CE8: Construction Materials and Testing

CONCRETE
LABORATORY REPORT NO. 4
ABSTRACT
This laboratory specializes in assessing hydraulic
cement characteristics by employing ASTM standards such
as C143, C31, C39, and C78. These standards
collectively provide a structured approach to
evaluating various aspects of concrete, including its
workability, strength, and structural performance.
Within this laboratory, a slump test was conducted to
ascertain the consistency and workability of a concrete
mix. The prepared concrete blend was placed in
cylindrical, cubic, and beam molds, left to solidify,
and then allowed to cure for a duration of 21 and 28
days. Following the curing process, the cylinder, cube,
and beam were subjected to testing using a universal
testing machine to assess their flexural strength when
exposed to bending stresses.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE

The ASTM standards C143, C31, C39, and C78 are
essential in appraising hydraulic cement
characteristics. ASTM C143 examines concrete slump,
providing insights into its workability and flow
tendencies. Meanwhile, ASTM C31 sets guidelines for
creating and curing concrete specimens, crucial for
obtaining accurate property assessments. ASTM C39
delineates procedures for measuring concrete's
compressive strength, pivotal in determining its load-
bearing capacity and structural soundness.
Additionally, ASTM C78 evaluates concrete's flexural
strength under diverse loads, impacting design
considerations. Together, these standards establish a
strong framework for evaluating concrete's workability,
strength, and structural behavior, ensuring
consistency, reliability, and informed decision-making
in construction and material engineering.

STANDARD REFERENCE
ASTM C143: STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR SLUMP OF HYDRAULIC-
CEMENT CONCRETE
ASTM C31: STANDARD PRACTICE FOR MAKING AND CURING
CONCRETE TEST SPECIMENS IN THE FIELD
ASTM C39: STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
OF CYLINDRICAL CONCRETE SPECIMENS
ASTM C78: STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF
CONCRETE (USING SIMPLE BEAM WITH THIRD-POINT LOADING)
MHARVINA JACKIE M. CASIMIRO
21-1085
BSCE3-4
SUBMITTED TO:
ENGR. DARRELL JOHN O. BANDINO
 CE8: CMT CONCRETE

I. OBJECTIVES
The laboratory has several objectives in focus. Firstly, it aims to
comprehend the process of creating concrete and understanding its
fundamental components. Simultaneously, it strives to foster efficient
teamwork among students while ensuring awareness of safety hazards during
experiments. Moreover, the goal is to precisely document, analyze, and
interpret data derived from tests performed on both fresh and hardened
concrete, seeking to understand concrete behavior under compression.
Consequently, engaging in these laboratory activities may cultivate an
appreciation among students for the materials used in real-world
structures, providing valuable insights into the practical application and
testing methodologies of aggregates.

II. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

a. materials and equipment

Water Fine (Sand) Aggregates Course Aggregates

and Cement (Gravel)
Balance Weighing Scale

Rectangular Beam
Bucket Shovel Molds Hammer or Mallet

Slump cone and

Tamping Rod Universal Small Cylinder Mixing
Testing Mold Board
Machine (UTM)

MHARVINA JACKIE CASIMIRO I LABORATORY REPORT NO. 4 I PAGE 01

 CE8: CMT CONCRETE

b. methodology
1. Gather the required materials for the concrete mixture, ensuring an adequate
amount of cement is available.
2. Combine the fine and cement in a metal tray, mixing until a consistent color
without streaks is achieved. Add coarse aggregates evenly and mix again.
3. Blend the entire mixture thoroughly by twisting it from the center to the sides
multiple times.
4. Create a depression in the center of the mixture and slowly add water. Mix with a
shovel.
5. Gradually add the remaining water, continuing to mix until the concrete reaches a
uniform color and consistency. The total mixing time should not exceed 3 minutes.
6. Perform the slump test using a cone: a. Place the cone on a stable base. b. Fill
the cone with the concrete mix in roughly equal layers. c. Compact each layer
with a tamping rod, tapping the cylinder's side with a rubber hammer to eliminate
air bubbles. d. Remove excess concrete, level the surface, and clean any leaked
water. e. Lift the cone slowly and vertically to measure the slump.
7. Fill cylindrical and beam molds with the concrete mix, tapping the sides to
remove air bubbles.
8. Allow the filled molds to sit overnight for casting and hardening.
9. After 24 hours, remove the specimens from their molds and immerse them in water
until testing at 21, and 28 days.
10. After 21 days, air-dry the specimens and test the compressive strength using a
UTM.
11. Repeat the testing process at twenty-eight days of curing.

data analysis
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR CONCRETE CUBE AND
CYLINDRICAL CONCRETE
Maximum Load to the Material, P
compressive strength, F =
cross section of the area of the
material resisting the load,A

Computations:
GROUP 1:CYLINDRICAL CONCRETE
MAXIMUM LOAD: 51.45 kN
CROSS SECTIONAL AREA: 7854mm2

51.45 kN
compressive strength, F =
7854 mm2
= 6.6 MPa

MHARVINA JACKIE CASIMIRO I LABORATORY REPORT NO. 4 I PAGE 02

 CE8: CMT CONCRETE

GROUP 2:CYLINDRICAL CONCRETE AND CONCRETE CUBE

MAXIMUM LOAD: 242.00 kN
CROSS SECTIONAL AREA: 18242mm2

242.00 kN
compressive strength, F =
18242mm2
= 13.3 MPa
MAXIMUM LOAD: 476.5 kN
CROSS SECTIONAL AREA: 22500mm2

476.5 kN
compressive strength, F =
22500mm2
= 21.2 MPa

GROUP 3:CONCRETE CUBE

MAXIMUM LOAD: 232.35 kN
CROSS SECTIONAL AREA: 10000mm2

232.35 kN
compressive strength, F =
10000mm2
= 23.2 MPa

GROUP 4:CYLINDRICAL CONCRETE

MAXIMUM LOAD: 98.55 kN
CROSS SECTIONAL AREA: 18242mm2

98.55 kN
compressive strength, F =
18242 mm 2
= 5.4 MPa

MHARVINA JACKIE CASIMIRO I LABORATORY REPORT NO. 4 I PAGE 03

 CE8: CMT CONCRETE

FLEXURAL STRENGTH OR THE MODULUS OF RUPTURE FOR

CONCRETE BEAM

Flexural Strength of Beam,f b=

3PL
2
2bd
WHERE:
P= Failure load in N
L= Length
b= width of the concrete
d= depth of the concrete

Computations:
GROUP 1: CONCRETE BEAM
P= 28600 N (3)(28600 N)(0.55 m)
L= 0.55 m Flexural Strength,fb =
b= 0.15 m (2)(0.15 m)(0.04431m)2
d= 0.04431m
= 80.1 MPa
GROUP 3: CONCRETE BEAM
P= 41400 N (3)(41400 N)(0.55 m)
L= 0.55 m Flexural Strength,fb =
(2)(0.15 m)(0.04431m)2
b= 0.15 m
d= 0.04431m
= 115.9 MPa

GROUP 4: CONCRETE BEAM

P= 22650 N (3)(22650 N)(0.55 m)
L= 0.55 m Flexural Strength,fb =
(2)(0.15 m)(0.04431m)2
b= 0.15 m
d= 0.04431m
= 63.4 MPa

MHARVINA JACKIE CASIMIRO I LABORATORY REPORT NO. 4 I PAGE 04

 CE8: CMT CONCRETE

III. DATA AND RESULTS

GROUP 1:
W/C RATIO: 0.75
SLUMP VALUE: 203.2 mm
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (CYLINDER): 6.6 MPa
FLEXURAL STRENGTH (BEAM): 80.1 MPa
Compressive Test Result

Flexural Test Result

MHARVINA JACKIE CASIMIRO I LABORATORY REPORT NO. 4 I PAGE 05

 CE8: CMT CONCRETE

III. DATA AND RESULTS

GROUP 2:
W/C RATIO: 0.70
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (CYLINDER): 13.3 MPa
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (CUBE): 21.2 MPa

