NAME: ___________________

ROLL NO: ___________________

SEMESTER: ______________________

A Laboratory Manual for

Building Materials & Concrete Technology

B.Tech- Railway Infrastructure Engineering

GATI SHAKTI VISHWAVIDYALAYA

2023

Page 1 of 66
Introduction

The behavior and properties of structural materials, e.g. concrete, asphalt and steel can be better
understood by detailed, well-designed, firsthand experience with these materials. The students will
become familiar with the nature and properties of these materials by conducting laboratory tests. These
tests have been selected to illustrate the basic properties and methods of testing of cement, aggregates,
paste, mortar, concrete, asphalt and steel. Test procedures, sometimes simplified because of time
limitation, are mostly those outlined by the Indian Standards.
Course Objectives:
1. Providing the students with sufficient information about the principles of production of
concrete material, its constituents, and behaviors.
2. Qualifying the students in controlling the quality of fresh and hardened concrete in both lab and
field.
3. Teaching the students for taking into account the sustainability aspects of producing concrete.
4. To prepare the students to effectively link theory with practice and application and to
demonstrate background of the theoretical aspects.
5. To prepare the students to generate and analyze data using experiments and to apply elements
of data statistics.
6. To prepare the students to have hands on experiments and to have exposure to equipment and
machines.
Student Responsibilities:
1. In the very beginning of the laboratory work, the students will be organized into groups. For
this reason, regular attendance is strictly required.
2. Every laboratory session is divided into two parts. In the first part, the instructor will be
lecturing on the test objective, procedure and data collection. In the second part, the students,
organized in groups, are required to conduct the field work. In order to perform the field work
within the assigned period, and to gain the maximum benefit from the field work, the students
must familiarize themselves with the purpose, objective, and procedure of the experiment
before coming to the laboratory. Relevant lecture notes and laboratory manual should be
studied carefully and thoroughly.
3. At the end of the test, every group should submit a draft sheet of the data collected for approval
by the instructor.
4. It should be understood that laboratory facilities and instruments are provided to enhance the
learning process and to give first-hand experience of surveying.
5. The instruments and tools must be properly cared and cleaned during and after every laboratory
session. Also, students should always take precautions to avoid any possible hazards. Students
must follow laboratory regulations provided at the end of this section.

Laboratory Regulations:
1. Make sure that you know the location of Fire Extinguishers, First Aid Kit and Emergency Exits
before you start your experiments.
2. Get First Aid immediately for any injury, no matter how small it is.
3. Do not wear loose dress.
4. Always use close shoe (i.e. safety or boots).
5. Do not play with valves, screws and nuts.
6. Follow lab in charge/lab technician’s instruction.
7. Do not touch or operate any equipment or machine without permission.

Page 2 of 66
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Mr./Ms._______________________________________________

Roll No.___________________ of B.Tech _____semester Railway Infrastructure Engineering (RIE)

has satisfactory completed the experimental work in the building materials & concrete technology

laboratory during the academic year ____________.

DATE:

AVG MARKS:

SIGN OF FACULTY:

NAME OF FACULTY:

Page 3 of 66
 INDEX
PAGE
SR.NO NAME OF EXPERIMENTS MARKS DATE SIGN
NO.
1 CEMENT 7 TO 25
1.1 Normal consistency of cement 7 TO 10
1.2 Determination of setting time of
standard cement paste 11 TO 14
1.3 Specific gravity of cement 15 TO 16
1.4 Fineness test of cement by sieve
analysis 17 TO 18
1.5 Compressive strength test of hydraulic
cement 19 TO 23
1.6 Soundness of cement 24 TO 25
1.7 Fineness test of cement by Blaine’s air
2 FRESH CONCRETE 26 TO 35
2.1 Slump test 26 TO 28
2.2 Compaction factor test 29 TO 32
2.3 Vee-bee consistometer 33 TO 35
3 HARDENED CONCRETE 36 TO 49
3.1 Determine compressive strength of
cubic concrete specimens 36 TO 39
3.2 Determine flexural strength of
concrete specimens 40 TO 44
3.3 Determine splitting tensile strength of
cylindrical concrete specimens 45 TO 49

4 AGGREGATES 50 TO 72
4.1 Particle size distribution of fine
aggregates 50 TO 52
4.2 Determination of specific gravity of
53 TO 54
fine aggregate
4.3 Flakiness index: 55 TO 57
4.4 Elongation index 58 TO 60
4.5 Angularity number test 61 TO 62
4.6 Aggregate impact value test 63 TO 66
4.7 Aggregate crushing value test 67 TO 69
4.8 Aggregate abrasion value test 70 TO 72
4.9 Tile abrasion test 73 TO 74
4.10 Particle Size Distribution of coarse
Aggregates 74 TO 76

Page 4 of 66
4.11 Determination of specific gravity of
course aggregate
5 NON-DESTRUCTIVE TEST 77 TO 78
5.1 Non-destructive testing of concrete
77 TO 78
rebound hammer test

Page 5 of 66
 Experiment no: 1 . 1

Normal Consistency of Cement

Aim: to determine the quantity of water required to produce a cement paste of standard consistency.
Apparatus:
1. Vicat’s apparatus conforming to IS: 5513-1976
2. Weighing Balance
3. Gauging Trowel
4. Stop Watch.
Reference code:
1. IS: 4031 (Pat 4) – 1988 methods of physical test for hydraulic cement
2. 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 vicat mould. 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 quantityof 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 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 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.

Page 6 of 66
Observation and Calculation:
Type of cement…………………….
Brand of cement………………….
Time of Test……………………….
Room Temperature…………………

Trail No. Weight Percentage by water of Amount of water Penetration (mm)

of cement (g) dryCement (%) added (mL)

Figure 1.1: Vicat’s Apparatus

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

Page 7 of 66
 Experiment no: 1 . 2

Determination of Setting time of Standard Cement paste

Aim: To determine the initial and final setting time of a given sample of cement.
Apparatus:
1. Vicat apparatus conforming to IS: 5513-1976
2. Weighing Balance
3. Glass plate
4. Gauging Trowel
5. Stop Watch
Reference code:
1. IS: 4031 (Pat 4) – 1988 methods of physical test for hydraulic cement
2. IS: 5513-1996 for specification for Vicat’s apparatus.
Theory:
Initial setting time is regarded as the time elapsed between the moments that the water is added to the
cement to the time that the paste starts losing its plasticity. The final setting time is the time elapsed
between the moment the water is added to the cement and the time when the paste has completely lost
its plasticity and has attained sufficient firmness to resist certain definite pressure.
Procedure:
1. Preparation of Test Block: - Prepare a neat 300 gms cement paste by gauging the cement with
0.85 times the water required to give a paste of standard consistency. Potable or distilled water
shall be used in preparing the paste.
2. Start a stop-watch at the instant when water is added to the cement. Fill the Vicat mould with a
cement paste gauged as above and the mould resting on a nonporous plate. Fill the mould
completely and smooth off the surface of the paste making it level with the top of the mould.
3. Immediately after moulding, place the test block in the moist closet or moist room and allow it to
remain there except when determinations of time of setting are being made.
4. Determination of Initial Setting Time: - Place the test block confined in the mould and resting on
the non-porous plate, under the rod bearing the needle lower the needle gently until it comes in
contact with the surface of the test block and quickly release, allowing it to penetrate into the test
block.
5. Repeat this procedure until the needle, when brought in contact with the test block and released
as described above, fails to pierce the block beyond 5.0 ± 0.5 mm measured from the
bottom of the mould shall be the initial setting time.
6. Determination of Final Setting Time: - Replace the needle of the Vicat apparatus by the needle
with an annular attachment.

