Exercise No.

Time of Setting of Portland Cement

Using Gillmore Needles

I. Purpose: To determine the suitability of portland cement for concrete works and to
determine the time that elapses before cement ceases to be fluid and plastic (initial set) and
the time required for it to harden to certain degree (final set) using Gillmore Needles.

II. Scope: The Gillmore Apparatus is used to determine initial and final set times of
Portland cement, masonry cement, hydraulic hydrated lime and certain mortars. The unit
consists of two stainless steel needles with 3/16” (4.8mm) cylindrical flat ends. One is 1/12”
(2.12mm) diameter with 1 lb (453.6g) weight for the final set.
The Gillmore needle is applied at certain time intervals on the surface of a 3” -
diameter pat, 1/2” thick and tapering to a thin outer edge, made from a neat cement paste of
normal consistency. The initial set is said to have occurred when the pat will bear without
appreciable mark the small Gillmore needle 1/24” in diameter and loaded to weigh 1/4 lb
and the final set when the large Gillmore needle 1/12” in diameter and loaded to weigh 1 lb
fails to make any appreciable mark. Knowledge of the time of setting is of value sice
crystallization begins with the initial set, thus molding and placing of the mortar should be
complete before the cement begins to set. A rapid set may indicate insufficient gypsum or
the presence of soluble carbonates.

Specification: Initial set ----------------- ≥ 60 min.

Final set ----------------- ≤ 600 min.

III. Materials and Equipments:

Gillmore needles (1/24 in. dia., 1/4 lb. And 1/12 in. dia., 1 lb.)
Graduated Cylinder
Balance and Weights
Glass plate
Spatula
Trowel
Mixing bowl

IV. Procedure:
1. Weigh 500 gm of cement
2. Prepare cement paste of normal consistency.
3. Form on a glass plate a pat about 3 inches in diameter, 1/2 inch thick at the center
with a flat top and tapering to a thin edge.
4. Place pat in moist closet with a temperature of 23°C and relative humidity of 90%.
5. Determine the setting timbe by applying needles lightly on the surface of pat. The
cement shall be considered to have acquired its initial set when the pat will bear
 without appreciable indentation the 1/4-lb Gillmore needle, and the final set when
the pat will bear without appreciable indentation the 1-lb Gillmore needle.

V. Test Data and Test Results:

1. Clock Time:
a. Started --------------- ___________
b. Initial Set ------------ ___________
c. Final Set ------------- ___________

2. Time:
a. Initial set, minutes,
(b) - (a) ------------------ ___________

b. Final set, hours,

(c) - (a) ------------------ ___________

Drawing:

Gillmore Needles Apparatus

 Exercise No. 6

Compressive Strength of Hydraulic

Cement Mortars (ASTM C109)

I. Significance and Use: Compressive strength tests best judge the value of the cement as
the conditions of the test are more nearly similar to construction conditions. Other factors
being equal, the strength of concrete should vary directly with the strength of cement used. A
mortar is prepared using 2.75 parts of graded standard Ottawa sand, one part of cement and
enough water to give a flow of 100 to 115%. The 2” cubes prepared from the mortar mix are
tested in the compressive machine at the age of 3 days, 7 days, 28 days, with 1 day curing in
the molds in moist air and the remaining days under water.

II. 1.1 This test method covers determination of the compressive strength of hydraulic
cement mortars, using 2-in. or 50-mm cube specimens.
Note 1-Test Method C 349 provides an alternative procedure for this
determination (not to be used with acceptance tests).

1.2 This test method covers the application of the test using either inch-pound of SI
units. The values stated in wither system shall be regarded separately as standard. Within the
text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact
equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification.

III. Materials and Equipments:

Scale (2000 g) Graded standard sand
Specimen Molds Portland Cement
Mixer, Mixing Bowl, Mixing Paddle, & Scraper
Flow Table and Flow Mold
Tamper
Trowel
Testing Machine

IV. Procedure:
1. Prepare the mortar for the test which shall be 1 part cement and 2.75 parts by weight
of graded sand with enough water to give a flow of between 100 and 115.

