33

CHAPTER 3
TESTING FOR MATERIALS OF SELF-COMPACTING CONCRETE (SCC)

3.1. Materials
In this research, Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) is made up of materials
from construction markets in Myanmar. They are Double Rhino cement, fine
aggregate from Ayeyarwady river, coarse aggregate from Ohm Gyaw , ViscoCrete-
6100 (High Performance Superplasticizer), Fly Ash from Tigyit and Silica Fume from
Thailand. Since imported silica fume is used in this paper, required data for silica
fume are obtained from relevant technical certificate and no additional tests are
carried out.

3.2. Testing of Cement

The quality of cement is vital for the production of good concrete, the
manufacture of cement requires stringent control. A number of tests are
performed in the cement plant laboratory to ensure that the cement is of
conforms to the requirements of the relevant national standards. Before making
trial mix, the physical tests of Double Rhino Cement are tested according to ASTM
Standard. The physical properties of Portland cement are:
(a) Normal consistency
(b) Setting Times
(c) Specific Gravity
(d) Fineness
(e) Soundness and
(f) Compressive strength test.

3.2.1. Normal Consistency Test of Cement (ASTM C-191)

The normal consistency of cement is determined by using Vicat apparatus
according to ASTM C-191. This test is to determine the water required to achieve
desired plastic state called normal consistency of cement paste. For finding out initial
 34

setting time, final setting time and soundness of cement, normal consistency of
cement is required to know. Normal consistency of cement paste is defined as that
consistency (degree of wetness) which will permit the Vicat plunger to penetrate the
cement paste to a point 10 ± 1 mm from the top of the mold. The standard normal
consistency of Portland cement is within 26-33 percent. According to the test result,
normal consistency of Double Rhinos cement is 31%. The test result of normal
consistency of Double Rhinos cement is shown in Figure 3.1.

Figure 3.1. Normal Consistency of Cement

3.2.2. Setting Time Test of Cement (ASTM C - 191)

The setting time of cement is very important in the construction projects. This
test is to determine the time required for cement paste to harden. The setting time of
cement is determined according to ASTM C-191 (01) and is measured by Vicat
apparatus. Initial setting time is defined as the time of which the needle penetrates
25mm into the cement paste. Final setting time is the time at which the needle does
not sink visibly into the cement paste.
 35

Starting time of supply of water is 9hrs : 40 mins. Time observed of initial

setting time and final setting time are 11 hrs : 15 mins and 12 hr : 05 mins
respectively. Therefore, the initial setting time and final setting time of Double Rhinos
cement are 95 mins and 145 mins respectively.

3.2.3. Specific Gravity of Cement (ASTM C 188)

The specific gravity of cement is not on indication of the quality of
cement it. The specific gravity of cement is determined by the standard Le-Chatelier
flask according to ASTM C 188). The purpose of this test is to determine the density
of hydraulic cement in connection with the design of Portland cement concrete
mixtures. The specific gravity of good Portland cement should be between 3.1
and 3.25. The test result of specific gravity of Double Rhinos cement is shown with
the following equations.

Weight of cement, W = 64 (g)

Volume of Kerosene + Cement, V1 = 21.2 ml
Volume of Kerosene, V2 = 0.9 ml
W
Density of Cement = V 1 −V 2

64
Density of Cement = 21.2−0. 9 = 3.15
Density of Water = 1g / cc
Density of cement
Specific gravity of Cement = Density of water
3.12
Specific gravity of Cement = = 3.12
1
Therefore, the test result of specific gravity of Double Rhinos cement is 3.12.

3.2.4. Fineness Test of Cement (Blaine Air Permeability Method)

Fineness refers to the size of cement particles and the sizes of cement
particles directly affect the hydration, setting and hardening, shrinkage, strength
and heat of hydration. There are several methods available for the measurement of
fineness. In the research, fineness of cement is tested by specific surface by Blaine air
permeability method. From test results, the fineness of Double Rhinos cement is 4176
cm2/gm.
 36

