HO CHI MINH CITY UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

OFFICE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDY PROGRAMS

CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS
ASSIGNMENT REPORT

Instructor: Mrs. Bui Phuong Trinh

Class CC01 Semeter 202
Name ID student
Trần Vĩ Khang 1852452
Lý Huỳnh Duyên 1852134
Đỗ Tấn Kiệt 1852490
Võ Thanh Tiến 1852793
Nguyễn Ngọc Thùy Linh 1952318
Contents
LESSON 1 - TESTS FOR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS .................................... 5
1.1 Test purposes .......................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Test method for determination of density ............................................................................. 5
1.2.1 Test method for determination of density of cement .................................................... 5
1.2.2 Test method for determination of density of sand ........................................................ 8
1.3 Test method for determination of bulk density of grain materials ...................................... 13
1.3.1 Materials, tools, and equipment for testing ................................................................. 13
1.3.2 Experimental procedures .............................................................................................. 14
1.3.3 Experimental results ..................................................................................................... 15
1.3.4 Comments/Discussions ................................................................................................. 17
1.4 Test method for determination of bulk density of burnt clay brick ..................................... 17
1.4.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing .................................................................. 17
1.4.2 Experimental procedures .............................................................................................. 18
1.4.3 Experimental results ..................................................................................................... 18
1.4.4 Comments/Discussions ................................................................................................. 19
1.5 Test method for determination of bulk density of heavyweight concrete .......................... 19
1.5.1 Materials, tools, and equipment for testing ................................................................. 20
1.5.2 Experimental procedures .............................................................................................. 20
1.5.3 Experimental results ..................................................................................................... 22
1.5.4 Comments/Discussions ................................................................................................. 23
1.6 General comment: ...................................................................................................................... 23
LESSON 2 - TEST FOR DETERMINATION OF CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT ............................................... 23
2.1 Test purposes ........................................................................................................................ 23
2.2 Test method for determination of water requirement of cement paste ............................. 23
2.2.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing .................................................................. 24
2.2.2 Experimental procedures .............................................................................................. 25
2.2.3 Experimental results ..................................................................................................... 26
2.2.4 Comments/Discussions ................................................................................................. 26
LESSON 3 - CASTING MORTAR SPECIMENS AND TEST FOR STRENGTH GRADE OF CEMENT ............... 27
3.1 Test purposes ........................................................................................................................ 27
3.2 Casting mortar specimens for determination of strength grade of cement ........................ 27
3.2.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing .................................................................. 27
3.2.2 Experimental procedures .............................................................................................. 28
3.3 Test method for determination of compressive strength of hardened cement specimens 30
3.3.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing .................................................................. 30

1
 3.3.2 Experimental procedures .............................................................................................. 31
3.3.3 Experimental results ..................................................................................................... 32
3.3.4 Comments/Discussions ................................................................................................. 34
LESSON 4 - TEST FOR PATICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF RIVER SAND AND CRUSHED STONE USED FOR
CEMENT-CONRETE PRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 34
4.1 Test purposes ........................................................................................................................ 34
4.2 Test method for determination of particles size distribution of river sand ......................... 34
4.2.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing .................................................................. 35
4.2.2 Experimental procedures .............................................................................................. 35
4.2.3 Experimental results ..................................................................................................... 36
4.2.4 Comments/ Discussions ................................................................................................ 38
4.3 Test method for determination of particles size distribution of crushed stone .................. 39
4.3.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing .................................................................. 39
4.3.2 Experimental procedures .............................................................................................. 39
4.3.3 Experimental results ..................................................................................................... 40
4.3.4 Comments/Discussions ................................................................................................. 43
LESSON 5 - TEST FOR SLUMP OF HYDRAULIC-CEMENT CONCRETE AND CASTING CONCRETE
SPECIMENS FOR STRENGTH GRADE OF CONCRETE .............................................................................. 43
5.1 Test purposes ........................................................................................................................ 43
5.2 Test for slump of hydraulic-cement concrete ...................................................................... 43
5.2.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing .................................................................. 44
5.2.2 Experimental procedures .............................................................................................. 45
5.2.3 Experimental results ..................................................................................................... 47
5.2.4 Comments/Discussions ................................................................................................. 47
5.3 Casting concrete specimens for determination of strength grade of concrete ................... 48
5.3.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing .................................................................. 48
5.3.2 Experimental procedures .............................................................................................. 49
5.4 Test method for determination of compressive strength of hardened concrete ................ 49
5.4.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing .................................................................. 49
5.4.2 Experimental procedures .............................................................................................. 50
5.4.3 Experimental results ..................................................................................................... 51
5.4.4 Comments/Discussions ................................................................................................. 52

