Quality Tests Purva Seasons

QUALITY MANUAL
TESTING OF MATIERIALS
PURVA SEASONS
PURVA SEASONS
QUALITY MANUAL : TESTING OF MATERIALS
INDEX
Section Sub- Item Page No.

section
- - PREFACE I
1 LIST OF ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT FOR II
TESTING LABORATORY AT SITE
2 BIS SPECIFICATIONS FOR REFERENCE III
3 TESTING OF MATERIALS (SUMMARY IV
SHEET AND TEST PROCEDURES)
3.01 Cement 1-10
3.02 Wood 1-3
3.03 Sand (Fine Aggregates) 1-10
3.04 Stone Metal (Coarse Aggregate ) 1-16
3.05 Water 1-8
3.06 Steel for Reinforcement 1-4
3.07 Soil / Moorum 1-18
3.08 Burnt Clay Bricks 1-4
3.09 Concrete Flooring Tiles 1-5
3.10 Ceramic/Glazed Tiles 1-4
3.11 Bitumen 1-15
FINE AGGREGATES
(Clause 4.3)
IS Sieve Percentage Passing for

Designation
Grading Grading Grading Grading
Zone – I Zone – II Zone – III Zone - IV
10 mm 100 100 100 100
4.75 mm 90 – 100 90 – 100 90 – 100 95 – 100
2.36 mm 60 – 95 75 – 100 85 – 100 95 – 100
1.18 mm 30 – 70 55 – 90 75 – 100 90 – 100
600 Micron 15 – 34 35 – 59 60 – 79 80 – 100
300 Micron 5 – 20 8 – 30 12 – 40 15 – 50
150 Micron 0 – 10 0 – 10 0 – 10 0 - 15
IS : 2250 – 1965
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF MASONRY MORTARS
(Clause 5.1)
Sr. Mortar Mix (By Volume) Type of Line- Compressiv e

Strength at
No Ceme Lime Pozzola Lime- San Pozzolana 28 days/
nt na Pozzola d 2
. Mixture in kg/cm
na Mix Accordance
with IS : 4098
– 1967
1. 0 1B† 0 0 3 -
2. 0 0 0 1 1.25 LP – 7 5–7
3. 0 1C† 1‡ 0 2 -
4. 0 0 0 1 1.5 LP – 20
5. 0 0 0 1 2.25 LP – 40 7 – 15
6. 1 3B† or 0 0 12 -
4C†
7. 0 1C† 2§‡ 0 0 -
8. 0 0 0 1 1.25 LP – 20 15 – 20
9. 0 0 0 1 2 LP – 40
10 0 1A† 0 0 3 -
.
11 0 1C† 3§‡ 0 0 - 20 – 30
.
12 1 2B† 0 0 9 -
.
13 0 0 0 1 1 LP – 20
.
14 0 0 0 1 1.75 LP – 40
.
15 1 0 to ¼ B 0 0 4 -
. or C†
16 1 1C† 0 0 6 -
.
30 - 50
17 1 0 0 0 6 -
.
18 1§ 0 0.21§‡ 0 4.2 -
.
19 0 0 0 1 1.5 LP – 40
.
20 1 1/8 to 0 0 4.5 - 50 and above
. ¼ C† (depending
21 1 0 0 0 3 - Upon the
. class
22 1§ 0 0.21§‡ 0 2.1 - And composi-
.
tion of lime
23 0 0 0 1 1 LP – 40
used)
.
* Specification for lime-pozzolana mixture
† A, B and C denote the class of limes to be used [See IS : 712 – 1964 Specification for
building limes (revised) ].
2
‡ Pozzolana of minimum lime-reactivity of 40 kg/cm .
§ This ratio by volume corresponds approximately to cement pozzolana ratio of 0.8 :

0.2 by weight. In this case, only ordinary Portland Cement [ See IS : 269 – 1967
Specification for ordinary, rapid-hardening and low heat Portland Cement (Second
Revision) ]
The selection of masonry mortars from durability considerations will, therefore, have to
cover both the loading and exposure conditions of the masonry. The
requirements of masonry mortar shall generally be as specified in 5.2.2 to 5.2.4.
MATERIALS TESTING TO BE DONE ON SITE / LABORATORY
A) Cement
i. Fineness of Grinding ii.
Normal Consistency
iii. Setting Time - Initial / Final Lab. Test
iv. Compressive Strength - 3 days /

7 days
v. Soundness Test
B) Reinforcement
i) Weight Variation Site Test
ii) 0.2% Proof Stress
iii) Ultimate Tensile Stress
iv) Gauge Length, Final Length Lab. Test
v) % elongation
vi) Bend Test
C) Coarse Aggregate
i) Grading of Aggregates Site / Lab Test
ii) Aggregate Crushing Value Lab. Test
iii) Water Absorption Site Test
D) Fine Aggregate
i) Grading of Aggregate and Fineness Modules Site / Lab Test
ii) Silt Content Site Test
iii) % Bulkage Site Test
E) BRICKS
i) Dimension test of bricks Site Test
ii) Test for Compressive Strength Lab Test
iii) Test for Water Absorption Lab Test

SPECIFICATIONS FOR REINFORCEMENT (Ref.: IS
1786 – 1985)
1. Chemical Tests for Reinforcement
Constituent Percent Maximum

Fe 415 Fe 500 Fe 550
Carbon 0.30 0.30 0.30
Sulphar 0.06 0.055 0.055
Phospharus 0.06 0.055 0.050
Sulphur and Phospharus 0.11 0.105 0.100
2. Perimissible Variation Limit, Percent, Max.
Carbon 0.02 %
Sulphur 0.005 %
Phosphorus 0.005 %
Sulphur and Phosphorus0.010%
3. Weight Variation Permissible Limit
Batch Individual Sample

Upto and Including 10 mm ± 7% - 8%
Over 10 mm and Upto 16 mm ± 5% - 6%
Over 16 mm ± 3% - 4%
4. Mechanical properties of H.Y.S.D. Bars & Wires
Grade
Fe 415 Fe 500 Fe 500
i) 0.2% proof stress / 415.00 500.00 550.00
yield stress Min
2
N/mm
ii) Elongation percent, 14.5 12.0 8.0
Min on gauge length
3.65 √ A, where À’ is
the area of the last
piece
iii) Tensile Strength, Min 10% more 8% more 6% more than

than the than the the actual
actual 0.2% actual 0.2% 0.2% proof
proof stress proof stress stress but not
but not less but not less less than
2
than 485.0 N than 545.0 N 585.0 N / mm
2 2
/ mm / mm
5. Bend Test
There should not be any transverse crack after bending.
Mandral dia for different grades

415 500 550
Upto and Including 22 3∅ 4∅ 5∅
Over 22 4∅ 5∅ 6∅
Frequency for Testing of Reinforcement
Under 10 mm 1 sample from each lot or 25 Tonnes or part

thereof which ever is lower
10 mm to 16 mm both inclusive 1 sample from each lot or 35 Tonnes or part

Over 16 mm 1 sample from each lot or 45 Tonnes or part

(Note: 1 sample = 3 no. bars of 1.0 meter length)

Sec-1
LIST OF ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT FOR

TESTING LABORATORY
Sr. No. Brief Description Nos.

1. 30 cms dia. G.I. Frame Sieves with lid and receiver for 1 Set
Aggregate 25 mm to 4.75 mm
2. 20 cms dia Brass Frame Sieves with lid and receiver for fine 1 Set
aggregates (sand) 10 mm to 90 μm size
3. C.I.Cube Mould (15 cm size) 12 Nos.
4. Slump Cone with base plate and tamping rod 1 No.
5. Stone Metal Measure (Capacity 3, 10 and 15 litres) 1 No. each
size
6. Hand operated Compression Testing Machine with separate 1 No.
Pumping unit fitted with pressure gauge (1300
KN) along with Calibration Chart
7. Weighing Balances with accuracy upto 0.1 gm., and 10 mg. 1 No.each
8. o 1 Each
Laboratory Oven (110 C) with long stem thermometer
9. Porcelain Dish (100 dia, 150 mm dia) 2 Nos.
10. Graduated Measuring Cylinder (Glass) – 200 ml. size 3 Nos.
11. Graduated Measuring Cylinder (Plastic) 150 mm dia x 6 Nos.
310 mm height
12. G.I.Trays 3 Nos.
13. Platform type scale (100 kg.) with loose weight 1 No.
14. Stoppered Jar with blunt stirrer rod 1 No.
15. Vicat Apparatus with plunger and two needles 1 No.
16. Le Chaterlier Apparatus 1 No.
17. Standard Spatula, 25 mm/40 mm wide brush 2 Nos.
18. Glass sheet 90 cm x 60 cm x 6 cm thick 1 No.
Sec-2 MANUAL : TESTING OF MATERIALS
BIS SPECIFICATIONS FOR REFERENCE
Sr. No. Item to be tested Testing Methods Acceptance

Criteria
1 Cement IS 4031 IS 456
2 Wood IS 11215, 883 IS 287
3 Sand (Fine Aggregate) IS 1607, IS 383, IS IS 2116, is 1542

2386 (Part I to III)
4 Stone Metal (Coarse IS 2386, Part I to VIII IS 383

Aggregate)
5 Water IS 3025 – IS 456

Part 17,18,24,32
6 Reinforcing Steel (HSD IS 1786

Bars)
7 Soil / Murum IS – 2720, Part IV, V, MOST - 1995
VII, XVI, XX, VIII
8 Burnt Clay Bricks IS – 3495, Part I & III IS 3495
9 Flooring Tiles IS 1237 IS 1237
10 Ceramic/Glazed Tiles IS 13630 IS 13630
11 Bitumen IS - 73, MOST 1995 MOST 1995

ASTM, Part II, (1202,
03, 05, 08) and (Part
IS 1195) ASTM Part II
† A, B and C denote the class of limes to be used [See IS : 712 – 1964 Specification for building
limes (revised) ].
2
‡ Pozzolana of minimum lime-reactivity of 40 kg/cm .
§ This ratio by volume corresponds approximately to cement pozzolana ratio of 0.8 : 0.2 by
weight. In this case, only ordinary Portland Cement [ See IS : 269 – 1967 Specification for
ordinary, rapid-hardening and low heat Portland Cement (Second Revision) ]
The selection of masonry mortars from durability considerations will, therefore, have to cover
both the loading and exposure conditions of the masonry. The requirements of
masonry mortar shall generally be as specified in 5.2.2 to 5.2.4.
MATERIALS TESTING TO BE DONE ON SITE / LABORATORY
ITEM TO BE CONDUCTED AT
A) Cement
i. Fineness of Grinding
ii. Normal Consistency
iii. Setting Time - Initial / Final Lab. Test
iv. Compressive Strength - 3 days /

7 days
v. Soundness Test
B) Reinforcement
i) Weight Variation Site Test
ii) 0.2% Proof Stress
iii) Ultimate Tensile Stress
iv) Gauge Length, Final Length Lab. Test
v) % elongation
vi) Bend Test
C) Coarse Aggregate
i) Grading of Aggregates Site / Lab Test
ii) Aggregate Crushing Value Lab. Test
iii) Water Absorption Site Test

D) Fine Aggregate
i) Grading of Aggregate and Fineness Modules Site / Lab Test
ii) Silt Content Site Test
iii) % Bulkage Site Test
E) BRICKS
i) Dimension test of bricks Site Test
ii) Test for Compressive Strength Lab Test
iii) Test for Water Absorption Lab Test

SPECIFICATIONS FOR REINFORCEMENT (Ref.: IS
1786 – 1985)
1. Chemical Tests for Reinforcement
Constituent Percent Maximum

Fe 415 Fe 500 Fe 550
Carbon 0.30 0.30 0.30
Sulphar 0.06 0.055 0.055
Phospharus 0.06 0.055 0.050
Sulphur and Phospharus 0.11 0.105 0.100
2. Perimissible Variation Limit, Percent, Max.
Carbon 0.02 %
Sulphur 0.005 %
Phospharus 0.005 %
Sulphur and Phospharus 0.010%
3. Weight Variation Permissible Limit
Batch Individual Sample

Upto and Including 10 mm ± 7% - 8%
Over 10 mm and Upto 16 mm ± 5% - 6%
Over 16 mm ± 3% - 4%
4. Mechanical properties of H.Y.S.D. Bars & Wires
Grade
Fe 415 Fe 500 Fe 500
i) 0.2% proof stress / yield 415.00 500.00 550.00
2
stress Min N/mm
ii) Elongation percent, Min 14.5 12.0 8.0

on gauge length 3.65 √ A,
where À’ is the area of
the last piece
iii) Tensile Strength, Min 10% more than 8% more than 6% more than
the actual 0.2% the actual the actual 0.2%
proof stress but 0.2% proof proof stress but
not less than stress but not less than
2 not less than 2
485.0 N / mm 585.0 N / mm
545.0 N /
2
mm
5. Bend Test
There should not be any transverse crack after bending.
Mandral dia for different grades