Mix in the following manner:

Add cement to the water in the mixing bowl and mix for 30 sec. Add one half of the
sand and mix for 30 sec. Add remainder of the sand and mix the mortar for 1-1/2
min. To determine the flow, place mortar in the flow table mold in layers, each
layer being tamped 20 times with the tamper. Level-off mortar flush on surface of
mold using the straight edge of the trowel. One min. after mixing, remove the
mold and drop the flow table 25 times through a height of 1/2 inch in 15 sec. Flow
 in the resulting increase in diameter. Use varying amounts of water until the
desired flow is obtained.

2. After flow test, return the mortar with the right flow to the bowl and remix for 15
sec.

3. Place a 1-inch layer of the mortar in all the cube molds. Tamp each layer 32 times
in 4 rounds of 8 strokes each, each round at right-angles to each other. Pressure
shall be enough to insure uniform filling. Compute the four rounds of tamping in
one cube before going to the next.

4. Place the second layer of mortar and tamp as in the first layer. Level-off the mortar
flush with top of mold.

5. Keep all specimens in the molds in a moist closet from 20 -24 hours remove
specimens from the molds and immerse in clean water until the time of test.

6. Wipe each cube to a surface-day condition and test in comp. to failure at the rate of
1000 to 6000 psi per minute.

7. Report the average strength of 3 cubes.

Drawing:

Flow Table Apparatus

Calculation

Total Load
Compressiv e strength =
4.00

V. Test Data and Test Results

Worksheet
Weight of cement sample, g -------------- ___________
Weight of sand, g ----------------------------- ___________
1. Flow determination:
a. Water used, ml ------------------------ ___________
b. Initial diameter, in. ------------------- ___________
c. Final diameter, in. -------------------- ___________
(c) - (b)
d. Flow, % = ×100 ------------ ___________
(b)
2. Compressive strength:
a. Cross-sectional area, sq. in. --------- ___________
b. Total load, lbs.
Age, days --------- 1 7 28
1.) _________ _________ _________
2.) _________ _________ _________
3.) _________ _________ _________
c. Average Total load, lb. _________ _________ _________
d. Average Compressive strength, lbs/ sq. In.
(c)
= _________ _________ _________
(a)
 Exercise No. 7

Wash on No. 200

I. Purpose: To determine the silt and clay components which may weaken concrete if
adhering to the aggregate grains.

II. Scope and Specification: This test method covers the determination of the amount of
material finer than a 75-μm (No. 200) sieve in aggregate by washing. Clay particles and
other aggregate particles that are dispersed by the wash water, as well as water-soluble
materials, will be removed from the aggregate during the test.
Specification limit the fines removed by No. 200 sieve to 3% in fine aggregate and
1-1/2% in coarse aggregate.

III. Materials and Equipments:

Sieves (No. 200 and No. 10)
Pan
Oven with temperature control
Balance and weights

IV. Procedure:
1. Dry the test sample to constant weight at a temperature of about 105°C, weigh
sample after cooling to room temperature.
2. Place sample on the nested No. 10 and No. 200 sieves. Use No. 200 sieve large
enough to permit vigorous agitation without spilling when water is added.
3. Add water and agitate. Continue washing the sample until water looks crystal clear,
an indication that the sample is clean.
4. Take out all materials retained on the No. 200 sieves and place it on aluminum pan
to dry.
5. Dry wash sample to constant weight and weigh after cooling to room temperature.
6. Compute the % Material Passing the No. 200 sieve by washing.