2
List of figures
Figure 1. 1 Dimensions of Lechatelier flask (a) and Lechatelier flask in a laboratory (b) ........ 6
Figure 1. 2 The increase in the liquid volume (a) and the liquid volume displaced by 65-g
cement in Lechatelier flask (b) .................................................................................................. 7
Figure 1. 3 Pycnometer .............................................................................................................. 9
Figure 1. 4 A saturated surface dry condition of sand (Refer to [4] and [5]) .......................... 10
Figure 1. 5 Figure 1.5 A moist surface of sand. (Refer to [4] and [5]) .................................... 11
Figure 1. 6 A dry surface of sand (Refer to [4]) ...................................................................... 11
Figure 1. 7 Pouring the sand under saturated surface dry condition into the pycnometer (Refer
to Fig. [5]) ................................................................................................................................ 11
Figure 1. 8 Cylindrical metal measures for determination of granular materials with the
volumes of 14.16L (a) and 2.83L (b)Experimental procedures ............................................... 14
Figure 1. 9 Metal measure under the open of the funnel (Refer to [5]) ................................... 15
Figure 1. 10 Measured dimensions of cubic (a) and cylindrical (b) specimens ...................... 22

Figure 2. 1 A mixer .................................................................................................................. 24

Figure 2. 2 Vicat apparatus ...................................................................................................... 25

Figure 3. 1 Mould, tamping rod, and trowel ............................................................................ 28

Figure 3. 2 A mixer .................................................................................................................. 28
Figure 3. 3 Bending and compression machine ....................................................................... 30
Figure 3. 4 Bending (a) and compression (b) moulding .......................................................... 31
Figure 3. 5 Specimens tested by bending (a) and compression (b) loads ................................ 32

Figure 4. 1 A set of sieves for sand .......................................................................................... 35

Figure 4. 2 Particle size distribution curves of sand according to TCVN 7570:2006 ............. 38
Figure 4. 3 A set of sieves for crushed stone ........................................................................... 39
Figure 4. 4 Particle size distribution curves of stone ............................................................... 43

Figure 5. 1 A mixer .................................................................................................................. 44

Figure 5. 2 Abrams cone for slump test ................................................................................... 45
Figure 5. 3 Concrete slump test procedure (Source: Google image) ....................................... 47
Figure 5. 4 Tools for casting concrete specimens including wood hammer, scoop, trowel, and
steel moulds ............................................................................................................................. 49
Figure 5. 5 A compression machine ........................................................................................ 50

3
List of tables
Table 1. 1 Density of cement ..................................................................................................... 8
Table 1. 2 Density of sand ....................................................................................................... 13
Table 1. 3 Size of metal measure depending on maximum diameter of aggregate (TCVN
7570:2006) [9] ......................................................................................................................... 15
Table 1. 4 Bulk density of cement ........................................................................................... 16
Table 1. 5 Bulk density of river sand ....................................................................................... 16
Table 1. 6 Bulk density of crushed stone ................................................................................. 17
Table 1. 7 Bulk density of burnt clay bricks ............................................................................ 19
Table 1. 8 Bulk density of heavyweight concrete .................................................................... 22

Table 2. 1 Water requirement of cement paste ........................................................................ 26

Table 3. 1 Flexural strength of cement-mortar specimens ....................................................... 33

Table 3. 2 Compressive strength of cement-mortar specimens ............................................... 33

