CHAPTER 3

TESTING FOR MATERIALS OF FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE (FRC)

3.1. Materials
In this research, Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC) is made up of materials
from construction markets in Myanmar. They are Double Rhinos cement, fine
aggregate from Irrawaddy River near Mandalay, coarse aggregate from Ohm Gyaw
and, ViscoCrete-10 (High Performance Superplasticizer).

3.2. Testing of Cement

The quality of cement is vital for the production of good concrete, the
manufacture of cement requires stringent control. A number of tests are performed in
the cement plant laboratory to ensure that the cement is of conforms to the
requirements of the relevant national standards. Before making trial mix, the physical
tests of Double Rhinos Cement are tested according to ASTM Standard. The physical
properties of Portland cement are:
(a) Normal consistency
(b) Setting Times
(c) Specific Gravity
(d) Fineness
(e) Soundness and
(f) Compressive strength test.

3.2.1. Normal Consistency Test of Cement (ASTM C-191)

The normal consistency of cement is determined by using Vicat apparatus
according to ASTM C-191. This test is to determine the water required to achieve
desired plastic state called normal consistency of cement paste. For finding out initial
setting time, final setting time and soundness of cement, normal consistency of
cement is required to know. Normal consistency of cement paste is defined as that
consistency (degree of wetness) which will permit the Vicat plunger to penetrate the
 29

cement paste to a point 10 ± 1 mm from the top of the mold. The standard normal
consistency of Portland cement is within 26-33 percent. According to the test result,
normal consistency of Double Rhinos cement is 31%. The test result of normal
consistency of Double Rhinos cement is shown in Figure 3.1.

Figure 3.1. Normal Consistency of Cement

3.2.2. Setting Time Test of Cement (ASTM C - 191)

The setting time of cement is very important in the construction projects. This
test is to determine the time required for cement paste to harden. The setting time of
cement is determined according to ASTM C-191 (01) and is measured by Vicat
apparatus. Initial setting time is defined as the time of which the needle penetrates
25mm into the cement paste. Final setting time is the time at which the needle does
not sink visibly into the cement paste.
Starting time of supply of water is 9hrs : 25mins. Time observed of initial
setting time and final setting time are 11hrs : 30 mins and 12hr : 35 mins respectively.
Therefore, the initial setting time and final setting time of Double Rhinos cement are
125 mins and 190 mins respectively.

3.2.3. Specific Gravity of Cement (ASTM C 188)

The specific gravity of cement is not on indication of the quality of cement it.
The specific gravity of cement is determined by the standard Le-Chatelier flask
according to ASTM C 188). The purpose of this test is to determine the density of
hydraulic cement in connection with the design of Portland cement concrete mixtures.
 30

The specific gravity of good Portland cement should be between 3.1 and 3.25. The
test result of specific gravity of Double Rhinos cement is shown with the following
equations.

Weight of cement, W = 64 (g)

Volume of Kerosene + Cement, V1 = 21.2 ml
Volume of Kerosene, V2 = 0.9 ml
W
Density of Cement = V 1 −V 2

64
Density of Cement = 21.2−0.9 = 3.15
Density of Water = 1g / cc
Density of cement
Specific gravity of Cement = Density of water
3.15
Specific gravity of Cement = = 3.15
1
Therefore, the test result of specific gravity of Double Rhinos cement is 3.15.

3.2.4. Fineness Test of Cement (Blaine Air Permeability Method)

Fineness refers to the size of cement particles and the sizes of cement particles
directly affect the hydration, setting and hardening, shrinkage, strength and heat of
hydration. There are several methods available for the measurement of fineness. In the
research, fineness of cement is tested by specific surface by Blaine air permeability
method. From test results, the fineness of Double Rhinos cement is 3786 cm2/gm.

