LABORATORY MANUAL ON

CE212: CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIAL

Department of Civil Engineering

IIT Guwahati

Prepared by: Prof. S. Talukdar

CONTENTS
Expt No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Title
Standard Consistency, Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement
Specific Gravity and Fineness of Cement
Compressive strength of cement
Test for Bulking and Specific gravity of sand
Particle Size Distribution of Fine Aggregate (FA) or Sand
Moisture content, Water absorption, Dry rodded density and
Sieve Analysis of Stone chips (Coarse Aggregate)
Aggregate crushing value test
Test for workability and compressive strength of concrete (slump
and cube test)
Test for workability and compressive strength of concrete
(compaction factor, cube and cylinder strength)
Vee-Bee Consistometer Test
Test for Reinforcing steel
Water absorption, compressive strength and efflorescence of
bricks

Page No
3-4
5-6
7-8
9-10
11-14
15-17
18-19
20-22
23-25
26
27-28
29-31

CE212: Civil Engineering Materials Lab

Experiment No-1
TITLE: Standard Consistency, Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement
OBJECTIVES: To determine Standard Consistency, Initial and Final Setting Time of given
Cement Sample and to compare these values with the specification of IS code.
THEORY: Standard consistency is defined as the percentage water requirement of cement paste
at which viscosity of the paste becomes such that the plunger in a specially designed apparatus
(known as Vicats apparatus) penetrates a depth 5 to 7mm, measured from the bottom of the
mould. Practical importance of Standard consistency value is to determine amount of water
needed to make paste for other tests of cement.
Two stiffening states of cements are (i) initial and (ii) final setting time. Initial setting time is
defined as the time taken by the paste to stiffen to an extent such that the Vicat needle is not
permitted to move down through the paste within 5 0.5 mm measured from the bottom of the
mould. Time is measured from the instant water is added to the paste.
Final setting time is the time when the paste becomes so hard that the annular attachment to the
needle under standard weight only makes an impression on the hardened cement paste.
APPARATUS: Vicats Apparatus with plunger, needles, stop watch etc. (Draw a schematic
diagram of Vicats apparatus and various attachments)
PROCEDURE:
Standard Consistency:
(1) Prepare a paste of weighed quantity of cement (approx. 400 gms) with weighed quantity of
water (start from 20%-25%) taking care that mixing (gauging) remains between 3 to 5 minutes
and mixing shall be completed before any signs of setting becomes visible.
(2) Fill the Vicat mould with the paste, mould should rest on non porous base.
(3) Place the mould under Vicats apparatus. The plunger attached to a movable rod is gently
lowered on the paste.
(4) Settlement of plunger is noted, penetration from bottom is equal to the difference of mould
height and settlement of plunger. If penetration of the plunger is within 5-7mm from bottom,
then water added is correct. Otherwise, water is added and process is repeated.
Observations:
Table 1 Standard Consistency: Height of mould=-------; Volume of the mould=------Sl . No % water

Initial
reading

Final reading

Settlement
plunger

of Penetration (mm)

Initial Setting Time:

(1) Take approx 400 gms of dry cement and add 0.85 P where P is the weight of water for
standard consistency to make paste.
(2) Fill the mould with paste, attach square needle to moving rod of apparatus.
(3)The needle is quickly released and is allowed to penetrate cement paste.
(4) Note down the time and penetration from bottom.
(5) Plot a curve between time (min) and penetration (mm).
(6) Find initial setting time (minutes) when penetration of needle (from bottom) is within 5 0.5
mm.
Table 2 Initial Setting Time
Sl . No Time

Initial
reading

Final reading

Settlement
needle

of Penetration (mm)

Final Setting Time:

(1) Attach needle with annular collar to the movable rod.
(2) Release the needle gently.
(3) The time when needle makes an impression only on the hardened cement paste is recorded

REMARKS: Compare your test results with IS code values and comment on the quality of
cement.

CE212: Civil Engineering Materials Lab

Experiment No-2
TITLE: Specific Gravity and Fineness of Cement.
OBJECTIVES (i) To determine the specific gravity of cement using Le Chatelier Flask. (ii)
Fineness of cement by dry sieving method
APPARATUS:
For specific gravity test
(i) Le Chaterliers flask.
(ii) Weighing balance
(iii) Spoon
(iv) Stirrer
For Fineness test: Sieve 90 micron size
MATERIALS USED:
For Specific gravity
(i) Cement (OPC)
(ii) Kerosene
For Fineness: Dry Cement
THEORY:
In case of cement, specific gravity is determined by use of a Le Chateliers flask. In the
determination of specific gravity of cement, kerosene is used as a medium instead of water,
because water undergoes hydration reaction with cement, while kerosene does not react. The
specific gravity of OPC is generally around 3.15.
Fineness is an indication of size of cement particle and is an important parameter to determine
whether the cement is fit for use in concrete. The properties of cement are greatly influenced by
Fineness which depends on the grinding of clinker during manufacturing process. Adulterated
and damaged cement show deviation of fineness value from the prescribed limit.
PROCEDURE:
For Specific Gravity
1. Dry the flask carefully and fill it with kerosene to a point on the stem between zero and 1
ml mark.
2. Record the level of the liquid in the flask as initial reading.
5

3. Introduce a weighed quantity of cement (about 64 g) into the flask. The level of kerosene
will rise. Care should be taken to avoid splashing and to ensure that cement does not
adhere to the sides of the stem of the flask above the liquid level.
4. After all
ll the cement has been introduced into the flask, the stopper shall be placed in the
flask and roll the flask gently in an inclined position or gently whirled in a horizontal
circle, so as to expel air until no further air bubble rises to the surface of the
th liquid.
5. Note down the new liquid level as final reading.
6. Repeat the steps 1 to 5 at least for three different samples.
7. The density of OPC is given by,

Displaced volume = Final Reading Initial Reading.

