EXPERIMENT NO.

Object: To determine the bulk density of coarse aggregate.

Introduction:
Bulk density is determined by packing the aggregate into a specified container of known volume
and determining the weight of the aggregates packed.

Apparatus: -
Cylindrical Metal Measures Capacity 3 liters, 15 liters, 30 liters.
One Tamping bar 60cm long and around nosed with 16mm dia.
Weight Balance.

Procedure
Obtain the capacity in liters by dividing the weight of water in kilograms required to fill the
container at 27ºC by the weight of water of one liters at 27ºC which may be taken as one
kilogram. Empty and dry the measure. When once a measure is calibrated it need not be
calibrated every time.

For compacted weight, fill the measure with aggregate in three equal layers; each layer being
given 25 evenly distributed strokes with the tamping rod. Strike off the surplus aggregate after
compacting the final layer using the tamping rod as a straight edge.

Level the surface of the aggregate using tamping rod s a straight edge.

Determine the net weight of the aggregate in either case and calculate the bulk density in
kilogram per liter.

Calculations
Weight =  = bulk density
Volume
Result
Bulk density =.……………….………. Kg/liter.
 EXPERIMENT NO.

OBJECT: - Analysis of Coarse Aggregate by Sieve analysis and to find out the fineness
modulus of the given samples.

Introduction:

A suitable gradation of the combined aggregate in a concrete mix is desirable in order to secure
good workability, strength and economy in the use of cement. Aggregate practical which are
larger in size of 4.75 mm (retained on IS sieve No. 4.75 mm) constitutes coarse aggregate while
those smaller named fine aggregate or stand. Fineness modulus of an aggregate is defined as the
sum of the cumulative percentages retained on sieves of standard size divided by 100. It can be
looked up to as a weighted average size of a sieve on which the material is retained, the sieves
being counted from the finest (for this purpose 150 micron sieve is taken as lowest).
For coarse aggregate, perforated plate hole type sieves used
80,63,50,40,31.5,25,20,16,12.5,10,6.4,4.75 mm.
The proper grading of an aggregate mix should be such that the resulting concrete
has least voids for obtaining maximum strength and that the concrete mix, in the fresh state,
should give the required workability so that concrete can be placed and compacted with least
effort. Further, concrete should not segregate on handling. Therefore for the purpose of concrete
mix design the information given by the sieve analysis is of prime importance.

Apparatus

 Set of 11 sieves,(80mm,40mm,20mm,10mm,4.76mm,2.36mm,1.18mm,

600Micron, 300Micron, 150Micron, pan) For F.M. Value of coarse Aggregate

 Weighing balance. (5Kg)

 Sieve shaker.

Procedure

 Take 5 Kg Coarse aggregate

 Arrange the relevant sieves one above the other with the sieve size increasing to the top. Put
the pan at the bottom.
 Place the sample in the top sieve and cover it.
 Shake the set of the sieves for 10-15 minutes in a sieve shaker.
 Weigh the amount of aggregate retained on each sieve including pan.
 From the grading characteristics, determine the value of Fineness modulus For Coarse
Aggregates.
Observations: -

IS Sieve Size Weight Cumulative Cumulative Cumulative

Retained(Grams) Weight Percentage Percentage
Retained(Grams) Weight Weight Passing
Retained(F)