Table 4. 1 Residue percentage by mass and cumulative % retained by mass of sand on each
seive ......................................................................................................................................... 36
Table 4. 2 Particle size distribution limits of sand for concrete production according to TCVN
7570:2006 ................................................................................................................................ 38
Table 4. 3 The amount following maximum size of crushed stone ......................................... 40
Table 4. 4 Residue percentage by mass and cumulative % retained by mass of crushed stone
on each sieve ............................................................................................................................ 41
Table 4. 5 Particle size distribution limits of crushed stone for concrete production according
to TCVN 7570:2006 ................................................................................................................ 42
Table 4. 6 Particle size distribution limits of crushed stone for concrete production .............. 42

Table 5. 1 Mixture proportion of 1-m3 concrete with designed strength grade of 40 MPa and
designed slump of SN = 8±2 cm ............................................................................................. 45
Table 5. 2 Mixture proportion of 12-L concrete with designed strength of 40 MPa and
designed slump of 8±2 cm ...................................................................................................... 46
Table 5. 3 Designed and measured properties of fresh concrete ............................................. 47

Table 5 1 Adjusted coefficient ................................................................................................. 51

Table 5 2 Compressive strength of concrete specimens at the age of 7 days .......................... 51

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 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:
𝛾a: 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.

5
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.

Figure 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
o
C). 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

6
 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).

Figure 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
65g 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

7
 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) 𝜸𝒂 (g/cm3)

1 65 21.5 3.0233

2 65 21.5 3.0232

Different value ∆ =3.0233 − 3.0232 = 0.0001 < 0.05 𝑔/𝑐𝑚3

→ Density of cement 𝛾𝑎 = 3.02325 (g/cm3)

1.2.1.4 Comments/Discussions

 The test results show that the density of cement is 3.02325 g/cm3; The
theoretical density of cement is (3.05-3.15 g/cm3), the error is not too much
and the experimental results can be used.
 Types of errors that can lead to incorrect measurement results
+ Error while reading results of cement weight (weighing sensitivity under
pressure of fan...); Error when reading results on the surface of the oil in the
tank
+ Cement also has many other inorganic additives
+ Cement in the laboratory has been stored for a long time and has been
damp and due to the fact that it does not dry the cement again
+ The amount of cement lost during the experiment is caused by wind
blowing, sticking to the container and the walls of the tank, and falling.
 This experiment needs to be manipulated skillfully and meticulously

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

8
 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 laboratory dry oven
 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.

Figure 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.

9
  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.

Figure 1. 4 A saturated surface dry condition of sand (Refer to [4] and [5])

10
 Figure 1. 5 Figure 1.5 A moist surface of sand. (Refer to [4] and [5])

Figure 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.

Figure 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.

11
  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 × (1.3)
𝑚4 − (𝑚2 − 𝑚3 )

Bulk specific density of sand under dry state is determined by Equation (1.4)
𝑚4
𝛾𝑜𝑑 = 𝛾𝑤 × (1.4)
𝑚1 − (𝑚2 − 𝑚3 )

Bulk specific density of sand under saturation state is determined by Equation (1.5)
𝑚1
𝛾𝑜𝑠𝑎𝑡 = 𝛾𝑤 × (1.5)
𝑚1 − (𝑚2 − 𝑚3 )

Where
𝛾𝑤 : 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.

12
 Table 1. 2 Density of sand

No. m2 (g) m3 (g) m4 (g) 𝜸𝒂 (g/cm3)

1 979.0 670.0 500 2.6178
2 978.5 670.5 500 2.60417
…
Different value ∆ =2.6178 − 2.60417 = 0.0136 < 0.2%
→Density of sand 𝛾𝑎 = 2.611(g/cm3)

1.2.2.4 Comments/Discussions

 The causes leading to the deviation in the experimental process are: due to the
observation of the reader of the results, due to manipulation during the experiment,
resulting in a lack of an insignificant amount, because in the sand there is a lot of
dirt, soil particles
 This test is less complicated and gives more accurate results than measuring the
density of cement.

1.3 Test method for determination of bulk density of grain materials

 Test standards
 Vietnamese standard - TCVN 7572-6:2006 Aggregates for concrete and
mortar – Test 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

13
  A laboratory dry oven
 Stainless steel ruler
 Straight, smooth, and hard rod.

Figure 1. 8 Cylindrical metal measures for determination of granular materials with the
volumes of 14.16L (a) and 2.83L (b)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.

14
 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).

