Experiments With Construction Materials A Laboratory Manual Updated 2021 1

i Laboratory manual of construction materials
Contents
LESSON 1 - TESTS FOR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ................................................................. 1
1.1 Test purposes .................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Test method for determination of density ......................................................................... 1
1.2.1 Test method for determination of density of cement ................................................. 1
1.2.2 Test method for determination of density of sand ..................................................... 5
1.3 Test method for determination of bulk density of grain materials.................................. 11
1.3.1 Materials, tools, and equipment for testing ............................................................. 11
1.3.2 Experimental procedures ......................................................................................... 12
1.3.3 Experimental results ................................................................................................ 13
1.3.4 Comments/Discussions............................................................................................ 14
1.4 Test method for determination of bulk density of burnt clay brick ................................ 15
1.4.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing .............................................................. 15
1.5 Test method for determination of bulk density of heavyweight concrete ...................... 17
1.6 General comments .......................................................................................................... 19
LESSON 2 - TEST FOR DETERMINATION OF CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT .................. 20
2.1 Test purposes .................................................................................................................. 20
2.2 Test method for determination of water requirement of cement paste ........................... 20
LESSON 3 - CASTING MORTAR SPECIMENS AND ............................................................. 24
3.1 Test purposes .................................................................................................................. 24
3.2 Casting mortar specimens for determination of strength grade of cement ..................... 24
Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page i

ii Laboratory manual of construction materials

3.3 Test method for determination of compressive strength of hardened cement-mortar
specimens ................................................................................................................................... 27
LESSON 4 - TEST FOR PATICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF RIVER SAND AND CRUSHED
STONE USED FOR CEMENT-CONRETE PRODUCTION ...................................................... 31
4.1 Test purposes .................................................................................................................. 31
4.2 Test method for determination of particles size distribution of river sand ..................... 31
4.3 Test method for determination of particles size distribution of crushed stone ............... 35
LESSON 5 - TEST FOR SLUMP OF HYDRAULIC-CEMENT CONCRETE AND CASTING
CONCRETE SPECIMENS FOR STRENGTH GRADE OF CONCRETE ................................. 40
5.1 Test purposes .................................................................................................................. 40
5.2 Test for slump of hydraulic-cement concrete ................................................................. 40
5.3 Casting concrete specimens for determination of strength grade of concrete ................ 44
Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page ii

iii Laboratory manual of construction materials
5.4 Test method for determination of compressive strength of hardened concrete .............. 45
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................. 49
Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page iii

1 Laboratory manual of construction materials
LESSON 1 - TESTS FOR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
1.1 Test purposes

- Know how to test some physical properties of construction materials, including density and
bulk density of cement, sand, crushed stone, burnt-clay bricks, hardened concrete, and mortar ….
- Based on the results of density and bulk density, the students can calculate solidity (dense
degree), porosity of construction materials, design mixture proportions of concrete, mortar for
masonry, calculate and select for transportation and storage, and compare with the other materials.
1.2 Test method for determination of density

Density represents the ratio of the dry mass of material to its solid volume in which the volumes
of voids and pores are not included. Density is determined by Equation (1.1).
𝑚𝑑
𝛾𝑎 = 𝑉𝑠
(1.1)
where:
a: density of material (g/cm3)
md: mass of material in dry state (g)
Vs: solid volume of material in which the volumes of voids and pores are not included
(cm3)
Method:
- Determine mass of sample by drying and weighing.
- Determine volume of materials (not including the volumes of voids and pores) by using a
method in which liquid is displaced by material.
1.2.1 Test method for determination of density of cement
 Test standards
 American Society for Testing and Materials - ASTM C 188 Standard test method for
density of hydraulic cement [1];
 Vietnamese standard - TCVN 4030:2003 Cement – Test method for determination of
fineness, appendix A - Test method for determination of density of cement [2].
TCVN 4030:2003 [2] is used to guide the students to determine density of cement.
Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page 1

1.2.1.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing

 Cement, oil/gasoline/kerosene
 A laboratory dry oven
 A desiccator
 An electronic balance with accuracy of 0.01 g
 A Lechatelier flask (see Fig. 1.1)
 Constant temperature baths
 A funnel, a glass dropper, a stirring rod, spoon, blotting papers.
(a) (b)
Unit: mm
Fig. 1.1 Dimensions of Lechatelier flask (a) and Lechatelier flask in a laboratory (b)
1.2.1.2 Experimental procedures

 Step 1: Dry cement in the range of 105–110 oC in a laboratory dry oven until it
maintains a constant mass and thereby cool it at a desiccator in a laboratory room.
[It is noted here that cement should be sieved via 0.63-mm sieve to remove
impurities and cement particles which absorbed water/vapour.]
 Step 2: Place the Lechaterlier flask in constant temperature baths (27±2 oC). Keep
it constant in this bath.
 Step 3: Fill the flask with oil/gasoline/kerosene to a mark on the stem at 0 mark as
shown in this flask.
 Step 4: Dry the inside of the flask if there are any drops above the liquid level.
 Step 5: Weigh 65-g cement prepared in Step 1 (accuracy of ±0.01 g).
 Step 6: Carefully introduce 65-g cement to the flask through a funnel. Try to avoid
the cement adhering to the inside of the flask or sticking to the neck → the
oil/gasoline/kerosene volume increases on the stem of the flask, as shown in Fig.
1.2 (a).
Fig. 1.2 The increase in the liquid volume (a) and the liquid volume displaced by 65-g
cement in Lechatelier flask (b)
 Step 7: Remove the flask from the bath → swing slightly the flask for 10 min to
remove all air bubbles from the flask.
 Step 8: Return the flask to the bath for 10 min to ensure the temperature of the flask
which reaches temperature of the bath.
 Step 9: Record the liquid volume displaced by 65-g cement in Lechatelier flask.
This volume is the volume of 65-g cement in which the volumes of pores and voids
are not included, as shown in Fig. 1.2 (b).
 Repeat the same procedure from Step 1 to Step 9 for the second sample of 65-g
cement.

1.2.1.3 Experimental results

Density of cement is determined by Equation (1.2).
𝑚𝑑 65
𝛾𝑎 = = (g/cm3) (1.2)
𝑉𝑠 𝑉𝑠
Density of cement is determined on two samples of cement. If they do not differ by

more than 0.05 g/cm3, take the average. Otherwise, run three additional determinations
until a pair of values are obtained within 0.05 g/cm3.
The values of density of cement are shown in Table 1.1.
Table 1.1 Density of cement

No. md (g) Vs (cm3) a (g/cm3)
1
2
…
Different value  = ……………………………….
→ 𝛾𝑎 = …………………………………
1.2.1.4 Comments/Discussions

1.2.2 Test method for determination of density of sand

 Test standards
 American Society for Testing and Materials - ASTM C 128 Standard test method for
density, relative density (specific gravity), and absorption of fine aggregate [3];
 Vietnamese standard - TCVN 7572-4:2006 Aggregates for concrete and mortar – Test
methods – Part 4: Determination of apparent specific gravity, bulk specific gravity and
water absorption [4].
TCVN 7572-4:2006 [4] is used to guide the students to determine density of sand.
1.2.2.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing

 River sand
 An electronic balance with accuracy of 0.01 g
 A wood/stainless box for sample immersion
 A stainless and non-absorbent tray
 A dried towel with size of 450 × 750 mm
 Cone-shaped metal mold with a thickness of at least 0.9 mm, a small diameter of 40
mm, a larger diameter of 90 mm, and a height of 75 mm
 A funnel
 Metal tamper with mass of 3405 g, a length of 253 mm and two rounded ends
 A desiccator
 A specific gravity bottle/pycnometer having a wide open, smooth, and flat, with volume
of 1.05–1.5 L and glass closed sheet or 500-mL flask (see Fig. 1.3)
 Sieves with sieve diameters of 0.14 and 5 mm.

