CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL
The hydration process is driven by three elements.
1. Temperature
2. water
3. The availability of unhydrated cement
It has long been established that the water content of the concrete at the time
of hardening plays a large role in determining the ultimate strength and
durability of the concrete. It has also been reported that as the water content
is increased the ultimate strength will decrease. This is correct because as
the water content is increased, the particles of unhydrated cement are pushed
further apart. This reduces the ability of the cement to bond to itself and to
the aggregate. After concrete has begun its hardening process, the relative
distances between the hydrated and unhydrated cement particles are by-and-
large fixed. The introduction of water into the system at this point is not
likely to cause a change in distances between the hydrated and unhydrated
cement particles.
It may be news to some people that not all the cement in concrete
hydrates. In fact, it has been estimated that under normal conditions only
75% or so of the cement ever hydrates. Unhydrated cement, locked in the
concrete, can hydrate only if it comes into contact with water.
How much water is needed is support hydration? The answer to this
question lies in both the physical and chemical world. During the hydration
process, water is chemically combined with cement in the ratio of
approximately 25 pounds of water to 100 pounds of cement. The products
of hydration, however, do not form a solid mass. Rather, their physical
appearance is more like steel wool with a lot of empty space between the
crystals. Within this mass lie both hydrated and unhydrated cement. Also
within this mass water that is physically bonded. The physically bonded
water exists in the spaces between hydrated cement crystals.
The concept of the water/cement ratio and the need for more water
than is required by the stoichiometric equation for hydration, teaches us two
things about how to improve the strength of concrete:

• Keep the water to cement ratio as low as possible in order to produce

the densest possible hydrated cement paste; and
• After the concrete has hardened, keep the internal moisture content of
the concrete as high as possible, for as lon as possible, by using proper
curing procedures.
The hydration process: reactions In the anhydrous state, four main types
of minerals are normally present: alite, belite, aluminate (C3A) and a ferrite
phase (C4AF). For more information on the composition of clinker, see the
clinker pages. Also present are small amounts of clinker sulfate (sulfates of
sodium, potassium and calcium) and also gypsum, which was added when
the clinker was ground up to produce the familiar grey powder. When water
is added, the reactions which occur are mostly exothermic, that is, the
reactions generate heat. We can get an indication of the rate at which the
minerals are reacting by monitoring the rate at which heat is evolved using a
technique called conduction calorimetry. An illustrative example of the heat
evolution curve produced is shown below.
Three principal reactions occur: Almost immediately on adding water some
of the clinker sulphates and gypsum dissolve producing an alkaline, sulfate-
rich,solution.
Soon after mixing, the (C3A) phase (the most reactive of the four main
clinker minerals) reacts with the water to form an aluminate-rich gel (Stage I
on the heat evolution curve above). The gel reacts with sulfate in solution to
form small rod-like crystals of ettringite. (C3A) reaction is with water is
strongly exothermic but does not last long, typically only a few minutes, and
is followed by a period of a few hours of relatively low heat evolution.
The first part of the dormant period, up to perhaps half-way through,
corresponds to when concrete can be placed. As the dormant period
progresses, the paste becomes too stiff to be workable. At the end of the
dormant period, the alite and belite in the cement start to react, with the
formation of calcium silicate hydrate and calcium hydroxide. This
corresponds to the main period of hydration (Stage III), during which time
concrete strengths increase. The individual grains react from the surface
inwards, and the anhydrous particles become smaller. (C3A) hydration also
continues, as fresh crystals accessible to water. The period of maximum heat
evolution occurs typically between about 10 and 20 hours after mixing and
then gradually tails off. In a mix containing PC only, most of the strength
gain has occurred within about a month. Ferrite reaction also starts quickly
as water is added, but then slows down, probably because a layer of iron
hydroxide gel forms, coating the ferrite and acting as a barrier, preventing
further reaction.
1.1.1 Hydration products
The products of the reaction between cement and water are termed
"hydration products." In concrete (or mortar or other cementitious materials)
there are typically four main types: Calcium silicate hydrate: this is the
main reaction product and is the main source of concrete strength.
Calcium hydroxide: (or Portlandite)- Ca(OH)2, often abbreviated to 'CH.'
CH is formed mainly from alite hydration. Alite has a Ca:Si ratio of 3:1 and
C-S-H has a Ca/Si ratio of approximately 2:1, so excess lime is available to
produceCH.
AFm and AFt phases: these are two groups of minerals that occur in
cement, and elsewhere. One of the most common AFm phases in hydrated
cement is monosulfate and by far the most common AFt phase is ettringite.
The most common AFt and AFm phases in hydrated cement are:
Ettringite: ettringite is present as rod-like crystals in the early stages of
reaction or sometimes as massive growths filling pores or cracks in mature
concrete or mortar. The chemical formula for ettringite is
[Ca3Al(OH)6.12H2O]2.2H2O] or, mixing notations, C3A.3CaSO4.32H2O.
Monosulfate: monosulfate tends to occur in the later stages of hydration, a
day or two after mixing. The chemical formula for monosulfate is
C3A.CaSO4.12H2O. Note that both ettringite and monosulfate are
compounds of C3A, CaSO4 (anhydrite) and water, in different proportions.
Some important points to note about AFm and AFt phases are that:

• They contain a lot of water, especially AFt - principally ettringite in

the context of cement.
• AFm contains a higher ratio of aluminium/calcium compared with
AFt.
• The aluminium can be partly-replaced by iron in both AFm and AFt
phases.
• The sulfate ion in monosulfate AFm phase can be replaced by other
anions; a one-for-one substitution if the anion is doubly-charged (eg:
carbonate, CO22-) or one-for-two if the substituent anion is singly-
charged (eg: hydroxyl, OH- or chloride, Cl-).

In a concrete made from cement containing only clinker and gypsum,

ettringite forms early after the cement and water are mixed, but it is
gradually replaced by monosulfate. This is because the ratio of available
alumina to sulfate increases with continued cement hydration; on first
contact with water, most of the sulfate is readily available to dissolve, but
much of the C3A is contained inside cement grains with no initial access to
water.If there is eventually more alumina than sulfate available, all the
sulfate will be as monosulfate, with the additional alumina present as
hydroxyl-substituted AFm phase (hydroxy-AFm). If there is a small excess
of sulfate, the cement paste will contain a mixture of monosulfate and
ettringite. With increasing available sulfate, there will be more ettringite and
less monosulfate, and at even higher levels of sulfate there will be ettringite
and gypsum. If fine limestone is present, carbonate ions become available as
some of the limestone reacts. The carbonate displaces sulfate or hydroxyl in
AFm; the proportion of monosulfate or hydroxy-AFm therefore decreases as
the proportion of monocarbonate increases. The displaced sulfate typically
combines with remaining monosulfate to form ettringite, but if any hydroxy-
AFm is present, the sulfate will displace the hydroxyl ions to form more
monosulfate.

1.2 OBJECTIVE:
• To reduce the water cement ratio.
• To Increase the hydration process of concrete.
• To determine the compressive strength of cube and Tensile strength of
cylinder.
1.3 SCOPE:
In this study the effect of calcium lignosulphonates when added with
weight of cement has been examined in order to compare them for the
effective use of performance of concrete.
1.4 NEED FOR STUDY:
Hydration Process plays a major role in attaining strength of concrete.
The use of calcium lignosulphonates will Improve the hydration process and
capable of avoiding shrinkage and cracking.
 CHAPTER 2
PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS:
2.1 CEMENT
A cement is a binder, a substance that sets and hardens and can bind
other materials together. Cement is by far the most important constituent of
concrete, in that if forms the binding medium for the discrete ingredients.
Made out of naturally occurring raw materials and sometimes blended or
interground with industrial wastes, cements come in various types and
chemical compositions.
In our project we using Ordinary Portland cement
2.2 FINE AGGREGATE AND COARSE AGGREGATE
Aggregate constitutes about 75% of the bulk of concrete. The
properties of aggregate, therefore, considerably affect the quality of
concrete. Among many properties, shape, size, presence of impurities,
crushing strength and grading of aggregate.
For ordinary concrete, certain data such as fineness modulus, specific
gravity, bulk density, surface water in aggregate, water absorption in
aggregate , bulking of sand are required to be assumed in design. Practical
data based on experience has been collected and are reproduced in the
ensuing paragraphs.
2.3 LIGNOSULPHONATES
Lignosulphonates have a wide variety of applications. The single
largest use for lignosulphonates is as plasticizers in making concrete,
where they allow concrete to be made with less water while maintaining
the ability of the concrete to flow. Lignosulphonates are also used for the
production of plasterboard to reduce the amount of water required to make
the stucco flow and form the layer between two sheets of paper. The
reduction in water content allows lower kiln temperatures to dry the
plasterboard, saving energy.
2.4 USES:
Lignosulphonates have a wide variety of applications. The single largest use
for lignosulphonates is as plasticizers in making concrete, where they allow
concrete to be made with less water (giving stronger concrete) while
maintaining the ability of the concrete to flow. Lignosulphonates are also
used during the production of cement, where they act as grinding aids in the
cement mill and as a rawmix slurry deflocculant (that reduces the viscosity
of the slurry).

Lignosulphonates are also used for the production of plasterboard to reduce

the amount of water required to make the stucco flow and form the layer
between two sheets of paper. The reduction in water content allows lower
kiln temperatures to dry the plasterboard, saving energy.Lignin sulphonate is
an anionic surfactant, the aqueous pulp and sulfur chloride and sulfite
reaction product, a byproduct of the production of pulp, usually 4 – hydroxy
– 3 – methoxy Multi copolymers. Because different types of wood, different
sulfonation of lignin sulphonate molecular weight ranging from 200 to
10,000 by the chemical structure has not been determined. The liquid in the
cold storage for a long time easily turbid at low temperatures precipitation is
formed trioxane. Evaporates some formaldehyde escape, but most become
trioxymethylene. Is a strong reducing agent in alkaline Shihai trace
immunogenicity stronger. The air can be slowly oxidized to formic acid.
With water, ethanol, acetone and other organic solvents in any immiscibility.
pH 2.8 ~ 4.0. Relative density 1.081 ~ 1.085. Melting point -118 ℃, boiling
point -19.5 ℃, flash point 60 ℃. Flammable.
Table 1 Calcium Lignosulphonate Properties
Appearance Light Yellow Powder
Lignosulphonate 55% min.
Moisture 9.0% max.
ph value (1% soluble) 4.5 – 6.5
Dry Matter 92.0% max.
Total reducing matter 12.0% max.
Water insoluble matter 1.5% max.

Figure 2.1 Calcium lignosulphonate

2.5 ADVANTAGES :
• Reduces autogenous cracking.
• Largely eliminates autogenous shrinkage
• Reduces Permeability
• Protects reinforcing steel
• Increases mortar strength
• Increases early age strength sufficient to withstand strain
• Provides greater durability
• Higher early age flexural, compressive strength
• Lower turnaround time
• Improved rheology, Greater utilization of cement, Lower maintenance
• Higher modulus of elasticity, through mixture designs, Sharper edges
• Greater curing predictability
• Higher Performance
• Does not adversely affect finishability, pumpability.
• Reduces effect of insufficient external curing.
2.6 DISADVANTAGES:
• Cracking of concrete provides passageways resulting in deterioration
of reinforcing steel.
• Low early age strength is a problem
• Permeability must be improved
• Need for reduced construction time, quicker turnaround time in
precast plants, lower maintenance cost, greater performance and
predictability.
 CHAPTER 3
LITERATURE REVIEW:
WATER-SOLUBLE POLYMERS AS SELF-CURING AGENT IN
SILICA FUME PORTLAND CEMENT MIXES( BERNABE L
RIVAS, EDUARDO D PEREIRA, IGNACIO MORENO –
VILLOSLADA FEBRUARY 2003) STATES THAT:
When cured in air, ‘self-cure’ concrete possesses improved properties
in comparison to identically cured controls. This paper reports the results of
several durability tests conducted on self-cure concrete specimens. It was
found that initial surface absorption, chloride ingress, carbonation, corrosion
potential and freeze resistance characteristics were all better in air cured self-
cure concrete than in the air cured control. This improvement appears to be
dependent on admixture dosage, and although the durability properties
obtained in this study were not as good as the film cured concrete controls, it
may be possible to achieve such properties with higher quantities of self-
cure chemical.
SELF-CURING CONCRETE WATER RETENTION,
HYDRATION AND MOISTURE TRANSPORT(A. S. EL-DIEB JUNE
2007) STATES THAT
Water retention of concrete containing self-curing agents is
investigated. Concrete weight loss, and internal relative humidity
measurements with time were carried out, in order to evaluate the water
retention of self-curing concrete. Non-evaporate water at different ages was
measured to evaluate the hydration. Water transport through concrete is
evaluated by measuring absorption%, permeable voids% water sorptivity,
and water permeability. The water transport through self-curing concrete is
evaluated with age. The effect of the concrete mix proportions on the
performance of self-curing concrete were investigated, such as, cement
content and w/c ratio.