Figure 1. 9 Metal measure under the open of the funnel (Refer to [5])

1.3.2 Experimental results

Bulk density of material is determined by Equation (1.6)

15
 𝑚2 − 𝑚1
𝛾0 = (kg/𝑚3 ) (1.6)
𝑉

Where:
m1: mass of the metal measure (kg)
m2: mass of the metal measure containing the sample (kg)
V: volume of the metal measure (m3)
Bulk density of cement is determined on two samples of cement. If they do
not differ by more than 20kg/m3, take the average. Otherwise, run three
additional determinations until a pair of values are obtained within 20 kg/m3.
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 (kg) m2 (kg) 𝛾𝑜(kg/m3)
1 2.57 5.30 964.6643
2 2.57 5.24 943.4629
…

Different value ∆ = 964.6643 − 943.4629 = 21.201413 > 20

=> The values of bulk density of two types of cement differ more than 20 kg/m3 se that we
must redo the experiment until different value ∆ < 20kg/m3

Table 1. 5 Bulk density of river sand

No. m1 (kg) m2 (kg) 𝛾𝑜(kg/m3)
1 2.57 6.55 1406.3604
2 2.57 6.52 1395.7597
…

Different value ∆ = 1406.3604 − 1395.7597 = 10.6007< 20 (kg/m3)

1406.3604+1395.7597
=>Bulk density of river sand = γ0 = γave = =1401.06 (kg/m3)
2

16
 Table 1. 6 Bulk density of crushed stone
No. m1 (kg) m2 (kg) 𝛾𝑜(kg/m3)
1 8.83 28.11 1361.5819
2 8.83 28.45 1385.5932

Different value ∆ =1361.5819 − 1385.5932 = 24.0113 > 20

=>The values of bulk density of two types of crushed stone differ more than 20 kg/m3 se that
we must redo the experiment until different value ∆ < 20kg/m3

1.3.3 Comments/Discussions

 The causes leading to the deviation in the experimental process are: due to the
observation of the reader of the results, due to manipulation during the experiment,
resulting in a lack of an insignificant amount.
 Some the values have the difference is more then 20 kg/m3 so we need to redo the
experiment many times until we get the difference between two values is suitable
 For crushed stone, the bulk dénity in the natural state and the compacted state has
negligible difference. The reason is that the crushed stone in this experiment are quite
uniform in size, and the compaction/compression work is small enough to rearrange
the rock particles.
 For sand, the bulk density in the compacted state and the uncompressed state give
significantly different results. The reason is that in sand there are many different grain
sizes, under the effect of compaction / compaction, the sand grains are easier to arrange
(consolidate) than rocks.
 It should also be noted that humidity also greatly affects volumetric weight. The bulk
density will set a maximum at a given humidity. This property is used to optimize the
compaction of the ground during construction

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 mass of sample by drying and weighing.
- 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.

17
  A laboratory dry oven.
 A stainless steel ruler with accuracy of 1 mm.

1.4.2 Experimental procedures

 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).

𝑖
𝑎1𝑖 + 𝑎2𝑖 + 𝑎3𝑖 + 𝑎4𝑖 (1.7)
𝑎𝑎𝑣𝑒 = (cm)
4

𝑖
𝑏1𝑖 + 𝑏2𝑖 + 𝑏3𝑖 + 𝑏4𝑖 (1.8)
𝑏𝑎𝑣𝑒 = (cm)
4
𝑖
𝑐1𝑖 + 𝑐2𝑖 + 𝑐3𝑖 + 𝑐4𝑖
𝑐𝑎𝑣𝑒 = (cm) (1.9)
4

1.4.3 Experimental results

Bulk density of each sample is determined by Equation (1.10)