Figure 3.2. Blaine Air Permeability Apparatus

 31

3.2.5. Soundness Test of Cement

The soundness test of cement refers to the stability of the volume change in
the process of setting and hardening. The soundness test if performed with the help of
Le-Chatelier apparatus according to ASTM C 151. If the volume change is unstable
after setting and hardening, the concrete structures will crack. This test is carried out
to detect the presence of uncombined lime in cement. The apparatus consists of a
small brass cylinder split a long its generatrix. Two indicators with pointed ends are
attached to the cylinder on either side of the split. The cylinder (which is open on both
ends) is placed on a glass plate filled with cement paste of normal consistency, and
covered with another glass plate. The whole assembly is then immersed in water at 20
± 1°C for 24 hours.
At the end of that period the distance between the indicator point is measured.
The mold is then immersed in water again and brought to a boil. After boiling for
three hours, the mold is removed from the water, after cooling; the distance between
the indicator points is measured again. The decrease represents the expansion of the
cement paste for Portland cement; expansion is limited to 1mm. The test results of
soundness of Double Rhinos cement are shown in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1.Test Result of Soundness of Cement (Double Rhinos)

Test No. 1 2

Before boiling (mm) 3.9 4.2

After boiling (mm) 2.7 3.8
Difference (mm) 1.2 0.4

Average (mm) 0.8 mm

3.2.6. Compressive Strength Test of Cement (ASTM)

The quality of cement is determined from the compressive strength of the
cement. The proportion of materials for the standard mortar shall be one part of
cement to 2.75 parts of graded standard sand by weight. Water cement ratio of 0.3 for
all Portland cement is used in the compressive strength of cement. All samples are
cured under water for 3 days, 7 days and 28 days respectively. The results for the
compressive strength of the Double Rhino cement are shown in Table 3.2.
 32

3.2.7. Summary Test Results of Double Rhinos Cement and ASTM Specifications
Comparison of Double Rhinos Cement and ASTM specifications are shown
in Table 3.2. These tables include many test results such as normal consistency test,
specific gravity test, fineness test, soundness test, setting times test and compressive
strength test.

Table 3.2. Comparison of Test Results of Double Rhinos Cement and ASTM
Specifications

Double Rhinos Cement ASTM Specifications

No Sample Cement
1 Normal Consistency 31% 26-33%
2 Specific gravity 3.15 3.1-3.25
3 Fineness 3786 cm²/gm 2800 cm²/gm(min)
4 Soundness 0.8mm 1 mm (max)
Initial 125 mins 45 mins(min)
Setting time
5 Final 190 mins 375 mins(max)
Compressive 3 days 4794 psi 1740 psi(min)
7 days 5722 psi 2799 psi (min)
strength
6 28 days 7185 psi 3915 psi (min)

3.3. Testing of Fine Aggregate

The physical tests of fine aggregate from Irrawaddy River near Mandalay such
as specific gravity, sieve analysis and water absorption are tested according to ASTM
standard.

3.3.1. Specific Gravity of Fine Aggregate (ASTM C 128-01)

The saturated surface - dry (SSD) of sand is recorded. The specific gravity of
fine aggregate is the ratio of its mass to the mass of an equal absolute volume of
water. Test method for determining specific gravity for fine aggregate is described in
ASTM C 128-01 and the result is shown in Table 3.3. It is not generally used as a
measure of aggregate quality; though some porous aggregates exhibit
accelerated Freeze-thaw deterioration do have low specific gravities. Most natural
fine aggregates have specific gravities between 2.4 and 2.9. Test result of specific
gravity of fine aggregate is shown in Table 3.3.
Table 3.3. Test Results of Specific Gravity of Fine Aggregate
 33

Bottle No 1 2

Weight of bottle, w1(g) 152.8 154.1

Weight of bottle + sand, w2(g) 538 542.6

Weight of bottle + sand + water, w3(g) 922.2 924.5

Weight of bottle + water only, w4(g) 684.1 683.6

Weight of sand used, (w2 – w1) (g) 385.2 388.5

Weight of water used, (w3 – w2) (g) 384.2 381.9

Weight of water used, (w4 – w1) – (w3 – w2) (g) 147.1 147.6
w 2 - w1
2.62 2.63
Specific Gravity of sand, G = (w 4 - w1 ) - (w3 - w 2 )
s

