Effect of Glass Fiber On M25 Concrete: B.Tech Major Project
Effect of Glass Fiber On M25 Concrete: B.Tech Major Project
Effect of Glass Fiber On M25 Concrete: B.Tech Major Project
CONCRETE
Submitted By
(2019)
This is to certify that the work recorded in this project report entitled “Effect of Glass Fiber on
M25 Concrete” have been carried out by Ms. Roshni Pradhan (Reg. No.-201618515) & Mr.
Suraj Kumar (Reg. No.-201500370) of Civil Engineering Department of Sikkim Manipal
Institute of Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Bachelor of
Technology in Civil Engineering. This report has been duly reviewed by the undersigned and
recommended for final submission for Major Project Viva Examination.
This is to certify that the below mentioned students of Civil Engineering Department of Sikkim
Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT) have worked under the supervision of Mr. Sajal Sarkar,
Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering Department of Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology
from 8th Jan 2019 to 2nd May 2019 on the project entitled “Effect of Glass Fiber on M25
Concrete”. The project is hereby accepted by the Department of Civil Engineering, SMIT in
partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Bachelor of Technology in Civil
Engineering.
We, the undersigned, hereby declare that the work recorded in this project report entitled “Effect
of Glass Fiber on M25 Concrete” in partial fulfillment for the requirements of award of B.Tech
in Civil Engineering from Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (A constituent college of
Sikkim Manipal University) is a faithful and bonafide project work carried out at SMIT, Majitar
under the guidance of Mr. Sajal Sarkar, Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering Department of
Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology. The results of this investigation reported in this project
have so far not been reported for any other Degree / Diploma or any other Technical forum.
The assistance and help received during the course of the investigation have been duly
acknowledged.
Plain concrete possess low tensile strength, ductility and low resistance to cracking. Addition of
glass fiber to concrete can improve its strain properties, crack resistance, flexural resistance
compressive strength, durability and strength of concrete to meet the modern construction
demands.
The main objective of this experimental study is to examine the effect of glass fiber on M25
concrete and find its optimum dose. “Recron 3s” Glass fiber is used in this experiment. The study
have been done using 0.5%, 1%, and 2% glass fiber. Tests have been conducted for different trials
and compared with the normal mix. There is a considerable gain in compressive strength when
glass fiber is added as compared to normal mix. The compressive strength is maximum at glass
fibre 1% which then gradually decreases on further increase in the percentage of glass fiber.
We are grateful to Dr. C. Bhuiyan, HOD (Civil Engineering) and Mr. Sajal Sarkar, Assistant
professor (Civil Engineering), our project guide for their willingness to give us valuable advice
and direction whenever we approached them with a problem.
We are thankful to them for providing immense guidance for this project.
We are thankful to the faculty members of Civil Engineering Department for providing us the
opportunity to work on a project of our choice which let us improve our individual technical
knowledge.
Roshni Pradhan
4 Authors
Suraj Kumar
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY
CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSIONS 31
REFERENCES 32
ANNEX –A ……………………………………………………………………………… 33
ANNEX –B ……………………………………………………………………………… 35
ANNEX –C ……………………………………………………………………………… 37
ANNEX –D ……………………………………………………………………………… 39
ANNEX –E ……………………………………………………………………………… 42
ANNEX –F ……………………………………………………………………………… 45
ANNEX –G ……………………………………………………………………………… 49
ANNEX –H ……………………………………………………………………………… 51
LIST OF TABLES
1 Glass Fiber……………………………………………….…………… 1
5 Pycnometer ………………….…………………….…………………… 10
6 Coarse aggregate…………...……………………………..……………. 11
7 Pycnometer ………………..……………………………….…………. 11
12 Variation of compressive strength with time for W/C ratio 0.44 ………. 19
13 Variation of compressive strength with time for W/C ratio 0.47 ………. 20
14 Variation of compressive strength with time for W/C ratio 0.50 ………. 20
25 Variation of compressive strength with time for 0.5% glass fiber ……… 28
1.1 Concrete mix design is the operation of finding correct proportions of the constituents of
concrete i.e. cement, sand & coarse aggregates in structures to achieve the target strength. Mix
design can be presented as “Cement: Sand: Aggregate”.
The concrete mix design consists of calculations and testing of materials to find correct mix
proportions. Mix design is adopted for structures requiring higher concrete grades i.e. M25 and
above and in large projects where there is heavy concrete consumption.
1.2 Glass Fiber is a substance which consists of number of extremely fine fibers of glass. It is
also known as fiberglass. Fiberglass is a strong, lightweight and robust material. The glass fiber’s
bulk strength and weight properties are very favorable compared to metals. It can be easily formed
by process of molding. Fibers of glass have been created since 1930s.