BENEFITS OF INTERNAL URING ON SERVICE LIFE AND LIFE-

CYCLE COST OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONCRETE BRIDGE
DECKS – A CASE STUDY( D CUSSON, Z. LOUNIS, L. DAIGLE,
MAY 2010) STATES THAT:

This paper investigates the impact of internal curing on the service life of
high-performance concrete (HPC) bridge decks by using analytical models
to predict the times to onset of corrosion, onset of corrosion-induced
damage, and failure of decks. Three bridge deck design options were
compared: (i) normal concrete deck; (ii) HPC deck with supplementary
cementing materials (SCM); and (iii) HPC deck with SCM and internal
curing. It was found that the use of internal curing can extend the service life
of high-performance concrete bridge decks by more than 20 years, which is
mainly due to a significant reduction in the rate of penetration of chlorides in
concrete as a result of reduced early-age shrinkage cracking and reduced
chloride diffusion. Compared to normal concrete, HPC with SCM and
internal curing was predicted to add more than 40 years to the service life of
bridge decks in severe environmental conditions. Life-cycle cost reductions
of 40% and 63% were estimated when conventional HPC and internally-
cured HPC were used in bridge decks instead of normal concrete,
respectively, despite the fact that the in-place unit cost of internally-cured
HPC can be 4% higher than that of conventionally-cured HPC, which in turn
can be up to 33% higher than that of normal concrete. This is due to a longer
service life and less frequent maintenance activities offered by low-
permeability HPC bridge decks.

SUPER ABSORBING POLYMERS AS AN INTERNAL CURING

AGENT FOR MITIGATION OF EARLY-AGE CRACKING OF
HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONCRETE BRIDGE DECK( BART
CRAEYE, MATTHEW GEIMAERT, GEERT DE SCHUTTER,
JANUARY 2011) STATES THAT:

High-performance concrete (HPC) with low w/b-ratio experiences a

considerable chemical shrinkage and self-desiccation during its hydration
process, leading to a rather high autogenous shrinkage deformation during
hardening. In case the free deformation of the concrete is prevented, internal
stresses are introduced, which can lead to premature cracks. These early-age
cracks can severely affect the durability of a concrete structure. By adding
super absorbing polymers (SAP) into the HPC as an internal curing agent,
and by adding additional curing water to the concrete mixture, the chemical
shrinkage and the self-desiccation during hydration of the concrete is
counteracted and thus the autogenous shrinkage of the HPC can be
significantly reduced. Unfortunately, this process of internal curing also has
some disadvantageous effects on the mechanical properties. In search of an
optimization of the internal curing process, an extensive experimental
program was performed on HPC, using different degrees of internal curing,
to assess the mechanical and thermal properties of the HPC, and to evaluate
the effectiveness of the performed curing. The goal is to obtain a maximal
autogenous shrinkage reduction and a minimal strength reduction. The
resulting effect on the early-age cracking risk is simulated by means of finite
element calculations. The simulations also include thermal stress
development due to the heat of hydration. In case 70 kg/m3 of internal curing
water is provided via the SAP, an optimal reduction of the cracking risk is
noticed, mainly caused by the autogenous shrinkage reduction and the
appearing expansive deformation peak directly after setting takes place.
EFFECT OF INTERNAL CURING ON DURABILITY-RELATED
PROPERTIES OF HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE (SEMION
ZHUTOVSKY, KONSTANTIN KOVLER, JANUARY 2012) STATES
THAT:
Internal curing of high performance concrete (HPC) by pre-saturated
lightweight aggregates is a well-established method of counteracting self-
desiccation and autogenous shrinkage. However, by introducing the internal
water reservoirs strength and durability properties can be injured. Tests by
the widely accepted methods of durability assessment, such as resistance to
chloride penetration, air permeability, water absorption, autogenous and
drying shrinkage and mass loss, were conducted on HPC mixes made at
water to cement ratios in the range of 0.21–0.33. The effect of internal
curing on the durability related properties of high-performance concretes as
a function of water to cement ratio is reported.
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT CURING REGIMES ON THE
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH PROPERTIES OF SELF
COMPACTING CONCRETE INCORPORATING FLY ASH AND
SILICA FUME( A. FERHAT BINGOL, LIHAN TOHUMEU
OCTOBER 2013) STATES THAT:
This paper presents the effect of air curing, water curing and steam
curing on the compressive strength of Self Compacting Concrete. For
experimental study, SCC is produced with using silica fume instead of
cement by weight, by the ratios of 5%, 10% and 15%, and fly ash with the
ratios of 25%, 40% and 55%. It is observed that mineral admixtures have
positive effects on the self settlement properties. The highest compressive
strength was observed in the concrete specimens with using 15% SF and for
28 days water curing. Air curing caused compressive strength losses in all
groups. Relative strengths of concretes with mineral admixtures were
determined higher than concretes without admixtures at steam curing
conditions.
EFFECT OF HYBRID CURING ON CRACKING POTENTIAL
OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONCRETE(SEMION ZHUTOVSKY,
AMON BENTUR, KONSTANTIN KOVLER, DECEMBER 2013)
STATES THAT:
Internal curing technology has been developed to counteract
autogenous shrinkage of high-performance concrete. However, the total
shrinkage of internally cured concrete is reported to be almost unchanged
after exposure to drying. On the other hand, shrinkage reducing admixtures
have been successfully used to reduce drying shrinkage. A hybrid curing
technique that combines internal curing with shrinkage reducing admixture
seems to be a promising approach for reduction of total shrinkage and
cracking potential of high-performance concrete. Ring test of concrete made
at water to cement ratio of 0.33 and internally cured by water-saturated
lightweight aggregate and super-absorbent polymer and their combination
with shrinkage reducing agent was studied. In parallel, compressive and
splitting strength, drying shrinkage and mass loss of the same concrete
mixes were measured. The results demonstrate the synergy between internal
curing and shrinkage reducing admixture resulting in a marked reduction of
cracking potential.
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AND HYDRATION PROCESSES OF
CONCRETE WITH RECYCLED AGGREGATES( EDUARDUS A. B.
KOENDERS, MARCO PEPE, ENZO MARTINELLI, FEBRUARY
2014) STATES THAT:
This paper deals with the correlation between the time evolution of the
degree of hydration and the compressive strength of Recycled Aggregate
Concrete (RAC) for different water to cement ratios and initial moisture
conditions of the Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCAs). Particularly, the
influence of such moisture conditions is investigated by monitoring the
hydration process and determining the compressive strength development of
fully dry or fully saturated recycled aggregates in four RAC mixtures.
Hydration processes are monitored via temperature measurements in
hardening concrete samples and the time evolution of the degree of
hydration is determined through a 1D hydration and heat flow model. The
effect of the initial moisture condition of RCAs employed in the considered
concrete mixtures clearly emerges from this study. In fact, a novel
conceptual method is proposed to predict the compressive strength of RAC-
systems, from the initial mixture parameters and the hardening conditions.
STUDY OF PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE USING CURING –
AGENTS(POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL AND LIGHTWEIGHT
AGGREGATE)( MAGDA I.MOUSA, MOHAMED G. MAHDY,
AHMED H. ABDEL REHEEM, AKRAM Z. YEHIA 30 APRIL 2014)
STATES THAT:
In this study the effect of two different curing-agents has been
examined in order to compare them for optimizing the performance of
concrete. The first used type is the pre-soaked lightweight aggregate with
different ratios; 0%, 10%, 15 % and 20% of volume of sand, and the second
type is a chemical agent of polyethylene-glycol with different percentages;
1%, 2% and e% of weight of cement. In this study, three cement content;
300, 400 and 500 kg/m3/, three different water-cement ratios; 0.5, 0.4, and
0.3 and two magnitudes of silica fume as a pozzolanic additive; 0% and
15% of cement weight, were used. The physical properties of concrete were
evaluated at different ages, up to 28 days. The concrete specimens are
subjected to dry-air curing regime during the experiment.
The results show that the use of self-curing agent in concrete
effectively improves the physical properties compared with conventional
concrete. On the other hand, up to 15% saturated leca was effective while
20% saturated leca was effective for permeability and mass loss but
adversely affects the soptivity and volumetric water absorption. Self curing
agent Ch. Was more effective than self-curing agent leca. In all cases, both
2% Ch. And 15% leca were the optimum Values/ Higher cement content and
lower water-cement ratio leads to more effective results of self-curing agents
in concrete. Incorporation of silica fume into concrete mixtures enhances all
physical properties.
EFFECTS OF MINERAL POWDERS ON HYDRATION PROCESS
AND HYDRATION PRODUCTS IN NORMAL STRENGTH
CONCRETE ( JOHANNA TIKKANEN, ANDRZEJ CWIRZEN, VESA
PENTTALA, DECEMBER 2014) STATES THAT:
The use of fine material in concrete manufacture has received an
increased attention during the last 10–20 years. A number of studies have
been published on the influence of fillers on special types of concretes,
however, the influence of fine material on ordinary concrete is less well
examined. In this paper the effects of mineral powders on hydration process
and hydration products of normal strength concrete were studied. Tests were
carried out on concretes and cement pastes with quartz and limestone
mineral powders. According to the results, heat evolution appeared to be
affected by the use of mineral powders. Greater hydration heat and thus
higher maturities, degrees of hydration and compressive strengths were
obtained for concretes containing up to 40 wt% of added mineral powder.
However, increasing the amount of mineral powder did not proportionally
increase the amount of hydration heat. TGA tests on cement pastes revealed
that the amount of Ca(OH)2 was slightly lower in the mineral powder pastes
but the degree of hydration was greater. The use of mineral powder to
replace 10 wt% of the cement had no effect or only a small one on the
amount of Portlandite and compressive strength of the pastes. However,
replacing a higher amount of cement reduced the amount of Portlandite and
compressive strengths notably. In addition, the results from the TGA also
suggested that some of the CaCO3 originating from the limestone was
incorporated into the hydration phases. The XRD study confirmed the results
obtained from the TGA. A 10 wt% cement replacement appeared to have
almost no effect on the amount of Portlandite formed at the age of 28 days.
However, using mineral powders to replace 30 wt% or more of the cement
reduced the amount of Portlandite notably. In many of the cement pastes in
which mineral powders replaced cement, the net intensity of C3S measured
by XRD was lower than could be expected to happen as a result of mere
cement replacement. It was related to a higher degree of hydration of
cements with mineral powders which was additionally supported by the
amount of Portlandite and the compressive strength results.
 CHAPTER 4

METHODOLOGY

METHODOLOGY

COLLECTION OF DATA

COLLECTION OF LITERATURE

COLLECTION OF RAW MATERIALS

CEMENT FINE AGGREGATE COARSE AGGREGATE SODIUMLIGNOSULPHONATE

LABORATORY TEST FOR PROPERTIES OF MATERIAL USED

SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST SIEVE ANALYSIS SLUMP CONE TEST

MIX DESIGN

CASTING CUBES AND CYLINDERS

TEST TO BE CONDUCTED

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST SPLIT TENSILE TEST WATER ABSORPTION TEST

ANALYSIS OF RESULT
4.1 COLLECTION OF DATA
Initially the data required for the study was being collected
from various journals and from on-line Browsings and referring to
some books. More than 8 journals were referred to collect the details
about the components to be used. The details about the raw materials
used to proceed the study are collected. By the way its physical and
chemical properties were also identified and Compared with
permissible values.
4.2 COLLECTION OF RAW MATERIALS
Cement, Fine aggregate and Coarse aggregate
Calcium lignosulphonate
4.3 TESTS TO BE CONDUCTED
• Specific Gravity Test
• Slump Cone Test and Sieve Analysis
• Compressive strength test
• Split tensile strength test and Water- absorption Test
4.4 MIX DESIGN OF CONCRETE
From the values of specific gravity obtained for cement,
fine aggregate, coarse aggregate and from site condition, the
mix design was computed for M25 grade of concrete.
4.5 CASTING CUBES AND CYLINDERS
Cubes and cylinders were cast for different ratio for
testing them for the compressive strength and split tensile
strength. The calcium lignosulphonate was added in different
percentage such as 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75 by the weight of
cement. Then both cubes and cylinders were casted and cured
for 7, 14 and 28 days respectively.
 CHAPTER 5
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
5.1 SPECIFIC GRAVITY FOR FINE AGGREGATE
Procedure
•
Determine and record the weight of the empty clean and dry
pycnometer, W1.
•
Place 20g of a dry soil sample in the pycnometer. Determine and
record the weight of the pycnometer containing the dry soil, W2.
•
Add distilled water to fill about half to three-fourth of the pycnometer.
Soak the sample for 10 minutes.
•
Apply a partial vacuum to the contents for 10 minutes, to remove the
entrapped air. Stop the vacuum and carefully remove the vacuum line
from pycnometer.
•
Fill the pycnometer with distilled (water to the mark), clean the
exterior surface of the pycnometer with a clean, dry cloth. Determine
the weight of the pycnometer and contents, W3.
•
Empty the pycnometer and clean it. Then fill it with distilled water
only (to the mark). Clean the exterior surface of the pycnometer with
a clean, dry cloth. Determine the weight of the pycnometer and
distilled water, W4.
•
Empty the pycnometer and clean it
 Table 2 Specific gravity for fine aggregate
S. Observation Sample Sample Sample
no. 1 2 3
1. Empty bottle weight, W1 25.68g 25.68g 25.68g
2. Bottle + Sand weight, W2 45.68g 47.39g 45.96g
3. Bottle + Sand + water weight, W3 84.93g 86.05g 85.13g
4. Bottle + water weight , W4 72.63g 72.63g 72.63g
Specific gravity 2.58 2.61 2.60
Mean 2.6

The specific gravity of the soil is calculated as

= (W2-W1)/((W4-W1)-(W3-W2))

CALCULATIONS:
Weight of Empty bottle, w1 = 25.68g
Weight of bottle + Sand , w2 = 45.68g
Weight of Bottle + Sand + Water, w3 = 84.93g
Weight of Bottle + Water, w4 = 72.63g
Specific Gravity of Fine Aggregate = (w2- w1)/((w4 - w1)(w3 - w2))
= (45.68 - 25.68)/((72.63 - 25.68) - (84.93 - 45.68))
= 2.58
5.2 SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST FOR CEMENT:
Procedure
•
Determine and record the weight of the empty clean and dry
pycnometer, W1.
•
Place 20g of a dry cement sample in the pycnometer. Determine and
record the weight of the pycnometer containing the dry soil, W2.
•
Add distilled water to fill about half to three-fourth of the pycnometer.
Soak the sample for 10 minutes.
•
Apply a partial vacuum to the contents for 10 minutes, to remove the
entrapped air.
•
Stop the vacuum and carefully remove the vacuum line from
pycnometer.
•
Fill the pycnometer with distilled (water to the mark), clean the
exterior surface of the pycnometer with a clean, dry cloth. Determine
the weight of the pycnometer and contents, W3.
•
Empty the pycnometer and clean it. Then fill it with distilled water
only (to the mark). Clean the exterior surface of the pycnometer with
a clean, dry cloth. Determine the weight of the pycnometer and
distilled water, W4.
•
Empty the pycnometer and clean it.
 Table 3 Specific gravity for cement
S.no Observation Sample Sample Sample
1 2 3
1. Empty bottle W1 25.64g 42.55g 25.64g
2. Bottle + cement, W2 46.54g 62.55g 46.54g
3. Bottle + cement + 77.95g 94.59g 79.07g
water weight , W3
4. Bottle + water weight , 63.54g 80.76g 64.56g
W4
Specific gravity 3.26 3.25 3.27
Mean 3.26

The specific gravity of the cement is calculated as

=(W2-W1)/((W4-W1)-(W3-W2))
CALCULATIONS:
Weight of Empty bottle w1 = 25.64g
Weight of bottle + Cement w2 = 45.64g
Weight of Bottle + Cement + Kerosene w3 = 79.07g
Weight of Bottle + Kerosene w4 = 64.56g
Specific Gravity of Cement = (w2- w1)/((w4 - w1)(w3 - w2))
= (46.54 - 25.64)/((64.56 - 25.64) - (79.07 – 46.54))
= 3.27
5.3 SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST FOR COARSE AGGREGATE
Specific Gravity for Coarse Aggregate 10mm IS Sieve

a. Weight of Sample, g = 1000

b. Weight of vessel + Sample + Water(A), g = 3372
c. Weight of Vessel + Water(B), g = 2754
d. Weight of Saturated & Surface dry Sample (C), g = 990
e. Weight of oven dry Sample (D), g = 982
f. Specific Gravity = [ D/(C – (A - B))] × 100
g. Water Absorption, Percentage Dry weight = [(C – D)/D] × 100

Specific Gravity = [ D/(C – (A - B))] × 100

= [ 982 / (982 – (3372 – 2754)] × 100
= 2.70
Water Absorption, Percentage Dry Weight = [(C – D/ D] × 100
= [ 990 – 982/982) ×100
= 0.81%
5.4 SIEVE ANALYSIS
Procedure
• Take a representative oven dried sample of soil that weighs about
500g.
• If soil particles are lumped or conglomerated crush the lumped and
not the particles using the pestle and mortar.
• Determine the mass of sample accurately. Wt(g)
• Prepare a stack of sieves. sieves having larger opening sizes (i.e lower
numbers) are placed above the ones having smaller opening sizes (i.e
higher numbers).
• Make sure sieves are clean, if many soil particles are stuck in the
openings try to poke them out using brush.
• Weigh all sieves and the pan separately.
• Pour the soil from into the stack of sieves from the top and place the
cover, put the stack in the sieve shaker and fix the clamps, adjust the
time on 10 to 15 minutes and get the shaker going.
• Stop the sieve shaker and measure the mass of each sieve + retained
soil.

Figure 5.1 Sieve analysis

 Table 4 Sieve Analysis
IS SIEVE WEIGHT Cumulativ Soil Soil Combined
DESIGNATION OF Soil e weight retained as passing as Passing as
retained retained percentage percentage % of total
(wc) (wd) partial of partial sample
sample sample
(N1) (N’)
mm g G N1 = wd/wc N’ = 100 – N = 100 –
×100 N1 (N1 ×
wd/w)
4.75 mm 0 4.75 0.952 99.048 99.050
2.36mm 2.15 6.90 1.38 98.620 98.800
1.18mm 170.36 177.26 35.54 71.460 72.310
0.710 125.07 302.33 60.618 69.980 70.210
0.600 87.98 390.33 78.26 67.281 67.98
0.425 56.68 447.01 89.620 58.731 59.73
0.300 4.67 451.68 90.560 31.210 32.21
0.150 43.34 495.02 99.250 12.750 7.929
0.075 5.39 500.36 100.32 7.231 6.093
Pan 3.13 503.49 100.952 4.319 5.713
 Perentage
120

100

80

60
Perentage

40

20

0
150u 300u 600u 1.18mm 2.36mm 4.75mm

Sieves
 5.5 CONCRETE MIX DESIGN
Concrete Mix Design is derived for M25 concrete used in this project, for all
the reinforced structural members, and is shown in detail below
Compressive strength of concrete = 25 MPa
Maximum size of aggregate = 20mm
Degree of quality control = good
Assume type of exposure = mild
Concrete Mix Design Calculations:
1) Target Mean Strength
The mean target strength ft
ft = fck + (1.65 × S)
Table 5 Standard Deviation

