CHE2MES Materials in Engineering and Science

Semester 2, 2015

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

GUIDELINES FOR
LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS
(also consult the mentioned AS)

CONTRETE TESTS
Concrete preparation and tests on fresh concrete

DATE/TIME OF TESTING:

th

WEDNESDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER 2015, 1 pm (3 hours) GROUP 1

th
THURSDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2015, 9 am (3 hours) GROUP 2

LOCATION: CONCRETE AND SOLIDS LABORATORY, ROOM 127, PHYSICAL

SCIENCES 2,
REPORTS DUE: FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 2015, 6 pm (ASSIGNMENT BOX, LEVEL 1,
BETH GLEESON BUILDING or on LMS)

Worth 6% (out of 25% allocated for laboratory reports)

GROUP MEMBERS AND SELF TO THE TEAMWORK SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY MONDAY, 21ST SEPTEMBER 2015, 6:00 PM
(to the lecturer, via email)
ASSESSMENT OF CONTRIBUTION OF

CHE2MES Materials in Engineering and Science

Semester 2, 2015

WORKING GROUPS FOR THE LABORATORY SESSIONS

Please note that:
The working groups for both laboratory test days and report writing are specified below.
Group 1 Wednesday 9 September 2015, 1 pm (3 Hrs)
Laboratory conducted by Dr Vidal Paton-Cole and Mr Yi Lu
Crt no
1
2
3
4
1
2
4
1
2
3
1
2
3
4

Students given name

Gr1a
Michael
Mustapha
Matthew
Ali Hamed Ali Abdulaah
Gr1b
Mark
Anthony
Cristina
Gr1c
Yifeng
Tian
Zhi
Gr1d
Louie
James
Anam
Jarryd

Students surname

Signature

Ouster
Salem
O'Neill
Al Alawi
Fitzsimmons
Lucente
John
Wang
Chen
Shang
Pittas
Ternes
Khan
Norman

Group 2 Thursday, 10 September 2015, 9 am (3 Hrs)

Laboratory conducted by Dr Vidal Paton-Cole and Mr Yi Lu
Crt no
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4

Students given name

Gr2a
Hanya
Zainab H S T E
Andrew
Long Thanh
Gr2b
Tram Anh
Edson
Andrew
Ayden
Gr2c
Wei Hsen
Cagla
Nick
Saif
Gr2d
Shaman
Brodie
Ashley
Timothy

Students surname
Al-Sadoon
Busalehah
Molino
Nguyen
Nguyen
Beiza
Scoberg
Silva
Poh
Buzluk
Margerison
Alotuibi
Costa
Papas
Vanderpol
Walsh

Signature

CHE2MES Materials in Engineering and Science

Semester 2, 2015

OH&S Note

Please note that attendance to the laboratory session is permitted only if you
wear protective footwear (steel capped boots) and long pants.
An OH&S induction will be delivered at the beginning the laboratory session.
All students should follow the instructions of the academic and technical staff
running the session.
Any attempt to disobey these instructions will result in you being expelled from
the laboratory session.
Not attending the laboratory session means you cannot contribute to the report
writing and you will not get a mark for the laboratory session.

SNEAKERS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE LAB.

ANYONE WEARING SNEAKERS WILL BE
DISMISSED FROM THE LAB SESSION

CHE2MES Materials in Engineering and Science

Semester 2, 2015

PREPARATION AND TESTING OF FRESH CONCRETE

Please note that this document contains only brief guidelines on the work that needs to be
carried out during the laboratory session. Detailed test procedure is presented in the
Australian Standards AS 1012 series concerned with concrete testing (these standards are on
LMS for easy access). It is each students responsibility to read the marked sections in these
standards prior to the laboratory session to enable both understanding of the work carried out
as well as performing the specified tests according to the standard procedure.

