Professional Documents
Culture Documents
OF
AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
P.O.BOX, 62000 NAIROBI KENYA TEL 067-52181-3 FAX ((067)52164
PROJECT TITLE:
HIGH SLUMP CONCRETE MIX DESIGN
Project by:
BRENDA YONGO OBILO
(E25-0124/04)
PROJECT SUPERVISOR
MR. MULU
APRIL 2010
This project is submitted in partial fulfillment for the award of a university degree in Civil
Engineering of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
DECLARATION
I, Obilo Brenda Yongo, do declare that this report is my original work and to the best of
my knowledge has not been submitted for any degree award in any University or
Institution.
CERTIFICATION
I have read this report and approve it for examination.
Signed_______________ Date_____________
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Acknowledgements
My sincere thanks go to my supervisor Mr. Mulu who assisted me tirelessly throughout
this project, the Civil Engineering staff who guided and assisted me in my lab work and
my colleagues for their support throughout my studies and in accomplishing this research
work.
In addition, I would like to thank my family and friends who stood by me throughout my
studies.
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DEDICATION
I dedicate this work to my family who have always believed in me and supported
me throughout my studies, to Christopher Mutungi for his encouragement and
continuing prayers and mostly to God for His guidance.
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ABSTRACT
High slump or flowing concrete mix is an economical mix product that allows maximum
flowability without sacrificing strength by adding water. These high slump, high strength
properties are attained through the use of high range water reducing admixtures (super
plasticizers). It is a highly fluid but workable concrete and is useful for placing in very heavily
reinforced sections, in inaccessible areas, in floor or road slabs and also where very rapid
placing is desired. This paper presents the results of an experimental study whereby a high
slump concrete mix was designed and its properties were tested. The target strength and slump
was 25N/mm2 and 200mm respectively. The slump was attained using W/C ratios of 0.7 and
0.4 .With a W/C ratio of 0.7 no admixture was used and the 200 mm slump was attained
using water only, the compressive and tensile strength after 28 days was 20N/mm2 and
2N/mm2 respectively. This was below the target strength. Despite a lower W/C ratio of 0.4, a
high slump (200mm) concrete mix was attained using a super plasticizer, the compressive
strength and tensile strength after 28 days was 30N/mm2 and 2.95N/mm2 respectively. This
exceeded the target compressive strength of 25N/mm2 after 28 days. The work herein
confirms that a concrete mix can be designed to produce a mix with a high slump and of a
desired high strength without using excess water to increase workability, which consequently
leads to a decrease in strength, but by the use of super plasticizers. Super plasticizers are used
for high strength concretes by decreasing the W/C ratio as a result of reducing the water
content by 12-25%. In this study the water content was reduced by 25% from 1.7kg to
1.313kg.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.0 Introduction: ............................................................................................................. 1
1.1 HIGH SLUMP CONCRETE MIX DESIGN................................................................... 1
1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT .......................................................................................... 3
1.2 PROBLEM JUSTIFICATION ..................................................................................... 4
1.4 OVERALL OBJECTIVE.............................................................................................. 4
Specific Objectives. ................................................................................................. 4
1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS ........................................................................................ 5
CHAPTER TWO .................................................................................................................... 6
2.0 Literature Review: ..................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Composition of concrete....................................................................................... 7
Super plasticizers (high-range water-reducing admixtures) ................................... 9
2.3 Concrete Mix Design ........................................................................................... 10
2.4 Problems associated with high slump concrete ................................................. 21
CHAPTER THREE ................................................................................................................ 23
3.0 Research Methodology: .......................................................................................... 23
3.1 Grading of materials for concrete production .................................................... 23
3.2 Fineness Modulus ............................................................................................... 26
3.3 Determination of specific gravity and water absorption of aggregates ............. 27
3.4 Silt content test ................................................................................................... 31
3.5 Concrete mix design............................................................................................ 32
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-SLUMP................................................................................................................... 1
Figure 2-SLUMP CLASS ........................................................................................................ 2
Figure 3-GRADING SIEVES ................................................................................................. 25
Figure 4-SLUMP TEST ........................................................................................................ 35
