BUILDING MATERIALS LAB MANUAL FOR CIVIL ENGINEERING

BUILDING MATERIALS LAB
MANUAL
SUBMITTED BY
Dr.K Prudvi

LIST OF EXPERIMENTS
CYCLE-01
1. Determination of Specific Gravity of Cement
2. Determination of Specific Gravity and Unit Weight of Coarse and Fine Aggregates
3. Determination of Normal Consistency of Cement.
4. Determination of Initial and Final Setting Time
5. Determination of Fineness of Cement.
6. Determination of Compressive Strength of Cement (for different grades of cement).
CYCLE-02
1. Determination of Bulking Characteristics of Sand.
2. Sieve Analysis of Coarse and Fine Aggregates and Classification as per IS 383.
3. Workability Tests on Green Concrete by using: Slump Cone, Compaction Factor
Apparatus, Flow Table, Vee-Bee Consistometer.
4. Tests on Hardened Concrete. a. Determination of Compressive Strength b.
Determination of Split tensile strength c. Determination of Modulus of rupture.
5. Design of Concrete Mix by using IS Code Method (for classwork only)

SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF CEMENT
AIM : To determine the specific gravity of given sample of hydraulic cement.
APPARATUS:
1. Physical balance
2. Specific gravity bottle of 50ml capacity
3. Clean kerosene.
INTRODUCTION:
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 drythe 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).
4. While doing the above do not allow any air bubbles to remain in the specific gravity bottle.
5. After weighing the bottle, the bottle shall be cleaned and dried again.
6. Then fill it with fresh kerosene and weigh it with stopper (W4).
7. Remove the kerosene from the bottle and fill it with full of water and weigh it with stopper
(W5).
8. All the above weighing should be done at the room temperature of 27c + 10 c.

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OBSERVATIONS:
Description of item Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
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
Specific gravityof Kerosene Sk = W4 - W1 / W5 - W1.
Specific gravityof Cement Sc = W2 - W1 / ((W4 - W1) - (W3-W2)) * SkSc
= (W2 - W1) * (W4 - W1) / ((W4 - W1) - (W3-W2)) * (W5 - W1)
PRECAUTION:
1. Onlykerosene which is free of water shall be used.
2. At time of weighing the temperature of the apparatus will not be allowed to
exceed the specified temperature.
3. All air bubbles shall be eliminated in filling the apparatus and inserting the stopper.
4. Weighing shall be done quickly after filling the apparatus and shall be accurate to 0.1 mg.
5. Precautions shall be taken to prevent expansion and overflow ofthe contents
resulting from the heat of the hand when wiping the surface of the apparatus.
RESULT:
Average specific gravity of given sample of cement =

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DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF
FINEAGGREGATE & COARSE AGGREGATE
AIM:
To determine specific gravity of a given sample of fine aggregate.
APPARATUS:
 Pycnometer bottle
 Taping rod
 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.
CALUCULATIONS:
Trail
No
Weight of
empty bottle
(W1) g
Weight of empty bottle +
Fine aggregate
(W2) g
Weight of empty
bottle + water +
Fine aggregate
(W3) g
Weight of empty
bottle + water
(W4) g
1
2
3

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Figure: Pycnometer bottle
RESULT:
The Specific Gravity of a given sample of fine aggregate is =
The Specific Gravity of a given sample of coarse aggregate is =

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NORMAL CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT
AIM:
To determine the quantity of water required to produce a cement paste of standard
consistency.
APPARATUS:
 Vicat’s apparatus conforming to IS: 5513-1976
 Weighing Balance
 Gauging Trowel
 Stop Watch.
REFERENCE CODE:
 IS: 4031 (Pat 4) – 1988 methods of physical test for hydraulic cement
 IS : 5513-1996 for specification for Vicat’s apparatus.
THEORY:
The standard consistency of a cement paste is defined as that consistency which will permit
the vicat plunger to penetrate to a point 5 to 7 mm from the bottom of the vicatmould. For
finding out initial setting time, final setting time, soundness of cement and compressive
strength of cement, it is necessary to fix the quantity of water to be mixed in cement in each
case.
PROCEDURE:
1. Prepare a paste of weighed quantity of cement (300 grams) with a weighed quantity
of potable or distilled water, starting with 26% water of 300g of cement.
2. Take care that the time of gauging is not less than 3 minutes, not more than 5
minutes and the gauging shall be completed before setting occurs.
3. The gauging time shall be counted from the time of adding the water to the dry
cement until commencing to fill the mould.
4. Fill the vicatmould with this paste, the mould resting upon a non porous plate.
5. After completely filling the mould, trim off the surface of the paste, making it in
level with the top of the mould. The mould may slightly be shaken to expel the air.
6. Place the test block with the mould, together with the non-porous resting plate, under
the rod bearing the plunger (10mm diameter), lower the plunger gently to touch the
surface of the test block and quickly release, allowing it to penetrate into the paste.
7. This operation shall be carried out immediately after filling the mould.
8. Prepare trial pastes with varying percentages of water and test as described above
until the amount of water necessary for making the standard consistency as defined
above is obtained.

