Reinforced Concrete Design - 1

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CONTENTS
Experiment # 1: .......................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction to reinforce concrete design lab ............................................................................ 1
1) Lab Layout .................................................................................................................. 1
2) SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE: ................................................................................. 2
3) APPRATUSES:........................................................................................................... 2
i. SIEVE SHAKER: ....................................................................................................... 2
ii. Drying Oven: ........................................................................................................... 2
iii. Cylinder mould: ....................................................................................................... 2
iv. Prism specimen:....................................................................................................... 2
v. Beam mould: ........................................................................................................... 3
vi. Aggregate impact value apparatus:.......................................................................... 3
vii. Pycnometer: ............................................................................................................. 3
viii. Beam load apparatus:............................................................................................... 4
ix. Compression testing machine: ................................................................................. 4
x. Compacting factor apparatus: .................................................................................. 4
xi. Rapid curing tank: ................................................................................................... 4
xii. Vicat apparatus: ....................................................................................................... 5
xiii. Weighing balance: ................................................................................................... 5
xiv. Concrete mixer: ....................................................................................................... 5
xv. Core cutter: .............................................................................................................. 6
EXPERIMENT NO 2: ............................................................................................................... 7
STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF NORMAL CONSISTENCY
OF HYDRAULIC CEMENT (ASTM C187-11)....................................................................... 7
1) SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE: ................................................................................. 7
2) PURPOSE: .................................................................................................................. 7
3) RELATED THEORY: ................................................................................................ 7
i. Necessity and use of normal consistency: ................................................................... 7
ii. Consistency: ............................................................................................................ 7
iii. Gauging Time: ......................................................................................................... 7
iv. Standard Cement Paste: ........................................................................................... 8
v. Normal Consistency: ............................................................................................... 8
vi. Test Conditions:....................................................................................................... 8
4) Apparatus: ................................................................................................................... 8
5) Procedure:.................................................................................................................... 8
6) Observation and calculation: ....................................................................................... 9

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7) Precautions: ................................................................................................................. 9
8) Comments: .................................................................................................................. 9
Experiment no 3 ....................................................................................................................... 10
Standard test method for determination of initial & final setting time of hydraulic cement (astm
c191-13) ................................................................................................................................... 10
1) Objective: .................................................................................................................. 10
2) Scope and significance: ............................................................................................. 10
3) Related theory: .......................................................................................................... 10
i. Setting Time: ............................................................................................................. 10
ii. Hardening: ............................................................................................................. 10
iii. Initial Setting Time: ............................................................................................... 10
iv. Final Setting Time: ................................................................................................ 10
v. Test conditions:...................................................................................................... 11
4) Amount of cement: .................................................................................................... 11
5) Procedure:.................................................................................................................. 11
6) Observation and calculation: ..................................................................................... 12
7) Precautions: ............................................................................................................... 13
8) Comments: ................................................................................................................ 13
Experiment no 4: ...................................................................................................................... 14
Determination of fineness modulus of coarse & fine aggregates (ASTM C136-14) .............. 14
1) Scope and significance: ............................................................................................. 14
2) Related theory: .......................................................................................................... 14
i. Fineness Modulus:..................................................................................................... 14
ii. Sieving: .................................................................................................................. 14
iii. Function of Sieving: .............................................................................................. 14
iv. Fine Aggregate: ..................................................................................................... 14
v. Coarse Aggregate: ................................................................................................. 14
3) Apparatus: ................................................................................................................. 15
4) Procedure for fine aggregate: .................................................................................... 15
i. Observation and Calculation: .................................................................................... 15
5) Procedure for coarse aggregate: ................................................................................ 16
i. Observation and Calculation: .................................................................................... 16
6) Comments: ................................................................................................................ 18
Experiment no 5 ....................................................................................................................... 19
Standard test method for determination of bulk density of aggregate ..................................... 19
1) Scope and significance: ............................................................................................. 19
2) related theory: ............................................................................................................ 19

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ii. Density:.................................................................................................................. 19
iii. Solid Density: ........................................................................................................ 19
iv. Bulk density: .......................................................................................................... 19
v. Voids:..................................................................................................................... 19
vi. Absolute Density: .................................................................................................. 19
vii. Facts About Bulk Density: .................................................................................... 19
viii. Methods for determination of bulk density of aggregate: ..................................... 20
ix. Rodding Method: ................................................................................................... 20
x. Jigging Method: ..................................................................................................... 20
xi. Shovelling Method: ............................................................................................... 20
3) Apparatus: ................................................................................................................. 20
4) Procedure for caorse aggragate: ................................................................................ 20
5) Observation and calculation: ..................................................................................... 21
6) Procedure For Fine Aggregate: ................................................................................. 21
7) Observation and calculation: ..................................................................................... 21
8) Comments: ................................................................................................................ 22
Experiment no 6 ....................................................................................................................... 23
Determination of aggregate impact value of coarse aggregate (bs-812-part 112-90) ............. 23
1) objective: ................................................................................................................... 23
2) Scope and significance: ............................................................................................. 23
3) Related theory: .......................................................................................................... 23
i. Types of Load: .......................................................................................................... 23
ii. Impact Load: .......................................................................................................... 23
iii. Gradual Load: ........................................................................................................ 23
iv. Test Specification: ................................................................................................. 23
4) Apparatus: ................................................................................................................. 24
5) Procedure:.................................................................................................................. 24
6) Observation and Calculation: .................................................................................... 24
7) Comments: ................................................................................................................ 25
Experiment # 7-A..................................................................................................................... 26
Determination of Relative Density (Specific Gravity) And Water Absorption of Coarse
Aggregates. (ASTM C-127)..................................................................................................... 26
1) Scope and significance: ............................................................................................. 26
2) Limitation: ................................................................................................................. 26
3) Related theory: .......................................................................................................... 26
i. Aggregates:................................................................................................................ 26
ii. Coarse Aggregate: ................................................................................................. 26

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iii. Fine Aggregates: .................................................................................................... 27

iv. Types Of Crush Available In Pakistan: ................................................................. 27
v. Absorption: ............................................................................................................ 27
vi. Oven-Dry (OD) Condition: ................................................................................... 27
vii. Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) Condition:............................................................... 27
viii. Oven Dry Density: ................................................................................................. 27
ix. Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) Density: .................................................................. 27
x. Apparent Density: .................................................................................................. 27
xi. Specific Gravity/Relative Density: ........................................................................ 28
xii. Oven Dried Specific Gravity: ................................................................................ 28
xiii. Saturated Surface Dry Specific Gravity: ............................................................... 28
xiv. Apparent Specific Gravity: .................................................................................... 28
4) Apparatus: ................................................................................................................. 28
5) Procedure:.................................................................................................................. 28
6) Observation and calculation: ..................................................................................... 29
Experiment # 7-b...................................................................................................................... 30
Determination of Relative Density (Specific Gravity) And Water Absorption of fine
Aggregates. (ASTM C-128)..................................................................................................... 30
1) Objective: .................................................................................................................. 30
2) Scope and significance: ............................................................................................. 30
3) Related theory: .......................................................................................................... 30
i. Water Absorption: ..................................................................................................... 30
ii. Oven-Dry (OD) Condition: ................................................................................... 30
iii. Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) Condition:............................................................... 30
iv. Oven Dry Density: ................................................................................................. 30
v. Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) Density: .................................................................. 30
vi. Apparent Density: .................................................................................................. 31
vii. Specific Gravity/Relative Density: ........................................................................ 31
viii. Oven Dried Specific Gravity: ................................................................................ 31
ix. Saturated Surface Dry Specific Gravity: ............................................................... 31
x. Apparent Specific Gravity: .................................................................................... 31
xi. Preparation of Sample: .......................................................................................... 31
xii. Cone Test for Surface Moisture: ........................................................................... 32
4) Apparatus: ................................................................................................................. 32
5) Procedure:.................................................................................................................. 32
6) Observation and Calculation: .................................................................................... 32
7) Comments: ................................................................................................................ 33