Figure 5- FAILURE OF CUBE BY COMPRESSION ................................................................ 37
Figure 6-COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST .......................................................................... 37
Figure 7-CYLINDER BEFORE LOADING............................................................................... 39
Figure 8- CYLINDER SPLIT AFTER LOADING....................................................................... 39
Figure 9-FINE AGGREGATE SIEVE ANALYSIS ..................................................................... 44
Figure 10-COARSE AGGREGATE SIEVE ANALYSIS .............................................................. 45
Figure 11-RESULTS OF SLUMP TEST .................................................................................. 49
Figure 12-SLUMP AGAINST POZZOLITH LD 10 ADMIXTURE ............................................. 50
Figure 13-SLUMP AGAINST RHEOBUILD ADMIXTURE ......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 14-COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AGAINST TIME ........................................................ 53
Figure 15-TENSILE STRENGTH AGAINST TIME .................................................................. 55
viii
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction:
1.1 HIGH SLUMP CONCRETE MIX DESIGN
INTRODUCTION
One of the basic attributes of any cementitious materials be it mortar or concrete, is its
workability or consistence, that is how easy it is to push one way, pull the other way ,
and float to a smooth level . Workability is largely determined by wetness, by how wet is
the mortar or concrete. This is referred to as slump
In essence, the wetter the concrete, the higher the slump. Mortars or concrete with a high
water content are said to have a high slump while those with a low water content have a
low slump. Although slump is often seen as an indication of water content, it is more
legitimately interpreted as a measure of consistence. (Paving expert-Concrete and
Mortar-Slump, 2009)
Figure 1-SLUMP
Slump Range(mm)
Target Slump(mm)
S1
10-40
20
S2
50-90
70
S3
100-150
130
S4
160-210
180
S5
210-n/a
220
When using concrete with high slump values (>150mm, S4 or S5) there is a risk that the
aggregates and cement will settle out or segregate. This is usually countered by the use of
2
and durable concrete at reasonable cost. In mix design, use is normally made of previous
experience and of several design tables, charts and curves. Final specifications are arrived at
after testing trial mixes.
must therefore, take into account those factors that have a major effect on the characteristics of
concrete.
Specific Objectives.
1. To come up with a high slump concrete mix design (Class 25, slump 200mm).
2. To come up with a design that is easily understood and easy to replicate.
3. To investigate the strength of high slump concrete with and without using admixtures.
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review:
2.1 Introduction
High slump or flowing concrete mix is an economical mix product that allows
maximum flowability without sacrificing strength by adding water. These high slump,
high strength properties are attained through the use of high range water reducing
admixtures (super plasticizers). High slump concrete provides faster and easier
placement.
Concrete containing a water reducing admixture needs less water to reach a required
slump than untreated concrete. The treated concrete can have a lower water-cement ratio.
This usually indicates that a higher strength concrete can be produced without increasing
the amount of cement.
As stated earlier, following adoption of the new European Standard for Concrete in 2003
(BS8500), consistence (workability or slump) is now specified as being of a particular
class. There are five classes, labeled S1 to S5.
S1 concretes are most likely to be used for kerb and pipe work bedding.
S2 for simple strip footings and cast in situ hard standing slabs.
It should be apparent that there are three commonly used slump classes, S1, S2 and S3.
As these slump classes are relatively new to the language of a typical building site,
descriptive names are often used to indicate the approximate consistence of a particular
concrete or mortar mix. These are shown below:
Concrete with S1 is often referred to as semi dry; S2 is probably the most useful and most
commonly specified consistence and is referred to as a moist mix, while S3 would be
known as wet mix . Brick laying mortar is often a S3 consistence, although that used for
laying stone work is usually somewhat stiffer, possibly S2.
Hydration involves many different reactions, often occurring at the same time. As the
reactions proceed, the products of the cement hydration process gradually bond together
the individual sand and gravel particles, and other components of the concrete, to form a
solid mass.
Reaction:
Cement chemist notation: C3S + H2O CSH (gel) + CaOH
Standard notation: Ca3SiO5 + H2O (CaO)(SiO2)(H2O)(gel) + Ca(OH)2
Balanced: 2Ca3SiO5 + 7H2O 3(CaO)2(SiO2)4(H2O)(gel) + 3Ca(OH)2
Aggregates
Fine and coarse aggregates make up the bulk of a concrete mixture. Sand, natural gravel
and crushed stone are mainly used for this purpose. Recycled aggregates (from
construction, demolition and excavation waste) are increasingly used as partial
replacements of natural aggregates, while a number of manufactured aggregates,
including air-cooled blast furnace slag and bottom ash are also permitted.
Decorative stones such as quartzite, small river stones or crushed glass are sometimes
added to the surface of concrete for a decorative "exposed aggregate" finish, popular
among landscape designers.
Chemical admixtures
Chemical admixtures are materials in the form of powder or fluids that are added to the
concrete to give it certain characteristics not obtainable with plain concrete mixes. In
normal use, admixture dosages are less than 5% by mass of cement, and are added to the
concrete at the time of batching/mixing. The most common types of admixture are:
Retarders slow the hydration of concrete, and are used in large or difficult
pours where partial setting before the pour is complete is undesirable.
