DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE &

TECHNOLOGY
SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur - 603 203, Tamil Nadu

BASIC CIVIL ENGINEERING LABORATORY

MANUAL
Development In-charge : Mr. S. Pradeep,
Asst. Prof (Sr.G)

Lab In-charge : Mr. S. Anandh

Asst. Prof. (Sr.G)
: Mr. P. Sriram
Asst. Prof. (O.G)

Dr. K.S. Satyanarayanan

Professor & Head
Department of Civil Engineering
SRM Institute of Science & Technology
JUNE 2018
 CONTENTS

Exp. No. Name of the Experiment Page No.

1a. Determination of Fineness of Cement 3

1b. Determination of Specific Gravity of Cement 5

2a. Determination of Specific gravity of coarse aggregate 7

2b. Determination of flakiness index of coarse aggregate 10

2c. Determination of elongation index of coarse aggregate 13

3a Determination of Area –by perpendicular Offsets 15

3b. Determination of Area –by Oblique Offsets 17

3c. Determination of Obstacle length 19

4a. The field test on Brick 21

4b. Water absorption test on Brick 23

5a. Standard water quality test-

Determination of pH value for the given water sample 24

5b. Determination of Total Dissolved Solids of water sample 27

5c. Determination of Turbidity. 29

6 Site visit to sewage treatment plant 31

2
 EXPERIMENT NO.1a

DETERMINATION OF FINENESS OF CEMENT

AIM:

To find out the fineness of the given sample of cement.

THEORY:

Fineness of cement is a relative measure of particle size. The fineness of cement has an
important bearing on the rate of hydration and hence on the rate of gain of strength and also on
the rate of evolution of heat. Finer cement offers a greater surface area for hydration and hence
the faster and greater the development of strength. Maximum number of particles in a sample
of cement should have a size less than 90 micron. The smallest particle may have a size of 1.5
micron. Average size of the cement particles may be taken as 10 micron.

FINENESS REQUIREMENT OF CEMENT AS PER IS 269-1976

Ordinary Rapid
Port Land Hardening
After sieving the residue by
weight on an IS test sieve
No.9, not to exceed, percent 10 5

Fineness of cement is tested in two ways.

a) By sieving
b) By determination of specific surface (total surface area of all the particles in one gram
of cement) by air-permeability apparatus.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:

IS sieve No.9 (90 Microns), Trowel, sieve shaker, weighing balance.

PROCEDURE:

1. Weigh correctly 100 grams of cement

2. Take it on a standard IS sieve No. 9 (90 microns)

3. Break down the air set lumps in the sample using hand and trowel

4. Continuously sieve the sample giving circular and vertical motion for a period
of 15 minutes.

5. Weigh the Residue left on the sieve

3
RECORDING OF OBSERVATION:

Weight of the sample of cement (W1) =100 gram. Weight of

residue (W2) = gram

CALCULATION:

Fineness modulus of cement sample = [W2 / W1 ] x 100

RESULT:

Fineness modulus of the given cement sample = .............. %

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What is the significance of this test?

2. One micron is equal to ____________ mm.

3. Mention the methods available to find out the fineness of cement?

4
 EXPERIMENT NO.1b

DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF

CEMENT
AIM:

To determine the specific gravity of cement.

THEORY:

Specific gravity is the ratio of the weight of cement to the weight of equal volume of
kerosene displaced by it. In other words, the volume of kerosene displaced is equal to the
volume of solid matter and the volume of pores. Since water will react with cement. kerosene
is used to find out the specific gravity of cement. Specific gravity of cement normally varies
between 3.10-3.15.

A – Empty Density Bottle

B - kerosene
C – ¾ th of cement
D – cement + kerosene

Figure shows the density bottle.

APPARATUS:

1. Density bottle
2. Weighing balance and weights
3. Kerosene

PROCEDURE:

1. First, weigh the density bottle let it W1 gms fill with sample to 3/4th volume.
2. Then the bottle with cement and weigh it (W2 gms.)
3. To the above set up add kerosene upto the mark shown in the density bottle (W3 gms)
4. Remove the contents from the bottle.
5. Fill the density bottle with only kerosene upto the mark shown in the bottle (W4 gms)
6. From the formula, specific gravity of cement is calculated.
7. The above steps are repeated for minimum three trials.

