggregate.
 Pycnometer top and glass jar:
For determine specific and gravity of fine aggregate.
Complies with ASTM C 128.
 Sieve shaker
 Purpose:
Sieve shaker is used for shaking the sieves in a regular manner while grading the sample .

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

Sieve Shaker
 Compacting factor apparatus
 Purpose:
To determine the compacting factor of cement
concrete.
 Compacting factor:
It is the ratio of mass of compacted concrete to the
mass of the equal volume of it when it is fully
compacted.
This factor indicates the ease with which we can work
with concrete.

 Rapid curing tank:

 Purpose:
It is a tank which is used for curing especially, when rapid curing is required. By using,
this rapid curing tank the concrete achieved the strength at its very early age.

 Comments:
In this lab we can study about layout of concrete lab and study about different
apparatus used in concrete lab.

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

JOB NO.2
Overview of Portland cement and Concrete Technology.
Code: ASTM C125-03
 Scope:
The following definitions apply to hydraulic cement concrete, although some of them may
have wider application.

 Related Theory:
 Cementing Materials:
Any material that can be made plastic and that gradually hardens to form an artificial
stone like substance is called a cementitious material. Hydraulic cements, namely
Portland and natural, along with limes, fly ash, and silica fume, are currently the principal
cementing materials used in structures. They become plastic by the addition of water; the
mix then sets and hardens.

 Portland cement:
Portland cement was first made in Portland, England, from which it derived its name, by
Joseph Aspin in 1824. It can be produced either by a wet or a dry process. In the wet
method the raw materials are blended and ground in a slurry condition. In the dry process
(Figure 2) operations are carried out with the materials in a dry state. Adjustments to the
constituents are made by the addition of clay or stone of known characteristics. Portland
cement is obtained from finely pulverized clinker produced by calcining to incipient fusion
properly proportioned argillaceous and calcareous materials. The final constituents and
properties of Portland cement are very carefully controlled during manufacturing. Portland
cement comes in five basic types and a number of specialty varieties to fulfill different
physical and chemical requirements. The most frequently used cements are as follows:

 Normal or general purpose

 Moderately sulfate resistant
 High early strength
 Low heat of hydration
 Sulfate resistant

 Aggregates:
Aggregates are the inert particles that are bound together by the cementing agent (such
as Portland cement) to form a mortar or a concrete. Mortar is a mixture of fine aggregate,
a cementing material, and water. A mixture of only cement and water is referred to as
neat cement. Concrete is composed of the ingredients of mortar plus coarse aggregates.

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

 Coarse aggregates:
Coarse aggregates are obtained from gravel or crushed stone, blast furnace slag, or
recycled concrete. Trap rocks, granite, limestones, and sandstones are satisfactory for
crushed stone.

 Fine aggregates:
Fine aggregates are derived from the same sources except that in the place of gravel,
naturally occurring sand is used.

 Water:
The water used for concrete should be clean and free from dirt or organic matter. Water
containing even small quantities of acid can have a serious deleterious effect on concrete.
The presence of oil will result in slowing the set and reducing the strength. Generally
speaking, if water is potable, it is satisfactory for the production of a good concrete.
(IRVING KETT, 2010)

 Admixtures:
Admixtures is material other than water, aggregates, hydraulic cementitious material, and
fiber reinforcement that is used as an ingredient of a cementitious mixture to modify its
freshly mixed, setting, or hardened properties and that is added to the batch before or
during its mixing.

 Accelerating admixture:
Admixture that accelerates the setting and early strength development of concrete. (C
494/ C 494M) (ASTM C125-03)

 Air-entraining admixture:
Admixture that causes the development of a system of microscopic air bubbles in
concrete or mortar during mixing.

 Workability of concrete:
Workability is that property determining the effort required to manipulate a freshly mixed
quantity of concrete with minimum loss of homogeneity. (ASTM C125-03)

 Water-Cement ratio:
The ratio of the mass of water, exclusive only of that absorbed by the aggregates, to the
mass of Portland cement in concrete, mortar, or grout, stated as a decimal.

 Water-cementitious material ratio:

The ratio of the mass of water, exclusive only of that absorbed by the aggregates, to the
mass of cementitious material (hydraulic) in concrete, mortar, or grout, stated as a
decimal

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

 Air-cooled blast-furnace slag:

The material resulting from solidification of molten blast-furnace slag under atmospheric
conditions; subsequent cooling may be accelerated by application of water to the
solidified surface.

 Air content:
The volume of air voids in cement paste, mortar, or concrete, exclusive of pore space in
aggregate particles, usually expressed as a percentage of total volume of the paste,
mortar, or concrete.

 Air void:
A space in cement paste, mortar, or concrete filled with air; an entrapped air void is
characteristically 1 mm or more in width and irregular in shape; an entrained air void is
typically between 10 and 1000 µm in diameter and spherical or nearly so.

 Blast-furnace slag:
The nonmetallic product, consisting essentially of silicates and alumina silicates of
calcium and other bases, that is developed in a molten condition simultaneously with iron
in a blast furnace.

 Bleeding:
The autogenous flow of mixing water within, or its emergence from, newly placed concrete
or mortar caused by the settlement of the solid materials within the mass, also called
water gain.

 Bulk density:
The mass of a unit volume of bulk aggregate material (the unit volume includes the
volume of the individual particles and the volume of the voids between the particles).

 Bulk specific gravity:

The ratio of the mass of a volume of a material (including the permeable and impermeable
voids in the material, but excluding the voids between particles of the material) at a stated
temperature to the mass of an equal volume of distilled water at a stated temperature.

 Cellular concrete:
A lightweight hydraulic-cement concrete having a homogeneous void or cell structure
attained using gas-forming chemicals or foaming agents.