1
1.3 The applications of glass fiber are
- RCC & PCC works like lintel, beam, flooring, column etc.,
- Foundation, tanks, manhole cover & tiles
- Plastering
- Roads & pavements works
- Hollow blocks & precast
- Anywhere & everywhere where cement is used, the fiber has some role to play.
2
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Komal Chawla and Bharti Tekwani (2013) found that plain concrete normally have very low
tensile strength, ductility and lower resistance to cracking. The poor tensile strength of concrete is
due to the presence micro cracks in it. Fibers tend to increase the strain properties, resistance to
crack, flexural strength, ductility and toughness of concrete when added in certain percentage.
Unlike steel fibers, glass fibers are free from corrosion. Taking quantities of fibers varying from
0.33 to 1 % by weight of cement, various properties of the Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC) like
compressive strength, modulus of elasticity and toughness were studied for M20 grade concrete.
J.D.Chaitanya Kumar, G.V.S. Abhilash, P.Khasim Khan, G.Manikanta sai & V.Taraka ram
(2016) in their study found that the properties of concrete like compressive strength, tensile
strength, and split tensile strength can be increased by addition of glass fiber. Varying quantity of
0.5%, 1%, 2% & 3% glass fiber were used. They concluded that the addition of glass fibers at
percentage of 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 of cement reduces the cracks under different loading conditions. The
workability of concrete increased at 1% with the addition of glass fibre. It was observed that there
was a gradual increase in compressive strength compared to the normal concrete. The workability
of concrete decreased from 1% due to the addition of fibre. The improvement in compressive
strength, flexural strength, split tensile strength for M-20 grade of concrete at 7days and 28 days
were observed to be more at 1%.
A.Upendra Varma, A.D. Kumar (2013) performed experimental study to find the effect of glass
fibre on the compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength of various grades of
concrete i.e. M20, M30, M40 and M60. They found that percentage increase of compressive
strength of various grades of glass fibre concrete mixes compared with 28 days compressive
strength was observed from 10 to 20%. A reduction in bleeding improves the surface integrity of
concrete, improves its homogeneity and reduces the probability of cracks. It has been also observed
that there is gradual increase in early strength for Compression and Flexural strength of Glass Fibre
Reinforced Concrete as compared to Plain Concrete.
3
According to Eng. Pshtiwan N. Shakor, Prof. S.S. Pimplikar’s (2011) experimental study, the
compressive strength of concrete is maximum when 1.5 % of glass fibers are used. At lower or
higher %, about 15% to 20% reduction in strength is observed nevertheless at 28 days, the
reduction in strength reduced by 5% to 10%. Increasing weight of glass fibre in normal concrete
affects the cohesiveness between the particle of concrete and this results in degrading of
compressive strength, flexural and tensile strength. Glass fibre does not effect on high performance
concrete, if it especially contains big gradation of coarse concrete because it leaves more porosity
and spaces between the particles and allows air to move between.
Avinash Gornale, S Ibrahim Quadri, S Mehmood Quadri, Syed Md Akram Ali (2012)
observed that the workability of concrete decreases with the addition of Glass Fibers. But this
difficulty can be overcome by using plasticizers or super-plasticizers. The increase in Compression
strength, Flexural strength, Split tensile strength for M-20, M-30 and M-40 grade of concrete at 3,
7 and 28 days are observed to be 20% to 30%, 25% to 30% and 25% to30% respectively when
compared with 28 days strength of Plain Concrete. It has been also observed that there is gradual
increase in early strength for Compression and Flexural strength of Glass Fibre Reinforced
Concrete as compared to Plain Concrete, and there is sudden increase in ultimate strength for Split
tensile strength of Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete as compared to Plain Concrete.
Muhammed ISKENDER, Bekir KARASU (2018) found that the addition of glass fibre results
in a higher compressive strength, but excessive amount of fibre causes a reduction in the strength
due to reduced workability. Glass fibers have positive effect on stress–strain curve of GFRC and
flexural strength, because of the increase in the aspect ratio of fibers resulting in an increase pull-
out and energy absorption of the GFRC. GFRC’s service life is higher than traditional concrete
due to controlling of micro cracks propagation, corrosion and less permeability. GFRC is
lightweight and is about 50–70 % lighter than traditional concrete.
Md.Abid Alam, Imran Ahmad, Fazlur Rehman (2015) have used alkali resistant glass fibers in
the concrete mixes. The use of alkali resistant glass fibers significantly improves the compressive
as well as tensile strength irrespective of affecting the workability of concrete mixes. A total of 8
mixes were prepared by varying the percentages of glass fibers and grade of concrete mixes. Based
on the laboratory results the compressive and tensile strength was reported to increase up to
26.19% and 25.4%.The compressive strength of concrete show a marginal increase on addition of
fibers to concrete mixes. Increased strength was reported as 26.6% and 25.78% for M20 and M30
4
grade of concrete. However further addition of fibers improves average strength up to 7% for M
20 grade and 8.8% for M 30 grade of concrete.
