Department of Civil Engineering

Swedish College Of Engineering & Technology,

Wah Cantt.

CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIAL

Lab Manual

Prepared by: Checked by:

Engr.Saddam Ullah Khan

1
Table of Contents:

Sr. No. Description Page No.

1 Objectives of Laboratory 3

2 Layout of Laboratory 5

3 List of Equipments 6

4 List of Practicals 7

5 To test the finess of cement by sieve analysis method (dry method) 8

6 To determine the standard consistency of cement paste 10

7 To determine the initial and final setting time of cement 14

To carry out sieve analysis of fine aggregate sample and determination of

8 18
its fineness modulus

To determine the moisture content, water absorption and bulk density of

9 21
fine aggregate (sand)

10 Determination of % bulking of sand 23

11 To determine the specific garvity and absorption of the fine aggregate 26

12 To carry out sieve analysis of coarse aggregate sample 29

13 To determine the specific garvity and absorption of coarse aggregate 32

14 To find out the compressive strength of different classes of bricks. 35

15 To find out %water absorption of different classes of bricks 38

16 To find out percentage of alkalis in bricks by efflorescence test 41

2
Objective of Civil Engineering Material
The basic aim of developing material lab is to understand different type of material related to civil
engineering in general and to perform different test in order to understand the behavior of material
mention below

 Cement
 Fine aggregate
 Coarse aggregate
 Bricks

Performing test on these materials allow one use these materials in construction according to standards
given by ASTM

3
 Department of Civil Engineering
Swedish College of Engineering and Technology (SCET)
Wah Cantt

4
 Sink Rare
Entrance

Curing
Tank W
Lab
Engineer
O Cabin
Air
Meter
R
K

Sieve I
W
Sets
N H

I
G
T
Beakers
E

S
B

Specific P O
Gravity
Measurin A
g A
R
Apparatu
s C D

E
Vicat Main
Apparatu Entrance
s

Mortar Manual Compression Compacting

Capping 5
Cube Molds Vibrator Testing Factor
Stand
Machine Apparatus
 LIST OF EQUIPMENTS

S.NO ITEM # ITEM QUANTITY REMARK

1 Beam mold 6*6*18 inches 6 Ok

2 Hammer 2 Ok

3 Large curing tank 1 Ok

4 Chisel 5 Ok

5 Warming pot 1 _

6 Capping stand 1 Ok

7 sulfur 50kg bag 1 Ok

8 Curing tank 48*36*24 1 Ok

9 Concrete tray 36*36*4 1 Ok

10 Concrete tray 36*24*5 1 Ok

11 Sodium sulpher 6 Ok

12 Sieve set 12" dia 1 Ok

13 S.S.D cone & tamping Rod 1 Ok

14 Sieve set 8"dia 1 Ok

15 Trowel 5 Ok

16 Wet washing sieve 1 Ok

17 Vol metric flask 25ml 2 Ok

18 Vol metric flask 50ml 1 Ok

19 Vol metric flask 100ml 2 Ok

20 Vol metric flask 250ml 1 Ok

21 Vol metric flask 500ml 2 Ok

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 LIST OF PRACTICALS

1. To test the finess of cement by sieve analysis method (dry method)

2. To determine the standard consistency of cement paste

3. To determine the initial and final setting time of cement

4. To carry out sieve analysis of fine aggregate sample and determination of its

fineness modulus

5. To determine the moisture content, water absorption and bulk density of fine

aggregate (sand)

6. Determination of % bulking of sand

7. To determine the specific garvity and absorption of the fine aggregate

8. To carry out sieve analysis of coarse aggregate sample

9. To determine the specific garvity and absorption of coarse aggregate

10.To find out the compressive strength of different classes of bricks.