 Cementitious material:
An inorganic material or a mixture of inorganic materials that sets and develops strength
by chemical reaction with water by formation of hydrates and is capable of doing so under
water.

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

 Cementitious mixture:
A mixture (mortar, concrete, or grout) containing hydraulic cement.

 Concrete:
A composite material that consists essentially of a binding medium within which are
embedded particles or fragments of aggregate; in hydraulic-cement concrete, the binder
is formed from a mixture of hydraulic cement and water.

 Crushed gravel:
The product resulting from the artificial crushing of gravel with substantially all fragments
having at least one face resulting from fracture.

 Crushed stone:
The product resulting from the artificial crushing of rocks, boulders, or large cobblestones,
substantially all faces of which have resulted from the crushing operation.

 Curing:
A liquid that, when applied as a coating to the surface of newly-placed concrete, forms a
membrane that retards the evaporation of water and, in the case of white pigmented
compounds, reflects heat.

 Cracking:
In concrete, a series of cracks near to and roughly parallel to features such as joints,
edges, and structural cracks.

 Density:
Mass per unit volume (preferred over deprecated term unit weight).

 Grout (non-shrink), hydraulic-cement:

A hydraulic-cement grout that produces a volume that, when hardened under stipulated
test conditions, is greater than or equal to the original installed volume, often used as a
transfer medium between load-bearing members.

 Hydraulic cement:
A cement that sets and hardens by chemical reaction with water and is capable of doing
so under water.
 Manufactured sand:
Fine aggregate produced by crushing rock, gravel, iron blast-furnace slag, or hydraulic-
cement concrete.
 Maturity:
The extent of the development of a property of a cementitious mixture.

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

 Maturity function:
A mathematical expression, which uses the measured temperature history of a
cementitious mixture during the curing period to calculate an index, that is indicative of
the maturity at the end of that period.
 Maturity index:
An indicator of maturity, which is calculated from the temperature history of the
cementitious mixture by using a maturity function.
 Maximum size:
In specifications for, or description of aggregate, the smallest sieve opening through
which the entire amount of aggregate is required to pass.
 Nominal maximum size:
In specifications for, or description of aggregate, the smallest sieve opening through
which the entire amount of the aggregate is permitted to pass.
 Pozzolan:
A siliceous or siliceous and aluminous material, which in itself possesses little or no
cementitious value but will, in finely divided form and in the presence of moisture,
chemically react with calcium hydroxide at ordinary temperatures to form compounds
possessing cementitious properties.
 Roller-compacted concrete (RCC):
Concrete compacted while fresh by a roller, often a vibratory roller. Sand, fine aggregate
resulting from natural disintegration and abrasion of rock or processing of completely
friable sandstone.
 Segregation:
The unintentional separation of the constituents of concrete or particles of an aggregate,
causing a lack of uniformity in their distribution.
 Setting:
The process, due to chemical reactions, occurring after the addition of mixing water, that
results in a gradual development of rigidity of a cementitious mixture.
 Shot Crete:
A mortar or concrete that is projected pneumatically at high velocity onto a surface. Dry
mixture shot Crete, in which most of the mixing water is added at the nozzle. Wet mix
shot Crete, in which most of the ingredients, including water, are mixed prior to
introduction into the delivery hose.
 Fibres:
Slender filaments, which may be discrete or in the form of bundles, networks, or strands
of natural or manufactured materials, which can be distributed uniformly throughout a
fresh cementitious mixture.
 Fineness modulus:
A factor obtained by adding the percent- ages of material in the sample that is coarser
than each of the following sieves (cumulative percentages retained), and dividing the sum

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

by 100: 150-µm (No. 100), 300-µm (No. 50), 600-µm (No. 30), 1.18-mm (No. 16), 2.36-
mm (No. 8), 4.75-mm (No. 4), 9.5-mm (3⁄8-in.), 19.0-mm (3⁄4-in.), 37.5-mm (11⁄2-in.), 75-
mm (3-in.), 150-mm (6-in.).

 Fly ash:
The finely divided residue that results from the combustion of ground or powdered coal
and that is trans- ported by flue gases from the combustion zone to the particle removal
system.

 Fresh concrete:
Concrete which possesses enough of its original workability so that it can be placed and
consolidated by the intended methods.

 Gravel:
Coarse aggregate resulting from natural disintegration and abrasion of rock or processing
of weakly bound conglomerate.

 Specific gravity:
The ratio of mass of a volume of a material at a stated temperature to the mass of the
same volume of distilled water at a stated temperature.

 Setting:
The process, due to chemical reactions, occurring after the addition of mixing water,
which results in a gradual development of rigidity of a cementitious mixture.

 Time of setting:
The elapsed time from the addition of mixing water to a cementitious mixture until the
mixture reaches a specified degree of rigidity as measured by a specific procedure.

 Comments:
In this lab we can apply to hydraulic cement concrete, although some of them may have
wider application.

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

JOB NO. 3
Standard test method for the determination of the normal
consistency of hydraulic cement.
(ASTM C 187-04)
 Purpose:
 To determine of the normal consistancy of hydraulic cement.
 To determine the amount of water required to prepare hydrualic cement pastes for
testing.
 Apparatus:
 Vicat’s apparatus
 Plunger(dia = 10mm, length = 50mm)
 Weighing balance
 Glass plate and trowel
 Spatula and safety gloves

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

 Related Theory:
 Consistency:
The thickness or viscosity of the cement paste is called consistency. It is the ratio of
thickness of water to the mass of cement expressed as percentage.
 Standard cement paste:
It is the cement paste for which the 10mm diameter plunger in a standard VICAT’S test
penetrates to such an extent that its distance from the bottom is 10±1mm. the normal
consistency of cement is 28%.
 Normal consistency:
It is the thickness or viscosity of standard paste and is expressed as the percentage of
weight of water.