415 500 550
Upto and Including 22 3∅ 4∅ 5∅
Over 22 4∅ 5∅ 6∅
Frequency for Testing of Reinforcement
Under 10 mm 1 sample from each lot or 25 Tonnes or part thereof

which ever is lower
10 mm to 16 mm both inclusive 1 sample from each lot or 35 Tonnes or part thereof

which ever is lower
Over 16 mm 1 sample from each lot or 45 Tonnes or part thereof

which ever is lower
(Note: 1 sample = 3 no. bars of 1.0 meter length)

Sec-3 QUALITY MANUAL : TESTING OF MATERIALS
CEMENT : DETERMINATION OF CONSISTENCY

REFERENCE : IS 4031 – (PART – 4) 1996
OBJECT TO DETERMINE QUANTITY OF WATER REQUIRED TO

PRODUCE CEMENT PASTE OF STANDARD CONSISTENCY
IMPORTANCE This preliminary test forms base for other tests

OF TEST
APPARATUS • Vicat Apparatus

• Balance (capacity 1000 gms accuracy 0.1 gm)
• Gauging Trowel 100-150 mm long
TEMPERATURE • Dry Materials, Water and Laboratory : 27 + 2O C

& HUMIDITY • Relative Humidity in Laboratory : 65 + 5 %
PROCEDURE On non-porous platform ;
• Prepare cement paste of weighed quantity (300 gm) of cement

mixed with weighed quantity of water (90 gm) using gauging
trowel within 3 to 5 minutes before any sign of setting occurs.
• Immediately fill up mould by vicat apparatus with this paste

and level up.
Rest mould upon non-porous plate and shake to
remove penetrated air. Level the top.
• Under plunger rod of vicat apparatus, keep the test block in the
mould together with non-porous plate. Lower plunger
needle together to touch top surface of cement block.
• Release plunger quickly and allow it to sink in test block.
• Prepare another sample from same lot by varying water contents

and repeat the process till plunger needle remain embedded in
test specimen 5 to 7 mm from botom of vicat mould. Note
water content at this stage. The sample is said to be of
standard consistency at this water content.
CALCULATION Weight of water in sample

Water for standard consistency % = ----------------------------------------- x
100
Weight of dry cement in sample
CEMENT : DETERMINATION OF SETTING TIME

OBJECT TO DETERMINE INITIAL AND FINAL SETTING TIME OF CEMENT
IMPORTANCE The object is to distinguish between,quick setting and normal seting

OF TEST time and to detect the deterioration due to storage.
APPARATUS • Vicat Apparatus

• Balance (capacity 1000 gms, accuracy 0.1 gm)
• Annular attachment of Vicat Apparatus
TEMPERATURE • Dry Materials, Water and Moulding Room : 27 + 2O C

& HUMIDITY • Relative Humidity in Laboratory : 65 + 5 %
PROCEDURE On a non-porous platform
• Mix neat cement with enough water to give a paste of Standard

Consistency.
• Start stop watch immediately on adding water to cement. Note

Stop watch reading (To)
• Rest Vicat mould on non-porous plate and fill it completely

with cement paste. Level of top surface and expel air by shaking.
• Place test block with mould under the rod bearing needle of Vicat
apparatus and bring rod level with top of test specimen.
Release needle slowly and let it penetrate in the test block.
• Repeat the procedure until needle stops of distance of (5 + 0.5)

mm from base of test block. Read the stop watch and note
the time (T1).
• Replace needle by annular atachment. Repeat procedure of

releasing the needle till needle makes an impression on top of
test block while atachment fails to do so. Read the stop watch
and note time (T2).
CALCULATION Initial Seting Time (IST) = (T1 – T0)

Final Seting Time (FST) = (T2 – T 0)
REPORTING Report IST & FST to nearest 5 minutes

NEW CONSTRUCTION OF HEALTH CARE IN EARTHQUAKE
AFFECTED DISTRICTS OF GUJARAT STATE
CEMENT : FINENESS BY DRY SIEVING
OBJECT TO CHECK PROPER GRINDING OF CEMENT BY

MEASURING FINENESS BY DRY SIEVING
IMPORTANCE During manufacturing, cement must be ground to be uniformly fine

OF TEST otherwise concrete needs large amount of water for mixing which
results in bleeding as well as poor workmanship.
APPARATUS • Test sieve of non-corrodible metal having 150 mm to 200 mm

diam, and 40 mm to 100 mm depth fitted with 90 µm mesh
sieve cloth of woven stainless steel or other abrasion resistant
non- corrodible wires.
• Suitable tray with lid to fit sieve size.
• Stoppered jar with blunt ended stirrer rod
• Weighing balance to weigh upto 10 gms to nearest 10 mg.
• Nylon or pure bristle brush (25 mm / 40 mm bristles) for

cleaning sieves.
PROCEDURE Determination of cement residue :
• Agitate the cement sample by shaking for 2 minutes in a

stoppered jar to disperse the agglomerates. Wait for few
minutes.
• Stir the resulting powder gently with dry rod to distribute the
fines throughout the sample.
• Weigh approx. 10 gm of cement and put in sieve fited with
botom tray and top lid.
• Agitate and shake the sieve thoroughly
• Weigh the residue – retained on sieve.
• Clean base of sieve gently by brush to remove fine material.
• Find out % (R1) of residue in comparison with total weight of
sample.
• Repeat the procedure at least twice till results do not differ by
more than 1%.
CALCULATION Find out mean of observations and express this percentage as R

CEMENT : DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY

OBJECT TO DETERMINE SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF CEMENT
IMPORTANCE Specific gravity of cement enables user to convert proportioning from

OF TEST weight to volume basis while mixing for mortars/concrete.
EQUIPMENT • Standard Le-Chatelier flask

• Kerosene (light) oil
PROCEDURE • Fill up the clean and dry flask with kerosene between 0 & 1 ml
mark on the stem. Note the reading (R1).
• Weigh @ 64 gms of cement sample and introduce in the flask in

small quantities in such a way that cement does not stick to
flask in the portion above kerosene level.
• After introducing total quantity in the flask, stopper the same

and roll in an inclined position to render cement air free till air
bubble does not rise to oil surface.
• Keep the flask in bath maintained at room temperature for

half an hour so that temperature of contents of flask is equalised.
• Note the final reading of oil in flask. (R2)
CALCULATION The diference between readings represent the volume of liquid

displaced by weight of cement W in the flask.
. W
. . Density of cement ρ = ------------
R2 – R1
ρ
Specific gravity of cement is = ---------, where w is density of water
w
CEMENT : TEST FOR SOUNDNESS

OBJECT DETERMINATION OF SOUNDNESS OF CEMENT BY LE-

CHATELIER METHOD
IMPORTANCE To detect presence of uncombined lime. During the test free, OF

TEST uncombined lime expands on hydration which is accelerated by
boiling, while shrinkage is kept to minimum by immersing the paste in
water. Expansion of lime is one of the causes of cracking of cement
concrete.
APPARATUS • Le-Chatelier moulds,

• Weighing balance with weights
• 2 Nos. mould covering glass sheets
• Water bath capable of boiling the water within half an hour.
• Length comparator apparatus
TEMPERATURE • Moulding room , Dry Material,

& HUMIDITY Moist Closet and Water Temp. : 27 + 2 % C
• Relative Humidity of lab : 65 + 5 %
• Relative humidity of Moist closet : More than 90%
PROCEDURE • Apply oil to mould and glass sheets lightly.

• Place mould on glass sheet and fill it with cement paste prepared in
accordance with procedure for determination of standard
consistency. Take care to keep edges of mould gently together.
• Cover mould top with another lightly oiled glass sheet and place
small weight on top of same.
• Immediately submerge whole assembly in water at temp. of 27 +
2 deg.C and keep submerged for 24 hours.
• Measure distance separating the indicator points to nearest 0.5
mm (D1).
• Submerge mould again in same water and boil water within half
an hour. Keep mould in continuously boiling water for 3 hours and
then allow it to cool.
• Measure distance between indicator points (D2).
CALCULATION • Expansion of cement D = D2 – D1.
RETESTING • In case cement sample fails to meet the soundness requirement,

retest after aerating the sample by spreading cement in 75 mm
thick layer and storing it for 7 days in atmosphere maintained at
27 + 2 deg. C with relative humidity 50 to 80 percent.

OBJECT DETERMINATION OF SOUNDNESS OF CEMENT BY AUTO- CLAVE

METHOD
APPARATUS • Weights and Balance as required for Le-Chatelier Test
• 150 ml capacity graduated glass cylinders.
• 25 mm x 25 mm size x 282 mm long moulds and other

accessories as per IS 10086-1982.
• Auto-clave having vent valve and with high steam pressure built-
up capacity of absolute pressure of 2.2 Mpa in 1 to 1.1/4 hour
and permiting pressure drop from 2.1 Mpa to less than 0.07
Mpa in 1 hour during cooling period
• Length comparator.
TEMPERATURE • Moulding Room, Dry material, Moist Closet and Water 27 + 2o C

& HUMIDITY
• Relative humidity of Lab 65 + 5%
• Relative humidity of moist closet > 90%
PROCEDURE a) PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMENS
• Cover the mould surface with a thin coat of mineral oil
• Set stainless steel metal reference inserts with knurl heads to

obtain efective gauge length of 250 mm, with care being taken
to keep them clean and free from oil.
• Mix 500 gm of cement with sufficient quantity of water to

prepare paste of standard consistency
• Fill up moulds in one/two layer with cement paste. Press paste

properly in and around reference inserts mould corner by
thumb or forefinger. Obtain homogeneous test specimen. Wear
rubber gloves on hand during working.
• Finish top of moulded specimen block smooth and level by litle


b) TESTING
• Remove specimen from mould within ½ hour after keeping in

mould for 24 hours. Measure length of specimen bar (L1)
• Place in auto-clave at room-temp. in a rack so that 4 sides of

each specimen are exposed to saturated steam. Fill up auto-
clave upto 1/7th depth with water.
• Remove vent valve in early stages of heating of auto-clave till

steam starts escaping from same.
• Close the valve thereafter and raise temp. of auto-clave to bring

steam gauge pressure to 2.1 Mpa in 1 to 1.1/4 hour and maintain
this steam pressure for 3 hours.
• Shut off heat supply to auto-clave and gradually reduce the steam
pressure to less than 0.1 Mpa and finally to atmospheric pressure
by opening the vent.
• Open Auto-clave and put specimen immediately in water having

more than 90o C temperature.
• Start adding cold water to cool off test specimen bar gradually to
27 + 2o C temperature.
• Maintain above temperature for 15 minutes and surface dry the

sample specimen.
• Measure the length of specimen bar (L2)
CALCULATION Dif. In length DL = (L2 – L1)
RETESTING Perform retesting as described in soundness test by using Le-

Chatelier moulds
CEMENT : COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

OBJECT TO DETERMINE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF HYDRAULIC CEMENT

(OTHER THAN MASONRY CEMENT)
IMPORTANCE This test decides the suitability of cement for developing required
OF TEST compressive strength of concrete
APPARATUS • Vibration machine (As per IS 10080-1987)

• Poking Rod (As per IS 10080-1987)
• Cube moulds : Size – 70.6 mm (As per IS 10080-1987)
• Gauging trowel100 to 150 mm blade length with straight edges,
weighing 210 + 10 gm. – accuracy 1.00 gm.
• Balance (capacity 1 kg.) and standard weights upto 500 gms.
• Graduated glass cylinders of 150 ml. Capacity
TEMPERATURE • Moulding room, Moist closet dry materials and water 27 + 2o C.

& HUMIDITY • Relative humidity in laboratory 65 + 5%
• Moist closet humidiity 98%.
TEST • Prepare test mortar by mixing cement and sand in quantities of

SPECIMENS 200 gm and 600 gm respectively.
• If `P’ is % of water required to make cement paste of standard
consistency, use (P/4 +3) % by combined weight of cement and
sand as quantity of water for mixing mortar.
• Prepare wet mortar by mixing water with dry mortar till uniform
colour is obtained within 4 minutes. If more time is required reject
the materials, mix fresh quantities and repeat the mixing.
• Cover contact surface of mould joints and base plate with thin
coating of petroleum jelly ensuring that no water escapes while
moulding the mortar mixture.
• Place assembled mould on table of vibrating machine and hold it
firmly by clamps. Arrange feeding hopper in position.
• Place mortar in cube moulds in layers and prod with poking rod
for 20 times to eliminate entrained air and honey combing.
• Remove mould after vibrating and finish top level by smoothening
with trowel.
• Keep the filled moulds in moist closet to cure for 24 hours.
• Remove the cubes from moulds after 24 hours and submerge in
clean water. Keep these submerged till these cubes are taken out
for breaking by Compression machine as and when decided
upon.
• Test at least 3 cubes for compressive strength under compression
testing machine by applying steady load starting from zero at rate of
35 N/mm2/min.
CEMENT : TEST FOR COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

• While testing various cubes, discard those giving crushing load

difering by more than 10% of average value.
• If less than 2 cubes are left for determining the test, retest has
to be carried out.
CALCULATIONS Applied max. load in N

Compressive strength = ----------------------------------------------
Reported upto 0.5 N/mm2 Cross-sectional area of cube mm2
FINENESS MODULUS OF FINE AGGREGATES (SAND)

REFERENCE : IS 1607-1960/IS : 383 – 1970
OBJECT TO DETERMINE FINENESS MODULUS
IMPORTANCE This test enables the user to obtain grading curve of sand ; which
OF TEST helps in designing proper concrete mix in conjunction with coarse
aggregates.
APPARATUS • IS. Sieve Sets 10 mm to 150 micron size

• Weighing balance
PROCEDURE • Collect three samples of one kg. Each and sieve on set of sieves
mentioned above.
• Weigh the sample retained on each sieve accurately.
• Tabulate the results in the proforma atached.
CALCULATION Fineness Modulus (F.M.) is calculated by dividing total cumulative %

weight of aggregate retained on each sieve (B) by 100.
B
Fineness Modulus FM = --------
100
SILT CONTENTS OF FINE AGGREGATES (SAND)

REFERENCE : IS 383-1970/IS 2386 (Part II) - 1963
OBJECT TO DETERMINE SILT CONTENT IN THE SAND
IMPORTANCE Apart from any other impurities, silt contents in sand directly affect
OF TEST strength of concrete or mortar used in construction and hence the
importance.
APPARATUS • 200 ml. Capacity graduated measuring cylinder of glass
PROCEDURE • Place the sample to be tested in measuring cylinder to fill upto

100 ml. Mark (undried sample).
• Dissolve litle salt (1 spoon/half litre) with clean water and add it
to sand in cylinder so that it reaches 150 ml. Max.
• Shake the contents vigorously in all directions and level off the
sand. Allow to settle for 3 hours.
• Measure height of silt collected above sand layer.
CALCULATION Height of silt column

Silt Content % = 100 x -----------------------------
Height of sand column
RETESTING • When silt percentage is more than permissible, wash the sand
with clean water before using and retest.
• Record frequent test results in the proforma attached.

BULKAGE OF SAND
REFERENCE : IS 2386 – (PART – III) 1990 Cl. 4.3
OBJECT TO DETERMINE BULKAGE EFFECT IN SAND DUE TO VARYING MOISTURE

CONTENTS AND TO FIND OUT UNIT WEIGHT OF DRY SAND
IMPORTANCE OF • The unique property of bulking of sand results in change in its

TEST volume and weight when dry due to varying moisture content.
• This phenomina directly affects designing of concrete mix or
mortar.
APPARATUS • Measuring container 150 mm dia x 310 mm high.

• Balance and weights ;
• Mixing Spatula.
PROCEDURE a) DETERMINING UNIT WEIGHT OF DRY SAND

• Weigh empty container
• Fill up with water and weigh again to check up capacity of
container
• Empty the container and wipe dry
• Fill up the container with pre-dried sand sample. Level the top
without tamping and weigh
• Find out weights of dry sand.
Wt. of sample in kg.
• Unit weight of sand - w = ----------------------------------
Vol. of sample in m3
b) DETERMINATION OF BULKING FACTOR

• Fill up the container with certain volume (say upto ¾ height) with
dry un-rodded sand. Note down the volume (V1) and
corresponding weight of sand.
• Spread the sand sample on mixing tray and add water weighing
1% by weight of sand and mix by spatula. Immediately fill up in
measuring cylinder (loose) and measure volume (V2)
• Calculate ratio of this volume with original vol. of sand (V2/V1).
This is termed as bulking factor.
• Repeat procedure by increasing water by 1% at each stage and
note down readings of bulkage factor.
Note : (Volume goes on increasing till water-added is @ 8 to10%.
After that it goes on decreasing and returns to original vol. of dry
sand when water added is @ 18-20%).
REPRESENTATION • Draw a curve of Bulkage factor on Y axis against % of water on X
axis. This will represent the bulkage curve which will always be
helpful in determining bulkage of field sample of same source at
any given time of use by comparing it with dry sample
enabling user to adjust quantity of sand in designed concrete
mix/mortar.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND WATER ABSORPTION OF SAND

REFERENCE : IS 2386 – (PART – III) 1963
OBJECT TO DETERMINE SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND WATER ABSORPTION OF

AGGREGATE SMALLER THAN 10 MM INCLUDING SAND
IMPORTANCE • The test is indicative of efect of water content in sand on its

OF TEST volume i.e. bulking factor which is important for designing of
concrete mix.
APPARATUS • Balance
• Thermostatically controlled oven
• Wire Basket
• Container for filling water and suspending in the basket
• Air tight container of capacity similar to basket
• Shallow drying tray
• Absorbent cloth
PROCEDURE • Wash thoroughly @ two kg. of sand sample to remove fines, drain
and then place in wire basket and immerse in water at a
temperature between 22o C to 30o C with a cover of at least 5
cm. of water above the top of basket.
• Immediately after immersion, remove the entrapped air from
the sample by lifting the basket containing it, 25 mm above the
base of tank and allowing it to drop 25 times at about 1
drop per second.
• Keep the basket and aggregate completely immersed in water for
a period of 24 hours afterwards.
• Weigh the basket and sample while suspended in water (A-1).
• Remove the basket and aggregate from water. Allow to drain for
few minutes after which gently empty the aggregate from
the basket on dry cloth. Return the empty basket to the water
and weigh in water (A.2).
• Place the aggregate on the dry cloth and gently surface dry with
the cloth and transfer it to the second dry cloth, when the first
will remove no further moisture. Weigh the surface dried
aggregate (B).
• Place the aggregate in a shallow tray and keep it in oven for 24
hours at a temperature of 100o C to 110o C. Remove it from
oven, cool in an air tight container and weigh (C).
CALCULATION C
Specific Gravity = -----------
(B – A)
Where A = A.1 – A.2
100 (B – C)
ORGANIC IMPURITIES IN SAND

REFERENCE : IS 383-- 1988/IS 2386 – (PART – II) 1963
OBJECT CHECKING THE SAND FOR ORGANIC IMPURITIES SUCH AS

VEGETATION, COAL DUST ETC.
IMPORTANCE Presence of injurious organic compounds is sand and aggregates in

OF TEST detrimental to quality of concrete/mortar mix.
APPARATUS • 350 ml graduated clear glass bottle

• 3% sodium hydroxide solution
• Standard colour solution
PROCEDURE • Prepare standard colour solution. Add 2.5 ml of 2% solution of

tannic acid in 10%, Alcohol, to 97.5 cc of 3% sodium hydroxide
solution, shake vigorously and allow to stand for 24 hours.
• Fill 350 ml botle upto 70 ml mark with 3% solution of sodium

hydroxide. Add sand gradually until volume occupied by sandy
layer is @ 125 ml. And subsequently made upto 200 ml. by
adding more solution.
• Stopper the bottle, shake vigorously and allow to stand for 24

hours.
• Compare the colour with standard colour solution.
CALCULATIONS Colour of Liquid Remarks
• Colourless liquid Clear sand free from organic maters.
• Straw colour Some organic mater but sand safe for

use.
• Darker colour Injurious volumes of organic materials

in sand. Washing needed before use.
Therefore retest by washing
SIEVE ANALYSIS FOR GRADING OF COARSE AGGREGATES

REFERENCE : IS 383– (PART – I) 1963
OBJECT TO ASSESS PRESENCE OF DIFFERENT SIZE OF STONE CHIPS PRESENT

IS GIVEN SAMPLE BY PROCESS OF SIEVING
IMPORTANCE The test results provide a data base about variation of stone chip
OF TEST sizes in crushed aggregate sample, required for designing of concrete
mix.
APPARATUS • Perforated standard set of sieves of 10 mm, 6.3 mm, 4.25 mm,
2.36 mm, 150 micron, 300 micron and 600 micron
• Weighing balance (50 kg. capacity) accurate to 0-1% weight of
sample.
• Minimum weight of test samples required are as per
following table.
Maximum size present in substantial Minimum weight of
sample proportions (mm) required for sieving (kg.)
63 50
50 35
40 15
25 5
20 2
16 2
12.5 1
10.0 0.5
6.3 0.2
4.75 0.2
2.36 0.1
PROCEDURE • Pile-up the bulk sample received in conical form till cone flattens.
• Obtain the sample for screening by method of quartering so
that suitable weight for sample testing is available.
• Air-dry the sample at room temperature or by heating at 100oC –
110oC. Weigh the air dried sample.
• Place the set of sieves in descending order of their sizes on pan.
Place the sample in top coarse sieve and fit the lid.
• Shake whole assembly in all directions for not less than 2 minutes
by hand movements/on shaking platform.
• Remove the lid and weigh the residue carefully retained on each
sieve.
• Tabulate the results on proforma
CALCULATIONS • Calculate percentage of aggregate retained on each sieve and

from it work out the total percentage retained and passing of
each sieve size.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND WATER ABSORPTION OF COARSE

AGGREGATES
REFERENCE : IS 2386 – (PART – III) 1963
OBJECT TO DETERMINE SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND WATER ABSORPTION OF

AGGREGATES
IMPORTANCE • The test is indicative of effect of water content in aggregate on its
OF TEST volume which is important for designing of concrete mix.
APPARATUS • Balance
• Thermostatically controlled oven
• Wire Basket
• Container for filling water and suspending in the basket
• Air tight container of capacity similar to basket
• Shallow drying tray
• Absorbent cloth
PROCEDURE • Wash thoroughly @ two kg. of aggregate sample to remove
fines, drain and then place in wire basket and immerse in water at
a temperature between 22o C to 30o C with a cover of at least
5 cm. of water above the top of basket.
• Immediately after immersion, remove the entrapped air from
the sample by lifting the basket containing it, 25 mm above the
base of tank and allowing it to drop 25 times at about 1
drop per second.
• Keep the basket and aggregate completely immersed in water for
a period of 24 hours afterwards.
• Weigh the basket and sample while suspended in water (A-1).
• Remove the basket and aggregate from water. Allow to drain for
few minutes after which gently empty the aggregate from
the basket on dry cloth. Return the empty basket to the water
and weigh in water (A.2).
• Place the aggregate on the dry cloth and gently surface dry with
the cloth and transfer it to the second dry cloth, when the first
will remove no further moisture. Weigh the surface dried
aggregate (B).
• Place the aggregate in a shallow tray and keep it in oven for 24
hours at a temperature of 100o C to 110o C. Remove it from
oven, cool in an air tight container and weigh (C).
CALCULATION C
Specific Gravity = -----------
(B – A)
Where A = A.1 – A.2
100 (B – C)
Water Absorption% = ---------------
SOUNDNESS OF COURSE AGGREGATE

REFERENCE : IS 2386 – (PART – I) 1963
OBJECT TO MEASURE THE LOSS OF WEIGHT OF TEST SAMPLE IN

SODIUM SULPHATE AS WELL AS MAGNESIUM SULPHATE
SOLUTIONS
IMPORTANCE Soundness of course aggregate is determined by measurement of

OF TEST loss with Sodium Sulphate (5 cycles) as well as Magnesium Sulphate
(5 cycles); for judging weathering properties when exposed to
corrosive environment
APPARATUS i) Set of 7 Sieves : 150, 300, 400 micron, 1.18 mm, 2.46 mm
4.0 mm, 4.75 mm
ii) Containers : Perforated Containers
iii) Balances : Capacity > 5000 gms., sensitivity 1 gm.
iv) Drying Oven : Capacity of maintaining 105oC temp.,
with evaporation rate of at least 25 gm/
hour for four hours with doors of
oven closed.
REAGENTS Sodium Sulphate Solution : Saturated salt powder solution be

prepared and cooled at 27+2o C temperature. (1300 gm. of
dehydrate salt/litre of water will make saturated salt solution).
Magnesium Sulphate Solution : Dissolve Epsom Salt @ 1600
gm/litre of water to make saturated solution to be maintained
between
25oC to 30oC.
SAMPLES OF COURSE AGGREGATE

Collect following quantities of course aggregates from diferent
sieves.
Sr. Size Yield with Sieve Size
No.
1. 10 mm – 4.75 mm 300 gm.
2. 20 mm – 10 mm 1000 gm. 33% - 12.5 mm to 10.00 mm
67% - 20 mm to 12.5 mm
3. 40 mm – 20 mm 1500 gm. 33% - 25 mm to 20 mm
67% - 40 mm to 25 mm
4. 63 mm – 40 mm 3000 gm. 50% - 50 mm to 40 mm
50% - 63 mm to 50 mm
5. 80 mm & above 3000 gm
SOUNDNESS OF COURSE AGGREGATE

REFERENCE : IS 2386 – (PART – I) 1963
PROCEDURE • Wash samples of each grade thoroughly and dry @ 105o – 110oC
and separate by sieving as shown in preceding table.
• Keep different sized samples in separate containers.
• Immerse each sample in Sodium Sulphate/Magnesium Sulphate
Solution of 16 to 18 hours with 15 mm solution depth standing on
top of same and maintain 27o + 1oC temperature
• Remove the sample from tray and drain for 15 + 5 minutes
o o
• Place in pre-heated oven (105 – 110 C)
• Remove samples after every 4 hours and weigh every time till
constant weight is obtained. (Diference in successive weighing
less than 1 gm.). Allow cooling.
• Immerse samples again and repeat procedure for four (4)
additional cycles.
QUANTITATIVE • After all cycles are complete and samples are cooled thoroughly,
EXAMINATION wash these to free from Sodium/Magnesium Sulphate solutions,
as determined by reaction of wash water with Barium Chloride
(BaCl2)
• Dry each sample to constant weight @ 105o – 110oC and weigh.
Sieve the course aggregate over sieve shown below for
appropriate size of particle.
Size of Aggregate Sieve size used to determine loss
63 mm – 40 mm 31.5 mm
40 mm – 20 mm 16.0 mm
20 mm - 10 mm 8.0 mm
10 mm - 4.75 mm 4.0 mm
QUALITATIVE • Portion of samples of course aggregates of greater than 20 mm

EXAMINATION size shall be examined qualitatively after each immersion and
quantitatively at completion of test.
• Observe efect of Sodium Sulphate/Magnesium Sulphate solution
by counting afected particles with regards to disintegration,
spliting, crumbling, cracking, flaking etc.
CALCULATIONS • From quantitative considerations, as shown in enclosed format,

total of weighted averages of 4 sizes is considered as loss
expected due to exposure to corrosive atmosphere which has to
be within specified limits.
IMPACT VALUE OF COARSE AGGREGATES

REFERENCE : IS 2386 – (PART – IV)
OBJECT TO DETERMINE IMPACT VALUE OF COARSE AGGREGATES
IMPORTANCE The test results are related to performance of the aggregate under
OF TEST impact of operating anticipated load it will be subjected to.
APPARATUS • Impact Testing Machine

• Cylindrical Metal Measure
• Tamping Rod
• IS Sieves 12.5 mm, 10 mm and 2.36 mm sizes
• Balance
• Oven
PROCEDURE • Obtain sample which shall pass wholly through 12.5 mm I.S.
Sieve, and retained on 10 mm sieve.
• Dry sample in an oven for a period of 4 hours at a temperature of
100 to 110oC and allow to cool to room-temperature
• Fill the cylindrical metal in 3 equal layers, each layer being given
25 uniformly distributed strokes of the rounded end of the
tamping rod.
• Weigh the aggregate in the measure to the nearest gram (A)
• Fix the cup firmly in position on the base of impact machine, place
whole of the test sample in it, and compact by single tamping of
25 strokes of the tamping rod.
• Allow the hammer of Impact machine to fall freely of aggregate.
The test sample shall be subjected to total of 15 such blows, each
being delivered at an interval of not less than one second.
• Remove the crushed aggregate from the cup, and sieve on the
I.S. 2.36 mm sieve. Weigh the fraction passing to an accuracy of
0.1 gm. (B)
CALCULATIONS B
Aggregate Impact Value = ---- x 100
A
RETESTING • Weigh the fraction retained on I.S. Sieve 2.36 mm.(C) If the total
weight (B+C) is less than initial weight (A)by more than 1 gm.
discard the result and retest new sample.
CRUSHING VALUE OF COARSE AGGREGATE

REFERENCE : IS 2386 – (PART – IV)-1990
OBJECT TO FIND OUT CRUSHING VALUE OF AGGREGATE
IMPORTANCE The crushing test of coarse aggregate indicate the suitability of

OF TEST aggregate for concreting. It also gives measure of its wearing
quality.
APPARATUS • An open ended mild steel cylinder 300 mm dia x 240 mm height
with plunger and base plate
• Tamping Rod 16 mm dia x 450 mm length round nosed.
• A scale or balance – accuracy 1 gm.
• Test sieve of 10 mm
TEST SAMPLE • Sieve the aggregate for collecting appropriate sized sample for
testing.
• Dry the sample for 24 hours in an oven @ 100oC to 110oC temp.
and put in dessicator in air tight tins and allow it to cool.
• Weigh the material (A)
• Place cylinder on level base plate
• Fill the material to depth of 70 mm in the cylinder and tamp with
tamping rod. Repeat by adding layers till depth of material in
cylinder.is @ 200 mm; the top of plunger flange coinciding exactly
with top of cylinder.
• Weigh the materials left over if any (B). Weight of sample =
(A-B)
• Place apparatus in compression testing machine and apply load
of 160 M.T. uniformly and gradually reaching maximum in 10
minutes. Release head, remove the apparatus and carefully
remove whole of materials to be sieved through 10 mm sieve.
• Weigh the fraction passing through sieve (C)
• Repeat using same weight of sample (A-B)
CALCULATIONS • The residue passing through 10 mm sieve under load of 160 MT

is termed as crushing point
100 C
• Calculate values of --------- for both tests
(A-B)
• Calculate mean value which is termed as crushing value of
aggregate sample.
QUALITY MANUAL
: TESTING OF MATERIALS
STONE METAL : ABRASION TEST

REFERENCE : IS 2386 (Part-IV) –1963
OBJECT TO DETERMINE ABRASION VALUE OF COARSE AGGREGATE BY USE

OF LOS ANGELS MACHINE
IMPORTANCE • During mixing of concrete in mechanical mixer, the aggregates,

OF TEST strike with each other and also with projecting blades in mixer.
This motion results in wear of aggregates and formation of fines.
Excessive abrasion interferes with purity of cement; endangering
designed strength of concrete mix.
APPARATUS
• LOS Angels Machine as per IS 2386-1963
• Removable shelf of wear resistant steel
• Sieves : 1.70 mm I.S. Sieve
• Abrasive charge consisting of 48 mm dia C.I./Steel spheres each
weighing bet. 390 and 445 gm. @ 12 nos.
SAMPLING AND
GRADING Requirement of sample for testing and no. of spheres required are as
under :
Sieve size Sample weight in gms.
(Square hole) (+2% variation permitted)
Passing Retained Grade A Grade B Grade C Grade D
(mm) on (mm)
40 25 1250 - - -
25 20 1250 - - -
20 12.5 1250 2500 - -
12.5 10.00 1250 2500 - -
10.00 6.3 - - 2500 -
Spheres 12 11 8 6
PROCEDURE • Place pre-weighed (W1) test materials and abrasive charge in

testing machine.
• Rotate machine @ speed of 20 to 33 rev./minute for 500
revolutions.
• After completing rotation, discharge the sample completely
and sieve it on 1.70 mm sieve for preliminary separation.
• Sieve the finer portion later on through 1.70 mm, 1.18 m, 850 &
600 micron sieves as mentioned for crushing test.
• Wash coarser material > 1.70 mm, dry in oven @ 105o C to 110o
C to constant weight and weigh accurately (W2)
CALCULATION 100 x (W1 – W2)

Abrasion value % = -----------------------
of stone metal W1
FLAKINESS INDEX OF COARSE AGGREGATES

REFERENCE : IS 2386 – (PART – I)-1963
OBJECT TO DETERMINE THE FLAKINESS OF COARSE AGGREGATE. (THIS

TEST IS NOT APPLICABLE TO SIZES SMALLER THAN 6.3
MM)
IMPORTANCE • The flakiness in stone metal interferes with coating of it with

OF TEST cement and in turn with workability and strength of concrete mix.
APPARATUS • Flakiness gauge

• IS Sieves 63 mm, 50 mm, 40 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 12.5 mm, 10
mm and 6.3 mm
• Weighing balance
PROCEDURE • Sieve the sample with sieves as mentioned above and weigh
residues diferently (W1, W2, W3) etc.
• Out of the residue retained on each sieve, take out atleast 200
pieces of each fraction and weigh separately.
• Pass each fraction for gauging through thickness gauge or length
gauge.
• The amount of flaky material passing the gauge is weighed to an
accuracy of at least 0.1% of weight of the test sample. Note down
the weights w1, w2, w3, etc.
• Repeat the experiment for materials retained on diference sieves
and note down weights for each size.
• Calculate total weight of flaky materials on all sieves
CALCULATIONS Total weight of flakes passing through gauge

Flakiness Index = -------------------------------------------------------------- x
100
Total weight of sample retained on sieves
Ph VALUE OF WATER
REFERENCE : IS 456 2000
OBJECT TO FIND OUT pH VALUE OF WATER SAMPLE FOR USE IN

CONCRETING/CONSTRUCTION
IMPORTANCE • The pH value of water is an indication of its acidity/alkalinity,

the
OF TEST property that directly affects the strength of concrete, due to
its chemical reaction with ingradients of cement.
APPARATUS • Litmus paper pack
PROCEDURE • Collect the water sample representing water to be used for

concreting or otherwise for any use involving its mixing with
cement during construction.
• Insert litmus paper strip in water sample. Allow a reaction time

of
10 to 20 seconds
.
• Observe the change in colour and match with reference coloured
cover strip. The colour will change according to level of
concentration of acidic and alkaline substances in water.
CALCULATION • The water sample should possess a neutral nature : (pH bet. 6.0
to 8). If it shows an increased (pH 10 to 12) or a lower value (pH
4 to 6), it will need suitable treatment for correction of pH.
• This test produces the results which are sufficiently accurate for
determining quality of water for use in concrete/mortars.
Accurate testing is possible by use of pH meter which is
based on potentiometric measurement of hydrogen ion
concentration in a sample.
CONCENTRATIONS OF SOLIDS IN WATER

REFERENCE : IS 3025 (Part 17, 18)
OBJECT TO ANALYSE WATER SAMPLE FOR CONTENTS OF VARIOUS SOLIDS

SUCH AS NON FILTERATE, FILTERABLE AND TOTAL RESIDUES BY
GRAVIMETRIC METHOD
IMPORTANCE The presence of solids in water is due to presence of oil, acids,

OF TEST alkalies, salts, sugar and organic materials. Their presence in
excessive concentrations may be deleterious to concrete or
reinforcement due to their chemical reactions with cement in
lowering its strength and physical interaction in changing its seting
properties,
workability, cracking phenomina etc.
APPARATUS • Evaporting porcelain/borosilicate dish – 90 mm dia, 100 ml.

capacity
• Steam bath/Drying oven
• Drying oven : thermostatistically controlled temp. 180o + 2oC
• Desiccator with colour indicator desiccants
• Muffle furnace : 550oC capacity
• Analytical Balance : 200 gm. Capacity and with accuracy of 0.1
mg.
CHEMICALS • 0.1 normal HCL solutions

• 0.1 normal NaOH solutions
• Indicator solution of methyl orange
• Indicator solution of phenolpthalein
PROCEDURE • Preserve the collected sample in refrigerator @ 4oC.

• Heat the clean evaporating dish to 180oC for 1 hour. Cool,
desiccate, weigh, and store the dish in desiccator.
• Pipett the sample water in weighed evaporating dish on steam
bath (drying oven can be used for evaporation) maintain t he
temp. of sample at 98oC to avoid boiling.
• After complete evaporation, transfer the dish to drying oven and
heat to 180oC & dry to constant mass. (period taken is usually 1 to
hours).
• Weigh the dish containing residue, after cooling.
• After weighing ; ignite the dish in muffle furnace @ 550oC for
one hour. Allow vessel to partially cool in air and transfer the
same to
desiccator, cool and weigh.
CONCENTRATIONS OF SOLIDS IN WATER

REFERENCE : IS 3025 (Part 17, 18)
CALCULATION (A-B) x 1000

• Volatile Residue mg/litre = ----------------
V
(B-C) x 1000
• Fixed Residue mg/litre = -----------------
V
Where
A = Mass in mg. of dish and residue before ignition

B = Mass in mg. of dish and residue after ignition
C = Mass in mg. of dish and residue of dish alone
V = Volume ml. of sample.
WATER : SULPHATE IMPURITIES

REFERENCE : IS 3025 –1988 (Part 24)
OBJECT TO DETERMINE SULPHATE IMPURITIES IN WATER SAMPLE
IMPORTANCE Presence of excessive sulphate impurities give rise to expansive

OF TEST compounds in concrete mix by chemical reaction which causes
chemical deterioration and results in disintegration of
concrete.
APPARATUS • Steam bath

• Drying oven – Thermostatically controlled
• Muffle furnace
• Desiccator
• Analytical balance to 0.1 mg. accuracy
• Filter paper - N.42
• Crucible – Porous bottom silica/porcelain with maximum porosity
5 microns.
• Ion Exchange Column
REAGENTS • 0.25 normal HCL solution

• 0.1 Barium Chloride solution
• Indicator solution : Methyl red indicator
PRINCIPLE • Sulphate impurities are precipitated as barium sulphate by

addition of barium chloride solution
SAMPLE Before testing, sample has to be clarified to remove

following impurities (Refer IS 3025 (Part 24)
Sr. Impurity Removal if Method
No. concentration
more than
1. Alkalinity - Adjust pH below 8.00
2. Turbidity N.A. Filter through 0.45 µm
size filter
3. Caton 200 ppm Use Ion exchange col.
4. Heavy metal 10 ppm Use Ion exchange col.
5. Silica 25 ppm Evaporation in platinum
dish on steam bath
WATER : SULPHATE IMPURITIES

PROCEDURE • Clarify the sample as above if necessary and prepare sample

(500 ml.) of approx. 200 ppm concentrate of sulphate ions. In
case of lower concentrations, concentrate volume to 150 ml.
by evaporating on hot plate.
• Add 2 to 3 drops of methyl red indicator. Add HCL (0.25
concentration) drop by drop till orange red colour
appears.
• Heat solution to boiling and stir gently. Add warm barium
chloride solution till precipitation completes. Then add 2 ml. in
excess. Digest pecipitate at 80oC – 90oC for @ 2 hours.
• Filter precipitate through filter paper and wash with small
quantity of distilled water till washings are free of chloride, ions
as indicated by silver nitrate – nitric acid reagent
• Dry the precipitate in crucible and ignite @ 800oC for one hour
• Cool the precipitate in desiccator and weigh
CALCULATIONS BaSO4 (mg)

Sulphate Concentration = --------------------
In ppm of BaSO4 Sample (ml.)
WATER : CHLORIDE IMPURITIES

OBJECT TO DETERMINE CHLORIDE CONTENTS OF A WATER SAMPLE [Out of

four methods for determination of chlorides, ARGENTOMETRIC
METHOD is suitable for relatively clear water having chloride
contents upto 100 ppm which is illustrated here.]
IMPORTANCE • Chloride is one of the major organic anion in water. A high

OF TEST chloride content harms metallic pipe and structures
APPARATUS • Erlenmeyer flask – 250 ml

• Burete - 50 ml
REAGENTS • Potassium chromate indicator solution :

Obtain by dissolving 50 gm. Potassium Chromate in a little
distilled water. Add silver nitrate solution until a definite red
precipitate is formed. Store it for 12 hours, filter and dilute in 1
lit of distilled water.
• Standard Silver Nitrate Titrant

Dissolve 2.395 gm of silver nitrate in 1 lit. of distilled water.
Standardise against 0.014 1 N sodium chloride solution. 1.00 ml
= 5.00 µg of chloride. Store in a brown botle.
• Standard Sodium Chloride Solution

Dissolve 824 mg. Of sodium chloride (dried at 140oC) in distilled
water and dilute to 1 litre.
• Special Reagents for removal of Interference

Aluminium Hydroxide Suspension
Dissolve 12.5 gm. Of aluminium potassium sulphate in 1 litre of
distilled water. Warm to 60oC and add 55 ml. of concentrated
ammonium hydroxide slowly while stirring. Transfer to large
bottle after 1 hour and wash precipitate by successive additions
with thorough mixing and decanting with distilled water until free
from chloride.
• Phenolphthalein indicator solution
• Sodium Hydroxide 1 N
• Sulphuric acid 1 N
• Hydrogen Peroxide – 30%
WATER : CHLORIDE IMPURITIES

PROCEDURE • Use 100 ml. of sample or a suitable potion diluted to 100 ml.
• If sample is highly coloured, add 3 ml. Aluminium hydroxide
mix, let setle and filler.
• If sulphide ; sulphite; or thiosulphate is present, add 1 ml.
of potassium chromate indicator solution.
• Titrate with standard silver nitrate solution to a pinkish yellow
end point.
• Standardise silver nitrate solution and establish reagent blank
value by titration method.
CALCULATIONS (V1 – V2) x N x 35450

Chlorides mg/l = ----------------------------
V3
Where
V1 = Volume in ml. of silver nitrate used by sample
V2 = Volume in ml. of silver nitrate used in blank filtration
V3 = Volume in ml. of sample taken for filtration
N = Normality of silver nitrate solution
QUALITY CONTROL MANUAL : TESTING OF MATERIALS
BRICKS – TEST FOR WATER ABSORPTION

REFERENCE : IS 3425 (Part 2) 1992
OBJECT TO DETERMINE WATER ABSORPTION OF BRICKS
IMPORTANCE • The property of water absorption of bricks is directly related to

OF TEST their porosity that afects the soundness of bricks and strength
of brickwork
APPARATUS • Weighing balance – Sensitivity 1 gm.

• Drying oven – capacity 110o C to 115o C.
PROCEDURE • Take out atleast 05 bricks by random sampling method from the
consignment to be tested.
• Dry the specimen in oven at temp. of 110o C to 115o C till it
atains substantially constant weight and allow to cool at room
temperature. (Normally a relatively dry specimen will atain
constant weight in 48 hours, otherwise it will take some
more
time. Cooling in ventilated room needs around 4 hours.
• Weigh the specimen and note the weight (W1)
• Immerse the specimen in water at 27oC + 2oC for 24 hours.
• Remove; wipe clean with damp cloth and weigh immediately.
Note the weight (W2)
• Repeat the test for remaining specimens.
CALCULATIONS W2 – W1
Water absorption % = --------------- x 100
W1
Find out mean value of 5 samples
BRICKS – TEST FOR COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

REFERENCE : IS 3495 (Part I) –1992
OBJECT TO DETERMINE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF BRICKS
IMPORTANCE • This test directly indicates crushing load brick sample can
OF TEST withstand. This information is an indication of strength of
brick, achieved by its composition of soil, compaction, burning in kiln
and cooling to normal temperatures. Based on this
information, safe load carrying capacity of brick work can be
ascertained.
APPARATUS • Compression testing machine
PROCEDURE • Keep 5 nos. of test specimens immersed in water for 24 hours.

• Allow the surplus moisture to drain out and wipe clean with
moist cloth after removal.
• Fill up the “frog” in brick by 1:3 cement mortar made up with
fine sand and level flush.
• Cure the test specimen for 24 hours with damp jute bags. Wipe
clean again.
• With mortered frog face up, keep the specimen between 3
mm thick plywood sheets, or between layers of plaster of
paris levelled smooth, care being taken to centre the test
specimen between plates of testing machine.
• Apply slowly axial load on test specimens through compression
machine @ 140 kg/cm2/minute till failure of test specimen
occurs.
• Repeat test for five samples
CALCULATION Crushing load in kg.

• Crushing strength kg/cm2 =
----------------------------------------
- Area of brick sample in
sq.cm.
• Find out average strength of 5 samples.
BRICKS – TEST FOR EFFLORESCENCE

REFERENCE : IS 3495 (Part II) - 1992
OBJECT TO FIND OUT PRESENCE OF SALTS IN BRICKS BY

OBSERVATION OF EFFLORESCENCE.
IMPORTANCE • Presence of alkaline salts in the bricks in excess quantity causes

OF TEST disfiguration on its surface by unwanted colour patches which is
aesthetically unpleasant as well as it may lead to disintegration of
brick surface
PROCEDURE • Immerse fresh brick samples (cooled at atmospheric temperature)

in clean, pure water for 24 hours.
• Wipe clean the surfaces with moist cloth.
• Observe for disfiguring grey/white patches and disintegration
of edges/surface if any.
CALCULATIONS Eflorescence is classified on its visual appearance as below :
• Nil : No perceptible deposit of eflorescence

• Slight : Less than 10% of brick surface area covered with
thin deposit of salts.
• Moderate : Salts covering upto 50% of brick surface area but
unaccompanied by powdering.
• Heavy : Salts covering more than 50% of brick surface
area without powdering.
• Serious : Heavy deposit of salt accompanied by powdering
or flaking of exposed surfaces.
OPTIMUM DRY DENSITY & MOISTURE CONTENT OF SOIL

REFERENCE : IS 2720 (Part VII,VIII) –1980
OBJECT TO DETERMINE WATER CONTENT AND DRY DENSITY IN FIELD
IMPORTANCE This density is common measure of level of compaction achieved

OF TEST during construction
APPARATUS • Non-corrodible Container of suitable size

• Balance – sensitivity 0.01 gm.
• Oven – Thermostatic control – Temp. 110oC + 5o C
• Desiccator – with any suitable desiccating agent
PROCEDURE • Collect the soil specimen representing the total soil mass. The
quantity of sample according to size gradation should be as below
Size of Particles Minimum Quantity of

soil (More than 90% passing specimen in gm.
I.S.Sieves)
425 µm 25
2.00 mm 50
4.55 mm 200
10.00 mm 300
20.00 mm 500
40.00 mm 1000
• Clean the container with lid, dry and note its weight (W1)
• Take required quantity of soil sample in crumbled slate and place
loosely in container. Note down weight (W2) with lid removed.
• Keep the container in oven @ 110o C+5oC and dry the
specimen for 24 hours. (In case of soils containing gypsum or
other
minerals, and for those with significant quantity of organic
materials, dry @ approx. 60o C to 80o C to give reliable
water content).
• Replace the lid on container after taking out from oven and
allow it to cool in desiccator. Record final mass (W3) of sample
in container with lid on.
CALCULATION The water content as % of oven dry weight i.e.

W2 – W3
W % = --------------
W3 – W1
CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO OF SOIL

REFERENCE : IS 2720 (Part XVI) –1965
OBJECT TO FIND OUT CBR OF SOIL SAMPLE

IMPORTANCE This test was developed by California Division of Highways as a
OF TEST method for classifying and evaluating soil-subgrade and base-course
materials for flexible pavements. The test is empirical and its
procedure has been standardised by ISI also. CBR is measure of
resistance to penetration of standard plunger under controlled
density
and moisture conditions. The field test results can be correlated for
flexible pavement thickness requirements. Being arbitrary test, it is
not useful in evaluating fundamental soil properties.
APPARATUS • Compression machine (constant rate 1.25 mm/minute) with
penetration piston of metal or 50 mm dia plunger atached.
• 150 mm dia x 175 mm high cylindrical metal moulds with 50 mm
long collar and detachable perforated base.
• Spacer disc of 148 mm dia x 47.7 mm thick
• Compaction hammer of 2.6 kg./4.89 kg. weight depending upon
light/heavy compaction needed.
• Adjustable stem, perforated plate, tripod and dial gauge as
accessories for measuring swelling of soil due to soaking.
• Annular weights 2.5 kg. each x 147 mm diam., as surcharge
weights to simulate efect or overlying pavement.
PROCEDURE • The procedure of test consists of three parts as described below :
a) Preparation of soil of specimens
It is common to prepare these by dynamic compaction. The

standards are as listed below :
Type of No.of layers Wt.of hammer Fall of No.of

In kg. hammer blows
In cm.
Light 3 2.6 31 56
Heavy 5 4.89 45 56
• Collect 45 kg. of soil sample and sieve through 20 mm sieve.

• In case of heavy quantities of coarses material retained on 20 mm
sieve, weigh the residue and replace by equal amount of material
passing 20 mm sieve and retained on 4.75 mm sieve.
• Keep the spacer disc at botom of mould over base plate and
cover it with coarse filter paper.

• Fill the specimen in mould and compact by hammer with 56 blows

• Repeat successively for 3 or 5 layers as required for light or
heavy compaction with appropriate weight of hammer, as
shown in preceding table.
• Remove the collar and trim off 5 mm layer of soil at top. Patch up
holes in sample if any with smaller size material.
• Collect 100 gm. Sample from trimmed portion for determination
of moisture content.
b) Soaking for swell measurements
After completing procedure in part (a)

• Remove the clamps
• Lift the mould with compacted soil ,leaving below perforated
base plate. Remove the spacer disc.
• Weigh the mould with compacted soil
• Place a filter paper on perforated base plate, and keep the mould
with soil in it on its top in inverted position.
• Tighten the clamps of base plate
• Place another filter paper on top surface of sample and place
perforated base plate with adjustable stem on its top.
• Place surcharge weights of @ 2.5 or 5.00 kg. over perforated
plate and keep whole assembly in water tank for soaking.
• On the top edge of mould, place the swell measuring device (with
tripod and dial gauge), with spindle of dial gauge touching top of
adjustable stem of perforated plate. Note initial dial gauge
reading (di).
• Allow the specimen to soak for 96 hours. Note final dial gauge
reading (df).
• After completion of soaking operation, remove the swell
measure assembly, drain the sample for 15 minutes. Remove
the surcharge weights, perforated plate and filter paper.
• Weigh the mould with soil sample to determine weight of
water absorbed.
c) Penetration Test
• Clamp the mould with base plate and place surcharge weights on
specimen centrally.
• Place the mould with base plate under penetration plunger
of loading machine.