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TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: SIEVE SHAKER ........................................................................................................ 2
Figure 2: Drying Oven ............................................................................................................... 2
Figure 3: Cylinder Moulds ......................................................................................................... 2
Figure 4: Prism Specimen .......................................................................................................... 3
Figure 5: Beam Mould ............................................................................................................... 3
Figure 6: Aggregate Impact Value Apparatus ........................................................................... 3
Figure 7: Pycnometer ................................................................................................................. 3
Figure 8: BEAM LOAD APPARATUS .................................................................................... 4
Figure 9: Compression Testing Machine ................................................................................... 4
Figure 10: Compacting Factor Apparatus .................................................................................. 4
Figure 11: rapid Curing Tank .................................................................................................... 4
Figure 12: Vicat Apparatus ........................................................................................................ 5
Figure 13: Weighing Balance .................................................................................................... 5
Figure 14: Concrete Mixer ......................................................................................................... 5
Figure 15: Core Cutter ............................................................................................................... 6
Figure 16: Apparatuses used in experiment ............................................................................... 8
Figure 17: plunger dipped in paste............................................................................................. 8
Figure 18: making cement paste ................................................................................................ 8
Figure 19: pouring water into cement ........................................................................................ 8
Figure 20: while performance initial setting time .................................................................... 11
Figure 21: Fine Aggregate ....................................................................................................... 15
Figure 22: Shaking ................................................................................................................... 16

TABLE OF TABLES AND GRAPHS

Table 1: Consistency of water cement paste .............................................................................. 9
Table 2: initial setting time of water cement paste .................................................................. 12
Table 3: final setting time of water cement paste .................................................................... 12
Table 4: fineness modulus for fine aggregate (Lawrancepur sand) ......................................... 15
Table 5: fineness modulus for coarse aggregate (Margalla Crush) ......................................... 16
Table 6: bulk density for coarse aggregate ............................................................................. 21
Table 7: bulk density for fine aggregate ................................................................................. 21
Table 8: for aggregate impact value of coarse aggregate ........................................................ 24
Graph 1: GRADATAION CURVE FOR FINE AGGREGATE 17
Graph 2: GRADATION CURVE COARSE AGGREGATE .................................................. 17

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EXPERIMENT # 1:
INTRODUCTION TO REINFORCE CONCRETE DESIGN LAB
1) LAB LAYOUT

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2) SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE:

The significance of this experiment is to tell the students about different apparatus present in
the lab. To tell the students the place of different instruments and the use of these instruments
for different experiments.

3) APPRATUSES:

i. SIEVE SHAKER:
Sieve shakers are used for separation and size determination of particles.
A typical sieve shaker separates particles by passing them through a
series of chambers with mesh filters and agitating the sample in order to
obtain complete separation.
Sieve shaker is a electronic device. Sieve shaker use electromagnetic
energy to agitate particles. An ideal setting creates a fluid bed of material
moving across the mesh. This optimizes the number of opening tried by
the sample material. Adjustment for vibration amplitude and frequency
on some shaker allow optimization for a wider range of materials
FIGURE 1: SIEVE SHAKER

ii. Drying Oven:

Drying ovens can be used in laboratory or industrial settings for a
variety of tasks including evaporation, sterilization, temperature testing,
and for incubating temperature sensitive experiments. Drying is a
delicate process as drying too fast, too slow, or unevenly can ruin an
otherwise perfect process. Ovens that operate above 300°C are
traditionally used for more specialized applications in physics,
electronics and materials processing. The range of drying oven is 350°C.

FIGURE 2: DRYING OVEN

iii. Cylinder mould:

A cylinder has traditionally been a three-dimensional solid, one of the
most basic of curvilinear geometric shapes. It is the idealized version of
a solid physical tin can having lids on top and bottom. This traditional
view is still used in elementary treatments of geometry, but the advanced
mathematical viewpoint has shifted to the infinite curvilinear surface
and this is how a cylinder is now defined in various modern branches of
geometry and topology. The shift in the basic meaning (solid versus
surface) has created some ambiguity with terminology.

FIGURE 3: CYLINDER MOULDS

iv. Prism specimen:

Prism specimen is the beam without reinforcement. The size of the specimen is 6”*6”*20”.
Prism is a three-dimensional solid object in which the two ends are identical. It is the
combination of the flat faces, identical bases and equal cross-sections. The faces of the prism

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are parallelograms or rectangles without the bases. And the bases of the prism could be triangle,
square, rectangle or any n-sided polygon.

FIGURE 4: PRISM SPECIMEN

v. Beam mould:
The beam mould is used to prepare concrete specimens for flexural testing of concrete beams.
They are formed from heavy gauge steel plate to maintain dimensional shape and can be easily
disassembled for cleaning. Fitted handles assist with easy movement. Plastic beam moulds are
also available. Inside surfaces are smooth and water tight to eliminate need to apply sealant to
joints. The size of beam mould is is 6”*6”*48”.

FIGURE 5: BEAM MOULD

vi. Aggregate impact value apparatus:

The Aggregates Impact Value (AIV) Apparatus is used to determine the
aggregate impact value which provides a relative measure of the
resistance of an aggregate to sudden shock or impact. The counter fitted
to the machine automatically records the number of blows delivered to
the sample. AIV is made from steel protected against corrosion.

FIGURE 6: AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE APPARATUS

vii. Pycnometer:
The pycnometer is used for determination of specific gravity
of soil particles of both fine grained and coarse grained soils.
The determination of specific gravity of soil will help in the
calculation of void ratio, degree of saturation and other
different soil properties. Pycnometer are glass or metal
containers with a determined volume. Typically , they are used
to determine the density of liquids and their dispersion.