Figure 3.2. Blaine Air Permeability Apparatus

3.2.5. Soundness Test of Cement(ASTM)

The soundness test of cement refers to the stability of the volume
change in the process of setting and hardening. The soundness test if performed
with the help of Le-Chatelier apparatus according to ASTM C 151. If the volume
change is unstable after setting and hardening, the concrete structures will crack. This
test is carried out to detect the presence of uncombined lime in cement. The apparatus
consists of a small brass cylinder split a long its generatrix. Two indicators with
pointed ends are attached to the cylinder on either side of the split. The cylinder
(which is open on both ends) is placed on a glass plate filled with cement paste of
normal consistency, and covered with another glass plate. The whole assembly is then
immersed in water at 20 ± 1°C for 24 hours.
At the end of that period the distance between the indicator point is measured.
The mold is then immersed in water again and brought to a boil. After boiling for
three hours, the mold is removed from the water, after cooling; the distance between
the indicator points is measured again. The decrease represents the expansion of the
cement paste for Portland cement; expansion is limited to 1mm. The test results of
soundness of Double Rhinos cement are shown in Table 3.1.
Table 3.1.Test Result of Soundness of Cement (Double Rhinos)

Test No. 1 2

Before boiling (mm) 3.9 4.2

After boiling (mm) 2.6 3.7
Difference (mm) 1.3 0.5

Average (mm) 0.9 mm

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3.2.6. Compressive Strength Test of Mortar(ASTM)

The quality of cement is determined from the compressive strength of the
cement. The proportion of materials for the standard mortar shall be one part of
cement to 2.75 parts of graded standard sand by weight. Water cement ratio of 0.3 for
all Portland cement is used in the compressive strength of cement. All samples are
cured under water for 3 days, 7 days and 28 days respectively. The results for the
compressive strength of the Double Rhino cement are shown in Table 3.2.

3.2.7. Summary Test results of Double Rhinos Cement and ASTM Specifications
Comparison of Double Rhinos Cement and ASTM specifications are shown
in Table 3.2. These tables include many test results such as normal consistency test,
specific gravity test, fineness test, soundness test, setting times test and compressive
strength test.

Table 3.2. Comparison of Test Results of Double Rhinos Cement and ASTM
Specifications

Double Rhinos Cement ASTM Specifications

No Sample Cement
1 Normal Consistency 31% 26-33%
2 Specific gravity 3.15 3.1-3.25
3 Fineness 4176 cm²/gm 2800 cm²/gm(min)
4 Soundness 0.9mm 1 mm (max)
Initial 95 mins 45 mins(min)
Setting time
5 Final 145 mins 375 mins(max)
Compressive 3 days 4088 psi 1740 psi(min)
7 days 5050 psi 2799 psi (min)
strength
6 28 days 6463 psi 3915 psi (min)

3.3. Testing of Fine Aggregate

The physical tests of fine aggregate from Ayeyarwady river such as specific
gravity, sieve analysis and water absorption are tested according to ASTM standard.

3.3.1. Specific Gravity of Fine Aggregate (ASTM C 128-01)

 38

The saturated surface - dry (SSD) of sand is recorded. The specific gravity of
fine aggregate is the ratio of its mass to the mass of an equal absolute volume of
water. Test method for determining specific gravity for fine aggregate is described in
ASTM C 128-01 and the result is shown in Table 3.3. It is not generally used as a
measure of aggregate quality; though some porous aggregates exhibit
accelerated Freeze-thaw deterioration do have low specific gravities. Most natural
fine aggregates have specific gravities between 2.4 and 2.9. Test result of specific
gravity of fine aggregate is shown in Table 3.3.

Table 3.3. Test Results of Specific Gravity of Fine Aggregate

Bottle No 1 2

Weight of bottle, w1(g) 152.2 156.9

Weight of bottle + sand, w2(g) 648.85 693

Weight of bottle + sand + water, w3(g) 990.3 997.3

Weight of bottle + water only, w4(g) 683.3 663.3

Weight of sand used, (w2 – w1) (g) 496.6 536.1

Weight of water used, (w3 – w2) (g) 341.5 304.3

Weight of water used, (w4 – w1) – (w3 – w2) (g) 190.1 202.1
w 2 - w1
2.61 2.65
Specific Gravity of sand, G = (w 4 - w1 ) - (w3 - w 2 )
s