11.To find out %water absorption of different classes of bricks

12.To find out percentage of alkalis in bricks by efflorescence test

7
 EXPERIMENT NO.1

TO TEST THE FINESS OF CEMENT BY SIEVE ANALYSIS METHOD

(DRY METHOD)

1. Objective: To find out grinding power of cement

2. EQPT/MATERIAL:
Sieve number # 200, Portland cement, bowl or tray or plate, weight measuring machine or
balance .

1. Theory
Fineness is an indication of size of cement particle and is an important parameter to determine
whether the cement is fit for use in concrete. The properties of cement are greatly influenced by
Fineness which depends on the grinding of clinker during manufacturing process. Adulterated
and damaged cement show deviation of fineness value from the prescribed limit.

2. . PROCEDURE:
Take 100gms of ordinary Portland cement = w1

Shake cement for 15 minutes in # 200 sieve

Small particle passing through holes of sieve and large particles left behind the sieve.

Weight the sample retained #200 sieve =w2

3. .DETAIL OF READING /OBSERVATION /DATA TO BE

RECORDED/ COLLECTED

Serial No: Weight of Weight of %fineness=

sample,w1 residue,w2 (w1-w2/w1)x100
1
2
3

8
 4. RECOMMENDATIONS:
If >90% then cement is fresh and fine

If <90% then cement is not fresh and fine

7. Specifications: For Ordinary Portland Cement, weight of residue should not exceed 10%
while for Rapid Hardening Cement ,it should not exceed 5%

8. COMMENTS:

VIVA VOCE:
1. What is meant by fineness of cement?
2. Purpose of this test?
3. Methods of determining fineness of cement?
4. Which sieve is used for fineness of cement?
5. Chemical composition of cement?

9
 EXPERIMENT NO.2

TO DETERMINE THE STANDARD CONSISTENCY OF

CEMENT PASTE

1. Objective: To determine the correct amount of water to be added to a given quantity of

cement to get a paste of standard consistency.

2. EQPT/MATERIAL:
Viccat Apparatus, graduated glass cylinder, Glass plate, Trowel Weighing Balance, Bowl,
Gloves, Spatula, and Water.

3. Theory:
For finding out initial setting time, final setting time and soundness of cement, and strength a
parameter known as standard consistency has to be used. The standard consistency of a cement
paste is defined as that consistency which will permit a Vicat plunger having 10 mm diameter
and 50 mm length to penetrate to a depth of 33-35 mm from the top of the mould.

4. Procedure:
The standard consistency of a cement paste is defined as that consistency which will
permit the Vicat plunger to penetrate to a point 5 to 7 mm from the bottom of the Vicat mould
1. Initially a cement sample of about 300 g is taken in a tray and is mixed with a known
percentage of water by weight of cement, say starting from 26% and then it is
increased by every 2% until the normal consistency is achieved.
2. Prepare a paste of 300 g of Cement with a weighed quantity of potable or distilled
water, taking care that the time of gauging is not less than 3 minutes, nor more than 5
min and the gauging shall be completed before any sign of setting occurs. The gauging
time shall be counted from the time of adding water to the dry cement until
commencing to fill the mould.

3. Make a ball of cement paste in hands. Toss it six times from one hand to another
keeping them 6 inches apart.
4. Fill the Vicat mould (E) with this paste, the mould resting upon a non-porous plate.
After completely filling the mould, smoothen the surface of the paste, making it level
with the top of the mould. The mould may be slightly shaken to expel the air.

10
5. Now bring the plunger rod in contact with the surface of cement paste and tighten the
set screw. Set the point zero mark.

6. Release the plunger rod, then after an elapse of 30 sec , take the reading at pointer

7. The paste shall be of standard consistency, if the plunger settles to a pointer 5-7mm
below the original surface or 33-35mm from the above of the scale. Prepare trial pastes
by the varying the amount of water (by adding 1% to the pervious water quan6+tity).
Each trial shall be made with fresh cement.

8. . The amount water required for normal consistence is calculated percentage by weight of
dry cement.