V. Test Data and Test Results:

Computation

% Material passing
W1 - W2
No. 200 sieve by washing = × 100
W1
Where :
W1 = Weight of original sample
W2 = Weight of washed sample, oven dried
 Exercise No. 8

Determination of Bulk Density ( “Unit weight”)

And Voids in Concrete Aggregates

I. Purpose:

This test method is often used to determine bulk density values that are necessary
for use for many methods of selecting proportions for concrete mixtures.

The bulk density also may be used for determining mass/volume relationships for
conversions in purchase agreements. However, the relationship between degree of
compaction of aggregates in a hauling unit or stockpile and that achieved in this test method
is unknown. Further, aggregates in hauling units and stockpiles usually contain absorbed and
surface moisture (the latter affecting bulking), while this test method determines the bulk
density on a dry basis.

A procedure is included for computing the percentage of voids between the

aggregate particles based on the bulk density determined by this method.
(Source.Copyright © 1995 - 2013 ASTM . All Rights Reserved. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive,
P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2959 USAO)

II. Scope:
1. This test method covers the determination of bulk density (“unit weight”) of
aggregate in a compacted and loose condition, and calculated voids between particles in fine,
coarse, or mixed aggregates based on the same determination. This test method is applicable
to aggregates not exceeding 125 mm (5 in) in nominal maximum size.

Note: I - Unit weight is the traditional terminology used to describe the property determined
by this test method, which is weight per unit volume (more correctly, mas per unit volume or
density).

2. The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded

separately as standard, as appropriate for a specification with which this test method is used.
An exception is with regard to sieve sizes and nominal size of aggregate, in which the SI
values are the standard as stated in specification E11. within the text, inch-pound units are
shown in brackets. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore,
each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two
systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

3. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish
appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
(Source.Copyright © 1996 - 2013 ASTM . All Rights Reserved. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive,
P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2959 USAO)
Determination of the unit weight ( bulk density) and voids of aggregate in compacted and
loose condition.

Bulk Density or Unit Weight

 Bulk Density is a measure of the wight of the soil per unit volume usually given on an
oven-dry (110°C) basis.
 Bulk Density is not an intrinsic property of a material; it can change depending on how
the material is handled.
 The bulk density of sand is inversely related to the porosity of the same sand. The more
pore space in a soil the lower the value for bulk density.
 Bulk Density or unit weight depends on Volume is occupied by both the aggregates and
the voids between the aggregate particles.

Void
 Void content affects mortar requirements in mix design; water and mortar requirement
tend to increase as aggregate void content increases.
 Void content between aggregate particles increases with increasing aggregate angularity.
 Void contents range from 30-45% for coarse aggregate to about 40-50% for fine
aggregates.

III. Apparatus, Equipments and Materials:

Balance
Cylinder Metal measures
Glass plate
Tamping rod (16mm diameter, 600mm long rounded at one end)
Concrete Aggregates

IV. Methods:
(Adopted from a Laboratory Manual)
A. Volume determination of the cylindrical measure
1. Determine weight of dry measure.
2. Fill the measure completely full with water and determine the weight of measure
plus water.
3. Calculate the weight of water by taking the difference between the measurements
obtained in (1.) and (2.) above.
4. Calculate the volume of the container.
W Where: Ww is the weight of water used to fill the container and
V= w
γw γw is the unit weight of water.

B. Compact mass Method

1. Determine weight of dry measure.
2. Fill the measure one third full with water and level the surface with the fingers.
3. Rod the layer of aggregate with 25 strokes of the tamping rod evenly distributed
over the surface. .
4. Add additional aggregate to the measure to the two thirds full level, level with
the fingers, and rod again with 25 strokes of the tamping rod.
 5. Finally, add additional aggregate to overflowing and rod again using 25 strokes
of the tamping rod.
6. Level the surface of the aggregate with a straightedge.
7. Perform at least three trials. Use the average mass of the three trials.

