Quality Control

in
Concrete Construction
Qualit
y • …is the degree of excellence

Quality Control
…is checking for conformance to
requirements. It is instituted during
the course of construction as a
preventive tool, not as a corrective
measure.
Concrete
• …derived from the Latin word
‘concretus’ which means
compact or dense and
‘concrescre’ means “growing
together”.
• Mixture of cement, aggregates
and water
• When mixed in specific
proportions, it hardens to a
strong stony consistency over
 In concrete construction, good
concrete will be produced where
effective quality control is
exercised. On the other hand,
defective concrete will certainly
result where there is little or no
quality control.
 Composition of Concrete

Major Composition:

• Paste (cement and water)

• Mineral Aggregate (coarse and
fine)
The volume of paste, including air
voids, is about 30% and the volume of
aggregate is about 70% of the volume
of concrete mix.
Requirements of Concrete
•It should be uniform
•Watertight
•Resistant to wear, weather, and
other destructive agencies
•It should not shrink excessively on
cooling or drying nor expand
excessively on wetting
•It should have high resistance to fire,
chemicals or abrasion.
•It should have the required strength
 Factors Affecting Strength/
Characteristics of Concrete
The principal factors that affect the
strength of concrete are:

• Quality of aggregate and cement

• Quality of mixing water and cement
• Curing conditions
• Time of mixing, and
• Age
 Factors Affecting Strength/
Characteristics of Concrete

If the concrete is well-cured at

any particular age, the most
important single factor affecting
strength is the water-cement ratio.
The lower the water-cement ratio,
the greater is the strength.
 Fig. 1 – Relationship between Strength
and Water-Cement Ratio
The curve is the result of research studies
conducted by Duff Abrams indicating the 28-day
compressive strength and water-cement ratio
relationship for given materials and standard
conditions of making, curing, and testing, can be
represented by a fairly smooth curve.
 Fig. 2 – Relationship of Water-Cement Ratio and
Durability/Water-tightness
The significance of the water-cement ratio is
underscored by the fact that it affects not only
compressive strength but also flexural strength, bond
strength, durability, water-tightness and others.
 The Hardening Process
When Portland cement is mixed with
water to form a paste, the compounds of the
cement react with the water to form
cementitious products which adhere to each
other and to the intermixed fine and coarse
aggregates, and become very hard. As long
as moisture is present, the reactions, called
hydration, may continue for years, adding
continually to the strength of the mixture.
If the paste is not kept wet, any hydration
of the cement ceases when the evaporable
water escapes from the paste.
 Quality Control Measures:
The quality control measures in concrete
construction that are necessary for the production
of concrete that will satisfy service requirements
are:

• Selection of Materials
• Design of Concrete Mixture
• Sampling of Concrete
• Testing of Concrete Samples
• Control in Placing Concrete
• Curing of Concrete Samples
• Protection of Concrete
Selection
of
Materials
 Ingredients of Concrete
• Portland Cement
• Coarse Aggregates
• Fine Aggregates
• Water
• Admixtures
It is important that the materials are
properly selected and inspected so that only
those materials of satisfactory quality are
used, since the quality of concrete is greatly
dependent on the quality of individual
ingredients. It is also important that the
materials are properly stored, handled, and
used in the work.
 Aggregates

• Coarse Aggregates
• Fine Aggregates

Although the fine and coarse

aggregates represent the major
volume of concrete, about 70% the
important role they serve as the
principal ingredient is often
overlooked because their cost is
much less than that of cement.
Coarse Aggregates

Consist of:

• crushed stone
• gravel
• blast furnace slag
• or other approved inert materials of similar
characteristics having hard, strong, durable
pieces and free from adherent coatings.
 In selecting an aggregate, the following
criteria should be considered:

a. Grading should be uniform throughout its period of use

and should conform to specifications.
b. An aggregate with unfavorable shape particle should
not necessarily be rejected, if other alternatives are very
costly.
c. An aggregate that will not produce concrete of the
required strength should not be used.
d. An aggregate exposed to severe weathering should be
essentially free of particles that are soft or friable, or
highly absorptive.
e. An aggregate containing substances that could react with
alkalies in the cement to cause excessive expansion
should not be used in concrete exposed to wetting unless it
is required that low-alkali cement is used.
 In general, it is required
that the aggregates shall be:
• Clean
• Hard
• Sound
• Durable
• Sizes should be w/in
specifications
 Grading Requirement For Coarse Aggregate
(for Paving Concrete)
Sieve Designation Mass Percent Passing
Standard Alternate Grading Grading Grading
mm U.S. Std. A B C
75 3 in. 100 - -
63 2 – ½ in. 90 – 100 100 100
50 2 in. - 90 – 100 95 - 100
37. 5 1 – ½ in. 25 – 60 35 – 70 -
25 1 in. - 0 – 15 35 – 70
19 ¾ in. 0 – 10 - -

