Material testing Laboratory Equipments

1.Sieve Set

2.Balance

3.Graduated Beaker

4.Calculater

5.Slump cone

6. Various Moulds

7.Hydrometer

8. Universal Testing Machine

9.Concrete Mixer

10.Pressure Gauge

11.Tamping Rod

12.Themometer

13.Vibrator

14. Vicat Apparatus

15. Electric Oven

16. Stop Watch

17. Electric Fans

18. Funnels

19. Wire Basket

20. Brushes

21. Hydraulic Jack

22. Steel Pan

23. Shovel

24. Trowel

25. wheel Barrows

26. First Aid Box

1.Sieve Set A sieve, or sifter, is a device for separating wanted elements from unwanted
material or for characterizing the particle size distribution of a sample of ( aggregates , Sand ,
and other soil particles The apparatus used are –

i) A set of IS Sieves of sizes – 80mm, 63mm, 50mm, 40mm,31.5mm, 25mm, 20mm, 16mm,
12.5mm, 10mm, 6.3mm,4.75mm, 3.35mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600µm, 300µm, 150µm and
75µm.

ii) Balance or scale with an accuracy to measure 0.1 percent of the weight of the test sample.
The weight of sample available should not be less than the weight given below:-

Sieve Analysis Sieve analysis helps to determine the particle size distribution of the coarse and
fine aggregates. This is done by sieving the aggregates as per IS: 2386 (Part I) – 1963. In this we
use different sieves as standardized by the IS code and then pass aggregates through them and
thus collect different sized particles left over different sieves. The sample for sieving should be
prepared from the larger sample either by quartering or by means of a sample divider.

Procedure to determine particle size distribution of Aggregates

i) The test sample is dried to a constant weight at a temperature of 110 + 5oC and weighed.

ii) The sample is sieved by using a set of IS Sieves.

iii) On completion of sieving, the material on each sieve is weighed.

iv) Cumulative weight passing through each sieve is calculated as a percentage of the total
sample weight.

v) Fineness modulus is obtained by adding cumulative percentage of aggregates retained on

each sieve and dividing the sum by 100.

Reporting of Results The results should be calculated and reported as:

i) the cumulative percentage by weight of the total sample

ii) the percentage by weight of the total sample passing through one sieve and retained on the
next smaller sieve, to the nearest 0.1 percent. The results of the sieve analysis may be recorded
graphically on a semi-log graph with particle size as abscissa (log scale) and the percentage
smaller than the specified diameter as ordinate.

2.Slump Cone Slump Cone A metal mold in the form of a truncated cone with a top
diameter of 4"(102mm), a bottom diameter of 8"(203mm), and a height of 12"(305mm), used to
fabricate the specimen for a slump test. A 2 ft (610 mm) long bullet nosed metal rod, 5’’’ (16
mm) in diameter
Concrete Slump Test The concrete slump test is an empirical test that measures the workability of
fresh concrete More specifically, it measures the consistency of the concrete in that specific batch.
This test is performed to check the consistency of freshly made concrete. Consistency is a term very
closely related to workability. It is a term which describes the state of fresh concrete. It refers to the
ease with which the concrete flows. It is used to indicate the degree of wetness. Workability of
concrete is mainly affected by consistency i.e. wetter mixes will be more workable than drier mixes,
but concrete of the same consistency may vary in workability.

Procedure The test is carried out using a mould known as a slump cone or Abrams cone. The cone is
placed on a hard non- absorbent surface. This cone is filled with fresh concrete in three stages, each
time it is tamped using a rod of standard dimensions. At the end of the third stage, concrete is struck
off flush to the top of the mould. The mould is carefully lifted vertically upwards, so as not to disturb
the concrete cone. Concrete subsides. This subsidence is termed as slump, and is measured in to the
nearest 5 mm if the slump is <100 mm and measured to the nearest 10 mm if the slump is >100 mm.