Chandramouli K., Srinivasa Rao P., Pannirselvam N., Seshadri Sekhar T. and Sravana P.
(2010) found that the addition of glass fibre in concrete gives a reduction in bleeding. A reduction
in bleeding improves the surface integrity of concrete, improves its homogeneity and reduces the
probability of cracks occurring where there is some restraint to settlement. The percentage increase
of compressive strength of various grades of glass fibre concrete mixes compared with 28 days
compressive strength is observed from 20 to 25% and the percentage increase of flexural and split
tensile strength of various grades of glass fibre concrete mixes compared with 28 days is observed
from 15 to 20%.
2.2 Summary
From the above mentioned literature review we can hence conclude that the compressive strength
of concrete is maximum when 1-1.5% glass fibre is used. Addition of glass fibre results in gradual
increase in early strength for Compression and Flexural strength of Glass Fibre Reinforced
Concrete as compared to Plain Concrete. %. Increasing weight of glass fibre in normal concrete
affects the cohesiveness between the particle of concrete and this results in degrading of
compressive strength, flexural and tensile strength. Therefore, the optimum dose of glass fibre may
be between 1-2% of weight of cement.
5
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Experiments
3.1.1 Experiments for Cement
Fineness of cement
Fineness of cement increases the rate of evolution of heat. Finer cement offers a great surface area
for hydration and hence faster the development of strength. Increase in fineness of cement also
increases the drying shrinkage of concrete and hence creates cracks in structures.
The standard consistency of a cement paste is defined as that consistency which will permit the
vicat plunger to penetrate to a point 5 to 7mm from the bottom of the vicat mould using Vicat
Apparatus Conforming to IS: 5513-1976.
6
The specific gravity can tell us, based on its value, if the object will sink or float in our reference
substance.
7
Compressive strength
Compressive strength of concrete is one of the most important and useful properties. As a
construction material, concrete is employed to resist compressive stresses.
8
3.1.2 Experiments for Sand
Table 1, Sieve Analysis & Fineness modulus
IS Sieve Wt. of empty Wt. of sieve Wt. % Cum.weight Cum. % wt.
Sieve (kg) + sand retained Retained retained retained
4.75mm 0.447 0.447 0.00 0 Nil 100
2.36 mm 0.437 0.460 0.023 2.3 2.3 97.7
1.18mm 0.368 0.483 0.115 11.5 13.8 86.2
600 mic 0.357 0.657 0.300 30 43.8 56.2
300 mic 0.359 0.722 0.363 36.3 80.1 19.9
150 mic 0.365 0.518 0.153 15.3 95.4 4.6
75 mic 0.360 0.378 0.018 1.8 97.2 2.8
Pan 0.262 0.292 0.030 0.3 97.5 2.5
Total = 370
(For details refer ANNEX –F)
Remarks:
Fineness Modulus = (370/100) = 3.7
Remarks:
Fineness Modulus = 3.7, Sand belongs to Zone= 2 (as per IS: 383, table 4)
9
Specific Gravity
Specific gravity is the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance;
equivalently, it is the ratio of the mass of a substance to the mass of a reference substance for
the same given volume. The specific gravity can tell us, based on its value, if the object will
sink or float in our reference substance.
Formula Used: (For details refer ANNEX –G)
G (W 2 W 1) (W 4 W 1) (W 3 W 2)
Fig:-5 Pycnometer
10
3.1.3 Experiments for Coarse Aggregate
Specific Gravity
Specific gravity is the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance;
equivalently, it is the ratio of the mass of a substance to the mass of a reference substance for
the same given volume. The specific gravity can tell us, based on its value, if the object will
sink or float in our reference substance.
11
3.2 Casting of concrete using Glass fiber and Curing
12
Trial 1 w/c =0.44, (without glass fibre)
Samples Taken:
Cement = 12 kg
Fine Aggregate = 14.4 kg
Coarse Aggregate = 34.8 kg
Water = 5.28 lit
Mould size used = 150 150 150mm
13
Glass Fibre = 60 gms
14
3.3.1 Trial 1 (w/c =0.44, without glass fibre)
Stipulation:
a. Grade designation = M25
b. Type of cement = PPC
c. Max nominal coarse agg. = 20mm
d. Type of agg. = crushed angular
Test data:
a) Cement Used = PPC
b) Specific Gravity= 3
c) Specific Gravity of:
1. Coarse Aggregate= 2.78
2. Fine Aggregate= 2.64
d) Fine Aggregate = Zone 2
Target strength:
f’ck = fck + 1.65S
= 25 + 1.65 4
= 31.6 N/mm2
Selection of w/c ratio:
Max. W/c ratio = 0.5 (IS 456 page no.20)
Since, 0.44 < 0.5 hence ok.
