EXPERIMENT :- 1

DETERMINATION OF FINENESS MODULUS OF

COARSE AGGREGATE AND FINE AGGREGATE

OBJECTIVE:-
To determine fineness modulus of coarse aggregate and fine aggregate
REFERENCE:-
• IS:2386-1963(Part1) Methods for test of Aggregate for Concrete, Part-1Particle size and
Shape
• IS:383-1970 Specification for Coarse and Fine Aggregates from Natural Sources for
Concrete
• IS:460-1985(Part1) Specification for test sieves, Part-1 Wire cloth test sieves
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:-
Fine aggregate are defined as aggregate passing through 4.75mm sieve and coarse aggregate
are defined as aggregates retained on 4.75mm sieve. Fineness modulus of aggregate
represents the average size of the particles in the aggregate by an index number. This
determines the particle size distribution, or grading, of the aggregate sample. The higher the
FM, the coarser the aggregate. Usually, a lower FM results in more paste, making concrete
easier to finish. For the high cement contents used in the production of high-strength
concrete, coarse sand with an FM around 3.0 produces concrete with the best workability and
highest compressive strength.
APPARATUS:-
Sieves- Sizes confirming to IS:460-1985, sizes used for this particular test are 80mm, 40mm,
20mm, l0mm,4.75mm for coarse aggregate and4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.16mm, 600micron,
300micron, 150micron

1
• Balance- Readable and accurate to 0.1% of weight of test sample
• Sample-5kg for coarse aggregate and 1kg for fine aggregate

TEST PROCEDURE FOR FINENESS MODULUS OF AGGREGATES :-

1. Take a sample of coarse aggregate in pan and placed it in dry oven at a temperature of 100–
110̊ C or dry at room temperature. After drying take the sample weight to nearest gram.
2. Arrange the sieves in descending order i.e.(80mm>40mm>20mm>10mm>4.75mm and
4.75mm>2.36mm>1.16mm>600micron>300micron>150micron from largest at top to lowest
at bottom for coarse aggregate and fine aggregate respectively) and put the arrangement on
mechanical shaker.
3. After proper sieving, record the sample weight retained on each sieve .
4. Find out the cumulative weight of retained particles as well as cumulative % retained on each
sieve.

2
OBSERVATION TABLE 1:-

(Fineness modulus of Coarse aggregate)

Weight of Sample= 5kg = 5000g
Sieve size Weight retained Percentage Percentage Cumulative %
(mm) (g) weight retained weight passing retained
(%) (%)

80
40
20
10
4.75
PAN

CALCULATIONS:-
Sum of cumulative % retained=
Therefore, fineness modulus of coarse aggregates= [sum (cumulative % retained)]/ 100
= (______ /100) =

RESULTS:-
Fineness modulus of coarse aggregates is _______

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS:-
The fineness modulus of coarse aggregate is expected to be between 3 - 4 (since size should
be less than 38.1mm)

3
OBSERVATION TABLE 2:-
(Fineness modulus of Fine aggregate)
Weight of Sample= 1000g
Sieve size Weight retained Percentage Percentage Cumulative %
(mm) (g) weight retained weight passing retained
(%) (%)

4.75
2.36
1.16
600μ
300μ
150μ
PAN

CALCULATIONS:-
Sum of cumulative % retained=
Therefore, fineness modulus of fine aggregates= [sum (cumulative % retained)]/ 100
= ( _________ /100) =

RESULTS:-
Fineness modulus of fine aggregates is _________
INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS:
Generally, Fineness modulus of fine aggregate i.e.sand is: -
Fine Sand 2.2-2.6
Medium sand 2.6 - 2.9
Coarse sand 2.9 - 3.2

4
 PRECAUTIONS:

• The weight of sample available shall be not less than the weight given in Table II of IS:2386-
1963(Part1). The sample for sieving (see Table II, IS:2386-1963(Part1)) shall be prepared
from the larger sample either by quartering or by means of a sample divider
[Table 2 IS: 2386-1963(part 1), page 5]

• Sample should be in an air-dry condition,

NOTE:

It is suggested that, to know the exact value of fineness modulus for coarse aggregate,
mechanical shaker will give better value than hand shaking because of more number of sieves
and heavy size particles.

CONCLUSION:

5
 EXPERIMENT :-2

DETERMINATION OF STANDARD CONSISTENCY OF

CEMENT

OBJECTIVE :-

To determine the quantity of water required to produce a cement paste of standard

consistency.

REFERENCES :-

IS : 4031 ( Part 4 ) – 1988 Methods of physical test for hydraulic cement

BACKGROUND INFORMATION :-

• 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 7mm from the bottom of the vicat
mould.
• This test is used to determine the amount of water required for making the cement to
reach standard consistency.
• By the standard consistency test of cement, we can find that how much water is
required to produce effective cement paste which will eventually produce good
quality of concrete.
• The standard consistency of cement paste is used basically, in the determination of
water/cement ratio, the setting time, soundness and compressive strength tests of
cement.