Average Specific Gravity 2.63

3.3.2. Sieve Analysis of Fine Aggregate

The particle size distribution of aggregates is called grading. The grading

determines the paste requirement for a workable concrete since the amount of void
requires need to be filled by the same amount of cement poste in concrete mixtures.
This test is to determine the fineness modulus of sand. The screen analysis of sand is
obtained by screening a representative sample of the size indicated through –No (8)
inches screens by hand shaking. Before making a screen analysis, test samples of sand
should be dried to substantially constant weight. Each sample is placed on a set of
screens nested in order of decreasing size of opening from top to bottom. The
gradation samples should be retained for determining the percentage of material
passing the No. 200 screen. To calculate the fineness modulus, the sum of the
cumulative percentages retained on a definitely specified set of sieves need to be
determined, and the result is then divided by 100. The test result for sieve analysis of
fine aggregate is shown in Table 3.4 and grain sixe distribution of fine aggregate is
shown in Figure 3.3.
Table 3.4. Test Results of Sieve Analysis of Fine Aggregate
 34

Percent Retained
Sieve Opening Average percent Cumulative Specified Limits
Sieve No.
(mm)
Retained Percent Percent Retained
4 4.75 1.80 1.80 0~5

8 2.36 3.52 5.32 5 ~ 15

16 1.18 4.04 9.36 10 ~ 25

30 0.595 9.64 19.00 10 ~ 30

50 0.297 52.06 71.06 15 ~ 35

100 0.149 23.92 94.98 12 ~ 20

200 0.075 4.24 99.22 2~4

Pan - 0.78 100.00 1~3

FM 2.02 2.2 ~ 2.8

120
Percent Finer By Weight (mm)

100

80

60 minimum limits
maximum limits
sand
40

20

0
0.01 0.1 1 10

Sieve Opening (mm)

Figure 3.3. Grain Size Distribution Curve of Fine Aggregate

3.3.3. Water Absorption of Fine Aggregate (ASTM C 128-01)

The water absorption of fine aggregate is determined by measuring the

increase in weight of an oven dried sample when immersed in water for 24 hours. The
 35

surface-dry condition is determined by means of the cone test described in ASTM C

128- 01. The water absorption test results of fine aggregate are shown in Table 3.5.

Table 3.5. Test Results Water Absorption of Fine Aggregate

Test No. 1 2

Wt. of container + wet sand (g) 220.3 217.2

Wt. of container + dry sand (g) 219 215.8

Wt. of container (g) 54.1 50.3

Wt. of SSD sample, (Ww – Wd) (g) 1.3 1.4

Wt. of dry sample, Wd (g) 164.9 165.5

ww - w d
0.79 0.85
Absorption (%) = wd × 100

Average (%) 0.82

3.4. Testing of Coarse Aggregate

The aggregates (20 mm or 3/4″) proposed to be used for making concrete
specimens is crushing stone form Ohm Gyaw. Coarse aggregate are carried out by the
following tests.

3.4.1 Specific Gravity of Coarse Aggregates (ASTM C 127-07)

Test method for finding the specific gravity of aggregates (20 mm or 3/4″) are
described in ASTM C 127-07. To find specific gravity, aggregates are thoroughly
washed, dried to constant mass at 110 ± 5°C in an oven, cooled in air and immersed in
water and dried to a saturated surface dry state with a large absorbent cloth. Care is
taken to avoid evaporation of water from the aggregate pores during this operation.
The test result is shown in Table 3.6. The specific gravity of coarse aggregate is
calculated as follows.
B
Specific Gravity (SSD) = B−C
(3.1)

where, B = Saturated surface dry weight of sample (g)

 36

C = weight of saturated sample in water (g)

Table 3.6. Test Results of Specific Gravity of Coarse Aggregates

Coarse Aggregates Chipping

Wt. of SSD aggregate, B (g) 1505
Wt. of saturated sample in water, C (g) 964
Difference, (B – C) (g) 541
Specific Gravity 2.78

3.4.2. Sieve Analysis of Coarse Aggregates (ASTM C 136)

Grading or particle size distribution is the most important physical
characteristic of aggregates. The gradation of a particular aggregate is most often
determined by a sieve analysis. In a sieve analysis, a sample of dry aggregate of
known weight is separated through a series of sieves with progressively smaller
openings. Once separated, the weight of particles retained on each sieve is measured
and compared to the total sample weight. Particle size distribution is then expressed as
a percent retained by weight on each sieve size. The test result for sieve analysis of
aggregates is shown in Table 3.7 and grain size distribution of coarse aggregate is
shown in Figure 3.4.

Table 3.7. Sieve Analysis of Coarse Aggregate (20 mm or 3/4″)

Percent Retained
Sieve Sieve
Average Percent Accumulated Specified Limit
No. Opening
Retained Percent Retained Percent Retained
(mm)
25
1˝ 0.00 0.00 0
19
(3/4)˝ 6.57 6.57 0 ~ 10
12.7
47.16 53.73 35 ~ 45
(1/2)˝
9.5
29.76 83.49 20 ~ 28
(3/8)˝
4.75
15.73 99.22 27 ~ 45
(3/16)˝
No. 8 2.36 0.78 99.22 0~8
 37

Pan - - - 0~2
FM 6.89
Percent Finer By Weight (%) 120

100

80
minimum
limits
60 maximum
limits
coarse
aggregate
40

20

0
0.01 0.1 1 10 100

Sieve Opening (mm)

Figure 3.4. Grain Size Distribution Curve of Coarse Aggregate

3.4.3. Water Absorption of Coarse Aggregates (ASTM C 127)

The water absorption of aggregates (20 mm or 3/4″) are determined according

to ASTM C 127. To calculate the mixing water content of concrete, the absorption of
the aggregates and their total moisture content must be known. Absorption is
computed as a percentage by subtracting the oven-dry mass from the saturated
surface dry mass, divided by the oven dry mass, and multiplying by 100. The
test results of aggregates (20 mm or 3/4″) are shown in Table 3.8. The water
absorption of aggregates (20 mm or 3/4″) are calculated as follows.

ww - w d
Absorption (%) = wd × 100 (3.2)

Where, Ww = weight of saturated surface dry sample (g)

Wd = weight of oven dry sample (g)

Table 3.8. Test Result of Absorption of Coarse Aggregates

Coarse Aggregates Chipping

Wt. of saturated surface dry sample, Ww (g) 1330
Wt. of oven dry sample, Wd (g) 950
Difference, Ww – Wd 380
 38

Absorption (%) 0.40

3.5. Testing of Water
Mixing water is obtained from tube well of ITC (Mandalay). It is noted that
the water is portable and drinkable as well. The test result of water is as shown in
Table 3.9.

Table 3.9. Test Results of Water

Highest Maximum
No Characteristics Unit Water Desirable Permissible level
level

1 Appearance
2 Color 5 Units 50 Units
3 Turbidity - 5 NTU 25 NTU
4 PH Value 8.1 7.0 to 8.5 6.5 to 9.2
5 Total Solids ppm - 500 mg/l 1500 mg/l
6 Total Hardness ppm - 100 mg/l 500 mg/l
7 Total Alkalinity ppm - 600 mg/l 950 mg/l
8 Calcium ppm - 75 mg/l 200 mg/l
9 Magnesium ppm 30 mg/l 150 mg/l
10 Chloride ppm 16 mg/l 200 mg/l 600 mg/l
11 Sulphate ppm 49 mg/l 200 mg/l 400 mg/l
12 Total Iron ppm 0.21 mg/l 0.3 mg/l 0.3 mg/l

3.6. ViscoCrete-6100 (High Performance Superplasticizer)

ViscoCrete-6100 is a third generation superplasticizer with a set-retarding
effect for producing free-following concrete in hot climate. According to ASTM C
494, it is the type G of high-range water reducer. It is used with high water reduction
(up to 30%).ViscoCrete-6100 is used in this study is shown in Figure 3.5.

