K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY LAB MANUAL

Department of Civil Engineering

KONERU LAKSHMAIAH EDUCATIONAL

FOUNDATION
VADDESWARAM – 522 502
 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

INDEX

Experiment Page
Experiment Name
No No
1 Specific gravity of cement

2 Standard consistency of cement

3 Initial and final setting times

4 Fineness modulus of fine aggregate

5 Fineness modulus of coarse aggregate

Bulk density, specific gravity, void ratio, and porosity

6
of fine aggregates

Bulk density, specific gravity, void ratio, and porosity

7
of course aggregates

8 Slump test

9 Workability of freshly mixed concrete by compaction factor test

10 Compressive strength of concrete

Split tensile strength of concrete
11
 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

Exp. No: 1 Date:

SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF CEMENT

Introduction: Based on the moisture content present in the cement, the specific gravity can
either increase or decrease. The cement particles have pores or particles that can contain
water within it. A nominal mix is prepared with a cement of specific gravity 3.15. Any
change in this value of specific gravity will affect the mix design. Hence, it is necessary to
test the specific gravity of the cement procured before mixing process. This is the main
reason why we ignore the use of old stock cement. Old stock cement may be affected by
external moisture content. A value of specific gravity of cement greater than 3.19 shows that
the cement was not properly minced into fine powder during its production, or the cement has
more moisture content. The presence of moisture content in cement is easily identified by the
presence of chunks in cement.

Apparatus:

 Le Chaterlier’s flask

 Weighing balance

 Kerosene (free from water).

 Weighing Balance

Procedure for Specific Gravity Test on Cement:

1. The flask is allowed to dry completely and made free from liquid and moisture. The
weight of the empty flask is taken as W1.

2. The bottle is filled with cement to its half (Around 50gm of cement) and closed with a
stopper. The arrangement is weighed with stopper and taken as W2.

3. To this kerosene is added to the top of the bottle. The mixture is mixed thoroughly,
and air bubbles are removed. The flask with kerosene, cement with stopper is weighed
and taken as W3.

4. Next, the flask is emptied and filled with kerosene to the top. The arrangement is
weighed and taken as W4.
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Observations and Calculations

Specific Gravity of Cement Sg is given by the formula,

(𝑊 − 𝑊 )
Specific Gravity of Cement =
(𝑊 − 𝑊 ) − (𝑊 − 𝑊 )𝛸0.79

Here, the specific gravity of kerosene is 0.79g/cc Note:

 Duplicate determination of specific gravity should agree within 0.01.

 To get an accurate result, the flask should be held in a constant temperature before
each reading is taken.

Result
The specific gravity of a sample of cement =
 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

Exp. No: 2 Date:

STANDARD CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT

Ref: IS:4.031-1968 IS:269-1958

AIM: To determine the standard consistency of cement paste.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
1. Vicat apparatus with plunger and Mould
2. Gauging trowel
3. 100 ml measuring jar
4. Weighing balance
5. Stopwatch and China dish.

THEORY: Normal or standard consistency is defined as that percentage of water

requirement of cement paste, the viscosity of which will be such that the Vicat plunger
penetrates to a point, 5 to 7mm from the bottom of the Vicat mould. The consistency is used
to fix the quantity of water to be added in cement before performing test for compressive
strength, setting time and soundness. This is a ethological property since it is defined
corresponding to standard flow of cement paste under standard force exerted by weight of
relevant plunger.
PROCEDURE:
1) Take 400 gm. of cement, which passes through 90micron sieve to prepare one mould.
2) Prepare a cement paste with a measured quantity of water. The time of mixing
(gauging) is in between 3 to 5 minutes and shall be completed before any signs of
setting become visible. The gauging time shall be counted from the time of adding
water to the dry cement until commencing to fill the mould.
3) Fill the Vicat mould resting on a non-porous plate with this paste. After completely
filling the mould, smooth off the surface and making it level. The mould may be
slightly shaken to expel the air.
4) Place the test block in the mould together with non-porous resting plate under the rod
attached with the plunger.
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5) Lower the plunger gently to touch the surface of the test block and quickly release,
allowing it to sink into the paste. The operation should be carried out immediately
after filling the mould at room temperature.
6) Trial test pastes are prepared with varying percentages of water from 28% and 36%
with increment of 1% until the amount of water necessary for making up the standard
consistency is attained.
7) A graph is drawn between percentage of water and penetration (in mm).
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATION
Quantity of % of water Volume of Height of
S. No. Cement by weight Added Water in ml penetration from
bottom (mm)
1 400 gms
2 400 gms
3 400 gms
4 400 gms
5 400 gms
6 400 gms

