PRC Ii
PRC Ii
LABORATORY MANUAL
Submitted By……………………………………………………………………………..
Submitted To……………………………………………………………………………..
Section ……………………………………………………………………………..
Submission Date…………………………………………………………………………
MATERIALS:
Portland cement, fine aggregate (lawrencepur Sand), Coarse aggregate (Margalla Crush), and water
APPARATUS:
Compression Machine, Moulds of various sizes, Balance, Trowel, Cylinder, Temping Rod, Concrete
mixer(pan Mixer),
MIX PROPORTIONS:
1: 2: 4 W/C Ratio = 0.45, These proportions are different for various student groups.
PROCEDURE:
The moisture contents of the aggregates must be determined prior to the mixing operation in
order to determine the exact quantity of extra water needs to be added
Just prior to the start of mixing, the mixer must be buttered with a small quantity of mortar mix.
The quantity should be small enough just to coat the inside of the mixer drum. The purpose is to
prevent loss of mortar from concrete to coat the inside of drum.
Before starting the rotation of the drum, charge the mixer with already weighed cement, sand
and coarse aggregate. Add about ¼ of the total water. The mixer is started and blades, which
revolve in opposite direction to that of the pan are raised and lowered by means of paddle
attached to the pan mixer to ensure thorough mixing. The mixer is run for two minutes and
then water is added and mixed for three minutes.
1.3 Casting of the Cubes/Cylinders
Ensure to clean the moulds from inside and inner surfaces must be oiled. At the completion of
the mixing deposit concrete in a damp pan and remix the fresh concrete with the help of trowel
to achieve uniform mix.
Pour the concrete in the mould about 1/3 rd of the mould size and temp it with temping rod
giving 25 blows. The temping rod is of 5/8”(16mm) dia. Likewise fill the mould in three lifts and
1
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
smooth the top surface of specimen with trowel. Prepare required no of specimens in this way.
The top surface of the specimen must be marked with some identification mark.
Specimens must be kept in moulds for 24 hrs (not less than 16 hrs and not more than 32 hrs).
1.4 Curing of Specimens
These specimens are to be kept in curing environment until just before they are ready for
testing(Minimum for 7 days). Curing of the specimens must be ensured by immersion in
saturated lime water. Room temperature 20-23 Cᵒ.
1.5 Testing of the Specimens
Prepare the surfaces of the specimens with POP to get smooth surfaces. Place the specimen in
the compression machine and apply the load at 20-50 psi/s(0.14-0.34 Mpa/s), while noting
down the reading as indicated by monitor. Note down the final crushing value of each specimen.
Test the specimens in groups of three.
Record the load and angle of fracture of each specimen. Compressive strength of the specimens
may not differ more than 10%. The variation of strength by more than 10% indicates error in
casting or mix proportions.
Generally strength of 4”x8” cylinders is more than strength of 6”x 12” cylinder, therefore
strength of 4”x8” cylinder may be multiplied by 0.95.
Compare the results and find out the ratio of 4” cube strength with that of 6” cube and 4” cylinder
with 6” cylinder.
Likewise compare the strength of 4” cube with 4” cylinder and strength of 6” cube with 6” cylinder.
Students may plot the graphs while comparing the strength of various specimens.
2
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
Purpose
To determine Young’s Modulus and Poisson’s Ratio of Portland Cement Concrete under longitudinal
compression, using the chord modulus to define elasticity.
Test Procedure
Determine the diameter of the specimen at the mid-height by averaging two diametrical
measurements to the nearest 0.25 mm (0.01 inch). Both ends of the specimen, top and
bottom, should be capped with the contact pads.
Use the small vial level to assure that all three yokes are level when they are secured to the
specimen. After the specimen has been placed in the compressometer-extensometer, using
a nominal 20-cm (8-inch) gauge length and carefully seated on the compression machine,
measure the gauge length to the nearest 0.25 mm (0.01 inch).
Apply the mass or force to the specimen at a rate of 450 kg (1000 lb)/minute. Each
specimen will have at least three loading cycles. During the first loading procedure, no data
will be recorded. The purpose of the initial loading is for seating the gauges, observing the
performance of the assembly, and to note any problems. Then proceed to take at least two
subsequent cycles of loading and unloading. The number of loading cycles will depend upon
the reproducibility of the test results. The values used will be the average of two
consecutive cycles, when they are reasonably similar. Therefore, the number of loading
cycles that are necessary will depend upon the test results.
Prior to conducting ASTM Designation: C 469, it is necessary to have determined the
compressive strength of the specimens, using ASTM Designation: C 39, so that the ultimate
compressive strength is fairly accurately known. Compute 25% and 40% of the estimated
average ultimate load for comparable concrete specimens.