Page 8 of 66
 7. 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.
8. The period elapsing 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:
Type of cement=…………………….
Brand of cement = ………………….
Weight of given sample of cement is =…………….gm
The normal consistency of a given sample of cement is= ………………. %
Volume of water addend for preparation of test block =……………….ml

Sr No. Setting Time (min) Penetration (mm)

1
2
3
4
5
6

Figure 1.2: Vicat’s Apparatus

Page 9 of 66
Results:

1. The initial setting time of the cement sample is found to be…………. minutes

2. The final setting time of the cement sample is found to be …….…. minutes

Page 10 of 66
 Experiment no: 1.3
Specific Gravity of Cement
Aim: To determine the specific gravity of given sample of cement.
Apparatus:
1. Weighing balance
2. specific gravity bottle (50ml capacity)
3. kerosene
4. funnel
Theory:
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).
Observations:

Description of item Trial 1 Trial 2

Weight of empty bottle(W1 g)
Weight of bottle + Cement ( W2 g)
Weight of bottle + Cement + Kerosene( W3 g)
Weight of bottle + Full Kerosene( W4 g)
Weight of bottle + Full Water( W5 g)

Page 11 of 66
 Figure1.3: Specific Gravity Bottle

Specific gravity of Cement = [(W2 - W1) x (W4 - W1)] / [{(W4 - W1)-(W3-W2)}] x (W5 - W1)

Result:
Specific gravity of given Cement =---------------------------------------

Page 12 of 66
 Experiment no: 1.4

Fineness test of Cement by Sieve Analysis

Aim: To determine the fineness of the cement of the given sample by sieve analysis.
Apparatus:
1. IS: 90μ test sieve
2. bottom pan
3. weighing balance,
4. brush
Reference code:
1. IS 4031 (PART1): 1988
2. IS460 (PART1): 1985
Theory:
The degree of fineness of cement is a measure of the mean size of the grains. The finer cement has
quicker action with water and gains early strength without changein the ultimate strength. Finer cement
is susceptible to shrinkage and cracking.
Procedure:
1. Accurately weigh 100 g of cement sample and place it over the test sieve. Gentlybreakdown 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 thesteps 2 and 3.
5. Totally sieve for 15 minutes and weigh the residue (Left over the sieve).
Observations:
1. Weight of cement taken =...................................
2. Weight of cement retained after sieving =................................
3. Type of cement =.............................
4. Brand of cement=.....................................
5. Room temperature=............................

Page 13 of 66
 Figure1.4: Sieve shaker

Result:

Fineness of the given sample is=………………%

Page 14 of 66
 Experiment no: 1.5
Compressive Strength Test of Hydraulic Cement
Aim: To determine the compressive strength of standard cement mortar cubes.
Apparatus:
1. Vibration Machine
2. Poking Rod
3. Cube Mould size conforming to IS: 10080-1982
4. Weighing Balance
5. Trowel
6. Stop Watch
7. Graduated Glass Cylinders
Reference:
1. IS: 4031 (Pat 6) – 1988
Theory:
The compressive strength of cement mortars is determined in order to verify whether the cement
conforms to IS specifications and whether it will be able to develop the required compressive strength
of concrete. The average compressive strength of at least three mortar cubes (area of the face 50 cm2)
composed of one part of cement and three parts of standard stand should satisfy IS code specifications.
The compressive strength of cement mortars is determined in order to verify whether the cement
conforms to IS specifications and whether it will be able to develop the required compressive strength
of concrete. The average compressive strength of at least three mortar cubes (area of the face 50 cm2)
composed of one part of cement and three parts of standard stand should satisfy IS code specifications.
Procedure:
1. Preparation of test specimens: Clean appliances shall be used for mixing and the temperature of
water and that of the test room at the time when the above operations are being performed shall be
27 ± 2°C.distilled water shall be used in preparing the cubes.
2. The material for each cube shall be mixed separately and the quantity of cement, standard sand
and water shall be as follows: Cement 200 g and Standard Sand 600 g.
3. Water (P/4+0.3) percent of combined mass of cement and sand, where P is the percentage of water
required to produce a paste of standard consistency.
4. Place on a nonporous plate, a mixture of cement and standard sand. Mix it dry with a trowel for
one Minute and then with water until the mixture is of uniform color. The quantity of water to be
used shall be as specified in step 2. The time of mixing shall in any event be not less than 3 min
and should the time taken to obtain a uniform color exceed 4 min, the mixture shall be rejected
and the operation repeated with a fresh quantity of cement, sand and water.
5. Moulding Specimens: In assembling the moulds ready for use, treat the interior faces of the mould
Page 15 of 66
 with a thin coating of mould oil.
6. Place the assembled mould on the table of the vibration machine and hold it firmly in position by
means of a suitable clamp. Attach a hopper of suitable size and shape securely at the top of the
mould to facilitate filling and this hopper shall not be removed until the completion of the
vibration period.
7. Immediately after mixing the mortar in accordance with step 1 & 2, place the mortar in the cube
mould and prod with the rod. Place the mortar in the hopper of the cube mould and prod again as
specified for the first layer and then compact the mortar by vibration.
8. The period of vibration shall be two minutes at the specified speed of 12 000 ± 400 vibration per
minute.
9. At the end of vibration, remove the mould together with the base plate from the machine and
finish the top surface of the cube in the mould by smoothing the surface with the blade of a trowel.
10. Curing Specimens: - keep the filled moulds in moist closet or moist room for 24 ± 1 hour after
completion of vibration. At the end of that period, remove them from the moulds, immediately
submerge in clean fresh water, and keep there until taken out just prior to breaking.
11. The water in which the cubes are submerged shall be renewed every 7 days and shall be
maintained at a temperature of 27 ± 2°C. After they have been taken out and until they are broken,
the cubes shall not be allowed to become dry.
12. Test three cubes for compressive strength for each period of curing mentioned under the relevant
Specifications (i.e. 3 days, 7 days, 28 days)
13. The cubes shall be tested on their sides without any packing between the cube and the steel
platens of the testing machine. One of the platens shall be carried on a base and shall be self-
adjusting, and the load shall be steadily and uniformly applied, starting from zero at a rate of 35
N/mm2/min.
14. Preparation of test specimens: Clean appliances shall be used for mixing and the temperature of
water and that of the test room at the time when the above operations are being performed shall be
27 ± 2°C.distilled water shall be used in preparing the cubes.
15. The material for each cube shall be mixed separately and the quantity of cement, standard sand
and water shall be as follows: Cement 200 g and Standard Sand 600 g
16. Water (P/4+0.3) percent of combined mass of cement and sand, where P is the percentage of water
required to produce a paste of standard consistency.