PRECAUTIONS:
1) From the instant of adding water to the cement, it should be thoroughly mixed with
fingers at least for one minute.
2) The consistency plunger should be released immediately when the plunger is allowed
to tough the surface of the test block, without pressure or jerk.
3) For each cycle of the experiment fresh cement is to be taken.
4) Plunger should be cleaned during every repetition and make sure that it moves freely.
PRACTICAL SIGNICANCE:
Normal consistency is used to find the water requirement for making specimens for the
determination of setting times, tensile strength, compressive strength and soundness of
cement. This normal consistency or water demand of cement depends upon the compound
composition and fineness of cement.

RESULT: Standard consistency of cement paste =

 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

Exp. No :3 Date :
INITIAL AND FINAL SETTING TIMES
Ref:IS:6932 (PART-XI) – 1983 IS:4031-1968 & IS:269-1967

OBJECT: To determine the initial and final setting times of cement.

APPARATUS:
1. Vicat apparatus with initial and final setting needles
2. Measuring jar of 100cc
3. Stopwatch
4. China dish
5. Trowel

THEORY:
When water is added to cement the resulting paste starts stiffening and gains strength
simultaneously, losing its consistency. Two stiffening stages are identified during this
process. These two stages are called initial and final setting times respectively. Initial setting
time is defined as the time taken by the paste to stiffen to an extent such that the Vicat’s
needle is not permitted to move down through the paste within 5 ± 0.5mm measured from the
bottom of the mould. Final setting time is the time when the paste becomes so hard that the
annular attachment to the needle, under standard weight fails to leave a mark on the hardened
cement paste. The needle used for finding initial setting time is 1mm2 in area or 1.13 mm in
dia. with the lower end being flat. The needle used for finding final setting time is a metal
attachment hallowed out so as to leave a circular cutting edge of 5 mm in dia. The end of the
needle projects by 0.5mm.

PROCEDURE:
1) Prepare a cement paste by weighing the cement with 0.85 times the water required to
give a paste of standard consistency (0.85p).
2) Start a stopwatch at the instant when water is added to the cement.
3) Fill the Vicat mould with the cement paste gauged as above and smooth off the
surface making it level with the top of the mould. The cement block thus prepared in
the mould is the test block.
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4) Determination of initial setting time:

a) Place the test block confined in the mould on the non-porous plate under the
Vicat rod-bending initial setting needle.
b) Lower the initial setting needle gently in contact with the surface of the test
block and quickly release allowing it to penetrate into the test block.
c) In the beginning, the needle will completely pierce the test block, repeat this
procedure until the needle, when brought in contact with the test block and
released as described above, fails to pierce the block for about 5 ± 0.5mm
measured from the bottom of the mould.
d) The period elapsed between the time when water is added to the cement and
the time at which the needle fails to pierce the test block by about 5 ± 0.5mm
shall be the initial setting time.
5) Determination of final setting time:
a) The mould is prepared as for the determination of initial setting time.
b) The cement shall be considered as finally set, when upon applying the annular
attachment gently to the surface of the test block, makes an impression
thereon whereas the attachment fails to do so.
c) The time elapsed since adding water is called as final setting time.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCUALTIONS:

1. Quantity of cement taken by weight =
2. % of water added (0.85p) =
3. Volume of water in CC =

TIME 10 15 20 25 30 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90
(MIN)
VICAT
READING

PRECAUTIONS:
1) The standard consistency is an important consideration for calculating times.
2) Care is taken to check whether the appropriate needle is used, for initial and final
setting times.
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PRACTICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
The initial setting time is the time before which all the steps like mixing, transporting,
placing, compacting and finishing should be completed. The initial setting time of a
cement is the limiting time beyond which mortar or concrete prepared with this cannot be
placed or compacted without loss of useful properties viz. Strength. The initial set is a
stage in the process of hardening after which any crack that may appear will not re-unite.
Final setting time is that beyond which moulds can be removed. This is the stage where
the concrete is finally set with sufficient strength and hardness.

I S SPECIFICATIONS:
For ordinary Portland cement the initial setting time should not be less than 30
minutes and final setting time should not be greater than 10 hours. For quick setting
cement initial setting time should not be less than 5 minutes and final setting time should
not be greater than 30 minutes.