5
RECORDING OF OBSERVATION

Weight of empty density bottle W1 =

Weight of density bottle + cement W2 =
Weight of density bottle + cement + Kerosene W3 =
Weight of density bottle + Kerosene W4 =
Specific gravity of Kerosene. GK =

CALCULATION

Specific gravity of cement

RESULT: Specific gravity of given sample of Cement is formed to be

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1. Define Specific gravity.

2. What is the significance of the test.

3. Specific gravity of cement ranges between _____ to ________ .

6
 EXPERIMENT NO.2a

DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF COARSE AGGREGATE

(PYCNOMETER METHOD)

AIM:

To determine the specific gravity of coarse aggregate.

THEORY:

Specific gravity is the ratio of the weight of aggregate to the weight of equal volume of
water displaced by the same aggregate. In other words, it means volume of water displaced is
equal to the volume of solid matter of the aggregate and volume of all pores both impermeable
and permeable.

Majority of aggregates have the specific gravity between 2.6 to 2.9. In certain
constructions like gravity dams where the weight of the concrete is important from the point of
view of stability, minimum limit is specified. This method is suitable for aggregate larger than
10mm size.

Figure shows the Pycnometer.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:

Pycnometer, A 1000-ml measuring cylinder, well-ventilated oven, Taping rod, Filter papers
and funnel, etc.

7
PROCEDURE:

1. A sample of about 500 g shall be placed in the tray and covered with distilled water at
a temperature of 22 to 32°C. Soon after immersion, air entrapped in or bubbles on the
surface of the aggregate shall be removed by gentle agitation with a rod. The sample
shall remain immersed for 24 ± l/2 hours.
2. The water shall then be carefully drained from the sample, by decantation through a
filter paper, any material retained being return& to the sample. The fine aggregate
including any solid matter retained on the filter paper shall be exposed to a gentle
current of warm air to evaporate surface moisture and the material just attains a ‗free-
running‘ condition. The saturated and surface-dry sample shall be weighed (weight A).
3. The aggregate shall then be placed in the pycnometer which shall be filled with distilled
water. Any trapped air shall be eliminated by rotating the pycnometer on its side, the
hole in the apex of the cone being covered with a finger. The pycnometer shall be dried
on the outside and weighed (weight B).
4. The contents of the pycnometer shall be emptied into the tray, care being taken to ensure
that all the aggregate is transferred. The pycnometer shall be refilled with distilled water
to the same level as before, dried on the outside and weighed (weight C).
5. The water shall then be carefully drained from the sample by decantation through a
filter paper and any material retained returned to the sample. The sample shall be placed
in the oven in the tray at a temperature of 100 to 110°C for 24 f l/2 hours, during which
period it shall be stirred occasionally to facilitate drying. It shall be cooled in the air-
tight container and weighed (weight D).
6. Calculations— Specific gravity, apparent specific gravity and water &sorption shall be
calculated as follows:

A = weight of saturated surface – dry sample

B = weight of pycnometer containg sample and filled with water
C = weight of pycnometer with water only
D = weight of oven dried sample

OBSERVATIONS:

8
 Weight of saturated sample – dry sample (A) = ...........................g.

Weight of jar +sample+ water (B) = ............................g.

Weight of jar + water (C) = ............................g.

Weight of oven dried sample (D) =………………….g

RESULT:

Specific gravity of coarse aggregate is ......................................

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1. Define specific gravity.

2. Specific gravity of coarse aggregate varies from ___ to _____ .

EXPERIMENT NO. 2b

9
 DETERMINATION OF FLAKINESS INDEX
OF COARSE AGGREGATE

AIM:

To determine flakiness index of coarse aggregate.

THEORY:

The Flakiness Index of an aggregate is the % by weight of particle in it whose

least dimensions (thickness) is less than 3/5th of its mean dimension. To elaborate a
mean sieve size of the particle passing through 50 mm and retained an 40 mm is [50 +
40] /2 = 45.50. If the least dimension is less than [3/5 x 45.5] = 136.5 /5 = 27.3mm.

On account of large number of flaky particles in aggregate more voids are

formed in the concrete, which requires larger amount of sand, cement and water for
same workability as for balanced sizes. Durability of concrete is also affected as the
particles tend to orient in one plane and cause laminations.