Page 16 of 66
17. Place on a nonporous plate, a mixture of cement and standard sand. Mix it dry with a trowel for
one Minute and then with water until the mixture is of uniform color. The quantity of water to be
used shall be as specified in step 2. The time of mixing shall in any event be not less than 3 min
and should the time taken to obtain a uniform color exceed 4 min, the mixture shall be rejected
and the operation repeated with a fresh quantity of cement, sand and water.
18. Moulding Specimens: In assembling the moulds ready for use, treat the interior faces of the mould
with a thin coating of mould oil.
19. Place the assembled mould on the table of the vibration machine and hold it firmly in position by
means of a suitable clamp. Attach a hopper of suitable size and shape securely at the top of the
mould to facilitate filling and this hopper shall not be removed until the completion of the
vibration period.
20. Immediately after mixing the mortar in accordance with step 1 & 2, place the mortar in the cube
mould and prod with the rod. Place the mortar in the hopper of the cube mould and prod again as
specified for the first layer and then compact the mortar by vibration.
21. The period of vibration shall be two minutes at the specified speed of 12 000 ± 400 vibration per
minute.
22. At the end of vibration, remove the mould together with the base plate from the machine and
finish the top surface of the cube in the mould by smoothing the surface with the blade of a trowel.
23. Curing Specimens: - keep the filled moulds in moist closet or moist room for 24 ± 1 hour after
completion of vibration. At the end of that period, remove them from the moulds, immediately
submerge in clean fresh water, and keep there until taken out just prior to breaking.
24. The water in which the cubes are submerged shall be renewed every 7 days and shall be
maintained at a temperature of 27 ± 2°C. After they have been taken out and until they are broken,
the cubes shall not be allowed to become dry.
25. Test three cubes for compressive strength for each period of curing mentioned under the relevant
Specifications (i.e. 3 days, 7 days, 28 days)
26. The cubes shall be tested on their sides without any packing between the cube and the steel
platens of the testing machine. One of the platens shall be carried on a base and shall be self-
adjusting, and the load shall be steadily and uniformly applied, starting from zero at a rate of 35
N/mm2/min.

Page 17 of 66
Observations:
Type of cement=...........................
Brand of cement=........................
Date of casting=.............................

Trail Age of Dimensions Of the Weight of Cross- Crushing Average

No Cube specimen Cement Sectional Load (N) Compressive
(mm) Cube (g) area(mm2) strength(MPa)
L B H
mm mm mm
1
2
3
4

Figure 1.5: Compression Testing Machine

Results:
The average compressive strength of the given cement
1. 3 days…………. N/mm2
2. 28 days…………N/mm2
Page 18 of 66
 Experiment no: 1.6
Soundness Test of Cement
Aim: To determine the soundness of the given sample of cement by: Le-Chatlier’s Method.
Apparatus:
1. Le-chatlier’s apparatus
2. Weighing Balance
3. Water bath
4. Measuring cylinder
Reference code:
1. IS : 4031 ( Pat 3 ) – 1988 methods of physical test of hydraulic cement Part-3 determination of
soundness
Theory:
Once of the most important properties of cement is its soundness. Unsoundness in cement is caused by
expansion of some of the constituents like free lime produced in the manufacturing process of cement.
Another possible case of unsoundness is the presence of too high a magnesia content in the cement and
presence of excess of lime than that could be combined with acidic oxide at kiln.
Procedure:
1. Prepare a cement paste formed by gauging cement with 0.78 times water rag to give a paste of
standard consistency. The gauging time should not be less than 3 minutes nor greater than 5 min
on the inner surface of mould. Place the mould on glass sheet & fill it with cement paste taking
care to keep the edges of the mould gently together cover the mould with another piece of glass
sheet & place a small weight on this Covering glass sheet & immediately submerge the whole
assembly in water at a temp of 27 oC& keep it for 24 hrs.
2. Take out the assembly from water after 24 hrs measure the distance flow the indicator points &
record its.
3. Submerge the mould again in water in 25 to 30 minutes.
4. Remove the mould from the water. Allow it to cool & measure the distance the indicator points &
record it. The difference b/w two measurements represent the same expansion of cement.
5. The sample should be tested & average of the results should be reported.
Observation:
Type of Cement Tested

Initial Length Of The Specimen L1

Final Length Of The Specimen L2

Expansion Of The Specimen (L1- L2 )

Page 19 of 66
 Figure 1.6: Soundness Testing Apparatus

Result:
Soundness of cement =………………………………………….

Page 20 of 66
 Experiment no: 1.7
Fineness Test of Cement by Blaine’s Air Permeability Method
Aim: To determine the fineness or surface area per gram of the cement.
Apparatus:
1. Blaine air permeability apparatus
2. Balance
3. Timer
Reference code: IS: 5516
Theory:
Fineness of cement affects hydration rate hence the rate of strength gains. The smaller the particle size,
the greater the surface area-to-volume ratio, and thus, the more area available for water-cement
interaction per unit volume. Therefore, finer cement reacts faster with water and the rate of
development of strength and corresponding heat of hydration is high.
Fineness test is used to check the proper grinding of cement and measures the surface area of the
cement particles per unit mass.
Procedure:
1. Put a filter paper into the cell then weight 2.84g of cement sample into it.
2. Put another filter paper on it and compress with the plunger.
3. Attach the cell on top of the U-tube manometer.
4. Evacuate the air in the manometer through the side tube using the aspirator bulb until the oil
reaches level 1.
5. Close the side valve and monitor the oil as it starts to fall.
6. Using a stop watch, measure the time taken for the oil to fall from level 2 to level 3.

Figure 1.7: Blaine air permeability apparatus

Page 21 of 66
Blaine =k√t

Where k is 523.0547

Example: when t is obtained a 29 sec

S=523.0547√29
S=2817 cm²/gm

Result: ………………………….

Page 22 of 66
 Experiment no: 2.1
Slump Test
Aim: To determine the workability or consistency of concrete mix of given proportion by slump test.
Apparatus:
1. pan to mix concrete
2. weighing balance
3. trowel
4. cone
5. steel scale
6. tamping rod
7. mixing tray
Reference code:
1. IS: 456-2000, code for plain and reinforced concrete
2. 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 color 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.

Page 23 of 66
Observations:
Type of cement=……………….
Brand of cement=……………….
Density of concrete=...............

Proportion SLUMP
Trail In mm
w/c W C FA CA
No Remarks
liter kg kg kg
1
2
3
4

Figure 2.1: Different Types of Slump & Slump cone apparatus

Result:
The slump of concrete=………………….mm

Page 24 of 66
 Experiment no: 2.2
Compaction Factor Test
Aim: To determine the workability of freshly mixed concrete by the of Compacting Factor Test.
Apparatus:
1. Compaction factor apparatus
2. Weighing balance
3. tamping rod Trowel
4. Scoop about 150 mm long
5. Tamper (16 mm in diameter and 600 mm length)
6. Ruler
7. Tools and containers for mixing or concrete mixer etc.
Reference code:
1. IS; 1199-1959 methods of sampling and analysis of concrete
2. IS:5515-1983 Specification for compressive factor apparatus
Theory:
The compaction factor is defined as the ratio of the weight of partially compacted concrete to the
weight of fully compacted concrete. The compacting factor test is designed primarily for use in the
laboratory but it can also be used in the field. It is more precise and sensitive than the slump test and is
particularly useful for concrete mixes of very low workability as are normally used when concrete is to
be compacted by vibration.
Procedure:
1. Grease the inner surface of the hoppers and the cylinder and fasten the hopper doors.
2. Weigh the empty cylinder accurately (W1 Kg) and Fix the cylinder on the base with nuts and
bolts.
3. Mix coarse and fine aggregates and cement dry until the mixture is uniform in color and then with
water until concrete appears to be homogeneous.
4. Fill the freshly mixed concrete in upper hopper gently with trowel without compacting.
5. Release the trap door of the upper hopper and allow the concrete of fall into the lower hopper
bringing the concrete into standard compaction.
6. Immediately after the concrete comes to rest, open the trap door of the lower hopper and allow the
concrete to fall into the cylinder, bringing the concrete into standard compaction.
7. Remove the excess concrete above the top of the cylinder by a trowel.
8. Find the weight of cylinder i.e. cylinder filled with partially compacted concrete (W2 kg)
9. Refill the cylinder with same sample of concrete in approx. 4 layers, tamping each layer with
tamping for 25 times in order to obtain full compaction of concrete.
10. Level the mix and weigh the cylinder filled with fully compacted concrete (W3 Kg).
Page 25 of 66
11. Repeat the procedure for different for different a trowel.
Observations and Calculations:
Weight of cylinder W1 = Kg

Trail Quantity of material Mass of cylinder Mass of cylinder Compaction

no w/c W C FA CA with partially withfully Factor
liter kg kg kg compaction compaction
W2 (Kg) W3 (Kg)

Figure 2.2: Compaction factor apparatus

Result:
Compaction Factor= (W2-W1) / (W3-W1)
=……………………..