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9. Express the amount of water as a percentage by weight of the dry cement.
Repetition of the experiment fresh cement is to be taken.
OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:
1. Type of cement…………………….
2. Brand of cement…………………..
3. Time of Test……………………….
4. Room Temperature…………………
Trail No.
Weight of cement
(g)
Percentage by water of dry
Cement
(%)
Amount of water
added (mL)
Penetration
(mm)
1
2
3
4
Figure 1: Vicat’s Apparatus
RESULT:
Normal consistency for the given sample ofcement is ............................. %

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DETERMINATION OF SETTING TIME OF
STANDARD CEMENT PASTE
AIM: To determine the initial and final setting time of a given sample of cement.
APPARATUS:
 Vicat apparatus conforming to IS : 5513-1976
 Glass plate
 Gauging Trowel
 Stop Watch
REFERENCE CODE:
 IS: 4031 (Pat 4) – 1988 methods of physical test for hydraulic cement
 IS : 5513-1996 for specification for Vicat’s apparatus.
THEORY:
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

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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.
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:
1. Type of cement=…………………….
2. Brand of cement = …………………..
3. Weight of given sample of cement is =..........................g
4. The normal consistency of a given sample ofcement is=.............................%
5. Volume of water addend for preparation of test block = ............................ mL
S. No. Setting Time (min) Penetration (mm)
1
2
3
4
5
6

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Figure: Vicat’s Apparatus
RESULT:
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

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COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST OF HYDRAULIC
CEMENT
AIM:
To determine the compressive strength of standard cement mortar cubes
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.
REFERENCE:
 IS: 4031 ( Pat 6 ) – 1988.
APPARATUS:
 Vibration Machine
 Poking Rod
 Cube Mould size conforming to IS : 10080-1982
 Trowel
 Stop Watch
 Graduated Glass Cylinders
INTRODUCTION:
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

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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 colour. 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
colour 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 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 plattens of the testing machine. One of the plattens 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.
OBSERVATIONS:
 Type of cement=...........................
 Brand of cement=........................
 Date of casting=..............................

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Trail
No
Age of
Cube
Dimensions
Of the specimen
(mm)
Weight of
Cement
Cube (g)
Cross-
Sectional
area(mm2
)
Crushing
Load (N)
Average
Compressive
strength(MPa)
L
mm
B
mm
H
mm
1
2
3
4
Figure: Cube Testing Machine
RESULT:
The average compressive strength of the given cement
1. 3 days...................................... N/mm2
2. 7 days...................................... N/mm2
3. 28 days.................................... N/mm2

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FINENESS TEST OF CEMENT BY SIEVE ANALYSIS
AIM: To determine the fineness of the cement of the given sample by sieve analysis.
APPARATUS:
 IS: 90μ test sieve
 bottom pan
 weighing balance,
 brush
REFERENCE CODE:
 IS 4031 (PART1): 1988
 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 change
in 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. Gently
breakdown the air set lumps if any with fingers.
2. Hold the sieve with pan in both hands and sieve with gentle wrist motion, in circular
and vertical motion for a period of 10 to 15 minutes without any spilling of cement.
3. Place the cover on the sieve and remove the pan. Now tap the other side of the sieve
with the handle of brush and clean the outer side of the sieve.
4. Empty the pan and fix it below the sieve and continue sieving as mentioned in the
steps 2 and 3.
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=............................