1. INTRODUCTION/AIM
During the concrete production a series of tests are carried out in order to ensure that the fresh
concrete satisfies the design requirements. The slump test, a simple and commonly used test,
is used to check on the workability of the plastic concrete. The air-content test checks on the
volume of air present in the compacted fresh concrete, while using the mass per unit volume
test the density of the plastic concrete is assessed.
During the laboratory session each group will be in charge with a different aspect of the
production of concrete, manufacture of specimens for strength of hard concrete tests and fresh
concrete tests in order to:
batch and mix concrete to specification;
produce sufficient concrete to enable tests on fresh concrete and production of concrete
specimens to be tested at a later stage;
identify the effect of various admixtures on the behaviour of fresh concrete;
produce (from each batch) the specified number of concrete specimens for compression,
indirect tensile and flexural strength tests;
become familiar with the specifications of Australian Standards associated with the
production of concrete batches in the laboratory and the methodology of slump, air
entrained and mass per unit volume tests.

2. WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT (note that all quantities, except for water and
superplasticisers, were computed already in Tuesays lecture)
You are required to batch concrete using a mix proportion design 1:3:4 (C:FA:CA) and a
300kg/m3 cement content.
Cement (Type to be checked in the lab)
Sand (pre-blended/coarse)
Crushed basalt (20/10/7 mm blend)

300 kg/m3
kg/m3
kg/m3

[STAGE A] First Group (Gr1a or Gr2a):

Batch and mix ?

Litres of concrete following the flowchart provided in AS 1012.21994 Preparation of concrete mixes in the laboratory;
Add sufficient water to achieve a 50 mm slump (make sure that you add the water in
small increments so the specified slump is achieved and also record the amount of water
added to be able to calculate the water/cement ratio for your mix);
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CHE2MES Materials in Engineering and Science

The group will carry out 1 (one) slump test (AS 1012.3.1-1998) to check on the
workability of fresh concrete; if the 50 mm slump is not achieved, add more water and
ensure that the mix is homogeneous;
This group will also be in charge with the cleaning of the equipment after the
laboratory class is completed.

[STAGE B]

Semester 2, 2015

Second Group (Gr1b or Gr2b):

First of all ensure that the specified workability was achieved (50 mm slump) so carry
out 1-2 slump tests as required (AS 1012.3.1-1998);
Also perform these tests: air-content (AS 1012.4.2-1999) and mass/unit volume (AS
1012.5-1999);
Make two 100x200mm cylinders (AS 1012.8.1-2000), one 150x300mm cylinder
(AS 1012.8.1-2000) and one 100x100x350mm beam (AS 1012.8.2-2000); compaction
should be done by hand ramming.

[STAGE C] Third Group (Gr1c or Gr2c):

Estimate the volume of the concrete left in the mixer (vol ?

Litres). Add 200 mL/m3
air-entraining agent (determine how much is needed).
Perform the following tests: slump tests (AS 1012.3.1-1998), air-content
(AS 1012.4.2-1999) and mass/unit volume (AS 1012.5-1999);
Make two 100x200mm cylinders (AS 1012.8.1-2000), one 150x300mm cylinder
(AS 1012.8.1-2000) and one 100x100x350mm beam (AS 1012.8.2-2000); compaction
should be done by hand ramming.

[STAGE D] Fourth Group (Gr1d or Gr2d):

Estimate the volume of the concrete left in the mixer (vol ?

Litres). Add 2 L/m3
superplasticiser agent (determine how much is needed).
Perform the following tests: slump tests (AS 1012.3.1-1998), air-content
(AS 1012.4.2-1999) and mass/unit volume (AS 1012.5-1999);
Make two 100x200mm cylinders (AS 1012.8.1-2000), one 150x300mm cylinder
(AS 1012.8.1-2000), two 100x100x350mm beams; if there is left over concrete,
depending on the quantity, make another large cylinder or a large beam; compaction
should be done by hand ramming.

NOTE:
During the air content test the concrete is contaminated with water and has to be
discarded.
Make sure that you record the numbers of each mould and specify from which batch it
was prepared. This enables correct identification and marking of specimens when the
moulds are stripped (24 hours later) as well as recording the correct batch against the hard
concrete specimens. ALL STUDENTS attending the same laboratory session ARE
RESPONSIBLE WITH THE STRIPPING OF THE MOULDS 24 h after the
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CHE2MES Materials in Engineering and Science

Semester 2, 2015

preparation lab (Group 1 Thursday, 10 Septenber, 4 pm and Group 2 Friday, 11

September, 12 pm). Note that this is independent of what task the students were
responsible for during the preparation session.

Each group is responsible to identify and record the number of the moulds on the
specimens and place them in the curing bath. The moulds have to be cleaned after
specimens removal.
All specimens will be cured in a curing bath at a constant temperature (record the
temperature) until testing.

3. RESULTS
Following are several forms for the data/results collection.
information that should be recorded in each of them.

Become familiar with the

Concrete quantity
Specimen/test type

Volume per
specimen/test (L)
2
6
5
6

No of specimens

Small cylinders
Large cylinders
Small beams
Air content test

6
3
4
3

Total volume (L)

12
18
20
18

Total volume of concrete to be prepared (L)

Proportions C:FA:CA

Components
quantity

Cement
(kg)
20.4

1:3:4

Cement content kg/m3

Fine Aggregates kg /m3
Coarse Aggregate kg/m3

Fine Aggregates Coarse Aggregate Water

(kg)
(kg)
(kg)
61.2

68
0.068

300
900
1200

Water/Cement

81.6

Rounding

Coarse Aggregates quantity

Sieve size (mm)
19
9.5
6.7
4.75

Percent passing
(%)
100
31
7
0

Percent retained
(%)

Mass retained
(kg)

69
24
7

56.3
19.6
5.7

Rounding

CHE2MES Materials in Engineering and Science

Semester 2, 2015

Concrete used
Actual volume per
Specimens prepared/test No of specimens
Total volume (L)
specimen/test (L)
performed
100x200 Cylinder
150x300 Cylinder
100x100x350 Beam
Air-content test
Total volume of concrete used (L)
Volume of concrete left (L)
Air-entraining agent (mL)

Concrete used
Actual volume per
Specimens prepared/test No of specimens
Total volume (L)
specimen/test
(L)
performed
100x200 Cylinder
150x300 Cylinder
100x100x350 Beam
Air-content test
Total volume of concrete used (L)
Volume of concrete left (L)
Super-plasticiser agent (mL)

Tests on fresh concrete

Mix type

Batch A

Batch B

Admixture(s) added

Control (no admix)

Air-entraining

Slump test
Slump (mm)
Water
quantity (L)
Water
quantity (L)
Water
quantity (L)

Note that water is added only for the preparation of Batch A.

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Batch C
Air-entraining &
superplasticiser

CHE2MES Materials in Engineering and Science

Semester 2, 2015

Mass/unit volume test

Mix type
Volume of
mould (L)
Mass of
mould (kg)
Mass of concrete (kg)

Batch A
Mass
mould
concrete (kg)

Batch B
& Mass
mould
concrete (kg)

Batch C
& Mass
mould
concrete (kg)

&

Mass/unit volume (kg/m3)

Air content test

Mix type

Batch A

Batch B

Batch C

Air content (%)

Each working sub-group (see the working groups list) is in charge with specific tasks during
which a series of data will be collected. After the laboratory session, each sub-group
should communicate the information collected to the other 3 sub-groups attending the
same lab session. Make sure that you state the test from which the raw data was collected.

4. REPORT WRITING
Each group will report on ALL TESTS performed during the laboratory session. This means
that if you DO NOT ATTEND THE LABORATORY SESSION, YOU CANNOT
CONTRIBUTE TO THE REPORT WRITING.

TASK 1 (half an A4 page max)

Describe the materials used by aspect (colour, texture and shape as applicable for each) and
report their quantities. State the origin/source of materials and the moisture content of the
aggregates. Also report the ambient temperature. Present the data in tabulated form (where
applicable), and round the reported figures as specified in the AS 1012.2-1994.
TASK 2 (one A4 page max excluding any tables or diagrams as the case may be)
Report the results organised in tables (see at Point 3 in this document suggested format for
data presentation). Show a specimen of computation for the results included in the table.
Identify the individual batches, i.e., Batch A (no admixtures) or Batch B (with air-entraining)
or Batch C (with air-entraining and super-plasticiser). Make sure that you refer to the
individual standard method to ensure that the reported data has the recommended rounding.

