Federal polytechnic Bauchi Prepared by: Auwal Shuaibu

CONCRETE LABORATORY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC BAUCHI, BAUCHI STATE.

CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY (CEC 303)

LABORATORY MANUAL

1st January, 2024.

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EXP. No.: 1

TITLE: FINENESS TEST OF CEMENT BY SIEVE ANALYSIS

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

APPARATUS:

✓ 90µm test sieve

✓ Bottom pan
✓ Weighing balance,
✓ Brush

THEORY:

Cement is obtained by grinding various raw materials after calcination. The degree to
which cement is ground to smaller and smaller particles is called fineness of cement. The
fineness of cement has an important role on the rate of hydration and hence on the rate of
gain of strength and also on the rate of evolution of heat. Finer cement offers a greater
surface area for hydration and hence the faster development of strength although the
ultimate strength is not affected. Fineness also provides more cohesiveness to concrete
and avoid separation of water at the top of concrete (called bleeding). However, increase
in fineness of cement increases the drying shrinkage and cracking of the concrete.
Fineness of cement is tested either by sieving or by determination of specific surface
using air-permeability apparatus. The specific surface is defined as the total surface area
of all the particles in cm2 per one gram of cement. Although determination of specific
surface is more accurate to judge fineness of cement, it is rarely used except for specific
purpose. In contrast sieving is most commonly used method to determine fineness of
cement and is quite good for field works.

PROCEDURE:

1. Accurately weigh 100 gms of cement sample and place it over the test sieve. Gently
breakdown the air set lumps if any with fingers.
2. Hold the sieve with pan in both hands and sieve with gentle wrist motion, in circular and
vertical motion for a period of 10 to 15 minutes without any spilling of cement.
3. Place the cover on the sieve and remove the pan. Now tap the other side of the sieve with
the handle of brush and clean the outer side of the sieve.
4. Empty the pan and fix it below the sieve and continue sieving as mentioned in the steps 2
and 3. Totally sieve for 15 minutes and weigh the residue (Left over the sieve).
Weigt of residure (W2)
Percentage of residue = Weigt of sample taken (W1) x 100

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OBSERVATIONS:

S/N Weight of Weight of the %age of residue Average %

sample taken W1 residue W2 (g) W1 Residue (%)
= W2 x 100 (%)
(g)
1
2
3
4

RESULT: Fineness of the given sample is =……………………………………

EXP. No.: 2

TITLE: NORMAL CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT

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

APPARATUS:

✓ Vicat’s apparatus
✓ Weighing Balance
✓ Gauging Trowel
✓ Stop Watch.

THEORY:

The standard consistency of a cement paste is defined as that consistency which will permit the
vicat plunger to penetrate to a point 5 to 7 mm from the bottom of the vicat mould. Normal or
standard consistency is expressed as that percentage of water, by mass of dry cement,
corresponding to which the above specified depth of penetration in the paste is achieved. For
Portland cements, the normal consistency varies from 26 to 33%. Normal consistency of cement
is determined for the purpose of determining the water to cement ratios for preparing the
specimens to be used for other quality tests such as initial setting time, final setting time,
soundness of cement and compressive and Flexural strength of cement, it is necessary to fix the
quantity of water to be mixed in cement in each case.

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PROCEDURE:

1. Prepare a paste of weighed quantity of cement (400 grams) with a weighed quantity of
potable or distilled water, starting with 26% water of 400g of cement.
2. Take care that the time of gauging is not less than 3 minutes, not more than 5 minutes and
the gauging shall be completed before setting occurs.
3. The gauging time shall be counted from the time of adding the water to the dry cement
until commencing to fill the mould.
4. Fill the vicat mould with this paste, the mould resting upon a non-porous plate.
5. After completely filling the mould, trim off the surface of the paste, making it in level
with the top of the mould. The mould may slightly be shaken to expel the air.
6. Place the test block with the mould, together with the non-porous resting plate, under the
plunger (10mm diameter), lower the plunger gently to touch the surface of the test block
and quickly release, allowing it to penetrate into the paste.
7. This operation shall be carried out immediately after filling the mould.
8. Prepare trial pastes with varying percentages of water and test as described above until
the amount of water necessary for making the standard consistency as defined above is
obtained.
9. Express the amount of water as a percentage by weight of the dry cement.

NOTE: Fresh cement is to be taken when repeating the experiment

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

S/N % of water added (%) Water added (ml) Penetration (mm)

1
2
3
4
5

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

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EXP No 3
TITLE: SETTING TIMES OF CEMENT
AIM: To determine the initial and final setting times for the given sample of cement.
APPARATUS:
✓ Vicat apparatus
✓ Initial and final setting time needles
✓ Measuring cylinder
✓ Weighing balance.
THEORY:
Setting mean changing from semi liquid state to plastic state and form plastic state to
solid state. Mortar or concrete when mixed is in semi liquid state. The chemical action
between cement and water starts, and the mixture goes into plastic state. Initial setting
time is that time period between the time water is added to cement and time at which 1
mm square section needle fails to penetrate the cement paste, placed in the Vicat’s mould
5 mm to 7 mm from the bottom of the mould. Final setting time is that time period
between the time water is added to cement and the time at which 1 mm needle makes an
impression on the paste in the mould but 5 mm attachment does not make any
impression.