8. Calculate the specific gravity of cement for each of the three samples.
9. Determine the mean specific gravity of the cement by averaging the results of all the three
samples.
For Fineness test (Dry Sieving Method)
1. Take IS 90 micron sieve and find out empty weight (W1)
2. Take known weight of dry cement ((say W gm).
2. Put the cement on a IS Sieve 90 micron in size.
3. Sieve about 10 minutes.
4. Take the weight of the sieve with residue (W2)
W W1
5. Calculate fineness as 2
100%
W

REMARKS: Discuss the precautions to be taken and sources of errors also comment on the
values of specific gravity and fineness obtained from the test results.

CE212: Civil Engineering Materials Lab

Experiment No - 3
TITLE: Compressive strength of cement.
OBJECTIVES: To determining the compressive strength of cement from tests on mortar cubes
compacted by means of standard vibration machine.
APPARATUS:
(i)

Tray.

(ii)

Trowel

(iii)

Cube mould of size 70.60mm

(iv)

Platform vibrator (or) Equipment for hand compaction

(v)

Compression testing machine

(vi)

Balance to measure weight

MATERIALS USED:
(i)

Cement.

(ii)

Standard sand.

(iii)

Water.

THEORY:
The compressive strength of hardened cement is the most important of all the properties which
influence strength of concrete. For adulterated cement/ damaged cement, compressive will be
lower than the prescribed strength. Strength test are not done on neat cement paste with standard
(Standard sand particle size 1-2 mm- 33.33%; 500 - 1mm- 33.33%; 90 - 500- 33.33%) .The
proportion of mortar 1:3. The cubes are prepared and compacted with vibration. The cubes are
then tested in compression testing machine after specified days of curing.
TEST PROCEDURE:
1) Take 200 g of cement and 600 g of standard sand* (i.e. ratio of cement to sand is 1:3) and
mix them dry thoroughly.
2) Add water quantity (P/4 + 3.0) % ( P is the percentage of water required to produce a paste of
standard consistency determined) of combined weight of cement and sand and mix the three
ingredients thoroughly for a minimum of 3 minutes and maximum of 4 minutes to obtain a mix
of uniform colour.
3) Fill the mould with entire quantity of mortar using a suitable hopper attached to the top of the
mould for facility of filling and vibrate it for 2 minutes at a specified speed of 12000400 per
7

minute to achieve full compaction.

4) Remove the mould from the machine and keep it in a place with temp of 272C and relative
humidity of 90% for 24 hours.
5) Prepare at least 6 cubes. At the end of 24 hrs remove the cube from the mould and
immediately submerge in fresh clean water. The cube shall be taken out of the water only at the
time of testing.
6) Take the cube out of water at the end of three days with dry cloth. Measure the dimensions of
the surface (A) in which the load is to be applied. Let be L and B respectively.
7) Place the cube in compressive testing machine and apply the load uniformly.
Note the load at which the cube fails. Let it be P. Therefore comp. strength f=P/A (N/mm2)
Calculate the compressive strength of the cube by using formula
Tabulate the results
Sl No

3 days of
curing

7 days of
curing

28 days of curing

Remarks

CALCULATION:
Compressive Strength = P/A
REMARKS: Technical discussion, precautions and comment on the values of compressive
strength of cement obtained from test results.
Minimum value of compressive strength shall be written for particular grade of cement used.

CE 212: Civil Engineering Materials Lab

Experiment No-4
TITLE: Test for Bulking and Specific gravity of sand
OBJECTIVE: To determine Bulking and Specific gravity of sand using Pycnometer.
THEORY:
When measuring sand by volume, allowance should be made for the fact that it can occupy a
greater volume when damp than when it is dry. This effect is known as bulking. The extent of the
bulking varies with the moisture content and the coarseness of the sand.
Specific gravity is the ratio of the weight in air of a given volume of a material to the weight in
air of an equal volume of distilled water. Specific gravity of river sand is around 2.5 and
manufactured sand is around 2.7
APPARATUS:
(i)
(ii)

Bulking of sand: Beaker (1 lt) , spoon, steel rule, tray

Specific gravity: Pycnometer, Tray, Weighing balance, stirrer.