Slump Cone
Tamping procedure
Removing cone
Height measurement
Various Moulds Three types of moulds use in material testing lab for preparation of Concrete
specimen .
1. Cube moulds
Size of Cube Moulds
Cube Mold: 150 mm x 150 mm x150 mm
Cube mold: 100 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm
Cube mold: 70.6 mm x 70.6 mm x 70.6 mm

2.Cylinder moulds Size of Cylinder

Moulds 6 x 12 in. (15.2 x 30.5 cm), and
Moulds 4 x 8 in (10 x 20 cm)

3.Beam moulds Size of Beam Moulds Three sizes available:

100x100x400
100x100x500
150x150x600

Hydrometer . A hydrometer is an instrument used to measure the specific gravity(or relative

density) of liquids ; that is, the ratio of the density of the liquid to the density of water A hydrometer
is usually made of glass and consists of a cylindrical stem and a bulb weighted with mercury or lead
shot to make it float upright. The liquid to be tested is poured into a tall container, often a graduated
cylinder, and the hydrometer is gently lowered into the liquid until it floats freely. The point at which
the surface of the liquid touches the stem of the hydrometer is noted. Hydrometers usually contain a
scale inside the stem, so that the specific gravity can be read directly. A variety of scales exist, and
are used depending on the context

Universal Testing Machine

.An instrument so designed that it is capable of exerting a tensile, compressive, or transverse stress
on a specimen under test. Further, it can be adapted for the determination of Brinell hardness,
ductility, cold bend, and other properties. The machine consists essentially of three systems: loading,
weighing, and indicating, the loading being applied either mechanically or hydraulically.
DESCRIPTION OF UTM
The Universal Testing Machine consists of two main parts, viz. the loading unit and the control
panel.

THE LOADING UNIT .

The loading unit consists of a robust base at the centre of which is fitted the main cylinder and
piston. A rigid frame consisting of the lower table, the upper cross head and the two straight
columns is connected to this piston through a ball and socket joint. A pair of screwed columns
mounted on the base pass through the main nuts to support the lower cross-head. This cross head is
moved up or down when the screwed columns are rotated by a geared motor fitted to the base.
Each cross-head has a tapering slot at the centre into which are inserted a pair of racked jaws. These
jaws are moved up or down by the operating handle on the cross-head face and is intended to carry
the plate (grip) jaws for the tensile test specimen. An elongation scale, which measures the relative
movement between the lower table and the lower cross-head, is also provided with the loading unit.

THE CONTROL PANEL

The control panel contains the hydraulic power unit, the load measuring unit and the control
devices.
1. The Hydraulic Power Unit. The Hydraulic Power Unit consists of an oil pump driven by an
electric motor and a sump for the hydraulic oil. The pump is of the reciprocating type, having
a set of plungers which assures a continuous non-pulsating oil flow into the main cylinder for
a smooth application of the test load on the specimen. Hydraulic lines of the unit are of a
special design to enable them to perform various functions.

2. The Load Measuring Unit. The load measuring unit, in essence is a pendulum dynamometer
unit. It has a small cylinder in which a piston moves in phase with the main piston under the
same oil pressure. A simple pendulum connected with this small piston by a pivot lever thus
deflects in accordance with the load on the specimen and the pivot ratio. This deflection is
transmitted to the load pointer which indicates the test load on the dial. The pivot lever has
four fulcrum -knife-edges, giving fo4ir ranges of test load, (viz. 0-100 kN ; 0-250 kN; 0-500 kN
and 0-1000 kN). The required range can be selected by just turning a knob provided for the
purpose. The overall accuracy of the machine depends mainly on the accuracy of the
measuring unit.

3. Control Devices. These include the electric control devices, the hydraulic control devices
and the load indicating devices.

The Electric Control Devices are in the form of four switches set on the left side of the panel
face. The upper and lower push switches are for moving the lower cross-head up and down
respectively. The remaining two are the ON and OFF switches for the hydraulic pump. The
Hydraulic Control Devices are a pair of control valves set on the table or the control panel.
The right control valve is the inlet valve. It is a pressure compensated flow control valve and
has a built-in overload relief valve. If this valve is in the closed position, while the hydraulic
system is on, oil flows back into the sump. Opening of the valve now, cause the oil to flow into
the main cylinder in a continuous non- pulsating manner. The left control valve is the return
valve. If this valve is in the closed position, the oil pumped into the main cylinder causes the
main piston to move up. The specimen resists this, movement, as soon as it gets loaded up.
 Oil pressure inside the main cylinder (and elsewhere in the line) then starts growing up until
either the specimen breaks or the load reaches the maximum value of the range selected. A
slow opening of this valve now causes the oil to drain back into the sump and the main piston
to descent. The Load indicating Devices consist of a range inflating dial placed behind a load
indicating dial. The former move and sets itself to the range selected when the range adjusting
knob is turned. The load .on the specimen at any stage is indicated by the load pointer which
moves over the load indicating dial and harries forward with it a dummy.