 Test Specifications:
 Air temperature:
 Air temperature 20 - 27.5 ͦ C
 Water temperature 23 ± 2 ͦ C

 Humidity:
 Humidity should not be less than 50%.
 Procedure:
 Take 650g of cement and mix it with 26% of water by weight of dry cement. The
Gauging time should not be more than 4min ±15 sec.
 Fill the Vicat mould with paste and level it with trowel.
 Lower the plunger gently till it touches the cement surface.
 Release the plunger allowing it to sink into the paste.
 Note the reading on the gauge.
 Repeat the above procedure taking fresh samples of cement and different
quantities of water until the reading on the gauge is 10±1mm.

 Precautions:
 Gauging time should be strictly observed
 Room temp. Should be well maintained as per test requirement.
 All apparatus used should be clean.
 The experiment should be performed away from vibrations and other disturbances.

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

 Observation and calculation:

Weight of cement= 650g
Sr. No. Weight of cement Percentage of W/C Vicat
(g) water by weight penetration
of dry cement (mm)
(g)

1 650 175.5 0.27 16

2 650 169 0.26 11
3 650 169 0.26 10

 Comments:
In this lab we can study these following things.
To determine of the normal consistancy of hydraulic cement.
To determine the amount of water required to prepare hydrualic cement pastes for
testing.

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

JOB NO. 4
Standard Test Method for the Determination of the Initial and
Final Setting Time of Cement by Vicat Needle Apparatus
(ASTM C 191-04b)
 Purpose
 To determine of the normal consistancy of hydraulic cement.
 To determine the amount of water required to prepare hydrualic cement pastes for
testing.
 To determine intial and final setting time of the cement.
 Apparatus
 Vicat’s apparatus
 Plunger(dia = 10mm, length = 50mm)
 Weighing balance
 Glass plate and trowel
 Spatula and safety gloves

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

 Related theory
 Consistency:
The thickness or viscosity of the cement paste is called consistency. It is the ratio of
thickness of water to the mass of cement expressed as percentage.
 Standard cement paste:
It is the cement paste for which the 10mm diameter plunger in a standard VICAT’S test
penetrates to such an extent that its distance from the bottom is 10±1mm. the normal
consistency of cement is 28%.
 Normal consistency:
It is consistency of the standard cement paste.
 Initial setting time:
The time elapsed between the initial mixing of cement and water and the time when a
1mm² cross-section needles gives a reading between (4-7) or10±1mm from the bottom
in a standard Vicat apparatus is known as initial setting time of the particular cement
paste.
 Final setting time:
The time elapsed between the initial contact of cement and water and the time when the
smaller needle (1mm² cross-section and 0.5mm deep) penetrates the surface of the paste
and the outer metal attachment of 5mm diameter does not leave any impression on the
paste.
 For example
Using the Vicat’s apparatus the initial setting time of a cement is 1 hour 20mints.
Using the Vicat’s apparatus the final setting time of a cement is 4hours 25min.
 Temperature and humidity:
The temperature of the air in the vicinity of the mixing slab, the dry cement, molds, and
base plate shall be maintained between 20 and 27.5 ’C (68 and 81.5 ‘F). The temperature
of the mixing water shall not vary from 23.0 ‘C (73.5 ‘F) by more than ±2.0 ‘C (3.5 ‘F).
The relative humidity of the laboratory shall be not less than 50%.
 Hardening:
Hardening is the rate of gain of strength due to chemical reaction. It also refers to strength
of concrete after specified interval of time.
 Specifications:
 Needle size 1mm×1mm.
 50mm length of needle.
 Temperature:
 Air temperature 23±3 ͦ C
 Water temperature 23±2 ͦ C
 Humidity should not be less than 50%

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

 Procedure:
 Take 650g of cement and mix it with 26% of water by weight of dry cement. The
Gauging time should not be more than 4min ±15 sec.
 Fill the Vicat mould with paste and level it with trowel.
 Lower the plunger gently till it touches the cement surface.
 Release the plunger allowing it to sink into the paste.
 Note the reading on the gauge.
 Repeat the above procedure taking fresh samples of cement and different
quantities of water until the reading on the gauge is 10±1mm.
 Prepare a cement paste of standard consistency and put it in the ring of the Vicat
apparatus within the allowable time 4min ±15 sec. clear and level any extra paste
by mean of a trowel.

i. Initial setting time:

Determine the penetration of the 1-mm needle at the start. If a penetration reading of
10mm is obtained, then note down the time as the initial setting time otherwise
keep checking the penetration reading after every 15min thereafter until a penetration
reading of 25 mm is obtained which will be the initial setting time of the cement.
Make each penetration test at least ¼ inches away from any previous penetration and
at least 25mm away from the inner side of the mold.

ii. Final setting time:

Keep on performing the same experiment until there is no considerable penetration
shown by needle. Note down the time as final setting time .

 Precautions:
 Gauging time should be strictly observed
 Room temp. Should be well maintained as per test requirement.
 All apparatus used should be clean.
 The experiment should be performed away from vibrations and other disturbances.
 Observation and calculation:
Weight of cement= 650g
Type of cement: Ordinary Portland
Source of cement: Civil engineering department
Manufactures of cement: Best way

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

Sr. No. Initial setting time Final setting time

Min Hrs. min Hrs.
1 190 3.2 370 6.3
2 185 3.1 363 6.1

 Comments:
To determine of the normal consistancy of hydraulic cement.To determine the amount of
water required to prepare hydrualic cement pastes for testing.To determine intial and final
setting time of the cement.