MATERIALS USED:
Fine aggregate or sand, distilled water.
PROCEDURE:
For bulking of sand test
(1) Put sufficient quantity of the sand into a container until it is about one-thirds full.
(2) Level off the top of the sand and measure the height (h1) by pushing a steel rule vertically
down through the sand at the middle to the bottom. Measure weight of the soil.
(3) Add 4% of water; mix it thoroughly in the container. Smooth and level the top surface
measure the height (h2) of soil. Find the height percentage increment.
(4) Repeat the same procedure with increasing amount of water by 2% until percentage
increment of sand height is reduced.
(5) Plot a graph of percentage increment of sand height against percentage of water.
For Specific gravity test
(1) Take a clean, dry pycnometer, and find its weight with its cap and washer (W1)
(2) Put about 200 g to 400 g of sand in the pycnometer and find its weight (W2)
9

(3) Fill the pycnometer and filled in sand as in step2, with distilled water and measure its
weight (W3)
(4) Empty the pycnometer, clean it thoroughly, and fill it with clean water only to the hole of
the conical cap, and find its weight (W4)
(5) Repeat the same procedure at least for three different samples

OBSERVATIONS:
Sl.
No

Sl.
No

% water

Weight of
empty
Pycn.
(W1)
(g)

Table 1: Bulking of sand

Height
Height
(h1)
(h2)

Percentage bulking

Table 2: Specific gravity of sand

Weight of
Weight of
Weight+ Pycn.
Pycn+dry
Pycn.+ dry
+water (W4)
sand (W2)
sand +water
(g)
(g)
(W3)
(g)

h2

1 100
h1

Specific gravity of sand

W2 W1
(W2 W1 ) (W3 W 4 )

REMARKS: Discuss the precautions to be taken and sources of errors also comments on the
values of specific gravity and bulking of sand from the test results.

10

CE212: Civil Engineering Materials Lab

Experiment No - 5
TITLE: Particle Size Distribution of Fine Aggregate (FA) or Sand.
OBJECTIVES:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

To determine the moisture content, water absorption and bulk density of sand.
To determine fineness modulus of sand.
To determine effective size, uniformity coefficient and coefficient of curvature of sand.
To determine the gradation zone of sand as per IS code.
To plot particle size distribution curve.

APPARATUS:
1) For Water absorption test: Beaker (1 lt), Hot air oven, weighing balance, tray.
2) For Bulk density test: Cylindrical metal measure, tamping rod, weighing balance.
3) Sieve Apparatus or sieve set. The apparatus consists of eight different types of sieves i.e.
4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600, 300, 150 and 75 sieve for fine aggregate.

MATERIALS USED:

500 gram sample of sand.
THEORY:There are different types of sand, so we will have to judge which type of sand is the
best for use. The sand is differentiated on the basis of its gradation. The sand will be called
graded if it consists of particles having a variety of dimensions. For this reason sieve analysis is
conducted to determine the particle size distribution in a sample of aggregate.As per Indian
standard the aggregate fraction from 4.75mm to 75 micron are termed as fine aggregate.
Fineness modulus is defined as sum of the cumulative percentage of sand retained in the
designated sieves divided by 100.
The effective size, i.e. D10 represents a size, in mm such that 10% of the particles are finer then
the sieve size.
Where D60 is the grain diameter at 60% passing, i.e. 40% of sample is retained on that particular
sieve then there is 60% passing.
TEST PROCEDURE:
For water absorption
1) Take 500g (W1) of fine aggregate sample, wash thoroughly to remove dust. Then place the
sample in a container, put in hot air oven for 24 hours, at a temperature of 100 to 110C. After
24 hours, measure the weight of air dried sample (W2).

11

2) Take out oven dried aggregate (W2) and immerse in water for 24 hours at a temperature
between 22C and 32C with a cover of at least 5 cm of water above the top of the basket.
3) Take out the immersed aggregate and place in a dry cloth. It shall then be spread out, and best
exposed to the atmosphere away from direct sunlight or any other source of heat for not less
than 10 minutes, or until it appears to be completely surface dry. Measure weight of the
aggregate (W3).
4) The aggregate shall then be placed in the oven in the shallow tray, at a temperature of 100 to
110C and maintained at this temperature for 24 hours. After 24 hours, It shall then be
removed from the oven, cooled in the airtight container and weighed (W4).
For bulk-density
1) Measure empty weight of cylindrical metal measure (Wc).
2) Measure diameter and height of cylindrical metal measure, and determine its volume (Vc).
3) Fill the cylinder with aggregate making three layers and tamp it 25 times each layer. Measure
total weight (WT). Repeat the same procedures for three different samples.
For Sieve Analysis
1) The sample shall be brought to an air-dried condition before weighing and sieving.
2) Measure 500 gram of the sand.
3) Arrange sieve in descending order of size from the top.
4) Put the sand in sieve 4.75mm, and shake for 10 minutes. Material shall not be forced through
the sieve by hand pressure.
5) After 10 minutes stop the shaker and separate the sieve 4.75mm from the apparatus. Then
with the help of balance measure the weight of retained particles, note this weight in the table.
6) Measure the weight of the particles retained in each sieve and notes them in the table.
7) Calculate the percentage of weight retained on each sieve.
8) Find the percentage of the weight which has passed through each sieve.
9) Plot particle size (log scale) and % passing and find out D10, D30, D60.
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:
Table 1: Water absorption and moisture content of Fine Aggregate
Sl.
No

Weight
(W1)

Weight
(W2)

Weight
(W3)

Weight
(W4)

Moisture
content
W1 W2

W2

12

100

Water
absorption
W3 W4

W4

100

Table 2: Bulk density of Fine Aggregate

Sl.
No

IS Sieve
Size
(mm)

Weight (Wc)
(kg)

(1)
Weight
of
empty
sieve
(gm.)