Air entrainments add and distribute tiny air bubbles in the concrete, which
will reduce damage during freeze-thaw cycles thereby increasing the concrete's
durability..
Corrosion inhibitors are used to minimize the corrosion of steel and steel bars
in concrete.
Bonding agents are used to create a bond between old and new concrete.
Pumping aids improve pumpability, thicken the paste, and reduce dewatering
the tendency for the water to separate out of the paste.
The use of super plasticizers has become quite a common practice. This class of water
reducers were originally developed in Japan and Germany in the early 1960s.
Chemically, they are sulphonated melamine formaldehyde condensates and sulphonated
naphthalene formaldehyde condensates, the latter being probably the somewhat more
effective of the two in dispersing the cement and generally having also some retarding
properties. At a given water/cement ratio, this dispersing action increases the workability
of concrete, typically by raising the slump from 7-9 inches(175-225mm), the mix
remaining cohesive (The improvement in workability is smaller in high temperatures).
Reduce water content by 12 to 25 percent (Transportation-FHWA, 2010) and can be
added to concrete with a low to normal slump and water-cement ratio to make high slump
flowing concrete of high strength and lower permeability.
The main purpose of using super plasticizers is to produce flowing concrete with very
high slump to be used in heavily reinforced structures and in placements where adequate
consolidation by vibration cannot be readily available. The other major application is the
production of high-strength concrete at W/Cs ranging from 0.3 to 0.4. (Ramachandran,
1984)
Super plasticizers tend to be more stable over a wider range than standard water reducers
and provide more consistent setting times.
Practical considerations
a) Special mixes must be designed for super plasticizers and their use must be
carefully controlled.
b) The effect of super plasticizers lasts only 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the
brand and dosage rate, and is followed by a rapid loss in workability. As a result
of the slump loss, super plasticizers are usually added to concrete at the job site.
c) They have a relatively high unit cost.
d) Where super plasticizers are used to produce very high workability, the shrinkage
and creep will be increased.
In mix design, use is normally made of previous experience and of several design tables,
charts and curves. Final specifications are arrived at after testing trial mixes.
The old fashioned idea in concrete design is that concrete consists of cement, coarse
aggregate, fine aggregate and water, thus the problem of mix design has been seen as how to
select suitable aggregates, and determine their optimum relative proportions and the cement
requirement to produce a given strength at a given slump. Early investigators tended to be
concerned with how to define ideal concrete. These past specifications for concrete prescribed
the proportions of cement, and fine aggregates. Certain traditional mixes were thus produced
but, because of variability of the mix ingredients, concretes having fixed cement-aggregate
proportions and a given workability vary widely in strength. For this reason, minimum
compressive strength was later added but this is restrictive where good quality materials are
available or poor quality materials are the only ones available. In summary, specifying at the
same time strength as well as mix ingredients and their proportions, and also the aggregate
shape and grading, leaves no room for economies in the mix selection, and makes progress in
the production of economic and satisfactory mixes in the basis of the knowledge of the
properties of concrete impossible.
Current consideration in designing for concrete mixes should be:
1. What aggregates are economically available,
2. What properties should the concrete have and
3. What is the most economical way of providing these required properties?
Modern tendency is for specifications to be less restrictive by providing just limiting values,
but sometimes traditional mix proportions are stated for the benefit of the contractor who does
not wish to use a high degree of quality control.
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Basic concepts
Strength margin
Because of the variability of concrete strengths the mix must be designed to have a
considerably higher mean strength than the strength specified. The method of specifying
concrete by its minimum strength has been replaced in British Standards and codes of
practice such as BS 5328 and BS 8110 by a characteristic strength. The difference
between the specified characteristic strength and the target strength is called the margin.
The margin is based on knowledge of the variability of the concrete strength obtained
from previous production data expressed as a standard deviation or alternatively a
substantial margin is applied until an adequate number of site results are obtained.
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Measurement of workability
Two alternative test methods can be used, the slump test which is more appropriate for
the higher workability mixes, and the vebe test which is particularly appropriate for those
mixes which are to be compacted by vibration.
Free water
The total water in a concrete mix consists of the water absorbed by the aggregate to bring
it to a saturated surface dry condition, and the free water available for the hydration of the
cement and for the workability of the fresh concrete.
In practice aggregates are often wet and they contain both absorbed water and free
surface water so that the water added at the mixer is less than the free water required. The
workability of concrete depends to a large extent on free-water content; if the same total
water content were used with dry aggregates having different absorptions then the
concrete would have different workabilities.