80mm

40mm

20mm

10mm

4.75mm

2.36mm

1.18mm

600 Micron

300 Micron

150 Micron

Pan
 Result: Fineness modulus of coarse Aggregate=Sum of F/10

EXPERIMENT NO

Object: - To Study the Grading of Aggregate

Theory
Grading of aggregate mean particle size distribution of the aggregate. If all the particles of an
aggregate are of one size, more voids will be left in the aggregate mass. On the other hands an
aggregate having particles of varying sizes will exhibits smaller voids. Principle of grading is
that the smaller size particles fill up the voids left in larger size particles. By adopting proper
percentages of various sized aggregates, composite aggregate mix can be developed which will
be thoroughly graded. Properly graded aggregate produces dense concrete and needs smaller
quantities of fine aggregate and cement.
The grading of aggregate is expressed in terms of percentage by weight retained on a
series of sieves. 80mm, 63mm, 40mm, 20mm, 16mm 12.5mm, 10mm and 4.75mm,Sieves are
used for grading of coarse aggregate .While10mm,4.75 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600mic, 300mic,
150mic are used for grading the fine aggregate.
Grading determines the workability of the mix, which controls segregation, bleeding,
water and cement requirements, handling, placing and other characteristics of the mix. These
factors also affect economy, strength, volume change, and durability of hardened concrete.
There is no universal ideal grading for the aggregate. However, IS has specified certain
limits, within which a grading must lie to produce a satisfactory concrete. But these limits
depend upon the shape, surface texture, type of aggregate, and amount of flaky or elongated
material. Variation in grading of sand causes great variation in workability, strength and
properties. But the variation in the grading of coarse aggregate does not affect these properties to
the extent of fine aggregate,
 Grading of Aggregate
Coarse Aggregate Fine Aggregate
(Retained 4.75mm Sieves) (Passing 4.75mm Sieves)

Grading Limits for Coarse aggregates

IS Sieves Percentage passing for Singal Sized Aggregate of Nominal Size Percentage passing for Graded Aggregate of Nominal Size
Designation
63mm 40mm 20mm 16mm 12.5mm 10mm 40mm 20mm 16mm 12.5mm
80mm 100 100
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
63mm 85--100 100 _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _
40mm 0--30 85--100 100 95--100 100 _
_ _ _ _
20mm 0--5 0--20 85--100 100 30--70 95--100 100 100
_ _
16mm _ _ _ 85--100 100 _ _ 90--100
_ _
12.5mm _ _ 85--100 100 _ _ 90--100
_ _ _
10mm 0--5 0--5 0--20 0--30 0--45 85--100 10--35 25--35 30--70 40--85
4.75mm _ 0--5 0--5 0--10 0--20 0--5 0--10 0--10 0--10
_
2.36mm _ _ _ 0--5 _ _ _
_ _ _

Grading Limits for Fine aggregates Grading Limits for all in aggregates
Percentage passing By Weight For Percentage passing of nominal Size Grading
IS Sieves IS Sieves
Grading Zone Grading Zone
Designation Grading Zone I Grading Zone II Designation 40mm 20mm
III IV
10mm 100 80mm 100
100 100 100 _
4.75mm 90--100 90--100 90--100 95--100 40mm 95--100 100
2.36mm 60--95 75--100 85--100 95--100 20mm 45--75 95--100
1.81mm 30--70 55--90 75--100 90--100 4.75mm 25--45 30--50
600 Micron 15--34 35--59 60--79 80--100 600 Micron 8--30 10--35
300Micron 8--30 12--40 15--50 150Micron 0--6
5--20 0--6
150Micron
1--10 0--10 0--11 0--15
 EXPERIMENT NO. 9

Object: To determine the specific gravity and water absorption of aggregate large than 10mm.

Introduction:
The specific gravity of an aggregate is considered to be a measure of strength or quality of the
material stones having low specific gravity are generally weaker than those with higher specific
gravity values. The specific gravity test helps in identification of stone.

The specific gravity of aggregate normally used in road construction range from about 2.5 to 3.0
with an average value of about 2.68. Though high specific gravity of an aggregate is considered
as an indication of high strength, it is not possible to judge the suitability of a sample of road
aggregate without finding the mechanical properties such as aggregate crushing, impact and
abrasion values.

Water absorption of an aggregate is accepted as measure of its porosity. Water absorption gives
an idea of strength of rock. Stones having more water absorption are more porous in nature and
are generally considered unsuitable unless they are found to be acceptable based on strength,
impact and hardness tests.

Water absorption value ranges from 0.1 to about 2.0 percent for aggregate normally used in road
surfacing. Stones with water absorption upon 4.0 percent have been used in based course. The
maximum water absorption Values as 10 percent for aggregate.

Apparatus
 A balance of capacity about 3 kg, to weigh accurate to 0.5g,
 A thermostatically controlled oven to maintain temperature of 100º to 110ºC
 A Density basket of not more than 6.3mm mesh &It Has App. 20cm Dia And
20cmHeight
 A container for filling water and suspending the basket.
 A shallow tray and two try absorbent clothes, each not less than 75 x 45 cm
Procedure
Take about 2000g (2kg) of the aggregate to be tested. Wash the sample thoroughly to
remove fine particles and dust. Drain off excess water and place it in the basket. Immerse the
basket in water at a temperature between 22º and 32ºC. see that there is a cover of at least 5cm of
water above top of the basket.
In order to remove entrapped air immediately after the immersion, lift the basket 25mm
above the bas of the tank and allow it to drop 25 times at the rate of about one drop in one
second. Then, keep the basket and aggregate immersed in water for a period of 24 ± ½ hrs.