Page 26 of 66
 Experiment no: 2.3
Vee-Bee Consistometer
Aim: To measure the workability of concrete by Vee-Bee Consistometer.
Apparatus:
1. Vee-Bee consistometer test apparatus
2. Stopwatch
3. Standard iron rod
4. Weighing device
5. Tamper (16 mm in diameter and 600 mm length)
6. Tools and containers for mixing
Reference code:
1. IS: 1199-1959 method of sampling and analysis of concrete
2. IS: 456-2000 code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete
3. IS: 10510:1983 specification for Vee-Bee consistometer
Theory:
The Vee-Bee consistometer (measures the remoulding ability of concrete under vibration. The test
results reflect the amount of energy required to remould a quantity of concrete under given vibration
conditions. The Vee bee consistometer is applicable to concrete with slumps less than 5cm.
Procedure:
1. Slump test as described earlier is performed, placing the slump cone inside the sheet metal
cylindrical pot of the consistometer.
2. The glass disc attached to the swivel arm is turned and placed on the top of the concrete in the pot.
The electrical vibrator is then switched on and simultaneously a stop watch started.
3. The vibration is continued till such a time as the conical shape of the concrete disappears and the
concrete assumes a cylindrical shape. This can be judged by observing the glass disc from the top
for disappearance of transparency.
4. Immediately when the concrete fully assumes a cylindrical shape, the stop watch is switched off.
The time required for the shape of concrete to change from slump cone shape to cylindrical shape
in seconds is known as Vee Bee Degree.
5. This method is very suitable for very dry concrete whose slump value cannot be measured by
Slump Test, but the vibration is too vigorous for concrete with a slump greater than about 50 mm.

Page 27 of 66
Observations:
Type of cement=……………….
Brand of cement=……………….

Quantity of material
Slump mm The Vee Bee
W C FA CA
Trail no Degree of Remark
w/c liter kg kg kg
concrete in sec
1
2
3 `

Figure 2.3: Vee-Bee consistometer test apparatus

Results:
The VEE-BEE Degree for 0.5 W/C =……………. Sec

Page 28 of 66
 Experiment no: 3.1

Determine Compressive Strength of Cubic Concrete Specimens

Aim: To determine the compressive strength of cubic concrete specimens.

Apparatus:

1. Testing Machine: The testing machine may be of any reliable type, of sufficient capacity for
the tests and capable of applying the load at the rate specified in 5.5. The permissible error
shall be not greater than ± 2 percent of the maximum load.
2. Cube Moulds: The mould shall be of 150 mm size conforming to IS: 10086-1982. Cylinders:
The cylindrical mould shall be of 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height conforming to IS:
10086-1982.
3. Weights and weighing device, Tools and containers for mixing, Tamper (square in cross
section) etc.

Reference codes:

1. IS: 516 - 1959

2. IS: 1199-1959
3. SP: 23-1982
4. IS: 10086-1982

Theory:

Age at Test - Tests shall be made at recognized ages of the test specimens, the most usual being 7 and
28 days. Where it may be necessary to obtain the early strengths, tests may be made at the ages of 24
hours ± ½ hour and 72 hours ± 2 hours. The ages shall be calculated from the time of the addition of
water to the dry ingredients.

Number of Specimens - At least three specimens, preferably from different batches, shall be made for
testing at each selected age.

Page 29 of 66
Procedure:

1. Sampling of Materials - Samples of aggregates for each batch of concrete shall be of the desired
grading and shall be in an air-dried condition. The cement samples, on arrival at the laboratory,
shall be thoroughly mixed dry either by hand or in a suitable mixer in such a manner as to ensure
the greatest possible blending and uniformity in the material.
2. Proportioning - The proportions of the materials, including water, in concrete mixes used for
determining the suitability of the materials available, shall be similar in all respects to those to be
employed in the work.
3. Weighing - The quantities of cement, each size of aggregate, and water for each batch shall be
determined by weight, to an accuracy of 0.1 percent of the total weight of the batch.
4. Mixing Concrete - The concrete shall be mixed by hand, or preferably, in a laboratory batch
mixer, in such a manner as to avoid loss of water or other materials. Each batch of concrete shall
be of such a size as to leave about 10 percent excess after moulding the desired number of test
specimens.
5. Mould - Test specimens cubical in shape shall be 15 × 15 × 15 cm. If the largest nominal size of
the aggregate does not exceed 2 cm, 10 cm cubes may be used as an alternative. Cylindrical test
specimens shall have a length equal to twice the diameter.
6. Compacting - The test specimens shall be made as soon as practicable after mixing, and in such a
way as to produce full compaction of the concrete with neither segregation nor excessive laitance.
7. Curing - The test specimens shall be stored in a place, free from vibration, in moist air of at least
90 percent relative humidity and at a temperature of 27° ± 2°C for 24 hours ± ½ hour from the
time of addition of water to the dry ingredients.
8. Placing the Specimen in the Testing Machine - The bearing surfaces of the testing machine
shall be wiped clean and any loose sand or other material removed from the surfaces of the
specimen which are to be in contact with the compression platens. In the case of cubes, the
specimen shall be placed in the machine in such a manner that the load shall be applied to opposite
sides of the cubes as cast, that is, not to the top and bottom. The axis of the specimen shall be
carefully aligned with the center of thrust of the spherically seated platen. No packing shall be
used between the faces of the test specimen and the steel platen of the testing machine. The load
shall be applied without shock and increased continuously at a rate of approximately 140 kg/sq
cm/min until the resistance of the specimen to the increasing load breaks down and no greater load
can be sustained. The maximum load applied to the specimen shall then be recorded and the
appearance of the concrete and any unusual features in the type of failure shall be noted.

Page 30 of 66
Observation:

Data for the calculating of the mix proportion

Sr. Description Value
No.
1 Compressive strength at 28 days
2 Slump
3 Type of cement
4 Specific gravity of cement
5 Type of sand
6 Specific gravity of sand
7 Fineness modulus
8 Type of coarse aggregate

Calculations of Mix Proportion

Mix proportion of For one cubic meter of For one batch of mixing
concrete concrete
Coarse aggregate (kg)
Fine aggregate (kg)
Cement (kg)
Water (kg)
S/A
w/c
Admixture

Sr. Age of Weight of Cross- Load (N) Compressive Average

No. Cube Cement Sectional strength Compressive
Cube (g) area (mm2) (N/mm2) strength (MPa)
1
2 7 Days
3
4
5 28 Days `
6

Page 31 of 66
Results:
1. The average 7 Days Compressive Strength of concrete sample is found to be ……….
2. The average 28 Days Compressive Strength of concrete sample is found to be ……...

