CHAPTER 12

MEASUREMENT OF WATER pH

12.1 OBJECTIVE
The main objective of this practicum is to determine the pH of water that use
for the concrete mixture.

12.2 BASIC THEORY

In order to avoid problems like concrete corrosion and spalling, it's vital to
measure the pH of the water in the concrete mixture. Because concrete is porous by
nature, it is susceptible to water and moisture problems. This water issue will
exacerbate other issues, such as the pH level lowering to an acidic state, corroding the
structure, carbonation, and so on. Humidity in the location where the concrete structure
is constructed might have a direct impact on the structure's pH level. That is why, in
order to retain the structure's material integrity and strength, humidity control
surrounding the structure is required (Dickson, 1993).
The ideal pH for concrete is around 6-8, while in the case of Portland cement,
the ideal pH of water used in concrete mixture is 11 to maximize the binding
component found in Portland cement. Because Portland cement has a defect that
prevents it from resisting acidic substances, when the pH drops below 6.5, the structure
of the Portland cement begins to deteriorate. The deterioration caused by the pH of the
water in the building will increase the porosity of the structure, causing further
problems with water content. Because each area has varied pH levels, humidity levels,
and other factors, observers must follow the regional rules for contractors in order to
avoid pH-related problems at our structure. The pH of water can be determined using
a variety of tools, such as dipping Litmus paper in the water to be used in the mixture
or using an electronic pH indicator.
The pH value of the water test is one of the tests used to determine the quality
of water used in a concrete building in order to achieve the desired strength. Limits of
acidity, limits of alkalinity, and percentage of solids are some other tests of water
quality for concrete building (chlorides, suspended matter, sulfates, inorganic solids,
organic solids).

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12.3 PRACTICUM TOOLS

The tools that are used in this practicum are:
a. Measuring cup 50 ml;
b. Litmus paper;
c. pH indicator.

Figure 12.1 Measuring Figure 12.2 Litmus Figure 12.3 pH

cup 50 ml Paper Indicator
(Source: Amazon) (Source: play. google) (Source: Alamikan)

12.4 MATERIALS
The material that used in this practicum is a water sample that will be used
for the concrete mixture.

12.5 PRACTICUM PROCEDURE

12.6 PRACTICUM RESULT

Figure 12.4 pH Digital Figure 12.5 pH Indicator

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12.7 CONCLUSION

12.8 ERROR FACTOR

12.9 REFERENCE
Dickson, Andrew. (1993). The measurement of seawater pH. Merine
Chemistry. 44(2): 131-142

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 CHAPTER 13
CONCRETE MIX DESIGN

13.1 OBJECTIVE
The main objective of this practicum is to determine the
composition/proportion of concrete material. This chapter, it is explained the
procedure mix design of normal concrete.

13.2 BASIC THEORY

Concrete, to put it simply, is a combination made up of two main components
(paste and aggregate). The paste, on the other hand, is made up of cement (a binding
agent) and water. The paste acts as a lubricant between the particles, binding them
together by filling any holes and transforming the system into a solid mass. This
transformation occurs as a result of a chemical reaction between cement and water.
Mixture proportioning is the process of determining the number of concrete
ingredients needed to obtain the desired concrete qualities. These qualities should be
present in a properly proportioned concrete mix: appropriate workability, durability,
strength, uniformity of hardened concrete look, and finally, cost. To attain these
features, the engineer must determine the percentage of input materials.
The actual calculation used to determine mix proportions should take into
account the underlying idea of mix design. Only by careful selection of materials and
combination characteristics can we accomplish the above-mentioned concrete
construction quality. Because a mixture of particular qualities can be chosen based on
the concrete's intended application, the concrete mixture can be proportioned ahead of
time. The exposure condition, the shape of the building elements, and the physical
properties of the concrete necessary for that particular construction are among these
criteria (Yousif et al, 2010).
When it comes to establishing structural proportions, designers consider
concrete strength. The qualities required by the designer must be compatible with the
concrete when it is properly proportioned, mixed, put, and cured. Concrete
proportioning determines its qualities in both the fresh and hardened phases. During
the plastic stage, the designer is concerned with crucial concerns such as modulus of
elasticity, strength, and durability, as well as the porosity of the material. concrete.

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Other elements can have an impact on the concrete's qualities on the job site. These
include transportation issues, casting delays, and weather circumstances. Minor
modifications to the mix proportions are required to avoid these issues.

13.3 PRACTICUM PROCEDURE

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13.4 PRACTICUM RESULT

The following are the Result of this practicum
STEP 1: DETERMINE THE SLUMP VALUE

STEP 2: DETERMINE THE MAXIMUM SIZE OF COARSE AGGREGATE

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STEP 3: DETERMINE THE ESTIMATED OF MIXING WATER AND AIR

CONTENT

STEP 4: DETERMINE THE CEMENT-WATER RATIO

STEP 5: CALCULATION OF CEMENT CONTENT

STEP 6: ESTIMATED OF COARSE AGGREGATE CONTENT

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STEP 7: ESTIMATED OF FINE AGGREGATE

STEP 7.1: ESTIMATED OF FINE AGGREGATE ON MASS (WEIGHT)

STEP 7.2: ESTIMATED OF FINE AGGREGATE ON ABSOLUTE VOLUME

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STEP 8: ADJUSTMENT/CORRECTION OF MIXING PROPORTION TO

THE MOISTURE OF AGGREGATE

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13.5 CONCLUSION

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13.6 ERROR FACTOR

13.7 REFERENCE
Hatem, Mohammed & Al-gburi, Majid. (2012). Design of Concrete Mixes by
Systematic Steps and ANN. Department of Civil, Environmental & Natural Resources
Engineering, Luleå University of Technology. 232-233

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