APPARATUS :-

• Vicat (apparatus confirming to IS:5513-1976)

• Vicat mould (confirming to IS:5513-1976)
• Plunger (confirming to IS:5513-1976)
• Needle (confirming to IS:5513-1976)
• Weight Balance
• Gauging trowel

6
PROCEDURE:-

• Prepare a paste of weighed quantity of cement (400g) with weighed quantity of

distilled water or potable water , taking care that the time of gauging is not less than 3
minutes and not more than 5 minutes and gauging is completed before any sign of
setting occurs.
• The cement used is of coromandel cement company of OPC 53 grade.
• The gauging is counted from the time of adding water to the dry cement until
commencing to fill the mould .
• Fill the vicat mould with this paste resting upon a non-porous plate.
• Smoothen the surface of the paste, making it level with the top of the mould.
• Slightly shake the mould to expel the air.
• In filling the mould operators hands and the blade of the gauging trowel shall only be
used.
• Immediately place the test block with the non-porous resting plate, under the rod
bearing the plunger.
• Lower the plunger gently to touch the surface of the test block and quickly release,
allowing it sink into the paste.
• Record the depth of penetration.
• Prepare trial pastes with varying percentages of water and test as described above
until the plunger is 5mm to 7mm from the bottom of the vicat mould.

7
CALCULATIONS :-

Weight of water added

Standard Consistency (%) = ------------------------------------------------ * 100

Weight of Cement

PRECAUTIONS :-

• Care shall be taken to maintain the specified temperature, humidity and the time of
mixing so as to avoid setting of cement paste.
• This test should be conducted at a temperature 27 +/- 2C and then relative humidity of
laboratory should be 65 +/- 5%.

8
OBSERVATION:-

Sr. no. % of water added Depth of penetration(mm)

1
2
3
4
5

RESULTS :-

CONCLUSIONS:-

9
 EXPERIMENT:-3

DETERMINATION OF INITIAL AND FINAL SETTING TIME

OF ORDINARY PORTLAND CEMENT

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the initial and final setting times of ordinary portland cement.

REFRENCES:

IS 4031 (part 5) :1998 Methods for physical tests of hydraulic cement- determination of
initial and final setting time of cement.

IS 5513 : 1996 Vicat apparatus – specification

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The time between the water is added to cement till it starts losing its plasticity is called
as initial setting time.
The time between which water added to cement till it has come in hardened state is
called as final setting time.
The test is carried out to find whether cement sets at a rate suitable for a particular work
or not.
After mixing cement with water, it takes time to place the cement paste in
position, initial setting time possess a primary role in strength & it is mandated that
cement paste or concrete is placed in position before it crosses initial setting time.
MATERIALS:
Ordinary Portland Cement of grade 53
Water

10
APPARATUS :-

Vicat apparatus as per IS: 5513-1976.

Needle for initial setting time shall be round of diameter 1.13mm± 0.05 mmand length shall
be 50mm ±1mm.

Needle for final setting time shall be of the same section as needle of initial setting time but
shall be 30mm±1 mm in length.

Plunger shall be of polished brass 10mm ± 0.05 mmin diameter and the lower edge shall be
flat. Its length shall be 50mm ± 1 mm.

The Vicatmould shall be of truncated conical form with an internal diameter of 70 ± 5 mm at

the top, 80 ± 5 mm at the bottom and a height 40 ± 0.2 mm. The mould shall be adequately
rigid and shall have a minimum wall thickness of 4 mm.

A glass plate of minimum2.5mm thickness shall be provided at bottom.

Figure 1: vicat apparatus

Balance of capacity 20kg and sensitivity 1 gram.

Gauging trowel

11
PROCEDURE:

1 Prepare a paste of cement with 0.85 times the water required to a give a paste of
standard consistency.
2 Fill the Vicat mould with a cement paste while the mould is resting on a nonporous
plate.
3 Fill the mould completely and smooth off the surface of the paste making it level with
the top of the mould.
4 Immediately after moulding, place the test block in the moist closet or moist room and
allow it to remain there except when determinations of time of setting are being made.
5 Place the test block confined in the mould and resting on the non-porous plate, under
the rod bearing the initial time needle and lower the needle gently until it comes in
contact with the surface of the test block and quickly release, allowing it to penetrate
into the test block.
6 Repeat this procedure until the needle, when brought in contact with the test block
and released as described above, fails to pierce the block beyond 5.0 ± 0.5 mm
measured from the bottom of the mould.
7 The period elapsing between the time when water is added to the cement and the time
at which the needle fails to pierce the test block to a point 5.0 ± 0.5 mm measured
from the bottom of the mould shall be the initial setting time.
8 Replace the needle of initial setting time of the Vicat apparatus by the needle of final
setting time.
9 apply the needle gently to the surface of the test block, the needle makes an
impression thereon, while the attachment fails to do so.
10 The period elapsing between the time when water is added to the cement and the time
at which the needle makes an impression on the surface of test block while the
attachment fails to do so shall be the final setting time.

12
PRECAUTIONS:

1 The temperature of moulding room, dry materials and water shall be maintained at 27
± 2°C.
2 The relative humidity of the laboratory shall be 65 ± 5 %.
3 The time of gauging in any case shall be between 3 to 5 minutes.
4 The initial and final setting time needles shall be released gently.
5 The experiment should be performed away from vibration and other disturbances.
6 Every time the location of needle on mould should be taken at different places.

OBSERVATION:

Cement (gm) Water (ml) IST FST

RESULTS:

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS:

Setting times (As per IS 12269:2013- Ordinary Portland Cement, 53 grade — specification)

a) Initial - Minimum 30 minutes and maximum60 minutes for 53 grade OPC

b) Final- Maximum 600 minutes for 53 grade OPC

CONCLUSION:

13
 EXPERIMENT :-4

SPECIFICGRAVITY AND WATER ABSORPTION OF

FINE AGGREGATE

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the specific gravity, apparent specific gravity and water absorption of
aggregates.