The test procedure is as follows:
1. Take the first load and transverse strain reading when the longitudinal strain
reaches 0.000050 inches/inch. Note that because of the way the yoke is hinged, the
value of the transverse strain reading needs to be divided by 2 in order to obtain the
correct value of the strain.
2. Take longitudinal and transverse strain readings at 25% and 40% of the estimated
ultimate compressive load. Remember always to divide the transverse strain
reading by 2.
3
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
3. After having taken the readings at the 40% point, unload the specimen and reset
both gages.
4. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
5. two consecutive cycles yield similar results, stop the test, remove the
compressometer-extensometer, and load the specimen to failure. Record this value
on the same data sheet. It should be comparable to that obtained from similar
specimens tested under ASTM Designation: C 39. No two concrete specimens, even
from the same concrete batch, will test identically.
6. Four individuals are required to conduct this test. One each to take notes, read the
two gages, and to operate the compression machine.
Loading
Unloading
The modulus of elasticity, E, which is also commonly referred to as Young’s Modulus, is the ratio of
the normal stress to the corresponding strain (s/ε),(s for stress), for compressive or tensile stresses
below the proportional limit of the material. The English mathematician, Robert Hooke (1635–
1703), derived Hooke’s Law. From this the English scientist, Thomas Young (1773–1829),
developed the modulus of elasticity, E. It is a measure of a material’s stiffness or tendency to deform
under load. Another direct result of Hooke’s Law is Poisson’s Ratio, μ, which was discovered by the
French mathematician, Simeon Denis Poisson (1781–1840). It is the absolute value of the ratio of
lateral strain to axial strain. It is the amount that a material will change in girth, or its tendency to
change in volume, under load. The range of μ is between zero and 0.5. For ideal materials, if μ = 0
then the axial strain would produce no lateral deformation. Concrete behaves elastic till a strain of
0.0005 while steel behaves elastic uptill its yield strength or a strain of 0.002
4
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
For normal weight concrete, E ranges from 14 to 41 ×10³ MPa (2 to 6 ×10⁶ psi). An approximate
relationship also exists between E and the compressive strength of concrete cylinders. In the SI
System a commonly used approximation is 5 ×10³ × √fc’. In the U.S. Standard System of
Measurements it is 57000 √fc’. Lightweight or very high-strength concrete exhibit other
relationships between E and fc’. There are a number of ways by which the Young’s Modulus for
concrete can be computed. Consider the generalized stress–strain curve for concrete in Figure 1, in
which the longitudinal strain is the abscissa and the compressive stress is the ordinate in psi. The
fc’ for the specimen was estimated at 3600 psi from tests of the same mix concrete at the same age
and, therefore 40% = 1440 psi.
a. The chord modulus method is derived from the slope between a strain of 50 ×10−⁶ and the
stress at 40% of fc’. On the graph it is defined as the line connecting the curve at C and at S. The
resulting equation is SC = (1440 − 200)/(400 − 50)10−⁶. Since this is the recommended
mathematical relationship for obtaining E, the formula that forms the basis for the data sheet used
in this test is
s2= stress corresponding to 40% of the estimated ultimate load or ultimate stress, based upon
previously tested specimens in accordance with ASTM Designation: C 39
ε1= the strain 0.000050 and, therefore, does not appear in the formula for E
5
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
Figure 1 Compressometer-Extensometer
b. The dynamic modulus is derived from an approximation of the tangent to the curve at the origin,
say the line OD. Therefore, the value of E would be 1000/200 ×10−⁶= 5 ×10⁶ psi.
6
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
c. The secant modulus corresponds to the line SO, which is from the origin to the 40% point stress.
The value of E would be 1440/400 ×10−⁶= 3.6 ×10⁶ psi.
d. The tangent modulus corresponds to a line, drawn by eye, that is tangent to the curve at the 40%
fc point, T − T′. The value for this modulus of elasticity would be about (1440 − 940)/200 ×10−⁶=
2.5 ×10⁶ psi.