CHE2MES Materials in Engineering and Science

Semester 2, 2015

TASK 3 (one A4 page max excluding photos)

Discuss the results: describe the expected behaviour; compare the results from the same test
and discuss the effect of admixtures on the results; comment not only on the slump value but
also on the failure mode vs admixture content; identify any unexpected results. Describe any
physical changes that the mix has shown (aspect of the mix, consistency, temperature).
Reason to your best knowledge the behaviour observed. If may be beneficial to consult the
LTUs library collection of journals and books on concrete and concrete technology to find
answers for the unexpected behaviour. Where information from different documents is
used to explain/emphasise/enhance the discussion, you have to make reference (in the
report text) to the book/report/document/article/paper utilized. For this purpose use the
Harvard system (explained in the assignment manual, i.e., author/company, year). Also
the complete information on the documents used has to be placed at the end of the
report in a reference list (in alphabetical order). Failure to do so will result in a reduction
of the mark. Please refer, further in this document, to the marking criteria.
Photos showing various stages of the laboratory session (the most relevant ones) can be used
in the report to enhance the statement that you make. Additional photos can be included in
the Appendix at the end of the report. The information placed in the appendix(ces) should
follow a logical flow and the order in which the information is referred to in the report. The
same rule applies if you choose to have more than one appendix. Name them and organise
them in the order that the information is mentioned in the report text. Please note that when
comparing/contrasting/describing results or behaviour you have to make clear reference to
the specific table(s), photo(s) or appendix(ces) where the data is found.
Also, identify any sources of operational error that might have affected the results.
TASK 4 (half an A4 page max)
Include in the report conclusions warranted by the observations and the results. Make sure
that you list all conclusions whether they are trivial or not. Do not forget to comment on the
application of the tests performed to the engineering practice.

5. FURTHER REMARKS REGARDING THE REPORT

A Statement of Authorship, duly completed and signed, must be submitted with the report.
Show all working and discussion neatly, clearly and succinctly (where applicable in dot
form). Stick to the specified length for each task. If results are presented in tabulated form,
where applicable show a specimen of computation.
Marks will be deducted for
untidy/unclear work and work exciding the specified length.
For late submission penalties of 5% of the total possible marks for the report for each day or
partial day delay in submission up to a maximum of five (5) working days after the due date.
Reports will not be accepted after the earlier of the following occurrences:
the fifth (5th) working day after the due date; or
feedback on the assessment task has been returned to any student by the Lecturer.
On-time assignments shall be submitted in the marked assignment box, Level 1, BETH
GLEESON BUILDING or on LMS before the specified time. Late assignments shall be
handed directly to the Lecturer (Vidal Paton-Cole).
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CHE2MES Materials in Engineering and Science

Semester 2, 2015

The laboratory session and the report writing are group work. Hence, on report completion,
each member of the group shall assess the contribution of group members and self to the
development of the test(s) and report writing. Each member of the group should be given a
multiplier (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0) in accordance with their contribution to the lab work/report
writing. Same rule applies to the assessment of self-contribution to the team work. Please
note that the assessment should be emailed to the Lecturer (v.paton-cole@latrobe.edu.au),
within 3 days from reports submission (e.g., by Monday, 21 April, 8.00 pm). If any member
of the group fails to do so, the work will not be marked.

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CHE2MES Materials in Engineering and Science

6.

Semester 2, 2015

MARKING CRITERIA

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Semester 2, 2015

APPENDIX information used for the computation of quantities

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Semester 2, 2015

Specification for particle size distribution for fine aggregates

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CHE2MES Materials in Engineering and Science

Semester 2, 2015

Recommended gradations for coarse aggregates with maximum grain size

20 mm

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