FIGURE 7: PYCNOMETER

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Density and dispersion can be measured by weighing the defined volume of powder and
granules.

viii. Beam load apparatus:

The beam apparatus allows an extensive range of experiments to
cover virtually all course requirements relating to bending of
beams. The basic unit provide facilities for supporting beams on
simple, built-in and sinking supports, applying point load, and
measuring support reactions and beam deflection. It includes five
different test beams.
The beam apparatus can be used for an almost limitless number
of experiments ranging from determination of elastic modulus
for beams of different material, through to studies of continuous FIGURE 8: BEAM LOAD
beams with any loading. Great care has been taken at the design APPARATUS
stage to ensure maximum flexibility and ease of use.

ix. Compression testing machine:

Compression testing machine is a universal testing machine
specially configured to evaluate static compressive strength,
characteristics of material products and components.
Compression testing machine is also used to measure such as
ultimate compression strength, yield strength, deflection and
modulus.
FIGURE 9: COMPRESSION TESTING MACHINE

x. Compacting factor apparatus:

This apparatus consists of two conical hoppers mounted on a
cylinder. Each hopper has a hinged flange with quick release
mechanism and everything is mounted on a rigid steel sand. The
compacting factor is the ratio between the weight of the partially
compacted concrete and the weight of the fully compacted
concrete. Compacting factor apparatus enables the check to be
made on the weight of concrete when it free falls from fixed
heights into a cylindrical container of standard capacity.
Compaction factor apparatus consist of trowels, hand scoop
(15.2cm long), a rod of steel or other suitable material (1.6cm
diameter, 61cm long rounded at one end) and a balance. FIGURE 10: COMPACTING
FACTOR APPARATUS
xi. Rapid curing tank:
This tank has been designed for accelerated concrete
strength curing. It comprises a fully insulated double wall
tank with cover, inside all from stainless steel. The fully
insulated water tank holds standard cast cubes that are
placed on two removable racks with sufficient free
circulation of water around each cube. The pump, drain
FIGURE 11: RAPID CURING
TANK

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wall, thermostat and recirculation pump are housed in a compartment at one end of the tank.
The model can cure in warm, cold and boiling water.

xii. Vicat apparatus:

Vicat apparatus is used to find out the consistency, initial
setting time and final setting time of cement. In the normal
consistency test we have to find out amount of water to be
added to the cement to form a cement paste of normal
consistency. Vicat apparatus consist of an arrangement to hold
the plunger of 10mm diameter and two other needles which
made freely fall into a mould filled with the cement paste and
the amount of penetration of needle of plunder can be noted
using the vertical graduations from 0 to 50mm.Modefied vicat
apparatus is designed for testing of gypsum and monitoring of
plaster paste, with additional weight 1000 for obtaining a total
mass of all moving parts of 1115g.
FIGURE 12: VICAT APPARATUS
COMPONENTS OF VIACT APPARATUS:
• Initial-set needle, 1mm dia
• Consistency plunger 10mm dia
• Vicat mould 60/70 dia.*40mm
• Glass plate and thermometer

xiii. Weighing balance:

Weighing balance is a device to measure weight. Spring
balance or spring scales calculate weight that is the product of
mass into gravity on the force on a spring, whereas a balance
or pair of scales using a balance beam compares masses by
balancing the weight due to the mass of an object against the
weight of one or more known masses. Some of them can be
calibrated to read in units of force such as newton instead of
unit of mass such kilogram. The balance or pair of scales using
a traditional balance beam to compare masses may read
correctly for mass even if moved to a place with a different
non zero gravitational field strength. Also the spring balances
that are designed with reading of weight in mind would read FIGURE 13: WEIGHING
correctly for weight in different non zero gravitational field BALANCE
strength.

xiv. Concrete mixer:

Concrete mixer have been selected for laboratory use, to prepare
concrete specimens and samples. They assure the best uniformity and
efficient mixing. Concrete mixer is supplied complete with additional
interchangeable mixing paddle, particularly suitable for low slump
concrete, wheels and drawbar. One very important benefit of a
small cement mixer is that it can save a lot of time and effort. Also

FIGURE 14: CONCRETE MIXER

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Small cement mixer saves you money because there is no need to hire extra employees to mix
the concrete manually.

xv. Core cutter:

This is used for determination of in situ dry density of natural or compacted fine grained soil,
free from aggregates. A cylindrical cutter is used to extract a sample of the soil with the help
of a dolly and rammer. From the weight, density and the moisture, and dry density of the soil
is readily calculated.

FIGURE 15: CORE CUTTER

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EXPERIMENT NO 2:
STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF NORMAL
CONSISTENCY OF HYDRAULIC CEMENT (ASTM C187-11)
1) SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE:
This test method is intended to be used to determine the amount of water (by % weight of dry
cement) required to prepare hydraulic cement pastes for testing.

2) PURPOSE:
• To determine of the normal consistency of hydraulic cement.
• To determine the amount of water required to prepare hydraulic cement pastes for testing.

3) RELATED THEORY:
The amount of water content that brings the cement paste to a standard condition of wetness is
called “normal consistency”. It has a marked effect upon the time of set as well as upon other
properties of cement. The paste at normal consistency is fairly stiff and is used only for the
determination of time of set and soundness of cement. It is necessary to fix the quantity of
water to be mixed in cement while experimenting on it. The normal consistency of a cement
paste is defined as that consistency (% of water) which will permit the Vicat plunger to
penetrate to a point 10 mm from the top of the Vicat mould. The usual range of values being
between 22 to 30 percent by weight of dry cement. Normal consistency is also called standard
consistency.

i. Necessity and use of normal consistency:

• Cement produced by different factories may not have same properties and so it is necessary
to standardize the consistency using standard equipment.
• The knowledge of normal consistency is required while performing other important tests
such as setting time, soundness etc. as these tests are performed on cement paste using a
certain percentage of water required for standard consistency.

ii. Consistency:
The thickness or viscosity of the cement paste is called consistency. It is the ratio of thickness
of water to the mass of cement expressed as percentage. Less water than this quantity would
not complete chemical reaction thus resulting in reduction of strength and more water would
increase water cement ratio and so would reduce its strength. Thus correct proportion of water
to cement is required to be known to achieve proper strength while using cement in structure.

iii. Gauging Time:

The period observed from the time water is added to cement for making cement paste till
commencing the filling of mould of Vicat Apparatus in this test.

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iv. Standard Cement Paste:

It is the cement paste for which the 10mm diameter plunger in a standard VICAT’S test
penetrates to such an extent that its distance from the bottom is 10±1mm. the normal
consistency of cement is 28%.

v. Normal Consistency:
It is the thickness or viscosity of standard paste and is expressed as the percentage of weight of
water.

vi. Test Conditions:

• The temperature of the air in the vicinity of the mixing slab, the dry cement, moulds, and
base plates shall be maintained between 20 and 27.5C (68 and 81.5F).
• The temperature of the mixing water shall not vary from 23C (73.4F) by more than
1.7C (3F).
• The relative humidity of the laboratory shall be not less than 50%.

4) APPARATUS:
• Vicat Apparatus
• Plunger (dia =10mm)
• Weighing balance and trowel
• Spatula and safety gloves
• Stop Watch
FIGURE 16: APPARATUSES USED IN EXPERIMENT

5) PROCEDURE:
• Take 650g of cement and mix it with 26% of water by weight of dry cement. The Gauging
time should not be more than 4min ±15 sec.
• Fill the Vicat mould with paste and level it with trowel.
• Lower the plunger gently till it touches the cement surface.
• Release the plunger allowing it to sink into the paste.
• Note the reading on the gauge.
• Repeat the above procedure taking fresh samples of cement and different quantities of water
until the reading on the gauge is 10±1mm.