Fig. 1.3 Pycnometer
1.2.2.2 Experimental procedures

 Step 1: Sand preparation.
Sieving sand via sieve having a diameter of 5 mm to remove particles having larger
sizes than 5 mm.
→ Wash sand to remove particles having smaller sizes than 0.14 mm.
 Step 2: Weigh sand of approximate 0.5 kg which is prepared in Step 1.
 Step 3: Dry sand in a laboratory dry oven (in the range of 105–110 oC) until it
maintains a constant mass.
 Cool the sand to a comfortable handling temperature.
 Immerse the sand in water at 27±2 oC for a period of 24±4 hours. During the first
hours, stir slightly the sand immersed in a box to remove air bubbles adhering to the
surface of sand particles.
 Step 4: Dry the surface of sand particles by removing water from the box.
→ Spread sample on a tray or a flat, non-absorbent surface and stir it occasionally to
assist in homogeneous drying. A current of warm air by using a blow dryer may be
used to assist drying procedure.
Throughout this drying process, the aggregate should be repeatedly tested for a
saturated surface dry condition using the cone test as follows:
o Place a cone-shaped metal mold on flat, smooth, and non-absorbent surface.
→ Fill this mold to overflowing with drying sand through a funnel.

→ Lightly tamp the sand into the mold with 25 light drops of a small metal
tamper.
→ Remove loose aggregate from the outside of the mold and carefully lift the
mold vertically and thereby, determine condition of sand particles as shown in
Figs. 1.4, 1.5, and 1.6. For example:
 When the sand reaches a saturated surface dry condition, it will slump
slightly, as shown in Fig. 1.4.
 If surface moisture is still present, the sand will retain its molded shape,
as shown in Fig. 1.5. We need to dry the sand more until it reaches a
saturated surface dry condition as shown in Fig. 1.4.
 If the sand is too dry, the sand will slump completely, as shown in Fig.
1.6. We must immerse the sand into water and repeat the procedure
until it reaches a saturated surface dry condition as shown in Fig. 1.4.
Fig. 1.4 A saturated surface dry condition of sand (Refer to [4] and [5])
Fig. 1.5 A moist surface of sand. (Refer to [4] and [5])

Fig. 1.6 A dry surface of sand (Refer to [4])
 Step 5: Weigh the 500-g sand under a saturated surface dry condition and record the
mass (m1).
 Step 6: Fill slowly the pycnometer with 500-g sand under saturated surface dry
condition through a funnel, as shown in Fig. 1.7;
→ fill with water and agitate the pycnometer to eliminate air bubbles.
→ add additional water to return the pycnometer to its calibrated capacity.
Note: the pycnometer should be washed and dried before filling with sand.
Fig. 1.7 Pouring the sand under saturated surface dry condition into the pycnometer (Refer to Fig.
[5])
 Step 7: Place a glass sheet on the open of the pycnometer.

 Step 8: Dry the outside of the pycnometer using a towel and determine the total weight
of the pycnometer, sand, and water, and record the total mass (m2).
 Step 9: Remove the sand from the pycnometer and wash it completely.
 Step 10: Fill the pycnometer with water to its calibrated capacity → place the glass
sheet on the open of the pycnometer → dry the outside of the pycnometer using the

towel → determine the total weight of the pycnometer, and water, and record the total
mass (m3).
 Step 11: Dry the sand until it maintains a constant mass and cool the sand in air or
desiccator at room temperature → determine the mass of sand under dry condition and
record the mass (m4).
1.2.2.3 Experimental results

Density of sand is determined by Equation (1.3).
𝑚4
𝛾𝑎 = 𝛾𝑊 × 𝑚 (1.3)
4 −(𝑚2 −𝑚3 )
Bulk specific density of sand under dry state is determined by Equation (1.4).
𝑚4
𝛾𝑜𝑑 = 𝛾𝑊 × 𝑚 (1.4)
1 −(𝑚2 −𝑚3 )
Bulk specific density of sand under saturation state is determined by Equation (1.5).
𝑚1
𝛾𝑜𝑠𝑎𝑡 = 𝛾𝑊 × 𝑚 (1.5)
1 −(𝑚2 −𝑚3 )
where:
W: density of water (g/cm3)
m1: mass of sample under saturated surface dry condition (g)
m2: mass of flask + water + sample + glass plate (g)
m3: mass of flash + water + glass plate (g)
m4: mass of sample under completely dry condition (g)
Density, bulk specific density under dry condition, bulk specific density under water
saturation condition of the sand are determined on two samples of sand. If they do not differ
by more than 0.2%, take the average. Otherwise, run three additional determinations until
a pair of values are obtained within 0.2%.
The values of density and bulk specific density of sand are shown in Table 1.2.
Table 1.2 Density and bulk density of sand

od osat
No. m1 (g) m2 (g) m3 (g) m4 (g) a (g/cm3)
(g/cm3) (g/cm3)
1
2
…

Density
→ a = …………………………………
Bulk specific density in dry state
od = …………………………………
Bulk specific density in water saturation state
osat = …………………………………
1.2.2.4 Comments/Discussions

1.3 Test method for determination of bulk density of grain materials

 Test standards
methods – Part 6: Determination of bulk density and voids [6].
TCVN 7572-6:2006 [6] is used to guide the students to determine bulk density of cement,
sand and stone.
Test methods:
- Determine the sample mass through measuring the metal measures containing sample and
those containing no sample.
- Determine the volume of sample (including the voids and pores in the sample) through the
volume of the metal measures.
1.3.1 Materials, tools, and equipment for testing

 Cement, river sand, and crushed stone
 An electronic balance with accuracy of 1%
 Cylindrical metal measures (see Fig. 1.8)
 A funnel
 A standard sieve as per TCVN 7572-2:2006
 Stainless steel ruler
 Straight, smooth, and hard rod.