C. Loose mass Method

1. Empty the cylinder measure.
2. Fill the measure to overflowing by means of a scoop, discharging the aggregate
from a height not to exceed 2 in. (50mm) above the top measure.
3. Level the surface of the aggregate with a straightedge. .
4. Determine the weight of the measure plus content, and the weight of the measure
alone, recording values to nearest (0.05kg).
5. Calculate the bulk density in compacted and loose condition by dividing the net
mass of aggregates in compact or loose condition in the measure by the volume
of measure.

V. Test Data and Test Results

Compact Mass Method
Weight of cylindrical measure = kg
Weight of cylindrical measure + sample
Trial No. 1 = kg
Trial No. 2 = kg
Trial No. 3 = kg
Average weight of sample = kg
Compact Density = kg/m3

Loose Mass Method

Weight of cylindrical measure = kg
Weight of cylindrical measure + sample
Trial No. 1 = kg
Trial No. 2 = kg
Trial No. 3 = kg
Average weight of sample = kg
Loose Density = kg/m3
(G - γ )
Voids, percent = = kg
G
Where:
G = specific gravity of the aggregate
γ = bulk density in kg/liter
 Coarse Aggregate
Compact Mass Method
Weight of cylindrical measure = kg
Weight of cylindrical measure + sample
Trial No. 1 = kg
Trial No. 2 = kg
Trial No. 3 = kg
Average weight of sample = kg
Compact Density = kg/m3

Loose Mass Method

Weight of cylindrical measure = kg
Weight of cylindrical measure + sample
Trial No. 1 = kg
Trial No. 2 = kg
Trial No. 3 = kg
Average weight of sample = kg
Loose Density = kg/m3
(G - γ )
Voids, percent = =
G
Where:
G = specific gravity of the aggregate
γ = bulk density in kg/liter

Drawing:

Measuring Apparatus
 Exercise No. 9

Specific Gravity and Absorption Tests

of Concrete Aggregates

I. Purpose:
a) To conduct laboratory determination of bulk specific gravity for dry and wet
coarse aggregate. These values are important in computing the volume occupied
by aggregates in concrete mixture and bituminous mixes that are proportioned and
analyzed based on absolute volume.
b) To measure the strength or quality of the material, and
c) To determine the water absorption of aggregates

II. Scope:
The specific gravity of an aggregate is considered to be a measure of strength or
quality of the material. Stones having low specific gravity are generally weaker than those
with higher specific gravity values.
Various type of specific gravity are computed namely; Bulk specific gravity, Bulk
specific gravity (SSD), and Apparent specific gravity. If the aggregate is wet, bulk specific
gravity (SSD) is used. Consequently, if the aggregate is thoroughly dry or assumed to be dry
bulk specific gravity will prevail. Another useful aspect of bulk specific gravity is for the
computation of voids in aggregates.
Likewise, absorption values shall be used in computing the change in weight of
aggregate due to water absorbed by the pore within the constituent particles.
Apparent specific gravity can be determined from this test but such value is not
significant in concrete mixture. ASG (Apparent specific gravity) refers to the pore within the
particles that is accessible to water.

III. Materials:
A. Coarse Aggregate B. Fine Aggregate
CA sample refer to table FA sample (1000 g)
Electronic balance Balance
Density basket Sand cone with tamper
Water bath Pycnometer
Pail Graduated Cylinder
Absorbent cloth Oven
Pan Pan
Oven
 Sample Size
Nominal Size of Sieves Weight of Sample, min.
In. Mm kg
3/8 or less 9.5 1.5
1/2 12.5 2
3/4 19.0 3
1 25.0 4
1-1/2 37.50 6
2 50.0 8
Size of largest sieve upon which less than 10 percent will be retained.