Assumed Standard Deviation

Grade of
(N/Sq.mm)
Concrete
Good Site Control Fair Site Control

M10, M15 3.5 4.5

M20, M25 4.0 5.0

M30, M35
M,40,M45 5.0 6.0
M50

= 25 + (1.65 × 4)
= 31.6 N/mm2
= 31.6 MPa
where S is the standard deviation obtained from the Table of approximate
contents given after the design mix.
2) Selection of water cement ratio
w/c ratio for M25 concrete = 0.45
3) Selection of Water and Sand Content
For 20mm size of aggregate water content
per cubic meter of concrete = 186kg
Sand as % of total aggregate by absolute volume = 35%
Adjustment of Sand Content = - 3.5%
Adjustment for water content = 3%
Total Volume of sand = 31.5 %
Total Volume of water = 186 + (35/100) × 193kg/m3
4) Cement Content
Determination of Cement Content
Cement = Amount of water/water cement ratio
= 193/0.45
= 429 Kg/m3
5) Determination of coarse and fine aggregate content:
Maximum size of aggregate = 20 mm
Amount of entrapped air in wet concrete = 2%
Calculation of aggregate content,
Fine aggregate,
V = (w + (c/sc) + [(1/p) × ( fa/ sfa)] × 1/1000
Where
V = Absolute volume of fresh concrete = 1 m3
W = Mass of Water (Kg) per m3 of concrete
C = Mass of Cement (Kg) per m3 of
concrete
p = Percentage of fine aggregate.
 fa = Mass of fine aggregate
ca = Mass of coarse aggregate
Sc = Specific gravity of cement.
Sfa = Specific gravity of fine aggregate.
Sca = Specific gravity of coarse aggregate.
0.98 = [(193/1) + (429/3.29) + (1/0.315) × Fa/ 2.6) × 1/1000
fa = 538kg/m3
Determination of Coarse Aggregate:
V = (w + (c/sc) + [(1/1-p) × (ca/ sca)] × 1/1000
ca = ((1- p)/p × fa × (Sca /sfa)
ca = ((1- 0.315)/0.315 × 538 ×(2.7 / 2.6)

ca = 1169.9 = 1170kg/m3

Mix Proportion:
Water = 193kg/m3; Cement = 429kg/m3;
Fine Aggregate = 538 kg/m3; Coarse Aggregate = 1170kg/m3;
Mix Ratio:
429/429 : 538/429 : 1170/429
1 : 1.25 : 2.7
Table 6 Mix Ratio
Water Cement Fine Coarse
(kg/m3) (kg/m3) Aggregate Aggregate
(kg/m3) (kg/m3)
193 429 538 1170
0.45 3.29 2.6 2.6
5.6 Slump ConeTest
Definition
• Slump is a measurement of concrete’s workability, or fluidity.
• It’s an indirect measurement of concrete consistency or stiffness.
• A slump test is a method used to determine the consistency of
concrete. The consistency, or stiffness, indicates how much water has
been used in the mix. The stiffness of the concrete mix should be
matched to the requirements for the finished product quality.
Concrete slump Test
The concrete slump test is used for the measurement of a property of fresh
concrete. The test is an empirical test that measures the workability of fresh
concrete. More specifically, it measures consistency between batches. The
test is popular due to the simplicity of apparatus used and simple procedure.
Principle:
The slump test result is a 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.
Applications of slump test:
• The slump test is used to ensure uniformity for different batches of
similar concrete under field conditions and to ascertain the effects of
plasticizers on their introduction.
• This test is very useful on site as a check on the day-to-day 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.
Table 7 Slump Values
W/C ratio (%) Calcium Slump (mm)
lignosulphonate (%)
0.45 0 26
0.45 0.25 28
0.45 0.50 42
0.45 0.75 47

MEASUREMENT OF SLUMP CONE

Figure 5.2 Slump Cone Test

 CHAPTER 6
DETAILS OF THE EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
6.1 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE CUBES
Procedure

1. Representative samples of concrete shall be taken and used for casting

cubes 15 cm x 15 cm x 15 cm or cylindrical specimens of 15 cm dia x
30 cm long.
2. The concrete shall be filled into the moulds in layers approximately 5
cm deep. It would be distributed evenly and compacted either by
vibration or by hand tamping. After the top layer has been compacted,
the surface of concrete shall be finished level with the top of the
mould using a trowel; and covered with a glass plate to prevent
evaporation.
3. The specimen shall be stored at site for 24+ ½ h under damp matting
or sack. After that, the samples shall be stored in clean water at
27+20C; until the time of test. The ends of all cylindrical specimens
that are not plane within 0.05 mm shall be capped.
4. Specimen shall be tested immediately on removal from water and
while they are still in wet condition.
5. The bearing surface of the testing specimen shall be wiped clean and
any loose material removed from the surface. In the case of cubes, the
specimen shall be placed in the machine in such a manner that the
load cube as cast, that is, not to the top and bottom.
 6. The load shall be applied slowly without shock and increased
continuously at a rate of approximately 140 kg/sq.cm/min until the
resistance of the specimen to the increased load breaks down and no
greater load can be sustained. The maximum load applied to the
specimen shall then be recorded and any unusual features noted at the
time of failure brought out in the report.

6.1.1 TENSILE TEST

Tensile strength is an important property of concrete because concrete
structures are highly vulnerable to tensile cracking due to various kinds of
effects and applied loading itself. However, tensile strength of concrete is
very low in compared to its compressive strength.
Due to difficulty in applying uniaxial tension to a concrete specimen, the
tensile strength of the concrete is determined by indirect test methods: (1)
Split Cylinder Test (2) Flexure Test.
It should be noted that both of these methods give the higher value of tensile
strength than the uniaxial tensile strength.
6.2 SPLIT-TENSILE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE CYLINDER
It is the standard test, to determine the tensile strength of concrete in an
indirect way. This test could be performed in accordance with IS : 5816-
1970.A standard test cylinder of concrete specimen (300 mm X 150mm
diameter) is placed horizontally between the loading surfaces of
Compression Testing Machine (Fig-4). The compression load is applied
diametrically and uniformly along the length of cylinder until the failure of
the cylinder along the vertical diameter. To allow the uniform distribution of
this applied load and to reduce the magnitude of the high compressive
stresses near the points of appplication of this load, strips of plywood are
placed between the specimen and loading platens of the testing machine.
Concrete cylinders split into two halves along this vertical plane due to
indirect tensile stress generated by poisson's effect.
Due to this compressive loading, an element lying along the vertical
diameter of the cylinder is subjected to a vertical compressive stress and a
horizontal stress (Fig-4). The loading condition produces a high compressive
stress immediately below the loading points. But the larger portion of
cylinder, corresponding to its depth is subjected to uniform tensile stress
acting horizontally. It is estimated that the compressive stress is acting for
about 1/6 depth and the remaining 5/6 depth is subjected to tension due to
poisson's effect.Assuming concrete specimen behaves as an elastic body, a
uniform lateral tensile stress of ft acting along the vertical plane causes the
failure of the specimen, which can be calculated from the formula as,

Figure 6.1 Testing of concrete Cubes

Ultimate tensile strength ft = ( 2P / πdL) (N/mm2)

