A8

A. STANDARD TEST FOR DENSITY OF HYDRAULIC CEMENT (ASTM C188)

B. OBJECTIVES
1. To determine the density of the hydraulic cement in connection with the design of concrete
mixtures.
2. To determine the volume displacement of cement.

C. EXPERIMENT PROCEDURE
*METHODOLOGY
1. Determine the density of cement on the material as received, unless otherwise
specified. If the density determination on a loss-free sample is required, first ignite the
sample as described in the test for loss on ignition.
2. Fill the flask (Note 2) with either of the liquids specified in 3.2 to a point on the stem
between the 0 and the 1-mL mark.
3. Introduce a quantity of cement, weighed to the nearest 0.05 g, (about 64 g for Portland
cement) in small increments at the same temperature as the liquid. After all the cement
has been introduced, place the stopper in the flask and roll the flask in an inclined
position, or gently whirl it in a horizontal circle, so as to free the cement from air until
no further air bubbles rise to the surface of the liquid.
4. Immerse the flask in a constant-temperature water bath for sufficient periods of time in
order to avoid flask temperature variations greater than 0.2°C between the initial and
the final reading.

*EQUIPMENT

1. Le Chatelier flask—The standard flask, which is circular in cross section, with

shape and dimensions conforming .The requirements in regard to tolerance,
inscription and length, spacing, and uniformity of graduation will be rigidly
observed. There shall be a space of at least 10 mm between the highest
graduation mark and the lowest point of grinding for the glass stopper.
2. Kerosine, free of water, or naphtha, having a density greater than 0.73 g/mL at
23 6 2° C shall be used in the density determination.
3. The use of alternative equipment or methods for determining density is
permitted provided that a single operator can obtain results within 6 0.03
Mg/m3 of the results obtained using the flask method.

*EQUATIONS USED

The difference between the first and the final readings represents the volume of liquid displaced
by the mass of cement used in the test

Calculate the cement density, r, as follows:

P(Mg/m) =P(g/cm3) mass of cement, g/displaced volume, cm3

D. RESULTS/DATA
Mass of kerosene and pycnometer 575 g
Mass of pycnometer and kerosene with cement 637.5 g
Volume of sample 62.5 cm3
Density 1.024 g/cm3

E. DISCUSSION
Compressed concrete is the strongest concrete there is and is used for bridges, roofs, and
floors. On the other hand, concrete with air entrained in it works well in harsh weather and is
used in roads and airport runways. Lightweight concrete uses pumice, a very lightweight
mineral, as aggregate. Before conducting the experiment we made sure that all the equipments
and materials needed are ready. We introduced the kerosene to the pycnometer using a funnel
and put it to a bath to decrease its temperature to 23 degrees then we took the mass of the
pycnometer with kerosene. We introduced the cement by using a funnel made from paper then
we removed the air inside the pycnometer by rolling it in an inclined angle and we took the
mass of the pycnometer with the cement.
F. CONCLUSION/SUMMARY
Based on all observations and data measurements obtained during the experiment, it can be
concluded that….
G. VIEWS ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEST
Concrete is sold by volume, but usually, the proportioning is done by mass. However, when
using binary and ternary binder mixtures, there are advantages to proportioning by volume.
Accurate density measurements for the cement materials are needed to properly design
concrete mixtures by volume.
H. DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED
The Le Chatlier flask was not available in the lab so we used a pycnometer and measure its
weight to determine the density of the cement .
I. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENT

While conducting the experiment; it was difficult to introduce the materials to the pycnometer
without a funnel. I suggest using two funnels for introducing the liquid and cement to the
pycnometer.

A9

A. STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR SLUMP OF HYDRAULIC CEMENT CONCRETE (ASTM C 143)
B. OBJECTIVES
1. To determine the slump of the plastic hydraulic-cement concretes mix.
2. To determine the strength of the concrete mix.
C. EXPERIMENT PROCEDURES
*METHODOLOGY
1. Dampen the mold and place it on a flat, moist, nonabsorbent (rigid) surface. It shall be
held firmly in place during filling by the operator standing on the two foot pieces.
 2. Rod each layer with 25 strokes of the tamping rod. Uniformly distribute the strokes over
the cross section of each layer.
3. In filling and rodding the top layer, heap the concrete above the mold before rodding is
started. If the rodding operation results in subsidence of the concrete below the top
edge of the mold, add additional concrete to keep an excess of concrete above the top
of the mold at all times.
4. Immediately measure the slump by determining the vertical difference between the top
of the mold and the displaced original center of the top surface of the specimen. If a
decided falling away or shearing off of concrete from one side or portion of the mass
occurs disregard the test and make a new test on another portion of the sample.
*EQUIPMENT USED
Mold—The test specimen shall be formed in a mold made of metal not readily attacked by
the cement paste.
Tamping Rod—A round, straight steel rod 5⁄8 in. [16 mm] in diameter and approximately 24
in. [600 mm] in length, having the tamping end or both ends rounded to a hemispherical tip, the
diameter of which is 5⁄8 in. [16 mm].
*CALCULATIONS
*NONE
D. RESULTS/DATA
RATIO USED- 1:2:4
AMOUNT OF WATER USED – 1 ½
DIFFERENCE OF VERTICAL HEIGHT- 3.8 INCHES
VERTICAL HEIGHT- 8.2 INCHES
E. DISCUSSION