PROCEDURE:
Preparation of Test Block:
1. Prepare a neat cement paste by gauging 400 grams of cement with 0.85 times the water
required to give a paste of standard consistency.
2. Potable or distilled water shall be used in preparing the paste.
3. The paste shall be gauged in the manner and under the conditions prescribed in
determination of consistency of standard cement paste.
4. Start a stop-watch at the instant when water is added to the cement.
5. Fill the mould with the cement paste gauged as above the mould resting on a nonporous
plate.
6. Fill the mould completely and smooth off the surface of the paste making it level with the
top of the mould. The cement block thus prepared in the mould is the test block.

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DETERMINATION OF INITIAL SETTING TIME:

7 Place the test blocks confined in the mould and rest it on the non-porous plate, under the
rod bearing initial setting needle, lower the needle gently in contact with the surface of
the test block and quickly release, allowing it to penetrate into the test block.
8 In the beginning, the needle will completely pierce the test block.
9 Repeat this procedure until the needle, when brought in contact with the test block and
released as described above, fails to pierce the block to a point 5 to 7 mm measured from
the bottom of the mould shall be the initial setting time.
10 Record the time taken as initial setting time.
11 Repeat steps 1 – 6 for more cement samples and record the room temperature.

DETERMINATION OF FINAL SETTING TIME:

12 Replace the needle of the Vicat apparatus by the needle with an annular attachment.
13 The cement shall be considered as finally set when, upon applying the needle gently to
the surface of the test block, the needle makes an impression there on, while the
attachment fails to do so.
14 The period elapsed between the time when water is added to the cement and the time at
which the needle makes an impression on the surface of test block while the attachment
fails to do so shall be the final setting time.
OBSERVATION
Setting time of cement Time (Hrs:min)
Initial setting time
Final setting time

Result: 1. Initial setting time of cement = -------------------- minutes

2. Final setting time of cement = --------------------- minutes

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EXP. No.: 4

TITLE: SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF CEMENT

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

APPARATUS:

✓ Weighing balance
✓ specific gravity bottle (50ml capacity)
✓ kerosene
✓ funnel

THEORE:

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

PROCEDURE:

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

CALCULATION
(W2−W1)x (W4−W1)
Specific Gravity (GS) = ((W4−W1)−(W3−W2))x(W5−W1)

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OBSERVATIONS:

S/N Description Trial 1 Trial 2

1 Weight of empty bottle W1 (g)
2 Weight of bottle + Cement W2 (g)
3 Weight of bottle + Cement + Kerosene W3 (g)
4 Weight of bottle + Full KeroseneW4 (g)
5 Weight of bottle + Full Water W5 (g)
6 Specific Gravity (GS) =
(W2−W1)x (W4−W1)
((W4−W1)−(W3−W2))x(W5−W1)
7 Average Specific Gravity

EXP No. : 5
Title: AGGREGATE MOISTURE CONTENT
AIM: To determine the moisture Content of given aggregates
APPARATUS:
1. Moisture content containers
2. Oven
3. Weighing balance
4. Desecrator

THEORY:

The moisture content of an aggregate is defined as the mass of water contained in the
aggregate. Its usually expressed as a percentage of dry mass usually heating at 105 to 110
0
C. Water is present in most naturally occurring soils and has a profound effect in soil
behavior. Knowledge of the moisture content is used as a guide to the classification. It is
also used as a subsidiary to almost all other field and laboratory tests of soil. The oven-
drying method is the definitive method of measuring the moisture contents of soils. The
sand-bath method is used, where oven drying is not possible.

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PROCEDURE:

1. Clean the containers and record the container numbers.

2. Measure the mass of the containers in grams with lid (if fitted) and record it as (m1).
3. The container plus lid should have the same number and be used together.
4. The sample of wet soil is crumbled and placed in the container. The container with the lid
is weighed in grams (m2).
5. The lid is removed and both lid and container are placed in the oven. The sample is then
dried in a oven and the temperature of the oven is maintained at 105±5 0C. A period of 16
to 24 hours is usually sufficient, but this varies with soil type.
6. The container is removed from the oven. For medium and coarse-grained soils, the lid
should be replaced (if fitted) and the sample allowed to cool. After cooling, the lids
should be replaced and the container plus dry soil weighed in grams (m3).

Calculation:
Mass of water present in the sample
Moisture content = x 100
Dry mass of the sample

M2−M3
Moisture content = M3−M1 x 100

Observations:

Container Number
Mass of empty container M1 (g)
Mass of container + Wet sample M2 (g)
Mass of container + Dry sample M3 (g)
Mass of water lost (M2-M3) (g)
Mass of dry Sample (M3-M1) (g)
M2−M3
Moisture Content = M3−M1 x 100

Average Moisture Content (%)

Result:

The Average Moisture content of a given sample of aggregate is_______________%

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Exp. No.: 6
TITLE: SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF AN AGGREGATE
AIM: To determine specific gravity of a given sample of fine aggregate.
APPARATUS:
✓ Density bottle
✓ Weighing balance
✓ Glass rod
✓ Funnel
THEORY:
Specific Gravity of sand is the ratio of the density or mass of sand to the density or mass
of a reference substance. But in both of the state's density or mass, the volume should be
the same. If the volume does not remain the same the specific gravity has no existence
then. Because the mass or density will be hanged of the substance or reference substance.

