TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY

ADVANCED COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGMENT

KUPONDOLE, LALITPUR

CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIALS LAB REPORT

NAME: SUMAN SAPKOTA

ROLL NUMBER: ACE076BCE087
SUMISSION DATE: 11/24/2021
SUBMITTED TO: DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIAL

TABLE OF CONTENT

1. WATER ABSORPTION AND BULK DENSITY OF BRICK SAMPLE

2. NORMAL CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT
3. FINENESS OF CEMENT
4. COMPRESSIVE TEST OF BRICK
5. INITIAL SETTING TIME OF CEMENT
6. COMPRESSIVE TEST OF MORTAR
 WATER ABSORPTION AND BULK DENSITY OF BRICK SAMPLE

OBJECTIVE:
To determine water absorption and bulk density of brick

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
1. Oven
2. weighing scale
3. measuring tape or scale

MATERIALS REQUIRED:
1. Bricks sample(3)

THEORY:
Bulk density is defined as the mass of particle of material to the total volume of
material. Bulk density can be directly measured by mass/volume. The total volume
includes particle volume, inter-particle void volume, and internal pore volume. When
brick absorbs water the volume changes slightly and the voids are filled then the total
volume of brick can be calculated as well as mass can be calculated.
Bricks are dry and porous so, it has the ability to release and absorb moisture from
mortar, concrete and from weather too. If the brick is dry it absorbs all the moisture
from mortar hence, ultimately the strength of mortar reduces. It fails to make the
bond between bricks and mortar due to insufficient water for the reaction of cement in
the mortar and overall reduces the strength of construction. So, water absorption of
bricks is a significant and useful property of bricks. Water absorption is found out by
the water absorption test of bricks.

PROCEDURE FOR BULK DENSITY:

Three samples of brick were taken and the moisture present on those bricks is
removed by heating them in oven. After drying the weight of bricks was measure
using weighing scale. Then the volume of brick was measured by calculating length,
breadth, height of brick samples. Finally, the bulk density was measured.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

sample number mass of brick (kg) volume of brick (cm^3) bulk density (kg/m^3)
su1 1.850 1210 1528.9256
su2 1.600 1117.767 1431.425
su3 2.210 1339.8 1649.499
PROCEDURE FOR WATER ABSORPTION:

Three samples of brick were taken and place on oven at 105(+5 or -5) degree
temperature of 24 hours. The bricks were then weighed using weighing balance.
Then, the sample were dipped under water for 24 hours at 27(+2 or -2) degree celcius
temperature. After 24 hours the sample bricks were cleaned with dry clothes and the
final weight were measured.

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION:

Initial weight of brick su1 (w1) = 1.850 kg

Final weight of brick su2 (w2) = 2.126 kg
Water absorption of brick su1 = (2.126-1.850)/1.850 *100%
= 14.910%

Initial weight of brick su2 (w1) = 1.600 kg

Final weight of brick su2 (w2) = 1.950 kg

Water absorption of brick su2 = (1.950-1.600)/1.950 *100%

= 17.94%

Initial weight of brick su3 (w1) = 2.210 kg

Final weight of brick su3 (w2) = 2.730 kg
Water absorption of brick su3= (2.730-2.210)/2.210 *100%
= 23.52%

RESULT:
From the conducted test the bulk density of three bricks sample su1,su2,su3 were
found to be 1528.9256,1431.425, 1649.499kg/m^3 and the water absorption of three
sample bricks were found to be 14.910%,17.94% and 23.52%.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:

From the conducted test we learn to determine bulk density and absorption capacity of
brick and with those data we can determine the quality of bricks and according to
their quality we can use them in different civil engineering works.
SIGNIFICANCE OF EXPERIMENT:

From the experiment we can determine bulk density and water absorption capacity of
bricks and we can apply this method in real field works as well as from the two
properties we can also be able to determine other properties of bricks like porosity,
specific gravity etc.

REAL WORLD APPLICATIONS:

These properties are widely used in the evaluation and comparison of product quality
and as part of the criteria for selection and use of refractory products in a variety of
industrial applications.

PRECAUTIONS:
1. Initial and final weights of bricks should be taken carefully.
2. Bricks should be completely dried and within ranged temperature.
3. Calculations must be done accurately.
 NORMAL CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT
OBJECTIVE:
To determine percentage of water content added in cement in order to attain standard
consistency of cement.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
- Vicat's apparatus with 10mm plunger
- weighing machine
- measuring glass
- clean plate to make cement paste
MATERIALS REQUIRED:
- cement
-water