Similarly the strength of concrete is better related to the free-water/cement ratio since on
this basis the strength of the concrete does not depend on the absorption characteristics of
the aggregates.
Types of aggregates
Early mix design methods used in the UK classified the shape of aggregate as rounded,
irregular or angular. There is in sufficient difference between the behavior of rounded and
irregular aggregates in concrete to justify the use of separate classifications for these two
shapes of aggregates. There are however significant differences between these
aggregates, both of which are usually rough in texture and invariably produced by a
crushing process.
13
Two of the characteristics of aggregate particles that affect the properties of concrete are
particle shape and surface texture. Particle shape affects the workability of the concrete,
and the surface texture mainly affects the bond between the matrix and the aggregates
particles and thus the strength of the concrete. Generally, crushed aggregates consist of
rather angular particles having a rough surface texture resulting in a concrete of lower
workability but higher strength compared with a similar mix made with uncrushed
aggregates.
The type of aggregate becomes of greater importance for concrete having a high specified
strength. If the specified strength at 28 days is 50N/mm2 or more it may become
necessary to use crushed aggregates than uncrushed gravel. The higher the specified
strength the more critical the selection of the source of the aggregates.
Aggregate grading
Early methods of mix design used, specified grading curves for the combined fine and
coarse aggregates. These required the use of fine aggregates having a restricted range of
grading compared with the limits specified in BS 882. Fine aggregates having such
restricted grading are not easily available in most parts of the country.
Fine aggregates should comply with the C, M or F grading requirements of BS
882:1983, but these limits overlap and are too wide for mix design purposes. The method
for deriving suitable fines content takes into account the many relevant factors i.e. the
type and maximum size of coarse aggregate, the grading of the fine aggregate
characterized by the percentage passing the 600 micrometer test sieve, and the cement
content and workability of the concrete.
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Mix parameters
It is the general custom to specify by a system of proportions or ratios, e.g. 1:2:4 (being
the proportions of cement: fine aggregate: coarse aggregate) either by weight or by
volume, or as cement/aggregate ratio or water/cement ratio and fine aggregate/coarse
aggregate ratio usually by weight.
Such systems have certain merits in terms of simplicity of expression. However, they are
not so convenient when discussing the effect of mix parameters on the characteristic of
the concrete, nor do they adequately describe the quantity of cement required to cast a
given volume of concrete.
The most fundamental way to specify mix parameters is in terms of the absolute volumes
of different materials required in a concrete mix. A more practical method, based on
similar principles, is to refer to the weights of materials in a unit volume of fully
compacted concrete.
In order to use this approach, knowledge is required of the expected density of the fresh
concrete. This depends primarily on the relative density of the aggregate and the water
content of the mix.
Durability
A durable concrete is one which gives a satisfactory performance during an adequate life
in a given environment; this includes providing protection of the steel against corrosion
in reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete. There are some durability problems
associated with the constituent materials, and others due to the effect of hostile
environments.
A major factor in providing durable concrete is the production of a dense, impermeable
concrete, having adequate cement content and low free water/cement ratio, which is fully
15
compacted and properly and properly cured. To be durable in hostile environments, codes
and standards may specify the use of particular materials, or limits on the cement content
or free water/cement ratio. Provision is made in the mix design method for these to
override the values obtained from strength and workability requirements.
The ensure adequate protection BS 8110 requires higher strength grades of concrete as
the severity of the exposure increases; it also specifies minimum cement contents and
maximum free-water/cement ratios, depending on the degree of exposure. Corrosion
problems are aggravated by the presence of chlorides in either aggregates or admixtures.
Limits are specified in BS 882 and BS 8110 and materials complying with these
requirements are used.
Concrete in the ground may be subject to attack by sulphates as described in BRE Digest
250. To minimize the effect the use of sulphate-resisting Portland cement or other
materials, and the mix proportions should comply with the requirements given in BRE
Digest 250 or BS 8110.
Concrete that is exposed to freezing when wet and to the action of de-icing salts is liable
to spall and deteriorate. The resistance of concrete to such deterioration is greatly
improved if it contains entrained air as required in BS 8110.
Concrete that retains a high moisture content and that is made with certain aggregates
may react with the alkalis from the cement to cause cracking and expansion, owing to the
alkali-silica reaction as described in BRE Digest 330. Measures to avoid such disruption
are described in BRE Digest 330 and an independent Working Party Report published by
the concrete society. These may require the use of a low-alkali Portland cement or the use
of other materials.