FIGURE 17: PLUNGER DIPPED IN FIGURE 19: POURING WATER FIGURE 18: MAKING
PASTE INTO CEMENT CEMENT PASTE

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6) OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

TABLE 1: CONSISTENCY OF WATER CEMENT PASTE

Sr Weight of % of Weight of Penetration in Consistency W2/W1

No Cement (gm) Water Water mm * 100
1 650 25 162.5 10 25
2 650 26 169 11.5 26
3 650 27 175.5 19 27

7) PRECAUTIONS:
• Gauging time should be strictly observed.
• Room temp. Should be well maintained as per test requirement.
• All apparatus used should be clean.
• The experiment should be performed away from vibrations and other disturbances.

8) COMMENTS:
• In this experiment we obtained the amount of water content at which we can obtain the
maximum strength of cement.
• The standard penetration is observed at 25% water by weight which fulfils ASTM standard.
• This test is important about the amount of water to be used, in preparation of water-cement
paste before using it at the site, during construction.

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EXPERIMENT NO 3
STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF INITIAL
& FINAL SETTING TIME OF HYDRAULIC CEMENT (ASTM C191-
13)
1) OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this experiment is to determine the initial and final setting time of cement.

2) SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE:

• This test method is used to determine the time of setting of the hydraulic cement by VICAT
needle apparatus.
• The knowledge of the setting time of the cement is always helpful in deciding the time
duration to mix, transport, place and compact the concrete effectively.
• We always prefer a larger initial setting time so that we can mix, transport and place the
concrete easily. According to ASTM specifications, the initial setting time shall not be less
than 45 min but in the field we prefer an initial setting time not less than 90 min.
• A smaller value of the final setting time is always preferred in order to avoid large
expenditures on the formwork. According to most of the specifications, the final setting
time shall not be greater than 10hrs and shall not be less than ( 90 + 1.2 x (initial setting
time) ) min.

3) RELATED THEORY:

i. Setting Time:
In the setting process very little chemical reaction takes place. It only includes the shape
acquisition due to evaporation of water. During the setting process the cement remains in the
fluid or the semi-fluid state and there is very little or no gain in strength. Finer the cement
particles more will be the hydration and therefore it will lead to quick settlement.

ii. Hardening:
Hardening is the rate of gain of strength due to the chemical reaction. It also refers to the
strength of the concrete after a specified interval of time.

iii. Initial Setting Time:

The time elapsed between the initial contact of cement and water and the time when a
1mm2 cross-section needle gives a reading between 4-7mm from the bottom in a standard Vicat
apparatus is known as initial setting time of that particular cement paste.

iv. Final Setting Time:

It is the time elapsed between the initial contact of cement and water and the time when the
smaller needle (1mm2 cross-section and 0.5mm deep) completely penetrates into the paste and
the outer metal attachment of 5mm diameter does not leave an impression on the cement paste.

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v. Test conditions:

A) TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY:

• Maintain the temperature of the air in the vicinity of the mixing slab, the dry cement,
moulds, and base plates at 23.0 ± 3.0°C.
• Maintain the temperature of the mixing water at 23.0 ± 2.0°C.
• The relative humidity of the mixing room shall not be less than 50 percent.

B) AMOUNT OF CEMENT:
Amount of cement is required for the test according to various specifications are mentioned
below;

• BS = 500 gm
• ASTM = 650 gm

4) AMOUNT OF CEMENT:
• Vicat Apparatus
• Plunger (dia = 10 mm)
• Weighing balance and trowel
• Spatula and safety gloves
• Stop Watch

5) PROCEDURE:
• Place the test block confined in the mould and resting on the non-porous plate, under the
rod bearing lower the needle gently until it comes in touch with the surface of the test block
and quickly release, allowing it to penetrate into the test block.
• In the beginning, the needle will completely pierce the test block.
• Repeat this procedure until the needle, when brought in touch with the test block and
released as described above, fails the to pierce the block beyond a point 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm
measured from the bottom of the mould.
• The period elapsing between the moments when the cement is mixed with water and the
moment at which the needle fails to pierce the test block beyond a point 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm
measured from the bottom of the mould will be the initial setting time of the cement paste.
• Record this time.
• Replace the needle of the Vicat apparatus by the needle with
an annular attachment.
• The sample of cement paste will be considered as finally set
when, upon applying the needle gently to the surface of the
test block, the needle makes an impression there on, while the
attachment fails to do so.
• The period elapsing between the time when the cement is
mixed with water and the time at which the needle makes an
impression on the surface of test block while the attachment
fails to do so will be the final setting time of the cement paste.
• Record this time.
FIGURE 20: WHILE
PERFORMANCE INITIAL SETTING
TIME

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6) OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

TABLE 2: INITIAL SETTING TIME OF WATER CEMENT PASTE

Sr Description Time Time Penetration(mm)

No Interval(min) Elapsed(min)
1 Addition of water in 0 - -
cement
2 Mixing & filling of mould 5 5 -
3 1st Reading 30 35 40
4 2nd Reading 15 50 40
5 3rd Reading 15 65 40
6 4th Reading 15 80 40
7 5th Reading 15 95 40
8 6th Reading 15 110 40
9 7th Reading 15 125 37
10 8th Reading 15 140 37
11 9th Reading 15 155 35
12 10th Reading 15 170 33
13 11th Reading 15 185 32
14 12th Reading 15 200 25
15 13th Reading 15 215 21
16 14th Reading 15 230 20
17 15th Reading 15 245 18
18 16th Reading 15 260 14
19 17th Reading 15 275 6
20 18th Reading 15 290 4
21 19th Reading 15 305 2
22 20th Reading 15 320 1
23 21th Reading 15 335 0
TABLE 3: FINAL SETTING TIME OF WATER CEMENT PASTE

Sr. No. Description In Minutes In Hours

1. Mixing and Filling of Mould 5 0.083

2. Initial Setting Time 140 2 hr +20 min

3. Final Setting Time 335 5 hr + 35 min

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7) PRECAUTIONS:
• Don’t touch cement with open hand, use gloves during experiment.
• Use mask during the performance of experiment.
• New reading take 10mm away from the previous one.
• Do work 25mm away from mould boundary.

8) COMMENTS:
• In this experiment we studied about the initial setting time as well as final setting time.
• The initial setting time should not less than 45 min and not more than 335, so our initial
setting time is 200 min and final setting time is 335 min which is accurate.
• The requirement of temperature of lab and humidity is not taken into account during
performance, which may cause error in results but hopefully results are satisfied.

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EXPERIMENT NO 4:
DETERMINATION OF FINENESS MODULUS OF COARSE & FINE
AGGREGATES (ASTM C136-14)
1) SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE:
This test method is used to determine the fineness modulus of the given fine grained specimen.
The information obtain from fineness modulus is helpful in the following ways;

• Fineness modulus tells us directly whether the material is well graded or gap-graded.
• Fineness modulus gives us an overall idea whether the material is fine or coarse.
• It also indicates the surface area of particles.
1
Surface Area ∝
Fineness modulus

Lower the surface area of aggregate, the required amount of fresh cement paste to cover the
aggregate particles will be less and thus less water is required.

• Larger value of fineness modulus is preferred for fine aggregate. For a good fine aggregate,
the fineness modulus should be between 2.3 to 3.1.

