Building Materials & Construction II

Ins: Abenet Getachew

2018/19

CHAPTER ONE
 Topics
 Introduction  Fresh concrete
• Definition • Measurement of workability of
• Types and uses of concrete concrete,
• Properties of concrete • Calculation of volume of fresh
• Advantages and disadvantages of concrete
concrete  Concrete mix design
 Ingredients of concrete: • Batching &Mixing ingredients
• cement, of concrete
• water, • Transporting fresh concrete
• aggregates, and
• Formwork
• admixtures
• Placing fresh concrete, Curing
 Aggregate concrete
• terms and types,
• Properties of aggregates,  Properties of hardened
Handling and stockpiling concrete
 Concrete grades
 Introduction  Aggregate
• Definition • terms and types,
• Types and uses of • Properties of
concrete aggregates, Handling
• Properties of concrete and stockpiling
• Advantages and
disadvantages of
concrete  Fresh concrete
 Ingredients of • Measurement of
concrete: workability of concrete,
• cement, • Calculation of volume
• water, of fresh concrete
• aggregates, and
• admixtures
 Def inition of Concrete

Concrete
 is a composite material made up of inert
materials of varying sizes, which are
bound together by a binding medium.

 The strength of concrete is dependent on the

strength of the aggregate paste bond.
 Concrete is often looked upon as “man made
rock”.
 Composition of Concrete
• Portland Cement
• Water Paste
• Air (entrapped or entrained)
Concrete

• Fine Aggregate (Sand)

Aggregate
• Coarse Aggregate (Gravel)

• Admixture (If required) Aggregates water Cement air

7%-15% 0-8%

 Portland cement 7% to 15% by Vol.

 Water 14% to 21% by Vol. 14% -21%
 Aggregates 60% to 75%
 coarse aggregates
 Fine aggregates 60% - 75%
 Up to 8% air (depending on top size of coarse
aggregate)
 Type and uses of Concrete

Concrete is a very versatile material and can be made to satisfy

a large variety of requirements.

1. Plain (mass) concrete

2. No-fines concrete
3. Lightweight aggregate concrete
4. Aerated concrete
5.High strength concrete
6. Reinforced concrete
7.Pre-fabrecated concrete
8.Pre-stressed concrete
9.Fiber reinforced concrete
 Type and uses of Concrete Aerated concrete

 made by introducing air or gas

No-fines concrete into a cement-sand mix (without
coarse aggregate)
 with only single size coarse  for thermal insulating, non-structural
aggregate (dense or lightweight) uses and lightweight building
leaving voids between them. blocks.
 an excellent key for rendering,  are low resistance to abrasion,
excessive shrinkage and
 good thermal insulation (due to air
permeability.
gaps), and
 low drying shrinkage
High strength concrete
Lightweight aggregate concrete  High-strength concrete has a
compressive strength generally
 Using light aggregate,
greater than 40 Mpa.
 for thermal insulating walls and
components  High-strength concrete is made by
lowering the water-cement (W/C) ratio to
 for lightweight building blocks.
0.35 or lower.
 Type and uses of Concrete
Fiber reinforced concrete Pre-stressed concrete
 Concrete containing a hydraulic  Pre-stressing of concrete is made
cement, water, fine or fine and coarse for overcoming the concretes’
aggregate, and discontinuous discrete natural weakness in tensioning.
fibers is called FRC.
 It can be used to produce beams,
 Fibers of various shapes and sizes
produced from steel, plastic, glass, floors, or bridges with a longer span
and natural materials can be used than is practical with ordinary
 However, steel fiber is used most
reinforced concrete.
commonly
 Compared to plain concrete, FRC is
much tougher and more resistant to
impact.
 Uses of Concrete

 Concrete is versatile material & can be

used for :
 Foundations of structures
 The walls of ordinary houses, as well as
the more massive walls of engineering
structures e.g. Dam.
 For arches, stairs, flooring of different
kinds and roofs.
 Drainage pipes etc
 Advantages of Concrete

 It is economical when ingredients are readily available.