REFERENCES:

IS 2386(Part 3):1963 Methods of test for Aggregates for Concrete: Determination of Specific
Gravity.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Specific Gravity is defined as the ratio of weight of Aggregate to the weight of equal volume
of water. The specific gravity of an aggregate is considered to be a measure of strength or
quality of the material. Aggregates having low specific gravity are generally weaker than
those with high specific gravity. This property helps in a general identification of aggregates.

Water absorption is the ratio of wet weight to dry weight of sand .It helps in determining the
water holding capacity of sand. Pores that absorb water are also known as water permeable
voids.Water absorption of fine aggregate plays a major role in affecting the water cement
ratio.

APPARATUS:

• Balance- A balance or scale of capacity not less than 3 kg,readable and accurate to 0.5
g, and of such a type as to permit the weighing of the vessel containing the aggregate
and water.
• Oven- A well ventilated oven, thermostatically controlled to maintain a temperature
of 100 to 110°C.

14
 • Glass Vessel or Jar-A wide-mouthed glass vessel such as a jar of about 1.5 liters
capacity, with. a flat ground lip and a plane ground disc of plate glass to cover it,
giving a virtually watertight fit.

• Cloths- Two dry soft absorbent cloths, each not less than75 x 45 cm.
• Tray - A shallow tray of area not less than 325 cm3.
• Container- An airtight container large enough to take the sample.

PROCEDURE:

1. A sample of about 1 kg for 10 mm to 4.75 mm or 500 g if finer than 4.75 mm, shall be
placed in the tray and covered with distilled water at a temperature of 22 to 32°C.
2. After immersion, air entrapped in or bubbles on the surface of the aggregate shall be
removed by gentle agitation with a rod. The sample shall remain immersed for 24 ±
l/2 hours.
3. The water shall then be carefully drained from the sample, by decantation through a
filter paper, any material retained being return and to the sample.
4. The aggregate including any solid matter retained on the filter paper shall be exposed
to a gentle current of warm air to evaporate surface moisture and shall be stirred at
frequent intervals to ensure uniform drying until no free surface moisture can be seen
and the material just attains a ‘free-running’ condition.
5. The saturated and surface-dry sample shall be weighed (weight A).

15
 6. The aggregate shall then be placed in the pycnometer which shall be filled with
distilled water. Any trapped air shall be eliminated by rotating the pycnometer on its
side, the hole in the apex of the cone being covered with a finger.
7. The pycnometer shall be dried on the outside and weighed (weight B).The contents of
the pycnometer shall be emptied into the tray, care being taken to ensure that all the
aggregate is transferred.
8. The pycnometer shall be refilled with distilled water to the same level as before, dried
on the outside and weighed (weight C). The difference in the temperature of the water
in the pycnometer during the first and second weightings shall not exceed 2°C.
9. The water shall then be carefully drained from the sample by decantation through a
filter paper and any material retained returned to the sample. The sample shall be
placed in the oven in the tray at a temperature of 100 to 110°C for 24 ± l/2 hours,
during which period it shall be stirred occasionally to facilitate drying.
10. It shall be cooled in the air-tight container and weighed (weight D).

CALCULATIONS:
𝐷
Specific gravity =
𝐴−(𝐵−𝐶)

𝐷
Apparent specific gravity =
𝐷−(𝐵−𝐶)

100(𝐴−𝐷)
Water absorption (percent of dry weight) =
𝐷

Where,
A = weight in g of saturated surface-dry sample,
B = weight in g of vessel sample filled with distilled water,
C = weight in g of vessel filled with distilled water only,
D = weight in g of oven-dried sample.

16
OBSERVATION:

Sr.No Description Observed values

1. Weight of pycnometer in air :A g
2. Weight of aggregates and pycnometer :B g
3. Weight of aggregate pycnometer and water : C g
4. Weight of water and pycnometer in air : Dg
5. Apparent specific gravity :
100(𝐴 − 𝐷)
𝐷

RESULTS:

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS:

Specific gravity of sand should be in the range of 2.5 to 3.0%.

Water absorption should be in the range of 0.3 to 2.5%.

CONCLUSION:

17
 EXPERIMENT:-5

DETERMINATION OF AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE

OBJECTIVE:

To determine impact value of given coarse aggregate.

REFERENCES:

IS 2386(Part 4)-1963 Methods of test for aggregate for concrete- Mechanical properties.
Determination of aggregate impact value.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The aggregate impact value the percentage of fines produced from the aggregate sample
subjecting it to a standard amount of impact. It gives a relative measure of the resistance of an
aggregate to sudden shock or impact, which in some aggregate differs from its resistance to a
slow compressive load.

APPARATUS:

• An impact testing machine consists of:

1. Total weight not more than 60 kg nor less than 45 kg.
2. The machine shall have a metal base weighing between 22 and 30 kg with a plane
lower surface of not less than 30 cm diameter, and shall be supported on a level and
plane concrete or stone block or floor at least 45 cm thick.
3. A cylindrical steel cup of internal dimensions: Diameter 102 mm, Depth 50 mm and
not less than 6.3 mm thick
4. A metal hammer weighing 13.5 to 14.0 kg, the lower end of which shall be cylindrical
in shape, 100.0 mm in diameter and 5 cm long, with a 2 mm chamfer at the lower
edge, and case-hardened. The hammer shall slide freely between vertical guides so
arranged that the lower (cylindrical) part of the hammer is above and concentric with
the cup.