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RESULT:
Fineness of the given sample is=....................................................... %

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CYCLE-02

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BULKING OF SAND
AIM: To ascertain the bulking phenomena of given sample of sand.
APPARATUS:
1000ml measuring jar, brush.
INTRODUCTION:
Increase in volume of sand due to presence of moisture is known as bulking of sand. Bulking
is due to the formation of thin film of water around the sand grains and the interlocking of air
in between the sand grains and the film of water. When more water is added sand, particles get
submerged and volume again becomes equal to dry volume of sand. To compensate the bulking
effect extra sand is added in the concrete so that the ratio of coarse to fine aggregate will not
change from the specified value. Maximum increase in volume may be 20 % to 40 % when
moisture content is 5 % to 10 % by weight. Fine sands show greater percentage of bulking than
coarse sands with equal percentage of moisture.
PROCEDURE:
1. Take 1000ml measuring jar.
2. Fill it with loose drysand up to 500ml without tamping at anystage of filling.
3. Then pourthat sand on a pan and mix it thoroughly with water whose volume is equalto 2%
of that of dry loose sand.
4. Fill the wet loose sand in the container and find the volume ofthe sand which is in excess of
the dry volume of the sand.
5. Repeat the procedure for moisture content of 4%, 6%, 8%, etc. and note down the readings.
6. Continue the procedure till the sand gets completely saturated i.e. till it reaches the original
volume of 500ml.
OBSERVATIONS:
S. No
Volume of dry
loose sand V1
% moisture
content added
Volume of wet
loose sand V2
% Bulking V2
– V1 / V1
1
2
3
4
5
6

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GRAPH:
Draw a graph between percentage moisture content on X-axis and percentage bulking
on Y- axis. The points on the graph should be added as a smooth curve. Then from the
graph, determine maximum percentage of bulking and the corresponding moisture
content.
PRECAUTIONS:
1. While mixing water with sand grains, mixing should be thorough and uniform.
2. The sample should not be compressed while being filled in jar.
3. The sample must be slowly and gradually poured into measuring jar from its top.
4. Increase in volume of sand due to bulking should be measured accurately.
RESULT:
The maximum bulking of the given sand is at % of moisture content.

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Particle Size Distribution of Fine Aggregates
AIM:
To determine fineness modulus of fine aggregate and classifications based on IS: 383-1970
REFERENCE CODES:
 IS 2386 (Part I) – 1963
 IS: 383-1970
 IS: 460-1962
APPARATUS:
Test Sieves conforming to IS : 460-1962 Specification of 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600
micron, 300 micron, 150 micron, Balance, Gauging Trowel, Stop Watch, etc.
Theory:
This is the name given to the operation of dividing a sample of aggregate into various
fractions each consisting of particles of the same size. The sieve analysis is conducted to
determine the particle size distribution in a sample of aggregate, which we call gradation.
Many a time, fine aggregates are designated as coarse sand, medium sand and fine sand.
These classifications do not give any precise meaning. What the supplier terms as fine sand
may be really medium or even coarse sand. To avoid this ambiguity fineness modulus could
be used as a yard stick to indicate the fineness of sand.
The following limits may be taken as guidance: Fine sand : Fineness Modulus : 2.2 - 2.6,
Medium sand : F.M. : 2.6 - 2.9, Coarse sand : F.M. : 2.9 - 3.2
Sand having a fineness modulus more than 3.2 will be unsuitable for making satisfactory
concrete.
PROCEDURE:
1. The sample shall be brought to an air-dry condition before weighing and sieving. The
air-dry sample shall be weighed and sieved successively on the appropriate sieves
starting with the largest. Care shall be taken to ensure that the sieves are clean before
use.
2. The shaking shall be done with a varied motion, backward sand forwards, left to right,
circular clockwise and anti-clockwise, and with frequent jarring, so that the material is
kept moving over the sieve surface in frequently changing directions.