3.6.1. Advantages of ViscoCrete-6100

ViscoCrete-6100 is powerful superplasticizer which acts through several
different mechanisms including surface absorption and sterical effects separating the
cementitious binder particles. It does not contain chlorides or any other ingredients
 39

which promote the corrosion of steel. Therefore, it is suitable for use in reinforced and
prestressed concrete structures. The advantages of ViscoCrete –6100 are the
following important factors.
(a) High water reduction, resulting in high density, high strength and reduced
permeability.
(b) Superior plasticizing effect, resulting in improved flow, placing and
compaction characteristics.
(c) Reduced shrinkage during concrete and reduced creep when hardened.
(d) Higher early compressive strengths for earlier removal of forms and
structural use of concrete.
(e) Higher ultimate strengths allow for greater engineering design flexibility
and structural economies.
(f) Reduce water cement ratio produce more durable, dense concrete with
reduced permeability.
(g) Highly effective plasticizer reduces surface defects in concrete elements
and improves aesthetic appearance.

3.6.2. Technical Data

Technical data of ViscoCrete -6100 (High Performance Superplasticizer) are
shown in Table 3.10.

Table 3.10. Technical Data of ViscoCrete -6100 (High Performance Superplasticizer)

Colour Light Brownish Colour
Chemical Base Modified polycarboxylate in water
Specific Density 1.06 Kg/L (at + 20°C)
pH value 4.3 ± 0.5
Viscosity ≤ 120 MPa at +20°C
Chloride Ion Content ≤ 0.1 M %
Dosage 0.4 – 1.5 % by weight of cement
Store at above 5ºC. Shelf life when stored in dry
Storage Condition warehouse conditions between 5ºC-27ºC is 1 year.
Protect from direct sunlight.
Shelf – Life 1 year when unopened
55 gallon drums (208 Liters), 275 gallon totes (1040
Packaging
Liters)
 40

Figure 3.5. ViscoCrete-6100

3.7. Polypropylene Fiber

Polypropylene fiber is man-made fiber consequently of petrochemical and
textile industries activities. They are the products of researches to improve on
naturally occurring fibers. The raw materials derive from petroleum based chemicals.
According to ASTM D 7508, its length is 12 mm, 20 mm, 40 mm, 80 mm and 100
mm respectively. It is used for the magnitude of improvements in the mechanical
properties of the concrete. Polypropylene fiber is used in this study is shown in Figure
3.6.

Figure 3.6. Polypropylene Fiber

3.7.1. Advantages of Polypropylene Fiber

The advantages of Polypropylene Fiber are the following important factors;

(a) Avoid micro cracks in concrete

 41

(b) Improved closed surface of concrete

(c) Excellent crack reduction in early-age concrete
(d) Better concrete durability and reduced surface dusting
(e) Improve impact and abrasion resistance
(f) Improve mix cohesiveness
(g) Reduce shotcrete rebound
(h) Less concrete waste

3.7.2. Technical Data

Technical data of Polypropylene fiber are shown in Table 3.11.

Table 3.11. Technical Data of Polypropylene Fiber

Material Polypropylene Fiber

Length (mm) 12 20 40 80 100
Diameter (µ) 34 34 34 34 34
Density (g/cm³) 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91
Melting Point 160ºC-170ºC
Color White
Tensile Strength Stretch-enhanced to : 300-400 N/mm²
Chemical Resistance Excellent- especially in alkaline conditions
Package Paper bag of 1.0 kg, 20 bags in one box. Paper bags are water
soluble.
Storage To be stored dry