NORMAL CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT

EXPERIMENT NO. : 1

AIM:
To determine the quantity of water required to produce a cement paste of standard
consistency.
APPARATUS:
• Vicat’s apparatus conforming to IS: 5513-1976
• Weighing Balance Gauging Trowel Stop Watch.

REFERENCE CODE:
• IS: 4031 (Pat 4) – 1988 methods of physical test for hydraulic cement.
• IS : 5513-1996 for specification for Vicat’s apparatus.

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
vicatmould. For finding out initial setting time, final setting time, soundness of cement
and compressive strength of cement, it is necessary to fix the quantity of water to be
mixed in cement in each case.

PROCEDURE:
1. Prepare a paste of weighed quantity of cement (300 grams) with a weighed quantity of
potable or distilled water, starting with 26% water of 300g 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 vicatmould 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 rod bearing 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. Repetition
of the experiment fresh cement is to be taken.

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

1. Type of cement…………………….
2. Brand of cement…………………..
[1]
3. Time of Test……………………….
4. Room Temperature…………………

Percentage by
Weight of Amount of Penetration
Trail water of dry
cement (g) water (mm)
No. Cement
added
(%)
(mL)
1
2
3
4

Figure 1: Vicat’s Apparatus

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

[2]
 PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF FINE AGGREGATES

EXPERIMENT NO. 2

AIM:
To determine fineness modulus of fine aggregate and classifications based on IS: 383-1970

REFERENCE CODES:
• IS 2386 (Part I) – 1963
• IS: 383-1970
• IS: 460-1962

APPARATUS:
Test Sieves conforming to IS : 460-1962 Specification of 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600 micron,
300 micron, 150 micron, Balance, Gauging Trowel, Stop Watch, etc.

Theory:
This is the name given to the operation of dividing a sample of aggregate into various fractions each
consisting of particles of the same size. The sieve analysis is conducted to determine the particle size
distribution in a sample of aggregate, which we call gradation. Many a time, fine aggregates are
designated as coarse sand, medium sand and fine sand. These classifications do not give any precise
meaning. What the supplier terms as fine sand may be really medium or even coarse sand. To avoid
this ambiguity fineness modulus could be used as a yard stick to indicate the fineness of sand. The
following limits may be taken as guidance: Fine sand : Fineness Modulus : 2.2 - 2.6, Medium sand :
F.M. : 2.6 - 2.9, Coarse sand : F.M. : 2.9 - 3.2
Sand having a fineness modulus more than 3.2 will be unsuitable for making satisfactory concrete.

PROCEDURE:
1. The sample shall be brought to an air-dry condition before weighing and sieving. The air-dry sample
shall be weighed and sieved successively on the appropriate sieves starting with the largest. Care shall
be taken to ensure that the sieves are clean before use.
2. The shaking shall be done with a varied motion, backward sand forwards, left to right, circular
clockwise and anti-clockwise, and with frequent jarring, so that the material is kept moving over the
sieve surface in frequently changing directions.

3. Material shall not be forced through the sieve by hand pressure. Lumps of fine material, if present,
may be broken by gentle pressure with fingers against the side of the sieve.
4. Light brushing with a fine camel hair brush may be used on the 150-micron and 75- micron IS Sieves
to prevent aggregation of powder and blinding of apertures.
5. On completion of sieving, the material retained on each sieve, together with any material cleaned
from the mesh, shall be weighed.

[ 30 ]
 OBSERVATION:

Weight Percentage Percentage Cumulative

I S Sieve Retained on of Weight of Percentage of Remark
Sieve (g) Retained Weight Passing (%)
(%) Passing (%)
4.75 mm
2.36 mm
1.18 mm
600 micron
300 micron
150 micron
Total

CALCULATION:
Fineness modulus is an empirical factor obtained by adding the cumulative percentages of aggregate
retained on each of the standard sieves ranging from 4.75 mm to 150 micron and dividing this sum
by anarbitrary number 100.

CONCLUSION / RESULT:
a. Fineness modulus of a given sample of fine aggregate is …….. that indicate Coarse sand/ Medium
sand/Fine sand.
b. The given sample of fine aggregate is belong to Grading Zones I / II / III / IV

[ 31 ]
 AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE TEST

EXPERIMENT NO. 03

AIM:
To determine the aggregate impact value of given aggregates

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
• Impact testing machine
• cylinder, tamping rod • IS Sieve Weighing balance.

REFERENCE CODE:
• IS : 2386 ( Part IV) – 1963 methods of test for aggregate for concrete
• IS:383:1970- specification for coarse and fine aggregate from natural source for concrete
• IS:9377:1979-specification for apparatus for aggregate impact value test

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:
1. 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 100oC to 110oC
2. 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
3. The rest of the cylindrical measure is filled by two layers and each layer being tamped 25 times.
4. The overflow of aggregates in cylindrically measure is cut off by tamping rod using it has a straight
edge.
5. Then the entire aggregate sample in a measuring cylinder is weighed nearing to 6. 0.01gm
7. The aggregates from the cylindrical measure are carefully transferred into the cup
8. Which is firmly fixed in position on the base plate of machine. Then it is tamped 25 times.
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
other fresh sample.
9. Let the original weight of the oven dry sample be W1gm and the weight of fraction passing 2.36mm
IS sieve be W2gm. Then aggregate impact value is expressed as the % of fines formed in terms of
the total weight of the sample.
 OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

Description Trail 1 Trail 2 Trail 3

Total weight of the aggregate filling the
cylindrical metal measures W1 (g)

Weight of aggregate passing through

2.36 mm sieve W2 (g)

Aggregate impact = (W2/W1) X 100 %

Fig.: Aggregate Impact Test Machine

RESULT:
Aggregate Impact Value………………………….
 SLUMP TEST

EXPERIMENT NO. 04

AIM:
To determine the workability or consistency of concrete mix of given proportion by slump test.

APPARATUS:
• pan to mix concrete
• weighing balance
• trowel
• cone
• steel scale
• tamping rod
• mixing tray

REFERENCE CODE:
• IS: 456-2000, code for plain and reinforced concrete
• IS: 1199-1959 methods of sampling and analysis of concrete

THEORY:
This is the test extensively used in site work all over the world. Fresh unsupported concrete will flow
to the sides and the vertical sinking of concrete is known as slump. The slump cone is a hollow
frustum made of thin steel sheet with internal dimensions, as the top diameter 10 cms. The bottom
diameter 20 cms, and height 30cms.

PROCEDURE
1. Mix the dry constituents thoroughly to get a uniform colour and then add water.
2. The internal surface of the mould is to be thoroughly cleaned and placed on a smooth, horizontal and
non-absorbent surface.
3. Place the mixed concrete in the cleaned slump cone in 4 layers each approximately 1/4 in height of
the mould. Tamp each layer 25 times with tamping rod.Using the tampering rod or a trowel strike of
the excess concrete above the concrete cone. Measure the vertical height of cone (h1).
4. Slowly and carefully remove in the vertical direction. As soon as the cone is removed the concrete
settles in vertical direction. Place the steel scale above top of settled concrete in horizontal position
and measure the height of cone(h2).
5. Complete the experiment in two minutes after sampling.
6. The difference of two heights (h1-h2) gives the value of slump
OBSERVATIONS:

1) Type of cement=……………….

2) Brand of cement=……………….
3) Density of concrete=...............

Trail Proportion
SLUMP
No Remarks
W C kg FA kg CA In
w/c litre kg mm

Figure: Different Types of Slump

Result:
The slump of concrete= ................................................ mm
(indicate Low/Medium/ High Degree of workability)
 NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF CONCRETE
REBOUND HAMMER TEST

EXPERIMENT NO. 05

AIM:
To determine the compressive strength of concrete by using the rebound hammer.

APPARATUS:
• Rebound Hammer instrument.
• Abrasive Stone

PROCEDURE:
Hold the instrument firmly so that the plunger is perpendicular to the test surface. Gradually push the
instrument toward the test surface until the hammer impacts. After impact, maintain pressure on the
instrument and if necessary depress the button on the side of the instrument to lock the plunger in its
retracted position. Read the rebound number on the scale to the nearest whole number and record the
rebound number. Take ten readings from each test area. No two impact tests shall be closer together
than 25 mm (1 in). Examine the impression made on the surface after impact, and if the impact crushes
or breaks through a near-surface air void, disregard the reading and take another reading.

Figure: Rebound Hammer

READING YOUR RESULTS:
Make at least ten readings from a concrete surface and discard the highest and lowest rebound
numbers. Average the remaining eight numbers. If desired, take a few test readings before you
complete your series of ten regular tests. Use the average rebound number to estimate the strength of
the concrete. Compare your average rebound number to the chart shown on your Concrete Rebound
Hammer.

Average Rebound Number Quality of Concrete

˃40 Very good hard layer

30 to 40 Good layer

20 to 30 Fair

˂20 Poor concrete

 AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE TEST

EXPERIMENT NO. 06

AIM:To determine the crushing value of the road aggregates

APPARATUS:
The apparatus of the aggregate crushing value test as per IS 2386 (Part IV)-1963consists of:
1. A 15cm diameter open-ended steel cylinder with plunger and base plate, of the general form.
2. A straight metal tamping rod of circular cross-section 16mm diameter and 45 to 60 cm long, rounded
at one end. 3. A balance of capacity 3 kg
4. IS Sieves.
5. A compression-testing machine capable of applying load up to 40tonnes.
6. Cylindrical measure having internal dia. of 11.5cm & height 18 cm for measuring the sample.

REFERENCE CODE:
1. IS : 2386 ( Part IV) – 1963 method of test for aggregates for concrete
2. IS:383:1970 specification for coarse and fine aggregate from natural source for concrete
3. IS: 9376:1979 Specification for apparatus for measuring aggregate crushing value

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: It consists of aggregates sized 12.5 mm - 10.0 mm (minimum3kg). The aggregates
should be dried by heating at 1000-1100 C for a period of 4 hours and cooled.

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
OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

Trail 1 Trail 2 Trail 3

Total weight of dry sample
taken
W1 (g)
Weight of aggregate
passing through 2.36 mm
sieve W2 (g)
Aggregate crushing
(W2/W1) x100 (%)

Figure: Aggregate Crushing Test Apparatus

RESULT:
Aggregate Crushing Value=………………………………
 Civil Engineering Department
CE452L1/CE405 - Construction Materials and Testing Laboratory Manual
Experiment No. VII
CONCRETE MIX DESIGN USING ACI METHOD
1. Objective(s):
The activity aims to introduce the principle and significance of concrete mix; the ACI method of
Concrete Mix Design; and also the procedures of Concrete making from the computation of Mix Design
to mixing of fresh concrete and curing of early-strength concrete.
2. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):
The students shall be able to:
2.1 Compute concrete mix design using ACI method.
2.2 Determine the procedure in mixing of fresh concrete and slump test.
2.3 Determine the proper batching and curing of concrete.
3. Discussion:
Concrete is the basic engineering material used in most of the civil engineering structures. Concrete
like other engineering materials needs to be designed for properties like strength, durability, workability
and cohesion. Concrete mix design is the science of deciding relative proportions of ingredients of
concrete, to achieve the desired properties in the most economical way. The most widely used Mix
Design method is that established by American Concrete Institute (ACI) Standard Practice 211.1 or
“Recommended practice for selecting proportions for Normal and Heavyweight Concrete”.
4. Resources:
3 pieces Beam Mold (150x150x500 mm) 1 Trowel
6 pieces Cylindrical Mold (150x300 mm) 1 Bag of Type I (or Type IP) Cement
1 Set Slump Apparatus 2 Bags Fine Aggregates (F.A.) Sand
1 Weighing Scale 3 Bags Coarse Aggregates (C.A.) Gravel
2 Shovels Potable Water
5. Procedure:
Preparation of material
Prior to the actual making of concrete all the raw materials (i.e. cement, F.A. and C.A.) shall
undergo physical tests for the properties (i.e. sieve analysis, unit weight, bulk specific gravity and
absorption capacity) needed for mix design process. ACI Method of Concrete Mix Design shall be
discussion by the Instructor.
Mixing and Curing
1. Sieve the fine and coarse aggregates and prepare all dry materials for weighing.
2. Based on computed weight proportion, weigh the individual dry materials.
3. The aggregate is spread in a uniform layer on a hand, clean and non-porous base.
4. Cement is then spread over the aggregates and the dry materials are mixed by turning over
from one end to another until the mix appears uniform, turning three times is usually required.
5. Water is then gradually added so that water neither by itself nor with cement can escape. The
mix is turned over again usually by three times, until it happens in color and consistence.
6. Slump test is now performed by filling a slump apparatus mold of fresh concrete in three layers
of each equal volume. Each layer is compacted with 25 strokes of a tamping rod.
7. Slump mold is lifted vertically upward and the change in height of the concrete is measured.
8. Final fill the specimen mold in three layers of each equal volume and each layer is compacted
with 25 strokes of tamping rod. Repeat and fill all other the specimen molds.
9. Place the concrete specimens in a room with constant temperature. After 24 hours of setting
remove all the early hardened concrete from the mold and submerged in bath tub full of water
for 7-28 days curing period.

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 Civil Engineering Department
CE452L1/CE405 - Construction Materials and Testing Laboratory Manual
Course: CE405/ CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS Experiment No.:7
Group No.:1 Section:CE41FA3
Group Members: ACORDA, GILBERT LAPPAY Date Performed: SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
ALCESO, ANJELICA AJ ORILLO Date Submitted: SEPTEMBER 24, 2018
ALMAZAR, BRYLLE BERAQUIT Instructor: ENGR. CAROLINE A. ASUNCION
CACAYURAN, MARI A ISABEL PETILLA
CANJA, JOAN MARTHA MARTINEZ
COLLADO, ALLEN JAY ULPINDO
6. Data and Results:
6.1 Computed Weight per unit of Volume Proportion from ACI Concrete Mix Design
Materials Computed Weight per unit of Volume Proportion (kg/m3) Ratio
Water 205
Cement 500 1
Coarse Aggregate, (C.A.) 11725 3
Fine Aggregates, (F.A.) 11000 2

6.2 Tabulation of Total Weight of Materials

Number of Computed Weight Weight Total
Mold Volume of
Materials Specimen per unit of Volume Allowance Weights
Type mold (m3)
Cylinders Water
Cement
5.30110− Molds
6
Proportion (kg/m3
1.1398x10^(-3 )m^-3
500 m^3
(%) (kg)
1.1398 kg
2.7799 kg
C.A. 1.8651x10^(-3) m^3 4.9984 kg

Beam
F.A.
Water
Cement
0.01125 3
1.67256x10^(-3)m^3
2.5397 m^3
1.96788 x10^(-3)
2.74299kg
2.5397 kg
6.198 kg
m^3
C.A. 4.1557x10^(-3) m^3 11.137 kg
F.A. 3.7253x10^(-3) m^3 9.835 kg
6.3 Computation:

 =1450 

 
= 75 100(3
4ℎ) = 19(0.375ℎ)
 ℎ () = 41.4(6000)
= ∗(6)
= ℎ
FOR THE CYLINDER:

∗12
4
= 5.559910−
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 Civil Engineering Department
CE452L1/CE405 - Construction Materials and Testing Laboratory Manual

  = 1000 ⁄⁄ = (0.205 ∗5.559910−) = 1.139810− = 1.1398
205

 = 1000 ⁄⁄(3. 15) = 0.1587301587 ∗5.559910− = 8.82510−
500
= 2.7799 
  =    = 0.41⁄= 500
  205

 = 1000 ⁄⁄(0.(2.662)8) ∗5.559910− = 1.865110− = 4.9984
1450
 = 5.559910 −
= [1.16.1725610
39810−−+=8.2.872510 − + 1.865110− + 1.865110−]
4299
FOR THE RECTANGULAR BEAM:

= 756 = 0.0124
Volume of the beam=l*w*h


  = 1000 ⁄⁄ = (0.205 ∗0.0124) = 2.5397 = 2.5397
205

 = 1000 ⁄⁄(3. 15) = 0.1587301587 ∗ 0.0124 = 1.9678810−
500
= 6.1
98  205 ⁄ 
  =    = 0.41  = 500

 = 1000 ⁄⁄(0.(2.662)8) ∗0.0124 = 4.155710− = 11.137
1450
 = 0.0124= 9.835[2.5397 + 1.9678810− + 4.155710−] = 3.725310−
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 Civil Engineering Department
CE452L1/CE405 - Construction Materials and Testing Laboratory Manual
MAKING OF MOULDING AS TO BE
REPARATION OF GRAVEL TO BE USE
USE ON A BEAM
CONCRETE

PREPARATION OF MOLD TO BE USE

PUTTING SOME
OIL IN THE
MOLD
OA A
CYLINDER BEAM

PREPARATION OF FINE AGGREGATES MIXING

OF CONCRETE

25
 Civil Engineering Department
CE452L1/CE405 - Construction Materials and Testing Laboratory Manual

POURING OF MIXTURE IN THE CYLINDRICAL

MOLDS AND RECTANGULAR MOLDS

3 pieces Beam Concrete (150x150x500 mm)

6 pieces Cylindrical Concrete(150x300 mm)

7. Conclusion:

8. Assessment:

From this experiment we realized that in order to achieve the desired qualities of concrete there is what wencall mix
design, this mix design dictates the quantities of materials needed for the production of concrete and this is achieved
through computations which is guided upon by the ratio of the materials . Aside from that we also learned how to
slump test . This test is done to measure the workability of concrete

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 Civil Engineering Department
CE452L1/CE405 - Construction Materials and Testing Laboratory Manual

BEGINNER ACCEPTABLE PROFICIENT

CRITERIA SCORE
1 2 3
I. Laboratory Skills
Members do not Members occasionally
Manipulative Members always
demonstrate needed demonstrate needed
Skills demonstrate needed skills.
skills. skills
Members are able to Members are able to set-up
Experimental Members are unable to
set-up the materials the material with minimum
Set-up set-up the materials.
with supervision. supervision.
Members do not Members occasionally Members always
Process Skills demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted
process skills. process skills. process skills.
Members follow safety
Safety Members do not follow Members follow safety
precautions most of
Precautions safety precautions. precautions at all times.
the time.
II. Work Habits
Time
Members do not finish Members finish ahead of
Management / Members finish on time
on time with time with complete data and
Conduct of with incomplete data.
incomplete data. time to revise data.
Experiment
Members do not know Members have defined
Members are on tasks and
their tasks and have responsibilities most of
have defined responsibilities
Cooperative and no defined the time. Group
at all times. Group conflicts
Teamwork responsibilities. Group conflicts are
are cooperatively managed
conflicts have to be cooperatively managed
at all times.
settled by the teacher. most of the time.
Clean and orderly
Messy workplace workplace with Clean and orderly workplace
Neatness and
during and after the occasional mess at all times during and after
Orderliness
experiment. during and after the the experiment.
experiment.
Ability to do Members require Members require
Members do not need to be
independent supervision by the occasional supervision
supervised by the teacher.
work teacher. by the teacher.

 = (24) ×100

Other Comments/Observations: Total Score

8. Reference(s):
(ACI) Standard Practice 211.1 “Recommended practice for selecting proportions for Normal and
Heavyweight Concrete”.

27