VICAT APPARATUS

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5. PRECAUTIONS:
a. All the activities shall be completed within specified time.
b. Mixing of cement shall be done on the non porous plate or steel bowl.
c.Plunger shall be cleaned every time before lowering in the cement paste.
d.The apparatus should be free of all kind of vibration during the test.
e. There should be no friction on the plunger rod.

6. DETAILS OF READINGS/OBVERSATIONS/DATA TO BE
RECORDED/COLLECTED:

a. Type of cement

b. Room temperature

c.Temperature of the mixing water

d. Humidity

7.THE PERFORMA/FORMAT FOR PREPARATION RECORD OF

OBSERVATION/DATA WITH NOTES TO HELP COMPLETION

Sr. Weight of Percentage by water of Amount of water Penetration

No. Cement (gms) dry Cement % added (ml) (mm)
1
2
3
4

9. RESULTS:

9. INTERPRETATION/COLLECTION OF THE OBSERVED READINGS, GRAPHS, ETC

LEADING TO RESLUTS

12
To be done with standard specifications of ASTM designation C 187, C 191 and B.S 12

10.COMMENTS:

VIVA VOCE:
1. Define standard consistency or normal consistency?
2. Length and diameter of plunger for standard consistency?
3. What is the purpose of test?
4. Range of water content for paste of standard consistency?
5. What is the effect of fineness on consistency of cement?

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 EXPERIMENT NO.3

TO DETERMINE THE INITIAL AND FINAL SETTING TIME OF

CEMENT

1. Objective: To determine the setting time test of cement

2. EQPT/MATERIAL:
Vicat apparatus with Initial set needle, Final set Attachment, Stop Watch, Portland cement, and
Water.

3. Theory
Two stiffening states of cements are (i) initial and (ii) final setting time. Initial setting time is
defined as the time taken by the paste to stiffen to an extent such that the Vicat needle is not
permitted to move down through the paste within 5  0.5 mm measured from the bottom of the
mould. Time is measured from the instant water is added to the paste.

Final setting time is the time when the paste becomes so hard that the annular attachment to the
needle under standard weight only makes an impression on the hardened cement paste.

4. Procedure:

A. Initial Setting Time:

(1) Take approx: 400 gms of dry cement and add 0.85 P where P is the weight of water for
standard consistency to make paste.
(2) Fill the mould with paste, attach square needle to moving rod of apparatus.
(3)The needle is quickly released and is allowed to penetrate cement paste.
(4) Note down the time and penetration from bottom.
(5) Plot a curve between time (min) and penetration (mm).

(6) Find initial setting time (minutes) when penetration of needle (from bottom) is within 5 
0.5 mm.

The period elapsing between the points when the water is added to the cement the time at
which the paste starts loosing its plasticity is called the initial setting time.

14
 B. Final Setting Time:
. For the determination of final setting time, same needle shall be used. The cement shall be
considered as finally set when, upon applying gently to the surface of test block, only the needle
makes an impression, while the attachment fails to do so.

The period elapsing between the points when the water is added to the cement the time at which
the paste has completely lost its plasticity and has attained sufficient strength is called the final
setting time.

15
5. PRECAUTIONS:
a. The needle should be allowed to touch the surface of cement in the cement paste.
b. After every reading the needle should be cleaned.

6. DETAIL OF READINGS/OBSERVATIONS/DATA TO BE
RECORDED/COLLECTED:

a. Type of cement.
b. Room temperature
c. Temperature of mixing water
d. Humidity

16
7. THE PERFORMA/FORMAT FOR PREPARATION OF RECORD OF
OBSERVATION/DATA WITH NOTES TO HELP COMPLETION

S/NO. AMOUNT OF PENETRATION INITIAL FINAL

WATER (mm) SETTING SETTING
(%) TIME TIME
(min) (min)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

8. INTERPRETATION/COLLECTION OF OBSERVED READINGS,

GRAPHS, ETC LEADING TO RESULTS
To be done with standard specification of ASTM Designation C150 and B.S 12:1978

COMMENTS:

VIVA VOCE:
1. Define term initial and final setting?
2. What is meant by false set?
3. Which apparatus is used for setting test of cement?
4. Initial and final setting time of OPC?
5. Why setting time test is performed?

17
 EXPERIMENT NO 4

TO CARRY OUT SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AGGREGATE SAMPLE

AND DETERMINATION OF ITS FINENESS MODULUS
Objectives:
1) To determine fineness modulus of sand.
2) To determine effective size, uniformity coefficient and coefficient of curvature
3) To plot particle size distribution curve

2. EQPT\MATERIAL
A set of fine sieves, weighing balance, sieve shaker, sample of fine aggregates (500gms)
approximation ,brush for cleaning the sieves.

3. THEORY:

There are different types of sand, so we will have to judge which type of sand is the best for use.
The sand is differentiated on the basis of its gradation. The sand will be called graded if it
consists of particles having a variety of dimensions. For this reason sieve analysis is conducted to
determine the particle size distribution in a sample of aggregate.As per Indian standard the
aggregate fraction from 4.75mm to 75 micron are termed as fine aggregate. Fineness modulus is
defined as sum of the cumulative percentage of sand retained in the designated sieves divided by
100.The effective size, i.e. D10 represents a size, in mm such that 10% of the particles are finer
then the sieve size. Where D60 is the grain diameter at 60% passing, i.e. 40% of sample is
retained on that particular sieve then there is 60% passing

4. PROCEDURE
a. The test is performed on the sample of fine aggregates which has dried. If moisture is
present then dry it at the temperature not exceeding 110˚C.
b. Nest to the sieves with top lid and bottom pan in approximate order in a sieve shaker.
c. Put the material at top sieve and shake it for the least two minute. If hand is to be resorted
then shaking should be done with the varied motion backward and forward, left to right
circular clock-wise or anti-clockwise and with frequent jarring so that the material moves
over the sieve surface in frequent changing directions.
d. Continue sieving till more material pass through sieves.
e. Weigh the material retained on each sieve.
f. Tabulate the observations/readings.

18
5. PRECAUTIONS
a. Sieving should be done properly.
b. Quartering should be done before sieving.

6. DETAILS OF READINGS/OBSERVATIONS/DATA TO BE
RECORDED/COLLECTED
a. Sample number =
b. Source of supply =
c. Total weight sample to be sieved =
d. Fineness modulus is equal to Sum of cumulative % retained/100 =

19
 7. THE PERFORMA/FORMAT FOR PREPARATION OF RECORD OF
OBSERVATIONS/DATA WITH NOTES TO HELP COMPLETION
SIEVE NO. WT. % % ACCUMULATIVE ASTM
RETAINED RETAINED PASSING % RETAINED SPEC
(grams) % passing

#4 95-100

# 8 80-100

# 16 50-85

# 30 25-60

# 50 10-30

# 100 2-10

# 200 ……..

TOTAL ……..

8. INTERPRETATION/COLLECTION OF THE OBSERVE READINGS, GRAPHS,

etc LEADING TO RESULTS
To be done with standard specification of ASTM designation C 136

9. COMMENTS:

VIVA VOCE:
1. Purpose of gradation test?
2. Sieve sequence for fine aggregate?
3. Define fineness modulus?
4. Types of sand according to particle size?
5. What is meant by effective size?

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 EXPERIMENT N0:5

To determine the moisture content, water absorption and bulk density of

fine aggregate (sand)
OBJECTIVES:
To determine the moisture content, water absorption and bulk density of sand
APPARATUS:
1) For Water absorption test: Beaker (1 lt), Hot air oven, weighing balance, tray.
2) For Bulk density test: Cylindrical metal measure, tamping rod, weighing balance.

MATERIALS USED:
500 gram sample of sand.