(a) (b)
Fig. 1.8 Cylindrical metal measures for determination of granular materials with the volumes of
14.16 (a) and 2.83 (b) L
1.3.2 Experimental procedures

 Step 1: Prepare material by drying cement, river sand, and crushed stone until they
maintain their constant mass and thereby cool at room temperature.
For cement and sand
After preparing in Step 1, cement is sieved by using a 0.63-mm sieve and river sand is
sieved by using 5-mm and 0.14-mm sieves.
For crushed stone
Select a cylindrical metal measure, depending on maximum diameter of crushed stone
as shown in Table 1.3.
Table 1.3 Size of metal measure depending on maximum diameter of aggregate (TCVN
7570:2006) [9]
Maximum diameter of aggregate (mm) Volume of metal measure (L)
< 10 2
< 20 5
< 40 10
> 40 20
 Step 2: Weigh the metal measure with a specific volume corresponding to maximum
diameter of aggregate sample, for examples: 14.16-L measure is used for testing bulk

density of crushed stone and 2.83-L measure is used for testing bulk density of cement
and river sand (see Fig. 1.8), and then record the mass of m1 (g).
 Step 3: Place the metal measure under the open of the tunnel as shown in Fig. 1.9 (i.e.,
the distance from the open of the tunnel to the top of the measure of 100 mm).
 Step 4: Pour the sample (cement, river sand, crushed stone) into the metal measure
through the funnel until the pyramid is formed on the top of the metal measure.
 Step 5: Use the rod to swipe slightly from the middle to the side to make the flat surface
of the measure.
 Step 6: Weigh the metal measure containing the sample and record the value of the mass
of m2 (g).
Fig. 1.9 Metal measure under the open of the funnel (Refer to [5])
1.3.3 Experimental results

Bulk density of material is determined by Equation (1.6).
𝑚2 −𝑚1
𝛾𝑜 = 𝑉
(g/cm3) (1.6)
where:
m1: mass of the metal measure (g)
m2: mass of the metal measure containing the sample (g)
V: volume of the metal measure (cm3)
Bulk density of cement is determined on two samples of cement. If they do not differ by
more than 0.02 g/cm3, take the average. Otherwise, run three additional determinations until
a pair of values are obtained within 0.02 g/cm3. Similarly, bulk density of river sand or
crushed is determined.
Note: Do not use the previous sample for the next test of bulk density of such sample.
The values of bulk density of cement, river sand, and crushed stone are shown in Tables
1.4, 1.5, and 1.6, respectively.
Table 1.4 Bulk density of cement

No. m1 (g) m2 (g) 𝛾𝑜 (g/cm3)
1
2
…
𝛾𝑜 = …………………………………
Table 1.5 Bulk density of river sand

No. m1 (g) m2 (g) 𝛾𝑜 (g/cm3)
1
2
…
𝛾𝑜 = …………………………………
Table 1.6 Bulk density of crushed stone

No. m1 (g) m2 (g) 𝛾𝑜 (g/cm3)
1
2
…
𝛾𝑜 = …………………………………
1.3.4 Comments/Discussions

1.4 Test method for determination of bulk density of burnt clay brick
 Test standards
 Vietnamese standard - TCVN 6355-5:2009 Bricks – Test methods – Part 5:
Determination of bulk density [7].
TCVN 6355-5:2009 [7] is used to guide the students to determine bulk density of bricks.
Test methods:
- Determine volume of materials including the volumes of voids and pores by measuring the
sizes/dimensions of sample.
1.4.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing
 Burnt clay bricks conforming to TCVN 6355-1:2009 [7].
 An electronic balance with accuracy of 1 g.
 A laboratory dry oven.
 A stainless steel ruler with accuracy of 1 mm.

 Step 1: Prepare specimens
Clean specimens by using a brush.
→ Dry 5 specimens in the range of 105–110 oC in a laboratory dry oven until it
maintains a constant mass [generally, the period of drying is not less than 24 hours; a
constant mass is the difference between two times of weighing of less than 0.2% and the
period of weighing of less than 3 hours).
→ Cool the specimens at room temperature.
 Step 2: Weigh each specimen prepared in Step 1 and record each mass of mi (g).
 Step 3: Measure the dimensions of each specimen using a ruler, namely a is a length, b
is a width, and c is a height of a specimen. Each dimension of a specimen is determined
4 times and take the average. The average value of each dimension is determined by
Equations (1.7), (1.8), and (1.9).
ai1  ai2  ai3  ai4
a ave 
i
(cm) (1.7)
4
bi1  bi2  bi3  bi4
b ave 
i
(cm) (1.8)
4
ci1  ci2  ci3  ci4

c ave 
i
(cm) (1.9)
4

Bulk density of each sample is determined by Equation (1.10).
mi
 io  (g/cm3) (1.10)
a tb  b itb  citb
i
where i = 1÷5
The values of bulk density of burnt clay bricks is determined on five brick specimens, as shown
in Table 1.7.
Table 1.7 Bulk density of burnt clay bricks

Average value of Volume Bulk density
Sample Size (cm) Mass (g)
each size (cm) (cm3) (g/cm3)
a i1 a i2 a i3 a i4 aiave
i b i1 b i2 b i3 b i4 biave Vi mi  io
ci1 c i2 c i3 c i4 c iave
→ 𝛾𝑜 = …………………………………

1.5 Test method for determination of bulk density of heavyweight concrete

 Test standards
 Vietnamese standard - TCVN 3115:1993 Heavyweight concrete – Method for
determination of density. This standard allow to determine bulk density of heavyweight
concrete under: (1) oven dry, (2) air dry, (3) the standard condition, and (4) water
saturated condition [8].
TCVN 3115:1993 [8] is used to guide the students to determine bulk density of heavyweight
concrete.
Test methods:
- Determine volume of materials including the volumes of voids and pores by measuring the
sizes/dimensions of sample.
 Three heavyweight-concrete specimens;
 An electronic balance with accuracy of 50 g;
 A laboratory dry oven;
 A stainless steel ruler with accuracy of 1 mm.

 Step 1: Prepare specimen under test conditions as follows:
o For specimens under oven dry: dry 3 specimens in the range of 105–110 oC in a
laboratory dry oven until it maintains a constant mass [generally, the period of
drying is not less than 24 hours; a constant mass is the difference between two times
of weighing of less than 0.2% and the period of weighing of less than 3 hours).
o For specimens under air dry: dry 3 specimens in air at room temperature at least 7
days.
o For specimens under standard condition: cure 3 specimens at temperature of 272
o
C and relative humidity of 95–100% after 20 days.
o For specimens under water saturated condition: place 3 specimens in a box, pour
water into a box with 1/3 height of the specimens for 1 hour → continue to pour
water into a box with 2/3 height of the specimens for 1 hour → fill the specimens
with water (i.e., water level is about 5 cm from the top surface of the specimens). 24

hours after water immersion, take the specimens out and dry with a damp cloth
before weighing. The specimens reach water saturation state when the weight of the
specimens keeps constant (i.e., not exceed 0.2% for 2 times of weighing).
 Step 2: Weigh each specimen prepared in Step 1 and record each mass of mi (g), with
accuracy of 0.2%. [Note: bulk density of the specimen is determined corresponding to
the state/condition of such specimen.]
 Step 3: Measure the dimensions of each specimen using a ruler. Each dimension of a
specimen is determined 4 times and take the average. For example:
o For cubic specimens, the dimensions should be measured as shown in Fig. 1.10 (a),
and determined by Equations (1.11), (1.12), and (1.13).
i
a i1  a i2  a i3  a i4
a tb  (cm) (1.11)
4
b i1  b i2  b i3  b i4
b itb  (cm) (1.12)
4
i
ci1  ci2  ci3  ci4
c tb  (cm) (1.13)
4
o For cylindrical specimens, height and diameter should be measured as shown in Fig.
1.10 (b) and determined by Equations (1.14) and (1.15).
i
h i1  h i2  h i3  h i4
h tb  (cm) (1.14)
4
i
d i1  d i2  d i3  d i4
d tb  (cm) (1.15)
4
(a) (b)
Fig. 1.10 Measured dimensions of cubic (a) and cylindrical (b) specimens