Selection of water & sand content:
From Table 2, Maximum water content = 186 liters
Considering = 180 liter; for 25-50 mm slump
Hence, estimated water content for 100mm slump
= 180 + (6/100) 180 = 190.8 ltrs
Calculation of cement content:
W/C ratio = 0.44
Cement content = (190.8/0.44) = 433.63kg/m3
15
From Table 5, IS 456
Minimum cement content = 300
Since, 433.63 > 300 kg/m3, hence ok
Determination of c/a & f/a content:
From table 3, for the specified max. Size of aggregate 20mm, the amount of entrapped air in the
wet concrete is 2%. Taking this into account & applying equations from clause 3.5.1 IS 10262:
1982.
16
Mix proportion for trial 2:
Cement = 12 kg
Water = 6 kg
F/A = 15.6 kg
C/A = 38.4 kg
W/C ratio = 0.5
3.3.3 Trial 3, w/c= 0.47 (without glass fibre)
The mix proportion then becomes,
Water Cement F/A C/A
190.8 405.96 487.15 1209.76
0.47 1 1.2 2.98
Mix proportion for trial 3:
Cement = 12 kg
Water = 5.64 kg
F/A = 14.4 kg
C/A = 35.76 kg
W/C ratio = 0.47
3.3.4 Trial 4, w/c= 0.5 (glass fibre= 0.5%)
The mix proportion then becomes,
Water Cement F/A C/A
197.16 394.32 515.9 1267.62
0.5 1 1.3 3.2
Mix proportion for trial 4:
Cement = 12 kg
Fine Aggregate = 15.6 kg
Coarse Aggregate = 38.4 kg
Water = 6 lit
Glass Fiber = 60 gms
17
3.3.5 Trial 5, w/c= 0.5 (glass fibre= 1%)
The mix proportion then becomes,
Water Cement F/A C/A
197.16 394.32 515.9 1267.62
0.5 1 1.3 3.2
Mix proportion for trial 5:
Cement = 12 kg
Fine Aggregate = 15.6 kg
Coarse Aggregate = 38.4 kg
Water = 6 lit
Glass Fiber = 120 gms
3.3.6 Trial 6, w/c= 0.5 (glass fibre= 2%)
The mix proportion then becomes,
Water Cement F/A C/A
197.16 394.32 515.9 1267.62
0.5 1 1.3 3.2
Mix proportion for trial 6:
Cement = 12 kg
Fine Aggregate = 15.6 kg
Coarse Aggregate = 38.4 kg
Water = 6 lit
Glass Fiber = 240 gms
18
CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
27
26.5
25
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
23.7
23
20.7
21
19
17
W/C 0.44
15
5 10 15 20 25 30
DAYS
Figure 12: Variation of compressive strength with time for w/c 0.44
Figure 12 shows that the compressive strength increases rapidly with respect to time for first
few days and after 14th day, there is a linear variation of strength.
19
27
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
25.6
25
23 23.5
21
20.3
19
17
W/C 0.47
15
5 10 15 20 25 30
DAYS
Figure 13: Variation of compressive strength with time for w/c 0.47
Figure 13 shows that the compressive strength increases rapidly with respect to time for
first few days and after 14th day, there is a linear variation of strength.
27
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
25
23.4
23
21
18.4
19
16.7
17
W/C 0.5
15
5 10 15 20 25 30
DAYS
Figure 14. Variation of compressive strength with time for w/c 0.5
Figure 14 shows that the compressive strength increases almost linearly throughout with
respect to time.
20
27
26.5
25.6
25
23.7
23.4
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
23 23.5
20.7
21
20.3
19 18.4
16.7
17
15
5 10 15 20 25 30
DAYS
Figure 15 shows the variation in compressive strength of concrete with different w/c ratio with
respect to time. There is a rapid increase in compressive strength in initial stage and gradual
increase in final stage. Maximum strength is obtained with w/c ratio 0.44 which is the least ratio
taken.
21
4.1.2 Compressive strength variation with respect to W/C ratio:
22
7 days
20.7
21 20.3
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
20
19
18
16.7
17
16
15
0.43 0.44 0.45 0.46 0.47 0.48 0.49 0.5 0.51
W/C RATIO
Figure 16: Variation of compressive strength with W/C ratio for 7 days
Figure 16 shows the result of compressive strength for 7 days with respect to varying water cement
ratio. As the w/c ratio increases, there is a gradual decrease in compressive strength till w/c 0.47
and then the strength decreases rapidly.