Volume of
Cylinder(Vc)
(cum)

Weight
(WT)
(kg)

Density

Table 3: Sieve analysis of Fine Aggregate

(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Weight
Weight Percentage Cumulative Cumulative
of sieve retained
Weight
weight
percentage
+sand
(gm.)
retained
retained
weight
after
(gm.)
retained
sieving
(gm.)

4.75mm
2.36mm
1.18mm
600
300
150
75
Pan

Fineness Modulus =

WT WC
VC

Total Cumulative % weight retained

100

D 60
D 10

Uniformity coefficient, C u =

Coefficient of curvature, C

D 302
D 10 D

60

13

(kg/cum)

(7)
Percentage
finer
100-Col(6)

Determination of zone for sand:

Compare your result with following table and decide the zone of sand
Percentage passing by weight for
I.S. Sieve
Designation
4.75mm
2.36mm
1.18mm
600
300
150

Grading
Zone- I

Grading
Zone- II

Grading
Zone- III

Grading
Zone- IV

90-100
60-95
30-70
15-34
5-20
0-10

90-100
75-100
55-90
35-59
8-30
0-10

90-100
85-100
75-100
60-79
12-40
0-10

95-100
95-100
90-100
80-100
15-50
0-15

REMARKS: Technical discussion, precautions and comment on the values of Fineness

modulus, effective size, Coefficients of Uniformity and Curvature and zone obtained from test
result.

14

CE 212: Civil Engineering Materials Lab

Experiment No-6
TITLE: Moisture content, Water absorption, Dry rodded density and Sieve Analysis of Stone
chips (Coarse Aggregate)
OBJECTIVE: To determine (i) Moisture content and Water absorption (ii) Dry rodded density
(iii) Particle Size Distribution of of Stone chips (Coarse Aggregate)
THEORY:
The bulk density is coarse aggregate is the density of dry aggregate. This is required to determine
amount of Coarse aggregate in concrete mix. Coarse aggregate from different quarries vary in
their properties and therefore before estimating quantity of materials for concrete mix, the
parameter is required. The water content inherent in air dried aggregate is known as moisture
content and is measured in percentage. Similarly, aggregates may absorb water when it comes in
contact with water. Both these parameters are needed for concrete mix design.
The sieve analysis is conducted to determine the particle size distribution in a sample of
aggregate, which is called gradation.
APPARATUS:
(iii) For Water absorption test: Beaker (1 lt) , Hot air oven, weighing balance, tray
(iv)
For Dry rodded density test: Cylindrical metal measure, tamping rod, weighing balance.
(v)
For Sieve Analysis: IS Sieve 40 mm, 20 mm, 16 mm, 12.5 mm, 10 mm, 4.75 mm
MATERIALS USED:
Stone chips (Coarse Aggregate)
PROCEDURE:
For water absorption
(6) Take 500 g (W1) of coarse aggregate sample, wash thoroughly to remove finer particles and
dust. Then place the sample in a container, put in hot air oven for 24 hours, at a temperature
of 100 to 110C. After 24 hours, measure the weight of air dried sample (W2)
(7) Take out oven dried aggregate (W2) and immerse in water for 24 hours at a temperature
between 22C and 32C with a cover of at least 5 cm of water above the top of the basket.
(8) Take out the immersed aggregate and place in a dry cloth. It shall then be spread out not
more than one stone deep, and best exposed to the atmosphere away from direct sunlight or
any other source of heat for not less than 10 minutes, or until it appears to be completely
surface dry. Measure weight of the aggregate (W3)
(9) The aggregate shall then be placed in the oven in the shallow tray, at a temperature of 100 to
110C and maintained at this temperature for 24 hours. After 24 hours, It shall then be
removed from the oven, cooled in the airtight container and weighed (W4).

15

For dry rodded density

(6) Measure empty weight of cylindrical metal measure (Wc)
(7) Measure diameter and height of cylindrical metal measure, and determine its volume (Vc).
(8) Fill the cylinder with aggregate making three layers and tamp it 25 times each layer.
Measure total weight (WT). Repeat the same procedures for three different samples.
For Sieve Analysis
(1) Take 500 g of coarse aggregate
(2) Arrange the various sieves one over the other in the order of their mesh openings- the largest
aperture sieve being kept at the top and the smallest aperture sieve at the bottom. Keep a pan
at the bottom of the whole assembly.
(3) Put the course aggregate on the top sieve, cover it with a lid and put the whole assembly in
the sieve shaking machine for 10 to 15 mi of shaking.
(4) Measure weight of the aggregate retained on each sieve.
(5) Calculate percentage of aggregate retained on each sieve on the basis of the total mass of
aggregate taken, and from these results, calculate percentage passing through each sieve.
(6) Plot the particle size distribution curve using semi-log graph [particle size in log scale (xaxis) and % finer in ordinary scale (y axis)]
(7) Calculate Fineness Modulus of coarse aggregate

