How to Determine the Optimum Dosage of Superplasticizer

Mini slump cone test to determine optimum dosage of superplasticizer

Mini Slump Cone Test for Optimum Dosage of Superplasticizer The mini slump cone test is performed to evaluate the flow characteristics of cementitious paste and determine the optimum dosage of a superplasticizer. The test is useful for the following purposes: Note: Use the calculator provided at end to find out optimum dosage of superplasticizer for … Read more

Dry Material (Solid) Content Test of Chemical Admixtures

Solid content test of chemical admixture

Solid Content Test of Admixture Chemical admixtures have become an essential component of modern concrete, particularly when high workability is required without increasing the water content. Depending on the product, admixtures are supplied either as liquids or as powders. Solid content of admixture impacts its properties. Measuirng solid content helps in following ways. Test Summary … Read more

Strength Activity Index Test for Pozzolanic Material

Strength Activity Index Test for Pozzolanic Materials

Strength Activity Index (SAI) Test (ASTM C311/C311M) Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) production is highly energy-intensive and contributes significantly to carbon emissions. To reduce cement consumption and improve sustainability, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are incorporated into concrete. Many of these materials exhibit pozzolanic properties, meaning they react with calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂], a by-product of cement hydration, … Read more

How to Improve Productivity on Construction Sites

Construction Productivity Calculator How to Improve Construction Productivity

Introduction Productivity is the backbone of every successful construction project. Higher productivity means faster completion, lower costs, better quality, and improved profitability. Despite strong growth in India’s infrastructure sector, many projects still face delays, labor shortages, material wastage, and cost overruns. Improving site productivity has become a necessity rather than an option. The good news … Read more

5 CONSIDERATIONS ON CHOOSING PILE FOUNDATION

Selection of pile foundation

FUNCTION OF A PILE FOUNDATION The primary function of a pile foundation is to transfer load to a deeper soil or rock strata. There can be various reason that can force designers to transfer loads to deeper soil or rock strata. For example The soil at shallow depth is weak, i.e., not able to withstand … Read more

PROCEDURE FOR LAYING AAC BLOCK MASONRY WORK [A HOW TO GUIDE]

ACC BLOCK MASONRY

ACC block stands for autoclaved cellular concrete block. The ACC block is a valuable addition to the masonry units accessible to masonry contractors.  Advantages of cellular concrete block masonry over brick masonry are its lightweight design, minimal mortar use, and faster working speeds Many contractors are unfamiliar with the usage of autoclaved cellular concrete blocks. … Read more

WATER PROOFING TREATMENT OF ROOF SLAB [A STEP BY STEP GUIDE]

Water proofing treatment of roof slab

Water Proofing Treatment of Roof Slab In this method polymer modified cementitious slurry coatings are applied over the base concrete. This technique of waterproofing is latest development in the field of waterproofing. Polymer imparts significant improvement in impermeability. Polymer modified cementitious slurry has coefficient of expansion very similar to concrete thereby it does not get … Read more

7 FACTORS INFLUENCING REBOUND HAMMER TEST OF CONCRETE

7 Factors Influencing Rebound hammer test of concrete

Rebound Hammer Test The Schmidt rebound hammer is principally a surface hardness tester with little apparent theoretical relationship between the strength of concrete and the rebound number of the hammer. However, within limits, empirical correlations have been established between strength properties and the rebound number. Further, scientist has attempted to establish a correlation between the … Read more

BULKING OF FINE AGGREGATE – WHAT, WHY & HOW?

Field test on sand

Bulking of Sand – What, Why & How? After watching this video you will be able to answer following questions. What is bulking of sand? Why bulking happens? What are the factors affecting bulking of sand? How to measure bulking of sand at site? What are the effects of bulking on concrete? How to apply … Read more

HOW TO MINIMISE THE DEFECTS IN PLASTERING WORK?

plastering

Minimising Defects in Plastering Work Defects in plastering work can be minimised by following the below mentioned techniques. The brick and plastering work should be carried out by skilled masons in the best workmanship manner. Bond of brick work should be properly maintained. Efflorescence is removed by rubbing brushes on the damaged surface. A solution … Read more