PROCEDURE:
1. Take a clean, dry density bottle and determine its empty weight (W₁ g).
2. Take a sample of fine aggregate for which specific gravity is to be find out and transfer
that to the density bottle and weight (W2).
3. Pour distilled water in the density bottle with aggregate sample at the temperature at 27
ºC, to just immerse sample.
4. Immediately after immersion, remove the entrapped air from the sample by shaking or
rotating the density bottle, placing a finger on the hole at the top of the sealed density
bottle.
5. Wipe out the outer surface of density bottle. Now the density bottle is completely filled
up with water till the hole at the top, and after confirming that there is no more entrapped
air in density bottle, weight it (W₃).
6. Transfer the aggregate of the density bottle into a try care being taken to ensure that all
the aggregate is transferred. Clean the density bottle.
7. Refill the density bottle with distilled water up to the top of the density bottle, without
any entrapped air. It should be completely dry from outside and take the weight (W₄).
Calculation
(W2−W1) (W2−W1)
Specific gravity (GS) = (W4−W1)−(W3−W2) or (W2−W1)−(W3−W4)

OBSERVATIONS:

S/N Description Trial 1 Trial 2

1 Weight of empty bottle W1 (g)
2 Weight of bottle + aggregate W2 (g)
3 Weight of bottle + aggregate + Water W3 (g)
4 Weight of bottle + Full Water W4 (g)
5 (W2−W1)
Specific Gravity (GS) = ((W4−W1)−(W3−W2))

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6 Average Specific Gravity

EXP No: 7

TITLE: SIEVE SNSLYSIS OF GIVEN AGGREGATE

AIM: To determine the sieve analysis of both fine and coarse aggregate and determine whether
it is suitable to use in concrete mixing.

APPARATUS:

✓ Set of sieves for fine and coarse aggregate

✓ Weighing balance

THEORY:

Sieve analysis of aggregates is one of the most important tests performed on-site.
Aggregates are inert materials that are mixed with binding materials such as cement or
lime for the manufacturing of mortar or concrete. It is also used as fillers in mortar and
concrete. Aggregates size varies from several inches to the size of the smallest grain of
sand. The Aggregates (fine + coarse) generally occupy 60% to 75% of the concrete
volume or 70% to 85% by mass and strongly influence the concrete’s freshly mixed and
hardened properties, mixture proportions, and economy. All Aggregates pass 4.75 mm
sieve is classified as fine Aggregates.

All aggregate technicians use the sieve analysis (gradation test) to determines the
gradation (the particle size distribution, by size, within a given sample) in order to
determine compliance with design, production control requirements, and verification
specifications. Used in conjunction with other tests, the sieve analysis is very good to
control and quality acceptance tool.

Soil gradation is a classification of the particle size distribution of a soil. Coarse-grained

soils, mainly gravels or sands, are graded as either well graded or poorly graded by
calculating the coefficient of uniformity and coefficient of curvature and compare with
the published grading criteria. Poorly graded soils are further divided into uniformly-
graded or gap-graded soils.

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Criteria for Grading Soils

The following criteria are in accordance with the Unified Soil Classification System:
For a gravel to be classified as well graded, the following criteria must be met:
Cu > 4 & 1 < Cc < 3
If both of these criteria are not met, the gravel is classified as poorly graded or GP. If
both of these criteria are met, the gravel is classified as well graded or GW.
For a sand to be classified as well graded, the following criteria must be met:
Cu ≥ 6 & 1 < Cc < 3
PROCEDURE:

The procedure is the same for both fine and coarse aggregate except 1Kg and 3Kg of sane and
coarse aggregate are used respectively

1. Weighed out the required aggregate and the aggregate should be air- dried
2. First of all, we have to clean all the sieves using a wire brush to be clear of aggregates
stuck in some gaps
3. Pour the sample into the sieve which is stacked on each other in descending order of
aperture.
4. Fix the set of sieve shaker if any or manually. Note that the movement should be
backward and forward sideway left and right and circular clockwise and ant-clockwise.
Sieve carefully to prevent splashing.
5. Sieve for five (5) minutes if mechanical shaker is used and ten (10) minutes if manually
6. Dismantle the set and weigh the material retained on each sieve. Do not force any particle
to pass through a test sieve.
7. Cumulative weight passing through each sieve is calculated as a percentage of the total
sample weight.

Calculation

The formula for calculating the percentage retained and percentage passing:
Mass retained on each sieve
Percentage retained = x 100
Total mass of the sample

Percentage passing = 100 − 𝐶𝑢𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑

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Observation

Sieve sizes (mm) Mass retained % Retained (%) Cumulative % % Passing (%)
(%) retained (%)

EXP No: 8

TITLE: BULK DENSITY AND VOIDS

AIM: Determination of unit weight or bulk density and void of aggregates

APPARATUS

✓ Balance Sensitive to 0.5% of weight of material

✓ Cylinder
✓ Tamping rod 16 mm dia. and 600 mm long

THEORY

This method is used to determine the bulk density of given specimen. During the concrete mix
design when the aggregate is to be batched by volume or by weight. Then it is necessary to know
the mass of the aggregate that will fill a container of unit volume.

If we know the bulk density of aggregate material then we can easily calculate the mass required
to fill a unit volume container.

Bulk Density:

It is the mass of the unit volume of bulk aggregate material. The term volume includes
the volume of the individual particle and the volume of the voids between the particles.

Bulk density is used in weight and volume batching both.

Absolute Density:

It is the mass per unit volume of individual particles only.

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Voids:

It is a space between the individual particles and in a unit volume of the aggregate mass
that is not occupied by the solid particle.

