Concrete Cube Project

FORTUNE NDLELA 4900044_ CNTPRA4 REPORT
Concrete Technology IV (Practical)

CNTPRA4
REPORT
PREPARED BY
Fortune Ndlela
Student Number: 4900044
Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering

UNISA (Florida Campus)
Private Bag x6
Florida
1710
1
Signed Declaration
“I declare that this assignment is my own work and that all sources quoted have been acknowledged
by appropriate references”
2
1 Contents
2 CONCRETE MIX PROPORTIONING DESIGN............................................................................................ 5
2.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 5
2.2 Concrete Mix Design ..................................................................................................................... 5
2.3 C&CI Mix Design Method .............................................................................................................. 5
3 SLUMP TEST .......................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 8
3.2 Aim ................................................................................................................................................ 8
3.3 Apparatus ...................................................................................................................................... 8
3.4 Slump Test Procedure ................................................................................................................... 8
4 CUBE TEST ........................................................................................................................................... 10
4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 10
4.2 Aim .............................................................................................................................................. 10
4.3 Apparatus .................................................................................................................................... 10
4.4 Cube Compression Strength Results ........................................................................................... 11
4.5 Compressive strength Calculation .............................................................................................. 12
4.6 Observations ............................................................................................................................... 12
5 SIEVE ANALYSIS TEST........................................................................................................................... 13
5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 13
5.2 Aim .............................................................................................................................................. 13
5.3 Apparatus .................................................................................................................................... 13
5.4 Test Procedure ............................................................................................................................ 13
5.5 Calculations and Results ............................................................................................................. 14
5.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 16
6 BULK DENSITY TEST ............................................................................................................................. 17
6.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 17
6.2 Aim .............................................................................................................................................. 17
6.3 Test Procedure ............................................................................................................................ 17
6.4 Uncompacted Bulk Density Test ................................................................................................. 18
6.5 Compacted Bulk Density Test ..................................................................................................... 18
7 PARTICLE SHAPE TEST ......................................................................................................................... 20
3
7.1 Aim .............................................................................................................................................. 20

7.2 Apparatus .................................................................................................................................... 20
7.3 Test Procedure ............................................................................................................................ 20
7.5 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 21
8 REFRENCES .......................................................................................................................................... 22
4
2 CONCRETE MIX PROPORTIONING DESIGN

2.1 Introduction
The concrete ingredients namely cement, water, sand and stone are mixed in proportions that are
designed to give specific strength. The mix design carried below was based on the C&CI Design Method
ACI standard 211:1-19. This method has the following premises; The strength of fully compacted harden
concrete depends on water:content ratio (W/C).
The Fineness Modulus and Relative densities used in this experiment was not known, the Group agreed
in using commonly used values when undertaking this mix design.
2.2 Concrete Mix Design

Calculate the design mix for 25MPa concrete that would pass a 75mm slump test
Given
• CBDSt = 1550kg/m3
• Relative Density of Cement = 3.14
• Relative Density of Sand = 2.72
• Relative Density of Stone = 2.7
• FM = 2.3
• Water required = 210l (19mm stone)
• Type of Cement: CEM strength class 42.5
2.3 C&CI Mix Design Method

There are three requirements for design mix Calculation
First is the Water: Cement ratio to determine the amount of cement required for this experiment. In the
experiment the class will be using 19mm stone so therefore 210 litres of water is required.
Water Requirement
Cement Content = W:C
Stone Content = CBDSt (K − 0.1FM), CBDSt = 1550 kg/m3,
K = 0.94
FM = 2.3
Sand Content: Volume of Sand = Vol of Concrete – [(vol of cement) + (vol of stone) + (vol of water)]
Once the amount of each material per cubic meter is known. It needs to be converted into to suit a
27litres (volume = 0.027m3). Mass of sand, kg = Solid volume of sand, l x RD of sand.
5
TABEL 1: DESIGN CALCULATIONS

C&CI
Calculation
Step
1 Strength of Concrete: Compressive Strength (MPa) 25
Target Strength (MPa) 25
2 Maximum Stone Size: (mm) 19
3 Specify Slump: (mm) 75
CEM I
4 Specify: Cement Type -
(42.5N)
5 Maximum w:c Ratio - 0,67
6 Minimum Cement - -
Cementicious
7 CEM I (42.5) - 100%
Material:
8 Select Stone: Gravel (mm) 19
9 Select Sand Sand - 100%
10 Characterise Cement: Dc 3,14
11 Characterise Stone: CBD (kg/m3) 1550
12 Characterise Sand: Ds 2,72
FM 2,30
13 Select w:c ratio 0,67
14 Water Content (W) (l/m3) 210
15 Cement Content (C): CEM I (42.5) = 210/0.67 (kg/m3) 313,43
16 Stone Content: K 0,94
Ma (unadjusted) = 2.72 x 1550 [0.94 – (0.1 x
(kg/m3) 1100,50
2.3)]
Total = 1000 – [(313.43/3.14) + (1100.5/2.7)
17 Sand Content: (kg/m3) 768,64
+ 210]
6
TABLE 2: DESIGN OUTPUT

Absolute Absolute
Mass Mass
Volume Volume
Constituent Symbol (kg) per 6
(kg) per (m3) per Cubes of (m3) per
m3 1m3 Concrete 27l
(27l)
Cement CEM I 42.5N Mc 313,43 99,82 8,46 2,70
Water Mw 210,00 210,00 5,67 5,67
Fine Aggregate Sand Ms 768,64 282,59 20,75 7,63
Gravel 19 mm 1100,50 407,59 29,71 11,01
Σ (SUM) 2392,57 1000,00 64,60 27,00
7
3 SLUMP TEST
3.1 Introduction
The slump test was carried out in accordance with SANS 5862-1:2006. The concrete was mixed using
material masses calculated from the mix design calculation, batching and mixing was done by hand. The
test was conducted to determine the workability of fresh concrete as well as provide visual evidence
into whether the mix ingredients were in proportion with each other as designed.
• If there is too much water in the mix, one will notice bleeding
• If the slump collapses, then maybe the mix requires more fines
• Visually one can see the texture of the mix, if it isn’t smooth then the mix has too much course
aggregate.
3.2 Aim
To determine the workability or consistency of concrete mix of given proportion by slump test.
3.3 Apparatus
• Slump Cone
• Tamping Rod
• A Plastic sheet
• Pan Mixer
• A funnel
• A ruler
3.4 Slump Test Procedure

Before commencing the test, the plate base and inner surface of the mould were wiped with a damp
cloth.
The slump cone placed centrally on the plate with the small opening facing upward.
The slump cone is filled with concrete in 3 layers, each layer tamped lightly 25 times with steel rod in
definite pattern, working from outside into the middle.
When compacting the 2nd and 3rd layers, enough force was used to cause the tamping rod to penetrate
the previous layer.
The last layer was levelled off with the bar and mould vertically and slowly lifted in 5s to 10s
The cone was then turned upside down and rod placed across the up-turned cone.
To determine the slump height we used a steel ruler and measured from the top of the slump cone to
the peak of the concrete.
The first slumping had shear collapse and second slump was redone and measured (difference in level
between the height of the mould and that of the highest point of the subsided concrete)
8
Measurement taken = 85 mm
Our Group was required to make a 25MPa concrete that would pass a slump test of 75mm.The result
achieved was acceptable as the slump test had a range from 50mm to 100mm for which results are
deemed passable.
9
4 CUBE TEST
4.1 Introduction
The compressive strength of cement mortars is determined in order to verify whether the cement
conforms to IS specifications and whether it will be able to develop the required compressive strength
of concrete.
After the slump test was conducted the Group used the same concrete batch as calculated from the mix
design calculation to prepare for the concrete cube specimen. Three concrete cubes were prepared and
had to be tested after seven days to determine the compression strength.
4.2 Aim
To determine the compressive strength of standard cement mortar cubes compacted by means of
standard compression machine.
4.3 Apparatus
• Exam Pad, Calculator & Pencil
• Construction Materials Text Book refer to pages 115 to 117 for mix design
• Cubes mould
• Weighting machine
• Curing tank
• Concrete compression machine
• Scoop, steel rod
Material Batching
150 cm x 150 mm x 150 mm standard cube mould was used for cube test.
The group ensured that apparatus and associated equipment were clean before test and free from
hardened concrete and superfluous water
The cube mould was assemble correctly and all nuts tightened, the moulds were then coated oil on the
internal faces.
10
The mould was placed on level firm ground and filled with sampled concrete in three consecutive layers.
Each layer of concrete was compacted by tamping 35 times the whole surface area with the tamping rod
The surplus concrete was removed after the mould was fully filled and top surface was then flushed with
trowel to level with the mould.
The cubes were marked with the identification number (UNISA B) with a paper.
The cubes surface were placed free from vibration in a safe cupboard for about 24 hours. On the
following day (26 May 2017) the mould were stripped off.
The cubes were placed and submerge in a thermostatically controlled curing tank for seven days.
Testing for cube test was carried out on the 7th day (22 June 2017).
Before Determine the unit weight of the specimen the cubes were wiped to dry and sand grains cleaned
for test surfaces and the group carefully weighing each cubical specimen and each mass recorded on
Table 3 below.
The total maximum load as indicated by the testing machine were recorded and are reflecting on the
table 3 below.
4.4 Cube Compression Strength Results