Jolt the basket and the sample and weight it in water (weight W1) at temperature 22º to
32ºC. Remove the basket with aggregate from water, allow to drain for minutes. Empty the
aggregate from basket to dry cloth. Weigh the empty basket in water (weightW2).

Surface dry the aggregate with the dry cloth until no further moisture is removed by the
cloth. Then spread the aggregate on another dry cloth for sun drying until it appears to be
completely surface dry. During sun drying the aggregate is turned once or twice for accelerating
the effect. Weight the surface dry aggregate (weight W3)

Then dry the aggregate in oven at a temperature of 100º to 110ºC for 24 ± ½ hrs. After
removing from the oven cool the sample to room temperature. Weigh the aggregate (weight W4).

Calculations

Specific Gravity, apparent specific gravity and water absorption are calculate as follows:

Specific Gravity = W4
W3 - Ws
 Water Absorption = 100 (W3 – W4)
Percent
W4

Where

W1 = Weight the basket and the sample in water

W2 = Weight the empty basket in water

Ws = The weight in gm. of the saturated aggregate in water (W1 – W2)

W3 = The weight in gm. of the saturated surface dry aggregate in air, and

W4 = The weight in gm. of oven dried aggregate in air.

Observation

S.No. W1 W2 Ws=(W1-W2) W3 W4 Specific Water

gravity Absorption
W4 100 (W3-W4)
W3-WS W4

Result

(1) Mean value of specific gravity =

 (2) Mean value of water absorption =

Quality
 EXPERIMENT NO.

OBJECT: - Analysis of Fine Aggregate by Sieve analysis and to find out the fineness modulus
of the given samples.

Introduction:
A suitable gradation of the combined aggregate in a concrete mix is desirable in order to secure
good workability, strength and economy in the use of cement. Aggregate particles, which are
(Passing on IS sieve No. 4.75 mm) named fine aggregate or sand. Fineness modulus of an
aggregate is defined as the sum of the cumulative percentages retained on sieves of standard size
divided by 100.
For Fine aggregate, perforated plate hole type sieves used 10mm, 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm,
600,300,150 micron.
Since the sand used in concrete are obtained from land quarrying or by crushing larger aggregate,
their grading varies from place to place. In order to have broad classification, the IS 2386 part I
classifies sand into four zones, based on the percentage passing at sieves. Sieve analysis is,
useful only for sand coarse aggregate and not for cement or clay.
The following limits may be taken as guidance:
Fine sand: - Fineness modulus: - 2.2 – 2.6
Medium sand: - F.M: - 2.6 –2.9
Coarse sand: - F.M: - 2.9 – 3.2
Sand having a fineness modulus less than 2.2 & more than 3.2 will be unsuitable of making
satisfactory concrete

Apparatus

 Set of 7 sieves, (10mm, 4.76mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600Micron, 300Micron, 150Micron,

pan) For F.M. Value of coarse Aggregate
 Weighing balance. (5Kg)
 Sieve shaker.
 Procedure

 Take 1 Kg Fine aggregate.

 Arrange the relevant sieves one above the other with the sieve size increasing to the top. Put
the pan at the bottom.
 Place the sample in the top sieve and cover it.
 Shake the set of the sieves for 10-15 minutes in a sieve shaker.
 Weigh the amount of aggregate retained on each sieve including pan.
 From the grading characteristics, determine the value of Fineness modulus For Fine
Aggregates.

Observations: -

IS Sieve Size Weight Cumulative Cumulative Cumulative

Retained(Grams) Weight Pecentage Pecentage
Retained(Grams) Weight Weight Passing
Retained(F)

10mm

4.75mm

2.36mm

1.18mm

600 Micron

300 Micron

150 Micron

Result: Fineness modulus of fine Aggregate=Sum of F/100

Zone of Aggregate:

Quality of Fine Aggregate:

 Discussion/Inference about the result.

EXPERIMENT NO.

Object: Determine of silt content in fine aggregate.