18
 5. Means for raising the hammer and allowing it to fall freely between the vertical
guides from a height of 380±5 mm on to the test sample in the cup, and means for
adjusting the height of fall within 5 mm.
• Sieves-The IS Sieves of sizes 12.5, 10 and 2.36 mm
• Measure - A cylindrical metal measure, tared to the nearest gram, of sufficient rigidity
to retain its form under rough usage, and of the following internal dimensions :
Diameter 75 mm and depth 50 mm
• Tamping Rod- A straight metal tamping rod of circular cross-section 10 mm in
diameter and 230 mm long, rounded at one end.
• Balance of capacity not less than 500 g, readable and accurate to 0.1 g.
• Oven - A well-ventilated oven, thermostatically controlled to maintain a temperature
of 100 to 110°C.

FIGURE:

19
PROCEDURE:

1. The test sample shall consists of aggregate the whole of which passes a 12.5 mm IS Sieve
and is retained on a 10 mm IS Sieve. The aggregate comprising the test sample shall be dried
in an oven for a period of four hours at a temperature of 100 to 110°C and cooled.

2. The measure shall be filled about one-third full with the aggregate and tamped with 25
strokes of the rounded end of the tamping rod and the surplus aggregate struck off, using the
tamping rod as a straight-edge. The net weight of aggregate in the measure shall be
determined to the nearest gram (Weight A)

3. The impact machine shall rest without wedging or packing upon the level plate, block or
floor, so that it is rigid and the hammer guide columns are vertical.

4. The cup shall be fixed firmly in position on the base of the machine and the whole of the
test sample placed in it and compacted by a single tamping of 25 strokes of the tamping rod.

5. The hammer shall be raised until its lower face is 380 mm above the upper surface of the
aggregate in the cup, and allowed to fall freely on to the aggregate. The test sample shall be
subjected to a total of 15 such blows each being delivered at an interval of not less than one
second.

6. The crushed aggregate shall then be removed from the cup and the whole of it sieved on
the 2.36 mm IS Sieve until no further significant amount passes in one minute. The fraction
passing the sieve shall be weighed to an accuracy of 0.1 g (Weight. B).The fraction retained
on the sieve shall also be weighed (Weight C) and, if the total weight (B+C) is less than the
initial weight (Weight A) by more than one gram, the result shall be discarded and a fresh test
made.

7. The fraction retained on the sieve shall also be weighed (Weight C) and, if the totalweight
(C+B) is less than the initial weight (Weight A) by more than one gram, the result shall be
discarded and a fresh test made. Two tests shall be made.

20
OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

The ratio of the weight of fines formed to the total sample weight in each test shall he
expressed as a percentage, the result being recorded to the first decimal place:

𝐵
Aggregate Impact Value, AIV= × 100
𝐴

A =weight of oven dried sample

B= weight of fraction passing through 2.36 mm IS sieve

Sl. No Description Sample 1 Sample 2

1 Weight of oven dried sample, A (g)

2 weight of fraction passing through 2.36 mm IS sieve,

B (g)
3 𝐵
AIV = × 100 (%)
𝐴

4 Average aggregate impact value

RESULT: The aggregate Impact value of given sample of coarse aggregate is ……….. %

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS: The aggregate impact value should not be

more than 45 % for aggregate used for concrete other than for wearing surfaces, and 30% for
concrete used for wearing surfaces such as runways, roads and air field pavements.

CONCLUSION:

21
 EXPERIMENT:-6

SPECIFICGRAVITY OF GRIT AGGREGATE

OBJECTIVE:

To determination of the specific gravity, apparent specific gravity and water absorption of
grit aggregates.

REFERENCES:

IS 2386(Part 3):1963

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Specific Gravity is defined as the ratio of weight of Aggregate to the weight of equal volume
of water. The specific gravity of an aggregate is considered to be a measure of strength or
quality of the material. Aggregates having low specific gravity are generally weaker than
those with high specific gravity. This property helps in a general identification of aggregates.

Water absorption is the ratio of wet weight to dry weight of sand .It helps in determining the
water holding capacity of sand. Pores that absorb water are also known as water permeable
voids. Water absorption of fine aggregate plays a major role in affecting the water cement
ratio.

APPARATUS:

• Balance - A balance or scale of capacity not less than 3 kg, readable and accurate to
0.5 g, and of such a type as to permit the weighing of the vessel containing the
aggregate and water.
• Oven - A well ventilated oven, thermostatically controlled, to maintain a temperature
of 100 to 110°C.
• Glass Vessel or Jar-A wide-mouthed glass vessel such as a jar of about 1.5 liters
capacity, with. a flat ground lip and a plane ground disc of plate glass to cover it,
giving a virtually watertight fit.

22
• Cloths- Two dry soft absorbent cloths, each not less than75 x 45 cm.
• Tray - A shallow tray of area not less than 325 cm3.
• Container- An airtight container large enough to take the sample.
• Filter papers and funnel.

