1

THE UNIVERSITY OF LAHORE

SUBMITTED BY SAMAM ASHFAQ

REG.NO BSCE01183147

SECTION A

SUBMITTED TO ENGR HASSAN ASHFAQ

SEMESTER 6th

LAB MANUAL RCD-1

 Table of Contents

Job # Description Page

#
1 Layout of concrete technology lab 1
2 Standard Test Method for The Determination of the Normal 4
Consistency of the Hydraulic Cement. ASTM C 187-04
Standard Test Method for The Determination of the Initial and Final
3 Setting Time of the Hydraulic Cement By VICAT Needle Apparatus. 9
Code: ASTM C 191-04b
Determination of the Fineness Modulus of The Coarse And Fine
Aggregate From Different Sources. Code: ASTM C-316-05, for coarse
4 14
materials (i.e. > 15μm ) ASTM C-117-05, for fine materials (i.e. <
15μm )

5 Standard Test Method for The Determination of Bulk Density (i.e. Unit 20
Weight and the Voids in Aggregates). Code: ASTM C-29/C-29M
Standard Test Method for The Determination of Relative Density
6 (Specific Gravity) And Water Absorption of Different Aggregates. 24
Code: ASTM C- 127&128
7 Determination of The Aggregate Impact Value of Different Coarse 29
Aggregate Samples.
3

RCD LAB LAYOUT

Job#2: Standard Test Method for The Determination of the Normal
Consistency of the Hydraulic Cement. ASTM C 187-04
Code: ASTM C 187-04
Scope:
This test method covers the determination of the normal consistency of hydraulic cement.
The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of
measurement are included in this standard. This standard does not purport to address all
of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of
this standard to establish approx.- pirate safety and health practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (ASTM C187-10)

Significance and use: This test method covers the determination of the
normal consistency of hydraulic cement.(ASTM C187-10)
Apparatus:

 Vicat’s apparatus
 Plunger(dia = 10mm, length = 50mm)
 Weighing balance
 Glass plate and trowel
 Spatula and safety gloves

Related theory:
Temperature and Humidity:
The temperature of the air and mixing water shall conform to the requirements of
Specification C511.
The relative humidity of the laboratory shall conform to the requirements of Specification
C511.
Vicat Apparatus:

The Vicat apparatus shall consist of a frame A (Fig. 1) bearing a movable rod B,
weighing 300 g, one end C, the plunger end, being 10 mm in diameter for a
distance of at least 50 mm, and the other end having a removable needle D, 1
mm in diameter and 50 mm in length. The rod B is reversible, and can be held in
any desired position by a set screw E, and has an adjustable indicator F, which
moves
over a scale (graduated in millimeters) attached to the frame A. The paste is held
in a rigid conical ring G, resting on a plane non absorptive square base

plate H, about 100 mm on each side. The rod B shall be made of stainless steel
having a hardness of not less than 35 HRC and shall be straight with the plunger
end which is perpendicular to the rod axis. The ring shall be made of a non
corroding, non absorbent material, and shall have an inside diameter of 70 mmat
the base and 60 mm at the top, and a height of 40 mm. In addition to the above,
the Vicat apparatus shall conform to the following requirements:

Weight of movable rod =300±5gm

Diameter of plunger end of rod =10±0.05mm
Diameter of needle =1±0.05mm inside
Inside diameter of ring at bottom =70±3mm inside
Inside diameter of ring at top =60±3mm
Height of ring =40±3mm

Vicat apparatus
 Plain and Reinforced Concrete – 1 Lab Manual

Procedure:
Preparation of Cement Paste:
Mix 650 g of cement with a measured quantity of water following the procedure
prescribed in the Procedure for Mixing Pastes of Practice C305. The water shall conform
to the numerical limits of Specification D1193 for Type III or Type IV grade of reagent
water.