25
23.7 14 days
24 23.5
23
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
22
21
20
19 18.4
18
17
16
15
Figure
0.43 17:0.44
Variation of compressive
0.45 0.46 strength
0.47 with
0.48 W/C0.49
ratio for 0.5
14 days 0.51
W/C RATIO
22
Figure 17 shows the result of compressive strength for 14 days with respect to varying water
cement ratio. As the w/c ratio increases, there is a gradual decrease in compressive strength till
w/c 0.47 and then the strength decreases rapidly.
27
26.5
26.5
26
25.6
compressive strength
25.5
25
28 days
24.5
24
23.4
23.5
23
0.43 0.44 0.45 0.46 0.47 0.48 0.49 0.5 0.51
w/c ratio
Figure 18: Variation of compressive strength with W/C ratio for 28 days
Figure 18 shows the result of compressive strength for 28 days with respect to varying water
cement ratio. As the w/c ratio increases, there is a linear decrease in compressive strength
throughout.
23
29
27 26.5
25.6
25
23.7
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
23.5 23.4
23
20.7
21
20.3
19 18.4
16.7
17
15
0.43 0.44 0.45 0.46 0.47 0.48 0.49 0.5 0.51
W/C RATIO
Figure 19 shows the variation of compressive strength with respect to water cement ratio. The
compressive strength inversely varies with water cement ratio, which means compressive strength
is maximum when water cement ratio is minimum. The highest strength obtained here is 26.5 Mpa,
which is at 28 days and at water cement ratio 0.44.
24
4.2 Results for Concrete Mix with Glass Fiber
7 days
17.5
17
17
16.8
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
16.7
16.5
16.1
16
15.5
15
0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2 2.4
GLASS FIBRE (%)
Figure 20: Variation of compressive strength with Glass fiber for 7 days
Figure 20 shows the variation of compressive strength for 7 days with increasing content of
glass fibre. The strength gradually increases from 0% - 0.5% glass fibre, there is a rapid
increase in strength from 0.5%- 1% glass fibre after which there is a decrease in the
compressive strength.
25
22
14 days
21
20.7
21
20.3
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
20
19 18.4
18
17
16
15
0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2 2.4
GLASS FIBRE (%)
Figure 21: Variation of compressive strength with Glass fiber for 14 days
Figure 21 shows that the compressive strength linearly increases with the increase in glass
fibre content till 1% glass fibre and then decreases thereafter.
28 days
27
25.4
24.8
24.3
25
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
23.4
23
21
19
17
15
0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2 2.4
GLASS FIBRE (%)
Figure 22: Variation of compressive strength with Glass fiber for 28 days
Figure 22 shows that the compressive strength linearly increases with the increase in
glass fibre content till 1% glass fibre and then linearly decreases thereafter.
26
27
7 days 14 days 28 days
25.4
24.8
25 24.3
23.4
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
23
21
20.7
21 20.3
19 18.4
16.8 17
16.7
17 16.1
15
0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2 2.4
GLASS FIBRE (%)
24
23.4
23
22
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
21
20
19 18.4 G.F 0%
18
17
16.7
16
15
14
5 10 15 DAYS 20 25 30
Figure 24: Variation of compressive strength with time for 0% Glass fibre
27
Figure 24 shows that with 0% addition of glass fibre in concrete, the strength varies linearly
with time.
G.F 0.50%
26
24.8
24
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
22
20.7
20
18
16.8
16
14
5 10 15 20 25 30
DAYS
Figure 25: Variation of compressive strength with time for 0.5% Glass fiber
Figure 25 shows that with 0.5% addition of glass fibre in concrete, the strength varies
linearly with time. The strength obtained is slightly higher than that obtained with 0%
addition of glass fibre.
28
26
25.4
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH 24
22
21
20 G.F 1%
18 17
16
14
5 10 15 20 25 30
DAYS
Figure 26 shows with 1% addition of glass fibre in concrete, the strength varies linearly
with time. The strength obtained is slightly higher than that obtained with 0.5 addition of
glass fibre.
26
G.F 2%
24 24.3
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
22
20 20.3
18
16
16.1
14
5 10 15 DAYS 20 25 30
29
Figure 27 shows with 2% addition of glass fibre in concrete, the strength varies linearly
with time and the strength obtained is lower than that obtained with 1 addition of glass
fibre.
26
25.4
24.8
24.3
24
23.4
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
22
21
G.F 0%
20.7
G.F 0.50%
20 20.3
G.F 1%
G.F 2%
18.4
18
17
16.8
16.7
16
16.1
14
5 10 15 20 25 30
DAYS
30
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSIONS
Casting of concrete using glass fiber had been successfully done for several trials. From the results
of the study presented earlier, the following conclusions are offered:-
a. There is a considerable gain in compressive strength when glass fiber is added as compared
to normal mix.
b. Initially, rapid increase in compressive strength takes place with respect to time whereas in
final stage i.e. between 7 days and 28 days there is a gradual increase in strength.
c. With the increase in w/c ratio, there is a gradual decrease in compressive strength in initial
stage and rapid decrease as the ratio increases.
d. The compressive strength is maximum at glass fibre 1% which then gradually decreases
on further increase in the percentage of glass fiber. Hence, the optimum dosage for glass
fiber is 1%.
31
REFERENCES
32
ANNEX-A
Ref: IS 4031
Scope: This method of test covers the procedure for determining the fineness of cement by dry
sieving as represented by the weight of residue left on a standard 90 micron IS Sieve conforming
to IS: 460
Procedure:
1. Break down any air-set lumps with fingers. Weigh accurately 100 grams of cement and place it
on a standard 90 micron IS sieve.
2. Continuously sieve the sample for about 15 minutes. Weigh the residue after 15 minutes of
sieving. Holding the sieve in both the hands, sieving shall be done with a gentle wrist motion of
the hand. This will involve no spilling of cement which shall be kept well spread out on the sieve.
More or less continuous rotation of the sieve shall be carried out throughout sieving. Washers,
slots, and slugs shall not be used on the sieve.
3. The inside of the sieve shall be lightly brushed with a 25mm or 40mm brush after every five
minutes of sieving.
Note: Mechanical sieving devices may be used but the cement shall not be rejected if it meets the
fineness requirements when tested by the hand method described above.
33
Observations & Tabulations:
Specimen Calculations:
34
ANNEX-B
Scope: This method of test covers the procedure for determining the quantity of water required to
produce a cement paste of standard consistency.
Theory: The normal consistency of a cement paste is the quantity of water expressed in percentage
which allows the plunger of the Vicats apparatus to penetrate through a depth of 5 to 7 mm from
the bottom or 33 to 35mm from top.
Apparatus: Vicats apparatus conforming to “Indian Standard specifications for Vicats apparatus”,
the plunger G, 10mm in diameter being substituted for the needle.
Procedure:
1. Prepare a paste of weighed quantity of cement (300 grams) with 25% by weight of water, taking
care that the time of gauging is not less than 3 minutes nor more than 5 minutes and the gauging
is completed before any sign of setting occurs. The gauging time will be counted from the time of
adding water to dry cement until commencing to fill the mould.
2. Fill the Vicats mould resting up on a non-porous plate. After completely filling the mould,
smooth off the surface of the plate making it level with the top of the mould. The mould may be
slightly shaken to expel the air. Clean apparatus shall be used for gauging and the temperature of
cement and water and that of test room at the time when the above operations are being performed
shall be about 272oC.
35
3. Place the test block in the mould together with the non-porous resting plate under the rod bearing
plunger.
4. Lower the plunger gently to touch the top surface of the test block and quickly release allowing
it to sink into the paste. This operation shall be carried out immediately after filling the mould.
5. The experiment is repeated with trial pastes prepared with varying percentage of water as
described above until the amount of water necessary for making up the standard consistency as
defined earlier is reached.
1 30% 33mm
2 32.5% 13mm
3 33% 6.2mm
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ANNEX-C
Scope: This method is intended for determining the specific gravity of Hydraulic cement. The
difference between the first and final reading gives the volume of liquid displaced by the weight
of cement in the test. Specifications: According to IS.269, the specific gravity of cement should
be 3.15.
Procedure:
1. The flask shall be filled with kerosene to a point between ‘0’ and ‘1’ mark.
2. The inside of the flask above the level of the liquid shall be dried if necessary after pouring the
oil.
3. First reading shall be taken after the flask has been immersed in water bath.
4. A weighed quantity of cement (about 60 to 65 grams) shall be then introduced in small quantities
at the same temperature as the liquid. Care shall be taken to avoid splashing and to see that the
cement does not adhere to the inside of the flask above the liquid level. A vibrating apparatus may
be used to accelerate the introduction of cement into the flask and to prevent the cement from
sticking to the neck.
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5. After all the cement has been introduced, the stopper shall be placed in the flask and the flask
shall be placed in position so as to free the cement from air until no further air bubbles rise to the
surface of the liquid. If a proper amount of cement has been introduced, the level of liquid in the
final position will be somewhere in the upper series of graduations.
6. The final reading shall be taken after the flask has been immersed in the water bath.
Calculation:
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ANNEX-D
Ref: IS 4031
Aim: To determine the initial and final setting times of standard cement paste.
Scope: This method of test covers the procedure for determining the initial setting time of cement.
Theory:
Initial Setting time: Initial setting time is the period elapsing between the time when water is
added to the cement and the time at which the needle ‘C’ fails to pierce through the test block by
above 50.5mm from the bottom of the block.