A determination of bulk density of each concrete depends on the shape of specimens.
Namely:
o Bulk density of cubic specimen is determined by Equation (1.16).
mi
 io  i i i
(g/cm3) (1.16)
a tb  b tb  c tb
o Bulk density of cylindrical specimen is determined by Equation (1.17).

mi
 io  (g/cm3) (1.17)

d  i 2
tb
h i
tb
4
where i = 1÷3
Bulk density of hardened concrete is determined on three specimens of such concrete. If
they do not differ by more than 10 kg/m3, take the average.
The value of bulk density of hardened concrete is shown in Table 1.8.
Table 1.8 Bulk density of heavyweight concrete

Average value of each Volume Bulk density
No. Dimension (cm) Mass (g)
dimension (cm) (cm3) (g/cm3)
a i1 a i2 a i3 a i4 a iave
i b i1 b i2 bi3 b i4 biave Vi mi  io
ci1 c i2 ci3 c i4 c iave

→  ave
o
= …………………………………
1.6 General comments

LESSON 2 - TEST FOR DETERMINATION OF CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT
2.1 Test purposes

- Know how to determine water requirement of cement paste.
- Based on the results of water requirement, the students can determine normal consistency of
cement paste and its setting time which are used to evaluate the suitable time for casting cement
paste and fresh concrete in the practice. In addition, the students can determine the water amount
for fresh concrete which has a good workability, not segregation.
2.2 Test method for determination of water requirement of cement paste

 Test standards
 American Society for Testing and Materials ASTM C 187 Standard test method for
normal consistency of hydraulic cement [10];
 Vietnamese standard - TCVN 6017:2015 Cement – Test method - Determination of
setting time and soundness [11].
TCVN 6017:2015 [11] is used to guide the students to determine consistency of hydraulic
cement via water requirement of cement paste.
Test methods:
- Water requirement is the amount of water required for cement paste to obtain normal
consistency. Water requirement of cement paste is the amount of water by the mass% of cement
amount.
- Normal consistency is determined via the penetration of the 10-mm-diameter large rod of
Vicat apparatus. The cement paste shall be of normal consistency when the distance between
the rod and surface of the plate is 6±2 mm in 30 s after being released (TCVN 6017:2015).
 Cement and deionized water
 An electronic balance with accuracy of 1 g
 A flask and burette with accuracy of 1 mL
 A mixer meeting TCVN 6016 (see Fig. 2.1) and trowel
 Vicat apparatus: the large rod with a diameter of 10 mm, a mould with a height of
400.2 mm and straight glass plate with a thickness of more than 2.5 mm (see Fig. 2.2)
 A stopwatch with accuracy of 1 s;

 A stainless steel ruler with accuracy of 0.5 mm.
Fig. 2.1 A mixer
Fig. 2.2 Vicat apparatus

 Step 1: Set up Vicat apparatus.
Set up the large rod to touch the top of the mould which is placed on the plate

→ Set the movable indicator to the upper ten mark of the right of the scale, or forty
mark of the left of the scale.
 Step 2: Weigh 500-g cement (C) which is sieved via a 0.63-mm sieve, with accuracy of
1 g.
 Step 3: Weigh/measure the water amount with accuracy of  1 mL, for examples: 125
g of water (W), i.e., W = 25%C.
 Step 4: Add all the mixing water to a mixing bowl.
 Step 5: Add cement carefully to the water in the mixing bowl for 10 s.
 Step 6: Start a mixer at low speed for 90 s.
 Step 7: Stop the mixer for 30 s and during this time, scrape down into the batch any
paste that may have collected on sides of the bowl.
 Step 8: Start the mixer at low speed for 90 s. Total time for running the mixer is 3 min.
 Step 9: Stop the mixer and place cement paste in the mould which is placed on the plate,
by using the trowel. [It is noted that the plate should be washed by a thin layer of oil.
When placing cement paste in the mould, take care not to compress or shake the paste.
The surface of mould should be touched slightly to remove the voids in the cement
paste. Remove the excess of cement paste by the trowel.]
 Step 10: Center the paste confined in the mould, resting on the plate, under the rod and
adjust the end of the rod which contacts with the surface of the paste and tighten the
screw. Keep this position from 1 to 2 s to avoid the initial velocity or the forced
acceleration of the movable indicator.
 Step 11: release the rod immediately. [Note: the period from mixing cement with water
to release the rod is 4 min ± 10 s.]
 Step 12: 30 s after being released, the rod is kept constant → record the value of the
scale. This value shows the distance between the rod and the surface of the glass plate.
Every test, the rod should be clean.
Repeat this procedure which we can adjust the water amount of  0.5% mass of cement.
When the distance between the rod and the surface of the glass plate is 6 ± 2 mm in 30
s after being released, the paste shall be of normal consistency and the water amount is
water requirement (according to TCVN 6017:2015).


Water requirement of cement paste is shown in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1 Water requirement of cement paste

No. Water amount (g) %Cement Distance between rod and surface (mm)
1
2
…
→ Water requirement = ………………………

LESSON 3 - CASTING MORTAR SPECIMENS AND

TEST FOR STRENGTH GRADE OF CEMENT
3.1 Test purposes

- Know how to cast mortar specimens and how to determine the flexural strength and
compressive strength of hardened cement paste.
- Based on the results of compressive strength of specimens, the students can evaluate the
strength grade of cement and durability preliminarily of structures which is made from cement.
3.2 Casting mortar specimens for determination of strength grade of cement

 Test standards
 Vietnamese standard - TCVN 6016:2011 (ISO 679:2009) Cement – Test methods –
Determination of strength [12].
TCVN 6016:2011 [12] is used to guide the students to cast cement-mortar specimen.
Test methods:
- Mixture proportion of mortar specimen is as follows: one part by mass of cement, three parts
by mass of ISO standard sand with a water-to-cement ratio of 0.5. The different sand sources
may be used when they have been shown to give cement strength results which do not differ
significantly from those obtained from ISO standard sand.
- Mortar specimens is cast using a mixer and compacted by using a standard jolting apparatus.
Alternative compaction equipment and techniques may be used when they have been shown to
give cement strength results which do not differ significantly from those obtained using the
standard jolting apparatus.

 Cement, ISO standard sand, and distilled water
 Prismatic mold with dimensions of 40 × 40 × 160 mm (see Fig. 3.1)
 Tamping rod with the dimensions of the end surface of 35 × 35 mm (see Fig. 3.1) or a
standard jolting apparatus
 A tray for hand mixing or a mixer (see Fig. 3.2)
 Trowel (see Fig. 3.1) and the metal straight ruler;

 A water bath for immersing specimens.
Fig. 3.1 Mold, tamping rod, and trowel
Fig. 3.2 A mixer

 Step 1: Prepare prismatic moulds.
Check moulds, clean moulds if they are dirty → set up moulds and clean moulds by
covering a thin layer of oil.
 Step 2: Weigh materials of each batch for three prismatic specimens including:
Cement = 4502 g ISO standard sand = 13505 g Water = 2251 g

 Step 3: Add water to a mixing bowl and thereby add cement to it carefully.
 Step 4: Start a mixer at low speed for 30 s.
 Step 5: Stop the mixer and add sand to the mixing bowl for 30 s.
 Step 6: Start the mixer at high speed for 30 s.
 Step 7: Stop the mixer for 30 s and during this time, scrape down into the batch any
mortar that may have collected on sides of the bowl.
 Step 8: Start the mixer at high speed for 60 s.
 Step 9: Stop the mixer and cast the specimens immediately.
For compacting by hand
Introduce first layer of mortar (about 300 g) into each of the mould compartments
→ compact 20 times along the length of the molds by using a tamping rod
→ introduce the second layer of mortar, level it
→ compact 20 times along the length of the molds by using the tamping rod
→ compact the top and the bottom sides of the mold 5 times
→ strike off the excess mortar with the trowel or the metal straight edge, held almost
vertically and moved slowly, with transverse sawing motion. Smooth the surface of
the specimens using the same straight edge held almost flat.
For compacting by a compaction machine
The mould and hopper are firmly clamped to the jolting table;
→ Introduce first layer of mortar (about 300 g) into each of the mould
compartments;
→ Spread the layer uniformly and compact the first layer using 60 jolts by using a
standard jolting apparatus.
→ Stop the jolting apparatus, introduce the second layer of mortar, level it
→ Start the jolting apparatus to compact the second layer with a further 60 jolts.
→ lift the mould gently from the jolting table and remove the hopper
→ strike off the excess mortar with the trowel or the metal straight edge, held almost
vertically and moved slowly, with transverse sawing motion. Smooth the surface of
the specimens using the same straight edge held almost flat
 Step 10: label or mark the moulds to identify the specimens.

 Step 11: 1 day after casting and curing in a laboratory, demold and label or mark the
specimens before water immersion for 27 days at 27±1 oC in a standard water bath.
3.3 Test method for determination of compressive strength of hardened cement-

mortar specimens
 Test standards
 Vietnamese standard - TCVN 6016:2011 Cement – Test methods – Determination of
strength [12].
TCVN 6016:2011 [12] is used to guide the students to determine flexural strength and
compressive strength of cement-mortar specimens.

 Three hardened cement-mortar specimens;
 Bending and compression machine (see Fig. 3.3), bending and compression moldings
(see Fig. 3.4);
 Stainless steel ruler.
Fig. 3.3 Bending and compression machine

(a) (b)
Fig. 3.4 Bending (a) and compression (b) moulding

 Step 1: 27 days after curing in water at 27±1 oC in the water bath, remove the specimens
from the water bath and cover them with a damp cloth until testing, not more than 15
min.
 Step 2: Measure dimensions of specimens and carry out to do bending test at 3 points
as follows:
Place the prism specimens in the testing machine, see Fig. 3.4 (a) with one side face on
the supporting rollers and with its longitudinal axis normal to the supports. The distance
between supports is 100  0.5 mm.
→ Apply the load vertically by means of the loading roller to the opposite side face of
the prism and increase it smoothly at the rate of 50±10 N/s until fracture, see Fig. 3.5
(a).
→ Cover the damp cloth for the prism halves until testing compressive strength.
 Step 3: Carry out to compress 6 of the prism halves from three prism specimens after
test of flexural strength in Step 2 as follows:
Center the prism halves laterally to the auxiliary platens of compression moulding,
which exactly determine the compressive area, see Fig. 3.5 (b). The size of the platens
is 40 × 40 mm and their thickness is at least 10 mm.

→ Increase the load smoothly at the rate of 2400±200 N/s over the entire load
application until fracture.
Note: If the load is carried out by hand, it should be adjusted to counter the tendency of
the decrease of the load when nearly reaches fracture load.
(a) (b)
Fig. 3.5 Specimens tested by bending (a) and compression (b) loads

Flexural strength is determined by Equation (3.1).
3 𝐹𝑓 𝑙
𝑅𝑓 = 2 × 𝑏ℎ2 (3.1)
where:
Rf: flexural strength (N/mm2 or MPa)
Ff: maximum load when specimen is broken (N)
l: distance between two supports (mm)
b: width of the specimens (mm)
h: height of the specimens (mm)
Flexural strength is determined on three prism specimens and is taken the average with the
accuracy of 0.1 MPa.
The values of flexural strength of mortar specimens are shown in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1 Flexural strength of cement-mortar specimens

No. Ffi (N) Rfi (N/mm2) Rf (N/mm2)
1 …………… ……………
∑3𝑖=1 𝑅𝑓𝑖
2 …………… …………… 𝑅𝑓 =
3 …………… …………… 3
Compressive strength is determined by Equation (3.2)

𝐹𝑐
𝑅𝑐 = (3.2)
𝐴
where:
Rc: compressive strength (N/mm2 or MPa)
Fc: maximum load when the specimen is broken (N)
A: the area of the platens (mm2) A = 1600 mm2
A test result is defined as the average of the six compressive strength determinations made
on a set of three prisms.
If one result within the six determinations varies by more than ± 10 % from the mean of the
six, discard this result and calculate the mean of the five remaining results. If a further result
within these five determinations varies by more than ± 10 % from their mean, discard the
set of results and repeat this test method (i.e., cast specimens again and do the test).
The values of compressive strength of cement-mortar specimens are shown in Table 3.2.
Table 3.2 Compressive strength of cement-mortar specimens

No. Fci (N) Rci (N/mm2) Rc (N/mm2) i
1 …………… …………… ……………
∑6𝑖=1 𝑅𝑐𝑖
… …………… …………… 𝑅𝑐 = ……………
6 …………… …………… 6 ……………
|𝑅𝑐𝑖 −𝑅𝑐 |
Với 𝛥𝑖 = × 100%
𝑅𝑐

LESSON 4 - TEST FOR PATICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF RIVER SAND AND

CRUSHED STONE USED FOR CEMENT-CONRETE PRODUCTION
4.1 Test purposes

- Know how to determine particle size distribution of river sand and crushed stone and
determine fineness modulus of sand and Dmax of crushed stone.
- Know how to compare particle size distribution curve of the experiments with that of the
standard. Based on this comparison, the students can conclude whether river sand and crushed
stone used for cement-concrete production or not.
- Based on particle size distribution, fineness modulus of river sand, and Dmax of crushed stone,
the students can predict the dense degree of concrete, the cement amount, the water amount for
fresh concrete …
4.2 Test method for determination of particles size distribution of river sand
 Test standards
 American Society for Testing and Materials - ASTM C 136 Standard test method for sieve
analysis of fine and coarse aggregates [13];
methods – Part 2: Determination of particle size distribution [12].
TCVN 7572-2:2006 [12] is used to guide the students to determine particle size distribution of
river sand for cement-concrete production.