7
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
(ASTM C 234)
Purpose
To determine the bond strength between concrete and deformed steel reinforcement due to
adhesion of paste with steel, friction and bearing of concrete
Theory
Bond Strength Based on Cracked Section Analysis: Consider the small beam as shown in the figure below. The
moment at end will differ from the other by amount dM, then change in tension in the bar will be
dT = dM/z
8
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
since the bar and concrete are in equilibrium, therefore this change in force is resisted at the
contact surface of steel and concrete by an equal and opposite force produced by bond. If U is the
magnitude of this bond force per unit length of bar, then
U dx = dT
U = dT/dx
Development Length: Splitting between concrete and steel occurs when the total bond force U per inch of
length of bar, reaches a critical value. By experiments it has been found that the ultimate average
bond force per inch of length of the bar is approximately
Un = 35 √ fc’
If one designate the steel stress as fs, the total tension force at that point in a bar of area Ab
Ts = Ab.fs
If we consider a bar of length ‘l’ then bond force transmitted to steel per unit length will be
U = As.fs/l
The minimum length which is necessary to develop by bond a given bar force is
Ld = Ab.fs/Un
Ld = o.o35 Ab.fs/√fc’
The ACI code has more conservative approach and it specifies it as,
Test Procedure
1. Using the same procedure as described in ASTM Procedure: C 192, mix the concrete and check
and record the slump and the air content.
9
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
2. Place the steel bar vertically and fill the forms with two incremental layers of concrete, and
tamping each lift with the tamping rod 25 times. If the concrete has a very low slump <2.5 cm (1
in.), it may also be necessary to place the filled mold on a vibrating table. After the concrete has
been satisfactorily placed and consolidated, the bar should be twisted several times about a half
turn in each direction, so as to assure that the ribs of the steel bars are filled with the mortar from
the concrete
3. Strike off any excess concrete from the top layer with a steel trowel and finish to a smooth
surface. Place the whole assembly in a secured location and protect the exposed surface of the
concrete from evaporation.
4. Strip the forms between 20 and 24 hours after curing at an ambient temperature of about 20° ±
3°C (68° ± 5°F). Immediately upon stripping, place specimens in the curing facility. Be very careful
not to touch or in any way disturb the steel bars. Handle all the specimens only by the concrete, not
the bars.
5. At 28 days, and just prior to testing, remove the specimens from the curing facility. They should
be tested while the specimens are still moist from the curing facility.
6. Apply an initial load of 2.2 kN (500 lb) to secure the specimen in the jaws of the testing machine
and then zero the gauge. Proceed to load the specimen at a rate of 4.4 kN/minute (1000 lb/minute)
and take readings every 2.2 kN (500 lb) increments of load or about every 30 seconds.
7. Continue loading the specimen without interruption until one of the following occurs:
a. The specimen (concrete) splits, at which time the load reduces to zero.
b. The yield point of the steel has been approached, based upon the computed elongation. The modulus of
elasticity for the steel bar is assumed to be 200 GPa (29 ×106 psi) in computing the elongation at yield.
c. A slippage of at least 2.5 mm (0.1 inch) has occurred between the concrete and the embedded steel bar.
Invariably the test will end with the splitting of the specimen. Only rarely will a slippage of 2.5 mm (0.1 inch)
occur before the concrete splits. Reaching the yield point of the steel before the concrete fails or having
10
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
experienced a slippage of 2.5 mm (0.1 inch) is even less probable. However, all three criteria must be
considered and used at the time of the test and recorded in the notes along with the final readings.
1. Computations: A No. 6 deformed steel bar is assumed as being used in this test, which results in a
nominal cross-sectional area of 2.84 cm (0.44 in. ) for computational purposes. A deformed steel
bar of another diameter may also be used. The considered effective diameter of a No. 6 deformed
bar is approximately 1.9 cm (¾in.). For a No. 6 bar with an embedded length of 15 cm (6 in.), the
surface area used in the calculation for bond stress is 90 cm (14.14 in.). The yield point of steel bar
may be taken as 270 MPa (40 ksi). To compute the elongation for the yield point, use the equation:
∆= PxL/AxE = ϬxL/E
The bond stress at any recorded point in the test can readily be computed by dividing the load by
the embedded area of the steel bar. The design bond stress is taken as the point where the slip
equals 0.25 mm (0.01 in.). This value is taken from the plotted curves. The results should be plotted
on a single sheet of graph with the slip between the steel bar and the concrete as the abscissa and
the steel bar bond stress as the ordinate.
2. Data Sheets:
Notice that this data sheet includes the orientation of the steel bar on the top line along with the
date of the test. The concrete mix design is also called for on this data sheet since it is important to
determine the bond strength as a percent of the 28-day compressive strength of the concrete, fc’.
The graph is computer plotted, although a carefully drawn hand plot would also be acceptable. Note
also that the accepted bond strength is obtained from the graph at a steel-bar slip of 0.25 mm (0.01
in.) although the data is generally taken well beyond this point.
11
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
12
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
(ASTM C 78 )
Scope
This test covers the determination of the flexural strength of concrete by use of a simple beam with
mid-point loading or third-point loading.