Final Setting time: The final setting time of a cement paste is defined as the period elapsed
between the time when water is added to the cement and the time at which the needle ‘F’ makes
an impression on the surface of the test block while the annular attachment fails to do so.
Specifications: According to IS.269, the initial setting time of ordinary Portland cement should
not be less than 30 minutes. If it occurs at an early time, the concrete will no more remain in the
plastic condition and hence all the concrete cannot be transported and placed in the final position.
The final setting time of ordinary Portland cement shall not be more than 600 minutes. Once the
concrete is placed in the final position, compacted and finished, it should loose its plasticity in the
earliest time so that it is least vulnerable to damage from external destructive agencies.
Apparatus: Vicats apparatus conforming to the Indian standard specifications for Vicats apparatus
should be used, Needle C of 1mm diameter, Needle F with annular attachment.
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Procedure:
1. Prepare a neat cement paste by gauging the cement with 0.85 times the water required to give a
paste of standard consistency. The gauging shall be carried out under the conditions prescribed.
2. Start the stop watch at the moment when water is added to the cement. Fill the Vicats mould
with the cement paste gauged as above, the mould resting on a non-porous plate.
3. Fill the mould completely and smooth off the surface of the paste making it level with the top
of the mould. The cement block thus prepared in the mould is he test block.
2. Place the test block confined in the mould and resting on the non-porous plate under the rod
bearing the needle.
3. Lower the needle gently to touch the top surface of test block and then quickly release allowing
it to penetrate into the test block. In the beginning, the needle will completely pierce the test block.
4. Repeat the procedure until the needle when brought in contact with the test block and released
as described above, fails to pierce the block for 5mm measured from the bottom of the mould.
The period elapsing between the time when water is added to the cement and the time at which the
needle fails to penetrate the test block by 50.5mm shall be the initial setting time.
1. The needle ‘C’ is replaced by another needle ‘F’ with an annular attachment.
2. The experiment is repeated as before until the needle makes an impression on the test block
while the attachment fails to do so.
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The time elapsed between the time water is added to the cement and the time at which the needle
makes an impression on the surface of the test block while the attachment fails to do so is termed
as the final setting time.
Results: The initial setting time of the given sample of cement = 85 minutes
The final setting time of the given sample of cement: = 260 minutes
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ANNEX-E
Ref: IS 4031
Scope: This method of test covers the procedure for determining the strength of cement as
represented by compressive strength test on mortar cubes.
Procedure: (a) Preparation of test specimen: This shall be in the form of cubes having area of
face equal to 50 cm2. Moulds for the cube specimens of 50 cm2 area (face) shall be of metal not
attacked by cement mortar and shall have sufficient material in the sides of the mould to prevent
spreading and warping. The moulds shall be rigidly constructed in such a manner as to facilitate
the removal of the moulded specimen without damage. The moulds shall be machined so that when
assembled ready for use, the dimensions and internal faces shall be accurate to the following
dimensions (limits)
i. The height of the mould and the distance between the opposite faces shall be 70.6mm +
0.15 – 0.10mm. The angle between adjacent faces shall be 900.5o. The base plate shall be
of such dimensions as to support the mould during filling without leakage.
ii. The weight of the mould shall be such that the total weight of the machine and cube mould
does not vary from the total approximate weight of 30kg.
1. Clean appliances shall be used for mixing and the temperature of the water and that of the test
room at the time when the above operations are being done shall be 27o2oC.
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2. Place on a non-porous plate a mixture of cement and sand in proportion of 1: 3 by weight.
3. Mix it dry with a trowel for one minute and then with water until the mixture is uniform in
colour. The quantity of water to be used shall as specified below. The duration of mixing shall in
any event be not less than 3 minutes and shall the time taken to obtain a uniform colour exceed 4
minutes, the mixture shall be rejected and the whole operation shall be repeated with a fresh
quantity of cement, sand and water.
The quantity of water, cement and sand are as follows per cube:
Water:
4. Place the assembled mould on the table of the vibrating machine and firmly hold in position by
means of a suitable clamp. Securely attach a hopper of suitable size and shape at the top of the
mould to facilitate filling and this hopper shall not be removed until completion of vibration period.
The period of vibration shall be two minutes at the specified speed of 12000400 rpm. At the end
of vibration, remove the mould together with the base plate from the machine and finish the top
surface of the cube in the mould by smoothing the surface with the blade of a trowel.
5. Keep the filled moulds at a temperature of 27o2oC in an atmosphere of 90% humidity for 24
hours after the completion of vibration.
6. At the end of that period remove the cube from the mould and keep in water and test their
compressive strengths at the end of three days and seven days.
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7. After taking out from water and before testing, they should be allowed to become dry before
testing.
Three cubes are tested and the average is taken. Express compressive strength in N/mm2.