OBSERVATIONS:
Visual observation: Write about colour and shape (rounded/angular)

Sl.
No

Weight
(W1)

Table 1: Water absorption and moisture content of CA

Weight
Weight
Weight
Moisture
(W2)
(W3)
(W4)
content
W1 W2

W2

Sl.
No

Weight
(Wc)
(kg)

100

Table 2: Dry rodded density of CA

Volume of
Weight
WT WC
Density
Cylinder(Vc)
(WT)
VC
(cum)
(kg)

16

Water
absorption
W3 W4

W4

100

(kg/cum)

IS Sieve
Size
(mm)

(1)
Weight
retained

Table 3: Sieve analysis of CA

(2)
(3)
Cumulative
Cumulative % weight
weight
retained
retained

(4)=100-Col(3)
Percentage
finer

40
20
16
12.5
10
4.75
pan

Fineness Modulus =

cumulative

% wt retained

100

REMARKS: Discuss the precautions to be taken and sources of errors also comments on the
values from the test results.

17

CE212: Civil Engineering Materials Lab

Experiment No - 7
TITLE: Aggregate crushing value test.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the aggregate crushing value using compression testing machine.
APPARATUS:
4) Cylindrical measure having internal diameter of 115 mm and height 180mm.
5) Steel Cylinder with open ends, and internal diameter 150mm, square base plate and
plunger.
6) IS Sieves of sizes 12.5mm, 10mm and 2.36 mm.
7) Steel tamping rod and balance.
8) Compression testing machine
MATERIALS USED:

Sample of course aggregates.
THEORY:
Aggregates used in concrete, should be strong enough to sustain gradually varying loads under
compression. If the aggregates are weak, the stability of the concrete structure is likely to be
adversely affected. The strength of coarse aggregates is assessed by aggregates crushing test. The
aggregate crushing value provides a relative measure of resistance to crushing under a gradually
applied compressive load. To achieve a good quality of concrete, aggregate possessing low
aggregate crushing value should be preferred.

TEST PROCEDURE:
5) Take surface-dry sample aggregates passing through 12.5mm and retained on 10mm. IS
Sieve is selected for standard test.
6) Cylindrical measure is filled by the test sample of aggregate in three layers of approximately
equal depth, each layer being tamped 25 times by tamping rod and test sample then weighted
(A).
7) The cylinder of the test apparatus is placed in position on the base plate. One third of the test
sample is placed in this cylinder and tamped 25 times by tamping rod. Similarly other two
parts of the test specimen are added.
8) Total depth of the material in the cylinder after tamping shall however be 100 mm.

18

9) The surface of the aggregates is then levelled and the plunger inserted. The apparatus is then
placed in the compression testing machine and loaded at a uniform rate so as to achieve 40t
load in 10 minutes. After this, the load is released.
10)
The sample is then sieved through a 2.36mm IS Sieve and the fraction passing through
the sieve is weighted (Weight B).
11)

Two tests should be conducted and take the average value.

CALCULATIONS:
Aggregate crushing value = (B/A) x 100%.
Where,
B= weight of fraction passing the appropriate sieve, and
A= weight of surface-dry sample.

REMARKS: Technical discussion, precautions and comment on the aggregate crushing value
obtained from test result.

19

CE 212: Civil Engineering Materials Lab

Experiment No-8
TITLE: Test for workability and compressive strength of concrete (slump and cube test)
OBJECTIVE: (i) To determine workability of fresh concrete by Slump Test
(ii) To determine compressive strength of concrete cubes
(iii) To study effect of W/C ratio on workability and compressive strength
THEORY:
Workability is a term associated with freshly prepared concrete. This can be defined as the ease
with which concrete can mixed, placed, compacted and finished. Slump test is the most
commonly used method of measuring workability of concrete in a laboratory or at site of work.
It is used conveniently as a control test and gives an indication of uniformity of concrete from
batch to batch. Vertical settlement of a standard cone of freshly prepared concrete is called
slump.
Concrete is very strong in compression and for structural design purpose, one has to know the
compressive strength by testing hardened concrete specimen. In India, cube specimen 150 mm
size is taken as standard and 28 days strength is adopted in design.
APPARATUS:
(i) For workability, slump cone (bottom diameter = 20 cm, top diameter = 10 cm, height=30 cm),
Weighing balance, tray, standard tamping rod, concrete mixer
(ii) For compressive test: concrete cube 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm size, curing tank,
compression testing machine.
MATERIALS USED:
Cement, Fine aggregate, stone chips (Coarse aggregate) and water. Calculate materials required
for casting 9 cubes of size 150 mm. (Take concrete density: 2400 kg/ cu.m, 15% extra may be
added to the total weight)
Concrete Mix: 1:1.5:3 (W/C=0.4, 0.5, 0.6). The ingredients are by weight.