Concrete Mixer
A concrete mixer (also commonly called a cement mixer) is a device that homogeneously combines
cement, aggregate such as sand or gravel, and water to form concrete. A typical concrete mixer uses
a revolving drum to mix the components. For smaller volume works portable concrete mixers are often
used so that the concrete can be made at the construction site Laboratory Concrete Mixer

Two Different Types of Concrete Mixers You may need to choose one from a variety of concrete mixers
if you have to do a job at home or at an outdoor construction site in your area. You must choose the
correct concrete mixer depending on what you need it for. A concrete mixer can be used for many
things, such as construction and structure repair like fixing an eroded wall of a building or a broken
sidewalk. The two most common types are the mobile concrete mixer and the stationary one.

Mobile Concrete Mixers

This first type of concrete mixer is ideal for you if you need to use concrete in more than one place
in the same area. You can move this concrete mixer around from place to place without any
difficulty. These mixers are usually used to make sidewalks and in projects where concrete needs
to be used in multiple locations. You can manipulate the dose of concrete required in each area
and there is no need to add more water to the mixture if you decide to put more rocks and mix
them up with the concrete.

Stationary Concrete Mixers

Unlike the previous type, stationary concrete mixers cannot be moved because they are fixed in
only one place. This type of concrete mixer is mostly used for construction purposes. Builders use
the concrete and pour it into molds when they are constructing a building. Usually, if you are using
a stationary concrete mixer, you may require using some cement to act as a pre-caster for your
construction project. A stationary concrete mixer is ideal for you if you are staying in one place
and you do not have to move from place to place.

Pressure Gauge
Many techniques have been developed for the measurement of pressure . Instruments used to
measure pressure are called pressure gauges

Types of pressure Gauge

Standard pressure gauges This type of pressure gauge is probably the one most often used. The
pressure gauge is simply screwed into the available thread (e.g. onto the pressure regulator) . It is
generally sealed using a compression seal.
Integrated pressure gauge The special feature of the integrated pressure gauge is that it has no
outward-facing interfering contours. A side-effect of this is the design. It wouldn't damage the
machine/system if, apart from the function, it was made to look more attractive.
 Flange pressure gauge This is used if the customer wishes to integrate the pressure gauge, for
example into a control cabinet.
Red-green pressure gauge Using the adjustable red-green areas, a permissible and impermissible
range can easily be indicated.
Plug-in pressure gauge Instead of a thread, this pressure gauge has a smooth sleeve with a groove
and a seal. This makes it easy to mount it onto existing fixtures. Dismantling and assembly is very
quick with this type of pressure gauge.

Tamping Rod
Description Tamping rods are dimensionally accurate rods used to tamp fresh concrete into cylinder molds
and slump cones to eliminate voids and excess air.

Measures:

5/8" diameter x 24" length For use with slump cones, 6" x 12" concrete cylinder molds and pressure meters A
3/8" diameter x 12" length, 5/8" diameter x 12" length, and graduated 5/8" diameter x 24" length

Thermometer •
an instrument for measuring and indicating temperature, typically one consisting of a narrow, hermetically
sealed glass tube marked with graduations and having at one end a bulb containing mercury or alcohol which
extends along the tube as it expands

TYPES OF CONCRETE VIBRATORS FOR COMPACTION

Since concrete contains particles of varying sizes, the most satisfactory compaction would perhaps be
obtained by using vibrators with different speeds of vibration. Poly frequency vibrators used for compacting
concrete of stiff consistency are being developed. The vibrators for compacting concrete are manufactured
with frequencies of vibration from 2800 to 15000 rpm. The various types of vibrators used are described
below:
( i ) Immersion or Needle Vibrators:
This is perhaps the most commonly used vibrator. It essentially consists of a steel tube (with one end
closed and rounded) having an eccentric vibrating element inside it. This steel tube called poker is
connected to an electric motor or a diesel engine through a flexible tube. They are available in size
varying from 40 to 100 mm diameter. The diameter of the poker is decided from the consideration of
the spacing between the reinforcing bars in the form-work.

The frequency of vibration varies up to 15000 rpm. However a range between 3000 to 6000 rpm is
suggested as a desirable minimum with an acceleration of 4g to 10g. The normal radius of action of
an immersion vibrator is 0.50 to 1.0m. However, it would be preferable to immerse the vibrator into
concrete at intervals of not more than 600mm or 8 to 10 times the diameter of the poker. The period
of vibration required may be of the order of 30 seconds to 2 minute. The concrete should be placed
in layers not more than 600mm high.