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

JOB NO.5
Standard test method for determination of bulk density (unit
weight) and voids in aggregates.
(ASTM C 29)
 Scope and significance:
To determine the unit weight and bulk density of coarse and fine aggregates. Determine
%age of voids present in aggregates materials.

 Apparatus:
 Weighing balance (0.005kg)
 Tempering rod, diameter of rod=16mm, L=600mm
 Cylindrical measure
 (Table 1 ASTM C 29)
Agg. Max. size capacity
½” 12.5mm 2.8L (0.0028m³)
1” 25mm 9.3L (0.0093m³)
1 ½” 37.5mm 14.0L (0.0014m³)

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

 Related theory:
 Density:
It is the ratio of mass of substance by the volume of solid.
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
Density = Volume 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑑𝑠

 Bulk density:
It is the mass of the unit volume of bulk aggregate material.
The term volume includes the volume of the individual particles and the volume of the
voids between the particles.
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
Bulk density = Vsolid +Vpores

 Voids:
Space between the particles not occupied by solid content. (Voids within particles are not
included)

 Roding Procedure: (for compacted density)

 Fill the cylinder one third full and level the surface with finger.
 Rod the layer of aggregates with 25 strokes of tamping rod evenly distributed over
the surface.
 Fill the measure two third full and again level and rod as above.
 Fill the measure completely so that the aggregate overflow and rod again in the
previous minor.
 Level the surface and make sure that the projections of larger pieces of coarse
aggregate above the measure balance approximately the voids in the surface
below the top of measure.
 Precautions:
 When temping the first layer do not allow to rod to strike the bottom of the cylinder.
 While Roding the 2nd layer use biggest effort but not more force then to cause the
temping rod to move to previous layer.

 Procedure: (for loose density)

 Fill the measures to over flowing by mean of a scope or shower discharging the
aggregates from a height of not more 50mm (2in) above the top of measure.
 Level the surface and make sure that the projections of larger pieces of coarse
aggregate above the measure balance approximately the voids in the surface
below the top of measure.

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

 Observations and Calculations

Sample State Wt. of Wt. of Wt. of Vol. of Bulk

cylinder cylinder + aggregate cylinder density
aggregate
(kg) (kg) (kg) m3 kg/m3
Coarse Compacted 5.90 13.998 8.098 0.00530 1527.92
Aggregates
Loose 5.90 13.386 7.486 0.00530 1412.45

Fine Compacted 0.874 2.508 1.634 0.000942 1734.60

Aggregates
Loose 0.874 2.372 1.498 0.000942 1589.42

 Comments
To determine the unit weight and bulk density of coarse and fine aggregates. Determine
%age of voids present in aggregates materials.

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

JOB NO. 6
Determination of Fineness Modulus of Coarse and Fine
Aggregates from Different Sources.
(ASTM C316-05 & ASTM 117-05)
 Scope and significance:
 This test method is use to determine the fineness modulus of fine grained particles.
 Determine the particles size distribution of aggregates:
 Apparatus:
Standard sets of sieve given by E 111, Sieve shaker, weighing balance .

 Related theory:
 Fineness modulus:
The fineness modulus (FM) is an empirical figure obtained by adding the total percentage
of the sample of an aggregate on each of a specified series of sieves, and dividing the
sum by 100. The sieve sizes are 150μm, 300μm, 600μm, 1.18mm, 2.36mm, 4.75mm,
9.5mm, 19mm, and 38.1mm. Fine aggregates range from a FM of 2.0 to 3.3.

 Aggregates:
Aggregates is a granular material such as sand, gravel, crush, rock, blast furnace and
lights weights aggregates that usually occupy approximately 60—75% of the volume of
concrete.
Aggregates may be broadly classifying as natural or artificial. Aggregates may be produce
from igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. A specification for coarse and fine
aggregates is ASTM C 33.

 Types of aggregates:
 Fine aggregates:
The portion of an aggregates passing the 4.75mm (sieve # 4) and retained on 75µm
(sieve # 200) is called fine aggregates. It has surface moistures content 0-2% and
absorption capacity 0.5-4.0%. Bulk specific gravity is 2.3-2.90.

 Coarse aggregates:
Aggregates that are Larger than fine aggregates are called coarse aggregates. Coarse
aggregates may be available in different size and groups such as
 19-4.75mm (3/4”-sieve # 4)
 37.5-4.75mm (1 ½”- #4)
 25-12.5mm (1”- 1/2”)

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

It has surface moistures content 0-10% and absorption capacity 0.5-4.0%. Bulk specific
gravity is 2.3-2.90.

 Grading:
Grading’s refers to particles size distribution present in the aggregates. This is
determining by ASTM C 136.

 Grading chart:
Grading charts are used to show the result of sieve analysis graphically. The percentage
passing is usually plotted on vertical axis while the sieve size is plotted on the horizontal
axis. Upper and lower limit is specified ASTM C33 may also be shown on the grading
chart.

 Significance of grading:
Aggregates having a smooth grading curve and neither a deficiency nor excess of any
one particle size generally produce mixture with fewer voids between particles because
cement cost is more than aggregate and cement paste requirement of concrete increases
with increasing voids content.
It is desirable to keep the voids content as low as possible. If there is not enough of fine
aggregate to fill the voids between coarse aggregates the space must be filled with
cement paste. Such sand deficiency mixture also tends to be hard difficult to finish on the
other hand excessive amount of fine aggregates or excessively fine may produce
uneconomical concrete because of the larger surface area of finer particles which
required additional cement.

 Procedure:
 Take the dry sample of 500g of fine aggregates.
 The sample is sieved by using a set of standard sieves.
 On completion of sieving, the material on each sieve is weighed.
 Find out the %age retained and cumulative %age retained on each sieve.
 Fineness modulus is obtained by adding cumulative %age of fine aggregates on
each sieve and dividing the sum by 100.