Procedure for Third point loading is covered in ASTM C 78, and procedure for mid-point loading is
covered in ASTM C 293. Both the procedures are alike, except for position of loading. The mid-point
load gives higher values of Modulus of Rupture.
a. Rigid steel forms 51 cm (20 inches) long by 15 cm (6 inches) in the other two dimensions
b. Point loading apparatus capable of maintaining the specified span length and distance
between load applying blocks and support blocks to within ±0.13 cm (±0.05 inches)
c. A suitable loading machine capable of applying the loads at a uniform rate without
interruption
d. See Figure 4.1 for details of the test beam and the loading apparatus.
Test Procedure
1. Preparation: Make the specimens in accordance with the concrete batch procedure. Test the
concrete for slump and air content. Fill the beam forms with three lifts of concrete, tamping each lift
25 times with the 16-mm (⅝-inch) tamping rod or fill the form in one lift and consolidate the
concrete with a mechanical vibrating table. Be careful not to over vibrate since that would cause
segregation.
2. Curing: Allow the specimens to remain in the steel forms with the top properly covered for about
24 hours at normal room temperature. Strip the forms and place the specimens in the curing facility
until ready for testing.
3. Testing: Remove the specimens from the curing facility and mark the beam where it will be in
contact with the supports and at the opposite side where it will be in contact with the third-point
loading. Remember that none of these contact points should be on the top or hand-finished surface
of the specimen. In other words the beam should be tested 90° to its casting position. This should
assure proper contact at the load points. However, this should be checked. Use 6.4-mm (¼-inch)
thick leather shims, 3 cm (1 inch) long, for the full width of the specimen, wherever a gap in excess
of 0.10 mm (0.004 inches) exists between the loading and support points and the specimen.
a. Begin the test as soon as possible, while the specimen is still moist from the curing room.
b. Apply initially a small load rapidly and check for the positioning of the gauges. Then continue
loading at a rate of 0.9 to 1.2 Mpa/min (125-175 psi/min) till fracture of the beam.
13
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
c. Record the ultimate load, the exact location of fracture, and the type of failure.
d. If the failure occurs more than 5% of the length, 2.25 cm (0.9 inches) outside the middle third of
the beam in the tension surface, discard the results of that specimen.
e. After the test, measure the cross section at each end and at the center. Compute the average
height and depth.
14
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
1. Computations: The flexure strength, or the modulus of rupture, as it is usually called, is computed
from the following equation:
M.R. = Pl/bd²
When the fracture occurs outside the middle third of the specimen but within 5% of the supported
span length, compute the modulus of rupture from the following equation:
M.R. = 3Pa/bd²
a = average distance between the fracture line, measured on the tension surface, from the nearest
support in cm or inches.
2. Data Sheet: A data sheet with sample computations is given below. The third column with the
average b ×d refers to the depth and height dimensions, respectively. The specimen should fracture
within middle third of the span, where the specimen breaks outside of the middle third of the beam,
the result should be discarded. However it must break within 5% of the middle third. Likewise the
values of modulus of rupture of test samples should be within 10% variation. For samples whose
value is more or less than the 10% from other samples, should be discarded.
15
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
16
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
Experiment No 5: To find out the flexural strength of Singly Reinforced Concrete Beams
Purpose
To find out the flexural strength of reinforced concrete beams and compare it with plain concrete
beams, so that students have fair idea of tension resisted by steel reinforcement.
Equipment
Steel mould 5’x6”x5”, Flexure Machine, steel bars # 2 and all accessories to cast concrete
Theory
Plain concrete beams are very weak in tension, because their flexural strength is much lesser than
their compression strength. Such beams fail at low loads much earlier than their compression
strength is fully utilized. Therefore Steel reinforcement is provided on the tension side. In such
beams, tension which is caused by bending moment is resisted by steel reinforcement and
compression is resisted by concrete. Once moderate steel is used, the steel will reach its yield point
on loading, and tension cracks develop in the concrete, which upon further loading widen and
travel upward. Then concrete on the compression side also crushes.
As in this experiment only tension steel is going to be used(based on ⍴min) and no shear
reinforcement will be provided, beam is likely to fail in shear before reaching yield point of steel. It
is reasonable to assume that good bond between steel and concrete exists before the development
of cracks, therefore strain in steel and concrete are same i.e ἐs = ἐc, where ἐc is surface strain in
concrete on tension face of the beam. This strain can be measured by demec gauges.