23
PROCEDURE:

1. A sample of about 1 kg for 10 mm to 4-75 mm or 500 g if finer than 4.75 mm, shall
be placed in the tray and covered with distilled water at a temperature of 22 to 32°C.
2. After immersion, air entrapped in or bubbles on the surface of the aggregate shall be
removed by gentle agitation with a rod. The sample shall remain immersed for 24± l/2
hours.
3. The water shall then be carefully drained from the sample, by decantation through a
filter paper, any material retained being return and to the sample.
4. The aggregate including any solid matter retained on the filter paper shall be exposed
to a gentle current of warm air to evaporate surface moisture and shall be stirred at
frequent intervals to ensure uniform drying until no free surface moisture can be seen
and the material just attains a ‘free-running’ condition.
5. The saturated and surface-dry sample shall be weighed (weight A).
6. The aggregate shall then be placed in the pycnometer which shall be filled with
distilled water. Any trapped air shall be eliminated by rotating the pycnometer on its
side, the hole in the apex of the cone being covered with a finger.
7. The pycnometer shall be dried on the outside and weighed (weight B). The contents
of the pycnometer shall be emptied into the tray, care being taken to ensure that all the
aggregate is transferred.
8. The pycnometer shall be refilled with distilled water to the same level as before, dried
on the outside and weighed (weight C). The difference in the temperature of the water
in the pycnometer during the first and second weightings shall not exceed 2°C.
9. The water shall then be carefully drained from the sample by decantation through a
filter paper and any material retained returned to the sample. The sample shall be
placed in the oven in the tray at a temperature of 100 to 110°C for 24 ± l/2 hours,
during which period it shall be stirred occasionally to facilitate drying.
10. It shall be cooled in the air-tight container and weighed (weight D).

24
CALCULATIONS:
Specific gravity, apparent specific gravity and water absorption shall be calculated as
follows:

𝐷
Specific gravity = =
𝐴−(𝐵−𝐶)

𝐷
Apparent specific gravity = =
𝐷−(𝐵−𝐶)

100(𝐴−𝐷)
Water absorption (percent of dry weight ) = =
𝐷

where
A = weight in g of saturated surface-dry sample,
B = weight in g of pycnometer or gas jar containing sample
and filled with distilled water,
C = weight in g of pycnometer or gas jar filled with distilled water only,
D = weight in g of oven-dried sample.

25
OBSERVATION:

Sr.No Description Observed values

1. Weight of pycnometer in air : A g
2. Weight of aggregates and pycnometer :B g
3. Weight of aggregate pycnometer and water : C g
4. Weight of water and pycnometer in air : D g
5. Apparent specific gravity :
100(𝐴 − 𝐷)
𝐷

RESULTS:

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS:

Specific gravity of grit should be in the range of 2.5 to 3.0%.

Water absorption should be in the range of 0.3 to 2.5%.

CONCLUSION:

26
 EXPERIMENT: -7

DIMENSION AND TOLERANCE TEST IN BRICKS

OBJECTIVES:

To estimate tolerance and dimensions of bricks

REFERENCES:

IS: 1077: 1992 Common burnt clay building bricks

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Brick is a very common construction material obtained by moulding clay in rectangular

blocks of uniform size and then by drying and burning them at a required temperature. Due to
high strength and durability, easy availability and low cost; they are nowadays widely used
for building construction. On the basis of their size, IS 1077:1992 classifies bricks into two
categories, i.e. modular and non-modular type. The sizes of modular brick are selected in
conformity with the metric system considering 100 mm module as the basis of all
dimensional standardization. The standard modular sizes of Indian bricks are:

Without mortar: 190 mm × 90 mm × 90 mm

With mortar: 200 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm

However, bricks of non-modular sizes are also available in India, which satisfies other
requirements of the code, but not the requirements regarding dimension. The standard sizes
of non-modular bricks vary region to region basis. In Odisha the standard size of nonmodular
bricks available is 225 mm × 125 mm × 75 mm (without mortar). This size may vary slightly
due to drying shrinkage.

For a good quality of brick, tolerances in dimensions are allowed within ± 3.0 %.

27
APPARATUS:

• Measuring Tape, Trowel and Brush

28
PROCEDURE:

1. Ten whole bricks shall be selected.

2. All blisters, loose particles of clay and small projections shall be removed.
3. They shall then be arranged upon a level surface successively in contact with each other
and in a straight line.
4. The overall length of the assembled bricks shall be measured with a measure tape or other

suitable inextensible measure sufficiently long to measure the

whole row at one stretch.
5. Measurement by repeated application of short rule or measure shall not be permitted.

(Length wise brick measurement) (Width wise brick measurement) (Height wise brick measurement)

OBSERVATIONS:

Nos. of bricks tested: ________

Standard sizes of bricks taken: ______ mm × ______ mm × ______ mm.

Length(mm) Width(mm) Thickness(mm)

For 10 nos. of bricks

For One Bricks

Tolerance (in%)

29
RESULT:

The dimensions of given bricks are: ______ mm × ______ mm × ______ mm

CONCLUSION:

The given bricks have dimensions ______ mm × ______ mm × ______ mm and the
tolerances in dimensions are bellow/ above 3.0%. Thus, the bricks are of good quality/ are not
of good quality.

30
 EXPERIMENT :- 8

DETERMINATION OF WATER ABSORPTION OF BRICKS

OBJECTIVE:

To determine water absorption of burnt clay building bricks.