PROCEDURE
(a) Slump Test
(1) Take Mix proportion: 1: 1.5:3 by weight; Use three different W/C ratio=-0.4, 0.5, 0.6 to
prepare three mixes.
(2) Clean the internal surface of the mould thoroughly and it should be freed from superfluous
moisture.
20

(3) Place the mould on a smooth, horizontal, rigid and non-absorbent surface, such as a
carefully leveled metal plate, and fixed it.
(4) Fill the mould with freshly prepared concrete in four layers and compact each layer by
temping with twenty five stokes of temping rod. After the top layer has been rodded, struck
off the excess concrete, make level with a trowel or tamping rod.
(5) Carefully lift the mould vertically upwards, so as not to disturb the concrete cone.
(6) Determine the level difference between the height of the mould and the highest point of the
subsided concrete.
(7) Height difference in mm is taken as Slump of concrete.
(8) Tabulate slump value for each test (see Table-1)
(a) Compressive strength test
(1) Take three cube moulds for each mix. Assemble the mould with base plate so that it is rigidly
held together. Clean the inside of the mould and see that joints (at the edges) are perfectly tight.
(2) Pour properly mixed concrete for the given mix to the cube moulds.
(3) Compaction by needle vibrator will be preferred. If vibrator is not available, hand compaction
is to be done by placing concrete in three layers; each layer be compacted with the help of
standard temping rod by means of 25 blows.
(4) Level the concrete at the top of the mould by means of trowel and give proper identification
mark of the specimen.
(5) Keep the cubes in laboratory for 24 hours.
(6) After 24 hours, dismantle the plates of cube mould and take out the hardened concrete cubes
carefully so that edges specimens are not damaged.
(7) Immerse the cubes in curing tank filled with water. Keep it for curing up to 28 days.
(8) Test the cubes after 28 days of curing to find the compressive strength.
(9) Tabulate Compressive strength (see Table-2) for each cube and calculate average value for
each mix.
OBSERVATIONS:
Table-1: Slump Test
Sl. No

W/C ratio

Height of mould
H1
(mm)

21

Height of subsided
concrete
H2
(mm)

Slump
H1-H2
(mm)

Table-2: Cube Test

Sl.
No

W/C ratio

Crushing Load
(kN)

Compressive
strength (N/mm2)

Slump
H1-H2
(mm)

REMARKS: Comment on the test results obtained for various W/C ratios and discuss its effect
on workability and compressive strength. What are the other factors that would influence
workability and compressive strength? Discuss.
Discuss sources of errors and precautions to be taken.

22

CE 212: Civil Engineering Materials Lab

Experiment No-9
TITLE: Test for workability and compressive strength of concrete (compaction factor, cube and
cylinder strength)
OBJECTIVE: (i) To determine workability of fresh concrete by compaction factor test
(ii) To determine compressive strength of concrete cubes and cylinder
(iii) To find out a relation between cube and cylinder strength.
THEORY:
Workability is a term associated with freshly prepared concrete. This can be defined as the ease
with which concrete can mixed, placed, compacted and finished. Compaction Factor is also used
to indicate workability. It is a measure of density of concrete to which a fresh concrete mix can
be compacted for a standard energy input relative to the theoretical maximum density
corresponding to zero air content. This theoretical maximum density can be estimated in the
laboratory as that obtained by full compaction under mechanical vibration. Compaction factor is
calculated as below:
Let W1=weight of empty cylinder; W2=weight of cylinder + partially compacted concrete;
W3=weight of cylinder + fully compacted concrete.
Compaction factor =

weight of parially compacted concrete

weight of fully compacted concrete

W2 W1
W3 W1

Concrete is very strong in compression and for structural design purpose, one has to know the
compressive strength by testing hardened concrete specimen. In India, cube specimen 150 mm
size is taken as standard. However, standard cylinder (300 mm height, 150 mm dia) is also used
in many countries. A linear relationship between cube and cylinder strength exists. Concrete
strength increases with age. After 28 days, the increase of strength in normal concrete is
negligible. The characteristic strength of concrete is determined after 28 days of curing.
APPARATUS:
(i) For workability: Compaction Factor Apparatus (Give a neat sketch of the apparatus with
dimensions)
(ii) For compressive test: concrete cube 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm size, cylinder: 300 mm
height, 150 mm dia
Curing tank, Compressive testing machine