Molding Test Specimen:

Quickly form the cement paste, prepared as described in 6.1, into the approximate shape
of a ball with gloved hands. Then toss six times through a free path of about 150 mm
from one hand to another so as to produce a nearly spherical mass that may be easily
inserted into the Vicat ring with a minimum amount of additional manipu- lation. Press
the ball, resting in the palm of one hand, into the larger end of the conical ring G, held in
the other hand, completely filling the ring with paste. Remove the excess at the larger end
by a single movement of the palm of the hand. Place the ring on its larger end on the base
plate H, and slice off the excess paste at the smaller end at the top of the ring by a single
oblique stroke of a sharp-edged trowel held at a slight angle with the top of the ring, and
smooth the top, if necessary, with a few light touches of the pointed end of the trowel.
During these operations of cutting and smoothing, take care not to compress the paste.

Consistency Determination:
Center the paste confined in the ring, resting on the plate, under the rod B, the plunger
end C of which shall be brought in contact with the surface of the paste, and tighten the
set- screw E. Then set the movable indicator F to the upper zero mark of the scale, or take
an initial reading, and release the rod immediately. This must not exceed 30 s after
completion of mixing. The apparatus shall be free of all vibrations during the test. The
paste shall be of normal consistency when the rod settles to a point 10 6 1 mm below the
original surface in 30 s after being released. Make trial pastes with varying percentages of
water until the normal consistency is obtained. Make each trial with fresh cement.

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.

6
Observation And Calculation:

Weight of cement = W1= 650g

SR#NO WEIGHT OF WATER PENETRATION (MM) CONSISTENCY=𝒘𝟐×100
𝒘𝟏
W2 (GM)

1 162.5 12 25

2 169 17 26

3 156 10 24
 Comments:

 This experiment tells us the amount of water content at which we can obtain the
maximum strength of cement.
 The achieved Standard Consistency is coming within the range of water (26% to 33%) So,
the standard consistency of cement paste is 11mm
 The standard penetration is observed at 26% water by weight which is the between the range
of ASTM
 This test also gives us information that how much amount of water is enough to prepare a
paste of cement before using it at the site at the time of construction.
Job#3: Standard Test Method for the Determination of the Initial and
Final Setting Time of the Hydraulic Cement By VICAT Needle
Apparatus.
Code: ASTM C 191-04b
Scope: These test methods determine the time of setting of hydraulic cement by means
of the Vicat needle. Two test methods are given; Method A is the Reference Test Method
using the manually operated standard Vicat apparatus, while Method B permits the use of
an automatic Vicat machine that has, in accordance with the qualification requirements of
this method, demonstrated acceptable performance.
The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of
measurement are included in this standard.
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated
with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate
safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior
to use.

Significance and use:

This test method provides a means of determining compliance with a specification limit
for Vicat time of setting. Refer to the appropriate specification for the cement to
determine if this test method is used for specification compliance.
Time of setting measured by this method will not necessarily provide the same results as
the time of setting of hydraulic cement paste measured by other methods, or the time of
setting of mortar or concrete.

Apparatus:
 Vicat apparatus.
 Reference Masses and Devices for Determining Mass.
 Glass graduates.
 Flat trowel.
 Plane non-adsorptive plate.
 Conical ring.
 Mixer, bowl and paddle.
 Automatic Vicat Needle Apparatus.
 Specimen mold.
Related theory:
Setting:
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.

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

Procedure:
Molding Test Specimen:
Quickly form the cement paste, prepared as described in the section on preparation of
cement paste, into a ball with gloved hands and toss six times from one hand to the other,
maintaining the hands about 150 mm (6 in.) apart. Press the ball, resting in the palm of
the hand, into the larger end of the conical ring G, held in the other hand, completely
filling the ring with paste. Remove the excess at the larger end by a single movement of
the palm of the hand. Place the ring on its larger end onto the non- absorptive plate, H,
and slice off the excess paste at the smaller end at the top of the ring by a single oblique
stroke of the trowel held at a slight angle with the top of the ring. Smooth the top of the
specimen, if necessary, with one or two light touches of the pointed end of the trowel.
During the operation of cutting and smoothing, take care not to compress the paste.
Immediately after molding, place the test specimen in the moist cabinet or moist room
and allow it to remain there except when penetration measurements are being made. The
specimen shall remain in the conical mold, supported by the non-absorptive plate
throughout the test period.