(ii) External or Shutter Vibrators:

These vibrators are clamped rigidly to the form work at the pre-determined points so that the form
and concrete are vibrated. They consume more power for a given compaction effect than internal
vibrators.
These vibrators can compact up to 450mm from the face but have to be moved from one place to
another as concrete progresses. These vibrators operate at a frequency of 3000 to 9000 rpm at an
acceleration of 4g. The external vibrators are more often used for pre-casting of thin in-situ sections
of such shape and thickness as can not be compacted by internal vibrators.

(iii) Surface Vibrators Very dry mixes can be most effectively compacted with surface vibrators. The
surface vibrators commonly used are pan vibrators and vibrating screeds. The main application of
this type of vibrator is in the compaction of small slabs, not exceeding 150 mm in thickness, and
patching and repair work of pavement slabs. The operating frequency is about 4000 rpm at an
acceleration of 4g to 9g. These are placed directly on the concrete mass. These best suited for
compaction of shallow elements and should not be used when the depth of concrete to be vibrated
is more than 250 mm .

Vibrating Table The vibrating table consists of a rigidly built steel platform mounted on flexible
springs and is driven by an electric motor. The normal frequency of vibration is 4000 rpm at an
acceleration of 4g to 7g. The vibrating tables are very efficient in compacting stiff and harsh concrete
mixes required for manufacture of precast elements in the factories and test specimens in
laboratories.

Vicat Apparatus
Vicat's apparatus consists of an arrangement to hold the plunger of 10 mm diameter and two other
needles which are made to freely fall into a mould filled with the cement paste and the amount of
penetration of the needles of plunder can can be noted using the vertical graduations from 0 mm to
50 mm. is used to find out the consistency, initial setting time and final setting time of the cement. In
the normal consistency test we have to find out the amount of water to be added to the cement to
form a cement paste of normal consistency.

Consistency Test:
To find out the consistency test you have to take a sample of dried cement of about 400 g weight
which must pass through the 90 micron IS Sieve. Then mix in it about 25% of water by weight a form
a uniform paste within 2 minutes of time. Fill the Vicat's mould with this paste and make the 10 mm
plunger fixed to the arrangement to just touch the top surface of the cement paste. Make it freely
fall and note the amount of penetration. When the penetration is of about 42 to 45 mm or when the
reading on the vertical graduation is about 5 mm to 7 mm that means cement is of normal
consistency. Generally the water required to form a paste of normal consistency is 30%.

Initial Setting Time:

Initial time of Cement is the time required by the cement for its early setting. Cement must be
applied to the place of its use before its initial setting so it is necessary to find out the initial setting
time that is available with us. Vicat's apparatus is the standard apparatus used to find out this initial
setting time. Look in the figure above, there is a needle of diameter 1 mm. This needle is fixed to the
movable rod weight. The cement paste of normal consistency is formed and is filled in the mould.
Now the needle is made just touch the top surface of the cement paste and made freely fall in it.
Initial setting time is the time from the mixing of the cement and the water to the time when the
penetration of the needle is just above 5 mm from the bottom of the base plate or mold.
Generally the initial setting time of the ordinary Portland cement is 30 minutes. For Slow setting
cement this time may be increased by adding the admixtures or Gypsum up to 60 minutes. Similarly,
for the final setting time we have to use the third needle which has a enlarged 5 mm hollow
cylindrical base. The final setting time is the time from the mixing of the water to the time when this
 needle just makes the impression on the surface of the cement but do not penetrate into it.
Generally the final setting time of cement (OPC) is 10 hrs to 12 hrs 15.Electric Oven Laboratory ovens
are ovens for high-forced volume thermal convection applications. These ovens generally provide
uniform temperatures throughout. Process applications for laboratory ovens can be for annealing,
die-bond curing, drying, Polyimide baking, sterilizing, and other industrial laboratory functions.
Typical sizes are from one cubic foot to 0.9 cubic meters (32 cu ft) with temperatures that can be
over 340 degrees Celsius.

Concrete Slump Test - Theory and Lab Test

Definition
 Slump is a measurement of concrete’s workability , or fluidity.
 It's an indirect measurement of concrete consistency or stiffness.