Introduction:

Aggregate both coarse and fine used in concrete must be free from silt and clay. Clay or silt may
be present in aggregates in the form of surface coating, which interferes with the bond between
aggregates and the cement paste. Since the good bond is essential to ensure a satisfactory
strength and durability of concrete.
Silt is a material between 2 micron and 75 micron, reduced to this size by natural processes of
weathering.
Silt and fine dust may form coatings similar to those of clay or may be present in the form of
loose particles not bonded to the coarse aggregates. Even when they are in the latter form, silt
and clay should not be present in excessive quantities because, owing to their fineness and
therefore large surface area, silt and clay increases the amount of water necessary to wet all the
particles in the mix. It is therefore essential that aggregate should not contain silt and clay. Silt
content in fine aggregate should not be more than 5 %

Apparatus

200 ml glass measuring cylinder.

Procedure of Test

Place the sample of sand into the cylinder up to 100-milliliter mark.

Prepare salt water by adding tea spoonful of salt to a pint of water.
Add salt water into the cylinder upto 150 ml mark.
Shake the cylinder thoroughly and allow the sand to settle for 30 minutes.
Calculation

Record the Height of silt layer h1 ml and the Height of sand h2 ml.

Silt content in percent. = h1 / h2 x 100

Note :
This method is a rough guide to estimate silt content in fine aggregate.

Observation

Silt level H1 Sand level H2 %of silt content Average %of silt content
Sample (ml) (ml) (H1/H2 ) x 100
no.
 EXPERIMENT NO. 15

Object: To determine the bulking of sand.

Introduction:

The volume of given quantity of sand increase with increase in moisture content in the
initial stage. After certain time a stage is reached when the percentage increases in the volume is
maximum at a particular fineness and nature of sand, after which the increase in volume starts
decreasing with further increase in moisture content and finally drops to zero.

The bulking is due to the volume occupied by the absorbed films of water on fine
particles, these water films keep the fine particles apart. Bulking drops to zero when moisture
content is such that the mix represents a suspension of sand in water.

In concrete mix design, when the quantity of sand to be measured volumetrically, a

correction has to be applied for the volume increase of sand with moisture content. This can only
be done if the bulking of sand is known.

Apparatus

 Balance, measuring cylinder 250 ml capacity.

Procedure of Test

 Weight dry sand 300gms and add 2% of water by weight and thoroughly mix.

 Pour the damp sand in a 250 ml measuring cylinder until it reaches the 200 marks.
  Consolidate the sand by shaking.

 Fill the cylinder with water and stir the sand; the water must be sufficient to submerge the
sand completely.
 Now read the upper surface of sand.

 Repeat this process for 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% moisture content by weight.
Calculation

% Bulking = [(H1-H2)/H2] x100

Where H1=Height of sand in container

H2=Height of sand in container when container is filled with water

Observation
S.No Moisture Height of Ht. Of sand in % bulking of sand (H1 – H2 / H2) x
contest% sand in container when 100
containers container is filled
H1 (ml) with water H2 (ml)

Plot graph taking moisture content on x-axis and %age of bulking on Y-axis.
 EXPERIMENT NO. 20

Object: To determine water absorption of brick.

Introduction: -
Bricks have pores in them due to this porosity the dry bricks when come in to contact with water,
absorb the water through these pores. Large is the porosity more the absorption. Poorer the
quality of bricks greater is the absorption of water and vice versa. The absorption is found out as
weight of water absorbed as percentage of weight of dry bricks.
Bricks which are under burnt or which contain much of carbonate or are made of such soil that
they becomes porous and brittle have high absorption of water. Well-burnt bricks, which are hard
and dense with good ringing sound are less porous and absorb less water and so are preferred, for
construction.
For Ist class brick, the water absorption capacity should plat be more than 20% by wt. If the water
absorption capacity of a brick is more its strength will be comparatively low.

Apparatus: -
1. Weighing balance correct up to 0.1 gm.
2. Ventilated oven.
3. Curing tank.

Procedure: -
1. Dry the brick specimens in a ventilated oven at a temperature of 105º C to 110º C till the
sample attain substantially constant weight.
2. Cool the specimens at room temperature and weight each specimen separately. (Say W1).
3. Immerse completely the dried specimens in clean water at a temperature of 25º C to 29º C
for 24 hours.
 4. Remove the specimens after 24 hours, wipe out any trace of water with damp cloth and
weigh each specimen separately (W2). The weighting should be completed in 3 minutes
after removal from water.
5. Calculate percent of water absorbed by the brick.