Time of Setting Determination:

Allow the time of setting specimen to remain in the moist cabinet or moist room for 30
min after molding without being disturbed. Determine the penetration of the 1-mm needle
at this time and every 15 min thereafter (every 10 min for Type III cements) until a
penetration of 25 mm or less is obtained. Perform the penetration test by lowering the
needle D of the rod B until it rests on the surface of the cement paste. Tighten the
setscrew, E, and set the indicator, F, at the upper end of the scale, or take an initial
reading. Release the rod quickly by releasing the set screw, E, and allow the needle to
settle for 30 s; then take the reading to determine the penetration. At the option of the
tester, if the paste is obviously quite soft on the early readings, retard the fall of the rod to
avoid bending the 1-mm needle, but when actual penetration measurements to determine
 the time of setting are made, release the rod only by the setscrew. Make each penetration
test at least 5 mm away from any previous penetration and at least 10 mm away from the
inner side of the mold. Record the results of all penetration tests and, by interpolation,
determine the time when a penetration of 25 mm is obtained. The elapsed time between
the initial contact of cement and water and the penetration of 25 mm is the Vicat time of
setting or Vicat initial time of setting.
Determine the Vicat final time of setting end point to be the first penetration measurement
that does not mark the specimen surface with a complete circular impression. Verify final
set by performing two additional penetration measurements on different areas of the
specimen surface. Obtain verification measurements within 90 s of the first “final set”
measurement. The elapsed time between the initial contact of cement and water and the
end point determination above is the Vicat final time of setting.

Determine the VICAT final time of setting end point to be the first penetration measurement that does not mark
the specimen surface with a complete circular impression. Verify final set by performing two additional penetration
measurements on different areas of the specimen surface. Obtain verification measurements within 90 s of the first
“final set” measurement. The elapsed time between the initial contact of cement and water and the end point
determination above is the VICAT final time of setting.

Temperature and Humidity:

 The temperature of the air in the vicinity of the mixing slab, the dry cement, molds, 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 23.0 °C (73.5 °F) by more than 62.0 °C (3.5 °F).
 The relative humidity of the laboratory shall be not less than 50 %.

Precautions:

 Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon
prolonged exposure. The use of gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection is recommended.
 Wash contact area with copious amounts of water after contact. Wash eyes for a minimum of 15 min.

 Avoid exposure of the body to clothing saturated with the liquid phase of the unhardened material. Remove
contaminated clothing immediately after exposure
 The apparatus should be free from vibrations during all the test.
 Observations and Calculations:

Type of cement: Ordinary Portland Cement

Manufacturer: Maple leaf

Room temperature = 16°C

%age of added water = 25% (normal consistency)

Weight of mixing sample = 500g

SR.NO DESCRIPTION TIME TIME ELAPSED PENETRATION

INTERVAL (MIN) (MM)
(MIN)

Addition of water
1 in cement 0
Mixing and filling
2 of mold 5 5
st
3 1 reading 30 35 40
nd
4 2 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 21st reading 15 335 0
Results:

OBSERVATIONS IN MINUTES IN HOURS

INITIAL SETTING TIME 200 3.33

FINAL SETTING TIME 335 5.58

Comments:

 The test specifications as described by ASTM C 191-04a were not fully met in the laboratory experiment due
to that the initial and final setting times as obtained from the experiment are not the standard ones.
 The temperature was the main cause of error. Firstly, it was not the standard temperature, also it fluctuated
during the performance of experiment.
 More amount of water was added due to which the setting time was increased and temperature of
laboratory was also less.
Job#4: Determination of the Fineness Modulus of The Coarse And
Fine Aggregate From Different Sources.

Code:
ASTM C-316-05(coarse materials)

ASTM C-117-05(fine materials)

Scope and significance:

This test method is used to determine the fineness modulus of the given fine grained

specimen. The information obtained from fineness modulus is helpful in the following

ways;

1- Fineness modulus tellsusdirectlywhether thematerialiswell-gradedorgap-graded.

2- Fineness modulus gives us an overall idea whether the material is fine or coarse.
3- It also indicates the surface area of the particles.

Surface area ∝1/ fineness modulus

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

4- Larger value of FM is preferred for fine aggregates. For a good fine aggregate, theFM
should be between 2.3and 3.1 (ASTM Range for fine aggregates).