Specimen size: 150mm x 150mm
No. of cubes: 3 Cubes (Three for 7 days Compression)
Area for each cube: = 0.15m x 0.15m
= 0.0225m2
11
Compression Machine Test - Cube 3
Table 3: Measurements and Compression Results

Test Age (Days) Mass (Kg) Max load Compressive
Specimen (KN) strength (KN/m2)
Number
1 7 7.44 357.8 15,90
2 7 7.74 355.3 15,79
3 7 7.71 362.9 16,13
4.5 Compressive strength Calculation

𝑀𝑎𝑥 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑
Compressive strength of each cube =
𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑐𝑢𝑏𝑒
357.8kN
Cube 1 → F = = 15.9kN/m3
0.0225m2
355.3kN
Cube 2 → F = 0.0225m2 = 15.79kN/m3
362.9kN
Cube 3 → F = 0.0225m2 = 16.13kN/m3
4.6 Observations
There are many factors that influence the potential strength of concrete but the most important two are
the water: cement (W:C) ratio and the voids content.
12
5 SIEVE ANALYSIS TEST

5.1 Introduction
Aggregate is one of the basic constituents of concrete. Aggregates are natural or artificial mineral
particles that act as a filler, usually constituting about 75 per cent of the volume of the concrete. One of
the physical properties of aggregate that influence the property of concrete is the grading of aggregate.
The grading of aggregate defines the proportions of particles of different size in the aggregate. The
grading of fine (size <5mm) and coarse (size >5mm) aggregates.
Gradation or particle-size distribution refers to the proportions by mass of aggregate particle distributed
in specified particle size ranges. It is important properties that will affect several characteristics of
concrete such as mix proportioning, workability, economy, porosity, durability, and shrinkage. Gradation
of aggregates is determined from sieve analysis, in which a representative sample of the aggregate is
passed through a series of sieves, and the weight retained in each sieve (expressed as a percentage of
the sample weight) is compared with the grading limits specified. The results of a sieve analysis are
often plotted on graph with sieve sizes on the horizontal axis and percentage of fine and coarse passing
aggregate on the vertical axis. Size, range, and gradation can be identified on a graph.
Aggregate size and gradation are often specified by listing sieve sizes and a range of “percent passing”
for each size. The sample being tested sieved with the specified sieves and is acceptable if, for each
sieve, the sample’s percentage falls within the limit specified ranges
5.2 Aim
The sieve analysis was conducted in accordance with SANS201:2008, the aim of the experiment was to
determine the particle size distribution and fineness modulus of fine aggregate.
5.3 Apparatus
• Sieve sizes to be used (4750, 2360, 1180, 600, 300, 150, and 75μm)
• A balance with a pan to weigh up to 5kg, accurate to 1g.
• Pans
• A drying oven which is thermostatically controlled and capable of maintaining a temperature of
about 110˚C.
• A copper wire brush with bristles not more than 25mm long.
5.4 Test Procedure

Dry a soil sample of approximately 500g in mass, in a well-ventilated oven at a temperature between 100°
and 110°C. Remove the sample from the oven and allow it to cool. Record the mass of the sample as
“Mass a”.
Place the sample into a suitable container. Add water and agitate the sample vigorously to separate the
sample.
Then decant the wash water into a sieve aperture containing sieves not larger than 1180 μm on top and
at the bottom 75 μm. Continue washing the sample until the wash water runs clear through the 75 μm
sieve.
13
Wash the material retained on the sieves with a moderate jet of water with a flexible hose until the wash
water becomes clear. Return all material retained on the sieves into the pan by gently washing it onto the
pan. Dry and determine the mass of the sample. Record this mass as “Mass b”.
Sieving of the sample can then begin. Make sure the sieve sizes are placed with the largest placed on top.
Follow the order stated under the heading Apparatus.
Determine to an accuracy of 0.1% the mass of the total test sample after sieving as well record the mass
retained on each sieve size. With regards to the material passing the 75μm.
This mass is to be recorded as “Mass c”.
5.5 Calculations and Results

Data acquired from weighing and sieving the sample:-
• Mass a: 490g
• Mass b: 460g
• Mass c: 0g
14
Table 4: Sieve Analysis based on dried material