• By applying a seating load of 4 kg. bring penetration plunger in

contact with top surface of specimen and set dial gauges for load
reading and penetration approximately.
• Apply load on specimen uniformly @ 1.25 mm/min.
• Record load readings at penetration of 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5,
3.0, 4.00, 5.00, 7.00, 10.00 and 12.5 mm.
• In case load reading starts decreasing before 12.5 mm; record
max. load and corresponding penetration.
• Release the load after final reading and remove mould from
machine.
• Collect @ 50 gm. Soil from top 3 mm of soil sample for
determination of moisture content.
CALCULATIONS • By calibration of proving ring, convert reading into applied load

at each penetration reading.
Swelling/Expansion ratio = 100 (df – di)/ h
Where df = Final dial gauge reading after soaking in mm
di = Initial dial gauge reading before soaking in mm
h = Height of specimen in mm
• Penetration/load
Applied load in kg.
Load in kg/cm2 =
------------------------------
Area of plunger in cm2
• Plot graph of penetration on x-axis on logarithic scale against
stress values on Y axis
• Stress figures at 2.5 mm and 5.00 mm penetrations are worked
out from graph.
Unit load carried by soil sample

CBR = ---------------------------------------------------------------
Unit load carried by standard crushed stones*
Table showing standard load values on crushed stones for diferent
penetration
Penetration mm Unit standard load (kg./cm2)
2.5 70
5.0 105
7.5 134
10.0 162
12.0 183

RESULTS • The expansion ratio is reported as given in observation sheet

• CBR values for 3 samples are compared (generally CBR at 2.5
mm penetration is higher. If higher value is obtained at 5.0
mm level successively in all samples, this is adopted as CBR of
soil sample
RETESTING As per IRC, if max. variation in CBR values between 3 specimen

exceeds permissible values as given below, the tests are repeated for
3 additional specimens and average value of 6 specimen is adopted.
Range of CBR values Max. permissble variation in CBR (%)
0-10 3.0
10-30 5.0
30-60 10.0
CONSISTANCY LIMITS OF SOIL

REFERENCE : IS 2720 (Part V) –1970
OBJECT TO DETERMINE LIQUID AND PLASTIC LIMITS OF SOIL SAMPLE
IMPORTANCE Depending on moisture content clayey or fine grained soils atain

OF TEST state of stifness, plasticity (Ability to undergo changes in shape
without rupture) or liquidity. Determination of these limits is essential
while designing any load bearing structures. These tests, known as
Aterberg Limits and indices, are mostly empirical.
APPARATUS a) For Liquid Limit test
• Mechanical Liquid Limit device

• Standard grooving tools
• Spatula, evaporating dish, moisture containers
• 200 gm. Capacity balance, (sensitivity 0.01 gm.)
o o
• Drying oven temp 110 C + 5 C
b) For Plastic Limit Test
• Spatula, evaporating dish, moisture containers, ground glass

plate, 3 mm dia. rod
• Balance 200 gm.
• Drying oven
PROCEDURE a) Liquid Limit Test
• Weigh @ 120 gm. Of dry pulverised soil sample passing through

426 micron sieve.
• Mix it thoroughly with distilled water in evaporating dish to
form uniform thick paste.
• Place portion of sample paste in cup of liquid limit device above
lowest spot and pat it level with spatula to form 100 mm thick
layer.
• Make a clean sharp V groove with grooving tool along the
diameter of sample in cup.
• Lift and drop the cup by rotating it along crank @ 2 revolutions
per second, till two halves of soil sample come in contact at
botom of groove along distance of 10 mm. Record the nos. of
blows.
• Weigh the sample by placing in mixture container
• Dry the container in oven and find out dry weight of sample
CONSISTANCY LIMITS OF SOIL

REFERENCE : IS 2720 (Part V) –1970
b) Plastic Limit Test

• Weigh @ 20 gm. Of pulverised soil sample passing through 426
micron sieve.
• Mix with distilled water in evaporating dish till paste is
plastic enough to mould easily with fingers
• Form a ball of sample and roll it slowly by fingers on ground glass
plate to a thread of 3 mm dia.
• Knead the sample again and repeat rolling
• Repeat the process till thread crumbles under pressure required
for rolling.
Note : Moisture content more than plastic limit - if crumbling

occurs at less than
3 mm
Moisture content low - if crumbling occurs

at more than 3 mm.
• Obtain by trial and error thread that starts crumbling at 3

mm diameter under normal loading
• Find out wet and dry weights by placing in container
Repeat to obtain atleast 3 more results.
CALCULATIONS a) Liquid Limit
• Plot curve with no. of blows in log scale on x-axis and water
content on y-axis which is a straight line.
• Moisture content at 25 blows is reported as liquid limit of soil.
b) Plastic Limit
Plastic Limit = mean of moisture contents of samples tested

Plasticity Index = Dif. Between Liquid and Plastic Limits
Plasticity Index
Tungsten Index = -----------------------
Flow Index
SOIL : FIELD DRY DENSITY(SAND REPLACEMENT METHOD)

REFERENCE : IS 2720 (Part XXVIII) –1988
OBJECT TO DETERMINE FIELD DRY DENSITY OF COMPACTED SOIL
IMPORTANCE • The dry density of compacted soil is measure of its compaction OF

TEST achieved during construction. By knowing field density moisture
content, dry density is calculated. In situ density is useful in
determining overburden pressure of soil, bearing capacity,
stability analysis etc.
APPARATUS • Field Density kit (sand pouring cylinder, calibrating container,

tools for excavating hole, tray with centre hole) balance, moisture
boxes and oven, I.S. sieve 600 micron and 300 micron, clean
closely grade natural sand.
• Sand Pouring Cylinder : 115 mm dia x 380 high metal cylinder of
3 lit. capacity with inverted funnel
• Metal tray with hole : 300 mm square x 40 mm deep with 100 m
dia hole @ centre
• Levelling and excavating tools – Hand scraper, elongated trowel
• Containers – 150 mm dia x 200 mm depth with detachable lid
• Calibrating container – 100 m dia x 150 m depth with 50 mm
flange width
• Glass Plate - 450 m square x 6 m thick
• Balance with weights – 10 to 15 kg. capacity with accuracy 1.00 gm.
• Sand – Dry and clean – passing through 1.00 mm and retained on
0.6 mm sieve
CALIBRATION • Refill the pouring cylinder with sand of weight W1. Place it on OF
APPARATUS calibrating container and empty the sand in such a way that
container and cone in cylinder are filled. Close the shutter.
Weigh cylinder and remaining sand (W3)
• Repeat entire process 3 times and obtain 3 more sets of W2 and
W3. Find out average W2 & W3.
• Calculate weight of sand filling calibrating container (W2)
• By knowing volume V of calibrating container, bulk density of
sand can be found out.
PROCEDURE • By means of scraper; level an area of approximately 450 mm2 of

the site where density determination is to be made. Place the tray on
prepared surface
• Excavate the test h ole of 150 mm depth within circular h ole of
the tray with elongated trowel. Collect excavated material in
container and weigh (W)
SOIL : FIELD DRY DENSITY(SAND REPLACEMENT METHOD)

REFERENCE : IS 2720 (Part XXVIII) –1988
• Collect representative sample (atleast 100 gm.) of excavated soil

in polythene bag for determining moisture content (W) and
subsequently dry weight (Wd).
• Fill the pouring cylinder with initial constant weight (W1) of sand.
• Place the sand pouring cylinder directly over the excavated hole
to cover it concentrically. Open the shutter and fill up the
excavated hole and cone completely. Close the shuter. Remove
the cylinder and weigh (W4)
CALCULATIONS • Weight of sand filling calibrated Container Wa = (W1-W3-W2) gm

• Bulk Density of sand νa = Wa/Va gm/cm3
• Weight of sand filling excavated hole Wb=(W1-W4-W2) gm
Wb
• Vol. Of sand as above = V = -----
νs
100 (W-Wd)
• Moisture content of soil = w% = ------------------
Wd
W
• In situ wet density of soil = ---- g/cm3
V
Wd
• In situ dry bulk density of soil = d = -------- gm/cm3
νw
MECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF SOIL

REFERENCE : IS 2720 (Part ) –1996
OBJECT TO ASCERTAIN GRAIN SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF SOIL BY SIEVE

ANALYSIS
IMPORTANCE The results of this test are of great value in soil classification, in
OF TEST designing of soil aggregate mixture and in indicating soil behaviour as
a subgrade material and in performance such as susceptibility to
frosting, pumping of rigid pavements.
APPARATUS A) For wet sieving – applicable mainly to clayey or cohesive soils

• Set of standard sieves, with sieves shaker
• Balance
• Rubber covered pestle and mortar
• Oven
• Riffle
For dry sieving - applicable to coarser soils

PROCEDURE A) Wet Sieving
• Dry in an oven at 105o to 110o C soil less than 2.00 mm size.

• Collect required quantity by quartering
• Spread the sample in tray or basket and allow it to soak after
stirring.
• In case of flocculating fractions in sample, add dispersing agent
(sodium carbonate @ 1.00 gm/litre of water)
• Place the soaked specimen on set of sieves and pan and wash
thoroughly. (Finest sieve and pan at bottom) until substantially
clean water passes each sieve
• Oven dry the retained fraction on each sieve and weigh
separately.
B) DRY SIEVING
• Divide the field sample in two parts – one fraction retained on
2 mm sieve and other passing through 2 mm sieve
For sizes retained on 2 mm sieve
• Weigh the suficient quantity of sample

• Sieve through 100, 63, 20, 6,3, 4.75 and 2 mm IS sieves
• After initial sieving break the lumps retained on each sieve by
using mortar and rubber covered pestile and re-sieve
• Weigh carefully retained fraction.
MECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF SOIL

REFERENCE : IS 2720 (Part ) –1996
For sizes passing through 2 mm and retained on 0.063 mm sieve

(Cohesion less soils)
• Collect the requisite quantity by riffling or quartering

• Dry in oven at 105o C to 110o C
• Sieve through 2.00, 0.6, 0.425, 0.15, and 0.075 mm sieves
• Weigh carefully retained fraction.
CALCULATION • Calculate % figures as below :

Weight of dry soil fraction on sieve
---------------------------------------------- x 100
Total dry weight of sample
• Plot the graph on semi-logarithmic graph paper with grain size on
X axis and percent finer than each size by weight on Y axis.
• Uniformity co-efficient is found out as D60/D10 where D60 & D10
are particle sizes corresponding to 60% and 10% finer.
MOISTURE CONTENT OF WOOD

REFERENCE : IS 11215 –1991
OBJECT TO DETERMINE MOISTURE CONTENT OF WOOD SPECIMEN
IMPORTANCE • Optimum moisture content in wood imparts flextural strength

and
OF TEST workability. Excess of moisture makes it difficult to work upon
and also increases its tendency to shrink and warp after jointing.
APPARATUS • Weigh balance with accuracy 0.001 gm.

• Drying oven – Temp upto 110o C
PROCEDURE • Select a test specimen of 2 cm x 2 cm x 2.5 cm long or 5 cm x 5

cm x 2.5 cm long for testing.
• Weigh the sample with accuracy of 0.001 gm. (W1)
• Dry in well ventilated oven at temp. of 103oC + 2o C.
• Record the weights at regular intervals. When variation between
two successive readings is less than 0.002 gm. Stop drying. Note
down final weight. (W0)
CALCULATION W1 – W0
% of moisture content = -------------- x 100
W0
DENSITY OF WOOD
OBJECT TO DETERMINE DENSITY OF WOOD SAMPLE
IMPORTANCE • Depending on their types, wood specimens possess different

OF TEST densities. Density is also dependent upon the location of their
cultivation as well as aging of tree whereby core section gets
denser than peripherial portion.
• Density greatly affects the workability – as well as the other

structural properties of timber specimens and hence its value
serves as a guide in determining its suitability for specific use.
APPARATUS • Weigh balance with accuracy 0.001 gm.