Apparatus:
 Standard set of seives
 Seive shaker
 Aggregates samples

Related theory:
Fineness modulus
It is the cumulative percentage retained on standard sieve 150µm andabovedivided by
100. It is a single factor or an empirical number, which we get from the results of sieve
analysis. The value of FM will not change if we add sieves above.
particles of same size.
It is the operation of determining the particle size distribution of the given specimen.

The standard approach is to designate the sieve sizes by nominal aperture sizes in mm or
µm (micron).

Notes:
i- 5 mm is the dividing line between coarse and fine aggregate.
ii- Well graded coarse aggregates of large size will reduce shrinkage of concreteby 50%.

Functions of sieve analysis

Sieve analysis is performed on coarseand fine aggregates in order to check their
gradation. This gradation gives an indirect measure if the workability and average particle
size.

Set of sieves
The set of sieves used for the process of sieve analysis can be categorized as;

Coarse Aggregates:

Standard Non-Standard
75mm (3 ”)
63mm
50mm
37.5mm (1½ ”)
25mm
19mm (3/4 ”)
9.5mm (3/8 ”)
4.75mm (3/16 ”)
2.36mm (3/32 ”)
Pan
Note: For sieves with openings 4.75mm & larger, the quantity retained in kg shall not
exceed the product of
2.5 x sieve opening (mm) x effective sieving area (mm2)
 ASTM Sieves (mm) British Standard Sieves
(inches)
4.75mm 3/16 (#4)
2.36mm 3/32 (#8)
1.18mm 3/64 (#16)
600µm 3/128 (#30)
300µm 1/88 (#50)
150µm 1/176 (#100)
Pan Pan
Note: For the sieves with openings smaller than 4.75mm, the quantity retained on
any sieve at the completion of sieving shall not exceed 7 kg/m2 of sieving
area.

Quality of a good sample:

There are some limiting values for every sieve provided by ASTM or BS, we use these
limiting values to get our final answer by the method explained below. Take the
minimum and the maximum values provided by ASTM and plot them on the grading
curve. Now take these minimum and maximum value lines as your reference and if the
curve of our own data lies inside these two lines then the quality of our sample is OK
but if your curve lies outside these two lines of maximum and minimum range then the
sample is not according to specifications.

ASTM grading requirements for fine aggregates:

Percentage Passing
Sieve Size
Minimum Maximum
9.5mm 100 100
4.75mm 95 100
2.36mm 80 100
1.18mm 50 85
600µm 25 60
300µm 10 30
150µm 2 10
ASTM grading requirements for coarse aggregates:

Procedure:
Take 2 kg of the oven-dried sample. The sample should be perfectly dry Because if
there is some moisture content present then the particles will stick together and will not
pass through the sieves.
Temperature of the oven = 110±5 °C
Place the set of standard and non-standard sieves one above another with the smallest
aperture opening at the bottom. The pan is placed at the bottom most position. This
experiment can be performed manually or with the aid of a machine called sieve shaker.
The manual method should be performed in a proper
sequence which is as follows;
i-forward andbackward motion
ii- left and right motion
iii- clockwise (CW) and counter-clockwise (CCW) motion
iv- Frequent jolting.

Following points must be kept in mind while calculating the FM;

i- Only sum up the values of standard sieves and do not include the values of the non
standard sieves.
ii- Only add the sieves of 150µm and above sizes.
iii-If any standard sieve ismissing, wemay usethevalueofnexthigher
sieve. iv- Adding extra sieves does not change the result of FM.

Observations & Calculations:

Fine Aggregate:

Sum of commulative %age weight retained on sieve #100

Fineness Modulus =
100
 Standard Weight Weight Cumulative Cumulative ASTM(min) Passing
sieve set retained retained % retained % passing grading(max)
(gm) (%)

25(mm)(1”) 0 0 0 100 - -
19(mm)(3/4”) 0 0 0 100 - -
12.5(mm)(1/2”) 0 0 0 100 - -
9.5(mm)(3/8”) 0 0 0 100 100 100
4.75(mm)(#4) 0 0 0 100 95 100
2.36(mm)(#8) 14.4 2.88 2.88 97.12 80 100
1.18(mm)(#16) 357.5 71.5 74.38 25.62 50 85
0.6(mm)(#30) 36.0 7.2 81.58 18.42 25 60
0.3(mm)(#50) 53.4 10.68 92.26 7.74 10 30
0.15(mm)(#100) 35.9 7.18 99.44 0.56 2 10
PAN 49 350.54

Coarse Aggregate:
Sum of commulative %age weight retained on sieve #100
Fineness Modulus =
100

Standard Weight Weight Cumulative Cumulative ASTM(min) Passing

sieve set retained retained % retained % passing grading(max)
(gm) (%)

25(mm)(1”) 0 0 0 100 - -
19(mm)(3/4”) 0 0 0 100 - -
12.5(mm)(1/2”) 0 0 0 100 - -
9.5(mm)(3/8”) 0 0 0 100 100 100
4.75(mm)(#4) 0 0 0 100 95 100
2.36(mm)(#8) 14.4 2.88 2.88 97.12 80 100
1.18(mm)(#16) 357.5 71.5 74.38 25.62 50 85
0.6(mm)(#30) 36.0 7.2 81.58 18.42 25 60
0.3(mm)(#50) 53.4 10.68 92.26 7.74 10 30
0.15(mm)(#100) 35.9 7.18 99.44 0.56 2 10
PAN 49 350.54
Comments:
This experiment indicates the fine and coarse aggregate sieve through different parameters
JOB#5: Standard Test Method for The Determination of Bulk Density
(i.e. Unit Weight and the Voids in Aggregates).
Code: ASTM C-29/C-29M
Scope:
This test method is used to determine the bulk density of the given fine grained
specimen.
During the concrete mix design, when the aggregate is to be batched by volume or by
weight, then it becomes necessary to know the mass of the aggregates that will fill the
container of unit volume. If we know the bulk density of the aggregate material then we
can easily determine the mass required to fill a unit volume container.
Bulk density also indicates the percentage of voids present in the aggregate material.
This percentage of voids affects the grading of the aggregates which is important in high
strength concrete. Bulk density also indicates the compactive effort required to
compactthe concrete.

Apparatus:
 WHEIGING BALANCE.
 TEMPING ROD.
 MEASURING CYLINDER.
 SHOVEL OR SCOOP.
Related Theory:
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 the particles. Bulk density is used in weight and volume batching.
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.
Absolute density
It is the mass per unit volume of the individual particles only.

Facts about bulk density

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 dependsupon the
degree of packing.
Procedure:
For loose bulk density:
 Note down the dimensions and empty weight of the measuring container and
compute its volume.
 For the determination of the loose bulk density, fill the container with the
aggregate material by means of a shovel and level its top surface.
 Weigh the container filled with the aggregate and note down its reading.
 Then the loose bulk density of the aggregate material can be computed by using
the relation;
Loose bulk density = (wt. of container +Loose aggregate)-(Wt. Of empty container)
Volume of container
For compact bulk density:
 Now for the determination of the compacted bulk density, the only difference is
in filling the container.
 In this case, the container is filled in three equal layers.
 Fill the container about one-third full and level the surface with the fingers.
 Rod the layer of the aggregate with 25 strokes of the temping rod evenly
distributed over the surface.
 Next fill the container two-third full and again rod it with 25 strokes of the
temping rod. Finally, fill the container to overflowing and rod again in the
manner previously mentioned
 Now level the top surface and weigh the container. Calculate the compacted
bulk density by using the relation;

Compact bulk density = (wt. of container +Loose aggregate)-(Wt. Of empty container)

Volume of container
 Plain and Reinforced Concrete – 1 Lab Manual

Observation and calculation:

Weight
of Weight of Volume Bulk
Sample State cylinder Kg aggregate Kg of ft3 density lb/ft3
+ lbs container kg/m3
aggregate m3
( lbs)
Coarse loose 61.25 27.8 45 20.4 0.0142 0.5 1441.9 90
aggregate
Coarse compact 66.5 30.2 50.25 22.8 0.0142 0.5 1610.2 100.5
aggregate
Coarse gigging 68.25 31.0 52 23.6 0.0142 0.5 1666.3 104
aggregate
Fine loose 15.25 6.9 9.5 4.3 0.0028 0.1 1522.1 95
aggregate
Fine compact 16.25 7.4 10.5 4.8 0.0028 0.1 1682.3 105
aggregate
Fine gigging 16.5 7.5 10.75 4.9 0.0028 0.1 1722.3 107.5
aggregate

22
 Plain and Reinforced Concrete – 1 Lab Manual

Comments:
From the experiment performed we came to know that the bulk-density of a
material in gigging form is greater than the bulk-density of a material in loose form and in rodded form.