The principle of the slump test states that measure of the behavior of a compacted inverted cone of
concrete under the action of gravity. It measures the consistency or the wetness of concrete. The
slumped concrete takes various shapes, and according to the profile of slumped concrete, the slump is
termed as;

1. Collapse Slump
2. Shear Slump
3. True Slump

We made a trial and error during the test to achieve a true slump for our concrete mix.

F. CONCLUSION/SUMMARY

Based on all observations and data measurements obtained during the experiment, it can be
concluded that our concrete mix is in the degree of medium workability which means that our
concrete mix can be used in manually compacted flat slabs using crushed aggregates. Normal
reinforced concrete manually compacted and heavily reinforced sections with vibrations
G. VIEWS ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEST
 This test is very useful on site as a check on the day-to-day or hour- to-hour variation in
the materials being fed into the mixer. An increase in slump may mean, for instance, that
the moisture content of aggregate has unexpectedly increases.
H. DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED
The space in the dirty lab is small; it was hard for us to mix our concrete sample. We have to do
it at the back of the lab to prevent hindrance at the door.

A10

A. CONCRETE MIX DESIGN AND MAKING AND CURING CONCRETE TEST SPECIMEN (ASTM C31)
B. OBJECTIVES
1. To determine the strength of the concrete mixture.
2. To determine if the sample is cured properly.
C. EXPERIMENT PROCEDURE
o METHODOLOGY
1. Testing Requirements
 Cylindrical Specimens—Compressive or splitting tensile strength
specimens shall be cylinders cast and allow to set in an upright position,
with a length equal to twice the diameter. The standard specimen shall
be the 6 by 12-in. [150 by 300-mm] cylinder when the nominal
maximum size of the coarse aggregate does not exceed 2 in. [50 mm]
2. Sampling Concrete
 The samples used to fabricate test specimens under this standard shall
be obtained in accordance with Practice C 172 unless an alternative
procedure has been approved.
 Record the identification of the sample with respect to the location of
the concrete represented and the time of casting.
3. Slump
 Slump—Measure and record the slump of each batch of concrete from
which specimens are made immediately after remixing in the
receptacle, as required in Test Method C 143/ C 143M
4. Molding Specimens

 – When rodding cylinders, fill in: 2 layers (25 rods) for 4″ dia
cylinders; 3 layers (25 rods) for 6″ dia cylinders; 4 layers (50
rods) for 9″ dia cylinders
 – Tap outside of molds 10 – 15 times with a mallet or an open
hand for each lift
 – When vibrating cylinders, fill in: 2 layers for all cylinder
diameter sizes, but insert vibrator once for 4″ dia cylinders,
twice for 6″ dia cylinders, and four times for 9″ dia cylinders for
both layers
  – Insert rod or vibrator 1 inch into the underlying lift
 – Cylinder must be at least 3 times the size of the course
aggregate (aggregate larger than 2″ must be wet-sieved out of
the mix)
 – Cylinder molds must be twice the length of the diameter

 Identification— Mark the specimens to positively identify them and the

concrete they represent. Use a method that will not alter the top
surface of the concrete. Do not mark the removable caps. Upon removal
of the molds, mark the test specimens to retain their identities.
5. Curing
 Initial Curing— Immediately after molding and finishing, the specimens
shall be stored for a period up to 48 h in a temperature range from 60
and 80°F [16 and 27°C] and in an environment preventing moisture loss
from the specimens.
 Final Curing: Cylinders—Upon completion of initial curing and within 30
min after removing the molds, cure specimens with free water
maintained on their surfaces at all times at a temperature of 73 6 3°F
[23 6 2°C] using water storage tanks or moist rooms complying with the
requirements of Specification C 511.