44
ANNEX-F
Scope: This method of test covers the procedure for determining the fineness of fine aggregates
by dry sieving of a series of sieves.
Significance and Theory: Sieve analysis is conducted to determine the particle size distribution
or gradation in a sample of aggregates. Grading of aggregate is one of the important factor which
affects the workability of a concrete mix.
There is no universal ideal grading for the aggregate. However Indian Standard has specified
certain limits within which a grading must lie to produce a satisfactory concrete. But these limits
depend upon the shape, surface texture, type of aggregate and the amount of flaky or elongated
material.
A properly graded aggregate produces dense concrete and needs smaller quantities of fine
aggregate and cement. The grading of aggregate is expressed in terms of percentages by weight
retained on the series of sieves. 80mm, 40mm, 20mm, 10mm and 4.75mm sieves are used for
grading of coarse aggregates whereas 10mm, 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600micron, 300micron
and 150micron are used for fine aggregates.
The graphical representation of the results of sieve analysis is called grading curves. By using
grading curves it is possible to see at a glance whether the grading of a given sample conforms to
that specified or is it too coarse, or too fine or deficient or in excess in a particular size.
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The fineness modulus of a sample aggregate is an index number which is roughly proportional to
the average size of the particle in the aggregate, i.e., coarser the aggregate
The higher the fineness modulus. It is computed by adding the cumulative percentage of material
coarser than each of the following IS sieves and dividing the sum by 100.
Fine Aggregate
Sieve size Percentage passing for grading
Note 1: for crushed store sand, the permissible limit of 150 micron IS sieve is increased to 20
percent. This does not affect the 5 percent allowance permitted applying to other sieve sizes.
2. Fine aggregate complying with the requirements of any grading zone in this table is suitable for
concrete but the quality of concrete produced will depend upon a number of factors including
proportions.
3. It is recommended that the fine aggregate conforming to grading zone IV should not be used in
reinforced concrete unless tests have been made to ascertain the suitability.
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Minimum weight of sample for sieve analysis
Maximum size present in substantial Minimum weight of sample to be taken for
proportions in mm sieving in kg.
63 50
50 35
40 15
25 5
20 2
12.5 1
10 0.5
6.3 0.2
4.75 0.2
2.36 0.1
Procedure:
2. Sieves are placed one over the other in order of size with larger sieve on the top. Care shall be
taken to see that the sieves are clean before use.
3. The top sieve is covered with a lip and a pan is kept at the bottom of the bottom most sieve.
4. The whole assembly is sieved using sieve shaker for about 10 minutes.
5. On completion of sieving, the material retained on each sieve together with any material cleaned
from each sieve shall be weighed
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Sieve size/ Weight of Sieve+ Weight of % Cumulative % finer
sieve(kg) retained FA retained % retained
Number FA retained 100 - %
retained
Result: The fineness modulus of the given sample of fine aggregate =3.7
48
ANNEX-G
Scope: This method covers the procedure for determining the specific gravity of fine aggregates
Theory: The specific gravity of a substance is the ratio of the weight of any volume of the
substance to the weight of an equal volume of water (water at 4oC is taken as standard)
a. Balance: A balance of capacity not less than 3kg readable and accurate to 0.5gram, and
such a type as to permit weighing of the vessel containing the aggregate and water.
b. Pycnometer: A glass vessel referred to later as Pycnometer of about one liter capacity
having a metal conical screw top with a 6mm diameter hole at its apex. The screw top shall
be water tight when it is screwed on the jar, and if necessary, a rubber or fibre washer shall
be inserted in the joint. If such a washer is used, a mark shall be made on the screw top so
that the screw is tightened to the same level every time and the volume contained by the
jar is constant throughout the test.
Procedure:
2. About half the volume of the pycnometer is filled with the given sample of fine aggregate and
the weight is taken again.
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5. The aggregate is completely emptied and the pycnometer is filled with water to the same level
and weight is again taken.
The specific gravity of fine aggregate is the calculated using the formula:
Results: The specific gravity of the given sample of fine aggregate = 2.64
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ANNEX-H
Scope: The densities of different substances are different. To avoid confusion, the term relative
density or specific gravity is used. Specific gravity is defined as the ratio of the weight of the
substance to the weight of an equal volume of water at 4oC. In general specific gravity is
determined at room temperature.
Procedure:
1. Take the pycnometer, clean it with water and dry. Use glycerin to avoid leakage.
3. Fill it about one third of the volume with the given coarse aggregate and again weigh.
4. Now fill it with water and weigh again. Empty the pycnomter completely and fill it completely
with pure water and take the weight again.
From the above observations, the specific gravity can be determined using the formula:
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w3 = weight of pycnometer + Aggregate + water
Results: The specific gravity of the given sample of fine aggregate = 2.78
52