12.5 ½ in. 0–5 0–5 10 – 30

4.75 No. 4 - - 0–5

Fine Aggregates

• consists of natural sand, stone screenings, or

other inert materials with similar
characteristics, or combinations thereof,
having hard, strong and durable particles.
• material passing the 0.075 mm ( No. 200 sieve )
shall not contain more than (3) mass percent
by washing nor more than (1) mass percent
each of clay lumps or shale.
• when subjected to five (5) cycles of the
sodium sulfate soundness test, the weighted
loss, shall not exceed 10 mass percent.
 Grading Requirements for Fine Aggregates

Sieve Designation Mass Percent Passing

9.5 mm ( 3/8 in. ) 100
4.75 mm ( No. 4 ) 95 - 100
2.36 mm ( No. 8 ) -
1.18 mm ( No. 16 ) 45 - 80
0.600 mm ( No. 30 ) -
0.300 mm ( No. 50 ) 5 - 30
0.150 mm ( No. 100 ) 0 - 10
CEMENT

Cement is a by product of …
• Lime- 1.6 – 65%
• Silica 18-25%
• Alumina 3 -8%
• Iron Oxide 3-5%
• Magnesis 2-5%
• Sulfur Trioxide 1-5%
 There are various types of
cement for different usages; for
example, high early strength,
sulfate-resistant or low heat. The
cement type to be used should be
specified and shall conform to the
applicable specifications.
Type I Portland cement is for
general use and is most often
suggested.
Types of Cement

Portland Cement - hydraulic

cement produced by pulverizing
cement clinker and gypsum.
 PORTLAND CEMENT

CLINKER + GYPSUM = PORTLAND

CEMENT

( GRINDING or PULVERIZING)
Types of Cement

Blended Cement - a hydraulic

cement consisting of two or more
inorganic constituents, separately
or in combination, which contribute
to the strength gaining properties
of the cement.
Portland-Pozzolan Cement
….blended hydraulic cement
consisting of an intimate and uniform
blend of Portland cement or Portland
blast-furnace slag cement and fine
pozzolan blended within specified limits.
Pozzolan

WELDED TUFF Fly Ash

NATURAL POZZOLAN ARTIFICIAL POZZOLAN

 PORTLAND-POZZOLAN
CEMENT
NATURAL

+ POZZOLAN

CLINKER
MIXING BY INTER-GRINDING GYPSUM
and / or BLENDING

PORTLAND + =
CEMENT

PORTLAND
BLAST- PORTLAND-
FURNACE POZZOLAN
SLAG ARTIFICIAL
CEMENT POZZOLAN

CEMENT
Portland Blast-Furnace Slag Cement

… blended hydraulic cement

consisting of an intimately inter-ground
mixture of Portland cement clinker and
granulated blast-furnace slag blended
within specified limits.
 PORTLAND BLAST-FURNACE
SLAG CEMENT

+
CLINKER + GYPSUM
MIXING BY INTER-GRINDING
and / or BLENDING
=
PORTLAND
+ BLAST-
FURNACE
SLAG
CEMENT

PORTLAND BLAST- FURNACE SLAG

CEMENT
 KIND OF HOW TO
CEMENT
TYPE IDENTIFY INTENDED USE OR APPLICATION
One color bond For general concrete construction use when the special properties specified
T–I RED COLOR for any other type are not required

For general concrete construction, Moderate Sulfate resistance or moderate

T - II n/a heat of hydration cement
PORTLAND
CEMENT T - III n/a For general concrete construction, High early strength cement

For general concrete construction, Low heat of hydration cement

T - IV n/a

For general concrete construction, High sulfate resistance cement

T-V n/a

White Portland For general construction use when the special properties specified for any
T-I n/a
Cement other type are not required

BLENDED CEMENT
Three color bands For general concrete construction use, Moderate sulfate resistant and
T – IP BRIGHT YELLOW moderate heat of hydration cement

Two color bands For general concrete construction use when special characteristics
Portland - BRIGHT YELLOW attributed to the larger quantities of pozzolan in the portland-pozzolan
T – I(PM)
Pozzolan cement are not required.

