AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON SELF CURING

CONCRETE USING NATURAL SELF CURING AGENT

PROJECT PHASE I REPORT

Submitted by

KRISHNAMOORTHY.V
(710122413008)

In partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of

MASTER OF ENGINEERING

In
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

ADITHYA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY,

COIMBATORE.

ANNA UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI – 600 025.

NOVEMBER - 2023.
 ANNA UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI 600 025.

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this report titled “AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON

SELF CURING CONCRETE USING NATURAL SELF CURING AGENT” is

the bonafide work of “KRISHNAMOORTHY.V (710122413008)” who

carried out the work under my supervision. Certified further that to the best of my

knowledge the work reported here in does not from part of any other thesis or

dissertation on the basis of which a degree or award was conferred on an earlier

occasion on this or any other candidate.

Dr. R.ANURADHA M.E, Ph.D., Ms.MOUNIKA R,

Head of the Department Supervisor
Department of Civil Engineering Department of Civil Engineering
Adithya Institute of Technology Adithya Institute of Technology
Coimbatore - 641107. Coimbatore-641107.

Submitted to the Phase I Report (Viva-Voce) Examination held on……..…………..

Internal Examiner External Examiner

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We feel immense gratitude to our beloved Chairman Er.C.SUGUMARAN for

hishearty and warm extended support towards us.

We shall be ever grateful to our Managing Trustees Mr. S.PRAVEEN

KUMAR and Mrs. SRINIDHI PRAVEEN KUMAR who helped us for
building our career and providing us with good infrastructure facilities.

We would like to thank our Principal Dr.D.SOMASUNDARESWARI who has

given me a very conceivable kind of motivation, encouragement and facilities for
the successful completion of our project.

We take immense pleasure to express our heartfelt thanks to Head of the

Department Dr.R.ANURADHA, M.E, Ph.D., for encouraging in every
circumstance throughout the project. Who has given valuablesupport during the
course of our project by clarifying our doubts and guiding us with his novel ideas.

We would like to thank our Supervisor Ms..MOUNIKA.R. M.E, Assistant

Professor, Department of Civil Engineering for his constant encouragement in
completing this project.

We express our sincere thanks to the entire Faculty and Non-Teaching Staff in
the Department of Civil Engineering, Adithya Institute of Technology,
Coimbatore, for their co-operation and valuable encouragement in completing the
project.
 ABSTRACT

Curing of concrete is maintaining satisfactory moisture content in concrete during its

early stages in order to develop the desired properties. However, good cuing is not always
practical in many cases. The concept of self- curing agents is to reduce the water evaporation
from concrete and increase the water retention capacity of concrete compare to conventional
concrete.

It was found that water soluble polymers can be used as self- curing agents in concrete.
Curing of concrete plays a major role in developing the concrete micro structure and pore
structure and hence improves its durability and performance. The use of self- curing
admixtures like polyethylene glycol, lica, SAP, water soluble polymers etc. are very important
from the point of view that water resources are getting valuable every day. Each 1m3 of
concrete requires about 3m3 cube of water for construction, most of which is for curing.

The aim of the investigation is to evaluate the use of extraction of spinacia oleracea as
Bio self- curing agent because the latex contains the compounds of poly ethylene glycol.
Spinacia oleracea is generally called palak greens. We are choosing the grade of concrete
M20. The concrete cubes, cylinder and prism where made by adding cement (OPC 53 grade),
Coarse aggregate (20mm), fine aggregate (M sand), Conplast SP 430 as super plasticizer,
extraction of spinacia oleracea (6%) with the mix ratio 1:1.76:3.3Self- curing concrete cubes,
cylinders and prisms where made by quantity of extraction spinacia oleracea by 6%.

In this study, Compressive strength, Split tensile strength and flexural strength of self-
curing concrete in quantity of Extraction of spinacia oleracea is evaluated by keeping the
specimen under shade for curing and compared with the conventional concrete specimens.
 CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE
NO. TITLE NO.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF TABLES

1, INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL 1
1.2 DEFINITION AND SELF CURING 2
1.3 NEED FOR STUDY 2
1.4 ADVANTAGES OF SELF CURING 3
1.5 SCOPE AND OBJECTIIVES 3
1.6 SELF CUIRNG APPLICATION 3

2. LITERATURE AND REVIEW

2.1 GENERAL 4
2.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE 5

3. METHODALOGY AND MATERIALS

3.1 MEHODALOGYP 7
3.2 MATERIALS 7
3.3 SELF- CURING AGENT 8
3.3.1 POLYETHYLEN GLYCOL 8
3.3.2 SPINACIA OLERACEA 9
3.3.3 MONITORING OF SELF- CURING 9
4. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME
4.1 GENERAL 12
4.2 CEMENT 12
4.2.1 STANDARD CONSISTENCY TEST 13
4.2.2 INITIAL SETTING TIME TEST 13
4.2.3 FINAL SETTING TIME TEST 14
4.2.4 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST 14
4.2.5 FINENESS TEST 14
4.3 FINE AGGREGATE 15
4.3.1 FINENESS MODULUS TEST 16
4.3.2 SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST 17
4.3.3 BULK DENSITY 17
4.4 COARSE AGGREGATE 19
4.4.1 IMPACT STRENGTH TEST 21
4.4.2 SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND WATER 21
ABSORPTION TEST
4.5 CONPLAST SP430 22
4.6 SPINACIA OLERACEA 22
4.7 WATER 23
4.8 MIX DESIGN 24
4.9 TEST TO BE CARRIED OUT
4.9.1 TEST TO BE CARRIED OUT ON FRESH CONCRTE 24
4.9.1.1 SLUMP TEST 24
4.9.2 TEST CONDUCTED ON HARDENED CONCRETE
4.9.2.1 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST 25
4.9.2.2 SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH 25
4.9.2.3 FLEXURAL STRENGTH 26