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

 Observation and calculation:

FINE AGGREGATES
Type of sand = Lawrenceburg Weight of Sample = 500gm
Weight retained(g) % retained Cumulative %
Sieve # retained
#4 1.2 0.24 0.2
#8 6.32 1.26 1.5
#16 26.32 5.26 6.8
#30 277.65 55.53 62.3
#50 92.06 18.41 80.7
#100 78.33 15.67 96.4
Pan 18 3.60 100

𝐒𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 %𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐭.𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝟏𝟎𝟎

Fineness Modulus =
𝟏𝟎𝟎

𝟐𝟒𝟕.𝟗𝟎
F.M =
𝟏𝟎𝟎

F.M = 2.48

COARSE AGGREGATES

Type of sample = Margalla crush weight of sample= 2kg

Sieve size Mass retained (kg) % retained Cumulative %

(inches) retained

1” 0 0 0
¾” 0.022 1.1 1.1
½” 1.212 60.6 61.7
3/8” 0.388 19.4 81.1
3/16” (#4) 0.350 17.5 98.6
Pan 0.024 1.2 99.8

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

𝐒𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 %𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐭.𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝟒

Fineness Modulus =
𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝟐𝟒𝟐.𝟓
F.M =
𝟏𝟎𝟎

F.M = 2.425
 Comments

This test method is use to determine the fineness modulus of fine grained particles.
Determine the particles size distribution of aggregates:

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

JOB NO. 7
Determination of Relative Density (Sp. Gravity) and
Absorption of Coarse and Fine Aggregate.
(ASTM C-127 & ASTM C-128)
 Scope and significance
 It is use for calculation of volume occupied by aggregate in various mixture.
 During time of setting, it is assumed that aggregate in SSD condition. If aggregate
is to be batched in dry condition it absorb sufficient amount of water from mix, add
extra water to bring aggregate in SSD condition. If we don’t add extra water loss
of workability occur.
 It is also used for calculation of voids in aggregate.
 Apparatus
 Weighing balance (0.005kg)
 Sieve
 Water tank
 Absorbent cloth
 Oven
 Related theory
 Specific gravity:
It is the ratio of density of aggregate to density of water at standard temp.
𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑔𝑔.
Sp. gravity =
density of water
 Absorption:
It is increase in weight of aggregate due to penetration of water into voids of particles
during specified time.
 Voids:
Space between the particles not occupied by solid content. (Voids within particles are not
included)
 Types of specific gravity
i. Oven dried specific gravity:
It is the ratio of oven dried density of aggregate to density of water at standard temp.
ii. Saturated surface dry specific gravity:
It is the ratio of saturated surface dry density of aggregate to density of water at standard
temp.

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iii. Apparent specific gravity

It is the ratio of apparent density of aggregate to density of water at standard temp.

 Procedure (for coarse aggregates)

 Take a sample which retain on sieve number 4.
 Take a sample wt. of 5kg.
 Immerse the sample in the water for 24±4 hat room temp.
 Remove water from sample and roll in large absorbent cloth until surface of coarse
aggregate are dried.
 Weight sample and obtain its SSD weight.
 Introduce SSD sample in wire basket at water tank and obtain its saturated weight
in water.
 Remove saturated sample from wire basket and place it in oven at temp. 110±5’C
for 24h.
 Weight sample and its oven dry weight.

 Procedure (for fine aggregates)

 Take a sample which is passing on sieve # 4.
 Take a sample weight 2 kg.
 Immerse the sample in water for 24±4 h at room temp.
 To bring the sample in SSD condition to use hard paper method.
 In this method hard paper are used to dry the surface of fine aggregate.
 The sample in SSD condition when paper does not pick up moisture from sample.
 Weight the pycnometer till with water to top.
 The part of water is removed and introduce the SSD sample into pycnometer.
 During this bubbles are produced and to remove bubbles and extra water into
pycnometer.
 Take the total weight of sample + pycnometer +water.
 Remove the sample from pycnometer and place in oven at temp. 110±5’C for 24h.
 500g sample in SSD

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 Observations & calculations

 Coarse Aggregates
Sample name: Margalla Crush
Sample weight: 5kg
A= wt. of oven dried sample in air = 4.937 kg
B= wt. of SSD sample in air = 5.000 kg
C= wt. of saturated sample in water = 3.0188 kg
𝐴
Bulk specific gravity (OD) = = 2.4919
B−C
𝐵
Bulk specific gravity (SSD) = B−C = 2.5237
𝐴
Bulk specific gravity (Apparent) = A−C = 2.5738
𝐵−𝐴
Absorption in %age = ×100 = 1.3%
A

 Fine Aggregates
Sample name: Lawrencepur sand
Sample weight: 2kg
A= wt. of oven dried sample in air = 490.90 g
B= wt. of pycnometer filled with water =1.080 kg
C= wt. of pycnometer with sample in water = 1.330 kg
𝐴
Bulk specific gravity (OD) = B+500−C = 1.9636
500
Bulk specific gravity (SSD) = B+500−C = 2.000
𝐴
Bulk specific gravity (Apparent) = A+B−C = 2.0378
500−𝐴
Absorption in %age = ×100 = 1.9%
A

 Comments
It is use for calculation of volume occupied by aggregate in various mixture. During time
of setting, it is assumed that aggregate in SSD condition. If aggregate is to be batched in
dry condition it absorb sufficient amount of water from mix, add extra water to bring
aggregate in SSD condition. If we don’t add extra water loss of workability occur.