6. Transportation of Specimens to Laboratory

 During transporting, protect the specimens with suitable cushioning
material to prevent damage from jarring. During cold weather, protect
the specimens from freezing with suitable insulation material. Prevent
moisture loss during transportation by wrapping the specimens in
plastic, wet burlap, by surrounding them with wet sand, or tight fitting
plastic caps on plastic molds. Transportation time shall not exceed 4 h.
o EQUIPMENT
 Molds, General— Molds for specimens or fastenings thereto in contact
with the concrete shall be made of steel, cast iron, or other
nonabsorbent material, nonreactive with concrete containing portland
or other hydraulic cements.
 Tamping Rod— A round, straight steel rod with the dimensions
conforming to those in Table 1, having the tamping end or both ends
rounded to a hemispherical tip of the same diameter as the rod.
 Mallet—A mallet with a rubber or rawhide head weighing 1.25 6 0.50 lb
[0.6 6 0.2 kg] shall be used.
 Small Tools— Shovels, hand-held floats, scoops, and a vibrating-reed
tachometer shall be provided.
 Slump Apparatus— The apparatus for measurement of slump shall
conform to the requirements of Test Method C 143/C 143M.
  Sampling Receptacle—The receptacle shall be a suitable heavy gage
metal pan, wheelbarrow, or flat, clean nonabsorbent board of sufficient
capacity to allow easy remixing of the entire sample with a shovel or
trowel

D. RESULTS/DATA
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 03-24-17/03-10-17/03-03-17
LOCATION OF CONCRETE REPRESENTED BY DIRTY LABORATORY, PUP CEA
THE SAMPLE
DATE/TIME/NAME OF INDIVIDUAL SPECIMEN Feb.25,2017/5:00pm/ 28 days,14days,7 days
SLUMP/ 8.2 in./
CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 1:2:4
CURING METHOD STANDARD CURING

E. DISCUSSION
When strength is used as a basis for acceptance of concrete, specimens must be
molded and cured according to ASTM C 31. Cylinder molds can be metal or plastic,
so as long as they are non-absorbent, non-reactive to concrete, and maintain their
shape and dimensions under all conditions of use. We mixed the concrete inside the
dirty lab and used an empty large can for the proportion of the concrete mix and
estimated the amount of water used. Then we did a trial and error in achieving the
standard slump of the mixture.

F. CONCLUSION/SUMMARY
Conducting this method is reliable in determining the strength of the concrete used in
the construction site.
G. VIEWS ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEST
Conducting this test is essential especially in site since in this experiment we can determine the
strength of the concrete used if the structure made from that mixture is capable of service.
H. DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED
 We find it difficult to mix concrete inside the dirty lab since it has a small space. There
were times that the equipment isn’t available since we have limited apparatuses and
the other groups are using it.

A11

A. ALL SAMPLING OF FRESHLY MIXED CONCRETE (ASTM C172)

B. OBJECTIVES
1. To determine the standard requirements for sampling freshly mixed
concretes.
2. To determine the procedure for sampling freshly mixed concrete in different
containers used in the production or transportation.
C. EXPERIMENT PROCEDURES
 o METHODOLOGY
1. Size of Sample—Make the samples to be used for strength tests a minimum of 28 L (1
ft3). Smaller samples are not prohibited for routine air content, temperature, and slump
tests.
2. The procedures used in sampling shall include the use of every precaution that will
assist in obtaining samples that are truly representative of the nature and condition of
concrete sampled as follows:
o Sampling from Stationary Mixers, Except Paving Mixer
Sample the concrete by collecting two or more portions taken at regularly spaced
intervals during discharge of the middle portion of the batch. Obtain these portions
within the time limit specified. Perform sampling by passing a receptacle completely
through the discharge stream, or by completely diverting the discharge into a sample
container.
o Sampling from Paving Mixers
Sample the concrete after the contents of the paving mixer have been discharged.
Obtain samples from at least five different portions of the pile and then composite into
one sample for test purposes. Avoid contamination with subgrade material or prolonged
contact with and absorptive subgrade. The containers shall be of a size sufficient to
provide a composite sample size that is in agreement with the maximum aggregate size.
o Sampling from Revolving Drum Truck Mixers or Agitators
Sample the concrete by collecting two or more portions taken at regularly spaced
intervals during discharge of the middle portion of the batch. Take the samples so
obtained within the time limit specified and composite them into one sample for test
purposes. Sample by repeatedly passing a receptacle through the entire discharge
stream or by completely diverting the discharge into a sample container. Regulate the
rate of discharge of the batch by the rate of revolution of the drum and not by the size
of the gate opening.
o Sampling from Open-Top Truck Mixers, Agitators, Nonagitating Equipment, or Other
Types of Open-Top Container
Take samples by whichever of the procedures described in 5.2.1, 5.2.2, or 5.2.3 is most
applicable under the given conditions.
D. RESULTS/DATA
*NONE
E. DISCUSSION
This method of testing can be used on any type of concrete–lightweight, regular
weight or heavy weight. The procedure of the sampling according to this ASTM
standard depends on the container carrying the concrete.
F. CONCLUSION/SUMMARY
in this test we can conclude that the procedure in sampling is dependent to the container and
time is important when obtaining the portions of the composite sample.
G. VIEWS ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEST
Performing the right procedure in taking samples in the concrete mixture is important in the
construction site in order to lessen inaccurate results when conducting the ASTM C31 and C805.
H. DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED