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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 General
Concrete is a composite material made from cement, water, fine aggregates and coarse
aggregates. But present researchers are interested in finding the new materials which can be by
product or wastes. The principle objective of this project is to study the concrete strength in
presence of fly ash and silt.
As an industrial waste, fly ash presents some environmental and storage problems; however, it
has been used widely as an excellent mineral additive in the construction industry. The use of fly
ash prevents environmental pollution, and it contributes to a reduced need for natural resources.
Fly ash is available in different types, such as C and F. The F type has a low Ca content, and its
content of SiO2 + Fe2O3 + Al2O3 is greater than 70. There are many studies investigating fly
ash and its use as an additive in cement mortars.

1.2 Objective of project

1 To study concrete strength in presence of fly ash and silt.
2 To check effects of silt on Compressive Strength.
3 To check effects on Partial replacement of cement with 30- 40% fly ash.
4 To check Extent up to which silt is acceptable in sand.

1.3 Need of project

The objective of this research was to establish level of silt and clay present in building sand and
its effect on compressive strength of concrete. Past researches identify the major causes of
buildings failure as dependent on the quality of building materials used (sand, coarse aggregates,
steel reinforcement, water), workmanship employed in the concrete mix proportioning and
construction methodology, defective designs and non-compliance with specifications or
standards. This investigation focuses on the quality of building sand in terms of having the silt
and clay content. Earlier Test results indicate a decrease in durability when the ratio of silt
content to fine aggregate exceeds 5%. The compressive strength, however, when silt fine content
is small than 5%, increases only 1 MPa. But decreases from 3 MPa to 5 MPa when the silt

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content increases from 7% to 9%. These results could serve as a reference in concrete production
as well as quality control of fine aggregate containing a large amount of silt fines.
Since we know that silt content decreases the strength of concrete while fly ash increases the
strength of concrete, so our objective is to find out a percentage of fly ash and silt so that overall
strength of the concrete can be increased even in the presence of high silt content in sand.
Various uses of fly ash are:
(1) Manufacture of Portland Pozzolana Cement and performance improver in Ordinary Portland
Cement (OPC).
(2) Part replacement of OPC in cement concrete.
(3) High volume fly ash concrete.
(4) Roller Compacted Concrete used for dam & pavement construction.
(5) Manufacture of ash bricks and other building products.
(6) Construction of road embankments, structural fills, low lying area development.
(7) As Soil amender in agriculture and waste land development

1.4 How fly ash helps in concrete

In concrete mix, when water and cement come in contact, a chemical reaction initiates that
produces binding material and consolidates the concrete mass .The process is exothermic and
heat is released which increases the temperature of the mass When fly ash is present in the
concrete mass, it plays dual role for the strength development. Fly ash reacts with released lime
and produces binder as explained above and render additional strength to the concrete mass. The
unreactive portion of fly ash act as micro aggregates and fills up the matrix to render packing
effect and results in increased strength.

1.4.1 Workability of concrete

Fly ash particles are generally spherical in shape and reduces the water requirement for a given
slump. The spherical shape help store due friction between aggregates and between concrete and
pump line and thus increases workability and improve permeability of concrete. Fly ash use in
concrete increases fines volume and decreases water content and thus reduces bleeding of
concrete.

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1.4.2 Permeability and corrosion protection

Water is essential constituent of concrete preparation. When concrete is hardened, part of the
entrapped water in the concrete mass is consumed by cement mineralogy for hydration. Some
part of entrapped water evaporates, thus leaving porous channel to the extent of volume occupied
by the water. Some part of this porous volume is filled by the hydrated products of the cement
paste .The remaining part of the voids consists capillary voids and give way for ingress of water.
Similarly, the liberated lime by hydration of cement is water-soluble and is leached out from
hardened concrete mass, leaving capillary voids for the ingress of water. Higher the water
cement ratio higher will be the porosity. Higher permeability facilitate ingress of chloride ions
into concrete and is the main cause for initiation of chloride induced corrosion.
Additional cementitious material results from reaction between liberated surplus lime and fly
ash, blocks these capillary voids and also reduces the risk of leaching of surplus free lime and
there by reduces permeability of concrete.

1.5 Physical properties

The fly ash particles are generally glassy, solid or hollow and spherical in shape. The hollow
spherical particles are called as cenospheres. The fineness of individual fly ash particle range
from 1 micron to 1mm size. The fineness of fly ash particles has a significant influence on its
performance in cement concrete. The fineness of particles is measured by measuring specific
surface area of fly ash by Blaine’s specific area technique. Greater the surface area more will be
the fineness of fly ash. The other method used for measuring fineness of fly ash is dry sieving.

1.5.1 Pozzolanic properties of fly ash

Fly ash is a pozzolanic material which is defined as siliceous or siliceous and aluminous material
which in itself possesses little or no cementious value, chemically react with Calcium Hydroxide
(lime) in presence of water at ordinary temperature and form soluble compound comprises
cementious property similar to cement.
The pozzolana term came from Roman. About 2,000 years ago, Roman used volcanic ash along
with lime and sand to produce mortars, which possesses superior strength characteristics &

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resistances to corrosive water. The best variety of this volcanic ash was obtained from the
locality of pozzoona and thus the volcanic ash had acquired the name of Pozzolana.
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 General
In order to study the past closely and related content of the fly and silt literature survey is carried
out. Some research papers are referred for project. Some of the reputed websites from the
internet are also scanned and relevant studies are downloaded for help.