Voids within the particles are not included in the voids for the determination of bulk
density by this method

Bulk Density depends upon how densely the aggregate is packed. It also depends upon the size,
distribution and shape of the particles.

If particles are of the same size, then it can be packed to a limited extent but when the smaller
particles are added, the voids get filled with them and thus the bulk density increases.

For a coarse aggregate a higher bulk density means that there are few voids which are to be filled
by the fine aggregate and cement thus the bulk density also depends upon the degree of packed.

NOTE: The procedure is the same for both fine and coarse aggregate

A. PROCEDURE FOR LOOSE BULK DENSITY

1. Measure the volume of the cylinder by pouring water into it and record the volume “V”
in litre.
2. Fill the cylinder to overflowing with aggregate by means of scoop.
3. Level the top surface of the aggregate in the cylinder with a straight edge or tamping bar.
4. Determine the mass of the aggregate in the cylinder and record the mass “M” in kg.

B. PROCEDURE FOR COMPACTED BULK DENSITY

1. Measure the volume of the cylinder by pouring water into it and record the volume “V”
in litre.
2. Fill the cylinder in three layers, measure about one-third of the volume with thoroughly
mixed aggregate and tamp it 25 times using tamping bar.
3. Add another layer of one-third of the volume aggregate in the cylinder and give it another
25 strokes of tamping bar.
4. Finally fill the cylinder with the aggregate to over-flowing and tamp it 25 times.
5. Remove the surplus aggregate using the tamping rod as a straight edge.
6. Determine the mass of the aggregate in the cylinder and record that mass “M” in kg.

CALCULATION FOR COMPACTED/LOOSE BULK DENSITY

M (Kg)
Compacted/loose unit weight or bulk density = V (l)

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Where

M = Mass of compacted/loose aggregate in cylindrical metal measure in kg

V = Volume of cylindrical metal measure in litres

Gs− ϒ
Percentage of voids = x 100
Gs

Where

G = Specific gravity of the aggregate

ϒ = Bulk density in Kg/litre

RESULT

The bulk density is reported in Kg/litre to the nearest 0.01 Kg

The percentage of voids is reported to the nearest whole number.

EXP No. 9
TITLE: BULKING OF SAND
AIM: To ascertain the bulking phenomena of given sample of sand.
APPARATUS:
✓ 100ml and 1000ml measuring cylinder
✓ Scoop
✓ Glass plate
✓ Measuring device
THEORY:
Increase in volume of sand due to presence of moisture is known as bulking of sand.
Bulking is due to the formation of thin film of water around the sand grains and the
interlocking of air in between the sand grains and the film of water. When more water is
added sand, particles get submerged and volume again becomes equal to dry volume of
sand.
Due to the bulking, fine aggregate shows completely unrealistic volume. Therefore, it is
absolutely necessary that consideration must be given to the effect of bulking in
proportioning the concrete by volume. If cognizance is not given to the effect of bulking,
in case of volume batching, the resulting concrete is likely to be under-sanded and harsh.
It will also affect the yield of concrete for given cement content.

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To compensate the bulking effect extra sand is added in the concrete so that the ratio of
coarse to fine aggregates will not change from the specified value. Maximum increase in
volume may be 20 % to 40 % when moisture content is 5 % to 10 % by weight. Fine
sands show greater percentage of bulking than coarse sands with equal percentage of
moisture.

PROCEDURE:
1. Place 800g of the surface dry sand in 1000ml measuring cylinder without compacting and
measure its volume Vd.
2. Tip all the sand onto the glass plate and add 4% of water (which is equal to 32g or 32ml)
and mix thoroughly, ensuring that none of the material escape.
3. Replace the material in the cylinder and measure the new volume, Vw
4. Repeat step 2 and 3 by adding additional 2% of water until the sand is saturated (i.e when
the sand does not hold water), and calculate the percentage of bulking for each increment.

CALCULATION:

Vw−Vd
Percentage Bulking = x 100
Vd

OBSERVATION:

S/N Mass of Volume of % water Amount of Volume of Bulking =

the dry dry Vd (ml) added (%) water wet Vw (ml) Vw−Vd
x 100
Vd
sand (g) added (ml)
1 800 4
2 800 6
3 800 8
4 800 10
5 800 12

Result: Bulking of given Sand = ------------------ % of water

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EXP No: 10

TITLE: WATER ABSORPTION TEST ON COARSE AGGREGATE

AIM: To determine the water absorption of given coarse aggregate

APPARATUS

✓ Container,
✓ Balance,
✓ Electric Oven

PROCEDURE

1. The coarse aggregate passing through 10mm sieve is taken about 200g.
2. They are dried in an oven at a temperature of 110o ±5 oC for 24 hours.
3. The coarse aggregate is cooled to room temperature.
4. Its weight is taken as W1.
5. The dried coarse aggregate is immersed in clean water at a temperature 27o ±2 oC for 24
hours.
6. The coarse aggregate is removed from water and wiped out of traces of water with a cloth
7. Within three minutes from the removal of water, the weight of coarse aggregate W2 is
found out
8. The above procedure is repeated for various samples.