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Types of Mixes
Nominal Mixes
In the past the specifications for concrete prescribed the proportions of cement, fine and
coarse aggregates. These mixes of fixed cement-aggregate ratio which ensures adequate
strength are termed nominal mixes. These offer simplicity and under normal
circumstances, have a margin of strength above that specified. However, due to the
variability of mix ingredients the nominal concrete for a given workability varies widely
in strength.
Standard mixes
The nominal mixes of fixed cement-aggregate ratio (by volume) vary widely in strength
and may result in under- or over-rich mixes. For this reason, the minimum compressive
strength has been included in many specifications. These mixes are termed standard
mixes.
Designed Mixes
In these mixes the performance of the concrete is specified by the designer but the mix
proportions are determined by the producer of concrete, except that the minimum cement
content can be laid down. This is most rational approach to the selection of mix
proportions with specific materials in mind possessing more or less unique
characteristics. The approach results in the production of concrete with the appropriate
properties most economically. However, the designed mix does not serve as a guide since
this does not guarantee the correct mix proportions for the prescribed performance.
For the concrete with undemanding performance, nominal or standard mixes (prescribed
in the codes by quantities of dry ingredients per cubic meter and by slump) may be used
only for very small jobs, when the 28-day strength of concrete does not exceed 30
N/mm2. No control testing is necessary reliance being placed on the masses of the
ingredients.
17
18
Workability
This may be defined as the amount of useful work necessary to produce full compaction
of concrete. Workability implies the ease with which a concrete mix can be handled from
the mixer to its finally compacted shape. The provision of adequate workability is critical
to enable the transportation, placing and compaction of the concrete with the available
equipment. It has been proposed that the workability should be defined by at least 3
separate properties:
a) Compactabilty or the ease with which the concrete can be compacted. A fully
compacted mix contains minimal voids and hence will produce higher strength
concrete of less permeability.
b) Mobility or the ease with which concrete can flow into moulds around steel and
be remoulded.
c) Stability or the ability of concrete to remain a stable coherent homogeneous mass
during handling and vibration without the constituents segregating.
Durability
The durability of concrete is its resistance to the aggressive environmental conditions.
High strength concrete is generally more durable than low strength concrete. In the
situations when the high strength is not necessary but the conditions of exposure are such
that high durability is vital, the durability requirement will determine the water-cement
ratio to be used.
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Quality Control
The degree of control can be estimated statistically by the variations in test results. The
variation in strength results from the variations in the properties of the mix ingredients
and lack of control of accuracy in batching, mixing, placing, curing and testing. The
lower the difference between the mean and minimum strengths of the mix lower will be
the cement-content required. The factor controlling this difference is termed as quality
control.
20
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Bleeding
Bleeding, known also as water gain, is a form of segregation in which some of the water
in the mix tends to rise to the surface of freshly placed concrete by capillary action. This
is caused by the inability of the solid constituents of the mix to hold all of the mixing
water when they settle downwards. Bleeding can be expressed quantitatively as the total
settlement per unit height of concrete.
As a result of bleeding the top of every lift may become too wet and if the water is
trapped by superimposed concrete, porous, weak, and non durable concrete will result. If
the bleeding water is remixed during finishing of the top surface a weak wearing surface
will be formed. This can be avoided by delaying the finishing operations until the
bleeding water has evaporated, and also by the use of wood floats and avoidance of
overworking the surface. On the other hand if evaporation of water from the surface of
the concrete is faster than the bleeding rate plastic shrinkage cracking may result.
Bleeding need not necessarily be harmful. If it is undisturbed (and the water evaporates)
the effective W/C ratio may be lowered with a resulting increase in strength. On the other
hand, if the rising water carries with it a significant amount of the finer cement particles a
layer of laitance will be formed. If this is at the top of a slab a porous surface will result,
with a permanently dusty surface. At the top of a lift a plane of weakness would form and
the bond with the next lift would be inadequate. For this reason, laitance should always
be removed by brushing and washing.
Bleeding depends largely on the properties of cement; increased alkali content and
fineness of cement decreases the tendency to bleed. Addition of pozzolanas and air
entraining agent may also decrease bleeding.
The bleeding capacity and the rate of bleeding can be determined experimentally using
the test of ASTM Standard C 232-71
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CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Research Methodology:
Experimental study design was employed. A high slump concrete mix was designed and the
process entailed selecting suitable ingredients of concrete and estimating their proportions to
yield the best mix. Design tables, charts and curves were used in the process. Final
specifications were arrived at after testing trial mixes.
The process involved performing tests on the materials to come up with the design, tests on
the fresh concrete to determine its workability and on the hard concrete to determine its
compressive and tensile strength.
The following were done during the study:1. Grading of materials according to BS 882 and other associated codes.