A slump test is a method used to determine the consistency of concrete. The consistency,
or stiffness, indicates how much water has been used in the mix. The stiffness of the
concrete mix should be matched to the requirements for the finished product quality

Concrete Slump Test

The concrete slump test is used for the measurement of a property of fresh concrete.
The test is an empirical test that measures the workability of fresh concrete. More
specifically, it measures consistency between batches. The test is popular due to the
simplicity of apparatus used and simple procedure.

Principle of Slump Test

The slump test result is a measure of the behavior of a compacted inverted cone of
concrete under the action of gravity. It measures the consistency or the wetness of
concrete.

Apparatus
 Slump cone,
 Scale for measurement,
 Tamping rod (steel)
Procedure of Concrete Slump test:

1. The mold for the slump testis a frustum of a cone, 300 mm (12 in) of height. The
base is 200 mm (8in) in diameter and it has a smaller opening at the top of 100
mm (4 in).
2. The base is placed on a smooth surface and the container is filled with concrete in
three layers, whose workability is to be tested .
3. Each layer is temped 25 times with a standard 16 mm (5/8 in) diameter steel rod,
rounded at the end.
4. When the mold is completely filled with concrete, the top surface is struck off
(leveled with mould top opening) by means of screening and rolling motion of the
temping rod.
5. The mould must be firmly held against its base during the entire operation so that
it could not move due to the pouring of concrete and this can be done by means
of handles or foot - rests brazed to the mold.
6. Immediately after filling is completed and the concrete is leveled, the cone is slowly
and carefully lifted vertically, an unsupported concrete will now slump.
7. The decrease in the height of the center of the slumped concrete is called slump.
8. The slump is measured by placing the cone just besides the slump concrete and
the temping rod is placed over the cone so that it should also come over the area
of slumped concrete.
9. The decrease in height of concrete to that of mold is noted with scale. (usually
measured to the nearest 5 mm (1/4 in).
Precautions in Slump Test
In order to reduce the influence on slump of the variation in the surface friction, the inside
of the mould and its base should be moistened at the beginning of every test, and prior
to lifting of the mould the area immediately around the base of the cone should be cleaned
from concrete which may have dropped accidentally.

Types Of Concrete Slump

The slumped concrete takes various shapes, and according to the profile of slumped
concrete, the slump is termed as;

1. Collapse Slump
2. Shear Slump
3. True Slump

Collapse Slump
In a collapse slump the concrete collapses completely. A collapse slump will generally
mean that the mix is too wet or that it is a high workability mix, for which slump test is not
appropriate.

Shear Slump

In a shear slump the top portion of the concrete shears off and slips sideways. OR

If one-half of the cone slides down an inclined plane, the slump is said to be a shear
slump.

1. If a shear or collapse slump is achieved, a fresh sample should be taken and the
test is repeated.
2. If the shear slump persists, as may the case with harsh mixes, this is an
indication of lack of cohesion of the mix.

True Slump

In a true slump the concrete simply subsides, keeping more or less to shape

1. This is the only slump which is used in various tests.

2. Mixes of stiff consistence have a Zero slump, so that in the rather dry range no
variation can be detected between mixes of different workability.

However , in a lean mix with a tendency to harshness, a true slump can easily change
to the shear slump type or even to collapse, and widely different values of slump can be
obtained in different samples from the same mix; thus, the slump test is unreliable for
lean mixes.

Applications of Slump Test

1. The slump test is used to ensure uniformity for different batches of similar concrete
under field conditions and to ascertain the effects of plasticizers on their
introduction.
2. This test is very useful on site as a check on the day-to-day or hour- to-hour
variation in the materials being fed into the mixer. An increase in slump may mean,
for instance, that the moisture content of aggregate has unexpectedly increases.
3. Other cause would be a change in the grading of the aggregate, such as a
deficiency of sand.
4. Too high or too low a slump gives immediate warning and enables the mixer
operator to remedy the situation.
5. This application of slump test as well as its simplicity, is responsible for its
widespread use.
Degree of Compacting
Slump Use for which concrete is suitable
workability
 mm in Factor
Very dry mixes; used in road
Very low 0-25 0-1 0.78 making. Roads vibrated by power
operated machines .
Low workability mixes; used for
foundations with light
Low 25-50 1-2 0.85
reinforcement. Roads vibrated by
hand operated Machines.
Medium workability mixes;
manually compacted flat slabs using
crushed aggregates .Normal
Medium 50-100 2-4 0.92
reinforced concrete manually
compacted and heavily reinforced
sections with vibrations.
High workability concrete; for
sections with congested
High 100-175 4-7 0.95
reinforcement. Not normally
suitable for vibration

Table : Workability, Slump and Compacting Factor of concrete with 19 or 38 mm (3/4 or

11/2 in) maximum size of aggregate.