 River sand
 A set of sieves for river sand as fine aggregate: 5 – 2.5 – 1.25 – 0.63 – 0.315 – 0.14 mm,
see Fig. 4.1
 Mechanical sieve shaker or a basket for screening by hand

Fig. 4.1 A set of sieves for sand

 Step 1: Weigh sand with approximately 2000-g amount after drying in oven and screen
it through 5-mm-opening sieve.
 Step 2: Nest the sieve in order of decreasing the size of opening from top to bottom as
follows: 2.5 – 1.25 – 0.63 – 0.315 – 0.14 mm and a pan.
 Step 3: Weigh sand of 1000 g which is prepared in Step 1.
 Step 4: Place the sample on the top sieve (2.5-mm-opening sieve) and carry out to screen
by a mechanical shaker or by hand. When screening via the shaker, the time for
screening is allowed, depending on types of the machine. When screening by hand, the
stopping time of screen is when no sample passes via a sieve.
 Step 5: Weigh the residue weight on each sieve and recorded. Make sure that the total
of residue mass is equal to 1000 g with a difference of not more than 1%.

Residue percentage by mass (%individual fraction retained) on each sieve is determined by
Equation (4.1).
mi
ai   100% (4.1)
m

where:
ai: residue percentage by mass (%individual fraction retained) on i-mm-opening sieve (%)
mi: residue mass of sand on i-mm-opening sieve (g)
m: the total of residue mass (g)
Cumulative %retained by mass (cumulative residue percentage) on each sieve is determined
by Equation (4.2).
i
Ai   a %
i  2,5
i (4.2)
where:
Ai: cumulative % retained by mass (cumulative residue percentage) on i-mm-opening sieve
(%)
Residue percentage by mass and cumulative % retained by mass of sand on each sieve are
shown in Table 4.1.
Table 4.1 Residue percentage by mass and cumulative % retained by mass of sand on each sieve
No. of sieve (mm) mi (g) ai (%) Ai %)
2.5
1.25
0.63
0.315
0.14
A pan
Fineness modulus of sand is determined by Equation (4.3).

∑0.14
𝑖=2.5 𝐴𝑖 𝐴2.5 +𝐴1.25 +𝐴0.63 +𝐴0.315 +𝐴0.14
𝑀dl = = (4.3)
100 100
Sand used for concrete production is divided into 2 groups, depending on its fineness
modulus:
 Coarse sand Mdl = 2.0–3.3
 Fine sand Mdl = 0.7–2.0

Draw the curve of particle size distribution of river sand from the experiments as shown in
Table 4.1.
Compare this curve with the curve of particle size distribution limits according to TCVN
7570:2006 as shown in Table 4.2 and Fig. 4.2.
Table 4.2 Particle size distribution limits of sand for concrete production according to TCVN
7570:2006
Ai (%)
Sieve size (mm)
Coarse sand Fine sand
2.5 0–20 0
1.25 15–45 0–15
0.630 35–70 0–35
0.315 65–90 5–65
0.140 90–100 65–90
Đáy sàng
A pan  10  35
Cumulative % retained by mass
Sieve size (mm)

Fig. 4.2 Particle size distribution curves of sand according to TCVN 7570:2006

4.3 Test method for determination of particles size distribution of crushed stone
 Test standards
 American Society for Testing and Materials - ASTM C 136 Standard test method for sieve
analysis of fine and coarse aggregates [13];
methods – Part 2: Determination of particle size distribution [12].
TCVN 7572-2:2006 [12] is used to guide the students to determine particle size distribution of
crushed stone for concrete production.

 Crushed stone
 A set of sieves for crushed stone as coarse aggregate (see Fig. 4.3)
o According to TCVN 100 – 40 – 70 – 20 – 10 – 5 mm
o According to AFNOR 32 – 25 – 20 – 12.5 – 10 – 5 mm
 Mechanical sieve shaker or a basket for screening by hand
Fig. 4.3 A set of sieves for crushed stone


 Step 1: Weigh the suitable amount of crushed stone after drying in an oven following
the maximum crushed stone size as shown in Table 4.3.
Table 4.3 The amount following maximum size of crushed stone

Maximum size (Dmax) mm Amount (kg)
10 5
20 5
40  10
70  30
 70  50
Note: Maximum size is defined by the smallest sieve size in which more than 90% of the
crushed stone amount pass.
 Step 2: Nest the sieve in order of decreasing the size of opening from top to bottom as
follows:
 TCVN 100 – 70 – 40 – 20 – 10 – 5 mm and a pan
 AFNOR 32 – 25 – 20 – 12.5 – 10 – 5 mm and a pan
 Step 3: Place the sample on the top sieve and carry out to screen by a mechanical shaker
or by hand. When screening via the shaker, the time for screening is allowed, depending
on types of the machine. When screening by hand, the stopping time of screen is when
no sample passes via a sieve.
 Step 4: Weigh the residue weight on each sieve and recorded. Make sure that the total
of residue mass is equal to the original weight with a difference not more than 1%.

Residue percentage by mass (%individual fraction retained) on each sieve is determined
Equation (4.4).
mi
ai   100% (4.4)
m
where:
mi: residue mass of crushed stone on i-mm-opening sieve (g)

m: the total of residue mass (g)
Cumulative %retained by mass (cumulative residue percentage) on each sieve is determined

by Equation (4.5).
i
Ai   a % 
i  32
i (4.5)
where:
Ai: cumulative % retained by mass (cumulative residue percentage) on i-mm-opening
sieve (%)
Residue percentage by mass and cumulative % retained by mass of crushed stone on each
sieve are shown in Table 4.4.
Table 4.4 Residue percentage by mass and cumulative % retained by mass of crushed stone on
each sieve
No. of sieve (mm) mi (g) ai (%) Ai %)
TCVN 7570 AFNOR
100 32
70 25
40 20
20 12.5
10 10
5 5
A pan A pan
Determine Dmax and Dmin of stone

 Dmax - Maximum crushed stone size defined by the smallest sieve size in which
more than 90% of the stone amount pass.
 Dmin – Minimum crushed stone size defined by the largest sieve size in which less
than 10% of the stone amount pass.
Draw the curve of particle size distribution of crushed stone from the experiments.

Compare this curve with the curve of particle size distribution limits according to TCVN
7570:2006 as shown in Table 4.5 or Table 4.6 and Fig. 4.4.
Table 4.5 Particle size distribution limits of crushed stone for concrete production according to
TCVN 7570:2006
Cumulative percentage retained, % by mass, corresponding to minimum and

Sieve maximum particle size, mm
size, mm
5–10 5–20 5–40 5–70 10–40 10–70 20–70
100 – – – 0 – 0 0
70 – – 0 0–10 0 0–10 0–10
40 – 0 0–10 40–70 0–10 40–70 40–70
20 0 0–10 40–70 … 40–70 … 90–100
10 0–10 40–70 … … 90–100 90–100 –
5 90–100 90–100 90–100 90–100 – – –
Table 4.6 Particle size distribution limits of crushed stone for concrete production
Dmin 0.5(Dmax+Dmin) Dmax 1.25Dmax
Ai (%) 90 – 100 40 – 70 0 – 10 0

Cumulative % retained by mass
Fig. 4.4 Particle size distribution curves of stone

LESSON 5 - TEST FOR SLUMP OF HYDRAULIC-CEMENT CONCRETE AND

CASTING CONCRETE SPECIMENS FOR STRENGTH GRADE OF CONCRETE
5.1 Test purposes

- Know how to test the consistency of fresh concrete and how to cast concrete specimens for
determination of strength grade of concrete.
- Based on the experiments, the students can evaluate the workability of fresh concrete, the
flowability of fresh concrete under compaction, and compare with the designed consistency and
conclude whether strength grade of concrete satisfied with the designed strength or not.
5.2 Test for slump of hydraulic-cement concrete

 Test standards
 American Society for Testing and Materials- ASTM C143/C 143M Standard test
method for slump of hydraulic-cement concrete [14];
 Vietnamese standard - TCVN 3106:1993 Heavyweight concrete compounds – Slump
test [15];
TCVN 3106:1993 [15] applies for heavyweight concrete in fresh state which is flexible and
cohesive, does not apply for hard concrete in fresh state, and is used to guide the students
to determine slump of fresh concrete.