 Its long life and relatively low maintenance requirements increase
its economic benefits.
 It is not as likely to rot, corrode, or decay as other building
materials.
 It has the ability to be molded or cast into almost any desired
shape.
 It is a non-combustible material which makes it fire-safe and able
withstand high temperatures.
 It is resistant to wind, water, rodents, and insects. Hence,
concrete is often used for storm shelters.
 It has high compressive strength, resistance to weathering, impact
and abrasion.
 Building of the molds and casting can occur on the work-site
which reduces costs.
Disadvantages of Concrete

 High cost of cement, steel and formwork ( in

developing countries).
 Difficult quality control on building sites, with the
risk of cracking and gradual deterioration, if
wrongly mixed, placed and insufficiently cured
with water.
 In moist climates or coastal regions, corrosion of
reinforcement (if insufficiently protected), leading
to expansion cracks.
 Low tensile strength (but can be overcome with
steel reinforcement).
 Demolishing concrete is difficult.
Ingredients of Concrete

• Portland Cement

• Water

• Aggregates

• Admixtures (Additives)
 Portland Cement

 Dry power of very fine particles

 Forms a paste when mixed with water
 Chemical reaction –Hydration
 Paste coats all the aggregates together
 Hardens and forms solid mass
 Water

 Water serves two purposes in making

concrete:
 It triggers the hydration of cement
 It makes the mix fluid and workable.
 only 1/3 of the water is needed for chemical
reaction
 extra water remains in pores and holes
 Surplus water is bad for strength, durability
and permeability.

 Clean water is important any impurities present will

affect bond strength between the paste and
aggregate.
Water

Undesirable effects of impurities in mixing

water

 Impurities in mixing water may cause any

one or all of the following:
 Abnormal setting time
 Decreased strength
 Volume changes
 Efflorescence
 Corrosion of reinforcement
 Water
 Some of the impurities in mixing water that cause
undesirable effects in the final concrete:

Dissolved chemicals Algae

 May either accelerate or retard the set  Can cause a reduction in the strength
and can substantially reduce the of concrete by increasing the amount
concrete strength. of air captured in the paste and
 Can actively attack the cement-  Reduce the bond strength between
aggregate bond, leading to early the paste and the aggregate.
disintegration of the concrete.

Sea water Sugar

 Seawater containing less than 3% salt  If sugar is present in even small
is generally acceptable for plain amounts, it can cause rapid setting
concrete but not for reinforced and reduced concrete strength.
concrete.
 The presence of salt can lead to
corrosion of the reinforcing bars and a
decrease in concrete strength by
some 10-15%.
 Aggregates

 Aggregates are the filler

materials which make up a
large portion (roughly 65-80%)
of the concrete volume.
 Considerable care should be
taken to provide the best
aggregates available.
Aggregates
Aggregate production: Quarry
 Classif ication Based on Source

Natural aggregates Manufactured aggregates

 Are taken from natural  Include blast furnace

deposits without change slag and lightweight
in their nature during aggregates.
production,
 with the exception of
crushing, sizing, grading
during production.
 In this group crushed
stone, gravel, and sand
are the most common.
 Aggregate Terms and Types

 The terms used to describe aggregates are many and varied.

These descriptive terms are based on source, size, shape, type,
use and other properties.
 Some typical terms used in describing aggregates are:

1.Fine aggregate
 Aggregate particles passing the No. 4 (4.75mm) sieve and
retained on the No. 200 (75- micro m) sieve
2. Coarse aggregate
 Aggregate predominantly retained on the No.4 (4.75mm) sieve.
3. Crushed gravel (gravel and sand)
 That has been put through a crusher either to break many of
the rounded gravel particles to a smaller size or to produce
rough surfaces.
 Aggregate Terms and Types

4. Crushed rock
 Aggregate from the crushing of rock. All particles are angular,
not rounded as in gravel.
5. Screenings
 the chips and dust or powder that are produced in the
crushing of rock for aggregates.
6.All-in-aggregate
 aggregate composed of both fine and coarse aggregate.
7. Concrete sand
 sand that has been washed (usually) to remove dust & fines.
8. Fines
 silty-clay or dust particles smaller than 75 micro m (No. 200
sieve) usually undesirable impurities in aggregates.
 Properties of Aggregates

Important properties of aggregates include:

 Gradation (grain size distribution)
 Shape and surface texture
 Bulk unit weight
 Specific gravity (relative density)
 Absorption
 Hardness (resistance to abrasion or wear)
 Durability (resistance to weathering)
 Crushing strength
 Cleanliness (deleterious substances)
 Chemical stability
Properties of Aggregates
 Gradation

Grading:
is the distribution of particles
of angular materials among
various sizes
 Gradation

The gradation of aggregates influences:

 the amount of paste required

 the workability of the concrete
 the strength and
 water tightness of the finished product

 In general, it is desirable that the size increase uniformly from fine

sand to the maximum allowed for a given job.
 Most specifications for concrete require a grain size distribution that
will provide a dense and strong mixture.
 Gradation

Types of gradation
Aggregates may be:
 Dense
Well-graded
 Well graded
 Gap-graded
 Uniform Poorly graded

 Open-graded
The terms “dense” and “well-graded” are essentially
the same, as are “gap”, “uniform” and “open-
graded”
 Grading of Aggregates

Well graded Uniform graded Gap graded

The range of size Most particles Most particles

are approximately are of the same are of large or
in equal amounts size small size
 Gradation

Gradation Classifications
Well-graded:
 maximum density, high stability, low permeability

One-sized:
 particles same diameter, low stability, permeable

Gap-graded:
 Missing one or more sizes, stable, average
permeability
Open-graded:
 Mostly large sizes, unstable, high permeability
 Grading of Aggregates
Well graded aggregates:

 Improve workability of the Proper selection of various sizes will be very effective in
reducing the total volume of voids between aggregates
concrete and economy of the
cement.
 (Such aggregate has a
decreased amount of voids
between the particles and
consequently requires less
cement paste).
 Produces a stronger
concrete than a poorly
graded one (less water is
required to give suitable
workability)
The cement paste requirement is related the void
content of the combined aggregates.
 Grading of Aggregates

SIEVE ANALYSIS
 The grading or particle size distribution of aggregate is
determined by sieve analysis.
 Grading of Aggregates

SIEVE ANALYSIS-SAMPLING
In sieve Analysis, in order to take a representative sample
from the bulk we use two most often used sample reduction
methods.
 Riffling

 Quartering

Quartering Riffling
 Grading of Aggregates
Standard size and square openings
Sieve Designation
Traditional Metric
Coarse Aggregate
 3” 75mm
 2” 50mm
 1 ½” 37.5mm
 1” 25mm
 ¾” 19mm
 ½” 12.5mm

 3/8” 9.5mm
 No 4 4.75mm
 No 8 2.36mm 7 standard sieves
 No 16 1.18mm ranging from 150 μm to
 No 30 600 micro m 9.5 mm (No. 100 to 3/8 in)
 No 50 300 micro m for fine aggregates
 No 100 150 micro m
 No 200 75 micro m
Grading of Aggregates

Well-graded
(Coarse agg.)
One-sized

Well-graded Gap-graded
(Fine agg.)

Size (Log Scale)

 Grading of Aggregates

Different standards and specifications specify grading

limits for both fine and coarse aggregates.
There are several reasons for specifying grading limits and
maximum aggregate size, they affect:
 Cement and water requirement

 Workability

 Economy

 Pumpability

 Relative aggregate proportions

 Shrinkage and durability of concrete

 Grading of Aggregates

The following table shows the limits of ASTM C 33 with

respect to fine aggregates, these limits are generally
satisfactory for most concretes:
Sieve size Percentage passing by
mass
9.5 mm (3/4 in) 100
4.75 mm (No. 4) 95 to 100
2.36 mm (No. 8) 80 to 100
1.18 mm (No. 16) 50 to 85
600 μm (No. 30) 25 to 60
300 μm (No. 50) 5 to 30
150 μm (No. 100) 0 to 10
 Grading of Aggregates

Other requirements by
Fineness Modulus (ASTM C 125)
ASTM C 33

 The fineness  The fineness modulus (FM) for both

modulus (FM) must fine and coarse aggregates is
not be less than 2.3 obtained by adding the cumulative
percentages by mass retained on
nor more than 3.1
each of a specified series of sieves
 The fine aggregate and dividing the sum by 100.
must not have more  The FM is an index of the fineness of
than 45% retained the aggregate. The higher the FM,
between two the coarser the aggregate. FM of fine
consecutive aggregate is useful in estimating
standard sieves. proportions of fine and coarse
aggregate in concrete mixtures.
 Coarse Aggregate Grading

 ASTM C 33 permits a wide range in grading and variety of

grading sizes
 Usually more water and cement is required for small-size
aggregate than for large sizes, due to an increase in total
aggregate surface area.