NOTE:

The test is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3 mm.

MATERIAL:

Sample of coarse aggregates of known weight and size.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:

Balance, thickness gauge, length gauge (ref. figs below), set of I.S. sieves 63 mm to 10
mm (set of 10 Sieves)

PROCEDURE:

1. FLAKINESS INDEX

Take sufficient quantities of aggregate to be tested so as to provide 200 pieces

(minimum) of any fraction.

Sieve the sample through I.S. sieve as specified below:

10
SIZE OF AGGREGATES THICKNESS WEIGHT OF AGGREGATE
GAUGE SIZE (mm) PASSING THROUGH
THICKNESS GAUGE
Passing through Retaining as IS
IS sieve (mm) sieve (mm)
63 50 33.90
50 40 27,00
40 25 19.50
31.5 25 16.95
25 20 13.50
20 16 10.80
16 12.5 8.55
12.5 10 6.75
10 6.3 4.89

Fig shows gauge

NOTE:

For example 25mm size aggregate is sieved through the following gauges (i) 25 mm
(ii)20 mm (iii) 12.5 mm (v) 10 mm and (vi) 6.3mm.

- Separate the aggregates as retained on the sieves.

- Pass each aggregate particle through corresponding slot in the thickness gauge e.g.
material passing through 25 mm gauge but retained on 20 mm gauge is passed through
[25 + 20] / 2 x [3 / 5 ] = 13.5 mm slot.

If the material passes through the slot, it is flaky

11
- Weigh the material which has passed through the slot.

% FLAKINESS INDEX:

Weight of the aggregate passing through the slot of the thickness gauge x 100
Total weight of the same

While flakiness index in excess of 35% to 40% is considered undesirable

PRECAUTIONS

1. The maximum size of the given sample of coarse aggregate must be noted and
corresponding sieves of lesser dimensions be used for sieving.

2. For calculating Flakiness index use weight of aggregates pieces passing through think
gauge while for calculating Elongation Index weight of aggregates retained on length
gauge be used.

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1. Define flakiness index.

2. What is the purpose of knowing the above indices?

12
 EXPERIMENT NO. 2c

DETERMINATION OF ELONGATION INDEX OF COARSE AGGREGATE

AIM:

To determine elongation index of coarse aggregate.

THEORY:

ELONGATION INDEX

The elongation index of an aggregate is the percentage by weight of particles whose

greatest dimension (length) is greater than one and four fifths (1 (4/5)) times their mean
dimension.

On account of larger number of elongated particles more voids are formed in the
concrete, which requires larger amount of sand, cement and water for same workability
as for balanced sizes.

NOTE:

The test is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3 mm.

MATERIAL:

Sample of coarse aggregates of known weight and size.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:

Balance, thickness gauge, length gauge (ref. figs below), set of I.S. sieves 63 mm to 10
mm (set of 10 Sieves)

PROCEDURE:

After sieving the aggregate through corresponding sieves and separating the aggregate
retained on each sieve:

Pass each aggregate piece through the corresponding slot of length gauge corresponding
to slot size given below:

13
 Sieve the sample through I.S. sieve as specified below

SIZE OF AGGREGATES LENGTH GAUGE WEIGHT OF AGGREGATE

Passing Retaining as IS sieve SIZE (mm) PASSING THROUGH
through IS (mm) THICKNESS GAUGE
sieve (mm)
63 50
50 40 81.0
40 25 58.5
31.5 25 —
25 20 40.5
20 16 32.4
16 12.5 * 25.6
12.5 10 20.2
10 6.3 14.7

Corresponding size of slot for material passing through 25 mm sieve but retained on 20 mm
sieve is = [25 + 20] / 2 x 1 (4/5) = 40.5 mm slot.

Weigh all the particles retained on the length gauge.

CALCULATIONS
Weight of the aggregate retained on the gauge
% ELONGATION INDEX = -------------------------------------------------------- x 100
Total weight of the aggregate

While flakiness index in excess of 35% to 40% is considered undesirable, no limits are know
to have been prescribed as yet for elongation index.

PRECAUTIONS

1. The maximum size of the given sample of coarse aggregate must be noted and
corresponding sieves of lesser dimensions be used for sieving.

2. For calculating Flakiness index use weight of aggregates prices passing through think
gauge while for calculating Elongation Index weight of aggregates retained on length
gauge be used.

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

14
1. Define Elongation index.

2. What is the purpose of knowing the above indices?

EXPERIMENT NO. 3a
CHAIN SURVEYING: DETERMINATION OF AREA –BY
PERPENDICULAR OFFSETS

AIM:

To locate the boundaries of a field by taking perpendicular offsets and to determine its

area.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:

1. Metric Chain – 30m

2. Metallic Tape – 30m
3. Cross Staff
4. Ranging Rods
5. Arrows

PROCEDURE:

1. A chainline is run through the center of the area

2. The boundary of the area which is divided into number of triangles and trapezoids is

located by erecting perpendicular offsets using a cross staff in the order of chainages

both on the left and right of the chainline.

3. The chainages along the chainline and the offsets (lateral measurement) measured using

a tape, are recorded in the field observation.

4. The survey is plotted to a suitable scale and the area of the field is calculated.

15
 B

P
CHAIN LINE

OFFSET
Q
L

RESULT:

The area of the field by erecting perpendicular offsets = m2

16
 EXPERIMENT NO. 3b
CHAIN SURVEYING: DETERMINATION OF AREA-BY
OBLIQUE OFFSETS

AIM:

To locate the boundaries of a field by taking Oblique offsets and to determine its area.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:

1. Metric Chain – 30m

2. Metallic Tape – 30m
3. Ranging Rods
4. Arrows

PROCEDURE:

1. A chainline is run through the center of the area

2. The boundaries of the field are located by taking oblique offsets in the order of

chainages on the right and left of the chain line.

3. The chainages and the oblique offsets measured by a tape are recorded in the field

observations in the order of chainages.

4. The survey is plotted to suitable scale and the area of the field is calculated.

17
 B

T
E OFFSE
CHAIN LINE

OB L I QU
M

P
L

RESULT:

The area of the field by erecting oblique offsets = m2

18
19
 EXPERIMENT NO. 3c
CHAIN SURVEYING: DETERMINATION OF THE
OBSTACLE LENGTH

AIM:

To determine the length of obstacle lying along the base line by chain surveying.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:

1. Metric Chain – 30m

2. Metallic Tape – 30m
3. Ranging Rods
4. Cross Staff
5. Arrows etc

PROCEDURE:

1. The base line is laid upto the end of the obstacle.

2. Two points A and B were selected on the chainline and perpendiculars AA1 and BB1
were erected such that AA1 = BB1
3. A1 and B1 was joined and prolonged in such a way that it cleared the obstacle.
4. Then two points C and D were selected on the chainline & perpendicular CC 1 and DD1
were erected such that AA1 = BB1 = CC1 = DD1.
5. The obstructed length is measured BC and recorded.
6. The survey is plotted to suitable scale and the obstructed length noted in it.

20
RESULT:

Length of the obstacle measured by setting perpendicular offsets = m

21
 EXPERIMENT NO. 4a
THE FIELD TESTS ON BRICKS

OBJECTIVE

To check the quality of brick before using it in any construction activities. There are
some field tests that we can conduct in the field in order to check the quality of bricks. These
tests are as follows.

1. Water Absorption
2. Visual inspection
3. Efflorescence
4. Dimension
5. Hardness
6. Soundness
7. Structure

1. WATER ABSORPTION

5 bricks are taken and the bricks are weighed dry and the average dry weight of 5 bricks
is calculated. Bricks are then immersed in water for a period of 24 hours. After 24 hours of
immersion, bricks are weighed again and average of 5 bricks is calculated. The difference of
the final average weight and initial average weight indicates the amount of water absorbed by
the bricks. It should not in any case exceed 20percent of average weight of dry bricks.

2. VISUAL INSPECTION

In this test bricks are closely inspected for its shape. The bricks of good quality should
be uniform in shape and should have truly rectangular shape with sharp edges.

3. EFFLORESCENCE

This test should be conducted in a well ventilated room. The brick is placed vertically in a
dish 30 cm x 20 cm approximately in size with 2.5 cm immersed in distilled water. The whole
water is allowed to be absorbed by the brick and evaporated through it. After the bricks appear
dry, a similar quantity of water is placed in the dish, and the water is allowed to evaporate as
before. The brick is to be examined after the second evaporation and reported as follows:

• Nil: When there is no perceptible deposit of salt

• Slight: When not more than 10% of the area of brick is covered with salt
• Moderate: When there is heavy deposit covering 50% of the area of the brick but
unaccompanied by powdering or flaking of the surface.
• Heavy: When there is heavy deposit covering more than 50% of the area of the brick
accompanied by powdering or flaking of the surface.
• Serious: When there is heavy deposit of salts accompanied by powdering and/or flaking
of the surface and this deposition tends to increase in the repeated wetting of the
specimen.

Bricks for general construction should not have more than slight to moderate efflorescence.

22
4. DIMENSIONAL TOLERANCE

Twenty bricks are selected at random to check measurement of length, width and
height. These dimensions are to be measured in one or two lots of ten each as shown in figure.
Variation in dimensions are allowed only within narrow limits, ±3% for class one and ±8% for
other classes.

5. HARDNESS

In this test, a scratch is made on brick surface with the help of a finger nail. If no
impression is left on the surface, brick is treated as to be sufficiently hard.

6. SOUNDNESS

Bricks are taken, one in each hand, and they are struck with each other lightly. A brick
of good quality should not break and a clear ringing sound should be produced.

7. STRUCTURE

A brick is broken and its structure is examined. It should be homogeneous, compact

and free from any defects such as holes, lumps etc.

Result:

EXPERIMENT NO. 4b
THE FIELD TESTS ON BRICKS

23
Objective :
To determines water absorption of brick.

Apparatus :
a) Dry bricks
b) Weighing machine

Material required :
Bricks

Theory
Brick for external use must be capable of preventing rain water from passing through
them to the inside of walls of reasonable thickness. A good brick should aborb water
maximum 1/7 th of the weight of the brick.

Procedure :
(i) 20 bricks are taken randomly from a stack.
(ii) The bricks are put in an oven at a temperature of 1050C for drying.
(iii) Bricks are weighed in a digital weighing machine and is record asW1
(iv) The bricks are immersed in water at room temperature for 24 hours.
(v) After 24 hours immersion, the bricks are taken out of water and wiped with
a damp cloth for 3 minutes.
(vi) The bricks are weight again and recorded as W2.
(vii) Water absorption in % is calculated as

x100

RESULT:

The water absorption of Brick in % =……………..

24
 EXPERIMENT NO. 5a
STANDARD QUALITY TEST -
DETERMINATION OF pH VALUE FOR THE GIVEN WATER SAMPLE

AIM
To determine the pH values of the given samples using pH meter.
REQUIREMENT
pH Meter, Electrodes, Buffer solution and Water samples.
PRINCIPLE
The pH of a sample of water can be measured using a pH meter, which employs a glass
electrode. Different types of pH meter are commercially available. A line operated laboratory
model with digital read out is being used. The pH meter should first be calibrated with set of
standard buffer solutions. Then the pH of the water samples can be determined.
The acid or basic character of any solution (aqueous) can be defined by a single variable
pH value of hydrogen ion activity. This variable is expressed in terms of the function pH as the
negative logarithm to the base 10 of hydrogen ion concentration in mole/ liters of a solution.
Mathematically expressed as pH = log10 (1/[H+]) = log10 [H+] -1
= - log10[H+]
In pure water 25°c [H+] = [OH-]
And so pH = 7.0
pH of neutral solution is 7. In acidic solution pH is less than 7 and on the other hand pH of
alkaline solution is greater than 7.
ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE
The pH value or hydrogen ion concentration is a measure of acidity or alkalinity of a
substance. Many chemical and biochemical reactions are known to take place at certain pH
value or within a narrow pH range. Consequently the concept of pH is great importance in
industry, where for the control of large scale operations involving chemical flocculation,
neutralization etc, continues recording of pH value has to be carried out. The control pH is
particularly important in the chemical flocculation of trade wastes. For public water supplies
pH values should preferably between 7.0 and 8.5. Lower values may indicate corrosiveness
where as high values indicate certain psychological effects, sediment deposit and difficulty in
chlorination.
PROCEDURE
A precise measurement of pH of an unknown sample consists of two steps. The first
step is to standardize the instrument against a known standard buffer solution at the room
temperature. The second step is to measure of pH of unknown solution. The accuracy of
measurement of pH depends on the accuracy of the buffer solution, used for standardization
and the care taken in setting “the temperature” compensate control and ‘standardize control’.
1. Insert the three pin plug in to 230v. AC main socket
2. The instrument is switched on by turning the on/off switch.
3. The glass electrode is washed gently with distilled water and then with solution whose
pH has to be measured every time.

25
4. One of the standard buffer solution (pH = 7) is taken in a dry beaker and the electrode
is held inside the buffer. The electrode bulbs should be immersed in the liquid without
touching the bottom or the sides of the beaker.
5. The necessary temperature range is set by using temperature control.
6. Wait for about 1 min for the reading to stabilize and note the reading . If it is 7, the
instrument is calibrated. If not, adjust the pH expected for that buffer solution.
7. The calibration is now checked by reading the pH of another buffer solution (pH = 4)
of known pH. If it is for 4, the instrument is calibrated. If not, adjust the meter to pH 4.
8. The beaker containing the standard buffer is then removed and the electrodes are
washed with distilled water to check the sample water whose pH has to be measured.
9. The sample water is taken in a dry beaker and the electrode are inserted inside this water
sample. The pH of the water samples is noted after about 1 minutes directly on the
meter.
10. Aeration and agitation of the sample water are avoided during the measurement of its
pH.
11. The calibration of pH meter should be done by buffer solution whose pH is near to that
of the sample water.
12. When not in use the electrode is stored in distilled water.

TABULATION:-

Sl.No Sample no. pH value

NOTE
1. The pH values are temperature dependent. Therefore, the container having the sample
may be maintained in a constant temperature water bath (25 0C) when the pH meter is
calibrated.
2. When a water sample is brought to the laboratory its pH should be determined
immediately on its arrival. Delaying the measurement may involve change in the pH
value of the sample because of absorption of laboratory fumes, loss of dissolved gases
and also chemical changes. The best pH value at the time of sample collection on the
spot itself is using a battery- operated portable pH meter.

26
RESULT
The pH values of the water samples are……………

EXPERIMENT NO. 5b
STANDARD QUALITY TEST -

27
 DETERMINATION OF TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS FOR THE GIVEN WATER
SAMPLE

AIM
To find the total dissolved solids present in water sample using digital TDS meter.
REQUIREMENT
TDS meter with conductivity cell, distilled water, water sample.
PRINCIPLE
A large number of salts such as carbonates, bicarbonates, chlorides, sulphates,
phosphates and nitrates of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron and manganese etc.
are found dissolved in natural water. Similarly coastal marine water contains substantial
quantity of these salts. A high content of dissolved solids, elevates the density of water,
influences osmoregulation’s of fresh water organisms and reduces solubility of gases there by
reducing the utility of water for drinking, irrigation and industrial purposes. Therefore
determination of TDS is one of the important parameter in water analysis.
PROCEDURE
The following procedure is to be adopted to standardize the instrument with measuring
cell
a) Take the standard solution of known conductivity at 25⁰C in a beaker and dip the
measuring cell into it.
b) Set the range switch with the range of standard solution. (20mS)
c) Select the cell constant to one.
d) Set the mode switch to temp and change the temperature to 25⁰C by using the
temperature knob.
e) Set the mode switch to Tempco position and bring the display to 1.9. If it is not showing,
turn the tempco knob and make it to 1.9.
f) Bring the mode switch to TDS FACTOR and turn the TDS FACTOR knob to make the
display as 0.57.
g) Set the mode switch to 25⁰C conductivity and measure the conductivity of standard
solution.

The display should show 12.8 mS for 0.1 N KCl solution at 25⁰C. Now the instrument is
calibrated.