Difference in Standards
The slump test is referred to in several testing and building code, with minor differences
in the details of performing the test.

United States

In the United States, engineers use the ASTM standards and AASHTO specifications
when referring to the concrete slump test. The American standards explicitly state that
the slump cone should have a height of 12-in, a bottom diameter of 8-in and an upper
diameter of 4-in. The ASTM standards also state in the procedure that when the cone is
removed, it should be lifted up vertically, without any rotational movement at all.The
concrete slump test is known as "Standard Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement
Concrete" and carries the code (ASTM C 143) or (AASHTO T 119).

United Kingdom & Europe

In the United Kingdom, the Standards specify a slump cone height of 300-mm, a bottom
diameter of 200-mm and a top diameter of 100-mm. The British Standards do not
explicitly specify that the cone should only be lifted vertically. The slump test in the
British standards was first (BS 1881-102) and is now replaced by the European
Standard (BS EN 12350-2).
Tests Applied on Concrete for Strength and
Workability

SAMPLING The first step is to take a test sample from the large batch of concrete. This
should be done as soon as discharge of the concrete commences. The sample should
be representative of the concrete supplied. The sample is taken in one of two ways: For
purposes of accepting or rejecting the load: Sampling after 0.2 m3 of the load has been
poured. For routine quality checks: Sampling from three places in the load.

a) Concrete Slump Test

This test is performed to check the consistency of freshly made concrete . The slump
test is done to make sure a concrete mix is workable. The measured slump must be within
a set range, or tolerance, from the target slump.

Workability of concrete is mainly affected by consistency i.e. wetter mixes will be more
workable than drier mixes, but concrete of the same consistency may vary in workability.
It can also be defined as the relative plasticity of freshly mixed concrete as indicative of
its workability.
Tools and apparatus used for slump test (equipment):

1. Standard slump cone (100 mm top diameter x 200 mm bottom diameter x 300 mm high)
2. Small scoop
3. Bullet-nosed rod (600 mm long x 16 mm diameter)
4. Rule
5. Slump plate (500 mm x 500 mm)

Procedure of slump test for concrete:

1. Clean the cone. Dampen with water and place on the slump plate. The slump plate should
be clean, firm, level and non-absorbent. Collect a sample of concrete to perform the slum
test.
2. Stand firmly on the footpieces and fill 1/3 the volume of the cone with the sample. Compact
the concrete by 'rodding' 25 times. Rodding means to push a steel rod in and out of the
concrete to compact it into the cylinder, or slump cone. Always rod in a definite pattern,
working from outside into the middle.
3. Now fill to 2/3 and again rod 25 times, just into the top of the first layer.
4. Fill to overflowing, rodding again this time just into the top of the second layer. Top up the
cone till it overflows.
5. Level off the surface with the steel rod using a rolling action. Clean any concrete from
around the base and top of the cone, push down on the handles and step off the footpieces.
6. Carefully lift the cone straight up making sure not to move the sample.
7. Turn the cone upside down and place the rod across the up-turned cone.
8. Take several measurements and report the average distance to the top of the sample.If the
sample fails by being outside the tolerance (ie the slump is too high or too low), another
must be taken. If this also fails the remainder of the batch should be rejected.

b) Concrete Compression Test

The compression test shows the compressive strength of hardened concrete. The
compression test shows the best possible strength concrete can reach in perfect
conditions. The compression test measures concrete strength in the hardened state.
Testing should always be done carefully. Wrong test results can be costly. The testing is
done in a laboratory off-site. The only work done on-site is to make a concrete cylinder
for the compression test. The strength is measured in Megapascals (MPa) and is
commonly specified as a characteristic strength of concrete measured at 28 days after
mixing. The compressive strength of concrete is a measure of the concrete’s ability to
resist loads which tend to crush it.