Observations: -

Samples Dry weight of Wet weight of brick Weight of water Percentage of

No. brick (W1) kg. (W2) kg. absorbed water absorbed
(W2 – W1) kg (W2 –W1) x 100
W1
1
2
3
4
5

Average percentage of water absorbed = (P1 + P2 + P3 + P4 + P5)/5 = ------------------

Result: -
The average absorption of water as percent by weight of given brick sample is ---------

EXPERIMENT NO. 20

Object: To determine compressive strength of brick.

Introduction: -
This test is performed to determine the crushing strength of brick. In construction bricks
are subjected to compressive loading. Compressive strength of brick is its load bearing capacity
before it rupture when subjected to compressive stress. The compressive strength of common
brick should be 50 kg/cm2 or 5N/mm2

Apparatus: -
4. Compression testing machine.
5. Trowel.
6. Curing tank.
 7. 3 mm thick plywood sheets of 250 mm x 150 mm

Procedure: -
6. At least 5 brick samples are selected randomly.
7. Bed of samples is rubbed to make them smother.
8. Samples are now kept immersed in clean water at room temperature for 24 hours.
9. After 24 hrs samples are taken out & excess of water from surface is removed with help
of a moist cloth.
10. Mortar of cement & well-graded sand is prepared in a ratio of 1:1 by weight
11. Frog of brick samples is filled up with above mortar & flushed with top.
12. These samples are stored under damp jute bag for 24 hrs & then immersed in clean water
for 3 days.
13. After 3 days samples are taken out and excess of moisture is wiped out and immediately
carried for testing.
14. Sample are placed flat with frog in upward direction between 3 mm plywood sheets &
centered in compression testing machine for testing.
15. Axial compressive load at uniform rate of 14 N/mm2 per minute is applied on specimen
for failure, till cracks on the surface of samples are seen.
16. Average of compressive strength of 5 samples is expired as compressive strength of
brick.
 Preparation of Brick Sample

Testing of Bricks in CTM

Observation: -
Surface Area of sample Brick = (Length x Width) mm2 =
Samples Surface Area of Load at failure (N) Compressive Average
No. sample brick (mm2) (W) strength (N/mm2) compressive
(A) (P = W/A) strength (P1 + P2 +
P3 + P4 + P5)/5
N/mm2
1
2
3
4
5

Result: -
Average compressive strength of brick sample is ------------------- N/mm2

EXPERIMENT NO.
Object: To determine efflorescence of brick.

Introduction: -
 Efflorescence test of brick is carried to estimate the presence of soluble salt in the brick
mass. Abundance of salt in bricks may damage the bricks as well as the masonry and will give
ugly appearance to the building. Efflorescence is a whitish crystalline deposit on surface of the
bricks. Usually magnesium sulphate, calcium sulphate and carbonate of sodium and potassium
are found in efflorescence. The movement of groundwater into the foundations of buildings and
by capillary action into brickwork is very often the cause of efflorescence.

Observation Result

(1) No perceptible deposit

Nil-efflorescence
(2) 10% area covered with thin deposit of salts Slight-efflorescence

(3) 50% area covered with deposit of salts without any powdering or Moderate-efflorescence
flaking surface
(4) 50% area covered with deposit of salt accompanied by flaking of Heavy-efflorescence
surface.
(5) Heavy deposit of salts accompanied by flaking of the surface Serious-efflorescence

Apparatus: -
(a) Glass or porcelain dish (30 mm deep) to accommodate 5 bricks.

Procedure: -
(a) Water is filled in porcelain or glass dish up to a depth of 25mm
(b) Bricks are placed on square end into the dish in a well ventilated room at a
temperature between 20º C to 30V C till all the water in the dish is either absorbed by
the specimen or is evaporated.
 (c) After the specimens have dried, similar quality of water is added to the dish and is
allowed to be absorbed by the specimen or evaporate as before.
(d) Now white spots may be noticed on the surface of bricks.

Observation: -

Samples % of surface area of brick under white spot Remark

No.
1
2
3
4
5
Result: -
Given sample of brick is having ---------------------- efflorescence.