IV. Methods:
A. Coarse Aggregate
1. Obtain a representative sample from stockpile of coarse aggregate. Follow the correct
sampling in accordance with AASHTO or ASTM specification.
2. Get about ______ kg from the representative sample after performing the correct
procedure of sampling.
3. Wash the sample to remove dust and other unwanted coatings and impurities
adhering on aggregate particles.
4. Soak the sample in water for 24 hours at room temperature.
5. Remove sample from water and wipe all visible films of water with an absorbent
cloth until saturated surface dry condition.
6. Weigh the saturated surface dry sample in air.
7. Place sample in wire basket or density basket and weigh in water.
8. Oven dry the sample to constant weight.
9. Weigh the oven dried sample.

B. Fine Aggregate
1. Obtain a representative sample from stockpile of fine aggregate.
2. Prepare the sample in accordance with AASHTO or ASTM specification.
3. Get 1000 grams from the prepared sample and wash it with running water in No. 200
sieve. Wash the sample thoroughly to ensure removal of unwanted deleterious
materials from the aggregates.
4. Soak the washed sample in water for 24 hours.
5. Remove sample from water. Let the water drain and spread it on the table to dry. Stir
the sample until it becomes saturated surface dry.
6. Fill the sand cone with sample. Divide the volume of sand cone into three. Fill 1/3
volume and tamp 25 times, repeat procedure with the other remaining volume to be
filled up and level the topmost. .
7. Remove the sand cone. If the aggregate retain the shape, it is an indication of wetness
of the aggregate. Repeat the procedure of drying the sample.
8. Repeat procedure No. 6 if upon removal of sand cone the sample is able slump, it is
an indication of saturated surface dry.
9. Take 500 gram of sample and place it inside a pycnometer. Add water in the
pycnometer up to the calibration point. If bubbles inside the apparatus manifest,
remove it by rolling the pycnometer in hot bath.
 10. Weigh the pycnometer with water up to the calibration level.
11. Weigh the pycnometer with sample and water up to the calibration level.
12. Oven dry the sample to constant weight.
13. Weigh the oven dry sample.

V. Test Data:
A. Coarse Aggregate
1. (A) Mass of Oven dry sample in air, kg __________________
2. (B) Mass of SSD sample in air, kg __________________
3. (C) Mass of saturated sample, kg __________________
4. (D) Mass of sample, kg __________________

B. Fine Aggregate

1. Mass of Oven dry sample in air, g __________________

2. Mass of SSD sample in air, g __________________
3. Mass of Pycnometer and water, g __________________
4. Mass of Pycnometer, sample and water, g __________________

VI. Test Results

A. Coarse Aggregate
Bulk Specific Gravity
Bulk Specific Gravity SSD
Apparent Specific Gravity
% Absorption
Moisture Content (%)
Moisture ContentSSD (%)
= __________________
= __________________
= __________________
= __________________
= __________________
= __________________

Computation:
A
Bulk Specific Gravity =
B-C
B
Bulk Specific Gravity, SSD =
B-C
A
Apparent Specific Gravity, SSD =
A-C
B- A
% Absorption = [ ] × 100
A
 D- A
Moisture Content (%) = [ ] × 100
A
D-B
Moisture Content SSD (%) = [ ] × 100
B
Where:
A = mass of oven dry sample in air
B = mass of saturated surface dry sample in air
C = mass of saturated sample
D = mass from stock pile

B. Fine Aggregate
Bulk Specific Gravity
Bulk Specific Gravity SSD
Apparent Specific Gravity
% Absorption
Moisture Content (%)
Moisture ContentSSD (%)
= __________________
= __________________
= __________________
= __________________
= __________________
= __________________

Computation:
A
Bulk Specific Gravity =
B +C - D
B
Bulk Specific Gravity, SSD =
B +C - D
A
Apparent Specific Gravity, SSD =
A+C - D
B- A
% Absorption = [ ] × 100
A
D- A
Moisture Content % = [ ] × 100
A
D-B
Moisture Content SSD % = [ ] × 100
B

Where:
A = mass of oven dry sample
B = mass of saturated surface dry sample
C = mass of pycnometer with water
D = mass of pycnometer with water and sample
 Exercise No. 10

Sieve Analysis of Concrete Aggregates

I. Purpose: The test aimed to determine the grading of materials proposed for use as
aggregates for concrete or bituminous mixes. The results are used to determine the
compliance of the particle size distribution with applicable specification requirements and to
provide necessary data for control of the production of various aggregate products and
mixtures containing aggregates. The data may also be useful in developing relationships
concerning porosity and packing. Furthermore, with careful selection of the gradation, it is
possible to achieve high bulk density, high physical stability, and low permeability.