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

JOB NO. 8
Preparing A Concrete-Mix and Casting Various Samples
Required for Different Tests.
Code: ACI 211.1 – 91
 Scope & significance:
This purpose of this experiment is to simulate the actual formation of concrete mix, its
design and production. In this experiment certain number of samples will be prepared
which will then be tested for the verification of concrete mix design process.
 Related Theory:
 Plain Cement Concrete:
PCC consists of three basic ingredients: aggregate, water and Portland cement.
According to the
Portland Cement Association (PCA, 1988):

"The objective in designing concrete mixtures is to determine the most economical and
practical combination of readily available materials to produce a concrete that will satisfy
the performance requirements under particular conditions of use."

PCC mix design has evolved chiefly through experience and well-documented empirical
relationships. Normally, the mix design procedure involves two basic steps:

i. Mix proportioning.
This step uses the desired PCC properties as inputs then determines the required
materials and proportions based on a combination of empirical relationships and local
experience. There are many different PCC proportioning methods of varying complexity
that work reasonably well.

ii. Mix testing.

Trial mixes are then evaluated and characterized by subjecting them to several
laboratory tests. Although these characterizations are not comprehensive, they can give
the mix designer a good understanding of how a particular mix will perform in the field
during construction and under subsequent traffic loading.

This section covers mix design fundamentals common to all PCC mix design methods.
First, two basic concepts (mix design as a simulation and weight-volume terms and
relationships) are discussed to set a framework for subsequent discussion. Second, the
variables that mix design may manipulate are presented. Third, the fundamental
objectives of mix design are presented. Finally, a generic mix design procedure is

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

presented.
 Basic Procedure
In order to meet the requirements established by the preceding desirable PCC
properties, all mix design processes involve four basic processes:

i. Aggregate selection. No matter the specific method, the overall mix design
procedure begins with evaluation and selection of aggregate and asphalt binder
sources. Different authorities specify different methods of aggregate acceptance.
Typically, a battery of aggregate physical tests is run periodically on each
particular aggregate source. Then, for each mix design, gradation and size
requirements are checked. Normally, aggregate from more than one source is
required to meet graduation requirements.

ii. Portland cement selection. Typically, a type and amount of Portland cement is
selected based on past experience and empirical relationships with such factors
as compressive strength (at a given age), water-cement ratio and chemical
susceptibility.

iii. Mix proportioning. A PCC mixture can be proportioned using experience or a

generic procedure (such as ACI 211.1).

iv. Testing. Run laboratory tests on properly prepared samples to determine key
mixture characteristics. It is important to understand that these tests are not
comprehensive nor are they exact reproductions of actual field conditions.
 ACI mix design procedure

The standard ACI mix design procedure can be divided up into 8 basic steps:
i- Choice of slump
ii- Maximum aggregate size selection
iii- Mixing water and air content selection
iv- Water-cement ratio
v- Cement content
vi- Course aggregate content Fine aggregate content
vii- Adjustments for aggregate
viii- moisture

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

 Observations and Calculations

Specified strength =fc̀= 22mpa
Required slump = 75 mm
Maximum size of aggregates = 20mm
Type = non air entrained
Finesse modulus of fine aggregates = 2.48
Bulk density of coarse aggregates = 1527.92 kg/m3
Bulk density of fine aggregates = 1734.6 kg/m3
Specific gravity of cement = 3.15
Specific gravity of coarse aggregates = 2.4919
Specific gravity of fine aggregates = 1.9636
Water absorption of coarse aggregates = 1.3%
Water absorption of fine aggregates = 1.9%
Exposure condition = normal

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

Design of concrete mix

 Step#1
 Target strength
Specified compressive strength, f ’ (mpa) Required average strength, f ’ (mpa)
c cr

F ’ < 21 F ’ = fc’ + 7
c cr

21≤ f ’ ≤ 35 F ’ = fc’ + 8.5

c cr

F ’ > 35 F ’ = 1.1fc’ + 5
c cr

Fcr = fc̀ + 8.5 = 22 + 8.5 = 30.5mpa

Ordinary Portland cement for normal exposure condition.

 Step#2
Non entrained Cement

 Step#3
 Water over cement ratio (w/c): -

Fcr= 30.5 Mpa

0.47−0.54 0.47−𝑥
W/c = = = 0.533
35−30 35−30.5

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 Step#4
 Water and air amount: -

Water content = 205 kg/m3 of concrete

Air content = 2%

 Step#5
 Cement content: -
Cement content = 205/0.533 =384.615 kg/m3 of concrete

 Step#6
 Coarse aggregates content: -

25 − 19 25 − 20
=
0.71 − 0.66 0.71 − 𝑥
x=0.668
Mass of coarse aggregates = 0.668 x 1527.92 = 1020.650 kg/m3 of concrete

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 Step#7
Fine aggregates content: -
384.615 1020.650
Mass of fine aggregate = 1.936 x [1000-(205 + + + 10x2)]
3.15 2.4919

= 501.744 kg/m3

 Step#8
Total water: -
Extra water = (0.013 x 1020.650) + (0.019 x 501.744) = kg/m3 of concrete
Total water = 22.80+205
=227.80 kg/m3 of concrete

 Step#9
Concrete mix: -

Cement : Fine Aggregates : Coarse Aggregates

384.615 : 501.744 : 1020.650

1 : 1.304 : 2.653

W/c = 227.80 /384.615 = 0.592

 Step#10
Calculation of materials required: -

Sample Quality Volume(m3) Weight Calculations Weight(kg)

Cubes 4 0.00354 0.00354*2300*4*1.54 50.154
Cylinder 4 0.00530 0.00530*2300*4*1.54 75.0904
∑=125.244

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For Cube

Weight of cement 1 10.117 𝑘𝑔

𝑥 50.154
1 + 1.304 + 2.653
Weight of fine aggregates 1.304 13.193 𝑘𝑔
𝑥 50.154
1 + 1.304 + 2.653
Weight of coarse aggregates 2.653 26.842 𝑘𝑔
𝑥 50.154
1 + 1.304 + 2.653
For Cylinder

Weight of cement 1 15.1483 𝑘𝑔

𝑥 75.0904
1 + 1.304 + 2.653
Weight of fine aggregates 1.304 19.753 𝑘𝑔
𝑥 75.0904
1 + 1.304 + 2.653
Weight of coarse aggregates 2.653 40.188 𝑘𝑔
𝑥 75.0904
1 + 1.304 + 2.653

 Step#11
Weight of materials required: -

Weight of cement 10.177+15.1483 25.32 𝑘𝑔

Weight of fine aggregates 13.193+19.753 32.946 𝑘𝑔

Weight of coarse aggregates 26.842+40.188 67.03 𝑘𝑔

Water content 27.80 x 0.592 16.4576 kg

 Comments
This purpose of this experiment is to simulate the actual formation of concrete mix, its
design and production. In this experiment certain number of samples will be prepared
which will then be tested for the verification of concrete mix design process

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

JOB NO. 9
Standard Test Method for the Slump of Hydraulic Cement Concrete.

(ASTM C-143/C-143M -03)

 Scope and significance
This test method is performed in lab and field to determine the slump. This test is used
extensively in site works all over the world.

 This test method is used to determine the slump of plastic hydraulic cement
concrete.
 Slump<15mm(Non-Plastic)
 Slump>15(Plastic).
 This test method is applicable to plastic concrete having coarse aggregate up to
37.5mm in size. If the coarse aggregate is larger than 37.5mm then this test
method is not applicable.
 This test method is not applicable to non-plastic and non-cohesive concrete (due
to larger amount of water presence).
 Apparatus
i. Metal mold, thickness is 1.15mm, it is in cone form with the base 200mmdiameter
and 300mm height with the top diameter 100mm. The top and base of cylindrical
mold is open and parallel to each other. The mold is provided with foot piece sand
handles.
ii. Temping rod, 16mm diameter and 600mm in length having temping ends.

 Related theory
 Slump
The decrease in the height of concrete when the mold of standard dimensions is lifted.
 Types of slump
There are three types of slump.

i. True slump
ii. Shear slump
iii. Collapse slump

We discard the collapse slump due to the very high value of slump.

 Shear slump occurs due to the lack of cohesion in mix.

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

 We often use the term 100% compaction but actually in 100% compaction we
have percentage of air voids less than 3% by volume of concrete.

Relation between workability and slump

Workability Compacting Factor Slump(mm)

Very Low 0.78 0-25
Low 0.85 25-50
Medium 0.92 50-100
High 0.95 100-175

Note: More is the slump value more will be the workability.

 Procedure:
 The mold is placed on a flat moist non-absorb surface with the smaller opening at
the top. It is then held firmly in place during filling of concrete by the operator
standing on two foot pieces. The mold is filled to a depth of 70mm and 2/3 of
volume fills to a depth of 160mm. Each layer is given 25 strokes with the help of
temping rod uniformly distributed over the cross-section of each layer. Rod the 2nd
and 3rd layer throughout its depth so that strokes just penetrates into the
underlying layer. After the top layer is rodded strike off the surface of the concrete
by means of rolling motion of temping rod.
 Complete the entire test with an elapsed time of 2.5minutes. After filling, the cone
is slowly lifted and the unsupported concrete slumps. The decrease in the height
of concrete is called slump.
 It is measured with the nearest 5mm at the beginning of every test, before lifting
the mold the area immediately around the base of the cone should be cleaned off
of concrete which may be dropped accidentally.
 Observations & Calculations:
Slump value = 50 mm
 Comments:
This test method is performed in lab and field to determine the slump. This test is used
extensively in site works all over the world.

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

JOB NO. 10
Determination of Compacting Factor of Fresh Concrete.
(IS: 1199-1959)
 Scope and significance
Compacting factor of fresh concrete is done to determine the workability of fresh concrete.
This test is appropriate for concrete with the maximum aggregate size of 40mm.

 Apparatus
 Compacting factor apparatus
Apparatus consists of two hoppers each in the shape of frustrum of a cone and one
cylinder.
The hoppers have hinge door at the bottom and all the surfaces are polished to reduce
friction.
 Related theory
 Compacting Factor
The degree of compaction is also called the compacting factor and is measured with the
help of density ratio actually achieved in the test to the density of same concrete when it
is fully compacted.
Its maximum value is 1 but practically it is lesser than 1.

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Relation between workability and slump

Workability Compacting Factor Slump(mm)

Very Low 0.78 0-25
Low 0.85 25-50
Medium 0.92 50-100
High 0.95 100-175

 Procedure
 The sample of concrete is placed in the upper hopper up to the brim.
 The trap-door is opened so that the concrete falls into the lower hopper.
 The trap-door of the lower hopper is opened and the concrete is allowed to fall into
the cylinder.
 The excess concrete remaining above the top level of the cylinder is then cut off
with the help of plane blades.
 The concrete in the cylinder is weighed. This is known as weight of partially
compacted concrete.
 The cylinder is filled with a fresh sample of concrete and vibrated to obtain full
compaction. The concrete in the cylinder is weighed again. This weight is known
as the weight of fully compacted concrete.

 Observations and Calculations

Weight of partially compacted concrete=m1= 18.070
Weight of fully compacted concrete=m2= 18.77
m1
Compacting Factor= m2 = 0.96 = 96%

 Comments
Compacting factor of fresh concrete is done to determine the workability of fresh concrete.
This test is appropriate for concrete with the maximum aggregate size of 40mm

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

JOB NO. 11
Determination of the Aggregate Impact Value of Different
Coarse Aggregate Samples.
(BS 812: Part 112: 1990)
 Scope and significance
The aggregate impact value gives a relative measure of the toughness or the resistance
of aggregate sudden shock or impact is not proportional to the resistance to a slowly
applied compressive load.