2) RELATED THEORY:

i. Fineness Modulus:
It is the sum of cumulative percentage retained on standard sieve 150μm and above divided by
100. It is a single factor or an empirical formula which we get from the result of sieve analysis.
The value of fineness modulus will not change if we add more sieves.

ii. Sieving:
It is operation of dividing aggregate into various fractions, each consisting of particles of same
size.

iii. Function of Sieving:

Sieving is performed on coarse and fine aggregate in order to check their gradation. This
gradation gives an indirect measure of workability and average particles size.

iv. Fine Aggregate:

The material passes from sieve # 4 and retain on sieve # 200 is known as fine aggregates.

v. Coarse Aggregate:
The material which retain on sieve # 4 is known as coarse aggregate.

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3) APPARATUS:
• Standard set of sieve
• Sieve Shaker
• Sample of Fine Aggregate
• Sample of Coarse Aggregate

4) PROCEDURE FOR FINE AGGREGATE:

• Take sample of fine aggregate of 500gm
• Adjust the sieve set in a sequence according to ASTM
• Set the sieve set on sieve shaker and Place the specimen/sample.
• This sieve shaker shakes the sieve set upto 3-4 min
• Then takes the retain weight on each sieve
FIGURE 21: FINE AGGREGATE

i. Observation and Calculation:

• Sample Sand = Lawrancepur Sand
Retain sample = x
Total sample = y = 500gm
𝑥
% retain weight = *100
𝑦

TABLE 4: FINENESS MODULUS FOR FINE AGGREGATE (LAWRANCEPUR SAND)

Sieve No Weight % Weight Cumulative Cumulative ASTM Grading

Retain Retain % Retain % Passing
Max Min
4 8.7 1.74 1.74 98.26 95 100

8 15.1 3.02 4.76 95.24 80 100

16 268.1 53.62 58.38 41.62 50 85

30 146.8 29.36 87.4 12.6 25 60

50 41.5 8.3 96.04 96.04 10 30

100 12.8 2.56 98.6 98.6 2 10

Pan 1.8 - - - - -
sum of cummulative % retain on sieve # 100
Fineness Modulus of Fine Aggregate =
100

346.92
Fineness Modulus of Fine Aggregate = = 3.46
100

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5) PROCEDURE FOR COARSE AGGREGATE:

• Take sample of fine aggregate of 5kg.
• Adjust the sieve set in a sequence according to ASTM standard.
• Set the sieve set on sieve shaker and Place the
specimen/sample.
• This sieve shaker shakes the sieve set up to 3-4 minutes.
• Then takes the retain weight on each sieve.

i. Observation and Calculation:

• Sample Crush = Margalla Crush
Retain sample = x
FIGURE 22: SHAKING
Total sample = y = 5 kg
𝑥
% retain weight = *100
𝑦

TABLE 5: FINENESS MODULUS FOR COARSE AGGREGATE (MARGALLA CRUSH)

Standard Weight % weight Cumulative Cumulative ASTM

sieve retained Retained % retained Passing STANDARDS

mm/inch grams %Max %Min

25 (1”) - - - - 100 100

19 (3/4”) 0.34 6.8 6.8 93.2 100 90

12.5 (1/2”) 4.13 82.6 89.4 10.6 - -

9.5 (3/8”) 0.20 4 93.4 6.6 20 55

4.75 (#4) 0.30 6 99.4 0.6 0 10

Pan

2.36 (#8) - - 100 - 0 5

1.18 (#16) - - 100 - 0 0

0.6 (#30) - - 100 - 0 0

0.3 (#50) - - 100 - 0 0

0.15 (#100) - - 100 - 0 0

 789

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sum of cummulative % retain on sieve # 100

Fineness Modulus of Coarse Aggregate =
100
400+346.92
Fineness Modulus of Coarse Aggregate = = 7.46
100

GRAPH 1: GRADATAION CURVE FOR FINE AGGREGATE

GRADATAION CURVE FOR FINE AGGREGATE

110
100
90
CUMMULATIVE PASSING

80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
100 10 1 0.1
SIEVE SIZE LOG SCALE
MAX. MIN. OBSERVED

GRAPH 2: GRADATION CURVE COARSE AGGREGATE

GRADATION CURVE COARSE AGGREGATE

110
100
90
COMMULATIVE PaSSING

80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
100 10 1
SIEVE SIZE LOG SCALE
MAX. MIN. OBSERVED

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6) COMMENTS:
• This is simple experiment to check gradation of aggregates which is essential in
concrete mix design to prevent any kind of failure or destruction in structure due to
poor graded aggregate.
• Fineness modulus of fine aggregate is 3.46 which is out of range, may be cause of
mixing of different kinds sands or some amount of mixing of water. Competent range
for fine aggregate is 1.5 to 3.
• Fineness modulus of coarse aggregate is 7.46 which is within range.
• The value of fineness modulus of Margalla crush is more than this and it is due to
mixing of different types of coarse aggregate but it still satisfies ASTM standards.
• The temperature and humidity is not taken into consideration may caused some error
but in coarse aggregate test is succeeded and in case of fine aggregate, specimen is not
suitable to use.

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 SHABBIR AHMAD BSCE01183091 SECTION: B

EXPERIMENT NO 5
STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF BULK
DENSITY OF AGGREGATE
1) SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE:
• This test method covers the determination of bulk density of aggregates in a compact or
loose condition and calculate void between particles in fine, course or mixed aggregates
based on the same determination.
• This test method is often used to determine bulk density values that are necessary for use
for many methods of selecting proportion for mixed concrete.

2) RELATED THEORY:

ii. Density:
Density is a measurement that compares the amount of matter an object has to its volume. An
object with much matter in a certain volume has high density. Density is found by dividing the
mass of an object by its volume.
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠
𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 =
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒

iii. Solid Density:

It is the ratio of mass of solid particles to volume of solid particles in an aggregate.
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑑 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑑 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠

iv. Bulk density:

It is the mass of the unit volume of bulk aggregate material. The term volume includes the
volume of the individual particles and the volume of the voids between particles. Bulk density
is used in weight and volume batching.

v. Voids:
It is the space between the individual particles in a unit volume of the aggregate mass and
is not occupied by the solid mineral matter.
Voids within the particles, either permeable or impermeable are not included in the voids
for the determination of bulk density by this method.

vi. Absolute Density:

It is the mass per unit volume of the individual particles only.

vii. Facts About Bulk Density:

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Bulk-density depends upon how densely the aggregate is packed. It also depends upon the size,
distribution and shape of the particles. If the particles are of the same size, then it can be packed
to a limited extent but when the smaller particles are added, the voids get filled with them and
thus the bulk density increases. For a coarse aggregate, a higher bulk density means that there
are few voids which are to be filled by the fine aggregate and cement. Thus bulk density also
depends upon the degree of packing.

viii. Methods for determination of bulk density of aggregate:

• Rodding Method
• Jigging Method
• Shovelling Method

ix. Rodding Method:

Fill the measure with aggregate in nearly equal three layer. Apply 25 evenly distributed strokes
of tapping rode to each layer surface. The rode should not hit the bottom of the measure during
rodding of the layer, and penetrating the rod to into the first and second layer during rodding
second and third layer need to be prevented.

x. Jigging Method:
Fill the measure with aggregate in nearly equal three layer. Compact each layer by placing the
measure on a firm base, raising the opposite sides alternately about 50 mm, and allowing the
measure to drop in such a manner as to hit with a sharp, slapping blow. Compact each layer by
dropping the measure 50 times, 25 times on each side, and finally level the surface of the
aggregate.

xi. Shovelling Method:

Fill the measure to overflowing by means of a shovel or scoop, discharging the aggregate from
a height not to exceed 50 mm above the top of the measure. Prevent segregation of the particle
sizes of which the sample is composed. Level the surface of the aggregate. Finally, determine
and record the mass of the measure plus its contents to the nearest 0.05 kg.