One color band For general concrete construction use not requiring high early strength,
T-P BRIGHT YELLOW sulfate resistant, Low Heat of hydration cement

Portland Blast- Two color bands For general concrete construction, Moderate sulfate resistant and moderate
T - IS
furnace Slag BLUE COLOR heat of hydration cement

One color band For general concrete construction not requiring high early strength, sulfate
SLAG CEMENT T–S BLUE COLOR resistant, Low Heat of hydration cement

T–N One color band

Water

• used in mixing , curing or other

designated application shall be
reasonably clean and free of oil, salt,
acid, alkali, grass or other
substances injurious to the finished
product.
• water which is drinkable and known
of potable quality may be used
without test.
Admixtures

… are those ingredients in

concrete other than Portland
cement, water and aggregates that
are added to the mixture
immediately before or during
mixing.
Reasons for Using Admixtures
• To reduce the cost of concrete construction,

• To achieve certain properties in concrete

more effectively than by other means,

• To ensure the quality of concrete during

the stages of mixing, transporting, placing,
and curing in adverse weather conditions.

• To overcome certain emergencies during

concreting operations.
Classification of Admixtures
According to Function:
1. Air-entraining admixtures

2. Water-reducing admixtures
3. Retarding
admixtures
4. Accelerating admixtures

5. Super-plasticizers
6. Finely divided mineral admixtures

7. Pigments

8. A combination of the above

Reminder
No admixture, of any type or amount,
can be considered as substitute for good
concreting practice.

The effectiveness of an admixture

depends upon such factors as type,
quality, and amount of cement; water
content; aggregate shape, gradation, and
proportions; mixing time; slump; and
temperatures of concrete and air.
 Storage
of

Materials
 Cement
• cement shall be stored immediately upon delivery at the site
in a weatherproof building which will protect the cement
from dampness. The floor shall be raised from the ground.
• bulk cement, if used, shall be transferred to elevated air-
tight, weather-proof bins.

• cement bags shall be stacked closed together to reduce air

circulation
• stack the cement bags so that the first in are the first out.

• on small jobs where a shed is not available, bags should be

placed on raised wooden platforms at least 4 to 6 inches
above the ground and water coverings should fit over the
pile and extend over the cement and the platform.
Concrete Aggregates

• to secure greater uniformity of

concrete mix, different sizes of
aggregates shall be stored in
separate bins or separate stockpiles
to prevent the material at the edges
of the piles from becoming
intermixed.
 Design
Of
Concrete
Design of Concrete Mixture
• The main objective is to determine the proportion of the
ingredients that will produce concrete of the proper
workability when fresh and the desired durability and
strength after it has hardened.

The principal factors that must be

considered in proportioning concrete are:
1. Requirements as to placing.
2. Interrelationships of cement content, water-
cement ratio, and gradation of aggregate.
3. Required strength.
4. Quality of concrete necessary to satisfy the
conditions of exposure.
5. Considerations of economy.
Steps to be considered in estimating the
required batch weights for the concrete:

1. Choice of slump.
2. Choice of maximum size of aggregates.
3. Estimate amount of mixing water and water content.
4. Select water-cement ratio.
5. Calculate cement content.
6. Estimate quantity of fine and coarse aggregates.
7. Adjust for moisture content of aggregates.
8. Check calculated mixture proportions by preparing
and testing trial batches. Adjustments are made, if
found necessary.
Design of Concrete Mixtures
(for Paving)

Proportioning, Consistency & Strength of

Concrete:
It is required to have at least 364 kg. (9.1
bags) of cement per cu.m. of paving
concrete to meet the minimum strength
requirements.
Design of Concrete Mixtures

• Flexural strength of not less than 3.8

MPa (550 psi) when tested by Third-
Point Method; 4.5 MPa (650 psi) when
tested by Mid-Point Method at 14-days;
Classes and Uses of Structural Concrete
Class A - All superstructures and heavily reinforced
substructures such as slabs, beams, girders,
columns, arch ribs, box culverts, reinforced
abutments, retaining walls and reinforced
footings.
Class B - Footings, pedestals, massive pier shafts, pipe
bedding, and gravity walls, unreinforced or
with only small reinforcement
Class C - Thin reinforced sections, railings, precast
R.C. piles and cribbing and for filler in steel
grid floors
Class P - Prestressed concrete structures and
members
Seal - Concrete deposited in water
Composition and Strength of Concrete for Use
in Structures
Designated Min. Compressive
Size of Strength of Concrete
Min. Cement Max. Consistency Cylinder Specimens
Class of Coarse
Content per m3 Water/Cement Range in Slump Aggregate @
Concrete Ratio kg/kg
kg (bag**) Mm (inch)
Std. Mm 28 days
(inch) MN/m2 (psi)