 Apparatus
 Coarse aggregate from various sources
 Impact testing machine
 Spanner
 Balance
 Test Specifications
The test sample shall consist of aggregates the whole of which passes through ½ inch
(12.7mm) sieve and is retained on a 3/8 inch (9.51mm) sieve. The aggregate comprising
the test sample shall be dried in an oven for a period of four hours at a temperature of
100-110°C and cooled. The measure (cup) shall be filled about one-third full with the
aggregate and gives 25 blows of tamping rod. A further similar quantity of aggregate shall
be added and a further 25 blows of tamping rod should be given to the second layer and
on the last layer 25 tamping rod blows should again be given and the surplus aggregate
struck off using the tamping rod as a straight-edge. The net weight of aggregate in the
measure shall be determined to the nearest gram (weight A) and this weight shall be used
for the duplicate test on the same material .

 Procedure
The impact machine shall test without wedging or packing upon the level plate, block or
floor, so that it is rigid and hammer guide columns are vertical. The cup shall be fixed
firmly in position on the base of the machine and the whole of the test sample placed in it
and compacted by 25 strokes of the tamping rod. The hammer shall be raised until its
lower face is 15 in (381mm) above from the upper surface of the aggregate in the cup,
and allowed to fall freely on the aggregate. The test sample shall be subjected to a total
15 such blows each being delivered at an interval of not less than one second.

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

The crushed aggregate shall then be removed from the cup and the whole of it sieved on
No.7 (2.83mm) sieve until no further significant amount passes in one minute. The fraction
passing the sieve shall be weighted to an accuracy of 0.1 gram (weight B). The fraction
retained on the sieve shall also be weighed (weight C), and if the total weight B + C is
less than the initial weight (weight A) by more than 1 gm the result shall be discarded and
a fresh test should be made. Two tests shall be made.

 < 10 tough
 10-20 very strong
 20-30 strong
 >35 weak
 Observation & calculation
The ratio of the weight of fines formed to the total sample weight in each test shall be
expressed as a percentage, the result being recorded to the first decimal place.

Aggregate Impact Value=B/A *100

Where,

 A=Weight of oven dried sample

 B=weight of fraction passing 2.83 mm sieve
Wt. of sample with cylinder = 3.270 kg
Wt. of empty cylinder = 2.63 kg

Sr. No. A B Aggregate impact

value
(kg) (kg) (%)
1 0.64 0.06 9.375

 Comments
The aggregate impact value gives a relative measure of the toughness or the resistance
of aggregate sudden shock or impact is not proportional to the resistance to a slowly
applied compressive load

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

JOB NO. 12
Determination of the Compressive Strength of Hydraulic
Cement Mortar. (ASTM C-39/C39M)
 Scope and significance
The following covers only that portion of ASTM Designation: (C-39/C39M) that is required
to determine the compressive strength of 50 mm (2 -inches) of Portland cement mortar
cubes.

 Apparatus
 A 2-kg scale accurate to 0.1 gram
 Six 50-mm (2-inch) cube molds
 Hard rubber tampers 13 × 25 mm (½ × 1 inch) cross section and 12 to 15 cm (5 to
6 inches) in height.
 Rubber gloves
 Small steel trowels
 Large spoons
 Electrically driven mechanical mixer equipped with a paddle and mixing bowl.
 500 grams of Portland cement
 1375 grams of Ottawa Sand
 242 cc of water

 Procedure
 Place the 242 cc of water in the mixing bowl, add the 500 grams of cement, and
mix at a slow speed (140 ± 5 rpm) for 30 seconds.
 Add the 1375 grams of Ottawa Sand over a 30-second period while continuing to
mix at a slow speed.
 Stop the mixing, change the mixer setting to medium speed (285 ± 5 rpm), and mix
for 30 seconds.
 Stop the mixer and let the mortar stand for 90 seconds. During the first 15 seconds,
scrape down into the batch any mortar that may have collected on the sides of the
bowl. Cover the bowl for the remainder of the interval.
 Finish preparing the mortar by mixing for 60 seconds at medium speed.
 Immediately upon completion of mixing, start molding the specimens by placing a
25± mm (1± inch) layer of mortar in all of the six cube compartments. Tamp the
mortar layer in each cube compartment, with the hard rubber tamper, 32 times
within about 10 seconds in accordance with Figure 4 in four rounds. Each round
should be at right angles to the other and consist of eight adjacent strokes over the

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Concrete Technology (Lab Manual)

surface of the specimen. Use sufficient tamping pressure to ensure uniform filling
of the molds. Complete the lift in each mold in turn before moving on to the next
one.
 Complete the filling of the molds by adding another layer and duplicate the tamping
procedure. At this point the mortar should be slightly above the top of the molds.
Carefully cut the excess mortar flush with the edge of a steel trowel.
 Place the completed mortar cubes in a moist closet, protected from dripping water,
for between 20 and 24 hours, after which the cubes are to be stripped from the
molds.
 Insert the mortar cubes in a saturated lime water bath until ready for testing.
Periodically the lime water should be changed to keep the water clean.
 All specimens should be tested within a specified time period.
 Observations & calculations

Load Compressive
Cylinder No. (kN) strength
(MPa)
1 464.0 20.62

Load Compressive
Cube No. (kN) strength
(MPa)
1 429.8 24.32

 Comments
The following covers only that portion of ASTM Designation: (C-39/C39M) that is required
to determine the compressive strength of 50 mm (2 -inches) of Portland cement mortar
cubes

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