Compressive Test Result

Compressive Test Result

MHARVINA JACKIE CASIMIRO I LABORATORY REPORT NO. 4 I PAGE 06

 CE8: CMT CONCRETE

III. DATA AND RESULTS

GROUP 3:
W/C RATIO: 0.65
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (CYLINDER): 23.2 MPa
FLEXURAL STRENGTH (BEAM): 115.9 MPa

Compressive Test Result

Flexural Test Result

MHARVINA JACKIE CASIMIRO I LABORATORY REPORT NO. 4 I PAGE 07

 CE8: CMT CONCRETE

III. DATA AND RESULTS

GROUP 4:
W/C RATIO: 0.80
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (CYLINDER): 5.4 MPa
FLEXURAL STRENGTH (BEAM): 63.4 MPa

Compressive Test Result

Flexural Test Result

MHARVINA JACKIE CASIMIRO I LABORATORY REPORT NO. 4 I PAGE 08

 CE8: CMT CONCRETE

III. DATA AND RESULTS

GRAPHS FOR COMPRESSIVE TEST AND FLEXURAL TEST RESULTS OF
ALL GROUPS

Compressive Test Results of All Groups

Flexural Test Result of 3-Groups

MHARVINA JACKIE CASIMIRO I LABORATORY REPORT NO. 4 I PAGE 09

 CE8: CMT CONCRETE

IV. DISCUSSION
Certainly! In the realm of concrete production, the materials used and
their ratios significantly impact concrete's properties. The water-cement
ratio is a pivotal factor, affecting both workability and strength. Higher
water-cement ratios enhance workability but can compromise strength. The data
highlights a clear correlation: increased water content tends to decrease
compressive strength, as evident in comparisons among different concrete
groups.
For instance, Group 2 and 3 concrete cubes, along with Group 1, 2, and 4
cylindrical samples, exhibit this inverse relationship between water content
and compressive strength. This trend aligns with findings in tests measuring
the flexural strength of concrete beams. Lower water content consistently
leads to higher strength, underlining the trade-off between workability and
durability. Further, doing a slump test also shows the workability of a
concrete mixture.
The key takeaway is the necessity of precise mix proportions to strike the
right balance. Achieving this balance ensures that concrete is both manageable
during construction and resilient enough for enduring sturdy structures. It's
a delicate equilibrium where adjustments in water-cement ratios impact not
only workability but also the ultimate strength and reliability of the
concrete in real-world applications.

V. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

ASTM standards such as C143, C31, C39, and C78 are crucial in
understanding hydraulic cement properties, especially in concrete. They cover
tests for workability (like slump testing), guidelines for making and curing
specimens and measuring strengths (compressive and flexural), essential for
knowing how much weight concrete can bear and how it behaves structurally.
These standards ensure reliable assessments.
The properties of concrete, like how easy it is to work with and how
strong it is, are affected by the materials used and their proportions,
especially the water-cement ratio. More water makes it workable but might make
it weaker, as shown in comparisons between different concrete groups. Finding
the right balance between workability and strength is crucial for construction
and durable structures. The ASTM standards provide a solid framework for making
informed decisions in construction and material engineering.

VI. LABORATORY SUGGESTIONS

Sufficient working space and orderly environment. The physical arrangement of the
laboratory environment creates an impact on the productivity of the students.
Furthermore, since several groups perform the experiment on the same day, there is a
limited working space. A better and well-arranged laboratory space will enhance the
enthusiasm and work efficiency of the students.
Adhering to safety measures. Handling of materials and equipment properly and
carefully to avoid injuries or accidents.

reference:
ASTM C143: Standard Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDUQO-bn8pU
ASTM C31: Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test
Specimens in the Field https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0zeErxpovw
ASTM C39: Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical
Concrete Specimens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz2vbiqNP-E
ASTM C78: Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Concrete
(Using Simple Beam with Third-Point Loading)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCfQdlriFAQ

MHARVINA JACKIE CASIMIRO I LABORATORY REPORT NO. 4 I PAGE 10

 CE8: CMT CONCRETE

VII. DOCUMENTATION

MHARVINA JACKIE CASIMIRO I LABORATORY REPORT NO. 4 I PAGE 11