2.1.1 Chatterjee, (2011) reported that about 50 % of fly ash generated is utilised with present
efforts. He also reported that, one may achieve up to 70% replacement of cement with fly ash
when high strength cement and very high reactive fly ash is used along with the sulphonated
naphthalene formaldehyde super plasticizer. He reported improvement in fly ash property could
be achieved by grinding and getting particles in sub microcrystalline range.

2.1.2 Bhanumatidas & Kalidas, (2002) with their research on Indian fly ashes reported that the
increase in ground fineness by 52% could increase the strength by 13%.Whereas, with the
increase in native fineness by 64% the strength was reported to increase by 77%. Looking in to
the results it was proposed that no considerable improvement of reactivity could be achieved on
grinding a coarse fly ash. Authors also uphold that the study on lime reactivity strength had more
relevance when fly ash is used in association with lime but preferred pozzolonic activity index in
case of blending with cement.

2.1.3 Subrahmaniam, Gromotka, Shah, Obla & Hill, (2005) investigated the influence of
ultrafine fly ash on the early age property development, shrinkage and shrinkage cracking
potential of concrete. In addition, the performance of ultrafine fly ash as cement replacement was
compared with that of silica fume. The mechanisms responsible for an increase of the early age
stress due to restrained shrinkage were assessed; free shrinkage and elastic modulus were
measured from an early age. Comparing all the test results authors indicated the benefits of using
ultrafine fly ash in reducing shrinkage strains and decreasing the potential for restrained
shrinkage cracking.

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2.1.4 Siddique, ( 2003) carried out experimental investigation to evaluate mechanical properties
of concrete mixes in which fine aggregate (sand) was partially replaced with class F fly ash. Fine
aggregate was replaced with five percentages (10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50 %) of class F fly
ash by weight. The test result showed that the compressive strength of fly ash concrete mixes
with 10% to 50% fine aggregate replacement with fly ash were higher than control mix at all
ages. Also the compressive strength of concrete mixes was increasing with increase in fly ash
percentages. This increase in strength due to replacement of fine aggregate with fly ash was
attributed to pozzolanic action of fly ash. The splitting tensile strength also increased with
increase in percentage of fly ash as replacement of fine aggregate. The tests on flexural strength
and modulus of elasticity also showed improvement in the results as compared to control
concrete.

2.1.5 Poon, Lam & Wong, (1999) from their experimental results concluded that replacement
of cement by 15% to 25% by fly ash results in lower porosity of concrete and plain cement
mortars. Literature discussed has shown improvement in the workability and durability of
concrete by partial replacement of cement with fly ash. However 28 days strength was reported
to be lower by replacement of cement with fly ash, than concrete without replacement of cement
with fly ash. Analysing the literature it is seen than grinding of fly ash is less effective. This may
be due to destruction of spherical shape of fly ash which is helpful in increasing workability and
reducing voids. Grinding cost also offsets partial cost advantage of cheaper fly ash over cement.
Low reactivity of low lime Indian fly ashes as compared to high lime fly ash restricts use of
higher volumes of fly ashes for cement replacement. Lower reactivity of fly ash makes it urgent
to develop a method for replacing higher volumes of cement with fly ash without grinding or
activation of fly ash.

2.1.6 Pofale and Deo, (2010) with their study indicated about 20% increase in compressive
strength and about 15% increase in flexural strength of concrete over control concrete by
replacing 27% of sand with low lime fly ash. In study fly ash based Portland Pozzolana Cement
was used. They had also reported about 25% increase in workability of the fly ash based concrete
over control concrete. Out of large number of papers studied papers only found very relevant are
included for putting forward present objectives. Literature discussed has shown partial

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replacement of scarce sand with fly ash had shown higher strength from 3rd day as compared to
control concrete. Long term strength was about 20% higher than the control concrete. Along
with increase in strength, increase in workability and durability of concrete by partial
replacement of sand with fly ash is very encouraging. Analysing the results it may be seen that
due to pore filling effect, dispersion of cement particles and pozzolanic reactivity of fly ash as
partial replacement of sand workability and strength also increased. This additional strength and
workability offered by partial replacement of sand with fly ash could offset loss of 28 days
strength of high volume fly ash concrete.

2.2 Sand alternatives in concrete

2.2.1 Chan and Wu, (2000) investigated the use of silt and clays of grain Size < 150 m obtained
from crushed granite stone as cement substitutes and it was found that upto 25% of cement
replacement could be achieved without affecting the workability, strength and durability of
concrete. Silt and clays shows reactive properties and they could be used as reactive minerals.
Although the inclusion of silt and clay increased the w/c ratio, it was thought that the problem
could be solved by using high specific surface area material with a super plasticizer admixture.

2.2.2 Salvador Villalobos, (2005) described that the optimum percentage of crushed sand to
natural sand is either 1:1.5 or 1.5:1 and reported that the volume of voids is reduced as 41 to 46%
when it is blended with natural sand. So the cement content and water content can be reduced
while blending with the natural sand.

2.2.3 Crouch and Jason Philips, (2009) used both river sand and manufactured limestone sand
as fine aggregate in concrete mixtures. The mixtures exhibited comparable costs and increased
the compressive strength of the concrete.

2.2.4 Prakash Rao and Giridhar Kumar, (2004) inferred that the concrete cubes with silt
content developed about 17% higher strength in compression, 7% more split tensile strength and
20% more flexural strength than the concrete cubes and beams with river sand as fine aggregate.

2.2.5 Palani Raj, (2003) evaluated the effect of manufactured sand in concrete. He reported that
the fine particles below 600 microns must be 35 to45% for good results. Fine particles below 150

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microns which reduce the strength should be removed. He concluded that the manufactured sand
can be used successfully for making concrete by replacing the ordinary river sand.

2.2.6 Vasumathi (2003) examined the strength of the concrete by partial replacement of cement
with fly ash and sand with quarry dust. It is concluded that quarry dust replaces the sand with
gain in strength during early period but there is no or less improvement in the strength after 28
days and the workability decreases. If cement is replaced with fly ash, the rate of gain in strength
is slightly improved.

2.2.7 Safiuddin, (2001) investigated the effect of silt and mineral admixtures on the strength and
elasticity of concrete. They concluded that silt had been used for different activities in the
construction industry such as for road construction and manufacture of building materials such as
lightweight aggregates, bricks, tiles and autoclave blocks.

2.2.8 Çelik and Marar, (1996) used rock dust (limestone < 75 mm) to replace the sand in
concrete for proportions up to 30%, with all other ingredients and proportions constant. They
concluded that the slump and air content of fresh concrete decreased, as the percentage of dust
content increased. While considering the mechanical properties, the dust content up to10%
improved the compressive strength.

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CHAPTER 3
MATERIAL USED
As outlined in the previous chapter, studies were carried out to investigate the effect of silt and
fly ash on the properties of concrete. This chapter presents the details about the materials and
the experimental procedures adopted along with the apparatus used along with a summary of
the testing methodologies.

3.1 Material used

3.1.1 Cement
Portland pozzolana cement and ordinary Portland cement conforming to IS: 269-1976 and IS:
7031-1968 was used in this study. The cement is of 53 grade Ordinary Portland Cement of
brand Ambuja Cement and was used for the experimental work. The specific gravity of cement
was calculated about 3.15.

3.1.2 Silt
Silt is granular material of a size between sand and clay, whose mineral origin is quartz and
feldspar. As silt is present in the abundance the use of silt is very limited and is generally a
waste. Silt is also present in the river sand which effects the strength of the concrete . Silt is
obtained from the Lake reservoir Sundernagar as shown in fig. 3.1

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Fig 3.1 Silt content source

3.1.3 Fly ash

Fly ash is extracted from flue gases through Electrostatic Precipitator in dry form. This ash is
fine material & possesses good pozzolanic property. Obtained from the ACC Gaggal Cement
Plant Barmana as shown in fig. 3.2

Fig 3.2 Fly ash sample

3.1.4 Fine aggregate

The fine aggregate (fig. 3.3) used is natural sand obtained from the crusher near control gate
(sundernagar) conforming to grading zone-II of table 3 of IS: 10262-2009.

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Fig.3.3 Crushed fine aggregate

The results of various tests on fine aggregate are given in table.
Table 3.1 Properties of fine aggregate
Sr. No Property Value
1 Specific gravity 2.69
2 Grading Zone-I

3.1.5 Coarse aggregate

Coarse aggregate (fig. 3.4) obtained from local crusher processing units has been used for this
study. Two types of aggregates are used i.e. 20mm and 10mm.

Fig.3.4 Coarse aggregate (10mm)

Table 3.2: Physical properties of 20mm of coarse aggregate

Sr. No Property Value
1 Specific gravity 2.65
2 Fineness modulus 5.85
3 Nominal size 20mm

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4 Water absorption 0.29

Table 3.3: Physical properties of 10mm of coarse aggregate

Sr. No Property Value
1 Specific gravity 2.65
2 Nominal size 10mm
3 Water absorption 0.29

3.1.6 Water
Ordinary potable tap water available in laboratory was used for mixing and curing of concrete.
The water for mixing and curing should be clean and free from injurious quantities of alkalis
acid oil salts sugar organic materials vegetables and other substances may be deleterious to
bricks, stone, concrete or steel. Portable water is generally considered as satisfactory for
mixing. The pH value of water should be not less than 6. It is advisable that water should be
tested in lab if found unsatisfactory, it should be treated according to directions of laboratory. It
is generally observed that ground water has some quantities of salt. In case of small work or in
a situation where good water is not available, salty water must be treated with HCl @10ml for
100 liters of water.

Table 3.4 Physical properties of water

Sr. No. Property Value
1 Ph 7.1
2 Taste Agreeable
3 Appearance Clear
4 Turbidity(NTU) 1.75
5 Sulphates 156 mg/litre

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The water sample we used in project has a pH of 7.1 which is greater than 6, hence no further
treatment of water is not required. Acc. to is 456 clause 5 the pH of the water should be greater
than 6 moreover the water was free from the organic matter as the appearance was clear. The
water is taken from the water tank of J.N.G.E.C.

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3.3 Testing methods

3.3.1 Determination of specific gravity and water absorption of coarse aggregate
A. Apparatus basket, laboratory oven, heat-resistant gloves, balance scales sensitive to 0.01 gram
cloth towels.
B. IS code: IS: 2386 (Part–3) 1963
C. Procedure
 Take about 2 kg of aggregate sample washed thoroughly to remove fines, drained and
placed in wire basket and immersed in distilled water at a temp. between 22-32℃ .
 The basket and the sample are kept immersed in water for 24 hours.
 The basket and sample are weighed while immersed in water (w1 g).
 The water is drained and aggregates are transferred to a clean dry cloth, and kept for few
minutes. The weight of water and empty basket is taken (w2 g).
 After 10 minutes the surface dry aggregate are weighed (w3 g).
 The aggregates are placed in a tray and kept in oven for 24 hours for 110℃.
 Oven dried aggregates are then weighed (w4 g).
D. Calculations
w4
specific gravity =
(w 3−( w 1−w 2 ))
( w 3−w 4)
water absorption= X 100
w4
Where, w1 (g) = basket and sample are weighed while immersed in water.
w2 (g) = Weight of water and empty basket is taken.
w3 (g) = weight of the surface dry aggregate after 10 minutes.
w4 (g) = weight of oven dried aggregate.

3.3.2 Determination of specific gravity and water absorption of fine aggregate.

A. Apparatus weighing balance, ventilated oven, pycnometer, tray, air tight container filter
papers and funnel.
B. IS code: IS: 2386 (Part–3) 1963
C. Procedure
 Take about 500g of sample and place it in the pycnometer as shown in Fig 3.5.

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 Pour distilled water into it until it is full.

 Eliminate the entrapped air by rotating the pycnometer on its side, the hole in the apex of
the cone being covered with a finger.
 Wipe out the outer surface of pycnometer and weigh it.
 Transfer the contents of pycnometer into a tray, refill the pycnometer with distilled water to
the same level and weigh it
 Drain water from pycnometer through a filter paper.
 Place the sample in oven in a tray at a temperature of 100℃ to 110℃ for 24 hours.
 Cool the sample and weigh it.

Fig. 3.6 Pycnometer

 Eliminate the entrapped air by rotating the pycnometer on its side, the hole in the apex of
the cone being covered with a finger.
 Wipe out the outer surface of pycnometer and weigh it.
 Transfer the contents of pycnometer into a tray, refill the pycnometer with distilled water to
the same level and weigh it
 Drain water from pycnometer through a filter paper.
 Place the sample in oven in a tray at a temperature of 100℃ to 110℃ for 24 hours.
 Cool the sample and weigh it
D. Calculations
w 2−w 1
specifig gravity= X 100
( w 2−w 1 )−(w 3−w 4)

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3.3.3 Fineness modulus of coarse aggregate

A. Apparatus weighing balance, sieves, pan.
B. IS code: IS: 2386 (Part–3) 1963
C. Procedure
 Sieve the aggregate using the appropriate sieves as shown in fig. 3.7
 Record the weight of fine aggregates retained on each sieves.
 Calculate the cumulative percentage of fine aggregate retained.
 Add the cumulative weight of fine aggregate retained & divide the sum by 100. This value
is termed as fineness modulus.
D. Calculations
cummulative weight
fineness modulus= X 100
total weight

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Fig. 3.7 Set of sieves for coarse aggregate

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3.3.4 Fineness modulus of fine aggregate

A. Apparatus weighing balance, sieves, pan, sieve shaker.
B. IS code: IS: 2386 (Part–3) 1963
C. Procedure
 Sieve the aggregate using the appropriate sieves. (4.75mm,2.36mm,1.18mm,
600µ,300µ,150 µ,75,pan) as shown in fig. 3.8
 Record the weight of fine aggregates retained on each sieves.
 Calculate the cumulative percentage of fine aggregate retained.
 Add the cumulative weight of fine aggregate retained & divide the sum by 100. This value
is termed as fineness modulus.

Fig.3.8 Set of sieves for fine aggregates

D. Calculations
cummulative weight
fineness modulus= X 100
total weight

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3.3.5 Sieve analysis of fine and coarse aggregate

A. Apparatus weighing balance, sieves, pan, sieve shaker.
B. IS code: IS: 2386 (Part–3) 1963
C. Procedure
 The test sample is dried to a constant weight at a temperature or 110 ℃.
 The sample is sieved by using a set of IS sieves.
 On completion of sieving the material on each sieve is weighed.
 Cumulative weight passing through each sieve is calculated as per percentage of the total
sample weight.
D. Calculations
The calculated weight is arranged as per standard table and the grade of aggregates is found
from IS code.

3.3.6 Workability of fresh concrete by slump test

Slump test is used to determine the workability of fresh concrete.
A. Apparatus Slump cone and tamping rod
B. IS code: IS: 1199 – 1959
C. Procedure
 The internal surface of the mould is thoroughly cleaned and applied with a light coat of oil.
 The mould is placed on a smooth, horizontal, rigid and non absorbent surface.
 The mould is then filled in four layers with freshly mixed concrete, each approximately to
one fourth of the height of the mould.
 Each layer is tamped 25 times by the rounded end of the tamping rod (strokes are
distributed evenly over the cross section).
 After the top layer is loaded, the concrete is struck off the level with a trowel.
 The mould is removed from the concrete immediately by raising it slowly in the vertical
direction.
 The difference in level between the height of the mould and that of the highest point of the
subsided concrete is measured.

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3.3.7 Compressive strength of concrete cubes

Out of many test applied to the concrete, this is the important which gives an idea about all the
characteristics of concrete by this single test one judge that whether concreting has been done
properly or not.
A. Apparatus 150×150×150 mm cube mould, apparatus for gauging, vibrator, compression
testing machine etc.
B. IS code IS: 2250-1981
C. Procedure
 For compressive strength test, cube specimens of dimensions 150 x 150 x 150 mm were cast for
M40 grade of concrete.
 The moulds were filled with concrete.
 Vibration was given to the moulds using table vibrator.
 The top surface of the specimen was levelled and finished.
 After 24 hours the specimens were demoulded and were transferred to curing tank where in
they were allowed to cure for 7 and 14 days.
 After 7 and 14 days curing, these cubes were tested on digital compression testing machine as
per I.S code 516-1959.
 The failure load was noted. In each category cubes were tested and their average value is
reported. The compressive strength was calculated as follows.
D. Calculation
failure load
Compressive strength(MPa)=
cross sectional area

Compression testing is a very common testing method that is used to establish compressive
force or crush resistance of a material and the ability of material to recover after a specified
compressive forces applied and even held over a period of time. Compression tests are used to
determine the material behaviour under a load as shown in fig 3.9.

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Fig.3.9 Compression testing machine

3.3.8 Ultrasonic pulse velocity test

This test is done to assess the quality of concrete by ultrasonic pulse velocity method as per IS:
13311 (Part 1)-1992. It is a recognized non destructive test to assess the homogeneity and integrity
of concrete. It also assesses depth of surface cracks and any discontinuity in cross section like
cracks etc.
A. Apparatus Pulse velocity machine
B. IS code: 13311 (Part 1)-1992
C. Procedure
 Prepare the testing kit for test by charging the batteries etc.
 A reference bar is provided to check the instrument zero apply a smear of grase to the
transducer faces before placing it on the opposite ends of the bar.
 Range selection for maximum accuracy, it is recommended that the 0.1 microsecond range be
selected for path length upto 400 mm.

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Fig.3.10 Hardness of cube by ultrasonic pulse velocity machine

Having determined the most suitable point of the material to be tested, make careful
measurement of path length “L”. Apply couplant to the surfaces of transducers and press it hard
on surface of the material. Continue holding the transducers onto the surface of material until a
consistent reading appears on the display. Note down the readings.

Table 3.5 Standard results of ultrasonic pulse velocity test

Pulse velocity (km/sec) Concrete quality (grading)
Above 4.5 Excellent
3.5 to 4.5 Good
3.0 to 3.5 Medium
Below 3.0 Doubtful

D. Calculations
Pulse velocity = path length / travel time

3.4 Concrete mix design procedure as per Indian Standards recommended

guidelines (IS: 10262-1982)
3.4.1 Requirements for concrete mix design:
 The grade designation giving the characteristic strength requirement of concrete.
 The type of cement influences the rate of development of compressive strength of concrete.
 Maximum nominal size of aggregates to be used in concrete may be as large as possible
within the limits prescribed by IS 456:2000.
 The cement content is to be limited from shrinkage, cracking and creep.

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 The workability of concrete for satisfactory placing and compaction is related to the size and
shape of section, quantity and spacing of reinforcement and technique used for transportation,
placing and compaction.

3.4.2 Procedure for concrete mix design as per IS 456: 2000

 Determine the mean target strength ft from the specified characteristic compressive strength at
28-day fck and the level of quality control.
ft = fck + 1.65 S
where S is the standard deviation obtained from the Table of approximate contents given after
the design mix.
 Obtain the water cement ratio for the desired mean target using the empirical relationship
between compressive strength and water cement ratio so chosen is checked against the
limiting water cement ratio.
 The water cement ratio so chosen is checked against the limiting water cement ratio for the
requirements of durability given in table and adopts the lower of the two values.
 Estimate the amount of entrapped air for maximum nominal size of the aggregate from the
table.
 Select the water content, for the required workability and maximum size of aggregates (for
aggregates in saturated surface dry condition) from table.
 Determine the percentage of fine aggregate in total aggregate by absolute volume from table for
the concrete using crushed coarse aggregate.
 Adjust the values of water content and percentage of sand as provided in the table for any
difference in workability, water cement ratio, grading of fine aggregate and for rounded
aggregate the values are given in table.
 Calculate the cement content form the water-cement ratio and the final water content as arrived
after adjustment. Check the cement against the minimum cement content from the
requirements of the durability, and greater of the two values is adopted.
 From the quantities of water and cement per unit volume of concrete and the percentage of sand
already determined in steps 6 and 7 above, calculate the content of coarse and fine aggregates
per unit volume of concrete from the following relations

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where V = absolute volume of concrete = gross volume (1m 3) minus the volume of entrapped
air Sc = specific gravity of cement
W = Mass of water per cubic meter of concrete, kg
C = mass of cement per cubic meter of concrete, kg
p = ratio of fine aggregate to total aggregate by absolute volume
fa, Ca = total masses of fine and coarse aggregates, per cubic meter of concrete, respectively, k
Sfa, Sca = specific gravity of saturated surface dry fine and coarse aggregates, respectively
 Determine the concrete mix proportions for the first trial mix.
 Prepare the concrete using the calculated proportions and cast the cubes of 150 mm size and
test them wet after 14-days moist curing and check for the strength.
 Prepare trial mixes with suitable adjustments till the final mix proportions are arrived.