17
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
fs = Es.ἐs
T=C
Or As.fs = 0.85fc’ ab
Or AsEsἐs = 0.85fc’ab
a = AsEsἐs/0.85fc’b c = a/βl
Hence ‘c’ can be calculated. Now define position of N.A by calculation. Verify this value of ‘c’
experimentally, measuring the strain in tension as well as in compression
Calculate Mu and P.
Mu = ΦMn
The lesser value of P as obtained in above step will govern the type of failure
Procedure
1. Preparation: Make the specimens in accordance with the concrete batch procedure. Test the
concrete for slump and air content. Fill the beam forms with three lifts of concrete, tamping each lift
25 times with the 16-mm (⅝-inch) tamping rod or fill the form in one lift and consolidate the
concrete with a mechanical vibrating table. Be careful not to over vibrate since that would cause
segregation.
2. Curing: Allow the specimens to remain in the steel forms with the top properly covered for about
24 hours at normal room temperature. Strip the forms and place the specimens in the curing facility
until ready for testing. Cure the specimens at room temperature of 20 -+3Cᵒ.
3. Testing: Remove the specimens from the curing facility and mark the beam where it will be in
contact with the supports and at the opposite side where it will be in contact with the third-point
loading. This should assure proper contact at the load points. However, this should be checked. Use
6.4-mm (¼-inch) thick leather shims, 3 cm (1 inch) long, for the full width of the specimen,
wherever a gap in excess of 0.10 mm (0.004 inches) exists between the loading and support points
and the specimen.
a. Place demec points on the top and bottom fibers of the beam at mid span to measure
compression and tension strain. Attach compressometer-extensometer with these demec points.
Also place a gauge at mid span to measure the deflection of the beam.
18
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
b. Apply initially a small load and see the positioning of demec gauges and strain meter.
c. Apply the load continuously and without shock. The load should be applied at constant rate to the
breaking point. Apply the load at a rate of 0.9-1.2 Mpa/min (125-175 psi/min) until rupture occurs.
The loading rate is calculated using the following equation:
r = Sbd²/L
Where,
d. Keep measuring the strains and deflection of the specimen at suitable load intervals, also note
down the values at rupture.
e. After the test, measure the cross section at each end and at the center. Compute the average
height and depth.
Data Sheet
Students should draw the stress-strain curve and load deflection curve.
19
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
Stress-Strain Curve
20
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
Purpose
To study the effect of steel provided in compression in addition to tension steel and study the
behaviour of concrete beam.
Theory
At times cross-section of the beam is limited and it can not develop its full compression force. In
such cases reinforcement steel is provided in the compression zone in addition to tension steel,
thus called as doubly reinforced beams. Compression steel reduces long term deflection of beams.
At times minimum steel is provided at top face to place shear stirrups.
Test Procedure
1. Preparation: Make the specimens in accordance with the concrete batch procedure. Test the
concrete for slump and air content. Fill the beam forms with 1” of concrete, tamping it 25 times
with the 16-mm (⅝-inch) tamping rod. Place steel bars and again fill it with concrte, make sure bars
are placed on tension and compression faces both. Concrte may be filled in two further lifts, or fill
the form in one lift and consolidate the concrete with a mechanical vibrating table. Be careful not to
over vibrate since that would cause segregation.
2. Curing: Allow the specimens to remain in the steel forms with the top properly covered for about
24 hours at normal room temperature. Strip the forms and place the specimens in the curing facility
until ready for testing. Cure the specimens at room temperature of 20 -+3Cᵒ.
3. Testing: Remove the specimens from the curing facility and mark the beam where it will be in
contact with the supports and at the opposite side where it will be in contact with the third-point
loading. This should assure proper contact at the load points. However, this should be checked. Use
6.4-mm (¼-inch) thick leather shims, 3 cm (1 inch) long, for the full width of the specimen,
wherever a gap in excess of 0.10 mm (0.004 inches) exists between the loading and support points
and the specimen.
21
Laboratory Manual –Plain & Reinforced Concrete –II NICE
a. Place demec points on the top and bottom fibers of the beam at mid span to measure
compression and tension strain. Attach compressometer-extensometer with these demec points.
Also place a gauge at mid span to measure the deflection of the beam.
b. Apply initially a small load and see the positioning of demec gauges and strain meter.
c. Apply the load continuously and without shock. The load should be applied at constant rate to the
breaking point. Apply the load at a rate of 0.9-1.2 Mpa/min (125-175 psi/min) until rupture occurs.
Data Sheet
Comments
a. Students should draw stress strain curve and load deflection curves.
b. Students should find out moment curvature relationship:
1/R = σ/Ey
c. Students should compare the strength of this beam with already tested singly reinforced
beam
22