WHAT ARE THE MINERAL ADMIXTURES USED IN CONCRETE?

mineral admixuture-Metakoalin

The following 4 mineral admixtures can be used for making concrete. Rice husk ash Metakaolin Silica fume Fly as 1. Rice Husk Ash It is obtained by burning the rice husk in a controlled manner without causing environmental pollution. This is generated in huge quantity in the rice shelters and each tone of paddy produce … Read more

WHAT ARE THE FACTORS INFLUENCING COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST RESULTS OF CONCRETE?

Correction factor for height-diameter ratio of a core

Factors Affecting Strength Test Results of Concrete Compressive strength is the most important property of concrete. The compressive strength of concrete is determined in the laboratory in controlled conditions. On the basis of this test result we judge the quality of concrete. But sometimes the strength test results vary so widely that it becomes difficult … Read more

HOW TO CAP CONCRETE CYLINDERS? (4 METHODS OF CAPPING)

Capping mould with fix bar

Capping of Concrete Cylinders Capping is required to give a smooth surface for applying compressive load to concrete cylinders. Only cylindrical concrete test specimens are capped using appropriate method. When the ends of cylindrical test specimens are not plane within 0.05 mm, it is required to cap those test specimens. The capped surfaces should be … Read more

HOW TO FIND VOLUME OF CONCRETE PER BATCH?

volume of concrete per batch

Aim To determine volume of concrete per batch, where nominal maximum size of aggregate does not exceed 38 mm. Apparatus Balance – Sensitive to 0.01 kg Tamping bar – Length 38 cm, Weight 1.8 kg Cylindrical mould – Dia = 250 mm, Height = 280 mm, Capacity = 0.01m3 Step by Step Procedure to Calculate … Read more

SLUMP & COMPACTION FATOR – WHAT IS THE RELATION BETWEEN THEM?

How to manage slump loss in concrete

Generally we specify workability of concrete in terms of its slump test value. But sometimes it is also specified by another test called compaction factor. The relation between slump and compaction factor is roughly as follows. Relation Between Slump & Compaction factor Workability Slump in mm Compaction factor Very stiff – 0.70 Stiff 0 to … Read more

FLOW TABLE TEST TO MEASURE FLOW VALUE OF CONCRETE

Objective To measure flow value of concrete using flow table apparatus Equipment Flow table Slump cone shaped mould Wooden tamping bar   Procedure Place the flow table on a leveled surface Clean the top of the table and inner surface of the mould using a damp cloth. Place the slump cone centrally on the table. … Read more

WHY DETERMINATION OF SETTING TIME OF CONCRETE IS IMPORTANT?

Determination of setting time of concrete helps a site engineer in guiding the following areas. Importance of Setting Time of Concrete Whether or not to use any plasticizer To find out effectiveness of set controlling admixture Regulating maximum time of mixing transit, placing and compacting Whether or not to provide protection against adverse weather condition … Read more

WHAT ARE THE FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR SETTING TIME OF CONCRETE?

The setting time of concrete depends upon following factors, such as Water-cement ratio Temperature condition Type of cement used Use of mineral admixture Use of chemical admixture (such as plasticizer) Other factors which may affect the setting time of concrete includes Absorption of mixing water by aggregates Grinding of aggregates in the mixer Of all … Read more

WHAT IS SETTING TIME OF CONCRETE?

Penetration Resistance Apparatus

The various process involved in any concreting operation involves the following stages. Mixing Transporting Placing Consolidating As concrete passes from one stage to another, it starts to lose its plasticity characteristics. If after placing it is not disturbed for a longer time period, then it starts to become stiffening. As a result concrete changes its … Read more

INITIAL AND FINAL SETTING TIME OF CONCRETE BY PENETROMETER TEST (IS-8142-1976)

Objective Determination of initial and final setting time of concrete as per IS-8142-1976. Apparatus • Non absorptive metal container having minimum lateral dimension of 150 mm and minimum depth of 150 mm. • Penetration resistance apparatus having a pressure gauge of capacity 700 to 900 N. Removable needles of 645, 323, 161, 65, 32 & … Read more