FORMULA
Ultimate tensile strength ft = ( 2P / πdL) (N/mm2)
where P = Compressive load at failure
L = Length of Cylinder
D = Diameter of Cylinder

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS:
i. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CUBES:

Size of the cube =15cm × 15 cm

Area of the specimen(calculated from the mean size of the specimen) =
225cm2
Characteristic Compressive Strength(fck) = Load at Failure/Area of the
specimen Compressive Strength(fck) = 440000/1502 = 19.55 N/mm2
ii. TENSILE STRENGTH OF CYLINDERS:

Ultimate tensile strength = ( 2P / πdL) (N/mm2)

P = Compressive load at failure = 200kN

L = Length of Cylinder = 300mm
D = Diameter of Cylinder = 150mm

Ultimate tensile strength(ft) = ( 2P / πdL)

ft = (2 × 200)/(3.14 × 300 × 150)
ft = 2.83 N/mm2
 TABLE 8 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR CONTROL CUBES

PERCENTAGE DURATION ULTIMATE AVERAGE

OF CHEMICAL OF CURING COMPRESSIVE COMPRESSIVE
ADDED IN DAYS STRENGTH STRENGTH
(N/mm2) (N/mm2)
15.55
0% 7 16 15.7
15.55
19.55
0% 14 18.66 19.1
19.11
24.88
0% 28 24.66 24.80
24.88

Chart 1 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR CONTROL CUBES

25
Compressive Strength(N/mm2)

20

15 Sample 1
Sample 2
10
Sample 3

0
7 Days 14 Days 28 Days

No of Samples

Curing Days
 TABLE 9 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR 0.25 % CUBES

PERCENTAGE DURATION ULTIMATE AVERAGE

OF OF CURING COMPRESSIVE COMPRESSIVE
CHEMICAL IN DAYS STRENGTH STRENGTH
ADDED (N/mm2) (N/mm2)

16.88
0.25% 7 16.44 16.73
16.88
20.44
0.25% 14 20 20.29
20.44
25.11
0.25% 28 25.33 25.18
25.11

Chart 2 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR 0.25 %CUBES

30
Compressive Strength(N/mm2)

25

20
Sample 1
15
Sample 2

10 Sample 3

0
7 Days 14 Days 28 Days

No of Samples

Curing Days
 TABLE 10 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR 0.5 % CUBES
PERCENTAGE DURATION ULTIMATE AVERAGE
OF OF CURING COMPRESSIVE COMPRESSIVE
CHEMICAL IN DAYS STRENGTH STRENGTH
ADDED (N/mm2) (N/mm2)

17.33
0.5% 7 17.77 17.47
17.33
21.33
0.5% 14 20.88 20.96
21.33
25.33
0.5% 28 25.77 25.47
25.33

Chart 3 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR 0.5 %CUBES

30
Compressive Strength(N/mm2)

25

20
Sample 1
15
Sample 2

10 Sample 3

0
7 Days 14 Days 28 Days

No of Samples
Curing Days
 TABLE 11 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR 0.75 % CUBES

PERCENTAGE DURATION ULTIMATE AVERAGE

OF CHEMICAL OF CURING COMPRESSIVE COMPRESSIVE
ADDED IN DAYS STRENGTH STRENGTH
(N/mm2) (N/mm2)
18.22
0.75% 7 18.67 18.35
18.22
21.77
0.75% 14 22.22 21.92
21.77
26
0.75% 28 25.77 25.92
26

Chart 4 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR 0.75 %CUBES

30
Compressive Strength(N/mm2)

25

20
Sample 1
15
Sample 2

10 Sample 3

0
7 Days 14 Days 28 Days

No of Samples
Curing Days
 TABLE 12 COMPARISON OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR
0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% CUBES

PERCENTAGE OF
7 Days 14 Days 28 Days
CHEMICAL ADDED

0% 15.7 19.1 24.8

0.25% 16.73 20.29 25.18
0.50% 17.47 20.96 25.47
0.75% 18.35 21.92 25.92

Chart 5 COMPARISON OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR 0%,

0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% CUBES

30
Compressive Strength(N/mm2)

25

20
7 Days
15 14 Days
28 Days
10

0
0% 0.25% 0.50% 0.75%

Curing Days
 TABLE 13 TENSILE STRENGTH FOR 0% CYLINDERS

PERCENTAGE DURATION SPLIT AVERAGE

OF OF CURING TENSILE TENSILE
CHEMICAL IN DAYS STRENGTH STRENGTH
ADDED (N/mm2) (N/mm2)

2.12
0% 7 2.26 2.16
2.12
2.40
0% 14 2.26 2.35
2.40
2.54
0% 28 2.68 2.58
2.54

Chart 6 TENSILE STRENGTH FOR 0% CYLINDERS

2.5
Tensile Strength(N/mm2)

2
Sample 1
1.5 Sample 2
1 Sample 3

0.5

0
7 Days 14 Days 28 Days

No of Samples

Curing Days
 TABLE 14 TENSILE STRENGTH FOR 0.25% CYLINDERS

PERCENTAGE DURATION SPLIT AVERAGE

OF OF CURING TENSILE TENSILE
CHEMICAL IN DAYS STRENGTH STRENGTH
ADDED (N/mm2) (N/mm2)

2.33
0.25% 7 2.40 2.35
2.33
2.47
0.25% 14 2.40 2.45
2.47
2.68
0.25% 28 2.76 2.7
2.68

Chart 7 TENSILE STRENGTH FOR 0.25% CYLINDERS

2.8
2.7
Tensile Strength(N/mm2)

2.6
2.5 Sample 1

2.4 Sample 2
Sample 3
2.3
2.2
2.1
7 Days 14 Days 28 Days

No of Samples

Curing Days
 TABLE 15 TENSILE STRENGTH FOR 0.5% CYLINDERS

PERCENTAGE DURATION SPLIT AVERAGE

OF OF CURING TENSILE TENSILE
CHEMICAL IN DAYS STRENGTH STRENGTH
ADDED (N/mm2) (N/mm2)

2.47
0.5% 7 2.54 2.54
2.61
2.68
0.5% 14 2.76 2.7
2.68
2.83
0.5% 28 2.9 2.85
2.83

Chart 8 TENSILE STRENGTH FOR 0.5% CYLINDERS

3
2.9
Tensile Strength(N/mm2)

2.8
2.7
Sample 1
2.6 Sample 2
2.5 Sample 3
2.4
2.3
2.2
7 Days 14 Days 28 Days

No of Samples

Curing Days
 TABLE 16 TENSILE STRENGTH FOR 0.75% CYLINDERS

PERCENTAGE DURATION SPLIT AVERAGE

OF OF CURING TENSILE TENSILE
CHEMICAL IN DAYS STRENGTH STRENGTH
ADDED (N/mm2) (N/mm2)