2. Carrying out of the specific gravity tests and water absorption tests for the fine
and coarse aggregates
3. Carrying out the bulk density tests.
4. Determining the silt content of the fine aggregates that will be used.
5. Coming up with a high slump mix design and making trial mixes.
6. Establishing the properties of green concrete.
7. Establishing the properties of hardened concrete from casting concrete cubes and
cylinders.
Grading for ordinary material was done using the British standards (BS 882: 1992
specification for aggregates from natural sources for concrete).
The code gives the sieves and envelopes (bounds) or limits required for coarse and fine
aggregates.
Coarse aggregate
Coarse aggregate is defined as aggregate mainly retained on a 5.0 mm BS 410 test sieve
and containing no more finer material than is permitted for the various sizes in this
specification (CL 2.2).
Coarse aggregate may be described as gravel (uncrushed, crushed or partially crushed) as
defined in 2.2.1, or as crushed rock as defined in CL2.2.2, or as blended coarse aggregate
as defined in CL2.2.3.
When determined in accordance with BS 812-103.1 using test sieves of the sizes given in
Table 3, complying with BS 410, full tolerance, the grading of the coarse aggregate were
within the appropriate limits given in Table 3. The material used was 20 mm and below.
Fine aggregates
When determined in accordance with BS 812-103.1, using test sieves of the sizes given in
Table 4 complying with BS 410, full tolerance, the grading of the sand complies with the
overall limits given in Table 4. Additionally, not more than one in ten consecutive
samples shall have a grading outside the limits for any one of the grading C, M or F,
given in Table 4 (CL 5.2.1).
The method of grading for both fines and coarse aggregates is described:-
24
Objective
To determine the particle size distribution of aggregates by sieving.
Apparatus
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
Fine aggregates:
Procedure
Dry the test samples to a constant mass by oven drying at not more than 105+50 C
Take an approximate sample from the original sample by riffling.
Make sure the sieves are dry and clean before using them.
Weigh out the required sample
Stand the sieve of the largest mesh size in the tray and put the weighed sample on to the
sieve.
Shake the sieve horizontally with a jerking motion in all directions for at least 2 minutes
and until no more than a trace of a sample passes. Ensure that all material passing falls
into the tray.
Weigh any material retained on the sieve.
Tabulate the results in the table provided and calculate the cumulative weight passing
each sieve as a percentage of the total sample to the nearest whole number.
Plot the grading curve for the sample in the grading chart and comment on the curve
obtained.
26
A balance
ii.
A drying oven
iii.
A pycnometer bottle
iv.
Sample containers
v.
Stirring rod
A sample of about 500g is used for aggregates less than 5mm.The sample shall be
thoroughly washed to remove all material finer than 0.075mm test sieve as follows:Place the test sample in the tray and add enough water to cover it. Agitate vigorously and
immediately pour the wash water over the sieve which has previously been wetted on
both sides. Repeat the operation until the wash water is clear. Return all material retained
on the sieve to the washed sample.
Procedure
Transfer the washed sample to the tray and add further water to ensure that the sample is
completely immersed. Ensure that the sample is completely immersed.
Keep the sample immersed in water for 24 hours. Place the aggregate in the pycnometer
and fill it with water.
Screw the cone in to place and eliminate any entrapped air by rotating it onsides.
28
ii.
iii.
iv.
29
Preparation of sample
Obtain representative sample by quartering or riffling.
The weight of the sample shall be 2kg for less than 25mm.
Wash the sample thoroughly with water to remove the dust on the surface of the grain
and soak in water at 250 C for 24 hours.
Remove the specimen from water, shake off, and roll in large absorbent cloth until all the
visible films of water are removed.
Wipe the large particles individually. Divide the sample into two parts to use each for one
test.
Procedure for testing
Weigh the sample to the nearest 0.5 g (Ws).
Place the sample in the wire basket, immerse it in water at room temperature, and tap to
remove entrapped air on the surface and between the grains and weigh the sample while
immersed (Ww).
Remove the sample from the water, dry it in drying oven to constant weight at the
temperature of 1050 C and cool at room temperature and weigh to the nearest 0.5g (Wd).
30
Results
Calculate the results as follows:(i) Specific gravity on saturated- surface dry basis
=
(ii) Absolute dry specific gravity
=
(iii) Water absorption (% of dry weight)
=
W1-W2 x 100%
W2
31
Using this value the water/cement ratio is obtained from the graph showing the
relationship between compressive strength and free water/cement ratio.
3.6 Batching
Batching involves proportioning the material or the constituents of concrete to produce
the concrete. The batches are according to the mix design results. These proportions are
then reduced to a volume corresponding to the amount of concrete required. The size of
the mix was arranged so that there was a small surplus when all the compression test
samples were made.