RESULTS:
1) Initial setting time of the given cement =
2) Final setting time of the given cement =
 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

Exp. No : 4 Date :
FINENESS MODULUS OF FINE AGGREGATE

AIM : To determine the fineness modulus of fine aggregate

APPARATUS REQUIRED :
Set of IS sieves (4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600 , 300 , 150 ), lid, pan, balance and
sieve shaker.

THEORY : The aggregate most of which passes through IS 4.75 mm sieve is known as fine
aggregate. The fine aggregates obtained from Natural disintegration of rocks and deposited
by streams are known as natural sands. Fine aggregates resulting from crushing of hard stone
and natural gravel are known as crushed stone sand and crushed gravel sand respectively.

Sieve analysis is carried out for the determination of particles size distribution of fine
aggregates by sieving. Sieves of size 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600 , 300 & 150 
conforming to IS 460 specifications are used. The fineness modulus of aggregate is defined
as the sum of cumulative percentage weight retained on standard set of sieves divided by 100.
The object of finding fineness modulus is to grade the given aggregate and then use it for the
economical proportions of mix and achieving required workability with minimum w/c ratio.
Recommended values of fineness modulus of fine aggregates varying from 2.00 to 3.50 for
better concrete mixes

PROCEDURE :
1. Take 500g of dry fine aggregate
2. Arrange the IS sieves in the descending order with 4.75 mm sieve at top and 150 
sieve at bottom
3. Keep a collecting pan below 150  sieve to collect fine aggregate passing through 150
 sieve
4. Place the aggregate on the top sieve and cover it with a lid.
5. Place the complete set of sieves on sieve shaker and sieve it for 15 minutes.
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6. Find the weight of aggregate retained on each sieve and tabulate as shown in table.
7. Calculate the Percentage retained, cumulative percentage retained on each sieve.
8. The fine ness modulus of fine aggregate = sum of cumulative % of weight retained /
100
S. No. Sieve size Weight % Retained Cumulative % Finer
retained (g) % retained
1 4.75 mm
2 2.36 mm
3 1.18 mm
4 600 
5 300 
6 150 

CALCULATION :

Fineness Modulus = Sum of cumulative % of weight retained / 100

GRAPH : Draw the grain size distribution curve on semi log paper by taking the sieve size in
mm on X – axis and % finer on Y – axis.

RESULT : Fineness modulus of fine aggregate =

 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

Exp. No : 5 Date :

FINENESS MODULUS OF COARSE AGGREGATE

AIM : To determine the fineness modulus of coarse aggregate

APPARATUS REQUIRED :
Set of IS sieves (80 mm, 40 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, 4.75 mm), lid, pan, balance and sieve
shaker.

THEORY : Aggregate most of which is retained on IS 4.75 mm sieve is known as coarse

aggregate. It may be in the form of uncrushed gravel or stone resulting from natural
disintegration of rocks. Crushed gravel or stone aggregate is obtained by crushing gravel or
hard stone. Mixture of the above two is classified as partially crushed gravel or stone.

Sieve analysis is carried out for the determination of particles size distribution of
coarse aggregates by sieving. Sieves of size 80 mm, 40mm, 20mm, 10mm and 4.75mm
conforming to IS 460 specifications are used. The fineness modulus of aggregate is defined
as the sum of cumulative percentage weight retained on standard set of sieves divided by 100.
The object of finding fineness modulus is to grade the given aggregate and then use it for the
economical proportions of mix and achieving required workability with minimum w/c ratio.
Recommended values of fineness modulus of fine aggregates varying from 6.0 to 8.0 for
better concrete mixes

PROCEDURE :
1. Take 2 Kg of dry coarse aggregate
2. Arrange the IS sieves in the descending order with 80 mm sieve at top and 4.75 mm
sieve at bottom
3. Keep a collecting pan below 4.75 mm sieve to collect fine aggregate passing through
4.75 mm sieve
4. Place the aggregate on the top sieve and cover it with a lid.
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5. Place the complete set of sieves on sieve shaker and sieve it for 15 minutes.
6. Find the weight of aggregate retained on each sieve and tabulate as shown in table.
7. Calculate the Percentage retained, cumulative percentage retained on each sieve.
8. The fineness modulus of coarse aggregate = sum of cumulative % of weight retained
/ 100
S. No. Sieve size Weight % Retained Cumulative % Finer
retained (g) % retained
1 80 mm
2 40 mm
3 20 mm
4 10 mm
5 4.75 mm
6 2.36 mm
7 1.18 mm
8 600 
9 300 
10 150 

CALCULATION :

Fineness Modulus = Sum of cumulative % of weight retained / 100

GRAPH : Draw the grain size distribution curve on semi log paper by taking the sieve size in
mm on X – axis and % finer on Y – axis.

RESULT : Fineness modulus of coarse aggregate =

 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

Exp. No : 6 Date :

BULK DENSITY, SPECIFIC GRAVITY, VOID RATIO AND POROSITY

OF FINE AGGREGATES

AIM : To determine the Density, Specific Gravity, Void ratio and Porosity of Fine aggregate.

APPARATUS : Cylindrical container (15 Lt. Capacity), Pycnometer, Metal tray, tamping
rod (6 mm diameter), Trowel, Specific Gravity bottle and Balance.

THEORY: Bulk density is the weight of material in a given volume. It is normally expressed
in Kg/L. The bulk density of aggregate is used to judge the type of aggregate on comparing
with Normal density. It is also used in converting weight batching of concrete to volumetric
batching. Specific gravity indicates the quality and properties viz. shape and grading of
aggregate. It is used in calculating the moisture content in mix design.

PROCEDURE:

a). Bulk Density

1. Takea cylindrical container and weigh the empty cylinder (w1) kg.
2. Fill the cylinder with water up to top and weigh it (i.e) w2 kg
3. Calculate the volume of the cylinder (i.e) (w2 – w1) kg
4. Fill the cylinder in three equal layers with aggregate and each layer being tamped with
25 blows with a free fall by rounded end of tamping rod.
5. The blows should be evenly distributed over the entire surface area.
6. Remove the excess material above the top surface of cylinder by using tamping rod
7. Weigh the cylinder full of compacted aggregate (w3) kg.
8. Calculate the net weight of compacted aggregate (w3 – w1) kg.

b). Specific Gravity

1. Measure the weight of Pycnometer (w1)
2. Fill the Pycnometer with coarse aggregate upto 2/3 of its volume and weigh it (w2)
3. Fill the balance space in Pycnometer with water and weigh it (w3).
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4. Empty the Pycnometer, properly clean it and then fill with water upto the top and
weigh it (w4)
OBSERVATIONS

Bulk Density ()

Weight of empty cylinder (w1) =

Weight of cylinder with water (w2) =
Weight of cylinder with compacted aggregate (w3) =
Volume of water = w2 –w1 =
Net weight of aggregate = w3 – w1 =
(𝑊 − 𝑊 )
Bulk Density () =
(𝑊 − 𝑊 )

Specific Gravity (G)

Weight of empty Pycnometer (w1) =

Weight of Pycnometer with aggregate (w2) =
Weight of Pycnometer with aggregate and water (w3) =
Weight of Pycnometer with water (w4) =
(𝑊 − 𝑊 )
Specific Gravity (G) =
(𝑊 − 𝑊 ) − (𝑊 − 𝑊 )
Porosity () =

Porosity () = 1-( / G w)

Void ratio (e)= (G w /) - 1

RESULT:

Bulk Density of the fine aggregate =

Specific Gravity of the fine aggregate =
Porosity of the fine aggregate =
Void ratio of the fine aggregate =
Exp. No : 7 Date :
 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

BULK DENSITY, SPECIFIC GRAVITY, VOID RATIO AND POROSITY

OF COARSE AGGREGATES

AIM : To determine the Density, Specific Gravity, Void ratio and Porosity of Coarse
aggregate.

APPARATUS : Cylindrical container (15 Lt. Capacity), Metal tray, tamping rod (6 mm
diameter), Trowel, Specific Gravity bottle and Balance.

THEORY: Bulk density is the weight of material in a given volume. It is normally expressed
in Kg/L. The bulk density of aggregate is used to judge the type of aggregate on comparing
with Normal density. It is also used in converting weight batching of concrete to volumetric
batching. Specific gravity indicates the quality and properties viz. shape and grading of
aggregate. It is used in calculating the moisture content in mix design.

PROCEDURE:

a). Bulk Density

1. Take cylindrical container and weigh the empty cylinder (w1) kg.
2. Fill the cylinder with water up to top and weigh it (i.e) w2 kg
3. Calculate the volume of the cylinder (i.e) (w2 – w1) kg
4. Fill the cylinder in three equal layers with aggregate and each layer being tamped with
25 blows with a free fall by rounded end of tamping rod.
5. The blows should be evenly distributed over the entire surface area.
6. Remove the excess material above the top surface of cylinder by using tamping rod
7. Weigh the cylinder full of compacted aggregate (w3) kg.
8. Calculate the net weight of compacted aggregate (w3 – w1) kg.

b). Specific Gravity

1. Measure the weight of cylindrical container (w1)
2. Fill the container with coarse aggregate upto 2/3 of its volume and weigh it (w2)
3. Fill the balance space in container (upto brim) with water and weigh it (w3).
4. Empty the container, properly clean it and then fill with water upto the top and weigh
it (w4)

OBSERVATIONS:
 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

Bulk Density ()

Weight of empty cylinder (w1) =

Weight of cylinder with water (w2) =
Weight of cylinder with compacted aggregate (w3) =
Volume of water = w2 –w1 =
Net weight of aggregate = w3 – w1 =
w3-w1
Bulk Density () = =
w2-w1

Specific Gravity (G)

Weight of empty cylinder (w1) =

Weight of cylinder with aggregate (w2) =
Weight of cylinder with aggregate and water (w3) =
Weight of cylinder with water (w4) =

w2 – w1
Specific Gravity (G) =
(w4 – w1) – (w3 – w2)

Porosity () = 1-( / G w)

Void ratio (e)= (G w /) - 1

RESULT:

Bulk Density of the coarse aggregate =

Specific Gravity of the coarse aggregate =
Porosity of the coarse aggregate =
Void ratio of the coarse aggregate =

Exp. No : 8 Date :
 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

SLUMP TEST

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

APPARATUS REQUIRED : Iron pan to mix concrete, weighing plat form machine,
spatula, Trowels, slump cone, tamping rod, graduated cylinder of 1000 ml.capacity.

THEORY :This is a test used extensively at construction site all over the world. The slump
test does not measure the workability of concrete. However, it is very useful in detecting the
variations in the uniformity of a mix of given nominal proportions. It also gives an idea of
W/C ratio needed for concrete to be used for different works. Fresh unsupported concrete
 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

flows to the sides and a sinking in the height takes place. This vertical settlement is known as
Slump. In the slump test fresh concrete is filled in a mould of specified shape and dimensions
and settlement or slump is measured when the supporting mould in removed.

Concrete is said to be workable if it can be easily mixed, placed, compacted and

easily finished. a workable concrete should not show any segregation or bleeding.
Segregation is said to occur when coarse aggregate tries to separate out from the finer
material and we get concentration of coarse aggregate at one place. This results in large
voids, less durability and less strength. Bleeding of concrete is said to occur when excess
water comes up at the surface of the concrete. This causes small pores in the mass of the
concrete and is undesirable.

PROCEDURE :

1. Take 2.5 kg. cement and 5 kg of sand and mix them thoroughly.
2. The above mix is added to 10 kg. of 20 mm coarse aggregate and again mix them
thoroughly
3. Add 0.55 W/C ratio of water to the mix and a homogeneous mixture is prepared.
4. Place the mixed concrete in a clean slump cone (i.e) 4 layer each approximately one
fourth of the weight of mould after applying a thin coat of oil to the inner surface of
cone. Tamping each layer 25 times with tamping rod uniformly throughout the
surface of the mould.
5. Smooth the surface by using straight edge after the cone is completely filled by the
concrete.
6. Lift the cone vertically by holding the lifting handles and measure the slump (i.e) the
average height of falling concrete.
7. Repeat the same procedure for different W/C ratios as 0.5, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8 etc.
and measure the values of slumps.
8. The consistency of concrete mix can be identified from the above slump values.
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OBSERVATION AND CALCULATIONS:

S. No. W/C ratio Weight of water (ml) Slump (cm)

RESULT : The consistency of concrete mix for given proportion is determined as the
slump is collapsed at W/C ratio =
 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

Exp. No : 9 Date :

WORKABILITY OF FRESHLY MIXED CONCRETE BY

COMPACTION FACTOR TEST

AIM :To determine the workability of freshly mixed concrete by the compaction factor test.

APPARATUS REQUIRED: Compaction factor apparatus, Trowel, graduated cylinder of 100

ml. Capacity, balance and freshly mixed concrete

THEORY : Compaction factor test specifies the procedure for determining the workability of
concrete, where the nominal size of the aggregate does not exceed 38 mm. The test is
designed primarily for use in the laboratory, but if circumstances permit, it may 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, such concrete may consistently fail to slump. This test is based on
the definition, that workability is that property of the concrete which determines the amount
of work required to produce full compaction. This test therefore consists essentially of
applying a standard amount of work to standard quantity of concrete and measuring the
resulting compaction.

PROCEDURE :

1. The sample of concrete to be tested shall be placed gently in upper hopper.

2. The hopper shall be filled level with its brim and the trap door shall be opened so that
the concrete falls into the lower hopper.
3. Certain mixes have a tendency to stick in one or both the hoppers. If this occurs, the
concrete may be helped through by pushing the rod gently into the concrete from the
top. During this process, the trowels shall cover the cylinder. Immediately after the
concrete has come to rest, the cylinder shall be uncovered and the trap door of the
lower hopper opened and the concrete allowed to fall into the cylinder.
4. The excess concrete remaining above the level of the top of the cylinder shall then be
cut off by holding a trowel in each hand with the hand with the plane of the blades
 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

horizontal and moving them simultaneously one from each side across the top of the
cylinder, at the same time keeping them pressed on the top edge of the cylinder.
5. The outside of the cylinder shall then be wiped clear.
6. The above operation shall be carried out at a place free from vibration or shock.
7. The weight of concrete in cylinder shall be then determined to the nearest 0.01N (1g)
(W2). This weight shall be known as the sample to layers approximately 50 mm deep,
the layers being heavily rammed or preferably vibrated so as to obtain full
compaction.
8. The top surface of the fully compacted concrete shall be carefully struck off level with
the top of the cylinder.
9. The outside of the cylinder shall then be wiped clear and weight of fully compacted
cylinder noted nearest to 0.01 N (1g) (W3).
10. The compacting factor is defined as the ratio of weight of partially compacted
concrete to the weight of fully compacted concrete. It shall normally be stated to the
nearest second decimal place.
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 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS :

Weight of empty cylinder (W1) =

S. No. W/C ration Weight of Weight of Weight of Weight of Compaction

with partially cylinder cylinder partially fully Factor =
compacted with fully compacted compacted compacted W2-W1
concrete (W2) compacted concrete concrete concrete /
(kg) concrete (W2 – W1) (W3-W1) (W3-W1)
(W3) (kg) kg kg

PRECAUTIONS :
1. Oil the inner surface of the hoppers and cylinder before starting the experiment.
2. Perform the test on a level ground
3. Fill the top hopper gently and to the same extent each time
4. The time between the end of mixing and release of concrete from top hopper must be
constant say 2 minutes
5. The hoppers and the cylinder must be washed clean and wiped off before use.
GRAPH :
Plot a graph between compaction factor and W/C ratio.
RESULTS :The Compaction factor for the given freshly mixed concrete =
 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

Exp. No : 10 Date :

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE

(DESTRUCTUVE AND NON-DESTRUCTUVE TESTING)

AIM: (1) To determine the short term, static, monotonic Uni-axial compressive strength of
concrete cubes and cylinders.
(2) To test the concrete specimens by the Non-Destructive methods namely Ultrasonic
Pulse Velocity (UPV) and Rebound Hammer Tests.

THEORY:
Concrete, as a material is valued for its compressive strength. Of all the properties of
hardened concrete, compressive strength is most important. When a uni-axial load is applied
upon a concrete specimen, it not only exhibits compressive strains in the direction of load, it
is also subjected to Poisson’s effect, as manifested by the introduction of lateral tensile
strains. A specimen tested in the compression-testing machine is restrained from lateral
expansion at its ends where it is compressed against the relatively still steel platen of the
testing machine. This is equivalent to the introduction of some lateral radial compressive
stresses in the specimen, near the specimen-steel platen interface due to interface shear
stresses. Thus near the interface, the concrete is subjected to multi-axial compressive
stresses. This effect is called the platen effect. The strength of a material is greater under
multi-axial compressive stresses than under uni-axial compressive stress. The platen effect
decreases away from the interface towards the center of the specimen. The effect is
practically negligible beyond a section at a distance equal to the width of the specimen from
the interfaces. The measured compressive strength decreases with increase in the
height/lateral dimension ratio and is approximately equal to the uni-axial compressive
strength of concrete for values of this ratio equal to or greater than 2. For standard cylinders
this ratio is two and as such concrete cylinder strengths is only about 0.75 to 0.80 times the
cube strength whose height/lateral dimension ratio is one. The platen effect can be
eliminated by eliminating the interface shear stresses by applying a lubricant such as grease at
the interface, as this may allow the specimen to expand freely by removing the lateral
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compressive stresses. But such a method may not result in consistent measurement and is not
favored by standards.