Apparatus for compression test

Cylinders (100 mm diameter x 200 mm high or 150 mm diameter x 300 mm high) (The
small cylinders are normally used for most testing due to their lighter weight)

1. Small scoop
2. Bullet-nosed rod (600 mm x 16 mm)
3. Steel float
4. Steel plate

Procedure for compression test of concrete

1. Clean the cylinder mould and coat the inside lightly with form oil, then place on a clean,
level and firm surface, ie the steel plate. Collect a sample.
2. Fill 1/2 the volume of the mould with concrete then compact by rodding 25 times.
Cylinders may also be compacted by vibrating using a vibrating table.
3. Fill the cone to overflowing and rod 25 times into the top of the first layer, then top up the
mould till overflowing.
4. Level off the top with the steel float and clean any concrete from around the mould.
5. Cap, clearly tag the cylinder and put it in a cool dry place to set for at least 24 hours.
6. After the mould is removed the cylinder is sent to the laboratory where it is cured and
crushed to test compressive strength

Procedure for Concrete Compression Test

Test process for Compression Test
The compression test shows the best possible strength concrete can achieve in perfect
conditions. The compression test measures concrete strength in the hardened state. Field
concrete samples are prepared, cured and tested according to ASTM standard
procedures. Specimens are prepared from concrete taken from different construction
sites. Following processes and calculations are used for measuring compressive strength
of cylindrical concrete specimens.

Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of

Cylindrical Concrete Specimens (ASTM Designation: A 370
– 03)
This test method consists of applying a compressive axial load to cylinders at a rate which
is within the prescribed range until failure occurs. The compressive strength of the
specimen is calculated by dividing the maximum load attained during the test with the
cross-sectional area of the specimen. This strength is commonly specified as a
characteristic strength of concrete measured at 28 days after mixing.

Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens

Following operations are executed in order to assure that test specimens are in
accordance with the standard prior to testing.

Molds

Molds used for preparing samples are in agreement with the standard if the following
conditions satisfy:

1. Molds shall hold their dimensions and shape under all conditions of use.
2. A suitable sealant, such as heavy grease, shall be used where necessary to
prevent leakage through the joints.
3. Positive means shall be provided to hold base plates firmly to the molds.
4. Reusable molds shall be lightly coated with oil before use.

Sampling

The first step is to take a test sample from the large batch of concrete. This should be
done as soon as the discharge of the concrete commences. The sample should be
representative of the concrete supplied.

Tamping Rods

Tamping rods are used to distribute the concrete evenly prior to the start of
consolidation. Two sizes are specified in ASTM methods. Each size shall be round,
straight steel rod with at least the tamping end rounded to a hemispherical tip of the
same diameter as the rod. Larger rod, 6/8 in. (16 mm) in diameter and approximately 24
in. (600 mm) long can be used for tamping.
Test Procedure

1. Placing the Specimen — The plain (lower) bearing block is placed, with its
hardened face up, on the table of the testing machine directly under the spherically
seated (upper) bearing block. The bearing faces of the upper and lower bearing
blocks are cleaned and the test specimen is placed on the lower bearing block.
2. Zero Verification and Block Seating— prior to testing the specimen, it is verified
that the load indicator is set to zero. If the indicator is not properly set to zero, it is
adjusted.
3. Rate of Loading— the load is applied continuously and without shock.
4. Standards specify that for testing machines of the screw type, the moving head
shall travel at a rate of approximately 0.05in. (1mm)/min when the machine is
running idle. While for hydraulically operated machines, the load shall be applied
at a rate of movement (platen to crosshead measurement) corresponding to a
loading rate on the specimen within the range of 20 to 50 psi/sec (0.15 to 0.35
MPa/sec).
5. During the application of the first half of the anticipated loading phase, a higher
rate of loading is allowed.
6. No adjustment is made in the rate of movement of the platen at any time while a
specimen is yielding rapidly immediately before failure.
7. Load is applied until the specimen fails, and the maximum load carried by the
specimen during the test is recorded. The type of failure and the appearance of
the concrete are also noted.
Calculations
Compressive strength of the specimen is
calculated by dividing the maximum load carried
by the specimen during the test with the
average cross-sectional area. Determine and
express the result to the nearest 10 psi (0.1
MPa).

Data Logger
A data logger or data recorder is an electronic
device that records data over time or in relation
to location either with a built in instrument or
sensor or via external instruments and sensors. Increasingly, but not entirely, they are
based on a digital processor (or computer). They are generally small, battery powered,
portable, and equipped with a microprocessor, internal memory for data storage, and
sensors.