TEST PROCEDURE:
For water absorption
1) Take 500g (W1) of fine aggregate sample, wash thoroughly to remove dust. Then place the
sample in a container, put in hot air oven for 24 hours, at a temperature of 100 to 110°C. After
24 hours, measure the weight of air dried sample (W2).
2) Take out oven dried aggregate (W2) and immerse in water for 24 hours at a temperature
between 22°C and 32°C with a cover of at least 5 cm of water above the top of the basket.
3) Take out the immersed aggregate and place in a dry cloth. It shall then be spread out, and best
exposed to the atmosphere away from direct sunlight or any other source of heat for not less
than 10 minutes, or until it appears to be completely surface dry. Measure weight of the
aggregate (W3).
4)The aggregate shall then be placed in the oven in the shallow tray, at a temperature of 100 to
110°C and maintained at this temperature for 24 hours. After 24 hours, It shall then be
removed from the oven, cooled in the airtight container and weighed (W4).

For bulk-density
1) Measure empty weight of cylindrical metal measure (Wc).
2) Measure diameter and height of cylindrical metal measure, and determine its volume (Vc).
3)Fill the cylinder with aggregate making three layers and tamp it 25 times each layer. Measure
total weight (WT). Repeat the same procedures for three different samples

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OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

: Water absorption and moisture content of Fine Aggregate

Sl. Weight Weight Weight Weight Moisture Water

No (W1) (W2) (W3) (W4) content absorption
W −W W −W
2
 4 
100 100
1 3

W2 W4

Bulk density of Fine Aggregate

Weight (Wc) Volume of Weight W −W

T C
Sl. (kg) Cylinder(Vc) (WT) Density V (kg/cum)
No (cum) (kg) C

22
 EXPERIMENT NO: 6
Determination of % bulking of sand
1. OBJECTIVE:
To determine Bulking of sand using graduated cylinder.
2. THEORY:
When measuring sand by volume, allowance should be made for the fact that it can
occupy a greater volume when damp than when it is dry. This effect is known as bulking. The
extent of the bulking varies with the moisture content and the coarseness of the sand.Sand is not
100% dry. It contains (4-12)% humadity. Volume of sand increases with moisture or dampness.
At 4% moisture content, increase in volume is about 25% . it then decreases with increase in
moisture content till it becomes zero.
3. APPARATUS:
Beaker (1 lt) , spoon, steel rule, tray

4. MATERIALS USED:
Fine aggregate or sand, distilled water.

5. PROCEDURE:
For bulking of sand test

(1) Put sufficient quantity of the sand into a container until it is about one-thirds full.
(2) Level off the top of the sand and measure the height (h1) by pushing a steel rule vertically
down through the sand at the middle to the bottom. Measure weight of the soil.
(3) Add 4% of water; mix it thoroughly in the container. Smooth and level the top surface
measure the height (h2) of soil. Find the height percentage increment.
(4) Repeat the same procedure with increasing amount of water by 2% until percentage
increment of sand height is reduced.
Plot a graph of percentage increment of sand height against percentage of water

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6. RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS:

: Bulking of sand

Sl. % water Height Height Percentage bulking

{(H1/H2)-
No (h2) (h1) 1] x 100 

24
7. COMMENTS:

VIVA VOCE:
1. Define moisture content?
2. Purpose of the test?
3. Define bulking of sand?
4. If % bulking is more, what should be done?
5. Which material will bulk more fine or coarse?

25
 EXPERIMENT NO. 7

TO DETERMINE THE SPECIFIC GARVITY AND ABSORPTION OF THE

FINE AGGREGATE

1. OBJECTIVE: Determination of specific gravity of fine aggregate(sand)

% water absorption by sand
2. EQPT/MATERIAL
Weighing balance, volumetric Flask of Capacity 500ml, Conical mould made from metal
sheet base dia 3-1/2in top dia 1-1/2 in, Height 2-7/8 in, Tamping rod, sample of sand (1000gms).