3) APPARATUS:
• Weighing Balance
• Tamping Rod
• Measuring Cylinder
• Sample Coarse Aggregate
• Sample Fine Aggregate

4) PROCEDURE FOR CAORSE AGGRAGATE:

• First of all take weight of empty of cylinder.
• Note the dia and height of cylinder.
• Fill the cylinder with coarse aggregate and note the weight of coarse aggregate in loose
form and find its density.
• Fill the cylinder with coarse aggregate in three layers in such a way that each layer has 25
blows and find the density in compacted form.

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5) OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

Dia = 6” = 6*2.54
3.27(0.152)
Dia = 15.24cm = 0.152m → vol of container = *0.304 = 0.005m3
4

Height = 12” = 12*2.54

Height = 30.48 cm = 0.304 m
TABLE 6: BULK DENSITY FOR COARSE AGGREGATE

Sample State Wt. of Wt. of Weight of Vol of Bulk

Margalla container container + Aggregate container Density
Crush (kg) aggregate (kg) (m3) (kg/ m3)
(kg)
1 Loose 8.76 16.47 7.71 0.005 1542
2 Compacted 8.76 17.04 8.28 0.005 1656.6

6) PROCEDURE FOR FINE AGGREGATE:

• First of all take weight of empty of cylinder.
• Note the dia and height of cylinder.
• Fill the cylinder with fine aggregate and note the weight of fine aggregate in loose form
and find its density.
• Fill the cylinder with fine aggregate in three layers in such a way that each layer has 25
blows and find the density in compacted form.

7) OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

Dia = 4” = 4*2.54 = 10.16 cm = 0.101 m
3.27(0.101)
vol of container = *0.127 = 0.001 m3
4

Height = 5” = 5*2.54 = 12.70 cm = 0.127 m

TABLE 7: BULK DENSITY FOR FINE AGGREGATE

Sample State Wt. of Wt. of Wt. of Vol. of Bulk

Lawrancepur container container + Aggregate container Density
Sand (kg) aggregate (kg) (m3) (kg/ m3)
(kg)
1 Loose 0.85 2.46 1.61 0.001 1610
2 Compacted 0.85 2.5 1.65 0.001 1650

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8) COMMENTS:
• In this experiment we determined the bulk density and air void in aggregates in compacted
and loose condition.
• Bulk density of fine aggregate in loose form is 1610 kg/m3 & in the compact for is 1650
kg/m3 which represent there were voids when sand was in loose form and that’s the reason
density was less in loose form and increases with compaction.
• Bulk density of coarse aggregate in loose form is 1542kg/m3 & in the compact for is 1656.6
kg/m3 which represent there were voids when crush was in loose form and that’s the reason
density was less in loose form and increases with compaction.
• Density increases with the increase in compactive effort/compaction.
• So the voids as reduced as well as the density increases which represent how much material
is dense.
• The bulk density is more in compacted state as compared to the loose due to gap
difference which shows that the bulk density greatly depends on the degree of compaction.

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EXPERIMENT NO 6
DETERMINATION OF AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE OF COARSE
AGGREGATE (BS-812-PART 112-90)
1) OBJECTIVE:
The aggregate impact value gives a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to sudden
shock or impact, which in some aggregates differ from its resistance to a slow compressive
load.

2) SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE:

The aggregate impact value gives a relative measure of the toughness or the resistance of
aggregate sudden shock or impact is not proportional to the resistance to a slowly applied
compressive load.

3) RELATED THEORY:
• AIV is the percentage of fines produced from the aggregate sample after subjecting it to a
standard amount of impact.
• The standard amount of impact is produced by a known weight, i.e. a steel cylinder, falling
a set height, a prescribed number of times, onto an amount of aggregate of standard size
and weight retained in a mould.
• Aggregate Impact Values, (AIV), below 10 are regarded as strong, and AIV above 30
would normally be regarded as too weak for use in road surfaces.
• Aggregate Impact Values and Aggregate Crushing Values are often numerically very
similar, and indicate similar aggregate strength properties.

i. Types of Load:
• Impact Load
• Graduated Load

ii. Impact Load:

It’s a load occurs suddenly for a few seconds and have very high magnitude.

iii. Gradual Load:

It’s a load occurs gradually and slowly increases in a gradual manner.

iv. Test Specification:

The test sample shall consist of aggregates the whole of which passes through ½ in B.S. test
sieve and is retained on a 3/8 in B.S. test sieve. The aggregate comprising the test sample shall
be dried in an oven for a period of four hours at a temperature of 100-110 °C and cooled. The
measuring cup shall be filled about one-third with the aggregate and gives 25 no. of blows with
tamping rod. A further similar quantity of aggregate shall be added and a further 25 tamping
given to the second and at the last layer 25 tamping shall again be given and the surplus
aggregate struck off using the tamping rod as a straight-edge.

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4) APPARATUS:
• Spanner
• Weighing Balance
• Impact value Apparatus
• Sample (coarse aggregate)

5) PROCEDURE:
• Firstly, measure the weight of sample of coarse aggregate 640g.
• Sieving the sample by ½” and 3/8” and select the aggregate that pass by ½” and retain on
3/8”.
• Fill up the mould into three layer’s in such a way that each layer has 25 strokes of tamping
rod.
• The mould shall be fixed firmly in position on the base of the machine and the whole of the
test sample will be placed in it.
• The hammer shall be raised until its lower face is 15 in. above from the upper surface of
the aggregate in the mould, and allowed to fall freely on the aggregate.
• The test sample shall be subjected to a total 15 such blows each being delivered at an
interval of not less than one second.
• The crushed aggregate shall then be removed from the cup and the whole of it sieved on
No. 7 B.S. sieve until no further significant amount passes.
• The fraction passing the sieve shall be weighted to an accuracy of 0.1 gram.
• If the difference is more than 1 gram then repeat the test. B + C = A.

6) OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

Weight of sample = A = 640 gram
Passing material from sieve no 7 = B = 60.4 gram
Retained weight of sieve = C = 570.4 gram
𝐵
Aggregate impact value = × 100
𝐴

60.4
× 100 = 9.43
640

Aggregate impact value = 9.43

TABLE 8: FOR AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE OF COARSE AGGREGATE

Sr. No. Mass of Mass of Mass of Mass of Mass of Aggregat

Mould Agg. and Aggregate Aggregate Aggregate e Impact
(kg) Mould (kg) retaining on passing on Value
(kg) Sieve # 7 Sieve #7
(g) (g)

1. 2.63 3.24 0.61 579.4 60.4 9.43

2. 2.63 3.27 0.64 572.1 64.9 10.262

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7) COMMENTS:
• In this experiment we studied about the resistance of aggregate against sudden shock or
impact.
• The aggregate impact value is 9.43 which represent that specimen (coarse aggregate) is
very strong as well as useable.
• In lab, # 7 sieve is not present, so we used # 8 sieve instead of # 7, if we use # 7 there will
be slightly difference in value of B (passing material) but this difference is negligible and
does not affect the result.