• Micrometric Screw gauge
PROCEDURE • Select specimen of 5 cm x 5 cm x 15 cm length of 2 cm x 2 cm x 6

cm length
• Weigh correctly to 0.001 gm. (W)
• Measure the dimensions correctly to 0.01 cm. by using
micrometric gauge and calculate volume – (V)
CALCULATION W
• Density of wood at test = ρ = --- gm/cm3
V
W 100
• Density of wood (adjusted) = ---- x ----------
V 100+w
Where w = % moisture content of specimen

SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF BITUMEN

OBJECT TO DETERMINE SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF BITUMEN SAMPLE AT

TEMPERATURE OF 27O C
IMPORTANCE The sp. Gravity is fundamental property proving as an aid in

OF TEST classifying the bituminous binders for specific works; wherein for
mixing with aggregate bitumen is used on volume basis.
APPARATUS • Specific gravity botles – 50 ml. capacity

a) Ordinary capillary type with 6 mm neck for materials
remaiining fluid @ 27o C.
b) Wide mouth for materials remaining semi-solid or
highly viscous at 27o C.
• Constant temperature bath @ 27o C +
0.2oC Thermometer as per IS 1202 – 1978
cl.3.2.3
PROCEDURE • Clean, dry and weigh the sp. grade bottle with stopper --(a)
• Fill up with distilled water and close with stopper.
• Keep bottle immersed upto neck in the beaker of distilled
water maintained @ 27o C + 0.2o C temp. for atleast half an
hour.
• Wipe clean after removal and weigh with water(b)
• Remove water, wipe clean, dry from inside and by means of
funnel, fill up sp.gravity botle upto half with bitumen under test.
Warm the botle before filling, and keep in position for half an
hour for escapement of air.
o o
• Cool down to 27 C + 0.2 C temperature and weigh (c)
• Fill up remaining part of botle with freshly boiled distilled
water, remove air keeping stopper loose. Stopper the botle
firmly and keep in temp. bath for half an hour.
• Remove from bath, wipe clean and weigh (d)
• Repeat 3 times for averaging
CALCULATION c-a
Specific Gravity = -----------------
(b-a) – (d-c)
BITUMEN : TEST FOR DUCTILITY

OBJECT TO DETERMINE DUCTILITY OF BITUMINOUS BINDER AT 27O C +

0.05o C temp. and rate of pull of 50 + 2.5 mm/min.
IMPORTANCE In construction of flexible pavements, it is essential that a thin film

of
OF TEST bitumen formed an aggregate surface remains ductile for
improving physical interlocking. Without suficient ductility, the
binder cracks and results in pervious surface ; damaging the life of
pavement.
APPARATUS • Standard briquette moulds of brass as per IS 1208-1978

• Water bath – 27oC + 0.1oC with thermostat
• Square end trowel
• Ductility machine
• Thermometer as per (IS 1208-1978)
PROCEDURE • Melt the bitumen completely @ temp. of 75o C to 100o C

above approx. softening point till it becomes thoroughly fluid
• With mixture of glycerine and dextrine in equal parts, coat the
surface of plate and internal surface of mould for providing
non- sticky surface.
• Fill the mould completely with bitumen in thin stream
• Cool at room temperature by leaving mould as it is for 30 to 40
minutes.
o o
• Place in water bath @ 23 C + 0.5 C for 30 minutes
• Remove and cut off excess bitumen by square trowel.
• Place mould with bitumen again in water bath for 85 to 95
minutes
@ temp. of 27o C + 0.5o C
• Remove the briquette from mould by detaching side plates and
test in ductility machine while in water bath by applying pull @
50
+ 2.5 mm/min; till the briquete
ruptures.
• Measure the distance through which clips have been pulled to
produce rapture.
• Repeat for 3 samples. The results should be within + 5% of mean
value.
BITUMEN : PENETRATION TEST

OBJECT TO DETERMINE CONSISTENCY OF BITUMINOUS MATERIALS BY

PENETRATION OF STANDARD NEEDLE
IMPORTANCE The viscosity of many bitumen products difer within same

OF TEST temperatures range and accordingly it afects their flow
characteristics. The penetration test in case of a range of bituminous
product is an indirect indication of their viscosity enabling of
their gradation.
APPARATUS • Container : Flat bottomed cylindrical metallic container 55 mm

dia x 35 mm / 57 m height.
• Needle : Highly polished, with conical end, 50 mm long with 25
mm long x 3 mm dia shank.
• Water bath : 10 litre capacity, 25o C + 1o C 150 mm deep
with perforated plate for supposing bitumen sample
• Penetrometer with calibrated dial to 1/10 mm.
• Transfer Tray : Small tray to keep container immersed during test
PROCEDURE • Soften the bitumen sample by heating it 75o C to 700o C above

the softening temperature and bring it to pouring consistency.
Stir the sample to remove air bubbles.
• Pour in container so that its level is at least 15 mm more than
expected penetration.
• Cool upto atmospheric temperature and keep at it for one hour
(not less than 13oC).
• Place in water bath at controlled temp. of 25o C.
• Place the sample container with water bath under needle of
penetrometer (total wt. of needle, shaft and additional
weight should be 100 gms.).
• Lower needle to touch top of sample in container, by adjusting
the screw and clamp the assembly.
• Note down initial reading of penetrometer
• Release the needle for 5 seconds and note the dial gauge
reading.
• Disengage the needle, clean the same with benzene ; dry neatly
and refix in penetrometer.
• Repeat procedure for 2 more readings on same sample by
keeping penetrations 10 mm apart.
BITUMEN : PENETRATION TEST

CALCULATIONS • Diference between penetrometer readings is the

penetration depth. Calculate mean of 3 values.
• The variation from mean value as per IS should not be more than
what is described in table below :
Penetration grade Repeatability - %

(Denoting penetration value)
0-80 4
80-225 5
225 and above 7
The penetration values are influenced by any of

following inaccuracies.
• Pouring temperature
• Size of needle
• Weights placed on needle
• Test temperature
• Duration of needle release
Note : Penetration value is not intended to estimate consistency of

softer materials like cutback or tar which are graded by using
orifice viscometer.
BITUMEN : SOFTENING POINT TEST

OBJECT TO OBSERVE THE TEMPERATURE AT WHICH BITUMINOUS

PRODUCTS ATTAINS SUFFICIENT PARTICULAR DEGREE OF
SOFTENING UNDER SPECIFIED TEST CONDITIONS.
IMPORTANCE • With increase in temperature ; bituminous products become

softer
OF TEST until they start flowing easily. Softening point gives an idea
at which bituminous material atains a certain viscosity. It is
common practice to heat the bituminous products to attain this
property instead of using cutback emulsions like kerosene. This
information is useful in actual use of products for construction
of
pavements.
APPARATUS • Ring and ball apparatus consisting of

• Steel balls – 2 Nos. – 9.5 mm dia weight 2.5 + 0.05 gm.
• Brass Rings (2 Nos.) of following dimensions with ball guides
Depth Inside diam.(mm) Outside dia.(mm)
Top Bottom
6.4 mm 17.5 15.9 20.6
• Support : Metallic support for placing pair of rings
• Bath and Stirrer : Heat resistant glass container of 85 mm x 120
mm depth with mechanical stirrer to ensure uniform heat
distribution in bath.
• Bath liquid : Water for materials below 80o C softening point.
Glycerine for materials below 80o C softening point
PROCEDURE • Heat the sample material by 75o C to 100o C more than

its approximate softening point till it becomes completely
fluid.
• Pour it into two heated brass rings placed on metal plate coated
with glycerine and dextrine.
• Cool the rings in air for @ 30 minutes. Trim excess bitumen and
place rings in supports.
• Keep the temperature of distilled water in bath at 5o C for
15 minutes and then place the balls in position.
• With controlled heating unit, raise the water temperature @
uniform rate of 5o C / minute until bitumen softens and
touches botom plate by sinking of balls.
• Repeat entire operations to obtain atleast 2 more readings.
Note : For materials having softening point above 80o C use


CALCULATIONS • The temperature at which bitumen sample touches botom

plate is termed as softening value.
Note : Variation in following criteria afect the results considerably

and hence should be taken care of critically.
• Quality and type of liquid (heating medium)

• Weight of balls
• Distance between bottom of ring and bottom base plate
• Rate of heating
BITUMEN : VISCOSITY TEST

OBJECT To determine fluid property of bituminous materials by

determination of time taken for material to flow through specified
orifice at given temperature
IMPORTANCE The degree of fluidity at application temperature greatly influences

the
OF TEST ability of bituminous material to spread, penetrate into voids, and
also coat the aggregates uniformly and hence afects the strength
characteristics of resulting paving mixes.
APPARATUS • 10 mm diameter Orifice Viscometer (Tar Viscometer)

• 4 mm dia Orifice viscometer for cutback grades 0 & 1)
Consisting of cup, valve, water bath, sleeves, stirrer, receiver and
thermometers
PROCEDURE • Level the tar cup properly and heat the water in water bath to
specified test temperature (maintain it throughout the test
with stirrer in operation).
• Heat the sample material by 20o C above than specified
temperature and allow it to cool. Keep material
continuously
stirred.
• When material temp. reaches value slightly above test
temperature, pour it in tar cup until level peg on valve rod is
just immersed.
• Pour 20 ml. mineral oil or 1% soft soap solution in receiver. Place
cylinder under orifice.
• Pour sample material through orifice in receiver upto 25 ml. mark.
Start stop watch at this point
• Continue pouring till level of 75 ml. is reached and record stop
watch time.
Note :
1. In order to classify a given sample of tar or to find out its grade,
test at lowest temp. of 35o C. If duration of test time is more
than
55 seconds or if tar does not flow freely repeat the test at
successively higher temperatures of 40o C to 45oC and 55o
C.
2. Same methodology is applicable for cutback emulsions of
unknown grade.
RESULT • The time taken in seconds for 50 ml. flow of test sample is termed
as viscosity of sample at given test temperature.
BITUMEN : FLASH & FIRE POINT TEST

OBJECT TO FIND OUT LOWEST TEMPERATURE AT WHICH FLASH OCCURS

DUE TO IGNITION OF VOLATILE VAPOURS IN BITUMINOUS
PRODUCTS IN CONTACT OF SMALL FLAME AS WELL AS LOWEST
TEMPERATURE AT WHICH IT CATCHES FIRE.
IMPORTANCE Depending upon their grade ; bituminous products leave out

volatiles OF TEST at high temperatures which catch fire causing a flash. Heating of
bituminous products needs to be restricted to lower level below such
critical temperatures which are assessed by flash and fire point test
APPARATUS • Pensley-Martens closed flash tester with accessories useful for

bituminous products other than outback emulsions as per IS
1209-1978.
• Thermometers with range as per IS 1209-1978
PROCEDURE • Clean all parts of cup and dry thoroughly

• Fill the cup with material to be tested upto filling mark.
• Place the lid to close the cup
• Fix the thermometers and other accessories on the lid
o o
• Heat the sample at the rate of 5 C to 6 C/minute
• Adjust test flame in such a way that its beed size is 4 mm.
• Keep the bitumen sample in motion with stirrer operating at
speed of 60 Rev/minute, when flame is not applied.
• Apply the test flame at intervals depending upon expected flash
and fire points. First application being made at 17oC lesser
temperature than expected flash and fire points ; and later on
at interval of 1oC to 3oC.
• Discontinue stirring while applying the flame
RESULTS • Flash point is the lowest temperature observed at which a

bright flash is caused in interior of the cup in closed system.
• After continuation of heating from flash point onwards, at
certain temperature, volatiles get ignited and materials continue
to burn atleast for 5 seconds. This temperature is known as fire
point.
Note :
1. In a closed cup system the test results on repeated samples
should be within 3oC from the mean results for materials
flashing above 104o C and by 1oC for those flashing below 104o
BITUMEN : FLASH AND FIRE POINT TEST

OBSERVATION SHEET
i. Material to be tested :
Bitumen/cutback ii. Grade of Materials
iii. Type of Equipment : Closed cup/Open cup
Sample 1 Time Min.
Temp. oC
Sample 2 Time Min.
Temp. oC
Sample 3 Time Min.
o
Temp. C
Testing Temp. oC Test No. Mean value

1 2 3
Flash Point oC
Fire Point oC
Variation from Mean
Value
Remarks
Contractor Consultant
OBSERVATION SHEET
(i) Bitumen grade =

(ii) Approximate softening point =
(iii) Liquid used in the bath = water/glycerine
(iv) Period of air cooling, minutes =
(v) Period of cooling in water bath, minutes =
Rate of heating
Time, minutes Temperature, oC Time, minutes Temperature, oC

0 11
1 12
2 13
3 14
4 15
5 16
6 17
7 18
8 19
9 20
10
Observation
Test Property Sample No.1 Sample No.2 Mean value,
Softening point
Ball No. Ball No.
(i) (ii) (i) (ii)
Temperature (oC) at
which sample touches
botom plate
Repeatability
Reproductivity
BITUMEN : VISCOSITY TEST
(i) Material
(ii) Grade
(iii) Specified test temperature, oC =
(iv) Size of orifice, mm =
(v) Actual test temperature, oC =
Test property Test run Mean value
1 2 3
Viscosity in Seconds
Repeatability, percent
FLOORING TILES : FLEXURAL STRENGTH

OBJECT TO DETERMINE BREAKING LOAD SUPPORTED BY AN

INDIVIDUAL CONCRETE TILE SAMPLE WHEN APPLIED
THROUGH A STEEL ROD
IMPORTANCE • This test while giving direct indication of load carried by an

OF TEST individual tile when remaining unsupported over specified span,
indirectly imparts information on its density, compaction and
toughness of wearing layer as well as interlocking of wearing and
base mixes.
APPARATUS • Parallel support structure of steel (longer than tile) with at least
one support self adjusting type, with rounded contact surface.
• 12 mm dia steel rod longer than tiles – with rounded contact
surface
• 20 mm x 3 mm thick plywood padding of tile length – 3 nos.
• Compression machine
PROCEDURE • Select at random 6 full size tiles from one uniform lot of supplies.
• Soak the test samples in water for 24 hours.
• Adjust supporting structure as below :
Size of Tile (mm) Span (mm)
200 x 200 150