A 360 0.53 50 – 100 37.5 – 4.75 20.7

(9 bags) (2 – 4) (1-1/2 – No. 4) (3,000)
B 320 0.58 50 – 100 5.0 – 4.75 16.5
(8 bags) (2 – 4) (2” – No. 4) (2,400)
C 380 0.55 50 – 100 12.5 – 4.75 20.7
(9.5 bags) (2 – 4) (1/2” – No. 4*) (3,000)
P 440 0.49 100 max 19.0 – 4.75 37.7
(11 bags) (4 max.) (3/4” – No. 4*) (5,000)
Seal 380 0.58 100 – 200 25 – 4.75 20.7
(9.5 bags) (4 – 8) (1” – No. 4*) (3,000)
* The measured cement content shall be within plus or minus and mass percent
of the design cement content
** Based of 40 kg/bag
 Grading Requirements for Coarse Aggregates
Sieve Designation Mass Percent Passing
Class Class
Standard Alternative Class B Class C Class P
A Seal
63.0 2 – 1/2 in - 100

50.0 2 in 100 95 - 100

95–
37.5 1-1/2 in - 100
100

25.0 1 in - 35-70 100 95-100

35-
19.0 3/4 in - 100 95 - 100 -
70
12.5 1/2 in - 10-30 90-100 - 25-60
10-
9.5 3/8 in - 40-70 20-55 -
30
4.75 No. 4 0-5 0-5 0-15 0-10 0-10
Grading Requirements for Fine Aggregates

Sieve Designation Mass Percent Passing

9.5 mm ( 3/8 in. ) 100

4.75 mm ( No. 4 ) 95 - 100
2.36 mm ( No. 8 ) -

1.18 mm ( No. 16 ) 45 - 80
0.600 mm ( No. 30 ) -
0.300 mm ( No. 50 ) 5 - 30
0.150 mm ( No. 100 ) 0 - 10
 Maximum Permissible Water-Cement
Ratio
Specified Strength Water-Cement Ratio
fc’-MPa (psi) by Weight

27.6 (4,000) 0.44

25.8 (3,750) 0.48
24.1 (3,500) 0.51
20.7 (2,500) 0.58
17.2 (1,500) 0.65
• …. the mix design shall be submitted to the
Engineer for approval and shall be
accompanied with certified test data from
an approved laboratory demonstrating the
adequacy of the mix design.
Sampling
of
Concrete
 Significance of Proper Sampling

Test results on concrete samples reflect

the actual strength of the structure. If the
sampling of samples is incorrect, results
will be unsatisfactory but the concrete may
be structurally sound.
 Significance of Proper Sampling

The sampling requirement is to obtain a set of

three (3) cylinder samples for structural concrete
or a set of three (3) beam samples for paving
concrete for every 75 cu.m. or fraction thereof for
each class of concrete. At least one set of samples
shall be obtained for each day of concreting work.
Sampling shall be done in accordance with the
prescribed procedure by responsible quality
control personnel who understand why sample is
obtained. Sampling should not be delegated to
ordinary laborers or others who have no prior
training in materials quality control.
 Significance of Proper Sampling

Particular attention should be given to

the protection and curing of molded
specimen for strength tests. Due to their
small volume compared to the structure,
test specimens will be more adversely
affected by high temperature and will dry
more rapidly and completely than the
concrete in-place.
 Significance of Proper Sampling

Additional samples may be taken for job

curing to assist in determining when forms
or shoring can be removed and when the
structure can be placed in service. Molded
specimens for this purpose should be
cured at the same place and as nearly as
possible under the same conditions of the
structure.
 Significance of Proper Sampling

During the early stages of the work,

more than the usual number of concrete
samples should be obtained. The extra
samples should be tested at earlier dates to
determine the trend of strength
development. If there is strength deficiency,
remedial measures can be instituted
immediately. Thus, the placement of
defective concrete is minimized.
Sampling of Freshly Mixed Concrete
Sampling from Stationary Mixers

• collect two or more portions at regularly

spaced intervals during discharge of the
middle batch.