Average Specific Gravity 2.63

3.3.2. Sieve Analysis of Fine Aggregate

The particle size distribution of aggregates is called grading. The grading
determines the paste requirement for a workable concrete since the amount of void
requires need to be filled by the same amount of cement poste in concrete mixtures.
This test is to determine the fineness modulus of sand. The screen analysis of sand is
obtained by screening a representative sample of the size indicated through –No (8)
 39

inches screens by hand shaking. Before making a screen analysis, test samples of sand
should be dried to substantially constant weight. Each sample is placed on a set of
screens nested in order of decreasing size of opening from top to bottom. The
gradation samples should be retained for determining the percentage of material
passing the No. 200 screen. To calculate the fineness modulus, the sum of the
cumulative percentages retained on a definitely specified set of sieves need to
be determined, and the result is then divided by 100. The test result for sieve analysis
of fine aggregate is shown in Table 3.4.
Table 3.4. Test Results of Sieve Analysis of Fine Aggregate

Percent Retained
Sieve Sieve Opening Average percent Cumulative Specified Limits
No. (mm)
Retained Percent Percent Retained
4 4.75 1.94 1.94 0~5

8 2.36 5.79 7.73 5 ~ 15

16 1.18 21.53 29.26 10 ~ 25

30 0.595 27.22 56.48 10 ~ 30

50 0.297 28.50 84.98 15 ~ 35

100 0.149 11.55 96.53 12 ~ 20

200 0.075 2.35 98.88 2~4

Pan - 1.12 100.00 1~3

FM 2.02 2.2 ~ 2.8

3.3.3. Water Absorption of Fine Aggregate (ASTM C 128-01)

The water absorption of fine aggregate is determined by measuring the
increase in weight of an oven dried sample when immersed in water for 24 hours. The
surface-dry condition is determined by means of the cone test described in ASTM C
128- 01. The water absorption test results of fine aggregate are shown in Table 3.5.

Table 3.5. Test Results for Water Absorption of Fine Aggregate

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Test No. 1 2

Wt. of container + wet sand (g) 111 107

Wt. of container + dry sand (g) 110 106

Wt. of container (g) 25.2 24.2

Wt. of SSD sample, (Ww – Wd) (g) 1 1

Wt. of dry sample, Wd (g) 84.8 81.8

ww - w d
1.18 1.22
Absorption (%) = wd × 100

Average (%) 1.2

3.4. Testing of Coarse Aggregate

The Chipping (20 mm or 3/4″) and B (10 mm or 3/8″) aggregates proposed to
be used for making concrete specimens is crushing stone form Ohm Gyaw. Coarse
aggregate are carried out by the following tests.

3.4.1 Specific Gravity of Coarse Aggregates (ASTM C 127-07)

Test method for finding the specific gravity of Chipping (20 mm or 3/4″) and
B (10 mm or 3/8″) aggregates are described in ASTM C 127-07. To find specific
gravity, chipping and B aggregates are thoroughly washed, dried to constant mass at
110 ± 5°C in an oven, cooled in air and immersed in water and dried to a saturated
surface dry state with a large absorbent cloth. Care is taken to avoid evaporation of
water from the aggregate pores during this operation.The test result is shown in Table
3.6. The specific gravity of Chipping and B aggregates are calculated as follows.
B
Specific Gravity (SSD) = B−C
(3.1)

where, B = Saturated surface – dry weight of sample (g)

C = weight of saturated sample in water (g)
Table 3.6. Test Results of Specific Gravity of Chipping and B Aggregates
 41

Coarse Aggregates Chipping B aggregate

Wt. of SSD aggregate, B (g) 1505 1490
Wt. of saturated sample in water, C (g) 954 944
Difference, (B – C) (g) 551 546

Specific Gravity 2.78 2.78

3.4.2. Sieve Analysis of Coarse Aggregates (ASTM C 136)

Grading or particle size distribution is the most important physical
characteristic of aggregates. The gradation of a particular aggregate is most often
determined by a sieve analysis. In a sieve analysis, a sample of dry aggregate of
known weight is separated through a series of sieves with progressively smaller
openings. Once separated, the weight of particles retained on each sieve is measured
and compared to the total sample weight. Particle size distribution is then expressed as
a percent retained by weight on each sieve size. The test results for sieve analysis of
Chipping and B aggregates are shown in Table 3.7 and 3.8.

Table 3.7. Sieve Analysis of Chipping (20 mm or 3/4″) Aggregate

Percent Retained
Sieve Sieve
Average Percent Accumulated Specified Limit
No. Opening
Retained Percent Retained Percent Retained
(mm)
1˝ 25 0 0 0
(3/4)˝ 19 3.58 3.58 0 ~ 10
12.7
- - 35 ~ 45
(1/2)˝
9.5
22.98 97.75 20 ~ 28
(3/8)˝
4.75
1.33 99.08 27 ~ 45
(3/16)˝
No. 8 2.36 - - -
Pan - - 500 -
FM 7

Table 3.8. Sieve Analysis of B (10 mm or 3/8″) Aggregate

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Percent Retained

Sieve Sieve
No. Opening
Average Percent Accumulated Specified Limit
(mm)
Retained Percent Retained Percent Retained

1’’ 0.00 0 0
25
(3/4)˝ 0.00 0.00 0 ~ 10
19
- - 35 ~ 45
(1/2)˝ 12.7
42.40 45.08 20 ~ 28
(3/8)˝ 9.5
52.33 97.41 27 ~ 45
(3/16)˝ 4.75
No. 8 - - -
2.36
-
Pan - 500 -

FM 6.42

3.4.3. Water Absorption of Coarse Aggregates (ASTM C 127)

The water absorption of Chipping (20 mm or 3/4″) and B (10 mm or 3/8″)
aggregates are determined according to ASTM C 127. To calculate the mixing water
content of concrete, the absorption of the Chipping and B aggregates and their total
moisture content must be known. Absorption is computed as a percentage by
subtracting the oven-dry mass from the saturated surface dry mass, divided by
the oven dry mass, and multiplying by 100. The test results of Chipping (20 mm
or 3/4″) and B (10 mm or 3/8″) aggregates are shown in Table 3.9. The water
absorption of Chipping (20 mm or 3/4″) and B (10 mm or 3/8″) aggregates are
calculated as follows.
ww - w d
Absoption (%) = wd × 100 (3.2)
Where, Ww = weight of saturated surface dry sample (g)
Wd = weight of oven dry sample (g)
 43

Table 3.9. Test Results of Absorption of Chipping and B Aggregates

Coarse Aggregates Chipping B aggregate

Wt. of saturated surface dry sample, Ww (g) 1505 1490

Wt. of oven dry sample, Wd (g) 954 990

Difference, Ww – Wd 411 500

Absorption (%) 0.38 0.50

3.5. Testing of Fly Ash

Fly ash is a finely divided byproduct resulting from the combustion of coal in
power plants. It contains large amounts of silica, alumina and small amount of
unburned carbon, which pollutes environment. Fly ash in concrete makes efficient use
of the hydration products of Portland cement by consuming calcium hydroxide to
produce additional cementing compounds. When concrete containing fly ash is
properly cured, fly ash reaction products partially fill in the spaces originally occupied
by mixing water that are not filled by the hydration products of the cement, thus
lowering the concrete permeability to water and aggressive chemicals. The fly ash
was used as a partial replacement of cement in concrete mixes using the following
quantities: 15, 25 and 35 percent by weight of the total cementitious content.

Fly ash proposed to be used as mineral admixture is available from Tigyit

Coal Fired Thermal Power Station. In this study, specific gravity, fineness, normal
consistency and setting times of fly ash are tested.

3.5.1 Specific Gravity of Fly Ash

The specific gravity of fly ash is determined by Pycnometer. The specific

gravity of fly ash is in the range of 1.99 to 2.96. The specific gravity of fly ash is
shown in Table 3.9.

Table 3.10. Test for Specific Gravity of Fly Ash (From Tigyit)
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Data Sheet for Specific Gravity of Fly Ash

Test Name Bottle No.

Sample Name I II

Bottle No. 3277 4432

Wt of Bottle ,W1 (g) 43.17 43.65

Wt of Bottle + fly ash ,W2 (g) 53.17 53.65

Wt of Bottle + fly ash + kerosene ,W3

(g) 129.28 134.42

Wt of Bottle + kerosene ,W4 (g) 122.83 128.00

Wt of fly ash ,(W2 – W1)(g) 10.0 10.0

Wt of kerosene ,(W3 – W2) (g) 76.11 80.77

Wt of (W4 – W1) – (W3 – W2),(g) 3.55 3.58

G.S (Fly Ash) =

(W2  W1 )
(W4  W1 )  (W3  W2 ) 2.81 2.79

Average Specific Gravity 2.80

3.5.2. Fineness Test of Fly Ash

The fineness of fly ash is expressed by specific surface. This must determined
by Blaine Air Permeability Method. Test result of fineness modulus of fly ash is 2488
cm2/gm.
 45

3.5.3. Normal Consistency Test of Fly Ash

It is necessary to determine the water required to produce a standard paste.