II. Scope: The sieve analysis, commonly known as the gradation test, is a basic test for
all aggregates used for engineering constructions. The sieve analysis determines the
gradation (the distribution of aggregate particles, by size, within a given sample) in order to
determine compliance with design, production control requirements, and verification
specifications. The gradation data may be used to calculate relationships between various
aggregate or aggregate blends to check compliance with such blends, and to predict trends
during production by plotting gradation curves graphically, to name just few uses. Used in
conjunction with other tests, the sieve analysis is a very good quality control and quality
acceptance tool. Fineness modulus will be determined using the data obtained from the test.

III. Materials:
Set of Standard Sieves
Balance
Pans
Oven
Paint brush, approximately 1” wide
Mechanical sieve shaker
Sample splitters, small and large

IV. Methods:
1. Obtain the sample from the source.
2. Prepare the sample following the correct procedure of sampling with use of splitter.
3. Examine the moisture content of the sample. Oven-dry the sample if necessary.
4. Get the mass of the original sample.
5. Pass sample through a nested set of sieves arranged according to wire mesh
opening.
6. Weigh materials retained on each sieve.
7. Calculate cumulative percentage retained and passed in each sieve on the basis of
oven-dry weight of original sample.
8. Tabulate the test results.
9. Prepare the grading chart to show the results of sieve analysis graphically. The
percent passing is usually plotted on the vertical axis, while the sieve sizes are
plotted on the horizontal axis.
 10. Filled up the worksheets provided for both coarse and fine aggregates.
11. Compute the fineness modulus for both coarse and fine aggregates.

V. Test Data and Test Results:

Worksheet:

Sieve Analysis of Coarse Aggregate

Mass of Original Sample ________________

Sieve Size Mass Cumulative Cumulative Specification

% Retained
(inches) (mm) Retained (g) % Retained % Passing % Passing
2 51.0
1-1/2 37.5
1 25.0
3/4 19.0
1/2 12.5
3/8 9.5
Pan
Total

Sieve Analysis of Fine Aggregate

Mass of Original Sample ________________

Sieve Size Mass Cumulative Cumulative Specification

% Retained
(inches) (mm) Retained (g) % Retained % Passing % Passing
3/8 9.5
No.4 4.75
No. 8 2.36
No. 16 1.18
No. 30 0.60
No. 50 0.30
No. 100 0.15
No. 200 0.075
Pan
Total
Calculation
Calculate the percent retained on each sieve by dividing each weight by the original
total dry weight and multiplying by 100. This is the percent retained. Subtract each of
these values from 100 to obtain the percent passing each sieve. Continue this process for
each sieve. The equations are as follows:

Mass Retained
% Retained = × 100
Total weight of sample

(Cumulativ e retained percentage )

Fineness Modulus = Σ 100

Fineness Modulus of Fine Aggregate

Sieve Size Total % Retained
4.75 mm (No. 4)
2.36 mm (No. 8)
1.18 mm (No. 16)
600μm (No. 30)
300μm (No. 50)
150μm (No. 100)
Sum

Fineness Modulus = ________________

Fineness Modulus of Coarse Aggregate

Sieve Size Total % Retained
25.0 mm (1 in.)
19.0 mm (3.4 in.)
12.5 mm (1/2 in.)
9.5 mm (3/8 in.)
4.75 mm (No. 4)
2.36 mm (No. 8)
Sum

Fineness Modulus = ________________