Nominal maximum size of an

Maximum size of aggregate:
aggregate:

the smallest sieve that all the smallest sieve size through
of a particular aggregate which the major portion of the
must pass through aggregate must pass (90%-
100%)
 Coarse Aggregate Grading

The maximum size of aggregate that must be used

generally depends on the following:
 Size and shape of the concrete member
 The amount and distribution of reinforcing steel
In general the maximum size of aggregate particles
should not exceed:
 1/5 of the narrowest dimension of a concrete
member
 3/4 the clear spacing between reinforcing bars and
between the reinforcing bars and forms
 1/3 the depth of slabs
 Special Use Gap-Graded aggregates

When certain particle sizes are intentionally omitted.

 E.g. for an aggregate of 19 mm maximum size, the 4.75
mm to 9.5 mm particles can be omitted without making the
concrete harsh subject to segregation.
Gap-graded mixes are used in architectural
concrete to obtain uniform textures in exposed –
aggregate finishes.
Properties of Aggregates
 Shape and Surface Texture of Aggregates
Classification Description

Rounded Elongated
Fully water-worn or Material usually angular, in
completely shaped by attrition which the length is
Irregular considerably larger than
Naturally irregular, or partly the other two dimensions
shaped by attrition and having Flaky and Elongated
rounded edges Material having the length
Flaky considerably larger than
the thickness is small relative the width, and the width
to the other two dimensions considerably larger than
the thickness
Angular
Possessing well-defined
edges at the intersection of
planar faces crus
 Shape and Surface Texture of Aggregates

Aggregate Shapes

Rounded and angular Rounded

 Shape and Surface Texture of Aggregates

Aggregate Shapes

Elongated Angular
 Shape and Surface Texture of Aggregates

Aggregate Shapes

Flaky Flaky and Elongated

 Shape and Surface Texture of Aggregates

Aggregate Shapes
 Shape and Surface Texture of Aggregates

The particle shape and the surface texture of

aggregates influence the properties of fresh
concrete more than those of hardened concrete

 Rough-textured, angular, and elongated particles

require more water to produce workable concrete
than smooth, rounded compact aggregate.
 Consequently, the cement content must also be
increased to maintain the water-cement ratio.
 Flat, slippery pieces make concrete more difficult
to finish
 Shape and Surface Texture of Aggregates

 The increase in bond is crucial for selecting

aggregates for concrete where strength at early
age is important.
 Aggregate should be free of flat or elongated
particles. Because they require an increase in
mixing water and thus may affect the strength of
concrete particularly in flexure.
 Generally, flat and elongated particles are
avoided or are limited to about 15 percent by
weight of the total aggregate.
Properties of Aggregates
 Bulk Unit Weight/Bulk Density

The bulk unit weight of an aggregate is the weight

of the aggregate divided by the total volume
occupied by it.

 The normal range of bulk unit weight for

aggregates for normal-weight concrete is from
1200 to 1760 kg/m3.
 The range of aggregates that could be used in
concrete are:
 Heavyweight,
 Lightweight,
 Normal Weight
Properties of Aggregates
 Specif ic Gravity

Specific gravity is not a measure of aggregate quality but

is used in making calculations related to mix design.

The specific gravity of most normal weight aggregates will range

from 2.4 to 2.9

Aggregate Type Specific Gravity

Granite Normal weight 2.65
Gravel Normal weight 2.70
Sand Normal weight 2.60
(For normal use)
Pumice Lightweight 0.75
Barite Heavyweight 4.50
(for special case e.g. heavy concrete, nuclear-radiation-shielding concrete)
Properties of Aggregates
 Water Absorption

Aggregate have the ability to absorb water based on its

porosity.