• do not obtain portions of the composite

sample from the very first or last part of
the batch discharge.
Sampling of Freshly Mixed Concrete
Sampling from Revolving Drum Mixers or
Agitators
- take samples of concrete at two or more
regularly spaced intervals during
discharge of the middle portion of the
batch.

- do not obtain samples until all of the water

has been added to the mixer.

- do not obtain samples from the very first

or last portions of the batch discharge.
 Control of Consistency

The consistency of the mixture should

be checked frequently by the slump test. An
excess of water in the mixture will cause a
corresponding loss of potential strength. If
there is a necessity of increasing the water
content for better placeability, water should
not be added. The mixture should be
redesigned.
 Fig. 3 – Slump Test for Consistency of Concrete
The consistency of the mixture should be checked
frequently by the slump test. The slump test is an
indicator of water content, or water-cement ratio.
 The recommended ranges of slump for various
types of concrete construction are:
Slump, mm (inch)
Type of Construction Max. Min.

Slabs, beams, and

reinforced walls 150 (6) 75 (3)
Building columns 150 (6) 75 (3)
Reinforced foundation
walls and footings 125 (5) 50 (2)
Plain footings, caissons,
and substructure walls 100 (4) 25 (1)
Pavements 75 (3) 50 (2)
Heavy mass 53 (3) 25 (1)
 Casting
of
Beam Specimens
 Casting
of
Cylinder
Specimens
 Curing of Concrete Samples
• To prevent evaporation of water, cover
the specimens with either:
- non-absorptive, non-reactive plate
- a sheet of tough, durable
impervious plastic

• Remove the specimens from the molds

24 +/- 8 h after casting.
 Curing of Concrete Samples
• Specimens shall be moist cured at 23
+/- 2 deg. C from the time of casting
until date of testing
• Storage during the first 48 h of curing
shall be in a vibration-free environment
• Specimens shall not be exposed to
dripping or running water
 Shipment and Care of Samples

After 4 to 7 days of curing in the field, the

samples should be carefully packed and
crated, surrounded with damp sawdust or
hay straw and then shipped to the testing
laboratory.
 Testing
Of
Concrete
Samples
 Significance of Proper Testing

Test results on concrete samples reflect

the actual strength of the structure. If the
testing of samples is incorrect, results will
be unsatisfactory but the concrete may be
structurally sound.
 Causes of Unsatisfactory
Test Result of Samples
• Inadequate compaction of sample
• Incorrect sampling
• Contamination of sample
• Damage to sample
• Inadequate curing and protection
of sample
• Incorrect test method and procedure
• Inaccurate test result
• Mixed samples
 FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF CONCRETE
(Using Simple Beam with Third-Point Loading)

Calculations:

If the rupture occurs within the middle third of the

span length, the modulus of rupture shall be calculated
as follows:

R= PL
bd²
where : R = modulus of rupture in MPa or psi
P = max. applied load indicated by testing machine
in Ton, N or lb.
L = span length in mm or in.
b = ave. width of specimen in mm or in.
d = ave. depth of specimen in mm or in.
 FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF CONCRETE
(Using Simple Beam with Mid-Point Loading)
P

d = L/3 = 6”
9” 9”

R = 3PL 18”
2bd²

where: R = modulus of rupture, psi (MPa)

P = max. applied load indicated by
the testing machine, lb.
L = span length, in (mm)
b = ave. width of specimen, in (mm)
d = ave. depth of specimen, in (mm)
FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF CONCRETE
(Using Simple Beam with Third-Point
Loading)
Ex. R = ?
P = 7000 lb. b = 6 in.
L= 18 in. d = 6 in.

R = PL
bd²
R = 7000 (18)
6 (6)²

= 583 psi or 4.02 MPa

Example:
One (1) set of beam sample was taken on a newly poured (330
sq.m.) reinforced concrete pavement. The flexural strength of
the samples when tested by the third-point method are:

Sample I.D. Strength

MPa/(psi)
B1 3.9 (566)
B2 3.2 (464)
B3 4.5 (652)

Remarks:
____________
Example :
One (1) set of beam sample was taken on a newly poured (330
sq.m.) reinforced concrete pavement. The flexural strength of
the samples when tested by the mid-point method are:

Sample Strength
I.D. (MPa/(psi)