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3. Material shall not be forced through the sieve by hand pressure. Lumps of fine material,
if present, may be broken by gentle pressure with fingers against the side of the sieve.
4. Light brushing with a fine camel hair brush may be used on the 150-micron and 75-
micron IS Sieves to prevent aggregation of powder and blinding of apertures.
5. On completion of sieving, the material retained on each sieve, together with any
material cleaned from the mesh, shall be weighed.
OBSERVATION:
I S Sieve
Weight
Retained on
Sieve (g)
Percentage of
Weight
Retained (%)
Percentage of
Weight
Passing (%)
Cumulative
Percentage of
Passing (%)
Remark
4.75 mm
2.36 mm
1.18 mm
600 micron
300 micron
150 micron
Total
CALCULATION:
Fineness modulus is an empirical factor obtained by adding the cumulative percentages of
aggregate retained on each of the standard sieves ranging from 4.75 mm to 150 micron and
dividing this sum by anarbitrary number 100.
𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑠, 𝐹𝑀 =
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑢𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑃𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 (%)
100
CONCLUSION / RESULT:
b. Fineness modulus of a given sample of fine aggregate is........... that indicate Coarse
sand/ Medium sand/Fine sand.
c. The given sample of fine aggregate is belong to Grading Zones I / II / III / IV

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SLUMP TEST
AIM:
Concrete slump test is to determine the workability or consistency of concrete mix prepared
at the laboratory or the construction site during the progress of the work.
APPARATUS:
Mould for slump test, non-porous base plate, measuring scale, temping rod.
INTRODUCTION:
Concrete slump test is carried out from batch to batch to check the uniform quality of concrete
during construction. The slump test is the simplest workability test for concrete, involves low
cost and provides immediate results. Generally concrete slump value is used to find the
workability, which indicates water-cement ratio, but there are various factors including
properties of materials, mixing methods, dosage, admixtures etc. also affect the concrete slump
value.
1. Very low workability: slump value 0-25mm or 0-1 inch
2. Low workability: slump value 25-50mm or 1-2 inch
3. Medium workability: slump value 50-100mm or 2-4 inch
4. High workability: slump value 100-175mm or 4-7 inch
 True Slump – True slump is the only slump that can be measured in the test. The measurement
is taken between the top of the cone and the top of the concrete after the cone has been removed
as shown in figure.

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 Zero Slump – Zero slump is the indication of very low water-cement ratio,
which results in dry mixes. These type of concrete is generally used for road
construction.
 Collapsed Slump – This is an indication that the water-cement ratio is too
high, i.e. concrete mix is too wet or it is a high workability mix, for which a
slump test is not appropriate.
 Shear Slump – The shear slump indicates that the result is incomplete, and
concrete to be retested.
PROCEDURE:
1. Clean the internal surface of the mould and apply oil.
2. Place the mould on a smooth horizontal non- porous base plate.
3. Fill the mould with the prepared concrete mix in 4 approximately equal layers.
4. Tamp each layer with 25 strokes of the rounded end of the tamping rod in a
uniform manner over the cross section of the mould. For the subsequent
layers, the tamping should penetrate into the underlying layer.
5. Remove the excess concrete and level the surface with a trowel.
6. Clean awaythe mortar or water leaked out between the mould and the base plate.
7. Raise the mould fromthe concrete immediately and slowly in vertical direction.
8. Measure the slump as the difference between the height of the mould and that
of height point of the specimen being tested.

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RESULT:
Slump for the given sample = mm.

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CF (COMPACT FACTOR STRESS) TEST
AIM:
Compaction factor test is the workabilitytest for concrete conducted in laboratory.
APPARATUS:
Compaction factor apparatus consists of trowels, hand scoop (15.2 cm long), a rod of steel or
other suitable material (1.6 cm diameter, 61 cm long rounded at one end) and a balance.
INTRODUCTION:
The compaction factor test is used for concrete which have low workability for which slump
test is not suitable. The test is sufficiently sensitive to enable difference in workability arising
from the initial process in the hydration of cement to be measured. Each test, therefore should
be carried out at a constant time interval after the mixing is completed, if strictly comparable
results are to be obtained. Convenient time for releasing the concrete from the upper hopper
has been found to be two minutes after the completion of mixing.
PROCEDURE:
1. Place the concrete sample gently in the upper hopper to its brim using the hand scoop and level
it.
2. Cover the cylinder. Open the trapdoor at the bottom of the upper hopper so that concrete fall
into the lower hopper. Push the concrete sticking on its sides gently with the road.