REFERENCES:

IS : 3495(Part 2 )–1992

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

There are basically four types of bricks which come under burnt bricks which are first,
second and third class of bricks

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. For good quality
of bricks, after immersion in cold water for 24 hours, the water absorption should not be more
than 20% by weight

Brick for external use must be capable of preventing rain water from passing through them, to
inside of the wall of reasonable thickness.

APPARATUS:

• A sensitive balance capacity of weighing within 0.1% of specimen

• Ventilated oven

PROCEDURE:

• Total no of 5 specimens were taken.

• Dry the specimen in a ventilated oven at a temperature of 105 to 115 °𝐶 till it attains
substantially constant mass.
• Cool the specimen to room temperature and obtain its weight (𝑀1 ).

31
 • Immerse completely dried specimen in clean water at a temperature of 27 ± 2 °𝐶 for
24 hours.
• Remove the specimen and wipe out any traces of water with a damp cloth and weight
the specimen.
• Complete the weighting 3 minutes after the specimen has been removed from water
(𝑀2 ).

Observations :

Serial No: Weight of dry brick Weight of wet brick Water absorption
𝑀1 (kg) 𝑀2 (kg) percentage (%)
1
2
3
4
5
CALCULATION :

(𝑀2 − 𝑀1 )
Water absorption = ∗ 100
𝑀1

𝑀1 = Weight of dry brick

𝑀2 = Weight of wet brick

Average percentage absorption =

RESULT :

The water absorption of burnt clay building brick =

32
INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS :

General Range of Water Absorption of Bricks.

Class of Brick Water Aborption Capacity

1 12.5%
2 15%
3 20%

CONCLUSION :

The power of a brick to absorb water is measured by the initial rate of absorption. Low
suction bricks need a leaner mortar to give good bond. High suction bricks require a mortar
with very high water retention, making it necessary to shorten the length of the bed joint or
wet the bricks to reduce their suction.

33
 EXPERIMENT: -9

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CEMENT

OBJECTIVE:

Determination of compressive strength of cement.

REFERENCE:

IS 4031-1988 (Part-6)

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Types of cement : Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC),
Rapid Hardening Cement, Quick setting cement, Low Heat Cement, Sulphates resisting
cement, Blast Furnace Slag Cement, High Alumina Cement, White Cement, Coloured
cement, Air Entraining Cement, Expansive cement, Hydrographic cement.

Among physical properties of cement, compressive strength is the most important property.
When cement is used for important structures, compressive strength test is always carried out
to ascertain quality of cement. Strength test is not made on plain cement due to excess
shrinkage and cracking of plain cement paste. The test is therefore carried out on blocks of
mortar made of cement, sand and water.

As the quality of sand from different sources varies, it is necessary to use sand of standard
quality for this test. The standard sand consists of well graded sand of quartz, light grey or
whitish in colour and free of silts and organic impurities. As per IS 650: 1991, standard sand
is obtained from Ennore, Tamil-nadu.

In the mortar, cement and sand are used in the proportion of 1:3. Mortar cubes of size 70.6
mm are prepared, compacted and cured properly before testing under direct compression. The
cubes are tested in compression testing machine at the end on three days, seven days and
twenty-eight days. For ordinary Portland cement of 53 grades, the average compressive
strength after 28 days should not be less than 53 N/ mm2.

34
APPARATUS:

Vibration Machine, Poking Rod, Cube Mould of 70.6 mm size conforming to IS: 10080-
1982, Balance, Gauging Trowel, Watch, Graduated Glass Cylinders, etc.

MATERIAL:

Coromandal(Ordinary Portland cement 53 grade), Water, Grease/Oil, Standard sand (IS: 650-
1966).

PROCEDURE:

Preparation of cement mortar cubes:

1. Take 200g of cement and 600g of standard sand (i.e. ratio of cement to sand is 1:3) in
a non-porous enamel tray and mix them with a trowel for one minute.
2. After standard consistency test result (37%), add water quantity ((𝑃/ 4) + 3.0) %
=98ml of combined weight of cement and sand and mix the three ingredients
thoroughly until the mixture is of uniform colour. (‘P’ is the consistency of cement).
The time of mixing should be less than three minutes and not more than four minutes.
3. Immediately after mixing fill the mortar into greased cube moulds of sizes 70.6 mm.
4. Compact the mortar either by hand compaction in a standard specified manner or on
the vibrating table.
5. Place the moulds at a temperature of 27º ± 2º C for 24 hours.
6. Remove the specimen from the moulds and submerge them in clean water for curing.

Testing of cement mortar cubes:

7. Take the cube out of water at the end of three days with dry cloth. Measure the
dimensions of the surface in which the load is to be applied. Let them be ‘L’ and ‘B’
respectively.
8. Place the cube in compressive testing machine and apply the load uniformly at the
rate of 14N/mm2 per minute.
9. Note the load F at which the cube fails.

35
10. Calculate the compressive strength of the cube by using formula F/𝐴. Where A is the
area of loaded surface (i.e. L×B)
11. Repeat the same procedure for another cube.
12. Repeat the whole procedure to find the compressive strength of the cube at the end of
28 days

36
OBSERVATION:

• For 28 days strength:

Sl. No. Length (L) in Breadth (B) in Load (F) in N Compressive

mm mm strength in
N/mm2
1
2
3

Average=

RESULTS:

The type and grade of cement:

The compressive strength of cement at the end of

i. 28 days: ___________. N/mm2.