B1 4.7 (682)
B2 5.1 (740)
B3 3.9 (566)

Remarks:
____________
 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CYLINDRICAL
CONCRETE SPECIMENS

R = P/A
where:

R = modulus of rupture, psi (MPa)

P = max. applied load indicated by
the testing machine, lb.
A = cross-sectional area of the specimen

During the application of the first half of the

anticipated load, a higher rate of loading shall be
permitted. Note the type of failure and the
appearance of the concrete.
Example :
One (1) set of cylinder sample was taken on a newly
poured (75 cu.m.) reinforced concrete pavement. The
compressive strength of the samples when tested are:

Sample I.D. Strength

MPa/(psi)

C1 23.1 (3,350)
C2 24.4 (3,538)
C3 25.0 (3,625)

Remarks: ____________
 Control
In
Placing
Concrete
Significance of Site Inspection
There is no substitute for site quality control
inspection in concreting work. Total dependence on
test results from control samples can be misleading.
If there are defects in workmanship, the concrete
structure may be structurally unsound although test
results are satisfactory. This may be due to one or a
combination of the following:
1. Addition of water after samples have been taken
2. Delayed placing
3. Unsuitable weather conditions (rain or excessive heat)
4. Inadequate compaction
5. Inadequate curing and protection
6. Defective construction control
7. Contamination of concrete mix before or during p
placement
Concrete Production Control

Whether the concrete is mixed at the site, at a

central plant or by transit mixer, the following control
measures should be strictly observed:
1. The moisture content of aggregate should be
determined constantly for adjustment of mix
proportions.
2. The measuring scales should be calibrated and
checked periodically.
3. Measurement of aggregate, water and cement
should be checked closely.
4. Segregation in coarse aggregate should be
reduced to minimum by separating the material
into several size fractions and batching the
fractions separately.
Concrete Production Control
5. Insure thorough mixing since it is essential for the
production of uniform concrete.

The equipment and methods used should be capable of

mixing effectively the aggregate containing the largest sizes
to produce uniform mixes of the lowest slump practical for
the work.

The mixing time required should be based upon the

ability of the mixer to produce uniform concrete throughout
the batch and from batch to batch. The usual specifications,
such as 1 min for ¾ cu.m. plus 1 min for each additional ¾
cu.m. of capacity can be used as a guide for establishing
initial mixing time. However, final mixing time to be followed
should be based on mixer performance.
Concrete is transported by various means
such as:
1. Truck mixer
2. Pipeline or hose
3. Conveyor belt.

The method used should efficiently deliver the

concrete to the point of placement without significantly
altering its desired properties. Each method of
transportation has advantages under particular
conditions of use. These should be evaluated in
selecting the type of transportation best suited for
economically obtaining the required quality of concrete
in –place.
Concrete is deposited to its final position by:
1. Bucket
2. Hopper
3. Buggy
4. Chute
5. Conveyor belt
6. Paving equipment
The equipment and method used for placing
concrete should avoid separation of coarse aggregates
from the concrete. Selection of equipment should be
based on capability for efficiency handling concrete of
the most advantageous proportions that can be readily
consolidated in-place by vibration. Care should be
taken so that the concrete can be kept plastic and free
of cold joints while it is placed.
Control in Placing Concrete

• Concrete should be placed in horizontal layers not

exceeding 60 cm in depth, avoiding inclined
layers and cold joints.
• For monolithic construction, each concrete layer
should be placed while the underlying layer is still
responsive to vibration, and layers should be
sufficiently shallow to permit knitting the two
together by final vibration.
• Concrete should be deposited at or near its final
position in the placement, eliminating the
tendency to segregate when it has to be moved
laterally.
 Fig. 4 – Placing Slab Concrete by Buggy
In placing slab concrete, it should be deposited
into the face of the concrete in-place, and not away
from it.
 Fig. 5 – Placing Concrete on a Sloping Surface
On a sloping surface, concrete should be placed
at the lower portion of the slope first, progressing
upward, thereby increasing natural compaction of the
concrete.
Fig. 6 – Placing Concrete on a Sloping Surface from a Chute
The proper method of placing concrete on a
sloping surface from a chute.
Consolidation of Concrete
Internal vibration when properly applied is the
most effective method of consolidating and placing
concrete. It permits proper placement of concrete
containing less water and fines than required when
concrete is not vibrated. Internal vibration is
generally best suited for ordinary construction.
Request for increases in mixing water are
frequently made on the job when concrete of
relatively stiff consistency will not flow down chutes
or drop out of hoppers, although it is evident that the
concrete is workable and can be satisfactorily
consolidated with proper vibration. The request for
additional water are not valid and should not be
granted, since the defect is not in the mix proportion
but in the adequacy of placing and consolidating
equipment.
Placing of Concrete

• vibrators shall be used for consolidation only,

and not for moving concrete horizontally along
the forms.