Acquirement of Data from the Data Logger

The displacement transducers or strain gage-based transducers are connected with a

state of the art data acquisition system called “Data Logger” (Data logger Kyowa
UCAM-70A with strain gage-based transducers attached through Transducers cables).
The displacement transducers are connected to the data logger through transducer
cable and measurement could be made afterwards. A dial gage is connected with the
concrete cylinder to record displacement and a steel plate of flat surface is placed on
the cylinder for the uniform distribution of load. The load cell is placed over the steel
plate. Load is applied by the universal testing machine till failure of the sample. The load
vs. displacement data recorded in the data logger is transferred to computer and then
analyzed. Stress-strain curves for the concrete cylinders are drawn after the data
analysis.
Procedure for Concrete Sample Preparation

Placing:
Concrete is placed in the molds using a trowel in three layers of approximately equal
depth and is remixed in the mixing pan with a shovel to prevent segregation during the
molding of specimens. The trowel is moved around the top edge of the mold as the
concrete is discharged in order to ensure a symmetrical distribution of the concrete and
to minimize segregation of coarse aggregate within the mold.
Roding (Compaction)

Compaction is the removal of air from fresh concrete. Proper compaction results in
concrete with an increased density which is stronger and more durable. Concrete is
placed in the mold, in three layers of approximately equal volume. Each layer is
compacted with 25 strokes with the rounded end of the rod (as specified by ASTM
standards). The strokes are distributed uniformly over the cross section of the mold and
for each upper layer; the rod is allowed to penetrate through the layer being rodded and
into the layer below approximately 1 in. (25 mm).

Curing:

Curing means to cover the concrete with a layer of water, so it stays moist. By keeping
concrete moist, the bond between the paste and the aggregates gets stronger. Concrete
doesn't harden properly if it is left to dry out. Curing is done just after finishing the concrete
surface, as soon as it will not be damaged. The longer concrete is cured, the closer it will
be to its best possible strength and durability. Concrete that is cured sufficiently is less
likely to crack.

The specimens are removed from the molds 24 hours after casting. Specimens are
placed immediately in water after removal from the molds to prevent loss of moisture from
specimens.

Cylinders Capping:

Capping a concrete cylinder means placing a smooth

uniform cap/layer at the end of a concrete cylinder to
provide for a uniform load distribution when testing. Since
the concrete sample will contain voids and aggregate
particles at the upper surface that is left open, it is
necessary to prepare a smooth uniform surface for the
testing machine to press against.

Plaster of Paris (Gypsum) is used as capping material

nowadays. Capping of all the concrete cylinders is carried
out carefully with the help of capping machine for concrete
cylinders, as shown in the figure.

Paste by Vicat Apparatus

Significance
This test method is used to determine the amount of water required to prepare hydraulic
cement pastes with normal consistency, as required for certain standard tests.

Standard Consistency
The percentage amount of water which is required to prepare standard cement paste
when vicat plunger penetrate under 10±1mm reading is known as standard consistency
or normal consistency cement paste.

Apparatus and Materials

Electrical Balance, Vicat Apparatus, Spatula, Trowel, Mould, Pot, Distilled Water
and Ordinary Portland Cement etc.

Procedure
1. Take ordinary Portland cement of 500 grams and weight it in the electrical balance.
2. Take 26-33% of water to cement Say in first trial take 26 % (130ml) water in a
graduated cylinder
3. Now take a pot and put the cement and water in it and mix with the help of trowel.
4. Form the cement paste into a ball by hands then Press the ball into the larger end
of the conical mould, held in the other hand by completely filling the mould with
cement paste.
5. Remove the excessive cement paste from the mould with the help of spatula and
place the mould under the plunger needle of 1mm
 6. Tight the plunger at the level so that it touches the surface of cement paste then
set the movable indicator of vicat apparatus to upper zero mark of the scale and
gently releases the plunger to cement paste to penetrate for 30 seconds.
7. Note the penetration of plunger into the cement paste. It should be 10±1mm if not
then repeat the whole procedure by changing the percentage amount of water in
each trial.

Precautions
1. The mixing of cement should be done in non-porous glass plate.
2. The plunger needle should be clean every time before its penetration in the cement
paste.
3. Vicat apparatus should be free from vibration during the penetration.

Observations and Calculations

Weight of Cement = W1

Water taken in graduated cylinder = W2

% water in W1gm cement = W2 / 100 W1