3. THEORY:
Specific gravity is the ratio of the weight in air of a given volume of a material to the
weight in air of an equal volume of distilled water. Specific gravity of river sand is around 2.5
and manufactured sand is around 2.7

4 . PROCEDURE:
a) Take approximate 500 grams of sand sample in a pan and dry it in an oven to constant weight.

b) Cover the sample with distilled water and let it stay immersed for 24 hours.

c)After 24 hours decant the water and spread the sample on flat smooth surface.

d) Expose the sample to a gentle current of warm air. Measure weight as S.S.D weight.

e) Fine aggregate is then packed loosely in the conical mould,the surface lightly tamped 25 times
with the tamping rod and mould lifted vertically up. If free moisture is present, then the cone of
fine aggregate will retain its shape.

f) Drying with constant stirring is continued and the test made at frequent interval until the cone
of fine aggregate reaches unstable slumps upon removal of the mould.

g) This stage indicates that fine aggregate has reached a surface dry condition.

h) Now take approx. 500 grams sample prepared above and introduce it into the volumetric flask.
Fill out to 500ml mark with water of temperature 20 ᵒC.

i) Roll the flask on a flat surface to remove any air bubbles. After this keep the flask at 20ᵒC in
oven for one hour then fill it up to 500 ml mark and weigh it.

j) Now remove fine aggregate from flask, dry it in oven to a constant weight, allow it to cool to
room temperature and weigh.
26
Experimental work for determination of specific gravity

5. PRECAUTION:
a)Take all weights with care.

b) Roll the flask gently.

6. DETAILS OF READINGS/OBSERVATION/DATA TO BE
RECORDED/COLLECTED

a) Wt.of saturated surface dry sample = (A) grams

b) Wt. of oven dried sample = (B) grams

c) Wt. of bottle filled water =(C) grams

d) wt. o bottle + sample(SSD)+water =(D) grams

27
 THE PERFORMA/FORMAT FOR PREP WITH RECORDED OF
OBSERVATIONS,DATA,WITH NOTES TO HELP COMPLETION
S/No. BULK SPEC BULK SPEC ABSORPTION
GR.S.S.D GR.OVEN DRIED %
A/(C+A-D) B/(A+C-D) [A-B/B]*100

1
2
3

8. INTERPRETATION / COLLECTION OF THE OBSERVATION

READINGS, GRAPHS, ETC LEADING TO RESULT
To be done with the standard specification of ASTM standard C 128

9. COMMENTS

VIVA VOCE:
1. Define specific gravity?
2. Relation between water absorption and specific gravity?
3. Range of water absorption for fine aggregate?
4. Differentiate between bulk and apparent specific gravity?
5. Why this test is performed?

28
 EXPERIMENT NO 8

TO CARRY OUT SIEVE ANALYSIS OF COARSE AGGREGATE

SAMPLE

1. OBJECTIVE:
Just to judge which types of aggregate is best for use. It is deffenciated on the basis of its
gradation. Also known as particle size distribution test.

2. EQPT/MATERIAL:
A set of coarse sieves, weighing balance, sieve shaker, coarse aggregate, weighing balance ,
brush for clean the sieves

3. PROCEDURE :
a. The test is performed on the sample of fine aggregates which has dried, if moisture is present
then dried it at the temperature not exceeding 110ᵒC.

b.Nest the sieve with top lid and bottom pan is approximate order in sieve shaker.

c. Put the material at the top sieve and shake for the least 2 minute .If hand shaking is to be
resorted then shaking should be done with the varied motion backward and forward, left to right
circular clockwise or anti clock wise and with the frequent jarring so that the material moves
over the sieve surface in frequent changing directions.

d. Continue sieving till more material pass through sieve

e. Weigh the material retain on the sieve.

f. Tabulate the observation/reading.

29
4. PRECAUTION:
a. Sieving should be done properly.

b.Quartering should be done before sieving.