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3. Open the trapdoor ofthe lower hopper and allow the concrete to fall into the cylinder below.
4. Cut ofthe excess of concrete above the top level of cylinder using trowels and level it.
5. Clean the outside of the cylinder.
6. Weight the cylinder with concrete to the nearest 10 g. This weight is known as the weight of
partially compacted concrete (W1).
7. Empty the cylinder and then refill it with the same concrete mix in layers approximately 5 cm
deep, each layer being heavily rammed to obtain full compaction.
8. Level the top surface.
9. Weigh the cylinder with fully compacted. This weight is known as the weight of fully
compacted concrete (W2).
10. Find the weight of emptycylinder (W).
CALCULATION:
The compaction factor is defined as the ratio of the weight of partially compacted concrete to
the weight of fully compacted concrete. It shall normally to be stated to the nearest second
decimal place.
Compaction Factor Value= (W1-W) / (W2-W)
RESULT:
Compaction factor of the concrete =
The Compaction factor values ranges from 0.7 to 0.95.
1. ?

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VEE - BEE TEST
AIM:
To determine the workability of freshly mixed concrete by using of Vee – Bee consistometer
apparatus.
APPARATUS:
Cylindrical container, Vee-Bee apparatus (consisting of vibrating table, slump cone), Standard
tamping rod, stop watch and trowels.
INTRODUCTION:
Vee-bee test carries out the relative effort measurement to change the mass of the concrete
from a definite shape to the other. That is, as per the test, from the conical shape to the
cylindrical shape by undergoing vibration process. The measurement of the effort is done by
time measurement in seconds. The amount of work measured in seconds is called as
the remoulding effort. The time required for the complete remoulding is a measure of the
workability and is expressed in the Vee-Bee seconds. The experiment is named after the
developer V Bahrmer of Sweden. The method can be also applied for dryconcrete. For concrete
that have slump value more than 50mm, the remoulding activity will be so fast that the
measurement of time is not possible.
PROCEDURE:
1. Initially the sheet metal slump cone is placed inside the cylinder container that is placed in the
consistometer. The cone is filled with four layers of concrete. Each concrete layer is one fourth
the height of the cone. Each layer after pouring is subjected to twenty-five tamping with the
standard tamping rod. The tamping is done with the rounded end of the rod. The strokes are

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distributed in uniform manner. This must be done in such a way theta the strokes conducted
for the second and the subsequent layers of concrete must penetrate the bottom layers. Once
the final layer has been placed and compacted, the concrete is struck off to make it in level with
the help of a trowel. This makes the cone to be exactly filled.
2. After the preparation of the concrete cone, the glass disc attached to the swivel arm is moved
and is placed on the top of the slump cone placed inside the cylindrical container. The glass
disc has to be placed such that it touches the top of the concrete level and the reading is
measured from the graduated rod.
3. Now the cylindrical cone is removed immediately by raising the cone slowly in the vertical
direction. The transparent disc on the top of the concrete is placed down to the new position
and the reading is determined.
4. The difference in the values measured from step 3 and step 4 will give the slump.
5. Now the electrical vibrator is switched on and at the same time we have to start the stop watch.
The concrete is allowed to spread out in the cylindrical container. Until the concrete is remolded
the vibration is continued. This stage is when the surface of the concrete becomes horizontal
and the concrete surface completely adheres uniformly to the transparent disc.
6. The time required for complete remoulding in seconds is recorded. This time in seconds gives
us the measure ofworkabilityofthe fresh concrete. This time is expressed in Vee-Bee seconds.
OBSERVATION AND CALCULATIONS:
1. Initial reading from the graduated rod, before unmoulding (a) in mm
2. The final reading on the graduated rod after removing the mould (b) in mm
3. Slump = a – b in mm
4. The time required for complete remoulding in seconds
RESULT:
Hence the consistency of the concrete is measured in vee-bee seconds.