𝑚𝑖
𝛾0𝑖 = 𝑖 𝑖 𝑖 (1.10)
𝑎𝑡𝑏 × 𝑏𝑡𝑏 × 𝑐𝑡𝑏

18
 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)
17.3 17.4 17.3 17.5 17.375
1 7.2 7.0 7.4 7.0 7.15 928.6286 1108 1.19315732
7.7 7.6 7.0 7.6 7.475
17.4 17.5 17.4 17.5 17.45
2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.45 997.7692 1106.4 1.10887369
7.6 7.7 7.7 7.7 7.675
17.5 17.5 17.5 17.5 17.5
3 7.6 7.4 7.6 7.5 7.525 1007.409 1039.2 1.03155681
7.5 7.7 7.7 7.7 7.65
17.5 17.5 17.5 17.4 17.475
4 7.4 7.4 7.5 7.4 7.425 943.9449 1101.5 1.16691134
7.3 7.2 7.3 7.3 7.275
17.4 17.7 17.6 17.6 17.575
5 7.5 7.0 7.3 7.4 7.3 910.9123 1112.3 1.22108359
7.0 7.4 7.0 7.0 7.1

1.19315732+1.10887369+1.03155681+1.16691134+1.22108359
𝛾𝑜= = 1.144317 (g/cm3)
5

1.4.4 Comments/Discussions

 Experimental results between 5 measurements of 5 samples have no significant

difference.
 The causes leading to the deviation in the experimental process are: Inappropriate room
temperature, insufficient drying time, human error in reading, collisions during the
experiment causing the size of bricks to be changed.
 Based on the bulk density formula we can see that the larger the sample mass, the larger
the bulk density of brick is so it will take a lot of effort for transportation

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 allows 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

19
 of heavyweight concrete.
Test methods:
- Determine mass of sample by drying and weighing.
- Determine volume of materials including the volumes of voids and pores by
measuring the sizes/dimensions of sample.

1.5.1 Materials, tools, and equipment for testing

 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.

1.5.2 Experimental procedures

 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.
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).

20
 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
𝑎1𝑖 + 𝑎2𝑖 + 𝑎3𝑖 + 𝑎4𝑖
𝑎𝑡𝑏 = (cm) (1.11)
4

𝑖
𝑏1𝑖 + 𝑏2𝑖 + 𝑏3𝑖 + 𝑏4𝑖
𝑏𝑡𝑏 = (cm) (1.12)
4

𝑖
𝑐1𝑖 + 𝑐2𝑖 + 𝑐3𝑖 + 𝑐4𝑖
𝑐𝑡𝑏 = (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
ℎ1𝑖 + ℎ2𝑖 + ℎ3𝑖 + ℎ4𝑖
ℎ𝑡𝑏 = (cm) (1.14)
4

𝑖
𝑑1𝑖 + 𝑑2𝑖 + 𝑑3𝑖 + 𝑑4𝑖
𝑑𝑡𝑏 = (cm) (1.15)
4

21
 Figure 1. 10 Measured dimensions of cubic (a) and cylindrical (b) specimens

1.5.3 Experimental results

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
𝛾0𝑖 = 𝑖 𝑖 𝑖
(g/𝑐𝑚3 ) (1.16)
𝑎𝑡𝑏 × 𝑏𝑡𝑏 × 𝑐𝑡𝑏

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

𝑚𝑖
𝛾0𝑖 = (g/𝑐𝑚3 )
(𝑑𝑡𝑏 )2 𝑖
(1.17)
𝜋 × 4 × ℎ𝑡𝑏

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 Mass Bulk density

No Dimension (cm) dimension (cm) (cm3) (g/cm3)
(g)
15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0
1 15.0 14.9 15.0 14.7 14.9 3369.263 7820 2.32098271
15.0 15.0 15.2 15.1 15.075
14.8 14.6 14.6 14.8 14.7
2 15.0 14.7 14.9 14.9 14.875 3279.938 7900 2.40858248
15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0
14.7 14.7 15.0 14.9 14.825
3 15.0 14.9 14.9 14.8 14.9 3324.432 8550 2.57186782
15.0 15.1 15.0 15.1 15.05

2.32098271+2.40858248+2.57186782
→ 𝛾0𝑎𝑣𝑒 = = 2.433811003 (g/cm3)
3

22
 1.5.4 Comments/Discussions

 Experimental results between 3 measurements of 3 samples have no significant

difference.
 Major errors can occur while reading sample size measurement results.

1.6 General comment:

 Based on the results of bulk density test, we 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.
 Moreover, we can evaluate the strength of material, fire- resistance and many another
physical characteristics of cement, sand, brick based on the results of experiment
 During the experiment, there are many human and environmental factors that lead to
errors such as due to the observation of the reader of the results, due to manipulation
during the experiment, resulting in a lack of an insignificant amount.