• a well consolidated concrete is 20 % to 25 %

higher in strength than that of concrete which is
not thoroughly consolidated.

• concrete not in-place within 90 minutes from the

time the ingredients were charged into the
mixing drum or that has developed initial set
shall not be used.
 Fig. 7 – Consolidation of Concrete by Vibrator
Vibrators should not be used to move concrete
laterally and should be inserted and withdrawn
vertically at close intervals.
Batching
• Most specifications require that
batching be done by weight rather
than by volume because of
inaccuracies in measuring aggregate
by volume.

• The use of the weight system for

batching provides greater accuracy
and simplicity and avoids the problem
created by bulking of damp sand.
Limitation of Mixing
• no concrete shall be mixed, placed or
finished when the natural light is insufficient,
unless an adequate and approved artificial
lighting system is operated.

• re-tempering of concrete or mortar which has

partially hardened that is remixing with or
without additional cement, aggregate or
water, shall not be permitted.
 Curing
Of
Concrete
Samples
Curing

Curing is keeping the concrete moist

so that hydration of the cement can
continue. Curing improves greatly the
surface condition and general quality of
concrete. It is done immediately after
final placement of the concrete to
prevent or minimize the occurrence of
plastic shrinkage cracks.
 Fig. 8 – Effect of Moist Curing on
Strength Development in Concrete
Adequate curing is contributory to the attainment of
potential strength. The longer the period of moist
curing, the higher is the strength attained. Strength-
gain is fastest at early ages.
 Curing of Concrete Pavement

• Immediately after finishing operations

have been completed and the concrete
has sufficiently set, the entire surface of
the newly placed concrete shall be cured
for a period of 72 hours with either one of
the approved methods:
Curing
Curing can be accomplished with any of the
following methods:

• By covering the concrete with mats saturated

with water.
• By thoroughly wetting the pavement and
covering its top.
• By ponding, which involves maintaining a layer of
water on the surface of the pavement by means
of earth or sand dikes.
• By spraying uniformly with white pigmented
curing compound immediately after finishing of
the surface.
Curing of Concrete

Forms – in-place Method

• Formed surfaces of concrete may
be cured by retaining the form-in-
place and shall remain in place for a
minimum period of 7 days after the
concrete has been placed, except that
for members over 50 cm in least
dimensions, the form shall remain
in-place for a minimum period of 5
days. Wooden forms shall be kept
wet by watering during the curing
period.
Protection

Of

Concrete
 Protection from Damage

Construction operations may injure

concrete already in place by overloading,
jarring, or surface abrasion. Continued
jarring or vibration, if not severe, is not
generally detrimental; but heavy impact
on green concrete will disturb the mass
and should not be permitted. Floors over
which construction activities are carried
on should be covered.
 Protection from Damage

Backfilling against concrete should be

done only when the concrete is strong
enough to carry the load, and only if
performed with care to avoid impact.
 Protection of Pavement

• In order that the concrete may be

properly protected against rain before
the concrete is sufficiently hardened,
the Contractor will be required to have
at all times, materials for the protection
of the edges and surface of the
unhardened concrete.
Removal of Forms
• forms for concrete shall remain in place
undisturbed for not less than 24 hours after
concrete pouring.

• In case portions of the concrete are spalled

during the removal of forms, they shall be
immediately repaired with fresh mortar mixed
in the proportioned of one part of Portland
Cement and two parts of fine aggregates.

• in case major honeycombs occurs on sides of

the pavement, it shall be removed and replaced
at the expense of the contractor.
 Protection of Pavement

• In order that the concrete may be

properly protected against rain before
the concrete is sufficiently hardened,
the Contractor will be required to have
at all times, materials for the protection
of the edges and surface of the
unhardened concrete.
Opening to Traffic (for pavement)
• the concrete pavement will not be opened to
traffic until the test specimens molded and cured
have attained the minimum strength
requirements.

• if tests are not conducted prior to the specified

age, the pavement shall not be operated to
traffic until 14 days after the concrete was
placed.