THEORY:
Consistency:
Consistency of cement is defined as the percentage of water required to make cement
paste which is formed due to chemical reaction between cement and water. Higher
quantity of water will give high workability of cement/mortar/concrete, but at the
same time it will affect the strength. Also lower quantity of water decreases the
workability. Therefore, to make proper cement-water ratio we have to conduct the
experiment.
Standard consistency of cement:
Standard consistency of cement is defined as the consistency which permit vicat's
plunger to penetrate to a point 30-35mm from the top of vicat mould in the test.
Gauging time:
Gauging time is the time elapsed from the time of adding water to the dry material
until it is filled to mould of vicat's apparatus.
Vicat's apparatus:
It consists of metal frame to which a movable rod weighing 300g along with cap and
attachment with 10mm diameter and 50mm length is attached. The movable rod is
 provided with releasing Pin to let rod face and it is attached with an indicator to take
readings on a vertical scale graduated from 0 to 50mm which gives penetration. The
vicat mould is in the form of cylinder and is placed on a non-porous plate. The whole
apparatus may be made of gun metal, aluminum or steel.

vicat's apparatus consist of following components

1. Square needle: Used for initial setting time test.

2. Plunger: Used for consistency test.
3. Annular collar: Used for final setting time test.
4. Indicator: Used for reading of penetration.

PROCEDURE:
 Firstly, 300 gm cement was weighed and 45% of cement weighed water was added on
the cement and mixed to form paste. Now, the paste was poured in mould. After
filling the mould with paste the 10mm diameter plunge was dropped in the mould.
Penetration height is noted using the scale provided in vicat's apparatus. By using hit
and trial method percentage of water was either increased or decreased so that the
penetration was within the range of 30-35mm from top or 7mm from bottom of
mould.
OBSERVATION TABLE:

weight of cement (gm) % of water plunger penetration

300 37 33
300 35 31
300 33 29
300 31 19
300 29 13
300 27 5

RESULT:
Standard consistency of cement was found to be 35%.

CONCLUSION:
Hence, the standard consistency of cement was found and this consistency is used in
other experiments also.

SIGNIFICANCE OF EXPERIMENT:
From the experiment we can determine the amount the water to make paste of cement
and also we can determine compressive strength and workability of concrete.
PRECAUTIONS:

1. The test must be performed on room temperature.

2. The apparatus must be clean before the use.

3. The cement should be mixed on glass sheet

 FINENESS OF CEMENT

OBJECTIVE:
To determine fineness of cement by dry sieving

APPARATUS REQUIRED:

1. Weighing scale
2. Dry sieve

MATERIALS REQUIRED:
 Cement (100 gm)
THEORY:
Fineness of cement is measure of cement particle size. The fineness of cement
has an important bearing on the rate of hydration and hence on the rate of gain
of strength and also on the rate of evolution of heat. . Finer cement offers a
greater surface area for hydration and hence faster the development of strength
whereas Increase in fineness of cement is also found to increase the drying
shrinkage of concrete.
Sieve:
Sieve is a instrument consisting of wire mesh held in frame which is
widely used for separating coarser particles from finer particles.

PROCEDURE:
100 gm of cement sample was taken and the lumps present in the cement were
removed. A IS sieve with pan of 90micrometer was taken and dry weight of
sieve was measured using weighing scale. Then cement was sieved by rocking
and planetary motion. The residue present after the sieving process was then
weighed.

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION

Residual weight= 5.08 gm or 5.08%
Fineness of cement= (100 - residual weight)/100 *100%
 = 94.92%
RESULT:
From the conducted test the fineness of cement was found to be 94.92% which
is fine.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:

From the conducted test we can find the fineness of cement.

SIGNIFICANCE OF EXPERIMENT:
Fineness test is used in checking the proper grinding of cement and measuring
the surface area of the cement particles per unit mass.

REAL FIELD APPLICATION:

During manufacturing of cement the test is conducted to reduce bleeding, to

reduce shrinkage, to increase surface area, to increase adhesive properties so
that the cement works properly for the civil engineering works.

PRECAUTIONS:
1. Weight of cement sample and residue should be accurately measured.
2. Sieving should be properly done with its cover on head.
 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF BRICK

OBJECTIVE:
To determine the compressive strength of brick

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
1. Weighing scale
2. Compressive testing machine.

EQUIPMENTS REQUIRED:
1. Brick
2. Cement
3. Sand
4. Water

THEORY:
Brick is a building material formed mainly from clay, sand and silica used in
the building construction. Compressive strength of bricks is the capacity of
brick to resist or withstand under compression when tested on Compressive
testing machine. The compressive strength of material is determined by the
ability of material to resist failure in the form of cracks and fissure.

Frog is an indentation or depression on the top face of a brick made with the object of
forming a key for the mortars. Mortar is filled in the frog while laying the bricks in masonry
work to help in bonding and acting as a shear key against horizontal loads. This reduces the
weight of the brick also. It is kept on the top face while constructing a wall so that mortar is
filled properly in it.
PROCEDURE:
- A dry brick sample was taken and was soaked in water until saturated surface dry
condition.
- 200 gm of cement and 600 gm of sand was taken by weighing.
- Water is taken by measuring 70% of weight of cement.
- Cement, sand and water are mixed to form mortar.
- The frog of brick was then filled with mortar.
- The brick was then cured for 72 hours by dipping in water and after 7 days
compression test was performed on the brick.