Page 32 of 66
 Experiment no: 3.2
Determine Flexural Strength of Concrete Specimens
Aim: To determine the flexural strength of moulded concrete flexure test specimens
Apparatus:

1. Testing Machine - The testing machine may be of any reliable type, of sufficient capacity for
the tests and capable of applying the load at the rate specified in 5.5. The permissible error
shall be not greater than ± 2 percent of the maximum load.
2. Beam Moulds - The beam moulds shall conform to IS: 10086-1982. The standard size shall be
15 × 15 × 70 cm. Alternatively, if the largest nominal size of the aggregate does not exceed 19
mm, specimens 10 × 10 × 50 cm may be used.
3. Weights and weighing device, Tools and containers for mixing, Tamper (square in cross
section) etc.
Reference codes:
1. IS: 516 – 1959
2. IS: 1199-1959
3. SP: 23-1982
4. IS: 10086-1982

Theory:
Age at Test - Tests shall be made at recognized ages of the test specimens, the most usual being 7 and
28 days. Where it may be necessary to obtain the early strengths, tests may be made at the ages of 24
hours ± ½ hour and 72 hours ± 2 hours. The ages shall be calculated from the time of the addition of
water to the dry ingredients.
Number of Specimens - At least three specimens, preferably from different batches, shall be made
for testing at each selected age.
APPARATUS:
Testing Machine - The testing machine may be of any reliable type, of sufficient capacity for the tests
and capable of applying the load at the rate specified in 5.5. The permissible error shall be not greater
than ± 2 percent of the maximum load.
Beam Moulds - The beam moulds shall conform to IS: 10086-1982. The standard size shall be 15 ×
15 × 70 cm. Alternatively, if the largest nominal size of the aggregate does not exceed 19 mm,
specimens 10 × 10 × 50 cm may be used.
Weights and weighing device, Tools and containers for mixing, Tamper (square in cross section) etc.

Page 33 of 66
Procedure:
1. Sampling of Materials - Samples of aggregates for each batch of concrete shall be of the desired
grading and shall be in an air-dried condition. The cement samples, on arrival at the laboratory,
shall be thoroughly mixed dry either by hand or in a suitable mixer in such a manner as to ensure
the greatest possible blending and uniformity in the material.
2. Proportioning - The proportions of the materials, including water, in concrete mixes used for
determining the suitability of the materials available, shall be similar in all respects to those to be
employed in the work.
3. Weighing - The quantities of cement, each size of aggregate, and water for each batch shall be
determined by weight, to an accuracy of 0.1 percent of the total weightof the batch.
4. Mixing Concrete - The concrete shall be mixed by hand, or preferably, in a laboratory batch
mixer, in such a manner as to avoid loss of water or other materials. Each batch of concrete shall
be of such a size as to leave about 10 percent excess after moulding the desired number of test
specimens.
5. Mould - The standard size shall be 15 × 15 × 70 cm. Alternatively, if the largest nominal size of
the aggregate does not exceed 19 mm, specimens 10 × 10 × 50 cm may be used.
6. Compacting - The test specimens shall be made as soon as practicable after mixing, and in such a
way as to produce full compaction of the concrete with neither segregation nor excessive laitance.
7. Curing - The test specimens shall be stored in a place, free from vibration, in moist air of at least
90 percent relative humidity and at a temperature of 27° ± 2°C for 24 hours ± ½ hour from the
time of addition of water to the dry ingredients.
8. Placing the Specimen in the Testing Machine - The bearing surfaces of the supporting and
loading rollers shall be wiped clean, and any loose sand or other material removed from the
surfaces of the specimen where they are to make contact with the rollers.
The specimen shall then be placed in the machine in such a manner that the load shall be applied
to the uppermost surface as cast in the mould, along two lines spaced 20.0 or 13.3 cm apart.
The axis of the specimen shall be carefully aligned with the axis of the loading device. No packing
shall be used between the bearing surfaces of the specimen and the rollers.
The load shall be applied without shock and increasing continuously at a rate such that the
extreme fiber stress increases at approximately 7 kg/sq cm/min, that is, at a rate of loading of 400
kg/min for the 15.0 cm specimens and at a rate of 180 kg/min for the 10.0 cm specimens.
The load shall be increased until the specimen fails, and the maximum load applied to the
specimen during the test shall be recorded. The appearance of the fractured faces of concrete and
any unusual features in the type of failure shall be noted.

Page 34 of 66
 Figure 3.2: Flexural strength test of moulded concrete flexure test specimens

Observation:
Calculations of Mix Proportion
Mix proportion of For 1 cubic meter of For one batch of mixing
concrete concrete
Coarse aggregate (kg)
Fine aggregate (kg)
Cement (kg)
Water (kg)
S/A
w/c
Admixture

Size of Span Max. Position of Modulus of

Sr. Age of Identification Specimen Length Load (N) Fracture Rupture
No. Specimen Mark (mm) (mm) ‘a’ (mm) (MPa)
1
2 7 Days
3
4
5 28 Days `
6

Page 35 of 66
Calculation:
The flexural strength of the specimen shall be expressed as the modulus of rupture fb, which, if ‘a’
equals the distance between the line of fracture and the nearer support, measured on the center line of
the tensile side of the specimen, in cm, shall be calculated to the nearest 0.5 kg/sq. cm as follows:

when ‘a’ is greater than 20.0 cm for 15.0 cm specimen, or greater than 13.3 cm for a 10.0 cm
specimen, or

when ‘a’ is less than 20.0 cm but greater than 17.0 cm for 15.0 cm specimen, or less than 13.3 cm
but greater than 11.0 cm for a 10.0 cm specimen where, b = measured width in cm of the specimen, d =
measured depth in cm of the specimen at the point of failure = length in cm of the span on which the
specimen was supported, andp = maximum load in kg applied to the specimen.

Results:
The average 7 Days Modulus of Rupture of concrete sample is found to be …. …..
The average 28 Days Modulus of Rupture of concrete sample is found to be …. …..

Page 36 of 66
 Experiment no: 3.3
Determine Splitting Tensile Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
Aim: To determine the splitting tensile strength of cylindrical concrete specimens.
Apparatus:
1. Testing Machine - The testing machine may be of any reliable type, of sufficient capacity for
the tests and capable of applying the load at the rate specified in 5.5. The permissible error
shall be not greater than ± 2 percent of the maximum load.
2. Cylinders -The cylindrical mould shall be of 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height conforming
to IS: 10086-1982.
3. Weights and weighing device, Tools and containers for mixing, Tamper (square in cross
section) etc.
Reference codes:
IS: 516 – 1959
IS: 1199-1959
SP: 23-1982
IS: 10086-1982
Theory:
Age at Test - Tests shall be made at recognized ages of the test specimens, the most usual being 7 and
28 days. Where it may be necessary to obtain the early strengths, tests may be made at the ages of 24
hours ± ½ hour and 72 hours ± 2 hours. The ages shall be calculated from the time of the addition of
water to the dry ingredients.
Number of Specimens - At least three specimens, preferably from different batches, shall be made
for testing at each selected age.
Procedure:
1. Sampling of Materials - Samples of aggregates for each batch of concrete shall be of the desired
grading and shall be in an air-dried condition. The cement samples, on arrival at the laboratory,
shall be thoroughly mixed dry either by hand or in a suitable mixer in such a manner as to ensure
the greatest possible blending and uniformity in the material.
2. Proportioning - The proportions of the materials, including water, in concrete mixes used for
determining the suitability of the materials available, shall be similar in all respects to those to be
employed in the work.
3. Weighing - The quantities of cement, each size of aggregate, and water for each batch shall be
determined by weight, to an accuracy of 0.1 percent of the total weight of the batch.
4. Mixing Concrete - The concrete shall be mixed by hand, or preferably, in a laboratory batch
mixer, in such a manner as to avoid loss of water or other materials. Each batch of concrete shall
be of such a size as to leave about 10 percent excess after moulding the desired number of test
Page 37 of 66
 specimens.
5. Mould - The cylindrical mould shall be of 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height conforming to IS:
10086-1982.
6. Compacting - The test specimens shall be made as soon as practicable after mixing, and in such a
way as to produce full compaction of the concrete with neither segregation nor excessive laitance.
7. Curing - The test specimens shall be stored in a place, free from vibration, in moist air of at least
90 percent relative humidity and at a temperature of 27° ± 2°C for 24 hours ± ½ hour from the time
of addition of water to the dry ingredients.
8. Placing the Specimen in the Testing Machine - The bearing surfaces of the supporting and
loading rollers shall be wiped clean, and any loose sand or other material removed from the
surfaces of the specimen where they are to make contact with the rollers.
Two bearings strip of nominal (1/8 in i.e 3.175mm) thick plywood, free of imperfections,
approximately (25mm) wide, and of length equal to or slightly longer than that of the specimen
should be provided for each specimen.
The bearing strips are placed between the specimen and both upper and lower bearing blocks of the
testing machine or between the specimen and the supplemental bars or plates.
Draw diametric lines each end of the specimen using a suitable device that will ensure that they are
in the same axial plane. Center one of the plywood strips along the center of the lower bearing
block.
Place the specimen on the plywood strip and align so that the lines marked on the ends of the
specimen are vertical and centered over the plywood strip.
Place a second plywood strip lengthwise on the cylinder, centered on the lines markedon the ends of
the cylinder. Apply the load continuously and without shock, at a constant rate within, the range of
689 to 1380 kPa/min splitting tensile stress until failure of the specimen. Record the maximum
applied load indicated by the testing machine at failure. Note the type of failure and appearance of
fracture.