5. DETAIL OF READINGS/OBSERVATIONS /DATA TO BE

RECORDED/COLLECTED

a. Sample no. =

b. Source of supply =

c. Total weight sample to be sieved =

6. THE PERFORMA/FORMAT FOR PREPARATION OF RECORD OF

OBSERVATION/DATA WITH NOTES TO HELP COMPLETION
SIEVE SIZE WT.RETAINED %RETAINED %PASSING
(in) (gms.)

2.5”
2”
1.5”
1”
0.75”
0.375”
#4
Pan

30
7. INTERPRETATION /CORELLATION OF THE OBSERVE READING,
GRAPHS ETC LEADING TO RESULT
To be done with standard specification of ASTM Designation C 136

8.COMMENTS

VIVA VOCE:
1. Purpose of gradation test?
2. Sieve sequence for coase aggregate?
3. Types of aggregate according to gradation?
4. How a gradation curve is achieved?
5. Effect of large and small size on curve?

31
 EXPERIMENT NO. 9

TO DETERMINE THE SPECIFIC GARVITY AND ABSORPTION OF

COARSE AGGREGATE

1. OBJECTIVE: Determination of specific gravity of coarse aggregate

% water absorption by coarse aggregate
2. THEORY:
Coarse aggregate from different quarries vary in their properties and therefore before
estimating quantity of materials for concrete mix, the parameter is required. The water content
inherent in air dried aggregate is known as moisture content and is measured in percentage.
Similarly, aggregates may absorb water when it comes in contact with water. Both these
parameters are needed for concrete mix design.
The sieve analysis is conducted to determine the particle size distribution in a sample of
aggregate, which is called gradation.

3. EQPT/MATERIAL:
Buoyancy Balance, bowl, sample of coarse aggregates, oven, distilled water

4. PROCEDURE:
a. Take an aggregate sample, thoroughly wash and oven dried

b. Immersed aggregate sample in distilled water for 24 hours.

c. Take the weight of aggregate in water

d. Remove the sample form water and roll it in a large absorbent cloth until all the visible films
of water are removed.

e. Take S.S.D (saturated surface dry) weight.

f. Dry that sample in oven and take the dry weight of sample .

32
5. .PRECAUTION:
Take all the weight with care.

6. DETAIL OF READING /OBSERVATION/DATA TO BE

RECORDED/COLLECTED

a. Wt of oven dry sample in air =A= gm

b. Wt of S.S.D sample in air = B= gm

c. Wt. of saturated sample in air =C= gm

33
 7. THE PERFORMA /FORMAT FOR PREPARATION, WITH THE RECORD
OF OBSERVATION, TO HELPS IN ITS COMPLETION

BULK SPEC GR. APPERENT SPEC GR. ABSORPTION

Oven S.S.D=B/(B- A/(A-C) [(B-A)/A]x100

dry=A/(B-C) C)

8. INTERPRETATION/COLLECTION OF THE OBSERVATION READINGS,

GRAPHS ETC LEADINGS TO RESULTS:

To be done with standard specification of ASTM Standard C 127

9. COMMENTS:

VIVA VOCE:
1. Define specific gravity?
2. Relation between water absorption and specific gravity?
3. Range of water absorption for coarse aggregate?
4. Differentiate between bulk and apparent specific gravity?
5. Why this test is performed?

34
 EXPERIMENT NO:10

To find out the compressive strength of different classes of bricks.