The consistency of fly ash is found out by Vicat apparatus. The procedure is same as
in cement. The consistency of fly ash used in this study is 33 %.

3.5.4. Initial and Final Setting Time of Fly Ash

The setting time of fly ash is determined by Vicat apparatus and the procedure
is the same in testing cement. The initial setting time and final setting time of fly ash
are 0 hrs: 40 mins and 3 hrs: 22 mins in this study.

3.5.5. Summary of Test Results of Fly Ash

The summary of test results of fly ash such as fineness, consistency, specific
gravity, setting time is shown in Table 3.10.

Table 3.11. Summary of Test Results of Fly Ash

Sample Name Fly Ash

Fineness (cm2/gm) 2488

Consistency (%) 33 %

Specific Gravity 2.8

Initial Setting Time 0:40

Setting Time(hr:min)
Final Setting Time 3:22

3.6. Testing of Mixing Water

Water is an important constituent in concrete. It chemically reacts with cement

(hydration) to produce the desired properties of concrete. There are various tests on
water to check its quality for suitability of concrete construction. Mixing water is the
quantity of water that comes in contact with cement, impacts slump of concrete and is
used to determine the water to cementitious materials ratio (w/cm) of the concrete
mixture. Strength and durability of concrete is controlled to a large extent by its
w/cm.
 46

Mixing water is obtained from tube well of Irrigation Technology Center

(ITC, Upper Myanmar, Mandalay). It is noted that the water is portable and drinkable
as well. The test result of water is as shown in Table 3.11

Table 3.12. Test Result of Water

Highest Maximum
No Myitnge Plant
Characteristics Unit Desirable permissible
. Water
Level level
1 Appearance
2 Color 5 Units 50 Units
3 Turbidity _ 5 NTU 25 NTU
Highest Maximum
No Myitnge Plant
Characteristics Unit Desirable permissible
. Water
Level level
4 PH Value 8.1 7.0 to 8.5 6.5 to 9.2
5 Total Solids ppm _ 500 mg/l 1500 mg/l
6 Total Hardness ppm _ 100 mg/l 500 mg/l
7 Total Alkalinity ppm _ 600 mg/l 950 mg/l
8 Calcium ppm _ 75 mg/l 200 mg/l
9 Magnesium ppm 30 mg/l 150 mg/l
10 Chloride ppm 16 mg/l 200 mg/l 600 mg/l
11 Sulphate ppm 49 mg/l 200 mg/l 400 mg/l

12 Total Iron ppm 0.21 mg/l 0.3 mg/l 0.3 mg/l

3.7. ViscoCrete-6100 (High Performance Superplasticizer)

ViscoCrete-6100 is a third generation superplasticizer with a set-retarding
effect for producing free-following concrete in hot climate. According to ASTM C
494 (or) EN 943-2, it is the type G of high-range water reducer. It is used with high
water reduction (up to 30%).ViscoCrete-6100 used in this study is shown in Figure
3.3.
 47

Figure 3.3.ViscoCrete -6100

3.7.1. Advantages of ViscoCrete-610 0

ViscoCrete-6100 is powerful superplasticizer which acts through several
different mechanisms including surface absorption and sterical effects separating the
cementitious binder particles. It does not contain chlorides or any other ingredients
which promote the corrosion of steel. Therefore, it is suitable for use in reinforced and
prestressed concrete structures. The advantages of ViscoCrete –6100 are the
following important factors.
(a) High water reduction, resulting in high density, high strength and reduced
permeability.
(b) Superior plasticizing effect, resulting in improved flow, placing and
compaction characteristics.
(c) Reduced shrinkage during concrete and reduced creep when hardened.

3.7.2. Technical Data

Technical data of ViscoCrete -6100 (High Performance Superplasticizer) are
shown in Table 3.10.
 48

Table 3.13. Technical Data of ViscoCrete -6100(High Performance Superplasticizer)

Colour Light Brownish Colour

Chemical Base Modified polycarboxylate in water
Specific Density 1.06 Kg/L (at + 20°C)
pH value 4.3 ± 0.5
Viscosity ≤ 120 MPa at +20°C
Chloride Ion Content ≤ 0.1 M %
Dosage 0.4 – 1.5 % by weight of cement
Store at protected area from direct sunlight and frost at
Storage Condition
temperature +5 and +30 degree Celsius.
Shelf – Life 1 year when unopened
Packaging 200 Liters / drum