 Cement, river sand, and crushed stone and distilled water
 An electronic balance
 A tray for hand mixing or a mixer (see Fig. 5.1), scoop and trowel
 A set of slump test shown as in Fig. 5.2, includes:
 A steel slump cone – Abrams cone for slump test of 8-L fresh concrete with
maximum aggregate size of up to 40 mm
 A steel tamping rod with a diameter of 16 mm, a length of 600 mm and two rounded
ends
 A stainless-steel ruler with a length of 80 cm and its accuracy of 0.5 cm
 Flat and non-porous base plate
 A funnel for pouring fresh concrete into the Abrams cone.
Fig. 5.1 A mixer
Fig. 5.2 Abrams cone for slump test of 8-L fresh concrete with maximum aggregate size of
up to 40 mm

 Step 1: Design mixture proportion with the designed strength grade of 40 MPa and the
designed slump of 82 cm. Mixture proportion of 1-m3 fresh concrete is listed in Table
5.1.

Table 5.1 Mixture proportion of 1-m3 concrete with designed strength grade of 40 MPa and
designed slump of SN = 82 cm
Name W/C Unit (kg) Admixture
W C S G (if possible)
W/C: Water-to-cement ratio

W: water amount C: cement amount
S: sand amount G: crushed stone amount
 Step 2: Based on mixture proportion of 1-m3 concrete listed in Table 5.1, calculate
mixture proportion of 12-L concrete to test slump and cast 3 specimens with dimensions
of 150 × 150 × 150 mm. Mixture proportion of 12-L concrete is listed in Table 5.2.
Table 5.2 Mixture proportion of 12-L concrete with designed strength of 40 MPa and designed
slump of 82 cm
Name W/C kg/12-L concrete Admixture
W C S G (if possible)
 Step 3: Carry out to mix the above components.

 Step 4: Carry out to test the slump of fresh concrete as shown in Fig. 5.3, as follows:
After cleaning, the steel slump cone is placed on the plate which is placed on a solid,
impermeable, level base.
→ Keep and clamp firmly the Abrams cone on the non-porous base plate;
→ Fill with the fresh concrete in three equal layers through a funnel: each layer is
rodded 25 times to ensure compaction. For the subsequent layers, the tamping should
penetrate into the underlying layer, as shown in Fig. 5.3. The third layer is finished off
level with the top of the cone.
→ Remove the excess concrete and level the surface with a trowel.
→ Clean away the mortar or water leaked out between the cone and the base plate.
→ Lift up the cone gradually in vertical direction for 5–10 s;
→ Place the upturned cone on the base to act as a reference, and the difference in level
between its top and the top of the concrete is measured and recorded to the nearest 0.5
cm to give the slump of the concrete;

Note: The above operation should be carried out at a place free from vibrations or shock
and within a period of 150 s after sampling.
If the fresh concrete collapses completely after lifting the cone or the slump cannot be
measured easily, the slump of the fresh concrete should be tested again.
→ Record the value of the measured slump and adjust the mixture proportion if it is not
satisfied with the designed slump.
Fig. 5.3 Concrete slump test procedure (Source: Google image)

The values of measured slump of fresh concrete is shown in Table 5.3.
Table 5.3 Designed and measured properties of fresh concrete.

Designed slump Measured slump
(cm) (cm)
1st time
2nd time
…

5.3 Casting concrete specimens for determination of strength grade of concrete

 Test standards:
 American Society for Testing and Materials- ASTM C31/C 31M Standard practice for
making and curing concrete test specimens in the field (for cylindrical specimens or
prism specimens) [16];
 Vietnamese standard - TCVN 3105:1993 Heavyweight concrete compound and
heavyweight concrete – Sampling, making and curing of test specimens [17].
TCVN 3105:1993 [17] is used to guide the students to cast concrete specimens.

 Fresh concrete which has just been tested the slump
 Cubic moulds (see Fig. 5.4) or cylindrical molds, depending on test purposes and
conditions
 Plastic/wood hammer, scoop, and trowel, see Fig. 5.4
 A standard tamping rod with a diameter of 16 mm, and a length of 600 mm
 A water bath
Fig. 5.4 Tools for casting concrete specimens including wood hammer, scoop, trowel, and steel
moulds

 Step 1: Prepare mould by checking, cleaning molds, covering the inside surface of the
moulds by a thin layer of oil.

 Step 2: Remix fresh concrete after slump test and then, fill moulds with fresh concrete
in two layers.
 Step 3: Consolidate each layer with 25 strokes of the appropriate tamping rod, using the
rounded end. Distribute strokes evenly over the cross section of the concrete. Rod the
first layer throughout its depth without forcibly hitting the bottom.
 Step 4: After rodding each layer, tap the sides of each mold 10 to 15 times with the
mallet (i.e., wood hammer) and then, strike off the surface of the moulds with the
tamping rod or trowel.
 Step 5: Label the concrete specimens.
 Step 6: Cure the concrete specimens in a water bath at 272 oC after curing in the mould
for 1 day (from casting).
5.4 Test method for determination of compressive strength of hardened concrete

 Test standards:
 American Society for Testing and Materials- ASTM C39/C 39M Test method for
compressive strength of cylindrical concrete specimens [18];
 Vietnamese standard - TCVN 3118:1993 Heavyweight concrete – Method for
determination of compressive strength [19].
TCVN 3118 : 1993 [19] is used to guide the students to determine compressive strength of
hardened concrete specimens.

 Three cubic concrete specimens
 Compression machine and compression moulding, see Fig. 5.5
 Stainless steel ruler

Fig. 5.5 A compression machine

 Step 1: Prepare concrete specimens
27 days after curing in water at 27±1 oC in the water bath, remove the specimens from
the water bath and cover with a damp cloth until tested, not more than 10 min.
 Step 2: Determine the compressive area of specimen by measuring the pairs of parallel
dimensions of two compressive areas for cubic specimen, or those of diameter
perpendicular to each other on each side of compressive area for cylindrical specimen.
Compressive area of specimens is calculated as the average value of two compressive
areas.
 Step 3: Select load scale of a compression machine so that the fracture load obtains
from 20–80% range of maximum load of scale. Not compress specimens with the load
over the load scale of the compression machine.
 Step 4: Center the specimens into the compression machine.
 Step 5: Operate the compression machine until the specimen is broken and then, stop
the machine.
 Step 6: Record the value of maximum load/force when the specimen is broken.