CALCULATION:
W2−W1
Water absorption of the coarse aggregate is= x 100
W1

Observation

S/N Weight of oven dried Weight of saturated Weight of water % of water

specimen W1 (g) specimen W2 (g) absorbed (W2-W1) absorption =
W3
x100
W1

1
2
3
4

Result:

Average Water absorption of the coarse aggregate is ____________%

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EXP No: 11

Title: AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE TEST

AIM: To determine the aggregate impact value of given aggregates

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
✓ Impact testing machine
✓ cylinder, tamping rod
✓ 12.5, 10 and 2.36mm Sieve
✓ Weighing balance.
THEORY:
The aggregate impact value gives a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to sudden
shock or impact, which in some aggregates differs from its resistance to a slow compressive
load.
PROCEDURE:
The test sample consists of aggregates passing 12.5mm sieve and retained on 10mmsieve and
dried in an oven for 4 hours at a temperature of 100 oC to 110 oC
1. The aggregates are filled up to about 1/3 full in the cylindrical measure and tamped 25
times with rounded end of the tamping rod
2. The rest of the cylindrical measure is filled by two layers and each layer being tamped 25
times.
3. The overflow of aggregates in cylindrically measure is cut off by tamping rod using it has
a straight edge.
4. Then the entire aggregate sample in a measuring cylinder is weighed nearing to 6.
0.01gm
5. The aggregates from the cylindrical measure are carefully transferred into the cup which
is firmly fixed in position on the base plate of machine. Then it is tamped 25 times.
6. The hammer is raised until its lower face is 38cm above the upper surface of aggregate in
the cup and allowed to fall freely on the aggregates. The test sample is subjected to a total
of 15 such blows each being delivered at an interval of not less than one second. The
crushed aggregate is than removed from the cup and the whole of it is sieved on
2.366mm sieve until no significant amount passes. The fraction passing the sieve is
weighed accurate to 0.1gm. Repeat the above steps with another fresh sample.

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7. Let the original weight of the oven dry sample be W1gm and the weight of fraction
passing 2.36mm sieve be W2gm. Then aggregate impact value is expressed as the

% of fines formed in terms of the total weight of the sample.

CALCULATION:
W2
Aggregate impact value = W1 x 100 ----------------------------------%

OBSERVATION
S/N Description Trial 1 Trial 2
1 Weight of the aggregate filling the cylinder W1 (g)
2 Weight of the aggregate passing 2.36mm W2 (g)
3 Aggregate Impact Value = W2/W1 x 100
4 Average Aggregate Impact Value (%)

EXP No. : 12
Title: AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE TEST
AIM: To determine the crushing value of the road aggregates
APPARATUS:
✓ A 15cm diameter open-ended steel cylinder with plunger and base plate, of the general
form.
✓ A straight metal tamping rod of circular cross-section 16mm diameter and 45 to 60 cm
long, rounded at one end.
✓ A balance of capacity 3 kg
✓ 12.5, 10 and 2.36mm Sieves.
✓ A compression-testing machine capable of applying load up to 40tonnes.
✓ Cylindrical measure having internal dia. of 11.5cm & height 18 cm for measuring the
sample.

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THEORY:
The aggregate crushing value gives a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to
crushing under a gradually applied compressive load. Crushing value is a measure of the strength
of the aggregate. The aggregates should therefore have minimum crushing value.
PROCEDURE:
The test sample consists of aggregates passing 12.5mm sieve and retained on 10mmsieve and
dried in an oven for 4 hours at a temperature of 100 oC to 110 oC

1. Sieve the material through 12.5 mm and 10.0 mm IS sieve. The aggregates passing
through 12.5 mm sieve and retained on 10.0 mm sieve comprises the test material.
2. The cylinder of the test shall be put in position on the base-plate and the test sample
added in thirds, each third being subjected to 25 strokes with the tamping rod.
3. The surface of the aggregate shall be carefully leveled.
4. The plunger is inserted so that it rests horizontally on this surface, care being taken to
ensure that the plunger does not jam in the cylinder.
5. The apparatus, with the test sample and plunger in position, shall then be placed between
the plates of the testing machine.
6. The load is applied at a uniform rate as possible so that the total load is reached in 10
minutes. The total load shall be 40 tones.
7. The load shall be released and the whole of the material is removed from the cylinder and
sieved on 2.36mm IS Sieve.
8. The fraction passing the sieve shall be weighed and recorded
CALCULATION:
W2
Aggregate crushing value = W1 x 100 ----------------------------------%

OBSERVATION
S/N Description Trial 1 Trial 2
1 Weight of the aggregate filling the cylinder W1 (g)
2 Weight of the aggregate passing 2.36mm W2 (g)
3 Aggregate Crushing Value = W2/W1 x 100
4 Average Aggregate Crushing Value (%)

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EXP No: 13

TITLE: ABRASION TEST

AIM: To determine the abrasion value of given aggregate sample by conducting Los Angeles
abrasion Test.
APPARATUS:
✓ Los Angeles machine with inside diameter 70cm and inside length of 50.
✓ Abrasive charges.
✓ Sieve with 1.7mm opening.
✓ Weighting Balance of 0.1gm accuracy.
THEORY:
Abrasion is a measure of resistance to wear or hardness. It is an essentially property for
road aggregates especially when used in wearing coarse. Due to the movements of traffic,
the road stones used in the surfacing course are subjected to wearing actions at the top.
When traffic moves on the road the soil particle (sand) which comes between the wheel
and road surface causes abrasion on the road stone.
The principle of Los Angeles abrasion test is to find the percentage wear due to the
relative rubbing action between the aggregates and steel balls used as abrasive charge
pounding action of these balls also exist while conducting the test.
Maximum Allowable Los Angeles Abrasion Values of Aggregates in Different types of
pavement layers as per Indian Road Congress (IRC) are:-
• For sub-base course a value of 60%. For base course such as WBM, Bituminous
Macadam (B.M.), Built - Up spray grout base course and etc. value of 50%.
• For surface course such as WBM, BM, Bituminous Penetration Macadam, Built-Up spray
grout binder course and etc. a value of 40%.
• If aggregates are used in surface course as bituminous carpet, bituminous surface
dressing, single or two coats, cement concrete surface coarse and etc. a value of 35%.
If aggregates are used for Bituminous concrete, Cement concrete pavement as surface coarse
than aggregate abrasion value of 30% maximum.