Page 38 of 66
Figure 3.3-1: Loading Arrangement for Determining Split Tensile Strength

Figure 3.3-2: Cylinder in compression machine

Page 39 of 66
Observations:
Calculations of Mix Proportion
Mix proportion of concrete For 1 cubic meter of concrete For one batch of mixing
Coarse aggregate (kg)
Fine aggregate (kg)
Cement (kg)
Water (kg)
S/A
w/c
Admixture

Dia of Tensile Average

Sr. Age of Identification Specimen Depth Maximum Strength Tensile
No. Specimen Mark (mm) (mm) Load (N) (MPa) Strength
(MPa)
1
2 7 Days
3
4
5 28 Days `
6

Calculation:
Calculate the splitting tensile strength of the specimen as follows:

Where
T: splitting tensile strength, KPa
P: maximum applied load indicated by testing machine, kNL: Length, m
d: diameter
Conclusion:
The average 7 Days Tensile Strength of concrete sample is found to be ….…..
The average 28 Days Tensile Strength of concrete sample is found to be ….…..

Page 40 of 66
 Experiment no: 4.1
Particle Size Distribution of Fine aggregates
Aim: To determine fineness modulus of fine aggregate and classifications based on IS: 383-1970
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.
Reference codes:
IS 2386 (Part I) – 1963
IS: 383-1970
IS: 460-1962
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 couldbe 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 anymaterial cleaned
from the mesh, shall be weighed.

Page 41 of 66
Observation:

Weight Percentage ofPercentage of Cumulative

I S Sieve Retained on Weight Weight Passing Percentage of Remark
Sieve (g) Retained (%) (%) 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
an arbitrary number 100.

fineness modulus of aggregate = (cumulative % retained) / 100

Result:

Fineness modulus of a given sample of fine aggregate is ……. that indicate Coarse sand/ Medium
sand/Fine sand.

The given sample of fine aggregate is belonging to Grading Zones I / II / III / IV

Page 42 of 66
 Experiment no: 4.2
Determination of Specific Gravity offine Aggregate
Aim: To determine specific gravity of a given sample of fine aggregate.
Apparatus:
1. Pycnometer bottle
2. Taping rod
3. Funnel
Procedure:
1. Take the empty pycnometer (w1) gms.
2. Take a sample of fine aggregate for which specific gravity is to be find out, transfer that to the
pycnometer, and weight (w2).
3. Pour distilled water into pycnometer.
4. Eliminate the entrapped air by rotating the pycnometer.
5. Wipe out the outer surface of pycnometer and weight it (w3).
6. Transfer the aggregate of the pycnometer into a try care being taken to ensure that all the
aggregate is transferred.
7. Refill the pycnometer with distilled water up to the mark and it should be completely dry from
outside and take the weight w4.
Observation and Calculations:

Trail No Weight of Weight of empty bottle + Weight of empty Weight of empty

empty bottle Fine aggregate (W2) g bottle + water + Fine bottle + water (W4)
(W1) g aggregate (W3) g g

1
2

Page 43 of 66
 Figure 4.2: Pycnometer bottle

Result:
The Specific Gravity of a given sample of fine aggregate is =

Page 44 of 66
 Experiment no: 4.3

Shape Test Flakiness Index

Aim: To determine the flakiness index of the coarse aggregate.
Apparatus:
1. metal gauge
2. Weighing Balance
3. Gauging Trowel
4. Sieves.
Reference:
IS: 2386 (Part I) – 1963 Method of tst for aggregates for concrete
IS: 383-1970 specification for coarse and fine aggregate from natural source for concrete

Theory:
The flakiness index of an aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles in it whose least dimension
(thickness) is less than three-fifths of their mean dimension. Particle shape and surface texture
influence the properties of freshly mixed concrete more than the properties of hardened concrete.
Rough-textured, angular, and elongated particles require more water to produce workable concrete
than smooth, rounded compact aggregate. Consequently, the cement content must also be increased to
maintain the water-cement ratio. Generally, flat and elongated particles are avoided or are limited to
about 15 % by weight of the total aggregate.

Procedure:
1. A quantity of aggregate shall be taken sufficient to provide the minimum number of 200 pieces of
any fraction to be tested.
2. The sample shall be sieved with sieves specified in Table.
3. Then each fraction shall be gauged in turn for thickness on a metal gauge of the pattern shown in
Fig or in bulk on sieves having elongated slots. The width of the slot used in the gauge or sieve
shall be of the dimensions specified in column 3 of Table for the appropriate size of material.
4. The total amount passing the gauge shall be weighed to an accuracy of at least 0.1 percent of the
weight of the test sample.

Observation and Calculations:

Where, w is the weights of material passing the various thickness gauges and W is the totalweights of
aggregate passing and retained on the specified sieves.
Page 45 of 66
Dimensions of Thickness:
Size of Aggregate (mm) Weight Thickness Gauge (mm) Weight
Passing Retained on Retained on Of flaky particles W g
through IS sieve Thickness
IS sieve Gauge
63 50 33.90
50 40 27.00
40 31.5 21.50
31.5 25 16.95
25 20 13.50
20 16 10.80
16 12.5 8.55
12.5 10 6.75
10 6.3 4.89

Figure 4.3: flakiness index apparatus

Result:

Flakiness index=........................................

Page 46 of 66
 Experiment no: 4.4
Elongation Index
Aim: To determine the elongation index of the coarse aggregate.
Apparatus:
1. metal gauge
2. weighing Balance
3. Gauging Trowel
4. Sieves.
Reference code:
IS: 2386 (Part I) – 1963 Method of tst for aggregates for concrete
IS: 383-1970 specification for coarse and fine aggregate from natural source for concrete
Theory:
The elongation index of an aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles in it whose greatest
dimension (thickness) is greater than one and four-fifths of their mean dimension. The test is not
applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3mm.
Procedure:
1. A quantity of aggregate shall be taken sufficient to provide the minimum number of 200 pieces of
any fraction to be tested.
2. The sample shall be sieved with sieves specified in Table.
3. Each fraction shall be gauged in turn for length on a metal gauge of the pattern shown in Fig. The
gauge length used shall be of the dimensions specified in column 4 of Table for the appropriate
size of material.
4. The total amount of aggregate retained by the length gauge shall be weighed to an accuracy of at
least 0.1 percent of the weight of the test sample.
Observation and Calculations:
Elongation index=100 x (x/W) %
Where, x is the weight of materials retained on specified gauges and W is the total weights of
aggregate passing and retained on the specified sieves.