 Thus, it may have internal moisture and external surface

moisture.
 Absorption of aggregate is important in concrete and
asphalt concrete.

 Over a 24-hr period light weight aggregates may absorb

water in the amount of 5 to 20% of their own dry weight,
depending on the type of aggregate and its pore structure .
 A tendency of this sort must be taken into account when
concrete is made with lightweight aggregate.
 Water Absorption

Moisture Content
Two types of moisture are recognized in aggregates:
 Absorbed moisture
 Surface moisture
Absorbed moisture Surface moisture

is that which is taken in by the voids in is that which clings to

aggregate particles and may not be the surface of the
apparent on the surface. particle

Total moisture content

The total amount of water present on the external and internal
surfaces of aggregates = Surface moisture + absorbed
moisture
 Moisture Content

The moisture conditions of aggregates are designated as follows:

Oven-Dry (OD)
In this condition they are fully absorbent.
Air-Dry (AD)
Particles are dry at the surface but contain some interior moisture.
They are therefore somewhat absorbent.
Saturated Surface Dry (SSD):
In this condition there is no water on the surface, but the particle
contains all the interior moisture it will hold.
It will neither absorb moisture from nor contribute moisture to the mix.
Damp or Wet:
The particles contain an excess of moisture on the surface and will
contribute moisture to a mix.
Moisture Content

The ideal moisture ??????????

 The moisture present in the aggregate affects

the total water needed for the mix. The ideal
moisture is "saturated surface dry"
 Where in all pores of the material are filled
with water but no free moisture exists on the
surface.
 Moisture Content

Bulking

 Surface moisture in fine aggregate is the cause of

a phenomenon known as bulking of sand.
 Surface moisture holds the particles apart, causing
an increase in volume over the same amount of
sand in a surface dry condition.
 The amount of bulking will depend on the fineness
of the sand.
Properties of Aggregates
 Hardness of Aggregates

 The hardness of aggregates is expressed in terms of their

resistance to abrasion.
 This characteristic is important if the aggregate is used in
concrete intended for such purposes as heavy-duty floors

A common method of Loss Angeles abrasion test machine

making this test is the
Loss Angeles abrasion
test.
Properties of Aggregates
 Strength and Durability of Aggregates

One measure of the strength of an aggregate is its

resistance to freeze-thaw and ability to withstand
compressive stresses.
Soluble, weak, or friable material must be avoided.
Properties of Aggregates
 Cleanliness (Deleterious Substances)

The cleanliness of the aggregate affects the bond

between the paste and the aggregate surface.

Deleterious (harmful substances) have the following effects on

concrete:
 Weaken bondage b/n cement paste and aggregates

 Interfere with hydration

 Reduce of strength and durability

 Affect water tightness of the concrete

 Modify setting action and

 Cause efflorescence
Properties of Aggregates
 Chemical Stability

 Aggregates need to be chemically stable so

that they will neither react chemically with
cement nor be affected chemically by
outside influences.
 In some cases aggregates with certain
chemical constituents react with alkalis in
cement. This reaction may cause abnormal
expansion and resultant cracking of
concrete.
 Chemical Stability

Alkali-Aggregate reaction

 Certain forms of silica and siliceous material in aggregate (e.g.

chert) interact with alkalis released during the hydration of
Portland cement.
 This produces a gel like material which increases in volume in the
presence of water causing expansion and cracking of concrete.

Effects of Alkali-
silica reaction
(ASR)

Pop outs
Crack
 Handling and Stockpiling of Aggregates

The purpose of appropriate handling and stock piling of aggregates

is to avoid breakage, segregation, contamination, and degradation.

Precautions:
 Storing on hard and dry ground or on platforms of planks,
sheets, lean concrete
 Storing separately each aggregate size in compartments

 Avoiding segregation of aggregates resulting from free

fall
 Damping consignments at different places.

 Proper collection and mixing of test batches is important

to ensure that test samples accurately represent the
aggregate in the entire stockpile.
Handling and Stockpiling of Aggregates
 Ingredients of Concrete

• Portland Cement
• Water
• Aggregates

• Admixtures (Additives)
 Def inition and Use

Admixtures are chemicals which are added to concrete at

the mixing stage to modify some of the properties of the
mix.