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];

23
  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).

2.2.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing

 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.

Figure 2. 1 A mixer

24
 Figure 2. 2 Vicat apparatus

2.2.2 Experimental procedures

 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.]

25
  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).

2.2.3 Experimental results

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)

1 125 25 15

2 142 28.4 6.5

=>Water requirement is 142g. This means the weight of water is 28.4% of weight cement.

Because the amount of water that we get from experience had the distance between rod and the
surface of the glass plate is 6.5mm. This means that we gain the distance which stay in standard
distance from 4mm to 8mm. So the result is the amount of water that reasonable for cement.

2.2.4 Comments/Discussions
 In the first experiment, we release the last rod and the last rod just penetrates a little
depth of the cement paste => the cement paste is hard and the water amount is
required to make this cement paste is low so that we must increase the water
amount
 In the second experimentm, the value of distance between rod and non-porous plate
is from 4-8 mm so we can conclude 28.4% is the water amount enough for the
cement paste to get normal consistency

26
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.

3.2.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing

 Cement, ISO standard sand, and distilled water
 An electronic balance with accuracy of 1 g
 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.

27
 Figure 3. 1 Mould, tamping rod, and trowel

Figure 3. 2 A mixer

3.2.2 Experimental procedures

 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±1g
 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.

28
 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.

29
3.3 Test method for determination of compressive strength of hardened
cement 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.

3.3.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing

 Three hardened cement-mortar specimens;

 Bending and compression machine (see Fig. 3.3), bending and compression
moldings (see Fig. 3.4);
 Stainless steel ruler.

Figure 3. 3 Bending and compression machine

30
 Figure 3. 4 Bending (a) and compression (b) moulding

3.3.2 Experimental procedures

 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:

31
 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)

Figure 3. 5 Specimens tested by bending (a) and compression (b) loads

3.3.3 Experimental results

Flexural strength is determined by Equation (3.1)

3 𝐹𝑓 × 𝑙
𝑅𝑓 = × (3.1)
2 𝑏ℎ2

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)

32
 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 4.208 9.8625 × 10−3

∑3𝑖=1 𝑅𝑓𝑖 9.8625 × 10−3 + 0.0123 + 0.0102
𝑅𝑓 = =
2 5.248 0.0123 3 3
= 0.0107875
3 4.352 0.0102

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

Rci
No. Fci (N) Rc (N/mm2) i
(N/mm2)
1 25.7 0.016 6.67%
∑6𝑖=1 𝑅𝑐𝑖
2 24.9 0.016 𝑅𝑐 = =0.015 6.67%
6
3 25.2 0.016 6.67%

33
 4 24.4 0.015 0
5 21.9 0.014 6.67%
6 22.5 0.014 6.67%

|𝑅𝑐𝑖 −𝑅𝑐 |
With ∆𝑖 = × 100%;
𝑅𝑐

3.3.4 Comments/Discussions

 We can see that all values of ∆ ≤ 10% => The compressive strength of
cement-mortar specimens = Rc ave = 0.015 (N/mm2)

 The values of compressive strength and flexural strength of cement samples are
quite low, which can be due to a number of reasons:

 The behavior performed by the experimenter is not standard

 Uneven load increment rate
 Conditions of cement curing are not up to standard

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
o American Society for Testing and Materials - ASTM C 136 Standard test
method for sieve analysis of fine and coarse aggregates [13];
o Vietnamese standard - TCVN 7572-2:2006 Aggregates for concrete and
mortar – Test methods – Part 2: Determination of particle size distribution
[12].
34
 TCVN 7572-2:2006 [12] is used to guide the students to determine particle size
distribution of river sand for cement-concrete production
4.2.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing
 River sand
 An electronic balance with accuracy of 1 g
 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
 A laboratory dry oven

Figure 4. 1 A set of sieves for sand

4.2.2 Experimental procedures

 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%.