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EXPERIMENT # 7-A
DETERMINATION OF RELATIVE DENSITY (SPECIFIC GRAVITY)
AND WATER ABSORPTION OF COARSE AGGREGATES. (ASTM
C-127)
1) SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE:
Relative density (specific gravity) is the characteristic generally used for calculation of the
volume occupied by the aggregate in various mixtures containing aggregate including Portland
cement concrete, bituminous concrete, and other mixtures that are proportioned or analysed on
an absolute volume basis. Relative density is also used in the computation of voids in aggregate.
Freshly washed coarse aggregates contain free water, but because they dry quickly, they are
sometimes in an air-dry state when used, and they absorb some of the mixing water.
To calculate the mixing water content of concrete, the absorption of the aggregates and their
total moisture contents must be known. Absorption values are used to calculate the change in
the weight of an aggregate due to water absorbed in the pore spaces within the constituent
particles, compared to the dry condition, when it is deemed that the aggregate has been in
contact with water long enough to satisfy most of the absorption potential.

• The knowledge of the specific gravity is important for the concrete technologist to
determine the properties of concrete made from such aggregates.
• It is used for the calculation of the volume occupied by the aggregates in various mixtures.
• The pores at the surface of the particles affect the bond between the aggregate and the
cement paste and thus influence the concrete strength.
• Normally it is assumed that at the time of setting of concrete, the aggregate is in the
saturated and surface dry condition. If the aggregate is to be batched in the dry condition,
then it is assumed that sufficient amount of water will be absorbed from the mix to bring
the aggregate in the saturated condition. If an additional amount of water is not added as a
cover for the absorbed water, the loss of work-ability is resulted.

2) LIMITATION:
The limitation of the test is that, it cannot be used for the light weight aggregates.

3) RELATED THEORY:

i. Aggregates:
Aggregates may be classified as;

• Coarse Aggregate
• Fine Aggregate

ii. Coarse Aggregate:

Any material which is retained on BS sieve #4 (ASTM sieve 4.75mm) is known as coarse
aggregate.

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iii. Fine Aggregates:

Any material which is passing BS sieve #4 (ASTM sieve 4.75mm) is known as fine aggregate.

iv. Types Of Crush Available In Pakistan:

• Sargodha Crush:
Sargodha crush possess the following properties;
o Greener in colour
o High strength
o Usually elongated particles
• Margalla Crush:
• Sakhi Sarwar Crush:
Sakhi Sarwar crush possess the following properties;

• Low in strength
• Whitish in Colour

v. Absorption:
It is the increase in the mass of the aggregate due to the penetration of water into the pores of
the particles during a prescribed period of time. The term absorption does not include the
amount of water adhering to the surface of the particles. Water absorption is expressed as
percentage of the dry mass.

vi. Oven-Dry (OD) Condition:

The condition in which the aggregates have been dried by heating in an oven at 110 ± 5°C for
sufficient time to reach a constant mass”.

vii. Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) Condition:

It is the condition related with the aggregate particles in which the permeable pores of the
aggregate particles are filled with water but without free water on the surface of the particles.

viii. Oven Dry Density:

It is the mass of the oven dried aggregate per unit volume of the aggregate particles”. The term
volume includes the volume of the permeable and the impermeable pores and does not include
the volume of the voids between the particles.

ix. Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) Density:

It is the mass of the saturated surface dry aggregate per unit volume of the aggregate particles.
The term volume includes the volume of the permeable and the impermeable pores which are
filled with water and does not include the volume of the voids between the particles.

x. Apparent Density:
“It is the mass per unit volume of the impermeable portion of the aggregate particles”.

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OR
“It is the mass per unit volume of the solid portion of the particles excluding the voids”.

xi. Specific Gravity/Relative Density:

It is the ratio of the density of the aggregate material to the density of the gas free distilled
water at a standard temperature (i.e. 4 °C)”. The relative density is a dimensionless quantity
and is expressed as oven dried, saturated surface dry and apparent specific gravities.

xii. Oven Dried Specific Gravity:

It is the ratio of the oven dried density of the aggregate to the density of the gas free distilled
water at a standard temperature (i.e. 4 °C)”.

xiii. Saturated Surface Dry Specific Gravity:

It is the ratio of the saturated surface dry density of the aggregate to the density of the gas free
distilled water at a standard temperature (i.e. 4 °C).

xiv. Apparent Specific Gravity:

It is the ratio of the apparent density of the aggregate to the density of the gas free distilled
water at a standard temperature (i.e. 4 °C).

4) APPARATUS:
• Balance
• Sample Container (A wire basket of 3.35mm or finer mesh)
• Water Tank
• Sieve # 4 (4.75mm)
• Oven

5) PROCEDURE:
• Dry the test sample to constant weight at a temperature of 110  5C (230  9F),cool in
air at room temperature for 1 to 3 hr.
• Subsequently immerse the aggregate in water at room temperature for a period of 15 to 19
hrs.
• Remove the test sample from the water and roll it in a large absorbent cloth until all visible
films of water are removed. Take acre to avoid the evaporation of water from aggregate
pores during the surface drying process.
• Determine the mass of the test specimen in saturated surface dry condition in air. Note
down this mass as “B”.
• After determining the mass in air, immediately place the saturated surface dry sample in
the sample container and determine its apparent mass in water at 23±2°C. Take care to
remove all the entrapped air before determining the mass by shaking the container. Note
down this mass as “C”
• Dry the test sample in oven to a constant mass at a temperature 110 ± 5 °C, cool in air at
room temperature 1 to 3 h, and determine the mass. Note down this mass as “A”.

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6) OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

Oven dried weight of sample = A = 1540 g
Saturated surface dry weight of sample = B = 1551.1 g
Weight of bucket in water = D = 2067.6 g
Weight of bucket + SSD aggregate in water = E = 3074.5 g
Weight of saturated sample in water C = E – D = 1006.9 g
1540
Bulk Specific Gravity (Oven-Dry) = = 2.82
1551.1−1006.9
1551.1
Bulk Specific Gravity (SSD) = = 2.85
1551.1−1006.9
1540
Apparent Specific Gravity (Oven-Dry) = = 2.89
1540−1006.9
1551.1−1540
Absorption (%) = × 100 = 0.72
1540

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EXPERIMENT # 7-B
DETERMINATION OF RELATIVE DENSITY (SPECIFIC GRAVITY)
AND WATER ABSORPTION OF FINE AGGREGATES. (ASTM C -
128)
1) OBJECTIVE:
• To Determine the Relative Density of Fine Aggregate.
• To understand the standard test method to determine Relative Density and water
Absorption experimentally as per ASTM C-127 & ASTM C-128.
• To understand different types of relative density.
• To study about the different uses of Relative Density.

2) SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE:

Aggregate specific gravity is used in a number of applications including Superpave mix design,
deleterious particle identification and separation, and material property change identification.

3) RELATED THEORY:

i. Water Absorption:
It is the increase in the mass of the aggregate due to the penetration of water into the pores of
the particles during a prescribed period of time. The term absorption does not include the
amount of water adhering to the surface of the particles. Water absorption is expressed as
percentage of the dry mass.

ii. Oven-Dry (OD) Condition:

The condition in which the aggregates have been dried by heating in an oven at 110 ± 5°C for
sufficient time to reach a constant mass.

iii. Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) Condition:

It is the condition related with the aggregate particles in which the permeable pores of the
aggregate particles are filled with water but without free water on the surface of the particles.

iv. Oven Dry Density:

It is the mass of the oven dried aggregate per unit volume of the aggregate particles”. The term
volume includes the volume of the permeable and the impermeable pores and does not include
the volume of the voids between the particles.

v. Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) Density:

It is the mass of the saturated surface dry aggregate per unit volume of the aggregate particles.
The term volume includes the volume of the permeable and the impermeable pores which are
filled with water and does not include the volume of the voids between the particles.

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vi. Apparent Density:

It is the mass per unit volume of the impermeable portion of the aggregate particles.
OR
It is the mass per unit volume of the solid portion of the particles excluding the voids.

vii. Specific Gravity/Relative Density:

It is the ratio of the density of the aggregate material to the density of the gas free distilled
water at a standard temperature (i.e. 4 °C). The relative density is a dimensionless quantity and
is expressed as oven dried, saturated surface dry and apparent specific gravities.

viii. Oven Dried Specific Gravity:

It is the ratio of the oven dried density of the aggregate to the density of the gas free distilled
water at a standard temperature (i.e. 4 °C).

ix. Saturated Surface Dry Specific Gravity:

It is the ratio of the saturated surface dry density of the aggregate to the density of the gas free
distilled water at a standard temperature (i.e. 4 °C).

x. Apparent Specific Gravity:

It is the ratio of the apparent density of the aggregate to the density of the gas free distilled
water at a standard temperature (i.e. 4 °C).

xi. Preparation of Sample:

• Obtain approximately 1 kg of the fine aggregate from the sample.
• Dry the test specimen in a suitable pan or vessel to constant weight at a temperature of 110
± 5°C (230 ± 9°F). Allow it to cool to comfortable handling temperature.
• Cover Aggregates with water by immersion in water permit to stand for 24 ± 4 h.
• If Absorption and specific gravity values are to be used in proportioning concrete mixtures
with aggregates used in their naturally moist condition, the requirement for initial drying
to constant weight may be eliminated and, if the surfaces of the particles have been kept
wet, the 24-h soaking may also be eliminated.
• Decant excess water with care to avoid loss of fines, spread the sample on a flat non
absorbent surface exposed to a gently moving current of warm air, and stir frequently to
secure homogeneous drying. If desired, mechanical aids such as tumbling or stirring may
be employed to assist in achieving the saturated surface-dry condition. Continue this
operation until the test specimen approaches a free-flowing condition.
• Follow the Cone test for Surface Moisture procedure to determine whether or not surface
moisture is present on the constituent fine aggregate particles. It is intended that the first
trial of the cone test will be made with some surface water in the specimen. Continue drying
with constant stirring and test at frequent intervals until the test indicates that the specimen
has reached a surface-dry condition.
• If the first trial of the surface moisture test indicates that moisture is not present on the
surface, it has been dried past the saturated surface-dry condition. In this case thoroughly
mix a few millilitres of water with the fine aggregate and permit the specimen to stand in a

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covered container for 30 min. Then resume the process of drying and testing at frequent
intervals for the onset of the surface-dry condition.

xii. Cone Test for Surface Moisture:

• Hold the mould firmly on a smooth non-absorbent surface with the large diameter down.
• Place a portion of the partially dried fine aggregate loosely in the mould by filling it to
overflowing and heaping additional material above the top of the mould by holding it with
the cupped fingers of the hand holding the mould.
• Lightly tamp the fine aggregate into the mould with 25 light drops of the tamper. Each drop
should start about 5 mm (0.2 in.) above the top surface of the fine aggregate. Permit the
tamper to fall freely under gravitational attraction on each drop.
• Adjust the starting height to the new surface elevation after each drop and distribute the
drops over the surface. Remove loose sand from the base and lift the mould vertically.
• If surface moisture is still present, the fine aggregate will retain the moulded shape.
• When the fine aggregate slumps slightly it indicates that it has reached a surface dry
condition.
• Some angular fine aggregate or material with a high proportion of fines may not slump in
the cone test upon reaching a surface-dry condition. This may be the case if fines become
airborne upon dropping a handful of the sand from the cone test 100 to 150 mm onto a
surface. For these materials the saturated surface-dry condition should be considered as the
point that one side of the fine aggregate slumps slightly upon removing the mould.

4) APPARATUS:
• Balance
• Pycnometer (For use with Gravimetric Procedure)
• Flask (For use with Volumetric Procedure)
• Mould and Tamper for Surface Moisture Test
• Oven

5) PROCEDURE:
• Prepare the test specimen as described earlier.
• Partially fill the Pycnometer with water and introduce 500 ± 10 g of saturated surface dry
aggregate. Note down this mass as “S”.
• Agitate the Pycnometer manually or mechanically to eliminate visible air bubbles.
• After eliminating air bubbles adjust the temperature of Pycnometer and its contents to 23 ±
2 °C. And determine the total mass of Pycnometer, water and specimen. Note down this
mass as “C”.
• Remove the fine aggregate from the Pycnometer, dry in oven to a constant mass at a
temperature 110 ± 5 °C, cool in air at room temperature 1 ± 1/5 h and determine the mass.
Note down this mass as “A”.
• Determine the mass of Pycnometer filled to its calibrated capacity with water at 23 ± 2 °C.
Note down this as “B”.

6) OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

SSD Weight of Sand = 500 g

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Weight of oven-dry sample in Air = 494 g

Weight of pycnometer filled with water = 980 g
Weight of pycnometer with sample in water = 1295 g
494
Bulk Specific Gravity (Oven-Dry) = = 2.67
980+ 500−1295

500
Bulk Specific Gravity (SSD) = = 2.70
980+ 500−1295

494
Apparent Specific Gravity (Oven-Dry) = = 2.76
980−1295+494

500−494
Absorption (%) = × 100 = 1.21 %
494

7) COMMENTS:
• In this experiment we observed the specific gravity of coarse aggregate as well as fine
aggregates.
• Specific gravity is used for calculating the quantity of aggregate required for a given
volume of concrete.
• Rough textured, angular and elongated particles require more water to produce
workable concrete than smooth, rounded, compacted aggregates.
• The values obtained in apparent specific gravity are maximum, hence concrete should
be batched in such condition where specific gravity is maximum.
• Absorption capacity of fine aggregate is more than coarse ones.
• If water content of the concrete mixture is not kept constant, the compressive strength,
workability, and other properties will vary from batch to batch.

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