 To increase workability without changing water

content.
Admixtures

 To reduce water content without changing workability.

Uses Of

 To adjust setting time.

 To reduce segregation and/or bleeding.
 To improve Pumpability.
 To accelerate the rate of strength development at
early ages.
 Types of Admixtures

Admixtures are classed according to function.

There are five distinct classes of chemical
admixtures:
1. Plasticizers (water-reducing agents)

2. Superplasticizers

3. Air entrainers

4. Accelerators

5. Retarders
 Plasticizers
 Plasticizers (water-reducing admixture) are absorbed on
the surface of the binder particles, causing them to repel
each other and deflocculates.
 This results in improved workability and provides a more
even distribution of the binder particles through the mix.
 Reducing the water requirement of a concrete mix for a
given workability by about 10%.
 Concrete containing a plasticizer needs less water to
reach a required slump than untreated concrete.
 The treated concrete can have a lower water-cement
ratio.
 Indicating that a higher strength concrete can be produced
without increasing the amount of cement.
 Plasticizers

 Increase the slump of concrete with a given

water content.
plasticizers

 Reduce the water requirement of a concrete

Uses of

mix for a given workability by about 10%.

 The addition of a plasticizer makes it possible to
achieve a given strength with a lower cement
content.
 Improve pumpability.
 Plasticizers
associated with

 Some plasticizers contain chlorides

plasticizers
Problems

which may increase the danger of

corrosion of reinforcing steel.
 Where plasticizers are used to increase
workability, the shrinkage and creep
will invariably be increased.
 Super Plasticizers

 Also known as or high-range water reducers

(HRWR)
 Reduce water content by 12 to 30 percent and can
be added to concrete with a low-to-normal slump
and water-cement ratio to make high-slump flowing
concrete.
 As a result of the slump loss, superplasticizers are
usually added to concrete at the jobsite.
 Super Plasticizers
 In areas of congested reinforcement.
 Where workable concrete that can be placed
Uses

with little or no vibration or compaction.

 For high-strength concretes by decreasing the
water: cement ratio as a result of reducing the
water content by 12–30%.

 The effect of a superplasticizer may disappear

as soon as 30-60 minutes after mixing.
Problems

 They have a relatively high unit cost.

 Where superplasticizers are used to produce
very high workability, the shrinkage and creep
will be increased.
 Air-Entrainers

An air-entraining agent introduces air in the form of minute

bubbles distributed uniformly throughout the cement paste.

 Where improved resistance of hardened concrete to

damage from freezing and thawing is required.
Uses

 For improved workability, especially in harsh or lean mixes.

 To reduce bleeding and segregation, especially when a mix
lacks fines.

 Air entrainment may reduce the strength of concrete and

Problems

overdosing can cause major loss of strength.

 As a rule-of-thumb, 1% air may cause a strength loss of 5%.
 It is important that mixes Should be specially designed for air
entrainment and that the percentage of air entrained during
construction must be monitored.
 Accelerators
 Speed up the chemical reaction of the cement and water and
so
 Accelerate the rate of setting and/or early gain in strength of
concrete.

 Where rapid setting and high early strengths are required.

Uses

 Where rapid turnover of molds or formwork is required.

 Where concreting takes place under very cold conditions.

 Certain accelerators may increase drying shrinkage, cracking and

Problems

creep.
 Many chloride-based accelerators promote corrosion of reinforcing
 Calcium chloride should not be used in reinforced concrete
 Overdosing with these materials can cause marked retardation.
 Accelerators work more effectively at lower ambient temperatures.
 Retarders

These admixtures slow the chemical reaction of the cement and

water leading to longer setting times and slower initial strength
gain.

 When placing concrete in hot weather, particularly when the

concrete is pumped.
Uses

 To prevent cold joints due to duration of placing.

 In concrete which has to be transported for a long time.

 If a mix is overdosed beyond the limit recommended by the supplier,

Problems

retardation can last for days.

 Retarders often increase plastic shrinkage and plastic settlement
cracking.
 Delayed addition of retarders can result in extended retardation.