3.4.3 Experimental procedure

 The design mix of M40 grade of concrete is prepared by performing several test described acc.
to the IS: 10262-1982.
 The design gave us different proportion of sand: cement: aggregates i.e. 1:1.65:2.77 with the
water cement ratio 0.4.
 After getting the ratio, the next step is to prepare the several cubes in the moulds having
standard dimension of cube (150x150x150) mm.
 Different proportions of silt and fly ash is added to the respective cubes by weight of cement.
 The cubes are specified with coding for their specification.
 To ensure the compaction, the moulds were subjected to the vibrators.
 After compacting mould they were left for 24 hours with the covering of wet jute bags.
 The mould were then removed after 24 hours and the cubes are submerged in the curing tank
for 7 days and 14 days as shown in fig. 3.10

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Fig. 3.11 Cube mould

 After the completion of 7 days the cubes are
tested in compression testing machine for the
compression strength of cubes. If the results
are of 65% in 7 days then further curing of
remaining sample are done and if not then
redesign the cubes.
 After the completion of 14 days, strength of various cubes with different percentages of slit and
fly ash are compared with normal concrete.
 The strength of cubes are checked with the compression test machine as shown in fig. 3.11

Fig.3.12 Concrete cube

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CHAPTER 4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Specific gravity
4.1.1 Specific gravity of coarse aggregates
Sr. No. Description Values
1 Weight of basket+ weight of aggregate (W1) 2327 gm
2 Weight of basket + weight of water (W2) 1008 gm
3 Surface dry aggregates (W3) 2118.4 gm
4 Weight of oven dry aggregates (W4) 2112.2 gm
Specific gravity = 2.65
Acc. to IS: 2386 (Part–3) 1963 the specific gravity of the coarse aggregates is 2.65

4.1.2 Water absorption of coarse aggregate

Sr. No Description Values
1 Weight of saturated surface dry sample 2118.4 gm
2 Weight of oven dry sample 2112.2 gm
3 Water absorption(20mm) 29
Water absorption (20mm) = 29
Acc. to IS: 2386 (Part–3) 1963 the value of the water absorption of coarse aggregates is 29

4.1.3 Specific gravity of fine aggregate

Sr. No. Description Values
1 Weight of pycnometer (w1) 639 gm
2 Weight of pycnometer+ weight of aggregate(w2) 939 gm
3 w2+weight of water (w3) 1733 gm
4 Weight of pycnometer+ weight of water (w4) 1551.6 gm
5 Specific gravity (w2-w1)/[(w2-w1)-(w3-w4)] 2.69
Specific gravity = 2.69
Acc. to IS: 2386 (Part–3) 1963 the specific gravity of the fine aggregates is 2.69

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4.1.4 Water absorption of fine aggregate

Sr. No. Description Values in Gram

1 Weight of saturated surface dry sample 1000

2 Weight of oven dry sample 980
3 Water absorption 2
Water absorption = 2
Acc. to IS: 2386 (Part–3) 1963 the value of the water absorption of fine aggregates is 2

4.1.5 Sieve analysis of fine aggregate

IS sieve Mass retained in Percentage Cumulative percentage Percentage
gram retained retained finer
4.75 275 13.75% 13.75% 86.25%
2.36 343 17.15% 30.90% 69.10%
1.18 246 12.30% 43.20% 56.80%
0.60 229.7 11.485% 54.685% 45.315%
0.30 532.9 26.645% 81.63% 18.37%
0.15 255.9 12.795% 94.125% 5.875%
0.075 76.7 3.835% 97.96% 2.04%
Pan 40.8 2.04% 100% -
Note: Conforming to grading zone I of table 4 of IS: 383-1970
Concrete design as per M-40 grade concrete
Procedure for design of reference concrete mix in according to IS: 10262-1982, Indian standard
recommended guidelines.

4.1.7 Design stipulations

 Characteristics compressive strength at 28 days – 40 N/mm2
 Maximum size of aggregate – 20mm
 Degree of workability – 0.8
 Type of exposure – moderate
 Standard deviation as per IS recommendations – 6.6

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4.1.8 Parameters for mix design

 Grade designation – M40
 Specific gravity of cement – 3.15
 Specific gravity of coarse aggregate – 2.65
 Fine aggregate – Zone I
 Specific gravity of fine aggregate – 2.61
 Maximum water cement ratio – 0.3

4.2 Targeted mean strength of concrete

For a tolerance factor of 1.65, the targeted mean strength for desired grade of concrete (M40) is
40 + 1.65(6.6) = 50.89 N/mm2