Accumulative % of Acc.
Diameter Mass of Individual (4750μm to Material Material
(mm) Sieve (g) % Retained 150μm that Passing
sieves) passed (%) (%)
4,75 170 34,7 34,7 65,3 35,0
2,36 50 10,2 53,1 46,9 45,0
1,18 20 4,1 42,9 57,1 49,0
0,60 40 8,2 38,8 61,2 57,0
0,30 80 16,3 30,6 69,4 73,0
0,150 70 14,3 14,3 85,7 88,0
Subtotal 1 430 87,8 214,4
75 30 6,1
Pan 0 0
Mass a-b 30 6,1
Subtotal 1 30 6,1
Total 490 100
Table 4 represents the mass retained in each sieve.
SAMPLE TEST GRADING GRAPH

120
100
% PASSING MASS
80
60 Fine Limit
40 Coarse Limit
Sample Test
20
0
0,150 0,30 0,60 1,18 2,36 4,75
SIEVE SIZE (mm)
Fineness modulus and dust content can then be determined.
𝐶𝑢𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 % 346.9
𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑀𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑠 = = = 3.46
100 100
𝑀𝐹𝑓 = (𝑎 − 𝑏) + (460𝑔) = 30𝑔 + 460𝑔 = 490𝑔
15
(𝑎 − 𝑏) + 𝑐 (30𝑔 + 0)
𝐷𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 = ( ) ∗ 100 = ( ) ∗ 100 = 6.12%
𝑀𝐹𝑓 490𝑔
5.6 Conclusion
The fineness modulus obtained is 3.46 and from this result and the gradation curve that plotted, almost
all the passed percentage of sample of coarse aggregate falls below the coarse limit range. The conclusion
is that the test sample was very course and it should be noted that sand having a FM of 3.2 or higher and
the sample cannot provide a desired quality, so it is not recommended to beused in concrete mixes..
16
6 BULK DENSITY TEST

6.1 Introduction
Bulk density is the weight of aggregate required to fill a container of unit volume. This unit volume,
therefore, consists of volume of solid material plus the volume of voids and is measured in kg/litre. These
values are required to convert the quantity of aggregate by weight to quantities by volume when volume
in batch is done. Value of the bulk density of the aggregate depends upon the amount of effort used to
fill the container as densely as possible, size distribution, shape and specific gravity. More graded the
aggregate, greater is the bulk density. Angular and flaky shape of the material reduce the bulk density. If
this bulk density test is carried on frequently on the site, the appreciable change in the value of the bulk
density at any one time helps to detect the change in grading or the shape of the material and enables
the engineer on site to conduct further elaborate test, if necessary. For in batch purposes where the
materials are measured, the bulk density of the loose material should be calculated. When the bulk
density test is carried out to detect the change in grading and shape, the rodded bulk density test will
have to be done to compare the results. Also for comparison of results size of two aggregates to
becompared should be the same
6.2 Aim
The Bulk density Test was done in accordance with SANS5845:2006The aim of the experiment is to
determine the compacted and uncompacted densities of aggregates.
Apparatus
• A metal, watertight cylindrical container

• Metal tamping rod
• Scoop
• Oven
6.3 Test Procedure

Preparation of the specimen
A sufficient amount of dry test sample was filled in a container. In this case a mass of 5000g was weighed
and dried in an oven. It was then cooled to room temperature so that testing could begin. Note that course
aggregate (19mm stone) sample was used to perform this test.
17
6.4 Uncompacted Bulk Density Test

The mass of the container was measured before it was filled.
Using a scoop the container was filled to overflow with the mixed dry aggregate. The group was careful
not to discharge the material and exceed 50mm above the rim of the container.
Surplus material was removed by rolling the tamping rod across and in contact with the rim of the
container and impeding aggregate was removed by hand.
Determine the mass of the aggregate + container to the nearest 0.2%
6.5 Compacted Bulk Density Test

The container is to be filled in three equal layers with the last layer overflowing. Each layer is to be
compacted 30 times with the tamping rod and each stroke should be distributed evenly over the surface
of each layer.
Note: When compacting the first layer, do not allow the rod to strike the bottom of the container forcibly
and when compacting the 2nd and 3rd layers, use enough force to cause the tamping road to penetrate
the previous layer.
Level the surface and determine the mass of the aggregate + container to the nearest 0.2%

Data acquired:
· Mass of the container: 17.19kg
· Mass of container + test sample (uncompacted): 21.93kg
· Mass of container + test sample (compacted): 22.48kg
18
· Volume of the container: 0.003375 m3