TABULATION:-

28
 SI.NO Description of samples Range(ppm) TDS value

To measure the TDS of any solution

1. Rinse the cell with the solution whose TDS value is to be measured.
2. Dip the TDS cell in the solution under test.
3. Set the function switch to TDS check position.
4. Read the display, this will be the TDS at 25⁰C.
5. Bring the range switch at position where maximum resolution is obtained

RESULT
TDS value of the given sample are,

29
 EXPERIMENT NO. 5c
STANDARD QUALITY TEST -
DETERMINATION OF TURBIDITY

AIM
To determine the turbidity of the given sample of water using Nephelo – Turbidity
meter.
REQUIREMENT
Nephelo –Turbidity water meter operates on the principle that light, passing through a
substance, is scattered by matter suspended in the substance. In this a strong light beam is
passed upward through a tube containing a sample. As the beam passes through the liquid, the
light is scattered is sensed by the photo to give turbidity readings.
ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE
The term turbid is applied to water containing suspended matter that interferes with
passage of light through the water or in which visual depth is restricted. The turbidity may be
caused by wide variety of suspended materials, which range in size from colloidal to coarse
dispersions.
The Turbidity test is an important consideration in public water supplied from the point
of view of aesthetics, filterability and disinfection. Any turbidity in the drinking water is
associated with possible waste water pollution and health hazards. Filtration becomes difficult
because high turbidity shorter filter runs and increases cleaning costs. Satisfactory operation of
rapid sand filters depends on effective removal of turbidity by chemical coagulation before
water is admitted to the filters. Disinfection in public water supplies is usually accomplished
by means of chlorine or ozone. In non-turbid water, most of the harmful organisms are exposed
to the action of the disinfection. However when the turbidity is caused by sewage solids many
of the pathogenic organisms may be encased in the particles and protected from the
disinfectant. Because of the all these reasons the turbidity of the water should be removed or
controlled to the maximum extent.
PROCEDURES
i) Insert the three pin plug in to 230V.AC main socket.
ii) Switch on the instrument and give 15-20 minutes warm-up time.
iii) Select the appropriate “RANGE”.iv) Set the “CAL IB” control knob to maximum
clockwise position.
v) Insert the flat bottom test tube with distilled water in to cell holder and cover it with the
light shield.

30
TABULATION:-

SI .NO SAMPLES RANGE (NTU) TURBIDITY (NTU)

Adjust “SET ZERO” control knob to get zero on the display i.e,by adjusting the fine
knob for fine adjustment and the coarse knob for coarse adjustments.
vii) Remove the test tube and replace the test tube with standard solution.
viii) Adjust “CAL IB” control knob such that display indicates as follows.

SI.NO RANGE STANDARD SOLUTION DISPLAY

01. 0 to 10 NTU 10 NTU 10.00

02. 0 to 100 NTU 100 NTU 100.00

03. 0 to 1000 NTU 400 NTU 400.00

ix) Remove the standard solution and insert the test tube containing unknown solution in
the cell.
x) The display directly shows the turbidity in NTU of the unknown solution.

RESULT
The turbidity of the given samples are:

31
 EXPERIMENT NO. 6
SITE VISIT TO SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT

STAGE ONE: SCREENING

Screening is the first stage of the wastewater treatment process. Screening removes
large objects like, diapers, nappies, sanitary items, cotton buds, face wipes and even broken
bottles, bottle tops, plastics and rags that may block or damage equipment.
Special equipment is also used to remove grit that gets washed into the sewer.

STAGE TWO: PRIMARY TREATMENT

This involves the separation of organic solid matter (or human waste) from the
wastewater. This is done by putting the wastewater into large settlement tanks for the solids to
sink to the bottom of the tank. The settled solids are called ‘sludge’. At the bottom of these
circular tanks, large scrappers continuously scrape the floor of the tank and push the sludge
towards the center where it is pumped away for further treatment. The rest of the water is then
moved to the Secondary treatment.

STAGE THREE: SECONDARY TREATMENT

The water, at this stage, is put into large rectangular tanks. These are called aeration
lanes. Air is pumped into the water to encourage bacteria to break down the tiny bits of sludge
that escaped the sludge scrapping process.

STAGE FOUR: FINAL TREATMENT

Next, the ‘almost’ treated wastewater is passed through a settlement tank. Here, more
sludge is formed at the bottom of the tank from the settling of the bacterial action. Again, the
sludge is scraped and collected for treatment. The water at this stage is almost free from harmful
substances and chemicals. The water is allowed to flow over a wall where it is filtered through
a bed of sand to remove any additional particles.

The filtered water is then released into the river.

32
Fig shows the flow chart of Sewage Treatment

33