4.2.1 Mix calculation

1. Target Mean Strength =40 + (6.6 X 1.65) = 50.89 Mpa
2. Selection of water cement ratio:
Assume water cement ratio = 0.3
3. Estimation of Air Content:
For 20mm size aggregates, air content = 2%
4. Selection of water content and fine to total aggregates ratio :
From Table 5 of IS 10262:1982
Fine to total aggregates ratio = 25%
5. Sand content after adjustments as per Table 6 of IS 10262:1982 = 26%
6. Determination of cement content :
W/C ratio = 0.3
Cement = 180/0.3 = 600 Kg/m3
7. Determination of coarse and fine aggregates content :
V = [ W + (C/Sc) + (1/p) . (fa/Sfa) ] x (1/1000)
0.98 = [ 180 + ( 600 / 3.15 ) + ( 1 / 0.26) ( Fa / 2.69 )] ( 1 /1000 )
V = [ W + (C/Sc) + {1/(1-p)} . (Ca/Sca) ] x (1/1000)
0.98 = [ 180 + ( 600 / 3.15 ) + ( 1 / 0.74) ( Ca / 2.65 )] ( 1 /1000 )
Ca = 1196.31 Kg/m3
Therefore, Water: cement: F.A.: C.A. = 0.3:1:0.725:1.987

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4.3 Compressive strength test

Cubes are casted. After 24 hours, the moulds were demoulded and subjected to after curing.
Before testing the cubes were air dried for 2 hours. Crushing loads were noted and average of 2
specimens was determined at 7 days and 14 days. With the addition of 5%, 7%, 9% and 10%
silt is added by weight of fine aggregate and 30% and 40% fly ash is added.

4.3.1 Referance mix

The compressive strength for concrete sample without addition of silt or fly ash was carried out.
The reading corresponding to CTM for the concrete sample with 7days and 14days curing was
obtained after the application of load. Result has shown in the table below. A relative graph
showing the compressive strength of these two samples is shown below.
Table 4.3.1.1 Compressive strength test results at 7 days
Sr. No. Mix id Failure load Compressive strength (MPa) Average compressive
(KN) strength (MPa)
758.70 33.72
1 OPC 34.01
771.75 34.30
675.45 30.02
2 PPC 31.62
747.67 33.23

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AFTER 7 DAYS

34.5
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

34
33.5
33
32.5
(MPa)

32
31.5
31
30.5
30
OPC PPC

TYPES OF CEMENT
Fig. 4.3.1.1
Compressive strength test for reference mix (7 days)

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Table 4.3.1.2 Compressive strength test results at 14 days

Sr. No. Mix Id Failure Load (KN) Compressive Strength (MPa) Average Compressive
Strength (MPa)
1062.60 47.23
1 OPC 46.56
1032.75 45.90
923.10 41.56
2 PPC 42.84
992.70 44.12
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AFTER 14 DAYS

Fig.
47
(MPa)

46
45
44
43
42
41
40
OPC PPC
SILT CONTENT (0 % )

4.3.1.2 Compressive strength test for reference mix (14 days)

4.3.2 Concrete mixed with 5%, 7%, 9%, 10% silt content.
The compressive strength for concrete sample with addition of 5%, 7%, 9% & 10% of silt
content was carried out. The reading corresponding to CTM for the concrete sample with 7
days curing was obtained after the application of load. Result has shown in the table below. A
relative graph showing the compressive strength of these samples is also shown below.

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Table 4.3.2 Compressive strength test results at 7 days

Sr. Mix Id %age of Silt Failure load Compressive strength Average compressive
No. content (KN) (MPa) strength (MPa)
783.00 34.80
1 M40S 5% 34.86
0 785.70 34.92

789.07 35.07
2 M40S 7% 35.49
1 809.97 35.91
760.84 33.82
3 M40S 9% 34.30
2 787.10 34.80
732.6 32.56
4 M40S 10% 33.13
3 758.25 33.70

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AFTER 7 DAYS

36
35.5
COMPRESSIVE STEENGTH

35
34.5
34
(MPa)

33.5
33
32.5
32
31.5
5% SILT 7% SILT 9% SILT 10% SILT
SILT CONTENT (%age)

Fig. 4.3.2 Compressive strength test with silt content

4.3.3 Compressive strength test results at 14 days

The compressive strength for concrete sample with addition of 5%, 7%, 9% & 10% of silt
content was carried out. The reading corresponding to CTM for the concrete sample with

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14days curing was obtained after the application of load. Result has shown in the table below.
A relative graph showing the compressive strength of these samples is also shown below:
Table 4.3.3 Compressive strength test results at 14 days
Sr. No. Mix id %age of Silt Failure Compressive Average compressive
content load (KN) strength strength (MPa)
(MPa)
1061.55 47.18
1 M40S01 5% 47.26
1065.37 47.35
1092.37 48.55
2 M40S02 7% 49.13
1118.70 49.72
1056.02 46.81
3 M40S03 9% 47.48
1083.57 48.16
1024.87 45.08
4 M40S04 10% 45.84
1048.45 46.60

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AFTER 14 DAYS

50

49
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

48
(MPa)

47

46

45

44
5% SILT 7% SILT 9% SILT 10% SILT
SILT CONTENT (% age)

Fig 4.3.3 Compressive strength test with silt content

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4.3.4 Concrete mixed with 7% silt content and fly ash

The compressive strength for concrete sample with addition of 7% of silt content and 30%,
40% of fly ash was carried out. The reading corresponding to CTM for the concrete sample
with 7 days and 14days curing was obtained after the application of load. Result are shown in
table and a relative graph showing the compressive strength of these samples is shown below.
Table 4.3.4 Compressive strength test results at 7 days
Sr. Mix id %age of silt %age of fly Failure Compressiv Average
No. content ash Load e Strength compressive
(KN) (MPa) strength
(MPa)
733.72 32.61
1 M40F1 7% 30% 31.92
702.90 31.24
625.91 28.29
2 M40F2 7% 40% 28.06
602.85 27.84