2.68
0.75% 7 2.76 2.68
2.61
2.83
0.75% 14 2.9 2.85
2.83
2.97
0.75% 28 3.11 3.01
2.97

Chart 9 TENSILE STRENGTH FOR 0.75% CYLINDERS

3.2
3.1
Tensile Strength(N/mm2)

3
2.9
2.8 Sample 1

2.7 Sample 2

2.6 Sample 3

2.5
2.4
2.3
7 Days 14 Days 28 Days

No of Samples
 Figure 6.2 Testing of concrete Cylinder

Figure 6.3 Casted Cubes of 0.75%

 TABLE 17 COMPARISON OF TENSILE STRENGTH FOR 0%,
0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% CYLINDERS

PERCENTAGE OF
7 Days 14 Days 28 Days
CHEMICAL ADDED

0% 2.16 2.35 2.58

0.25% 2.35 2.45 2.7
0.50% 2.54 2.7 2.85
0.75% 2.68 2.85 3.01

Chart 10 COMPARISON OF TENSILE STRENGTH FOR 0%, 0.25%,

0.5%, 0.75% CYLINDERS

3.5

2.5
Tensile Strength(N/mm2)

2 7 Days
14 Days
1.5
28 Days

Curing Days

0.5

0
0% 0.25% 0.50% 0.75%

Curing Days
6.3 WATER ABSORPTION TEST IN CONCRETE CYLINDRE
PROCEDURE:
• Assembled the mould, clean and apply oil.
• Mix the required quantity of ingredients and water thoroughly.
• Fill the prepared concrete in 5cm layer and compact it in vibrator.
• Level the specimen in the mould and after 24 hours remove the
specimen from the mould then immerse into the water.
• After the curing the specimen is weighted (W1)
• Then placed the specimen in the oven for 3hrs then weighted (W2)

FORMULA
Water absorption = ((A-B)/ B) x 100 (%)

Figure 6.4 Water absorption test

Table 18 Water absorption Test
PERCENTAGE NO OF WEIGHT WEIGHT WATER
ABSORPTION
OF CYLINDERS BEFORE AFTER
CHEMICAL OVEN 3hrs ((A-B)/B)X100
ADDED 3hrs OVEN
(kg) DRY (kg)
(A) (B)
0% 1 3.815 3.801 0.36%

0.25% 1 3.837 3.822 0.39%

0.50% 1 3.812 3.772 0.77%

0.75% 1 3.863 3.829 0.88%

Figure 6.5 Water absorption test cylinder in oven

 Water Absorption Values
1
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
Water Absorption Values
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0% 0.25% 0.50% 0.75%

Chart 11 Water Absorption

 CHAPTER 7
CONCLUSION
Concrete is a key construction material employed in all construction
activities. By adding calcium lignosulphonate, we can reduce the
evaporation rate and there will be increase in percentage of dicalcium
silicate and tricalcium silicate products which plays major role in hydration
process of cement in which almost 85 % products are formed. This paves the
way for high results in hydration process. In present scenario availability of
water is not up to the need. Water is a main ingredient added at an certain
percentage based upon the weight of cement. This chemical acts as a water
reducer and increases adhesion property between the sand, coarse aggregate
and cement. This is the main reason for the attainment of strength.
This additive gives the specific way to increase the strength and reduces
complication faced during concreting. In this project various tests have been
carried out to show the strength criteria and performance of the concrete
than has been achieved with addition of calcium lignosulphonate.
All the results are satisfactory and shows good results for M25 concrete mix.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that Calcium Lignosulphonate in the range of
0.25% to 0.75% is used to achieve better strength.
It is not advisable to use more than 0.75% of Calcium
Lignosulphonate in concrete, because of the initial setting time will
increase, if Calcium Lignosulphonate in the range more than 0.75% is
used in concrete, it Collapses during Curing Period.
REFERENCE:
• WATER-SOLUBLE POLYMERS AS SELF-CURING AGENT
IN SILICA FUME PORTLAND CEMENT MIXES( Bernabe L
Rivas, Eduardo D Pereira, Ignacio Moreno – Villoslada February
2003)
• SELF-CURING CONCRETE WATER RETENTION,
HYDRATION AND MOISTURE TRANSPORT(A. S. El-Dieb
June 2007)
• Benefits of internal curing on service life and life-cycle cost of
high-performance concrete bridge decks – A case study( D.
Cusson, Z. Lounis, L. Daigle, May 2010)
• SUPER ABSORBING POLYMERS AS AN INTERNAL CURING AGENT FOR

MITIGATION OF EARLY-AGE CRACKING OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE

CONCRETE BRIDGE DECKS ( BART CRAEYE, MATTHEW GEIMAERT,

GEERT DE SCHUTTER, JANUARY 2011)
• WATER-SOLUBLE POLYMERS AS SELF-CURING AGENT
IN SILICA FUME PORTLAND CEMENT MIXES( S. EL- DIEB:
TAMER A. EL – MAADDAWY: AHMED A. M. MAHMOUD
OCTOBER 2012)
• EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT CURING REGIMES ON THE
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH PROPERTIES OF SELF
COMPACTING CONCRETE INCORPORATING FLY ASH AND
SILICA FUME( A. FERHAT BINGOL 2013)
• EFFECT OF HYBRID CURING ON CRACKING POTENTIAL OF
HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONCRETE( Semion Zhutovsky, Amon
Bentur, Konstantin Kovler, December 2013)
• COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AND HYDRATION PROCESSES
OF CONCRETE WITH RECYCLED AGGREGATES( Eduardus
A. B. Koenders, Marco Pepe, Enzo Martinelli February 2014)
• STUDY OF PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE USING
CURING – AGENTS(POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL
AND LIGHTWEIGHT AGGREGATE)(Magda I.
Mousa, Mohamed G. Mahdy, Ahmed H. Abdel
Reheem, Akram Z. Yehia 30 April 2014)
• Effects of mineral powders on hydration process and hydration
products in normal strength concrete(Johanna Tikkanen, Andrzej
Cwirzen, Vesa Penttala, December 2014)
• CONCRETE MIX DESIGN AS PER INDIAN STANDARD CODE
@ WWW.ENGINEERING CIVIL.COM
• CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY – M.S. SHETTY, S.CHAND
• CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES EQUIPMENT AND
PRACTICES – DR. P. PURUSHOTHAMA RAJ
• 10262:2009, Code of specification for concrete mix design.
• IS 383: 1970, specification for coarse and fine aggregates from natural
sources for concrete.
• IS 516-1959, code of practice for Methods of tests for strength of
concrete.
• IS 5816-1970, code of practice for Methods of tests for splitting
tensile strength of concrete cylinders.