TITLE: FINENESS MODULUS AND PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF AGGREGATES

1.1 Introduction
The traditional methods of conducting laboratory activities will not able to provide the
avenue for students to enhance independent learning activities and inculcate creativity
and innovation. Level 0 is fully prescriptive where problem, ways & means and answers
are provided to the students. However it is still necessary especially to first and second
year students.
In this laboratory activity students will be exposed to the types of non-destructive test
that can be applied to the concrete in order to identifying deficiencies in concrete.
1.2 Objectives
To identify deficiencies in concrete where to investigate the strength of the structural
concrete member.
1.3 Theoretical Background
Concrete is one of the most widely used construction material for a wide variety of
structural and architectural elements. But concrete can suffer from several forms of inservice deterioration. The most common deterioration modes are corrosion-induced
delamination and spilling. The corrosion process is driven by moisture and oxygen that
can permeate the concrete. Freeze-thaw damage can also deteriorate in-service
concrete. This is a progressive deterioration of the concrete material caused by the
entrance of water (into the concrete pores) that subsequently expands when it freezes,
introducing tensile stresses that can cause concrete to crack. Freeze-thaw damage
leads to a generalized deterioration of the concrete strength properties, widespread
cracking, spilling and eventually loss of section.
In addition to in-service deterioration, construction related factors can undermine
concrete durability. These include low cover, honeycombing and voids. Discontinuities
introduced during construction can lead to poor durability, reduced load carrying capacity
and poor aesthetic quality of the finished concrete.
Non-Destructive (NDT) measurement provides cost-effective and reliable methods for
identifying deficiencies in concrete. NDT test methods are used to determine hardened
concrete properties and to evaluate the condition of concrete in deep foundations,
bridges, building, dams and other concrete construction.
Several types of NDT that are commonly use include:
i.
Rebound Hammer test
ii.
Ultra Sonic Pulse Velocity or Pundit test
iii.
Rebar locator test
iv.
Half-cell test
v.
Windsor probe
The NDT methods are applied to concrete construction for four primary reasons:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Quality control of new construction;

Troubleshooting of problems with new construction;
Condition evaluation of older concrete for rehabilitation;
Purposes and
Quality assurance of concrete repairs.

NDT can access parameters such as:

i.
ii.
iii.

Density
Strength
Surface hardness

NDT technologies are evolving and research continues to enhance existing methods and
develop new method. The report is intended to provide an overview of the principles of
various NDT methods being used in practice and summarize their applications and
limitations. The emphasis is placed on methods that have been applied to measure
physical properties other than the strength of concrete in structures, to detect flaws or
discontinuities and to provide data for condition evaluation.
1.4 Problem statement
The group is required to carry out non-destructive test following the procedures outline
and subsequently analyse the data and present it in proper technical format.
1.5 Apparatus
1.5.1 UPV/PUNDIT Test
Pundit test equipment, pencil, ruler and concrete elements specimen (cracking line).
Procedures(PUNDIT)
i.
Preparing for use : The transducers should be connected to the sockets
marked TRAN and REC te V may be operated with neither before
switching on the V meter.
ii.
Set reference; a reference bar is provided to check instrument zero. Apply a
smear bar. The SET REF control until the reference bar transit time is
obtained on the instrument read-out have be adjust.
iii.
Range selection: it is recommended that the 0.1 microsecond range be
selected for path length up to 400 mm for maximum accuracy.
iv.
Pulse velocity : the most suitable test points on the material to be tested,
make careful measurement of the path length L having determined.
v.
The transducers while reading is being taken should not move, as this can
generate noise signals and errors in measurements.
vi.
The transducers onto the surface continue holding of the material until a
consistent reading appears on the display.
vii.
The mean value of the display readings should be taken when the units digit
between two values.
Pulse velocity =( path length/ travel time)
viii.
Separation of transducer leads: it is advisable to prevent the two transducer
leads from coming into close contact with each other when the transit time
measurements are being taken. If this is not done, the receiver lead might
pick-up unwanted signals from the transducer lead and this would result in an
incorrect display of the transit time.
1.5.2

Rebound Hammer
Rebound hammer- a spring-loaded steel hammer which when released strikes a
steel plunger in contact with the concrete surface.
Test anvil- a 6 inch diameter by 6 inch long high-carbon steel cylinder hardened to
Rockwell 65-67C
Abrasive stone- silicon carbide of medium grain texture.

Produces(rebound hammer)
1. The rebound hammer should be tested against the test anvil before
commencement of the test because to get reliable result, for which manufacturer
of rebound hammer indicates the range of readings on anvil suitable for different
types or model. The hammer reading with the testing anvil should be checked
before and after testing.
2. Firmly hold the instrument in a position that allows the plunger to strike vertically
downward against the test anvil and verify that the rebound hammer provides the
rebound hammer specified.
3. The concrete surface using the abrasive stone to grind and clean
4. The instrument should be firmly hold in the position that allows the plunger to
strike perpendicularly to the concrete test surface.
5. The pressure on the plunger gradually increase until the hammer impacts.
6. Examine the impression; if the impact crushes or breaks through a near surface
void, discard the reading
7. Record the rebound number to the nearest whole number after impact. The mean
of each set of reading shall be calculated using all the readings.
1.6 Data acquisition
Table 3.1 : Comparative Hardness for Rebound Hammer
Average Rebound
>50
30-40
20-30
<20
0

Quality of Concrete
Very good
Good
Fair
Poor and / or delaminated
Very poor and / or delaminated

Table 3.1 : classification of Concrete Grading for Pundit Test

Pulse Velocity
(m/second)
Above 4.5
3.5 to 4.5
3.0 to 3.5
Below 3.0

Quality of Concrete
(Grading)
Excellent
Good
Medium
Doubtful

1.7 Results
Structure
element

No

Reading
(Rb)

Compressive
load (N/mm)

Remark /
comment

1.8 Analysis
1.9 Conclusion