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35
36
37
Procedure
Oil was applied in the interior surfaces of the moulds to prevent the mortar from sticking
to the surfaces. The specimens were then cast in cylindrical moulds. The moulds were
filled to overflowing and after filling excess mortar were removed by a sawing motion
using a steel rule. The surface was then finished smooth by means of trowel. Each layer
of mortar was compacted by not less than 35 strokes of 25mm square steel punner.
The moulds were then stored undisturbed for 24hrs in a laboratory at temperatures of 18
to 200c (64 and 68) and a relative humidity of not less than 90%.The moulds were then
stripped and the cylinders further cured in 19 to 210 c water. The standard moulds were
placed under the universal testing machine, one at time, and tested at 7, 14, and 28days.
Calculation
Tensile Strength of a concrete cylinder
=F/A
Where F=Tensile load on cylinder
A=Area of cylinder=DL
D=Diameter
L=Length of specimen
38
39
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Data Results and discussion
4.1 RESULTS OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY & WATER ABSORPTION
TESTS ON FINE AGGREGATES
A summary of computations of specific gravity and water absorption tests on fine
aggregates are shown below;
Ordinary Sand
Sample A
Sample
Av.
B
Weight of jar + sample + water
1706
1734.5
1720.25
1417
1417
1417
460
505.5
482.75
457.5
503.5
480.5
Sample
40
dried
2.68
2.68
2.69
2.69
2.71
2.71
basis
Apparent
specific 2.71
gravity
=
Water absorption
(% of dry mass)
2.71
Table 1
41
Av.
420
417
418.5
1015
1020
1017.5
Weight of aggregate in
water (a+b) (Ww)
595
603
599
Weight of saturated
surface dry sample (Ws)
983.5
1003
993.25
963
984
973.5
Specific gravity on
saturated surface dry basis
=
2.53
2.51
2.52
2.36
2.46
2.41
2.1
1.9
2.0
Water absorption (% of
dry weight) =
42
Sieve sizes
(mm)
Wt.
retained
(g)
Wt.
passing (g)
% retained
Cumulative
% retained
Cumulative
% passing
5.0
2.0
1.2
0.6
0.3
0.2
0.1
40.5
47.0
210.0
419.5
537.0
215.5
67.0
1496.00
1449.00
1239.00
819.50
282.50
67.00
0.00
2.64
3.06
13.67
27.30
34.95
14.03
4.36
2.64
5.69
19.36
46.66
81.61
95.64
100.00
97.36
94.31
80.64
53.34
18.39
4.36
0.00
Sample weight
1537g
Table3
43
Wt. retained
(g)
Wt. passing
(g)
% retained
Cumulative %
retained
Cumulative %
passing
50
5399.5
0.00
0.00
100.00
38.1
5399.5
0.00
0.00
100.00
20
1184
4215.5
21.93
21.93
78.07
15
984
3231.5
18.22
40.15
59.85
10
1698
1533.5
31.45
71.60
28.40
636.5
897.0
11.79
83.39
16.61
2.36
42
855.0
0.78
84.17
15.83
<2.36
855
0.0
15.83
100.00
0.00
Sample weight
5399.5g
Table 4
45
305
289.5
5.35%
W1-W2 x 100%
W2
Reference or
values
calculations
1.
1.1 Characteristic
strength
specified
N/mm2 at
25
days
Proportion defective
28
10
N/mm2 or no Data 8
Fig 3
2
N/mm
1.3 Margin
C1
(k =
=
1.28
10.24
) 1.28
N/mm2
x 8
or
46
specified
1.4 target mean strength
C2 & Para
8.1
25
+
2
N/mm
35.24
10.24
%
specified
Aggregate type:
fine
Table 2, Fig
4
Specified
Specified
Specified
Table 3 &
Para 8.2
0.63
value
Slump 180
s
mm or V B
20
mm
225
Kg/m3
C3
225
= 357
0.63
Kg/m
specified
Kg/m3
specified
Kg/m3
47
Kg/m3
4
2400
Kg/m3
Fig 5 Para
8.3
C4
Percentage
53.34%
passing 600
Fig 6
45%
C5
1 818
= 855
1818
=
963
2400
357
=
_1818
225
3
Kg/m
0.47
Kg/m3
855
Kg/m3
Water 0.225kg
Coarse aggregate
Table 6
48
49
SLUMP (mm)
POZZOLITH
ADMIXTURE (ml)
52
27.5
104
123
156
204.5
290
Table 7
50
SLUMP (mm)
RHEOBUILD
ADMIXTURE (ml)
50
11
100
81
150
200
250
Table 8
51
This was achieved by a W/C ratio of only 0.4. To obtain a slump of 200mm by using
water only without the use of admixtures the W/C ratio was 0.7.