Page 47 of 66
 Figure 4.4: Length Gauge apparatus
Dimensions of Length gauge:
Size of Aggregate (mm) Weight Length Gauge
Passing through Retained on IS Retained on (mm) Weight of
IS sieve Length Gauge elongation
sieve particles X g
63 50 -
50 40 81.0
40 31.5 58.5
31.5 25 -
25 20 40.5
20 16 32.4
16 12.5 25.5
12.5 10 20.2
10 6.3 14.7

Result:
Elongation Particles__________%

Page 48 of 66
 Experiment no: 4.5
Angularity Number Test
Aim: To determine the angularity number of coarse aggregate.
Apparatus:
1. Metal cylinder
2. Tamping rod
3. Balance
4. Metal scoop
Reference code:
IS: 2386 (Part I) – 1963 Method of test for aggregates for concrete
IS: 383-1970 specification for coarse and fine aggregate from natural source for concrete
Theory:
Angularity test helps us to determine the angularity of the coarse aggregate. Higher the angularity
number better is the interlocking of the aggregate.
First the metal mould calibrated by filling it with water and determining the weight of water in it. Then
the mould is filled with clean dried aggregates in three layers. The weight of aggregate in the mould is
recorded. Determine the specific gravity of the aggregate. Finally, the angularity number of aggregate
is calculated.
Procedure:
1. The aggregate is compacted in three layers, each layer being given 100 blows using the standard
tamping rod at a rate of 2 blows/second by lifting the rod 5 cm above the surface of the aggregate
and then allowing it to fall freely.
2. The blows are uniformly distributed over the surface of the aggregate.
3. After compacting the third layer, the cylinder is filled to overflowing and excess material is
removed off with temping rod as a straight edge.
4. The aggregate (water) with cylinder is then weighed. Three separate determinations are made and
mean weight of the aggregate in the cylinder is calculated.

Page 49 of 66
Observation and Calculation:

Trail No Volume of metal Volume of water required to fill Percentage of voids

measures V1(ml) the metal measures containing (V2/ V1)x100
aggregate
V2 (ml)
1
2
3

Angularity number = V-33=...................

Result:
Aggregate angularity number=………………………………….

Page 50 of 66
 Experiment no: 4.6
Aggregate Impact Value Test
Aim: To determine the aggregate impact value of given aggregates
Apparatus:
1. Impact testing machine
2. Cylinder
3. Tamping rod
4. IS Sieve
5. 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 forconcrete
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 tamped25 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 nearingMto6. 0.01gm
6. The aggregates from the cylindrical measure are carefully transferred into the cup
7. Which is firmly fixed in position on the base plate of machine? Then it is tamped 25times.
8. 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
Page 51 of 66
10. % 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 sieveW2 (g)
Aggregate impact = (W2/W1) X 100 %

Figure 4.6: Aggregate Impact Test Machine

Result:
Aggregate Impact Value………………………….

Page 52 of 66
 Experiment no: 4.7
Aggregate Crushing Value Test
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:
IS: 2386 (Part IV) – 1963 method of test for aggregates for concrete
IS: 383:1970 specification for coarse and fine aggregate from natural source forconcrete
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:
1. 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.

2. 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.
3. 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.
4. The surface of the aggregate shall be carefully leveled.
5. 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.
6. The apparatus, with the test sample and plunger in position, shall then be placed between the
plates of the testing machine.
7. The load is applied at a uniform rate as possible so that the total load is reached in 10 minutes. The
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 total load shall be 40 tones.
8. The load shall be released and the whole of the material is removed from the cylinder and
sieved on 2.36mm IS Sieve.
9. 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 4.7: Aggregate Crushing Test Apparatus

Result:
Aggregate Crushing Value=………………………………

Page 54 of 66
 Experiment no: 4.8
Aggregate Abrasion Value Test
Aim: To determine the abrasion value of coarse aggregate by the use of Los Angeles machine.
Apparatus:
1. Los Angeles Machine: It consists of a hollow steel cylinder, closed at both the ends with an
internal diameter of 700 mm and length 500 mm and capable of rotating about its horizontal
axis.
2. Cast iron or steel balls, approximately 48 mm in diameter and each weighing between 390 to
445 g; 6 to 12 balls are required.
3. IS sieve.
4. Balance.
Reference code:
IS 2386 (Part IV) – 1963, IS 383-1970.
Theory:
The abrasion value of the aggregates is determined in order to determine their Resistance against
wearing. In this the aggregate sample is mixed with abrasive charge consisting standard balls & rotated
in closed inclined cylinders for specific number of revolutions.
Procedure:
1. The test sample shall consist of clean aggregate which has been dried in an oven at 105 to 110°C
to substantially constant weight and shall conform to one of the grading shown in Table 3.22. The
grading or grading used shall be those most nearly representing the aggregate furnished for the
work.
2. The test sample and the abrasive charge shall be placed in the Los Angeles abrasion testing
machine and the machine rotated at a speed of 20 to 33 rev/min. For grading A, B, C and D, the
machine shall be rotated for 500 revolutions; for grading E, F and G, it shall be rotated for 1 000
revolutions.
3. The machine shall be so driven and so counter-balanced as to maintain a substantially uniform
peripheral speed. If an angle is used as the shelf, the machine shall be rotated in such a direction
that the charge is caught on the outside surface of the angle.
4. At the completion of the test, the material shall be discharged from the machine anda preliminary
separation of the sample made on a sieve coarser than the l.70 mm IS Sieve.
5. The material coarser than the 1.70 mm IS Sieve shall be washed dried in an oven at 105 to 110°C
to a substantially constant weight, and accurately weighed to the nearest gram.

Page 55 of 66
 Specified Abrasive Charge

Grading of Test Samples

Observations:
Trail 1 Trail 2 Trail 3
Total weight of dry sample taken W1
g
Weight of portion passing 1.7 mm
sieve W2 g
Aggregate abrasion value = (W2/W1)
x100 Value (%)

Page 56 of 66
 Figure 4.8: Los Angeles Abrasion Testing Machine

Result:
Mean Los Angeles Abrasion value = ______________%

Page 57 of 66
 Experiment no: 4.9
Tile Abrasion Test
Aim: To determine the abrasion value of coarse aggregate by the use of tile abrasion machine.
Apparatus:
1. THE tile abrasion MACHINE CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING:
2. Tiles Abrasion Testing machine wired for 220V Single Phase 50 Hz.
3. 7.5Kg weight to impose a net weight of 30Kg on the specimen.
4. Hopper to feed abrasive powder (Fitted)
5. Revolution Counter (Fitted)
Theory:
The equipment consists of a cast iron grinding path whose sceleroscope hardness is between 30 and
50. The grinding path is 200 mm wide annular space on the grinding disc between distances 120 and
320 mm from the center. The disc rotates on a vertical axis and is enclosed in a circular tray. The disc
is driven by a motor through reduction gears at 30±1 r.p.m. The holding device is a square cast iron
frame, 40 mm high with its lower edge about 5mm above the surface of the grinding disc. it is a
holding device, necessarily, but holds the specimen loosely. There is a loading device which consists
of a steel lever with a short and long arm and friction free fulcrum. The short arm has a circular
counter weight, to balance the weight, of the long arm and the weighing disc, so that the pressure
stamp just touches the specimen prior to loading The connection of the pr. stamp of the lever is
through a self-aligning joint ensuring central and true transfer of load. A loading weight of 7.5 Kg
weight is supplied which will supply a net load of 30 Kg on the specimen through lever. The machine
is wired for 230V single phase 50 Hz.
Specimen preparation:
In the case natural stones, test specimens shall be obtained by some cutting and finishing with grinding
wheel. The use of chisel and hammer has to be avoided. In the case of concrete flooring tiles it shall
preferably be cut from the central part of tile. In both the case they shall have a test surface of 7.06 cm
x 7.06 cm (50 cm²) and the deviation in dimension shall be within ± 2 %. At least six specimens shall
be used for a test.