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PROCEDURE:
1. Clean and dry aggregate sample confirming to one of the grading A to G is used for the
test. (Refer table no. 1)
2. Aggregates weighing 5Kg for grading A, B, C or D and 10Kg for grading E, F or G may
be taken as test specimen and placed in the cylinder.
3. The abrasive charge is also chosen in accordance with table no. 1 and placed in the
cylinder of the machine, and cover is fixed to make dust tight.
4. The machine is rotated at a speed of 30 to 33 revolutions per minute.
5. The machine is rotated for 500 revolutions for grading A, B, C and D, for grading E, F
and G, it shall be rotated for 1000 revolutions.
6. After the desired number of revolutions, the machine is stopped and the material is
discharged from the machine taking care to take out entire stone dust.
7. Using a sieve of size larger than 1.70mm IS sieve, the material is first separated into two
parts and the finer position is taken out and sieved further on a 1.7mm IS sieve.
8. Let the original weight of aggregate be Wl gm, weight of aggregate retained on 1.70mm
sieve after the test be W2 gm.
W1−W2
Los Angeles Abrasion Value = x 100
W1

OBSERVATION
S/N Description Trial 1 Trial 2
1 Weight of the specimen W1 (g)
2 Weight of the material retained on
1.7mm W2 (g)
3 W1−W2
Abrasion Value = x 100%
W1

4 Average Abrasion Value (%)

RESULT:
The average value of two Los Angeles abrasion test is ___________________ %

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Federal polytechnic Bauchi Prepared by: Auwal Shuaibu

EXP No: 14

TITLE: SLUMP CONE TEST

AIM: To measure the consistency of concrete by using slump cone

APPARATUS

✓ Slump cone
✓ Tamping rod
✓ Metallic sheet.
✓ Ruler

THEORY:
A concrete is said to be workable if it can be easily mixed, placed, compacted and finished.
A workable concrete should not show any segregation or bleeding. Segregation is said to
occur when coarse aggregate tries to separate out from the finer material and a concentration
of coarse aggregate at one place occurs. This results in large voids, less durability and
strength. Bleeding of concrete is said to occur when excess water comes up at the surface of
concrete. This causes small pores through the mass of concrete and is undesirable.
Unsupported fresh concrete flows to the sides and a sinking in height takes place. This
vertical settlement is known as slump. The slump is a measure indicating the consistency or
workability of cement concrete. It gives an idea of water content needed for concrete to be
used for different works. To measure the slump value, the test fresh concrete is filled into a
mould of specified shape and dimensions, and the settlement or slump is measured when
supporting mould is removed. The slump increases as water-content is increased. For

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different works different slump values have been recommended. The following table
indicates the relationship between degree of workability and slump value.
Degree of workability Very Low Low Medium High
Slump Value (mm) 0 - 25 25 - 50 50 - 100 100 - 175
Slump test is adopted in the laboratory or during the progress of the work in the field for
determining consistency of concrete where nominal max., size of aggregates does not exceed
40 mm. The pattern of slump indicates the characteristics of concrete in addition to the
slump value. If the concrete slumps evenly it is called true slump. If one half of the cone
slides down, it is called shear slump. In case of a shear slump, the slump value is measured
as the difference in height between the height of the mould and the average value of the
subsidence. Shear slump also indicates that the concrete is non-cohesive and shows the
characteristic of segregation. Any slump specimen, which collapses or shears off laterally
gives incorrect results and at this juncture the test is repeated only true slump should be
measured.
Although, slump test is popular due to the simplicity of apparatus used and simple
procedure, unfortunately, the simplicity is also often allowing a wide variability and many
times it could not provide true guide to workability. For example, a harsh mix cannot be said
to have same workability as one with a large proportion of sand even though they may have
the same slump.
The slump cone experiment is conducted in an apparatus called slump cone. This apparatus
essentially consists of a metallic mould in the form of a frustum of a cone having the internal
dimensions as under: Bottom diameter: 20 cm, Top diameter: 10 cm, Height: 30 cm and the
thickness of the metallic sheet for the mould should not be thinner than 1.6 mm.
PROCEDURE:

1. The internal surface of the mould is thoroughly cleaned and freed from superfluous
moisture and adherence of any old set concrete before commencing the test.
2. The mould is placed on a smooth, horizontal rigid and non – absorbent surface.
3. The mould is then filled in four layers each approximately ¼ of the height of the mould.
4. Each layer is tamped 25 times rod taking care to distribute the strokes evenly over the
cross section. After the top layer has been rodded, the concrete is struck off level with a
trowel and tamping rod.
5. The mould is removed from the concrete immediately by raising it slowly and carefully
in a vertical direction.
6. This allows the concrete to subside. This subside is referred as slump of concrete.
7. The difference in level between the height of the mould and that of the highest point of
the subsided concrete is measured. This difference in height in mm is taken as slump of
concrete.

