CHAPTER THREE

METHOD OF INVESTIGATION

3.1 Research Design

For this study, the researchers began by designing and creating a mortar mix that
contains fly ash to be evaluated and compared with conventional finishing plasters, specifically
both cement mortar and cement mortar with Sahara cement. The researchers aim to find out
whether the efficiency of the cement mortar with fly ash mixture is able to compete with the
quality of conventional plasters. This research is experimental in checking for the
waterproofing property of fly ash through its porosity and permeability. The permeability of
the samples is obtained by conducting ASTM 1585(Standard Test Method for Measurement of
the Rate of Absorption of Water by Hydraulic Cement Concrete) performed after the 28th day
of curing. The data is analyzed and compared, for Permeability and Porosity. By using the
recorded moist weight and volume of the samples the porosity of the samples can then be
obtained. The mixture proportions of both cement mortar with fly ash and cement mortar with
Sahara cement is 2:2:1, while the mixture proportion of the conventional cement mortar is 2:1.
After th Figure 2 shows the methodology of our research.

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 PREPARATION OF THE DESIGN MIX

Cement Mortar Cement Mortar Conventional

With Fly Ash With Sahara Cement Mortar

CURING

CONDUCT TESTS

PERMEABILITY POROSITY

ANALYSIS

CONCLUSION

Figure 2 Fly Ash Cement Mortar Research Design

3.2 Research Setting

The materials used in the study are the following: Portland cement, Sahara cement,
gravel, sand, water, forms, and weighing scale. These materials were obtained from a
hardware and aggregate store in Cagayan De Oro City. The Fly ash used in this study was
obtained from a coal plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental. The procedures of concrete
mixing and curing along with the mixing of mortar and plastering was performed in a
spacious residential lot near Taguanao, Cagayan de Oro City. The samples were placed in
a large container filled with water for curing. There were 8 samples for each mortar
category (Cement Mortar with Fly ash, Cement Mortar with Sahara and Conventional
Cement Mortar), all with the same curing duration.

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3.3 Instrumentation

The researchers were able to use different instruments in this study. The researchers
used wood to create forms to successfully create a concrete cube sample. To determine the
moisture content of concrete samples the researchers used a weighing scale to weigh the
samples after curing. To determine the permeability of the plastered samples the following
materials were used: Pan, Impermeable support device, timing device, damp paper towel,
caliper, beam balance and water-cooled saw with diamond impregnated blade (refer to ASTM
1585 standard procedure). The materials used for creating the finishing plasters are: fly ash,
Sahara cement, Portland cement, sand, wood forms, trowel and shovel. *insert dimension of
cube sample

3.4 Cement Mortar Design Mix

The mixture proportion of both cement mortar with Sahara and Fly are the same. The
cement mortar with Sahara is composed of 40% cement, 40% Sahara and 20% sand. The
cement mortar with Fly ash is composed of 40% fly ash, 40% cement and 20% sand. While the
conventional cement mortar is composed of 66% cement and 34% sand. The thickness for the
plasters is 16 mm. As for water cement ratio, the researchers began using at 0.5 and added up
to 0.7 to increase the workability. In mixing the water, ASTM All the proportions are based on
the simplified construction estimate textbook of Fajardo, M. (2000).

Percent Permeability Porosity

Fly Ash, % 28 Days 28 Days
20 2 2
30 2 2
40 2 2
Total 6 6

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3.4.1 Determination of Aggregate

*insert sieve analysis, unit weight, specific gravity, absorption and moisture content.

- Sieve Analysis of Fly Ash and Sand

*Fineness Modulus, Unit Weight and absorption of fly ash and sand

*Moisture Content, Unit Weight, Nominal Size of Concrete (In table)

*Design Mix Proportion of Cement Mortar in table

*Volume of Concrete, Weight without Plaster, Weight with plaster, plaster thickness.
(In Table)

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3.5 Applying the Plaster

The application of the plaster was performed on a residential lot on near Taguanao,
Cagayan de Oro City. There were three types of plaster (Conventional, Sahara and Fly Ash).
The thickness of the plaster was 16mm based on the textbook Simplified Construction
Estimate, Fajardo M. (2000). *Insert Reference

3.6 Curing: Concrete with Plaster

28 days curing based on ASTM 1329.

3.7 Permeability Test and Porosity Calculation

3.8 Comparing Results

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 Description of Subjects and Equipment

The procedures to be done in this study are: the evaluation of concrete mixture
proportions, production and placing of concrete and curing. The first process to be done in this
study is the evaluation of concrete mixture proportions. The main steps in this procedure are as
follows:

a. Estimation of mixing water and selection of air content

b. Selection of water-to-cementitious materials ratio (W/CM) to meet durability and
strength parameters
c. Calculation of cement content
d. Calculation of coarse aggregate content
e. Calculation of fine aggregate content
f. Selection of admixture dosage rates
g. Adjustment for aggregate moisture and trial batch adjustments.

There are two methods under the process of evaluating concrete mixture proportions,
first is Simple replacement method and the second one is Modified replacement method.