35
 4.2.3 Experimental results
 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).

where:
𝑚𝑎𝑥

𝐴𝑖 = ∑ 𝑎𝑖
(4.2)
1

Ai: cumulative % retained by mass (cumulative residue percentage) on i-mm-

opening sieve (%)
ai: residue percentage by mass (%individual fraction retained) on i-mm-opening
sieve (%)

Residue percentage by mass and cumulative % retained by mass of sand on each seive
are shown in Table 4.1

Table 4. 1 Residue percentage by mass and cumulative % retained by mass of sand on each
seive

No. of sieve (mm) m (g)

i a (%)
i A %)
i

2.5 85.2 8.52 8.52

1.25 144.8 14.48 23
0.63 115.6 11.56 34.56
0.315 168.4 16.84 51.4
0.14 455.0 45.5 96.9
A pan 30.4 3.04 99.94

 Fineness modulus of sand is determined by Equation (4.3)

36
 𝐴2.5 + 𝐴1.25 + 𝐴0.63 + 𝐴0.315 + 𝐴0.14
𝑀đ𝑙 = (4.3)
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.

37
 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
A pan ≤ 10 ≤ 35

Figure 4. 2 Particle size distribution curves of sand according to TCVN 7570:2006

4.2.4 Comments/ Discussions

 Fineness modulus of sand = 2.1428 → This is coarse sand
 The distribution line is within the allowable range. Therefore, this sand is suitable for
concrete
 Currently, determining the size of sand one can use the method of area ratio. The finer
the sand, the larger the area will be.
 In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to the following factors when choosing sand
for concrete production; density, volumetric density, porosity, impurity, origin (must
be river sand without salinity).
 Note that the sand should be dried before testing. Moist sand will have a certain
stickiness and it will be more difficult to pass the sieve, the experimental data will be
wrong.

38
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];
Vietnamese standard - TCVN 7572-2:2006 Aggregates for concrete and mortar
– Test 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.

4.3.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing

 Crushed stone
 An electronic balance with accuracy of 1 g
 A set of sieves for crushed stone as coarse aggregate (see Fig. 4.3
+ According to TCVN 100 – 40 – 70 – 20 – 10 – 5 mm
+ According to AFNOR 32 – 25 – 20 – 12.5 – 10 – 5 mm
 Mechanical sieve shaker or a basket for screening by hand
 A laboratory dry oven

Figure 4. 3 A set of sieves for crushed stone

4.3.2 Experimental procedures

39
  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 (D ) mm
max 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%.

4.3.3 Experimental results

Residue percentage by mass (%individual fraction retained) on each sieve is

determined Equation (4.4)
𝑚𝑖
𝑎𝑖 = × 100% (4.4)
𝑚

Where
𝑎𝑖 : residue percentage by mass (%individual fraction retained) on i-mm-opening sieve
(%)
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).

40
 𝑖

𝐴𝑖 = ∑ 𝑎𝑖 (%)
(4.5)
𝑖=32

Where

𝐴𝑖 : cumulative % retained by mass (cumulative residue percentage) on i-mm-opening

sieve (%)
𝑎𝑖 : residue oercentage by mass (% individual fraction retained) 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) m (g)

i a (%)
i A %)
i

TCVN 7570
100 0 0 0
70 0 0 0
40 0 0 0
20 726.5 14.53 14.53
10 4067 81.34 95.87
5 153.5 3.07 98.94
A pan 10.5 0.21 99.15

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 in which less than 10% of
the stone amount pass

 Dmax = 40mm
 Dmin = 10mm

Draw the curve of particle size distribution of crushed stone from the experiments.

41
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 size,
maximum particle size, mm
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
satisfy satisfy satisfy satisfy

42
 Figure 4. 4 Particle size distribution curves of stone

4.3.4 Comments/Discussions

 This stone is suitable for concrete

 When sieving and sifting, we should note:
 Sieve little by little, should not be too much will warp the mesh screen
 Dry ice before sieving
 Limit the use of wet ice

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

43
 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.

5.2.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing

 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.

Figure 5. 1 A mixer

44
 Figure 5. 2 Abrams cone for slump test

5.2.2 Experimental procedures

 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

Unit (kg) Admixture

Name W/C
W C S G (if possible)
0.57 196 343 566 1240

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.