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS:

CONCLUSIONS:

What should You do when Result is not in Range of Acceptance Criteria?

• If your test result is not in range of acceptance criteria, there can be many reasons such as
improper mixing, curing and proportion of cement and sand, having a basic defect in
cement or sand, error in experiment procedure etc.

37
• In that case, accurately perform the test again. If still the test results fail than don’t use
such defective material and consult your cement supplier/ manufacturer to replace it. It
will be suicidal if to use such cement.
• Also, check how old the cement is. It is very old or may be hydrated for one or other
reasons; this may happen. Hence don’t use such cement. Consult your architect/structural
engineer to check whether it can be used for a non-structural purpose like PCC,
internal plaster, mortar bed for flooring etc. This will again be governed by test result.

38
 EXPERIMENT :-10

DETERMINATION OF EFFLORESCENCE IN BRICKS

OBJECTIVE :

To determine the efflorescence of burnt clay building bricks.

REFRENCES :

IS : 3495 (Part 3 ) – 1992

BACKGROUND INFORMATION :

Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit of salts that can form when water is present in or
on brick, concrete, stone or other building surfaces. It has a white or greyish tint and consists
of salt deposits left behind when water evaporates. Efflorescence can appear as a powdery
substance on exposed masonry work.

APPARATUS :

A shallow flat bottom dish containing sufficient distilled water to completely saturate the
specimens. The dish shall be made of glass, porcelain or glazed stoneware and of size 180
mm x 180 mm X 40 mm depth for square shaped and 200 mm dia X 40 mm depth for
cylindrical shaped.

PROCEDURE :

1. Place the end of the bricks in the dish, the depth of immersion in water being 25 mm.
2. Place the whole arrangement in a warm ( 20°C to 30°C ) well ventilated room until all
the water in the dish is absorbed by the specimens. and the surplus water evaporates.
3. Cover the dish containing the brick with suitable glass cylinder so that excessive
evaporation from the dish may not occur.
4. When the water has been absorbed and bricks appear to be dry, place a similar quantity
of water in the dish and allow it to evaporate as before.
5. Examine the bricks for efflorescence after the second evaporation and report the results.
39
OBSERVATIONS :

Sr. no. % of exposed area covered by salts

1
2
3
4
5

RESULT :

The average efflorescence of burnt clay building bricks =

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS :

The liability to efflorescence shall be reported as ‘nil’, ‘slight’, ‘moderate’, ‘heavy’ or

‘serious’ in accordance with the following definitions (As per IS : 3495 (Part 3 ) – 1992 )

• Nil - When there is no perceptible deposit of efflorescence.

• Slight - When not more than 10 percent of the exposed area of the brick is covered
with a thin deposit of salts.
• Moderate - When there is a heavier deposit than under ‘slight’ and covering up to 50
percent of the exposed area of the brick surface but unaccompanied by powdering or
flaking of the surface.
• Heavy - When there is a heavy deposit of salts covering 50 percent or more of the
exposed area of the brick surface but unaccompanied by powdering or flaking of the
surface.
• Serious - When there is a heavy deposit of salts accompanied by powdering and/or
flaking of the exposed surfaces.

40
CONCLUSION :

41
 EXPERIMENT :-11

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF BRICK

OBJECTIVES :

To determine the compressive strength of burnt clay building blocks

REFERENCES :

IS : 3495 (Part 1) – 1992

BACKGROUND INFORMATION :

Brick are mostly subjected to compression and rarely to tension. The usual crushing strength
of common hand molded well burnt brick is about 5 to 10𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 (50 to 100𝑘𝑔𝑓/𝑐𝑚2 )
varying according to the nature of preparation of the clay. Pressed and machine molded
bricks made of thoroughly mixed clay are much stronger than common hand mould bricks
made from carelessly prepared clay.

APPARATUS :

Compressive strength testing machine

PROCEDURE :

• Remove 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.
• Fill the frog with cement mortar (1 part cement and 1 part clean coarse sand of grade
3 mm and down)
• Store under the damp jute bags for 24 hours.
• Remove and wipe out any traces of moisture.
• Place the specimen with flat faces horizontal and mortar filled face facing upwards
between two 3-ply plywood sheets each of 3 mm thickness and carefully centred
between plates of the testing machine.

42
 • Apply load axially at a uniform rate of 14𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 (140 𝑘𝑔𝑓/𝑐𝑚2 ) per minute till
failure occurs and note the maximum load at failure.
• The load at failure shall be the maximum load at which the specimen fails to produce
any further increase in the indicator reading on the testing machine.

OBSERVATIONS :

Sl. No. Dimensions of Area of bed Maximum load Compressive

Brick (mm) (𝑚𝑚2 ) (N) Strength
(𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 )
1
2
3
CALCULATION :

𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑢𝑟𝑒 (𝑁)

Compressive Strength (𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 ) =
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 (𝑚𝑚2 )

RESULT :

Average Compressive Strength =

43
INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS :

Class Designation Average Compressive Strength not Less Than

𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 𝑘𝑔𝑓/𝑐𝑚2
35 35.0 350
30 30.0 300
25 25.0 250
20 20.0 200
17.5 17.5 175
15 15.0 150
12.5 12.5 125
10 10.0 100
7.5 7.5 75
5 5.0 50
3.5 3.5 35

CONCLUSION :

• The Highest compressive strength observed by the brick specimen is ______ 𝑁/

𝑚𝑚2 . Thus, the brick belong to _______ class.
• The lowest compressive strength observed by the brick specimen is ______ 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 .
Thus, the brick belong to _______ class.