Compressive strength of each specimen is determined by Equation (5.1).
𝐹𝑐
𝑅𝑐 = 𝛼 (5.1)
𝐴
where:
Rc: compressive strength (N/mm2 or MPa)
Fc: maximum load when the specimen is broken (N)
A: compressive area of the specimen (mm2)
: Adjusted coefficient taken from Table 5.1
Standard specimen for determination of compressive strength of cubic concrete with
dimensions of 150 × 150 × 150 mm. Based on the adjusted coefficient, the compressive
strengths of the specimens with the other shapes, other dimensions should be recalculated
from those of standard specimens, as shown in Table 5.1.
Table 5.1 Adjusted coefficient

Shape Dimensions of specimen (mm) 
100 × 100 × 100 0.91
Cubic 150 × 150 × 150 1
specimens 200 × 200 × 200 1.05
300 × 300 × 300 1.10
71.4 × 143 and 100 × 200
Cylindrical 1.16
150 × 300
specimens 1.20
200 × 400
1.24
Compressive strength of concrete specimens is shown in Table 5.2.
Table 5.2 Compressive strength of concrete specimens

Dimension Dimension
No. A (mm2) Fci (N) Rci (N/mm2)
(mm) (mm)
1 …………… …………… …………… …………… ……………
2 …………… …………… …………… …………… ……………
3 …………… …………… …………… …………… ……………
A test result is determined from the values of compressive strength of three concrete
specimens of each mixture proportion as follows:

+ Compare the highest and smallest values of compressive strength with the mean of the
three specimens.
+ If both values vary by less than ±15 % from the mean of the three, compressive strength
of concrete is defined as the average of the three compressive strength determinations made
on a set of three cubic specimens.
+ If one of them varies by more than ±15% from their mean, discard them and get the
remained strength is the compressive strength of concrete.
Strength grade of concrete may be determined by Equation (5.2).

𝑙𝑔28
𝑅𝑐28 = 𝑅𝑐𝑁 × 𝑙𝑔𝑁
(5.2)
where:
𝑅𝑐28 : compressive strength of concrete at the age of 28 days (N/mm2)
𝑅𝑐𝑁 : compressive strength of concrete at the age of N days (N/mm2)
N: the age of concrete specimen (N > 3 days)

REFERENCES
[1] ASTM C 188, “Standard test method for density of hydraulic cement, C188” pp. 1–2, 2003.
[2] TCVN 4030:2003, “Cement - Test method for determination of fineness - Appendice A:
Test method for determination of density of cement” Vietnamese standard, 2003 (in
Vietnamese).
[3] ASTM C128, “Standard test method for density, relative density (specific gravity), and
absorption of fine aggregate” Annu. B. ASTM Stand., pp. 1–6
[4] TCVN 7572-4:2006, “Aggregates for concrete and mortar - Test methods - Part 4:
Determination of apparent specific gravity, bulk specific gravity and water absorption”
Vietnamese standard, 2006 (in Vietnamese).
[5] Pavement interactive, “Fine aggregate specific gravity” [Online]. Available:
http://www.pavementinteractive.org/fine-aggregate-specific-gravity/. [Accessed: 01-Apr-
2018].
[6] TCVN 7572-6:2006, “Aggregates for concrete and mortar - Test methods - Part 6:
Determination of bulk density and voids” Vietnamese standard, 2006 (in Vietnamese).
[7] TCVN 6355:2009, “Bricks - Test methods” Vietnamese standard, 2009 (in Vietnamese).
[8] TCVN 3115:1993, “Heavyweight concrete - Method for determination of density”
Vietnamese standard, pp. 1–4, 1993 (in Vietnamese).
[9] TCVN 7570:2006, “Aggregates for concrete and mortar - Specification” Vietnamese
standard, 2006 (in Vietnamese).
[10] ASTM C 187, “Standard test method for normal consistency of hydraulic cement” ASTM
Int., vol. 11, pp. 1–2.
[11] TCVN 6017:2015, “Cements - Test methods - Determination of setting time and soundness”
Vietnamese standard, 2015 (in Vietnamese).
[12] TCVN 6016:2011, “Cement - Test methods - Determination of strength” Vietnamese
standard, 2011 (in Vietnamese).
[13] ASTM C136, “Standard test method for sieve analysis of fine and coarse aggregates,” Annu.
B. ASTM Stand., pp. 1–5.
[14] ASTM C 143/ C 143 M, “Standard test method for slump of hydraulic-cement concrete,”
pp. 5–6.
[15] TCVN 3106:1993, “Fresh heavyweight concrete - Method for slump test” Vietnamese
standard, pp. 3–4, 1993 (in Vietnamese).
[16] ASTM C 31/C 31 M, “Standard practice for making and curing concrete test specimens in
the field,” pp. 1–6.

[17] TCVN 3105:1993, “Heavyweight concrete compound and heavyweight concrete -

Sampling, making and curing of test specimens” Vietnamese standard, pp. 0–5, 1993 (in
Vietnamese).
[18] ASTM C 39/C 39 M, “Standard test method for compressive strength of cylindrical Concrete
specimens,” pp. 1–7.
[19] TCVN 3118:1993, “Heavyweight concrete - Method for determination of compressive
strength,” Vietnamese standard, pp. 2–6, 1993 (in Vietnamese).

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i Laboratory manual of construction materials

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page i

3.2.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing .............................................................. 24

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page ii

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page iii

LESSON 1 - TESTS FOR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

1.1 Test purposes

1.2 Test method for determination of density

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page 1

1.2.1.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing

1.2.1.2 Experimental procedures

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page 3

1.2.1.3 Experimental results

Density of cement is determined on two samples of cement. If they do not differ by

Table 1.1 Density of cement

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page 4

1.2.2 Test method for determination of density of sand

1.2.2.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page 5

Fig. 1.3 Pycnometer

1.2.2.2 Experimental procedures

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page 6

Fig. 1.5 A moist surface of sand. (Refer to [4] and [5])

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page 7

Fig. 1.6 A dry surface of sand (Refer to [4])

 Step 7: Place a glass sheet on the open of the pycnometer.

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page 8

1.2.2.3 Experimental results

Table 1.2 Density and bulk density of sand

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page 9

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page 10

1.3 Test method for determination of bulk density of grain materials

1.3.1 Materials, tools, and equipment for testing

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page 11

1.3.2 Experimental procedures

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page 12

1.3.3 Experimental results

Table 1.4 Bulk density of cement

Table 1.5 Bulk density of river sand

Table 1.6 Bulk density of crushed stone

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page 14

1.4.2 Experimental procedures

ci1  ci2  ci3  ci4

1.4.3 Experimental results

Table 1.7 Bulk density of burnt clay bricks

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page 16

1.5 Test method for determination of bulk density of heavyweight concrete

1.5.2 Experimental procedures

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page 17

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page 18

1.5.3 Experimental results

o Bulk density of cylindrical specimen is determined by Equation (1.17).

Table 1.8 Bulk density of heavyweight concrete

ci1 c i2 ci3 c i4 c iave

1.6 General comments

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page 19

LESSON 2 - TEST FOR DETERMINATION OF CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT

2.1 Test purposes

2.2 Test method for determination of water requirement of cement paste

Instructor: Dr. Phuong Trinh Bui Page 20

 A stainless steel ruler with accuracy of 0.5 mm.

Fig. 2.1 A mixer

Fig. 2.2 Vicat apparatus