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AFTER 7 DAYS

33
32
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

31
30
(Mpa)

29
28
27
26
30% FLY ASH 40% FLY ASH
FLY ASH WITH 7% SILT CONTENT

Fig 4.3.4 Compressive strength test for fly ash with 7% silt content

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4.3.5 Ultrasonic pulse velocity test for cubes

Table 4.3.5 Ultrasonic pulse velocity test results at 7 days of cubes
Sr. No. Mix Id %age of %age of Path Travel Pulse Average
Silt Fly Ash Length Time (µs) Velocity Pulse
(mm) (km/sec) Velocity
(km/sec)
1 M400 0% 0% 150 32.7 4.530 4.625

32.01 4.743
31.8 4.717
2 M40S1 7% 0% 150 4.817
30.5 4.918
29.8 5.034
3 M40S2 10% 0% 150 5.112
28.9 5.190
32.9 4.559
4 M40F1 7% 30% 150 4.683
31.2 4.808
36.1 4.155
5 M40F2 7% 40% 150 4.214
35.1 4.274

From the above observation we conclude that the pulse velocity through the concrete cube
increases which due to the filling up of air voids by finer silt content. The pulse velocity for
OPC obtained is 4.625 km/sec and when we add 7% silt content to OPC the pulse velocity
increased by 1.047% , at 10% silt content pulse velocity increased by 1.105 %.

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CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION
5.1 Conclusion
It was observed that compressive strength of NCC at 7 days for OPC is 34.01 N/mm 2 and for
PPC is 31.62 N/mm2.On the addition of 5, 7, 9, 10 % silt content in NCC after seven days
strength achieved is 34.86, 35.49, 33.13 N/mm2. Thus the maximum strength achieved at
addition of 7% silt content in NCC i.e 35.49 N/mm2.
As per our design targeted mean strength of concrete mix is 50.89 N/mm 2.According to the
compressive strength achieved after 7 days is 0.65 times target compressive strength But the
max. Compressive strength achieved after 7 days is 34.01N/mm 2. This deviation is due to many
reason like
 Improper Curing
 Poor Material Available
On the addition of 7% silt strength of NCC is increased by 1.043 % when compared to normal
cement concrete.
When we replace cement with 30-40% fly ash then it was observed that we get lesser strength
of concrete during initial 7 days. However if we further increase the %age of fly ash it will
reduce strength and increase number of voids. Hence we conclude that addition of fly ash
should be preferred as compare to replacement of fly ash.
On the addition of 7% silt strength of NCC is increased by 1.043 % when compared to normal
cement concrete.
Further we conclude that on the addition of silt in NCC pulse velocity through the concrete
cube increases which due to the filling up of air voids by finer silt content. The pulse velocity
for OPC obtained is 4.625 km/sec. And when we add 7% silt content to OPC the pulse velocity
increased by 1.047% , at 10% silt content pulse velocity increased by 1.105 %.

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CHAPTER 6
REFERENCES
1. Chatterjee, (2011) A Study of partial replacement of sand with Fly ash.
2. Bhanumatidas & Kalidas, (2002) reported that the increase in ground fineness by 52%
could increase the strength by 13%.
3. Subrahmaniam, Gromotka, Shah, Obla & Hill The benefits of using ultrafine fly ash in
reducing shrinkage strains and decreasing the potential for restrained shrinkage cracking.
4. Siddique, 2003 Experimental investigation to evaluate mechanical properties of concrete
mixes in which fine aggregate (sand) was partially replaced with class F fly ash.
5. Poon, Lam & Wong, (1999) experimental results concluded that replacement of cement
by 15% to 25% by fly ash results in lower porosity of concrete and plain cement
mortars
6. Pofale and Deo A study of effect of replacement of sand with low lime fly ash.
7. Chan and Wu Investigation for the use of silt clay of grain size < 150 micron as cement
substitutes
8. Salvador Villalobos (2005) Optimum percentage for silt content to fine aggregate.
9. Crouch and Jason Philips, (2009) used both river sand and manufactured limestone sand as
fine aggregate in concrete mixtures.
10. Prakash Rao and Giridhar Kumar (2004) inferred that the concrete cubes with silt content
developed about 17% higher strength in compression.
11. Palani, (2003) Effect of silt content in concrete.
12. Vasumathi, (2003) Strength of the concrete by partial replacement of cement with fly ash
and silt content.
13.
14. T.SANKARALINGAM (NTPC Limited) Resource for high strength and durability of
structures at lower cost.

Reference Books
1. M.S. Shetty, "Concrete technology", S.Chand and company ltd., New Delhi
2. S Ramanrutham," Design of reinforced concrete structures", Dhanpat Rai publications
Company.

Reference Codes
1. IS 10262:1982 "Indian standard recommended guidelines for concrete mix design" BIS New
Delhi.
2. IS 2386:1963 "Methods of test for aggregates for concrete”

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3. IS 383:1970 "Specification for coarse aggregates and fine aggregates"

4. IS 516:1959 "Methods for strength for concrete"

36