𝑚 21.93 − 17.19
𝜌(𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑) = = = 1404.44𝑘𝑔/𝑚3
𝑣 0.003375
𝑚 22.48 − 17.19
𝜌(𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑) = = = 1469.04𝑘𝑔/𝑚3
𝑣 0.003375
This experiment proved to be very insightful as it demonstrated the effect of compaction on aggregates
and its effect on the densities of the sampl
19
7 PARTICLE SHAPE TEST

Particle Shape Test in accordance with SANS5847:2008
7.1 Aim
To determine the flakiness index of course aggregate.
7.2 Apparatus
• Flakiness gauge
• Test sieves
• Electronic balance
7.3 Test Procedure

Weigh 3000g of course aggregate. Sieve the sample through the following sieve sizes: 75, 63,
53, 37.5, 26.5, 19, 13.2, 9.5 and 6.7 mm. Discard the material retained on the 75mm sieve and passing the
4.75mm sieve.
The material retained on each sieve weighed and mass recorded to the nearest gram.
All particles retained in each sieve were carefully examined by checking if they pass through their
corresponding slot, refer to Table 6 concerning slot dimensions. The samples that pass through each slot
was weighed and mass recorded. The entire test sample was examined in this manner; the sample’s mass
was recorded if it retained on the 26.5mm sieve but passes through its corresponding slot.
Calculate the mass of all the material examine (MS) and (MF) which is mass of all the material that passed
through the slots.
Table 5: Slot dimensions, size and mass of fractions
20

Flakiness index was calculated as follows:
Note that the flakiness index was conducted for material retained in the 19, 13.2 and 9.5 mm sieves and
the test sample used in the Bulk density test was used in this test.
Table 6: Data from the sieving of the test sample

Sieve size Mass retained Mass passing slots
(mm) (Ms) (grams) (Mf) (grams)
19 910 230
13.2 3190 1770
9.5 790 150
Totals 4890 2150
𝑀𝐹 2150
𝐹𝑙𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝐼𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑥 = 100 ( ) = 100 ( ) = 43.97%
𝑀𝑆 4890
7.5 Conclusion
The purpose of this test is to determine the flakiness index of the test sample. Round particles makes
concrete with good workability; flat and elongated particles tends to make harsh concrete.
Looking at the results one can see that this test sample has a high flakiness index meaning the workability
of the concrete will be reduced substantially as 43.97% of this test sample is flaky.
21
8 REFRENCES
1. Fundamentals of Concrete 3rd Edition Gill Owens
22

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FORTUNE NDLELA 4900044_ CNTPRA4 REPORT

Concrete Technology IV (Practical)

Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering

7.1 Aim .............................................................................................................................................. 20

2 CONCRETE MIX PROPORTIONING DESIGN

2.2 Concrete Mix Design

2.3 C&CI Mix Design Method

Stone Content = CBDSt (K − 0.1FM), CBDSt = 1550 kg/m3,

27litres (volume = 0.027m3). Mass of sand, kg = Solid volume of sand, l x RD of sand.

TABEL 1: DESIGN CALCULATIONS

TABLE 2: DESIGN OUTPUT

3.4 Slump Test Procedure

4.4 Cube Compression Strength Results

No. of cubes: 3 Cubes (Three for 7 days Compression)

Area for each cube: = 0.15m x 0.15m

Compression Machine Test - Cube 3

Table 3: Measurements and Compression Results

1 7 7.44 357.8 15,90

2 7 7.74 355.3 15,79

3 7 7.71 362.9 16,13

4.5 Compressive strength Calculation

5 SIEVE ANALYSIS TEST

5.4 Test Procedure

This mass is to be recorded as “Mass c”.

5.5 Calculations and Results

Table 4: Sieve Analysis based on dried material

Table 4 represents the mass retained in each sieve.

SAMPLE TEST GRADING GRAPH

SIEVE SIZE (mm)

Fineness modulus and dust content can then be determined.

6 BULK DENSITY TEST

• A metal, watertight cylindrical container

6.3 Test Procedure

6.4 Uncompacted Bulk Density Test

Determine the mass of the aggregate + container to the nearest 0.2%

6.5 Compacted Bulk Density Test

6.6 Calculations and Results

· Mass of the container: 17.19kg

· Mass of container + test sample (uncompacted): 21.93kg

· Mass of container + test sample (compacted): 22.48kg

· Volume of the container: 0.003375 m3

7 PARTICLE SHAPE TEST

7.3 Test Procedure

Table 5: Slot dimensions, size and mass of fractions

7.4 Calculations and Results

Table 6: Data from the sieving of the test sample

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