45
Table 5. 2 Mixture proportion of 12-L concrete with designed strength of 40 MPa and
designed slump of 8±2 cm

kg/12-L concrete Admixture

Name W/C
W C S G (if possible)
0.57 2.352 4.116 6.792 14.88

 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

46
 Figure 5. 3 Concrete slump test procedure (Source: Google image)

5.2.3 Experimental results

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 (cm) Measured slump (cm)

1st time 8±2 6.0

5.2.4 Comments/Discussions

 Slump test is determined the workability of fresh concrete which means the ability to
work with fresh concrete. Moreover, we can check to see quickly if the concrete is
suitable for use.

 Because the value of measured slump is in the range between 8±2 so we can use this
fresh concrete to make the concrete specimens for testing strength grade. With this
slump, the concrete in the middle is flexible and dry, when concreting the components
need to be compacted very carefully otherwise it will give the structure many voids in
the structure.

 Causes affecting the slump:

 Unsatisfactory materials (wet)

 Amount of water evaporated during mixing and manipulation
 The ratio of the components of the mixture: a reasonable ratio will give the
concrete thesmallest porosity, the amount of water and cement after filling
the voids of sand and stone will be redundant, making a sliding film between

47
 aggregate particles, reducing friction. As a result, the mixture will become
more fluid, and the slump will be larger.
 Size of aggregate surface: aggregate with a smooth surface will give a larger
slump.
 Large aggregate size Dmax and magnitude modulus of sand: the larger the
aggregate, that is, the same volume, the smaller the surface area will be,
giving a higher slump.

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.

5.3.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing

 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

48
Figure 5. 4 Tools for casting concrete specimens including wood hammer, scoop, trowel, and
steel moulds

5.3.2 Experimental procedures

 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.

5.4.1 Materials, tools and equipment for testing

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

49
 Figure 5. 5 A compression machine

5.4.2 Experimental procedures

 Step 1: Prepare concrete specimens
7 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.

50
5.4.3 Experimental results
Compressive strength of each specimen is determined by Equation (5.1).

𝐹𝐶
𝑅𝐶 = 𝛼 × (5.2)
𝐴

𝑅𝐶 : compressive strength (N/mm2 or MPa)

𝐹𝐶 : maximum load when the specimen is broken (N)
𝐴: compressive area of the specimen (mm2)
𝛼: 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 1.16
Cylindrical
150 × 300 1.20
specimens
200 × 400 1.24

Compressive strength of concrete specimens is shown in Table 5 2

Table 5 2 Compressive strength of concrete specimens at the age of 7 days

Dimension Dimension
No. A (mm2) Fci (N) Rci (N/mm2)
(mm) (mm)
1 150 150 22500 677250 30.1
2 150 150 22500 686250 30.5
3 150 150 22500 715500 31.8

 RC max = 31.8 (N/mm2)

 RC min = 30.1 (N/mm2)
 RC mean = 30.8 (N/mm2)
A test result is determined from the values of compressive strength of three

51
 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.
𝑅𝑐 max − 𝑅𝑐 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 31.8 − 30.8
∆= = = 3.25% < 15%
𝑅𝑐 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 30.8
𝑅𝑐 min − 𝑅𝑐 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 30.1 − 30.8
∆= | |=| | = 2.27% < 15%
𝑅𝑐 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 30.8
 The compressive strength of concrete specimens at 7 days = 30.8
(N/mm2)

Strength grade of concrete may be determined by Equation (5.2).

lg 28
𝑅𝐶28 = 𝑅𝐶𝑁 ×
lg 𝑁 (5.3)

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)
lg 28 lg 28
 𝑅𝐶28 = 𝑅𝐶7 × = 30.8 × = 52.74 (N/𝑚𝑚2 )
lg 7 lg 7

5.4.4 Comments/Discussions

 In the construction structure, concrete can work in different states (compression,

tension, bending, sliding) but in the state of compression is the best. Therefore,
compressive strength is the most important characteristic of concrete to assess the
quality of concrete.
 During the hardening process, the concrete strength continuously increases for 7 days
and slows down at 28 days, and the strength value of 15x15x15 (cm3) cubes in 7 days
can be used to determine the grade of concrete and compressive strength of concrete
after 28 days via the formula 5.2
 In fact, the strength of concrete samples after 28 days is the highest legal value in the

52
relevant records of construction works.

53