1. OBJECTIVE:
o To know about the compressive strength of bricks.
o To be able to know about the use of bricks for different construction works
2. THEORY:
Bricks used in construction work should have adequate compressive strength to resist lateral
and vertical loads. Compressive strength of ordinary bricks varies from 3.5 N/mm2 to 35
N/mm2.
3. APPARATUS:
Compression testing machine,

Sample: Different classes of bricks

Material used: Bricks, cement, sand, water

4. PROCEDURE:
(1) Remove the unevenness observed in the bed faces to provide two smooth and parallel faces
by grinding. Immerse in water at room temperature for 24 hours. Remove the specimen and
drain out any surplus moisture at room temperature.
(2) Fill the frog and all voids in the bed face flush with cement mortar having cement sand ratio
1:3.
(3) Store under damp gunny bags for 24 hours followed by immersion in water for 3 days.
Remove the bricks and wipe out traces of moisture.
(4) Place the specimen with mortar filled face upward, carefully centered between platens of the
testing machine. Apply load axially at a uniform rate of 14 N/mm2/min and note the
maximum load at failure. Find compressive stress after dividing total load (in N) by loaded
surface area (mm2)

35
5. RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS:

Compressive strength Test

Specimen Length Breadth Area Failure load Crushing strength
2
No. (mm) (mm) (mm ) (N) (N/mm2)

36
6. COMMENTS:

VIVA VOCE:
1. Classification of bricks?
2. Characteristics of bricks?
3. Purpose of test?
4. How bricks are manufactured?
5. Define compressive strength and its unit?

37
 EXPERIMENT NO:11

To find out %water absorption of different classes of bricks

1. OBJECTIVE:
To find out water absorption of bricks.

2. THEORY:

Water absorption of a brick is defined as the ratio of weight of water absorbed to the dry
weight of the unit under a given method of treatment in a standard period of time. Water
absorption indicates degree of porosity in a brick. Strength, stiffness, unit weight and other
properties decrease with porosity

3. APPARATUS:
Weighing balance, metal tray about 5 cm deep, oven

4. MATERIALS USED:

Bricks and water.

5. PROCEDURE:

For water absorption test:

(1) Dry the specimen in a ventilated oven at a temperature of 105 to 115 oC for 24 hours. Then
cool it to the room temperature and determine its weight (W1).

(2) Immerse the dried specimen completely in clean water at a temperature of 27 ±2oC for 24
hours. Then remove the specimen, wiped of any traces of water and measure its weight
(W2). This weighing shall be completed within three minutes after the specimen has been
removed from water. Determine percentage of water absorption.

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39
6. RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS:
: Water absorption Test
Dry weight of Immersed weight of % water absorption
Sl. No
Brick brick W2 − W1
(W1) (W2)
(kg) (kg) W1

7. COMMENTS:

VIVA VOCE:
1. Properties of good bricks?
2. Different forms of bricks?
3. Joints in bricks?
4. Basic brickwork terminology?
5. Purpose of water absorption test?

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 EXPERIMENT NO:12

To find out percentage of alkalis in bricks by efflorescence test

1. OBJECTIVE:
To find out percentage of alkalis in brick sample
2. THEORY:
Efflorescence of bricks is usually seen as a white powder (salts of crystallization) caused by
water soluble salts as Sulphates of Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium etc. and Sodium
Chloride. These salts are deposited on the surface of the bricks on the evaporation of water.
Efflorescence decreases strength and stiffness of bricks.

3. APPARATUS:

A shallow flat bottom dish or tray.

4. MATERIAL USED:
Bricks and water

5. PROCEDURE:
(1) Place the end of the brick in the disk or tray. The depth of immersion in water shall be 25
mm.
(2) Keep the whole arrangement at a temperature 20oC to 30oC until all the water in the dish
is absorbed by the specimens and the surplus water evaporates.
(3) When the water has been evaporated and the bricks appear to be dry, place a similar
quantity of water in the dish and allow it to dry evaporate as before.
(4) Examine the bricks for efflorescence after the second evaporation and report the results
as the definition given in table.

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 6. RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS:
Degree of Efflorescence

Efflorescence Definitions

Nil No perceptible deposit of efflorescence

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

7. COMMENTS:

VIVA VOCE:
1. Ingredients of good brick earth?
2. Define efflorescence?
3. Different forms of bricks?
4. Purpose of test?
5. Enlist the tests of bricks?

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