23
 JOB 6

Determination of Relative Density (Specific Gravity) And Water Absorption of Different

Aggregate (ASTM C-127/128)

Significance:

 In this test method, we determine the relative density (i.e. specific gravity) and the water absorption of the
coarse aggregates.
 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 workability is resulted.

Apparatus:

1. Weighing Balance
2. Sample container
3. Flask
4. Sieves
5. Oven
6. Pycnometer
7. Samples of aggregate

Related theory:

Aggregates

Aggregates may be classified as;

1. Coarse Aggregates
2. Fine Aggregates

Coarse aggregates:

Any material which is retained on ASTM sieve 4.75mm is known as coarse aggregate.

Fine aggregates:

Any material which is passing ASTM sieve 4.75mm is known as fine aggregate.

Types of crush available in Pakistan

SARGODHA CRUSH
 Sargodha crush possess the following properties

 Greener in color
 High strength
 Usually elongated particles

MARGALLA CRUSH

Margalla crush possess the following properties;

 Grayish in color
 Low in strength

SAKHI SARWAR CRUSH

Sakhi Sarwar crush possess the following properties;

 Whitish in color
 Moderate strength

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.

Oven-dry (OD):

“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”.

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”.

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.

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

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”.

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 oC)”.

The relative density is a dimensionless quantity and is expressed as oven dried, saturated surface dry and apparent
specific gravities.

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 oC)”.

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 oC)”.

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 oC)”.

Procedure:

For Coarse Aggregate:

 Select by quartering or use of a sample splitter approximately 5 kg of aggregate. Reject all material passing a
4.75mm sieve.
 Thoroughly wash the sample to remove all dust or other coatings from the particles.
 Dry the sample to a constant weight at a temperature of 100 to 110°C (212 to 230°F). Cool at room
temperature for about 15 min. and then immerse in water at room temperature for approximately 30
min.
 Remove sample from water and wipe the particles until all surface films are removed. Weigh the sample in
this saturated surface dry condition to the nearest 0.5 g.
 Immediately after weighing, place the sample in a wire basket, suspend in water, and obtain the buoyant
weight.
 Dry the sample to a constant weight at a temperature of 100 to 110°C (212° to 230°F), cool in
room temperature for at least 30 min. and weigh.
Observations and Calculations

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 (E-D) C= 1006.9 g

For Fine Aggregate:

 Obtain by sample splitting or quartering 3000 grams of aggregate, including equal quantities of all fractions.
 Dry to a constant weight at a temperature of 100 to 110°C (212 to 230°F).
 Allow to cool and cover with water for about 30 min.
 Remove excess water and spread on a flat surface. Expose to a gentle moving flame until test sample
approaches a free-flowing condition.
 Place a portion of the fine aggregate sample loosely into the mold. Tamp lightly 25 times and lift the mold
vertically. If surface moisture is present, the fine aggregate will maintain its molded shape. Continue drying
and testing until upon removal of the mold, the aggregate slumps slightly. This indicates that the saturated,
surface-dry condition has been reached.
 Immediately introduce into the pycnometer 500.0 g of the fine aggregate. Fill the pycnometer almost to
capacity and eliminate the air bubbles by agitation. Add water until the bottom of the meniscus is at the
500 cc line, etched on the pycnometer. Determine the total weight of the flask, including the sample, and
the water.
 Carefully remove the fine aggregate and dry to a constant weight of 100 to 110°C (212 to 230°F) and cool for
at least 30 min. and weigh.
Observations and Calculations