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8. The pattern of slump indicates the characteristics of concrete in addition to the slump
value. If the concrete slumps evenly it is called true slump. If one half of the cone slides
down, it is called shear slump. In case of a shear slump, the slump value is measured as
the difference in height between the height of the mould and the average value of the
subsidence. Shear slump also indicates that the concrete is non-cohesive and shows the
characteristic of segregation.

RESULT:

The slump value of the concrete is ___________mm

EXP No: 15

TITLE: COMPACTION FACTOR TEST

AIM: To measure the workability of concrete by compaction factor test

APPARATUS

✓ Compaction factor test apparatus

✓ Tamping Rod
✓ Weighing Balance
✓ Metallic Sheet

THEORY:

This test is adopted to determine workability of concrete where nominal size of aggregate
does not exceed 40 mm. It is based on the definition, that workability is that property of
concrete, which determines the amount of work required to produce full compaction. The
test consists essentially of applying a standard amount of work to standard quantity of
concrete and measuring the resulting compaction. The compaction factor is defined as the
ratio of the weight of partially compacted concrete to the weight of fully compacted
concrete. It shall be stated to the nearest second decimal place. The relationship between
degree of workability and compaction factor are:
Degree of workability Very Low Low Medium High
Compaction Factor 0.75 – 0.80 0.80 – 0.85 0.85 – 0.92 ≥0.92
Compaction factor test is more sensitive and precise than slump test and is particularly
useful for concrete mixes of very low workability. Such concrete may show zero to very low
slump value. Also, compaction factor (C.F.) test is able to indicate small variations in
workability over a wide range. Compaction factor test proves the fact that with increase in
the size of coarse aggregate the workability will decrease. However, compaction factor test

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has certain limitations. When maximum size of aggregate is large as compare with mean
particle size; the drop into bottom container will produce segregation and give unreliable
comparison with other mixes of smaller maximum aggregate sizes. Moreover, the method of
introducing concrete into mould bears no relationship to any of the more common methods
of placing and compacting high concrete.
PROCEDURE

1. The sample of concrete to be tested is placed in the upper hopper up to the brim. The
trap-door is opened so that the concrete falls into the lower hopper.
2. Then the trap-door of the lower hopper is opened and the concrete is allowed to fall in to
the cylinder. In the case of a dry-mix, it is likely that the concrete may not fall on opening
the trap-door.
3. In such a case, a slight poking by a rod may be required to set the concrete in motion. The
excess concrete remaining above the top level of the cylinder is then cut off with the help
of plane blades.
4. The outside of the cylinder is wiped clean. The concrete is filled up exactly up to the top
level of the cylinder.
5. It is weighed to the nearest 10 grams. This weight is known as “weight of partially
compacted concrete”
6. The cylinder is emptied and then refilled with the concrete from the same sample in
layers approximately 10cm deep. The layers are heavily rammed or preferably vibrated
so as to obtain full compaction. The top surface of the fully compacted concrete is then
carefully struck off level with the top of the cylinder and weighed to the nearest 10 gm.
This weight is known as “weight of fully compacted concrete”

OBSERVATIONS:

S/N Description Trial 1 Trial 2

1 Weight of empty collecting cylinder W1 (Kg)
2 Weight of partially compacted concrete + Cylinder W2
(Kg)
3 Weight of fully compacted concrete + Cylinder W3 (Kg)
4 Weight of partially compacted concrete = W2 - W1
5 Weight of fully compacted concrete = W3 - W1
6 (W2−W1)
Compaction Factor = (W3−W!)

7 Average Compaction Factor

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Result:

The Average compaction factor of the given sample of concrete is_______________%

EXP No: 16

TITLE: FLOW TABLE TEST

AIM: To measure the flow and workability of the concrete by using flow table

APPARATUS

Flow table test apparatus

PROCEDURE:

1. The table top is cleaned of all gritty material and is wetted. The mould is kept on the
center of the table, firmly held and is filled in two layers.
2. Each layer is rodded 25 times with a tamping rod 1.6cm in diameter and 61cm long
rounded at the lower tamping end.
3. After the top layer is rodded evenly the excess of concrete which has overflowed the
mould is removed.
4. The mould if lifted vertically upward and the concrete stands on its own without support.
The table is then raised and dropped 12.5cm 15times in about 15 seconds.
5. The diameter of the spread concrete is measured in about 6 directions to the nearest 5mm
and the average spread is noted. The flow of concrete is the percentage increase in the
average diameter of the spread concrete over the base diameter of the mould.
6. The value could range anything from 0 to 150 per cent. A close look at the pattern of
spread of concrete can also give a good indication of the characteristics of concrete such
as tendency for segregation.
Spread diameter (cm−25)
Flow, per cent = ------------------------------------- x 100
25

Result:

The flow percent of the concrete is------------------------%

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EXP No: 17

TITLE: COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CEMENT CONCRETE

AIM: To determine the cube strength of the concrete of given properties

APPARATUS:

✓ Moulds for the test cubes,

✓ Tamping rods

THEORY:

One of the important properties of concrete is its strength in compression. The strength in
compression has a definite relationship with all other properties of concrete i.e. these
properties improved with the improvement in compressive strength. Thus, with this
single test one judge that whether Concreting has been done properly or not. In India
cubical moulds of size 15 cm × 15cm × 15 cm are commonly used.
The concrete is prepared with definite proportion is poured in the mould and tempered
properly so as not to have any voids. After 24 hours these moulds are removed and test
specimens are put in water for curing. The top surface of this specimen should be made
even and smooth. This is done by putting cement paste and spreading smoothly on whole
area of specimen. These specimens are tested by compression testing machine after 3, 7-
2
or 28-days curing. Load should be applied gradually at the rate of 14 N/mm per minute
till the Specimens fails. Load at the failure divided by area of specimen gives the
compressive strength of concrete. At least three specimens are tested at each selected age.
The failure of the specimen is called as ‘hour glass’ type failure. This happens due to
lateral restraint provided by the plates to the cubes.
Practically, the compression testing system develops a complex system of stresses due to
end restraints provided by steel platens of compression testing machine (CTM). Under
compression loading, due to “poisons effect”, the cube specimen also undergo lateral
expansion. However, the steel platens don’t undergo lateral expansion to the same extent
that of concrete. Thus, there exist a differential tendency of lateral expansion between
steel platens and concrete cube faces. As a result of this, tangential forces are induced
between the end surfaces of the concrete specimen and the adjacent steel platens of CTM.
Therefore, in addition to the applied compressive stress; lateral shearing stresses are also
effective in these specimens. Effect of this shear decreases to words the centre of the
cube. Thus, the cube has near vertical crack at cubes centre and sometimes, the cube may
completely disintegrate leaving a relatively undamaged central core. Figure 8 shows,
typical failure patterns of the concrete cube.

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PROCEDURE:

1. Calculate the material required for preparing the concrete of given proportions.
2. Mix them thoroughly in mechanical mixer until uniform colour of concrete is obtained.
3. Pour concrete in the oiled with a medium viscosity oil. Fill concrete is cube moulds in
three layers each of approximately 50 mm and ramming each layer with 25 blows evenly
distributed over the surface of layer.
4. Fill the moulds in 3 layers each of approximately 50 mm deep and ramming each layer
heavily.
5. Struck off concrete flush with the top of the moulds.
6. Immediately after being made, they should be covered with wet mats.
7. Specimens are removed from the moulds after 24hrs and cured in water 28 days
8. After 24hrs of casting the specimens are immersed into water for final curing.
9. Compression tests of cubes specimens are made as soon as possible after removal from
curing pit. Test-specimen during the period of their removal from the curing pit and till
testing, are kept moist by a wet blanket covering and tested in a moist condition.
10. Place the specimen centrally on the location marks of the compression testing machine
and load is applied continuously, uniformly and without shock.
11. Also note the type of failure and appearance cracks.

Calculation:
Crushing load (N)
Compressive strength = Area (mm2)

Observation:

Cube Date Cast Age Date Weight Density Crushing Comp.

Mark Tested Tested of cube of Cubes load (kN) Strength
(g) (g/cm3) (N/mm2)

Result:

The compressive strength of cement concrete is ________________N/mm2

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EXP No: 18

TITLE: FLEXTURE TEST ON HARDENED CONCRETE

AIM: To determine the strength of the concrete by using flexure test

APPARATUS:

✓ Beam mould (100x100x500)

✓ Flexural testing machine.
✓ Tamping rod

THEORY:

Flexural strength is one measure of the tensile strength of concrete. It is a measure of an

unreinforced concrete beam to resist failure in bending. It is measured by loading 100 x 100
mm concrete beams with a span length of 500 mm. This test is performed by three-point
loading experiment. The Third point loading test applies the forces at the 1/3 and 2/3 points
equally from the top side by distributing a single centered force through a steel beam to two
points rather than one. The beam is supported at two points from below near the ends. The
bending moment is lower in a third point test than in a centre point test. Highway designer
use a theory based on flexural strength for design of pavements. However, there is very
limited use of flexural testing for structural concrete.
Flexural strength tests are extremely sensitive to specimen preparation, handling, and curing
procedure. Beams are very heavy and can be damaged when handled and transported from
the jobsite to the lab. Allowing a beam to dry will yield lower strengths. The beams must be
cured in a standard manner, and should be tested while wet. Meeting all these requirements
on a job site is extremely difficult and hence often results in unreliable and generally low
MR values. A short period of drying can produce a sharp drop in flexural strength.
PROCEDURE:

1. Test specimens are stored in water at a temperature of 24 oC to 30 oC for 48 hours before

testing. They are tested immediately on removal from the water whilst they are still wet
condition.
2. The dimension of each specimen should be noted before testing.
3. The bearing surface of the supporting and loading rollers is wiped and clean, and any
loose sand or other material removed from the surfaces of the specimen where they are to
make contact with the rollers.
4. The specimen is then placed in the machine in such manner that the load is applied to the
upper most surface as cast in the mould.

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5. The axis of specimen is carefully aligned with the axis of the loading device. No packing
is used between the bearing surfaces of the specimen and rollers.
6. The load is applied without shock and increasing continuously at a rate of the specimen.
The rate of loading is 4kN/min for the 15cm specimen and 18 kN/min for the 10cm
specimen.
7. The load is increased until the specimen fails and the maximum load applied to the
specimen during the test is recorded

Calculation:
3fl
Flexural strength = 2bd2

The flexural strength of concrete is ________________N/mm2

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