250 x 200 200
300 x 300 200
• Keep plywood padding between tile and supports and wearing
surface and rod.
• Apply load on rod through compression machine at uniform rate
of 2000 N (200 kg.) / minute till tile breaks. Record breaking
load (P)
• Find out average thickness (t) tile by measuring it at 50 mm from
edge at broken surface
CALCULATION 3 Pl
Wet Transverse Strength f = --------- N/mm2
bt2
P = Breaking load
l = Span between supports in mm
b = tile width in mm
t = tile thickness in mm
FLOORING TILES : WATER ABSORPTION

OBJECT TO DETERMINE WATER ABSORPTION OF TEST SAMPLES OF TILES

UNDER AFTER SOAKING FOR 24 HOURS
IMPORTANCE Water absorption test is an direct indication of porosity of tiles and

it OF TEST indirectly indicates its density and subsequently the strength. The
denser base coarse also absorbs litle mixture from bedding material
keeping its strength unafected while flooring is cured before
polishing
APPARATUS • Drying oven 165oC + 5oC

• Immersion Bath
PROCEDURE • Select at random 6 full size tiles from uniform lot of supplies
• Immerse the tiles in water for 24 hours then take out and wipe
dry.
• Weigh each tile immediately (W2)
• Oven dry at 65oC + 1oC for 24 hours then cool to room
temperature and reweigh (W1)
• Find out average weight of all 6 tiles
CALCULATIONS W2 – W1
Water absorption % by mass = -------------- x 100
N2
FLOORING TILES : ABRASION TEST

TO MEASURE RESISTANCE TO WEAR BY OBSERVING
OBJECT REDUCTION IN THICKNESS OF TILES TOP SURFACE UNDER SPECIFIC
OPERATING CONDITIONS OF ABRASION TESTING
MACHINE
IMPORTANCE • The toughness of top wearing layer achieved through compaction

OF TEST imparts lasting lustre, shine and longer life under operating
conditions to the tiled job, which is tested by abrasion testing
by
observing weight loss due to it.
APPARATUS • Abrasion Testing Machine as per IS 1237-1980

• Abrasive Powder as per IS 1237-1980
• Measuring instrument set up for measurement of change
in thickness to accuracy of 0.01 mm.
o o
• Drying oven 110 C + 5 C
TEST • Saw 7.06 cm x 7.06 cm size test specimen from each tile,
SPECIMENS preferably from central part of it. (Deviation + 2%)
• Ground smooth the wearing surface by removing filling
PROCEDURE • Dry the specimen at 110oC + 5oC for 24 hours and weigh to
nearest 0.1 gm.
• Place it with wearing surface upwards in thickness measuring
apparatus and find out av. Thickness by taking measurements at
5 specified points on tile.
• Spread 20 gm grinding powder evenly in path of disc of abrasion
testing machine.
• Fix up the specimen in holding device with surface to be ground
the disc and load it at centre with 300 N load.
• Grind the specimen for 22 revolutions of abrasion machine at
speed of 30 revolution per minute. Remove grinding powder
and ground waste. Clean the tile surface.
• Turn the tile clockwise through 90oC and clamp. Put 20 gm.
Grinding powder and repeat the process for 9 more opera
tions completing 220 revolutions.
• Remove the specimen and re-weigh to 0.01 gm. Accuracy
Note : Discard the measurement if tile chips during the abrasion
Test. While averaging min. of 3 residual measurements
should be ensured.
FLOORING TILES : ABRASION TEST

CALCULATIONS Average loss in thickness indicating wear

(W1 – W2) V1
t = ------------------
W1 x A1
Where
t = Average loss of thickness in mm

W1 = Initial mass of specimen in gm.
W2 = Final mass of specimen in gm.
V1 = Initial volume of specimen in mm3
A = Surface area of specimen in mm2
CERAMIC/GLAZED TILES : WATER ABSORPTION

REFERENCE : IS 13630 (Part 2) –1992
OBJECT TO FIND OUT WATER ABSORPTION PROPERLY OF CERAMIC TILES.
IMPORTANCE The water absorption test results are indication of porosity of tiles,
OF TEST which does afect the life of tiles, as well as its bonding with backing
plaster appearance of wearing surface, lustre – in all most of
desirable properties the tiles are used for
APPARATUS • Drying oven 110oC + 5oC

• Heating apparatus for boiling of tiles
• Heating stove
• Balance with accuracy of 0.01 gm.
• Desiccator
• Chamois leather
TEST These are to satisfy one of following criteria

SPECIMENS • 10 Nos. of whole tiles of each type
• 5 Nos. of whole tiles if surface area of each tile is greater than
0.04m2
• The bigger tiles can be cut up in piecs and all pieces collectively
have to be includd in the measurement.
• For irregular shapes, lengths and widths are considered as of
enclosing rectangles
• Minimum mass of 50-100 gms. in case of lighter tiles
PROCEDURE • Collect the samples as described in guidelines mentioned in

above paragraph.
• Dry in oven at 110 + 5oC till constant weight is reached when after
an interval of 24 hours, diference in weight is less than 0.1%.
• Cool the tiles in desiccator over silica gel (not acid) to ambient
temperature.
• Weigh each tile accurately as shown below (W1)
Mass of each tile (gm.) Accuracy (gm.)
50-100 0.02
101-500 0.05
501-1000 0.25
1001-3000 0.50
3001 & above 1.00
CERAMIC/GLAZED TILES : WATER ABSORPTION

REFERENCE : IS 13630 (Part 2) –1992
PROCEDURE • With distilled water in heating apparatus, place tiles vertically

without any surface contact with each other & with 50 mm
water depth below and above tiles throughout the test
• Heat the water until boiling and continue to boil for 2 hours.
• Remove the burner and allow to cool for 4 hours.
• Lightly dry each side of the tiles by Chamois leather. Dab the
relief surface with it.
• Immediately weigh each tile accurately (W2)
CALCULATION W2 – W1
Water absorption % = ------------- x 100
W1
• Record results for each tile and find out average
STEEL FOR REINFORCEMENT : MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

REFERENCE : IS 1608 - 1995
OBJECT TO OBSERVE PROPERTIES SUCH AS 0.2% PROOF STRESS YIELD

STRESS, % ELONGATION, TENSILE STRENGTH OF REINFORCING
H.Y.S.D. BARS.
IMPORTANCE • The properties described above govern strength of steel

OF TEST reinforcement when placed in R.C.C. works and hence are to be
assessed before construction of R.C.C. items.
APPARATUS • The testing machine – as per IS 1828 (Part 1) : 1991

• Extensometer - as per IS 12872 : 1990 with gauge length
more than 10 mm Thermocouples – 3 nos. with sensors and
roadant equipment duly varified
• Thermocouples – 3 nos. with sensors and read out equipment
duly varified
o
• Heating Device Capable of heating test specimens to 1000 C
normally.
TEST PIECES • Collect the samples of each diam. For testing as per Annexure `C’
of IS 1608 – 1975.
PROCEDURE • Calculate the original mass section area (So) as per annexure `C’
OF LOADING and Annexure È’ – IS 1608-1995.
• Mark each end of the gauge length with scriber or fine marks (Lo)
– Do not make’notch’ markings.
• By use of wedges, screwed holders, shouldered holders, and pin
holders, hold the test piece firmly in the machine.
• Heat the test pieces to predetermined temp. and keep in same
conditions for atleast 10 minutes before loading.
• When specified temperature is reached , , reset extensometer to
zero reading.;
• Start loading test piece with axial loading without any shock or
sudden vibration at a slow speed , by avoiding torsion or bending
in test piece as described for diferents tests mentioned hereafter.
a) DETERMINATION OF YIELD STRESS

• Stretch the piece by observing limits mentioned in Table 3 of IS
1608-1995
• Note down value of stress when first decrease in force is
observed (upper yield stress)
• Note down value of lowest stress during plastic yielding before
undergoing any transient efect (lower yield stress).
STEEL FOR REINFORCEMENT : MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

REFERENCE : IS 1608 - 1995
b) DETERMINATION OF PROOF STRESS

• Observe non-proportional extension of test piece
• Stress at which non-proportional extension equals specified % of
extensometer is termed as proof stress. (This is normally
specified at 0.2%.
• Value found as above is termed as 0.2% proof stress.
c) DETERMINATION OF TENSILE STRENGTH

• Note down max. force applied before test piece starts elongating
• This force divided by cross-sectional area provides value of
tensile strength of test piece.
Note : There are various guidelines mentioned in Annexures of IS

1608-1995 for different intricacies involved in above tests, which
need strict compliance to achieve correct results. Hence carry out the
tests
under expert guidance in well equipped certified testing laboratories
REINFORCING STEEL : BEND TEST

REFERENCE : IS- 1608-1995
OBJECT TO ASSESS POSSIBILITY OF ANY FRACTURE DURING BENDING OF

REINFORCING STEEL BARS
IMPORTANCE • During placement of reinforcement, the bars are bent for hooking
OF TEST as well as other design requirements, through various angles. It
is imperative that this bending is accompanied without any
deformation/cracking to retain strength characteristics
of reinforcement.
APPARATUS • Bar bending mandrel 5 mm and 7 mm diameter for bending bars

upto 10 mm dia and above 10 mm dia respectively.
PROCEDURE • Bend the test bar by using appropriate mandrel, to an included

angle of 135o.
• Keep the test specimen in boiling water for 30 minutes for
aging and cool thereafter.
• Bend the bar back to included angle of 157.5
• Observe the bar near apex of angle.
RESULTS • If bar remains uncracked, it passes the test
RETESTING In case first sample cracks

• Select 2 further sample pieces and repeat test for both samples.
• If both samples remain uncracked, accept as satisfactory.
• If either piece cracks, reject the material.

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QUALITY MANUAL

QUALITY MANUAL : TESTING OF MATERIALS

Section Sub- Item Page No.

IS Sieve Percentage Passing for

10 mm 100 100 100 100

4.75 mm 90 – 100 90 – 100 90 – 100 95 – 100

2.36 mm 60 – 95 75 – 100 85 – 100 95 – 100

1.18 mm 30 – 70 55 – 90 75 – 100 90 – 100

600 Micron 15 – 34 35 – 59 60 – 79 80 – 100

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF MASONRY MORTARS

Sr. Mortar Mix (By Volume) Type of Line- Compressiv e

* Specification for lime-pozzolana mixture

§ This ratio by volume corresponds approximately to cement pozzolana ratio of 0.8 :

MATERIALS TESTING TO BE DONE ON SITE / LABORATORY

i. Fineness of Grinding ii.

iii. Setting Time - Initial / Final Lab. Test

iv. Compressive Strength - 3 days /

ii) 0.2% Proof Stress

iii) Ultimate Tensile Stress

iv) Gauge Length, Final Length Lab. Test

vi) Bend Test

i) Grading of Aggregates Site / Lab Test

ii) Aggregate Crushing Value Lab. Test

iii) Water Absorption Site Test

i) Grading of Aggregate and Fineness Modules Site / Lab Test

ii) Silt Content Site Test

iii) % Bulkage Site Test

i) Dimension test of bricks Site Test

ii) Test for Compressive Strength Lab Test

iii) Test for Water Absorption Lab Test

1. Chemical Tests for Reinforcement

Constituent Percent Maximum

2. Perimissible Variation Limit, Percent, Max.

Sulphur and Phosphorus0.010%

3. Weight Variation Permissible Limit

Batch Individual Sample

4. Mechanical properties of H.Y.S.D. Bars & Wires

iii) Tensile Strength, Min 10% more 8% more 6% more than

There should not be any transverse crack after bending.

Mandral dia for different grades

Frequency for Testing of Reinforcement

Under 10 mm 1 sample from each lot or 25 Tonnes or part

10 mm to 16 mm both inclusive 1 sample from each lot or 35 Tonnes or part

Over 16 mm 1 sample from each lot or 45 Tonnes or part

(Note: 1 sample = 3 no. bars of 1.0 meter length)

LIST OF ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT FOR

Sr. No. Brief Description Nos.

BIS SPECIFICATIONS FOR REFERENCE

Sr. No. Item to be tested Testing Methods Acceptance

2 Wood IS 11215, 883 IS 287

3 Sand (Fine Aggregate) IS 1607, IS 383, IS IS 2116, is 1542

4 Stone Metal (Coarse IS 2386, Part I to VIII IS 383

5 Water IS 3025 – IS 456

6 Reinforcing Steel (HSD IS 1786

7 Soil / Murum IS – 2720, Part IV, V, MOST - 1995

VII, XVI, XX, VIII

8 Burnt Clay Bricks IS – 3495, Part I & III IS 3495

9 Flooring Tiles IS 1237 IS 1237

10 Ceramic/Glazed Tiles IS 13630 IS 13630

11 Bitumen IS - 73, MOST 1995 MOST 1995

MATERIALS TESTING TO BE DONE ON SITE / LABORATORY

ii. Normal Consistency

iii. Setting Time - Initial / Final Lab. Test

iv. Compressive Strength - 3 days /