23

MATERIALS USED:
Cement, Fine aggregate, stone chips (Coarse aggregate) and water. Calculate materials required
for casting 3 cubes and 3 cylinders (Take concrete density: 2400 kg/ cu.m, 15% extra may be
added to the total weight)
Estimate Quantity of dry ingredients required considering 3 cubes and 3 cylinders to be cast.
Take density of concrete 2400 kg/m3, Allow 15% extra for dry ingredients.
Concrete Mix: 1:1.5:3 (W/C=0.4, 0.5, 0.6). The ingredients are by weight.
PROCEDURE
(a) Compaction factor Test
(1) Prepare mix
(2) Clean the inner surface of the upper, lower hopper and cylindrical mould of the compaction
factor apparatus.
(3) Note down the dimensions of upper, lower hopper and cylindrical mould and record the
dimension with a neat sketch of the apparatus in your report.
(4) Take the weight of the cylinder, say W1
(5) Place the concrete mix in the upper hopper up to the brim.
(6) Open trap door of upper hopper to allow concrete to fall in the lower hopper.
(7) Next open trap door of lower hopper to allow concrete to fall in to the cylindrical mould.
(8) For a dry mix, a slight poking by a rod may be required to set the concrete in motion.
(9) The concrete is made leveled at the top of the cylinder.
(10) Take the weight of cylinder and partially compacted concrete, say W2
(11)The cylinder is emptied and then re-filled with the same sample of concrete in layers
approximately 50 mm deep.
(12)Each layer is heavily rammed (preferably vibrated) so as to obtain full compaction.
(13) Top surface is then carefully made leveled with the top of the cylinder .
(14) Take weight of the fully compacted concrete with the mould, say W3.
(15) Calculate compaction factor.
(a) Compressive strength test
(1) Take three cube moulds and three cylindrical moulds with their base plates. Cylindrical
mould can be split up longitudinally for removing specimen and is to be kept closed while in use.
Assemble mould so that they are rigidly held together. Clean the inside of the mould and see that
joints (at the edges) are perfectly tight.
(2) Pour properly mixed concrete for the given mix to the cube and cylindrical moulds.
(3) Compaction by needle vibrator will be preferred. If vibrator is not available, hand compaction
is to be done by placing concrete in three layers; each layer be compacted with the help of
standard temping rod by means of 25 blows.
(4) Level the concrete at the top of the mould by means of trowel and give proper identification
mark of the specimen.
(5) Keep the cubes/ cylinders in laboratory for 24 hours.
(6) After 24 hours, dismantle the plates of cube mould and split up the parts of cylindrical mould
to remove specimens of hardened concrete carefully without any damage.
24

(7) Immerse the cubes/ cylinders in curing tank filled with water. Keep it for curing up to 28
days.
(8) Test the cubes and cylinders after 28 days of curing to find the compressive strength.
(9) Tabulate Compressive strength (see Table-2) for each cube and calculate average value for
each mix.
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS
(i) Compaction Factor: Calculate compaction factor as given in theory.
(ii) Compressing Strength of Concrete Cubes and Cylinders

Sl.
No

Crushing Load Cube Compressive

for cubes
strength (N/mm2)

Crushing Load
for Cylinders

Cylinder
Compressive
strength
(N/mm2)

Ratio of
cylinder
strength to
cube strength

REMARKS: Comment on the test results and discuss the relative merits and demerits of
compaction factor test as compared to slump test. Discuss on strength result on cubes and
cylinder. Comment on the reliability of using cylinder or cube strength in design. What is the
relation between cube and cylinder strength.
Discuss sources of errors and precautions.

25

CE212: Civil Engineering Materials Lab

Experiment No - 10
TITLE: Vee-Bee Consistometer Test.
OBJECTIVES:
consistometer.

To determine the workability of fresh concrete by using a Vee-Bee

APPARATUS:
a) A vibrator table resting on springs.
b) A metal pot.
c) A sheet metal cone, open at both ends, and
d) A standard iron rod.
MATERIALS USED:
Cement, Fine and course aggregates, Water.
THEORY:
This test is more appropriate for stiff concrete mixes having low and very low workability. The
slump value of such mixes cannot be determined by slump cone test. Therefore, this test is
advantageous as compared to slump or compaction factor test in the sense that in this test the
treatment given to concrete is very close to the actual treatment provided in the field.
TEST PROCEDURE:
12)
Place the slump cone in the cylinder of the vee-bee apparatus. Fill it with fresh concrete
in the standard manner as described for the slump test.
13)
Remove the cone and place the transparent disc of the apparatus on the top of the
concrete cone gently touching it. The disc has a standard weight on it.
14)
Switch on the vibrating table and start the stop watch simultaneously to measure the time
required for the conical shape to become cylindrical as seen through the transparent plant. As
soon as the slurry covers the disc uniformly, stop the watch.
OBSERVATION:
Vee-Bee time=
REMARKS: Technical discussion, precautions and comment on the workability of fresh
concrete obtained from Vee-Bee consistometer.

26

CE 212: Civil Engineering Materials Lab

Experiment No-11
TITLE: Testing of reinforcement steel.
OBJECTIVE:
(1) To find out unit weight.
(2) To find out yield strength.
(3) To find out ultimate strength.
(4) To find out percentage elongation.
THEORY:
Steel behaves as ductile material showing yield point and strain hardening before it fails. The
yield point (lower and upper) can be found out from stress-strain curve. Lower yield point is
taken as yield stress. In case lower yield point is not detected, then stress corresponding to 0.2%
strain is taken as yield stress.
Ultimate stress is found from the maximum load at which the steel rod fails.
Unit weight of steel is expressed as weight per running length.
Let gauge length be l1 (l1=150 mm).
At upper yield part let the length be l2.
l l
Percentage elongation = 2 1 100
l1
APPARATUS:
UTM (Universal Testing Machine),Vernier Caliper, steel rule.
MATERIALS USED:
Reinforcement steel bar.
PROCEDURE:
(1) Take three pieces of steel bar of same diameter of length around 450 mm.
(2) Take the weight of each specimen separately and divide by length to find unit weight.
(3) Mount the specimen in UTM (Universal Testing Machine) clamping it by jaws of the UTM
taking gauge length as 150 mm.
(4) Specimen is loaded in tension with a rate of loading as suitable for the machine.
(5) Obtain the stress-strain curve in PC interface with UTM.
(6) Measure the diameter of rod by Vernier Caliper.
(7) Note the failure load at upper yield point.
(8) Calculate yield stress, ultimate stress and percentage elongation.