Following the evaluation of concrete mixture proportions is the production and placing
of concrete. Production discusses the effect of SCMs use on technical requirements such as
equipment and operation (sequence of mixing) of ready-mix concrete plants. Following

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production process is the Placing, finishing and stripping of concrete. This section mainly
discusses the effect of SCMs on parameters affecting the placing, finishing and stripping
characteristics of concrete, such as pump ability, bleeding, plastic shrinkage and setting times.

The next procedure to be conducted is curing. Curing is defined as the maintenance of

a satisfactory moisture content and temperature in concrete for a period of time following
placing and finishing so that desired properties may develop.

The next procedure preparing the plaster, the Sahara cement mixture for waterproofing
and also cement Mortar with fly ash. After preparing the plaster, it is then applied to the
concrete that was prepared.

Lastly, after the process of plastering the concrete with Sahara and Fly Ash mortar the
Water Displacement method is conducted to identify the porosity and permeability of the
concrete.

3.2 Research Design and Procedures

The research design shown shows the schematic diagram of how the research will be
conducted.

Cement Mortar Preparation for Concrete Plastering

ASTM C 1329-03: Standard Specification for Mortar Cement

Proportions for Mortar:
Mortar for air entrainment, compressive strength, and water retention tests shall
be proportioned to contain 1620 g of sand and a mass of cement, in grams, as
indicated in Table 2. The sand shall consist of 810 g of graded standard sand
and 810 g of 20-30 standard sand (Note 1). The quantity of water, measured in
milliliters, shall be such as to produce a flow of 110 6 5 as determined by Test
Method C 109/C 109M.
Mixing of Mortars:
Mix the mortar in accordance with Practice C 305.

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ASTM C270-14a: Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry

Proportioning:
Mortar cement mortar materials mixed according to the proportion
specifications of ASTM C 270 should be accurately proportioned in accordance with
Table 4. Under the property requirements of ASTM C 270, sand-to-cement proportions
for the job mixed mortar are the same as those established by laboratory tests of the
mortar. The ratio of sand to mortar cement is to be no less than 21⁄4:1 and no more than
31⁄2:1.

Amount of Fly Ash in the Mixture:

Amount of fly in the mortar mix is the same with the ratio of the separate
Sahara waterproofing finish.

ASTM C305-06: Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement

Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency

Preparation for Mixing Pastes:

1. Place the dry paddle and the dry bowl in the mixing position in the mixer.
Then introduce the materials for a batch into the bowl and mix in the
following manner:

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 1.1 Place all the mixing water in the bowl.
1.2 Add the cement to the water and allow 30 s for the absorption of
the water.
1.3 Start the mixer and mix at slow speed (140 6 5 r/min) for 30 s.
1.4 Stop the mixer for 15 s and during this time scrape down into the
batch any paste that may have collected on sides of the bowl.
1.5 Start the mixer at medium speed (285 6 10 r/min) and mix for 60 s.

Procedure for Mixing Mortars:

2. Place the dry paddle and the dry bowl in the mixing position in the mixer.
Then introduce the materials for a batch into the bowl and mix in the
following manner:

2.1 Place the dry paddle and the dry bowl in the mixing position in the
mixer. Then introduce the materials for a batch into the bowl and
mix in the following manner:
2.2 Place all the mixing water in the bowl.
2.3 Add the cement to the water; then start the mixer and mix at the slow
speed (140 6 5 r/min) for 30 s.
2.4 Add the entire quantity of sand slowly over a 30-s period, while
mixing at slow speed.
2.5 Stop the mixer, change to medium speed (285 6 10 r/min), and mix
for 30 s.
2.6 Stop the mixer and let the mortar stand for 90 s. During the first 15
s of this interval, quickly scrape down into the batch any mortar that
may have collected on the side of the bowl; then for the remainder
of this interval, close the mixer enclosure or cover the bowl with the
lid.
2.7 Finish by mixing for 60 s at medium speed (2856 10 r/min).
2.8 In any case requiring a remixing interval, any mortar adhering to the
side of the bowl shall be quickly scraped down into the batch with
the scraper prior to remixing.
Application of Cement Mortar with Fly Ash:

Final step is to plaster concrete with a conventional thickness of 12mm.

ASTM C1585 – Standard Test Method for Measurement of the Rate of Absorption of
Water by Hydraulic Cement Concrete

Apparatus:
- Pan
- Support Device (impermeable)

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- Timing Device
- Damp paper towel
- Epoxy or any sealant or sealing material *
- Water-cooled saw with diamond impregnated blade (to cut tests specimens from larger
examples)
- Caliper
- Beam balance (or devices for measuring weight)
Procedures:

1. Remove the test specimen from the storage container and record their mass.

2. Measure the dimensions and diameters of the specimen

3. Seal the side surface of each specimen with the sealant.

4. Seal the top of the specimen that will not be exposed to water and perform the water
absorption procedure (coming up next) with tap water with the same temperature.

5. Measure the mass of the sealed specimen – initial mass

6. Place the support devices at the bottom of the pan and put water that will exceed 1mm
– 3mm above the supporting device and place the specimen on top of the supporting
device. Maintain water level for further accuracy and uniform observation of the
procedure.

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