Page 30
STANDARD VALUES:
WORKABILITY DESCRIPTION VEE – BEE TIME (IN SECONDS)
Extremely dry 32 – 18
Verystiff 18 – 10
Stiff 10 – 5
Stiff plastic 5 – 3
Plastic 3 – 0
Flowing

Page 31
Determine Compressive Strength of Cubic Concrete Specimens
AIM:
The test method covers determination of compressive strength of cubic concrete specimens.
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.
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.
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.
Weights and weighing device, Tools and containers for mixing, Tamper (square in cross
section) etc.
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

Page 32
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.
9. 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.
10. The axis of the specimen shall be carefully aligned with the centre 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.
11. 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.
12. 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 33
OBSERVATION:
Data for the calculating of the mix proportion
Sr.
No.
Description Value
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
concrete
For one cubic meter of
concrete
For one batch of mixing
Coarse aggregate (kg)
Fine aggregate (kg)
Cement (kg)
Water (kg)
S/A
w/c
Admixture
Sr.
No.
Age of
Cube
Weight of
Cement
Cube (g)
Cross-
Sectional
area (mm2
)
Load
(N)
Compressive
strength
(N/mm2
)
Average
Compressive
strength (MPa)
1
7 Days
2
3
4
28 Days
5 `
6
CONCLUSION:
i) The average 7 Days Compressive Strength of concrete sample is found to be ……..
ii) The average 28 Days Compressive Strength of concrete sample is found to be ……..

Page 34
Determine Flexural Strength of Concrete Specimens
EXPERIMENT NO.: 11
AIM:
This clause deals with the procedure for determining the flexural strength of moulded
concrete flexure test specimens
REFERENCE CODES:
 IS: 516 – 1959
 IS: 1199-1959
 SP: 23-1982
 IS: 10086-1982
THEORY:
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
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.
section) etc.
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
the material.

Page 35
of the batch.
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.
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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. The load shall be applied without shock and increasing continuously at a rate such
that the extreme fibre 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.
12. 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 36
Figure: Flexural strength test of moulded concrete flexure test specimens
Observation :
Mix proportion of
concrete
For 1 cubic meter of
concrete
For one batch of mixing
Fine aggregate (kg)
Cement (kg)
Water (kg)
S/A
w/c
Admixture
Sr.
No.
Age of
Specimen
Identification
Mark
Size of
Specimen
(mm)
Span
Length
(mm)
Max.
Load
(N)
Position
of
Fracture
‘a’ (mm)
Modulus
of
Rupture
(MPa)
1
7 Days
2
3
4
28 Days
5 `
6

Page 37
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 centre 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,
l = length in cm of the span on which the specimen was supported, and
p = maximum load in kg applied to the specimen.
CONCLUSION:
i) The average 7 Days Modulus of Rupture of concrete sample is found to be …..…..
ii) The average 28 Days Modulus of Rupture of concrete sample is found to be …..…..

Page 38
Determine Splitting Tensile Strength of Cylindrical Concrete
Specimens
EXPERIMENT NO.: 12
AIM:
This method covers the determination of the splitting tensile strength of cylindrical concrete
specimens.
REFERENCE CODES:
 IS: 516 – 1959
 IS: 1199-1959
 SP: 23-1982
 IS: 10086-1982
THEORY:
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
Cylinders -The cylindrical mould shall be of 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height
section) etc.
PROCEDURE:
2. 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
the material.

Page 39
of the batch.
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.
6. Mould - The cylindrical mould shall be of 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height
9. 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.
10. Two bearings strips 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.
11. 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.
12. Draw diametric lines an 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.
13. 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.
14. Place a second plywood strip lengthwise on the cylinder, centered on the lines marked
on 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
15. Record the maximum applied load indicated by the testing machine at failure. Note
the typeof failure and appearance of fracture.

Page 40
Figure: Loading Arrangement for Determining Split Tensile Strength
Figure: Cylinder in compression machine

Page 41
OBSERVATIONS:
Mix proportion of concrete For 1 cubic meter of concrete For one batch of mixing
Fine aggregate (kg)
Cement (kg)
Water (kg)
S/A
w/c
Admixture
Sr.
No.
Age of
Specimen
Identification
Mark
Dia of
Specimen
(mm)
Depth
(mm)
Maximum
Load (N)
Tensile
Strength
(MPa)
Average
Tensile
Strength
(MPa)
1
7 Days
2
3
4
28 Days
5 `
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, kN
L: Length, m
d: diameter
CONCLUSION:
i) The average 7 Days Tensile Strength of concrete sample is found to be …..…..
ii) The average 28 Days Tensile Strength of concrete sample is found to be …..…..

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