27

OBSERVATION:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)

Diameter of rod (d)

Length of rod (l1)
Stress strain curve: Attach computer plot
Breaking load (Pu)
(from load-displacement curve)
P
Ultimate stress
= u
A
(from load-displacement curve)
Yield load (Py)
Py
Yield stress
=
A
Length of specimen at ultimate load (l2)
l l
Percentage elongation = 2 1 100
l1

REMARKS: Discuss the precautions to be taken and sources of errors also comments on the
values from the test results.

28

CE 212: Civil Engineering Materials Lab

Experiment No-12
TITLE: Water absorption, compressive strength and efflorescence of bricks.
OBJECTIVE: (1)
(2)
(3)

To find out water absorption of bricks.

To find out compressive strength of bricks.
To find out efflorescence of bricks.

THEORY:
Water absorption of a brick is defined as the ratio of weight of water absorbed to the dry weight
of the unit under a given method of treatment in a standard period of time. Water absotption
indicates degree of porosity in a brick. Strength, stiffness, unit weight and other properties
decrease with porosity.
Bricks used in construction work should have adequate compressive strength to resist lateral and
vertical loads. Compressive strength of ordinary bricks varies from 3.5 N/mm2 to 35 N/mm2.
Efflorescence of bricks is usually seen as a white powder (salts of crystallization) caused by
water soluble salts as Sulphates of Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium etc. and Sodium
Chloride. These salts are deposited on the surface of the bricks on the evaporation of water.
Efflorescence decreases strength and stiffness of bricks.
APPARATUS:
(1) Water absorption: Weighing balance, metal tray about 5 cm deep, oven.
(2) Compressive strength: Compression testing machine
(3) Efflorescence: A shallow flat bottom dish or tray.
MATERIALS USED:
(1) Water absorption: Bricks and water.
(2) Compressive strength: Bricks, cement, sand, water and two 3 mm thick plywood sheets.
(3) Efflorescence: Bricks and water.
PROCEDURE:
For water absorption test:
(1) Dry the specimen in a ventilated oven at a temperature of 105 to 115 oC for 24 hours. Then
cool it to the room temperature and determine its weight (W1).

29

(2) Immerse the dried specimen completely in clean water at a temperature of 27 2oC for 24
hours. Then remove the specimen, wiped of any traces of water and measure its weight
(W2). This weighing shall be completed within three minutes after the specimen has been
removed from water. Determine percentage of water absorption.
For compressive strength test:
(1) Remove the unevenness observed in the bed faces to provide two smooth and parallel faces
by grinding. Immerse in water at room temperature for 24 hours. Remove the specimen and
drain out any surplus moisture at room temperature.
(2) Fill the frog and all voids in the bed face flush with cement mortar having cement sand ratio
1:3.
(3) Store under damp gunny bags for 24 hours followed by immersion in water for 3 days.
Remove the bricks and wipe out traces of moisture.
(4) Place the specimen with mortar filled face upward, between two 3 mm thick plywood sheets,
carefully centered between platens of the testing machine. Apply load axially at a uniform
rate of 14 N/mm2/min and note the maximum load at failure. Find compressive stress after
dividing total load (in N) by loaded surface area (mm2)
For efflorescence test:
(1) Place the end of the brick in the disk or tray. The depth of immersion in water shall be 25
mm.
(2) Keep the whole arrangement at a temperature 20oC to 30oC until all the water in the dish
is absorbed by the specimens and the surplus water evaporates.
(3) When the water has been evaporated and the bricks appear to be dry, place a similar
quantity of water in the dish and allow it to dry evaporate as before.
(4) Examine the bricks for efflorescence after the second evaporation and report the results
as the definition given in Table 3.

OBSERVATIONS:
A.

Table 1: Water absorption Test

Dry weight of
Immersed weight of
Sl. No
brick
brick
(W1)
(W2)
(kg)
(kg)

30

% water absorption

W2 W1
100
W1

B.

C.

Table 2: Compressive strength Test

Specimen
Length
Breadth
No.
(mm)
(mm)

Area
(mm2)

Failure load
(N)

Crushing strength
(N/mm2)

Write your findings based on careful observations of the brick that have undergone
efflorescence test. Follow the table given below to report your result.
Table 3: Degree of Efflorescence

Efflorescence

Definitions

Nil
Slight

No perceptible deposit of efflorescence

More than ten percent of the exposed area of the brick is covered with thin
deposit of salts
Heavier deposit than under slight and covering up to fifty percent of exposed
area of the brick surface but unaccompanied by powdering or flaking of the
surface
Heavy deposit of salt covering more than fifty percent or more of the exposed
area of the brick surface but unaccompanied by powdering or flaking of the
surface.
Heavy deposit of salt accompanied by powdering or flaking of the exposed
surface.

Moderate

Heavy

Serious

REMARKS: Discuss the precautions to be taken and sources of errors also comments on the
values from the test results.

31