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
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
Properties of Cement Concrete The cement concrete possesses the following important properties: It possesses a high compressive strength. It is a corrosion resistance material and atmospheric agent has no appreciable effect on it. It hardens with age the process of hardening continues for a long time after the concrete has attained sufficient strength. It is … Read more
The following properties of aggregate affect the properties of hardened concrete. 1. Grading Aggregate grading has no significant effect on the properties of hardened concrete. 2. Bulk Density This has no direct effect but has an indirect effect on drying shrinkage. Bulk density is an indicator of packing capacity, which influences water requirement, which in … Read more
The followings are general recommendations or considerations for hot weather concreting. Guidelines to Follow 1. Do not exceed the maximum allowable water-cementious materials ratio or the manufacturer’s maximum recommended dosage of any admixture. 2. Consider retarding admixtures if their performance has been verified during trial batches. 3. Substitute ground, granulated blast furnace slag for part … Read more
Bleeding cannot be completely prevented as it is an inherent property of concrete. But it can be minimized if following precautions are taken. By proper proportioning of concrete mix. By mixing the concrete uniformly and completely. By using finely divided pozzolanic materials ( as it creates a longer path for the water to traverse and … Read more
What is Laitance? Laitance is caused by bleeding of concrete. In case of bleeding, only water accumulates at the top of the surface, but in case of laitance, along with water certain quantity of cement also comes to the surface, forming a thin layer of cement paste at the surface. This formation of cement paste … Read more
Bleeding of Concrete Bleeding is one form of segregation, where water comes out to the surface of the concrete, being lowest specific gravity among all the ingredients of concrete. Bleeding can be easily identified in the field by the appearance of a thin layer of water in the top surface of freshly mixed concrete. Effects … Read more
The danger caused by segregation is difficult to repair and very costly. Therefore necessary precautions should be taken to avoid segregation. Precautions to Take The concrete mix should be properly designed with optimum quantity of water to make a cohesive mix. Such concrete will not exhibit any tendency for segregation. Field quality control must be … Read more
Following are the effects on concrete due to segregation. Effects on Concrete A segregated concrete is very weak in strength Due to segregation after placing, the concrete in the lower part of a pour of any significant depth can be stronger than that in the upper part. Segregated concrete does not give a homogeneous mass … Read more
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