MASS MASS OF MASS OF MASS OF MASS OF Aggregate

SR#NO OF AGGREGAT AGGREGAT AGGREGAT AGGREGAT Impact Value
MOULD E+ E (A) E E PASSING
MOULD RETAINING SIEVE#7
SIEVE#7

1 2.63 3.24 0.61 547.1 62.6 10.140

2 2.63 3.27 0.64 572.1 64.9 10.262

Comments:

 Specific gravity is used for calculating yield of concrete or the quantity of aggregate required for a given
volume of concrete
 The values obtained in apparent specific gravity are maximum, hence concrete should be batched in such
condition where specific gravity is maximum.
 Job7
Determination of the Aggregate Impact Value of Different Coarse
Aggregate Samples.

Code # BS 812: Part 112: 1990

Scope & 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.

Apparatus:
1. Aggregates passing sieve ½” and retained on 3/8” from different sources.
2. Aggregate impact value apparatus
3. Weighing balance
4. Tamping rod
5. Sieve # 7 (opening 2.83 mm)
6. Brush with stiff bristles
7. Drying Oven
8. Metal try of known mass

Specifications of impact value apparatus:

Cylindrical container having internal diameter of 75 mm and depth of 50mm

Weight of hammer = 13.5 – 14 kg

Height of fall of hammer = 15”

 Impact Value Apparatus with its Parts

Related theory:

Types of tests performed on aggregates:

1. Impact value test

2. Loss Angeles abrasion test
3. Aggregate crushing value
4. Soundness test
5. Moisture content of aggregate
6. Relative density and water absorption
7. Sieve tests
8. Flakiness index

Aggregate Impact value:

It is the % of fine material which is crushed after the application of load w.r.t. total weight of material.

Test specifications:
The test sample shall consist of aggregates 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 should be dried in an oven for a period of four hours at a
temperature of 105-110 0C and cooled.

Procedure: (Dry Condition)

 Rest the impact machine, without wedging or packing, upon the level plate, block or floor, so that
it is rigid and hammer guide columns are vertical
 Take oven dried sample that passes through sieve ½” and is retained on sieve 3/8”
 Place the sample in the cylindrical container of aggregate impact value apparatus and weigh it.
Suppose this value is W
 Remove the sample from container in clean tray.
 Place the sample in cylindrical container of aggregate impact value apparatus in 3 layers.
 Each layer must be given 25 no. of blows
 Each blow being delivered at an interval of not less than 1s
 The hammer should be fall freely for about 15”
 Remove the crushed aggregate by holding the cylinder over a clean tray and hammering on the
outside with the rubber mallet until the particles are sufficiently disturbed to enable the mass of
specimen to fall freely on tray.
 Transfer fine particles adhering to the inside of the cup and the underside of the hammer to the
tray by means of the stiff bristle brush.
 Sieve the whole of specimen in the tray on the 2.36 mm test sieve until no further significand
amount passes during a further period of 1 min.
 Weigh the mass that is passed as W2 and that is retained as W
 Now, if total mass differs from the initial mass W 1 by more than 1 g, discard the result and test a
further specimen.
 Repeat the same procedure for the other samples and note the readings.
 Find the aggregate impact value from the formula given below:

AIV=W2/W1×100

where, W1 is the total mass of sample

W2 is the mass that passes sieve # 7

Observations and calculations

Sample Total weight Fraction passing Fraction

Sr. no. of sample retained on
Source sieve # 7 (W2)
(W1) sieve # 7 (W3)
gm gm gm %
1 Margalla 365 53 312 14.52
2 Margalla 353 50 303 14.16
3 Sargodha 341 37 304 10.85
4 Sargodha 372 45 327 12.10

Precautions:

 Care should be taken while giving blows with hammer.

 Aggregates should be oven dried.
 The mass should be noted nearest to 0.1 g.
 The time interval between the blows should not be less than 1s.

Comments:

The aggregates are classified on the basis of their impact value as

Impact Value Classification

<10% Exceptionally strong
10 – 20% Strong
20 – 30% Satisfactory
>30 Weak

From the above classification, the given aggregate samples can be classified as Strong
Aggregates because their respective impact values are in the range 10 to 20%
Plain and Reinforced Concrete – 1 Lab Manual

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