The measured values of strength of a concrete specimen are affected by the rate of
loading. It is low when the rate of loading is low. For purposes of uniformity and
meaningful comparison between different test results, the rate of loading for concrete cubes
has been specified as 140 kg/cm2/min. and for cylinders as 120 kg/cm2/min.
In actual structures at site it is not possible to estimate the strength directly. Some
estimate of the quality of concrete as well as on the uniformity of casting of a structure can,
however, be obtained by non-destructive techniques such as Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV)
and Rebound Hammer tests. An Electro-acoustic transducer on one side of the concrete
specimen introduces ultra Sonic Pulse. It travels through the material at a velocity, which is
dependent on the nature of the material.
The nature, continuity of solid phase, porosity and presence of micro cracks affect the
elastic constants Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio. The same parameters affect the
strength of concrete. So the pulse velocity can give an estimate of modulus of elasticity and
the compressive strength of concrete.
Rebound Hammer, also called Schmidt Hammer measures the hardness of a material by
the rebound of a standard ball after an elastic impact against pre- compressed spring, thus
having a fixed amount of energy. The distance traveled by the mass after this elastic
impact expressed as a percentage of the original distance is termed as rebound number.
This rebound number as an index of the hardness of the surface, can give a reasonable
estimate of the concrete strength.

APPARATUS:
1. Compression Testing Machine (CTM)
2. weighing balance
3. scale
4. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) equipment
5. Schmidt hammer.

PROCEDURE:
Compressive Strength (CTM):
1. The specimen which is cured for the required time, shall be removed from the water,
grit and any projecting fins on the surface shall be wiped off. Specimens when
received dry shall be kept moist by wet blanket covering till the time of testing.
 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

2. The dimensions of the test specimen should be determined to the nearest by 0.25 mm
by averaging two perpendicular sides of the face on which load is applied.
3. The bearing surfaces of the testing machine shall be wiped clean of 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 on the faces, which had
contact with mould (machined) sides i.e. not in the direction as cast.
4. The axis of the specimen shall be carefully aligned with the center of ; the spherically
seated platens. No packing material shall be used between the faces of the test
specimen and the steel platen of the testing machine.
5. The load shall be applied uniformly without any shock and is increased continuously
at the specified rate until the resistance of the specimen to the increasing load reaches
maximum and no greater load can be sustained. The maximum load applied to the
specimen shall then be recorded and the appearance of the concrete or any unusual
features in the type of failure shall be noted.

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test (UPV):

1. The specimen to be tested shall be weighed and its dimensions shall be measured
accurately.
2. Grease shall be applied to the transducer surfaces of the ultrasonic probes and the
sides of the specimen so as to ensure complete contact at the interface, without any air
voids.
3. The apparatus is calibrated with the calibrated rod before going for actual testing.
4. The equipment shall be kept on for about 10 minutes before taking the actual
measurement.
5. The transducers shall be held near the center against the greased surfaces, under
gentle manual pressure. The transducers shall never be applied near the edge or
corner of the specimen.
6. The time taken by the pulse to travel through the specimen is measured in
microseconds. The reading may generally, be varying within very small range. The
most probable or most consistent reading shall be assumed to be the actual reading.
7. For cubical specimens, at least one reading shall be taken on each face and for
cylinders at least three readings shall be taken between the same surface.
 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

8. After noting down the time taken (T) by the pulse which travels through a distance
(L), The pulse velocity is calculated (V=L/T).
9. The compressive strength corresponding to the above pulse velocity is measured from
the graphs available for the UPV apparatus.
Rebound Hammer:
1. The specimen to the tested shall be kept and cured in such a way that the softening or
hardening of the surface due to leaching of calcium hydroxide, corrosion or
carbonation is avoided.
2. The dust or any loose material shall be cleaned off from the specimen surface.
3. The specimen shall be held or fixed in such a way that it does not yield under the
impact pf hammer.
4. The plunger of the hammer shall always be kept perpendicular to the surface.
5. About ten to twelve readings shall be taken and then their average value calculated to
get a representative index of hardness.
6. All the readings, which are to be compared, shall be taken while keeping the hammer
in a specified inclination with the vertical, with the hammer pointing always in the
same direction. For the same surface, the readings taken vertically are likely to be
different from those taken by keeping the hammer in the horizontal position.
7. The compressive strength of cubes or cylinders corresponding to the above rebound
number is measured from the graphs available on the hammer itself.

OBSRVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

1. Concrete mix used =
2. Cement =
3. Fine aggregate =
4. Coarse aggregate =
5. Water / cement ratio =
6. Amount of water =
7. Type of cement used =
8. Dimensions of specimen =
9. Loading rate =
PRACTICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
Compressive strength of concrete is required for assuring the design strength. Non-
destructive tests are employed to assess the strength and uniformity of quality of a built up
 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

structure, the development of strength with time of the same specimen, to assess the
probable damage caused by corrosive environment on concrete, fire, loading etc.

RESULTS:
Compressive Strength
1. Destructive (CTM) test =
2. Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test =
3. Rebound hammer test =
 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

Exp. No : 11 Date :

SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE

AIM: To determine the split tensile strength of concrete of given proportions.

APPARATUS REQUIRED: Compression testing machine, concrete cylinder

THEORY : Concrete is not usually expected to resist direct tensile forces because of its low
tensile strength and brittle nature. However, tension is of importance with regard to cracking,
which is a tensile failure. Most cracking arise from that due to load or due to settlement of
parts of the structure or due to the resistant of contraction induced by drying or by lowering
of temperature.

Direct tension tests of concrete seldom made because of difficulties in mounting the
specimens and uncertainties as to the secondary stresses induced by the holding devices. An
indirect test for tensile strength of concrete developed originally in Brazil has recently come
rather in general use and has been standardized by ASTM, with diameters not less than 4
times the maximum size of the coarse aggregate and not less than 15 cm. The length of the
specimens shall not be less than the diameter and not more than twice the diameter. For
routine testing and comparison of results unless otherwise specified the specimens shall be
cylinders 15 cm in diameter and 30 cm long for concrete having maximum nominal size of
the aggregate not greater than 38 mm, the sample of aggregate shall be screened to exclude
aggregate of size larger than 38 mm.

PROCEDURE :

1. Cast 150mm x 300mm cylinder of mix ratio 1 : 2 : 4, W/C = 0.6 and the total concrete
required for one cylinder is 14 kg.
2. Cast 6 cylinders by using the moulds and cure three cylinders for 7 days and the
remaining three cylinders for 28 days.
3. Tests shall be made at the recognized ages of the test specimens, the most usual being
7 and 28 days. The ages shall be calculated from the time of the addition of water to
the dry ingredients. At least three specimens shall be tested for each type of test.
4. Specimens shall be tested immediately on removal from the water whilst they are still
wet. Surface water and grit shall be wiped off the specimens and any projecting fins
removed from the surface, which are to be in contact with the packing strips
 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

5. Diametral lines shall be drawn on the two ends of the specimen using any reliable
procedure and device that will ensure that they are in the same axial plane.
6. The diameter and the dimensions of the specimens shall be noted before testing. The
diameters of the specimen, lying in the plane of the pre marked lines, shall be ensured
near the ends and the middle of the specimen and the average taken to the nearest 0.2
mm.
7. The length of the specimen shall be taken to the nearest 0.2 mm by averaging the two
lengths measured in the plane containing the pre marked lines.
8. The bearing surface of the testing machine and of the packing strips shall be wiped
clean. One of the plywood strips shall be centered along the centre of the lower
platen.
9. The specimen shall be placed on the plywood strip and aligned so that the lines
marked on the ends of the specimen are vertical and centered over the plywood strip.
10. The second plywood strip shall be placed lengthwise on the cylinders, centered on the
lines marked on the ends of the cylinder. The rate of loading will be 1.4 to 2.1 N/mm2
 K L MATERIAL TESTING LAB

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS :

The split tensile strength shall be calculated from the following formula
sp = 2P/dl
where sp = Splitting tensile strength (N/mm2)
P = Maximum Load(kg)
d = Diameter of the specimen (mm)
l = Measured length of the specimen (mm)

PRECAUTIONS :
1. All the materials should be weighed to an accuracy of 1 in 1000
2. The mould and the base plate must be oiled lightly before use
3. The cylinders should not be allowed to dry and they must be tested in wet
4. The cylinders should be placed in the testing machine centrally
5. The load shall be applied without jerks

RESULT :
Split tensile strength =