Super plasticizers are used for high strength concretes by decreasing the W/C ratio as a
result of reducing the water content by 12-25%. In this case the water content was
reduced by 25% (from 1.7kg to 1.313kg).
STRENGTH
12 N/mm2
14
16 N/mm2
28
20 N/mm2
Table 9
The main objective of this experimental study was to attain class 25 concrete with a
slump of 200mm.
On the basis of experimental results obtained, it can be seen that the target strength was
not attained after 28 days of curing the cubes. The strength increased steadily from
12N/mm2 on the 7th day to 20N/mm2 on the 28th day but this was only 80% of the desired
25N/mm2 strength. Thus it is clear, that to achieve a high strength concrete with a high
slump, the use of water alone is not an option as it compromises the strength.
For a W/C ratio of 0.4 and by using a super plasticizer to obtain a 200mm slump, the
compressive strength results are as shown;
52
DAYS
STRENGTH
20 N/mm2
14
22 N/mm2
28
30 N/mm2
Table 10
It can be seen that after only 7days high strengths could be achieved i.e. 20N/mm2 and
after 28 days of curing the strength achieved was 30N/mm2. This is 120% of the desired
25N/mm2 strength. This was achieved by a much lower W/C ratio of 0.4 compared to 0.7
without the use of admixture.
The graph following shows the relationship of compressive strength against the number
of days it took to attain that strength for the control cubes and the cubes with admixture.
STRENGTH
1 N/mm2
14
1.6 N/mm2
28
2 N/mm2
Table 11
The tensile strength increased from 1N/mm2 on the 7th day to 2N/mm2 on the 28th day.
For a W/C ratio of 0.4 and by using a super plasticizer to obtain a 200mm slump, the
tensile strength results are as shown below;
DAYS
STRENGTH
2 N/mm2
14
2.2 N/mm2
28
2.95 N/mm2
Table 12
The concrete cylinders cast using a super plasticizer exhibited higher tensile strengths
than those cast without using a super plasticizer.
A graph is illustrated below showing the relationship of the tensile strength against the
number of days it took to attain that strength for the control cylinders and the cylinders
with admixture;
54
The rate of increase of the tensile strength of cylinders cast using a super plasticizer is
higher than that of the control cylinders. The maximum strength attained by the control
cylinders was 2N/mm2 whereas it was 2.95 N/mm2 for the cylinders with admixture.
Increase in workability
2. Improper handling of the concrete i.e. over vibrating and excessive rehandling.
The mix required little or no vibration at all and over vibration could be the cause of
segregation. Since the same sample was being excessively rehandled by being used over and
over again to determine the slump, this could have consequently lead to segregation.
A good picture of cohesion of the mix is obtained by the flow test.
56
Bleeding
Bleeding, known also as water gain, is a form of segregation in which some of the water
in the mix tends to rise to the surface of freshly placed concrete by capillary action, was
exhibited when using both types of super plasticizers i.e. Pozzolith LD 10 and Rheobuild.
Water gain may not be necessarily be harmful. If it is undisturbed and the water
evaporates the effective W/C ratio may be lowered with a resulting increase in strength.
This is what was done in the study.
57
4.12 RECOMMENDATIONS
A good picture of cohesion of a high slump mix is obtained by the flow test. This
should be done prior to placing of high slump concrete to determine whether a
particular mix is experiencing excessive segregation.
To design a concrete mix with a desired high slump and of high strength, that is
economical and workable the use of a super plasticizer should be adopted.
58
Bibliography
A.M., Neville. (1995). Properties of Concrete. Dorling Kindersley (India) Pvt. Ltd.
D C Teychenne, R. E. (1988). Design of normal concrete mixes. Department of the
Environment.
Construction Advantages-High Slump Concrete. (2009). Retrieved from
http://www.durisolbuild.com/cons_advhsc.shtml.
Paving expert-Concrete and Mortar-Slump. (2009). Retrieved from
http://www.pavingexpert.com/conc_slump.htm.
Ramachandran, V. a. (1984). Super plasticizers. In Concrete admixtures
handbook:Properties ,Science and technology . Park Ridge,N .j.: Noyes Publications.
Transportation-FHWA, U. S. (2010, January 1). Super plasticizers. Retrieved from
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/..suprplz.htm.
Wikipedia. (2008). Portland Cement. Retrieved from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland cement.
Wikipedia. (2008). Concrete. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete.
59