44
 EXPERIMENT: -12

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF MASONRY MORTAR

OBJECTIVE:

Determination of compressive strength of lime mortar

REFERENCE:

IS:1905-1987

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Mortar is a workable paste used to bind building blocks such as stones, bricks, and concrete
masonry units, fill and seal the irregular gaps between them, and sometimes add decorative
colors or patterns in masonry walls.

There are four main types of mortar mix: N, O, S, and M. Each type is mixed with a
different ratio of cement, lime, and sand to produce specific performance characteristics such
as flexibility, bonding properties, and compressive strength.

45
APPARATUS:

Vibration Machine, Poking Rod, Cube Mould of 70.6 mm size conforming to IS:1905-1987,
Balance, Gauging Trowel, Watch, Graduated Glass Cylinders, etc.

MATERIAL:

Ordinary Portland cement (53 grade); Water; Grease/Oil, fat lime, Standard sand (IS: 650-
1966).

PROCEDURE:

1. Calculation of amount of lime, cement and sand.

2. The ratio for mix design will be (1:.25:3) and (1:1:6).
3. Add water quantity until the mortal appears to be workable and fit to be used as the
bonding material between layers of brick. The time of mixing should be less than
three minutes and not more than four minutes.
4. Immediately after mixing fill the mortar into greased cube moulds.

46
 5. Compact the mortar either by hand compaction in a standard specified manner or on
the vibrating table.
6. Remove the specimen from the moulds and submerge them in clean water for curing.

Testing of cement mortar cubes:

1. Take the cube out of water at the end of three days with dry cloth. Measure the
dimensions of the surface in which the load is to be applied. Let them be ‘L’ and
‘B’ respectively.
2. Place the cube in compressive testing machine and apply the load uniformly at the
rate of 14N/mm2 per minute.
3. Note the load F at which the cube fails.
4. Calculate the compressive strength of the cube by using formula F/𝐴. Where A is
the area of loaded surface (i.e. L×B)
5. Repeat the same procedure for another cube.
6. Repeat the whole procedure to find the compressive strength of the cube at the end
of 7 days and 28 days

OBSERVATION:

(a) For 28 days strength: Cube 1 (1:0.25:3)

Sl. No. Length (L) in Breadth (B) in Load (F) in N compressive

mm mm strength in
N/mm2
1
2
3
Average=

47
(b) For 28 days strength: Cube 2 (1:1:6)

Sl. No. Length (L) in Breadth (B) in Load (F) in N compressive

mm mm strength in
N/mm2
1
2
3
Average=

RESULTS:

The type and grade of cement:

The compressive strength of cement at the end

ii. 28 days: ___________. N/mm2.

Standard range of Strength of lime mortars

Strong mortar=

Weak mortar=

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS:

CONCLUSIONS:

48
 EXPERIMENT :-13

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF MASONRY BY PRISM

OBJECTIVES :

To determine the compressive strength of masonry by prism test .

REFERENCES :

IS : 1905-1987 (Code of practice for structural use of unreinforced masonry.)

BACKGROUND INFORMATION :

When compressive strength of masonry is to be established by tests, it shall be done in

advance of the construction, using prisms built of similar materials under the same conditions
with the same bonding arrangement as for the structure.In building the prisms, moisture
content of the units at the time of laying, the consistency of the mortar, the thickness of
mortar joints and workmanship shall be the same as will be used in the structure.

APPARATUS :

Trowel, Impervious base, U.T.M

49
PROCEDURE :

1. Immerse the bricks in water for 24hours at room temperature and then surface dry the
bricks.
2. Take cement in 1 proportion and 3 proportion of sand for strong mortar (1:3) and 1
proportion of cement and 6 proportion of sand for weak mortar (1:6).
3. Dry mixing cement and sand properly on an impervious layer.
4. Then adding water to dry mix. Water should be added accordingly to achieve proper
workability of the cement.
5. First fill the frog of the bricks and level it properly and then apply approximately 1cm
thick layer of mortar to it.
6. Then curing the prism made up of 5 bricks confirming to the (h\t of bricks <5).
7. Testing the brick prism in U.T.M (Universal Testing Machine).

Assembled specimen shall be at least 40 cm high, if the h/t ratio of the prisms tested is less
than 5 in case of brickwork compressive strength values indicated by the tests shall be
corrected by multiplying with the factor indicated in Table below

CORRECTION FACTORS FOR DIFFERENT H/T RATIOS :

Sl. No. h/t Correction

factors for
brickwork
1 2.0 0.73
2 2.5 0.80
3 3.0 0.86
4 3.5 0.91
5 4.0 1.00
*Interpolation is valid for intermediate values. Prisms shall be tested after 28 days between

sheets of nominal 4 mm plywood, slightly longer than the bed area of the prism, in a
universal testing machine, the upper platform of which is spherically seated. The load shall
be evenly distributed over the whole top and bottom surfaces of the specimen and shall be
applied at the rate of350 to 700 kN/m. The load at failure should be recorded.

50
CALCULATION :

Basic of masonry shall be taken to be equal to 0.25 f‘m where f’m is the value of
compressive strength of masonry as obtained from prism test.

RESULT :

CONCLUSION :

51