RESULT:
We are not able to perform our experiment due to the lack of UTM machine.According to the
lab the UTM machine is under maintainance. Due to such circumstances we cant record the
strength of the bricks.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:

We learn how to make mortar and what ratio of water is required and how to place
mortar in frog and importance of mortar. We learn how to conduct the test in real field
also.

SIGNIFICANCE OF EXPERIMENT:
1. We can determine the compressive strength of brick using the experiment.
2. We can guide the workers how much cement to sand to water ratio should be taken
to make sound mortar.

REAL FIELD APPLICATION:

1. We can check the strength of brick for the suitability of construction.

PRECAUTION:
1. The mortar should be prepared properly in the ratio.
2. Mortar should be placed on frog to the height of brick.
 INITIAL SETTING TIME OF CEMENT

OBJECTIVE:
To determine initial setting time of cement

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
1. Vicat's apparatus.
2. Plunger with diameter 1mm.

MATERIALS REQUIRED:
1. Cement
2. Water

THEORY:
Setting time is defined as a specified time required for concrete or mortar to
change from liquid state to plastic state and plastic state to solid state so that
surface becomes sufficiently rigid to withstand a definite amount of pressure.
The time elapsed between the moments when water is added to the cement to
the time when the square needle penetrates a depth of 33 to 35 mm from the
top of the mould is known as the Initial Setting Time of that cement. If the
time is delayed further then the strength of cement reduces gradually with
time. The initial setting time is 30 minutes. It is necessary to place and
consolidate the concrete or the mortar before initial setting start and do not
disturb till the final setting of mortar or concrete has taken place. Setting time
of cement usually depends on various factors, such as the type of cement,
fineness of cement, chemicals, sand, ambient temperature during casting,
presence of certain type of salts, the percentage of water etc. For example,
setting time of cement is less during winter or in cold area due to low
temperature. We can control the initial setting time and final setting time by
adding admixtures in the concrete or mortar.

PROCEDURE:
- 300 gm of cement sample was taken as sample and a plastic mixture of
cement and sand was made.
- From the consistency test of cement water was added according to the
formula
Water required= 0.85% P
- The time was kept watching after adding the water to cement.
- Initial reading of cement was noted by Vicat's apparatus by bringing the
needle at the surface of cement mixture placed on mould.
- The above process was repeated at every regular interval of 5 minutes till the
penetration values reach to 35 mm from above.
 OBSERVATION:
Water required= 0.85% P
= 198 ml

S.N Time (minutes) Initial reading Final reading Penetration (mm)

1 5 40 0 40
2 10 40 10 30

RESULT:
30 mm penetration was found and initial setting time of cement was found to
be 10 minutes.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:

Initial and final setting time of cement is very important properties of cement,
which are responsible for the quality of concrete and mortar. Hence we are
able to check the initial setting time and final setting time of cement before
you use it for the construction work.

SIGNIFICANCE OF EXPERIMENT:
From the conducted experiment we can find the initial and final setting time of
cement using vicat's apparatus.

REAL FIELD APPLICATION:

In field we can check the initial and final setting time and thus we can find the
qualtity of cement. Hence, we can find either the cement can be used or not for
construction purpose.

PRECAUTION:
1. Water should be added in proper ratio.
2. Apparatus must be handled with care.
 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF MORTAR
OBJECTIVE:
To determine compressive strength of mortar

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
1. Cubic mould
2. Clean glass plate
3. Weighing scale
4. Compressive strength test machine

MATERIALS REQUIRED:
1. Cement
2. Sand
3. Water

THEORY:
The compressive strength of cement mortar is one of the most important and
useful property. The compressive strength test is done on cement, when it is
used as cement mortar and concrete. Compressive strength of cement is
determined by compressive strength test on cement mortar cubes compacted
by means of a compressive strength test machine. Compressive strength is one
of the most important properties of concrete and mortar. The strength of the
binder therefore has a significant effect on the performance characteristics of
the mixture and ensures the overall quality of the finished product.

PROCEDURE:
- 200 gm of cement and 600 gm of sand was taken and water was added
according to (p/4+3)% of the total mass of the mixture. A consistent mixture
was prepared and was filled in cubic mould of size 7.05 mm * 7.05 mm * 7.05
mm. The sample was then left for 24 hours for setting and then placed on
water bath at temperature (27+2) degree for 3 days. Then the sample was
crafted by compressive strength machine. Finally, the strength was calculated
by P/A.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:

We were not able to conduct the experiment in the lab due to some
circumstances which includes under maintenance of machine, and lack of
equipments. But we get an idea how to conduct the experiment and what
results should be noted.
SIGNIFICANCE OF EXPERIMENT:
From the conducted experiment we were able to find the standard strength of mortar
and how to conduct the test in field for better use of humankind.

REAL FIELD APPLICATION:

In field we can use the test to check the quality of mortar, the time it takes to
build strength so that we can use the mortar for construction purpose based on
the quality.

PRECAUTION:
1. Cement, sand and water should be added in proper ratio.
2. Mortar should be clearly placed on mould so that the lumps must not be
formed
3. Apparatus must be cleaned before and after use.