Page 58 of 66
PROCEDURE:

1. A suitable instrument capable of measuring to accuracy 0.01 mm shall be used to find out the
change in thickness of the specimen after abrasion.
2. The specimen shall be dried in an oven maintained at 105º c to 110º c for 24 hours and then
weighed to the nearest 0.01 gm. T
3. he specimen after initial drying and weighing shall be kept in the thickness measuring gadget, with
its wearing surface facing. T
4. he grinding path of the disc of the abrasion test machine shall be evenly strewn with 20 gms of the
specified device with its surface to be ground, facing the disc.
5. The lever arm shall be balanced initially so that the stamp pad just touches the specimen top
surface.
6. The 7.5 Kg weight shall be added to the hanger on the lever arm. The grinding disc shall be put in
the motion. After every 22 revolutions the disc will automatically stop.
7. After the first 22 revolutions, the abraded tile powder and the remainder of the abrasive powder
shall be removed and a fresh charge of abrasive powder in quantities of 20 gm shall be applied on
the disc.
8. The process is repeated until 110 revolutions are completed.
9. The specimen shall then be rotated about its vertical axis by 90º c and the test continued for
another 110 revolutions so that the total revolutions completed shall be 220.
10. The disc the abrasive powder, and the specimen shall be kept dry throughout the test. The
specimen shall than be taken out, wiped for fine dust and then weighed to the nearest 0.1 gm. It
shall then be measured for its thickness as before with a thickness measuring gadget.

Page 59 of 66
 Figure 4.9: Tile Abrasion Testing Machine

Calculations:
The wear shall be obtained as the difference in readings obtained before and after abrasion of
specimen. The value shall be checked up with the average loss in thickness of the specimen obtained
by the following formula:

A = (W1 – W2) x V1 / (W1 x a)

WHERE, A = average loss in the thickness, mm

W1 = initial weight, gm of the specimen
W2 = final weight, gm of the abrased specimen
V1 = initial volume of the specimen mm3
a = surface area, mm² of the specimen.

Result:

Page 60 of 66
 Experiment no: 4.10
Particle Size Distribution of Course Aggregates
Aim: To determine the fineness modulus of coarse aggregates by classifications based on IS: 383-
1970.
Apparatus:
1. Set of IS sieve, weighing balance, trays and mechanical sieve-shaker
2. Fineness modulus of coarse aggregates represents the average size of the particles in the course
3. Aggregate by an index number. It is calculated by performing sieve analysis with standard
sieves.
4. Higher the aggregate size higher the Fineness modulus hence fineness modulus of coarse
aggregate
5. Is higher than fine aggregate. In general, however, a smaller value indicates a finer aggregate.
Reference codes:
IS 2386 (Part I) – 1963
IS: 383-1970
IS: 460-1962
Procedure:
1. Take 5 kg of coarse aggregate by quartering from the test sample.
2. Arrange the relevant sieves one above the other with the sieve size increasing from the top and
put the pan at the bottom.
3. Put the set of sieves over the sieve shaker and shake 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Weigh the amount of aggregate retained on each sieve.

Page 61 of 66
Observation:

I S Sieve Weight Percentage of Percentage of Cumulative Remark

Retained on Weight Weight Passing Percentage of
Sieve (g) Retained (%) (%) Passing (%)
mm
mm
mm
mm
mm
mm
Total

Calculation:
𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑠, 𝐹𝑀 = (cumulative % retained) / 100

Result:

Page 62 of 66
 Experiment no: 4.11

Determination of Specific Gravity of Course Aggregate

Aim: To determine specific gravity of course aggregates.

Apparatus:
1. Wire Mesh Bucket
2. Setup of Specific Gravity Test (To be used for Aggregate > 6.3 mm)
3. Pycnometer
Reference codes:
IS 2386(Part 3):1963 Methods of test for Aggregates for Concrete: Determination of Specific Gravity.
Reaffirmed- Dec 2016
Procedure:
Procedure for specific gravity determination for aggregate coarser than 6.3mm
1. About 2 kg of aggregate sample is taken, washed to remove fines and then placed in the wire
basket. The wire basket is then immersed in water, which is at a temperature of 220C to 320C.
2. Immediately after immersion the entrapped air is removed from the sample by lifting the basket 25
mm above the base of the tank and allowing it to drop, 25 times at a rate of about one drop per
second.
3. The basket, with aggregate are kept completely immersed in water for a period of 24 ± 0.5 hour.
4. The basket and aggregate are weighed while suspended in water, which is at a temperature of
220C to 320C.
5. The basket and aggregates are removed from water and dried with dry absorbent cloth.
6. The surface dried aggregates are also weighed.
7. The aggregate is placed in a shallow tray and heated to about 1100C in the oven for 24 hours.
Later, it is cooled in an airtight container and weighed.

Procedure for specific gravity determination of aggregate finer than 6.3mm

1. A clean, dry pycnometer is taken and its empty weight is determined.
2. About 1000g of clean sample is taken into the pycnometer, and it is weighed.
3. Water at 270C is filled up in the pycnometer with aggregate sample, to just immerse sample.
4. Immediately after immersion the entrapped air is removed from the sample by shaking
pycnometer, placing a finger on the hole at the top of the sealed pycnometer.
5. Now the pycnometer is completely filled up with water till the hole at the top, and after
confirming that there is no more entrapped air in it, it is weighed.
6. The contents of the pycnometer are discharged, and it is cleaned.
7. Water is filled up to the top of the pycnometer, without any entrapped air. It is then weighed.
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8. For mineral filler, specific gravity bottle is used and the material is filled upto one-third of the
capacity of bottle. The rest of the process of determining specific gravity is similar to the one
described for aggregate finer than 6.3 mm.
Observation:
Observation Table for Specific gravity of Aggregate coarser than 6.3 mm
Sr.No. Description Observed values

1 Weight of saturated aggregate and basket in water: W1 g

2 Weight of basket in water: W2 g

3 Weight of saturated aggregates in air: W3 g
4 Weight of oven dry aggregates in air:
W4 g
5 Apparent Specific Gravity:
W4 / [W4 – (W1 - W2 )]
6 Bulk Specific Gravity:
W4 / [W3 – (W1 - W2 )]

Observation Table for Specific gravity of Aggregate finer than 6.3 mm

Sr.No. Description Observed values

1 Weight of Pycnometer in air: W1 g

2 Weight of aggregates and Pycnometer: W2 g
3 Weight of aggregates, Pycnometer and water: W3 g
4 Weight of water and Pycnometer in air: W4 g
5 Apparent Specific Gravity:
(W2 – W1) / [(W4 – W1) - (W3 - W2 )]

 The specific gravity of aggregates normally used in construction ranges from about 2.5 to 3.0
with an average value of about 2.68.

Page 64 of 66
 Experiment no: 5.0
Determination Compressive Strength of Concrete by Using the Rebound Hammer

Aim: To determine the compressive strength of concrete by using the rebound hammer.
Apparatus:
1. Rebound Hammer instrument.
2. 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 5: Rebound Hammer

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.

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Average Rebound Number Quality of Concrete

˃40 Very good hard layer

30 to 40 Good layer

20 to 30 Fair

˂20 Poor concrete

Page 66 of 66