CONCLUSIONS
27
REFERENCES
28
 LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURES PAGE
NO. TITLE NO.
3.1 POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 9

3.2 SPANICIA OLERACEA 10

3.3 THERMOGRAVIMETRIC ANALYZER 11

4.1 PARTICLE DISTRIBUTION OF M- SAND 18

4.2 PARTICLE DISTRIBUTION OF COARSE AGGREGATE 20

4.3 EXTRACTION OF SPINACIA OLERACEA 23

 LIST OF TABLES
TABLE PAGE
NO. TITLE NO.
4.1 PROPERTIES OF CEMENT 16

4.2 PROPORTIONS OF DIFFERENT SIZE FRACTION OF M SAND 17

4.3 PROPERTIES OF COARSE AGGREGATE 19

4.4 PROPORTION OF DIFFERENT SIZE FRACTION OF COARSE 21

AGGREGATE

4.5 PROPERTIES OF COARSE AGGREGATE 23

 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL

Curing of concrete is maintaining satisfactory moisture content in content during its early
stage in order to develop the desired properties. however, good curing is not always practical in
many cases. In a building construction site normally curing of concrete takes a long time and also
consume large Amount of water, this makes delaying in the construction work also. The concept
of self -curing agents is to reduce the water evaporation from concrete, and hence increase the
water retention capacity the water retention capacity of concrete compared to conventional
concrete.

It was found that spincia olaracea can be used as self- curing agent in concrete Curing of
concrete plays a major role in developing the concrete microstructure and pore structure, and
hence improves its durability and performance. The use of self- curing admixture is very
important from the point of view that water resources are getting valuable every day. Each 1m3
of concrete requires about 3m3 of water for construction, most of which is for curing

In some area where there is water scarcity, water for curing of concrete will be a problem.
A recent test results from water board of India says that within 30 years’ underground water in
major cities of India will be dried of in order to meet this situation and to save water in major
cities of India will be dried of in order to meet this situation and to save water for our future
generation conserving water from construction may act as a stepping stone. In many foreign
countries, this concrete is in working stage. In India, soon this self- curing concrete will be an
absolute substitute for conventional concrete. Internal curing is often also referred as self -curing.

1
1.2 DEFINITION OF SELF- CURING

The term self- curing refers to the process by which the hydration of cement occurs
because of the availability of additional internal water that is not part of the mixing water.
Conventionally, curing of concrete means creation of condition such that water is not lost from
the surface i.e., curing is taken to happen from the outside to inside “self- curing ‘is allowing for
curing ‘from the inside to outside through the concrete.

1.3 NEED FOR THE STUDY

When the mineral admixtures react completely in a blended cement system, their demand
for curing water (external or internal) can be much greater than that in a conventional ordinary
Portland cement concrete. When this water is not readily available, due to de-percolation of the
capillary porosity significant autogenous deformation and (early age) cracking may result.

Due to the chemical shrinkage occurs during cement hydration, empty pores are created
with in the cement paste, leading to reduction in its internal relative humidity and also to
shrinkage which may cause early age cracking. This situation is intensified in high performance
concrete due to its general higher cement content, reduced water cement ratio and pozzolanic
mineral admixtures.

The empty pores created during self –desiccation induce shrinkage stresses and also
influence the kinetics of cement hydration process, limiting the final degree of hydration the
strength achieved by the internal curing could be more than that possible under saturated
conditions. Often especially in high performance concrete, it is not easily possible to prove
curing water from the top surface at the rate required to satisfy the ongoing chemical shrinkage,
due to the extremely low permeability often achieved

By considering the above problem in the curing of conventional concrete, self - curing
concrete proves to be an absolute remedy to maintain stability and to ensure the availability of
water molecules for neglecting chemical shrinkage during curing of concrete in a profitable
manner.

2
1.4 ADVANTAGES OF SELF CURING

 Internal curing is a method to provide the water to hydrate all the cement,
accomplishing what the mixing water alone cannot do.
 Provides water to keep the relative humidity high, keeping self-desiccation from
occurring.
 Eliminates largely autogenous shrinkage.
 Maintains the strengths of mortar /concrete at the early age (12 to 72 hours) above
the level where internally and externally induced strains can cause cracking.
 Can make up for some of the deficiencies of external curing, both human related
(critical period when curing is required in the first 12 to 72 hours) and hydration

1.5 SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

 The scope of the work is to study parameters like compressive strength, split tensile
strength and flexural strength subjecting the concrete to indoor curing and to
compare them with that subjected to conventional curing.
 To test the efficiency of spinacia olaracea as self- curing agent in concrete
 The main objective is to optimize the strength and workability of concrete by
varying the percentage of self -curing admixture and to compare the results with
normal concrete.

1.6 SELFS CURING APPLICATION

1.6.1 BRIDGES

Bridges that have been internally cured have had 45 years of exceptional service record
and have a proven record of relatively few cracks.

1.6.2 DECORATIVE AND ARCHITECTURAL CONCRETE

Internal curing with assists in developing required characteristics in decorative concrete

while preventing cracks, maintaining colour and obtaining the clear clean Patterns and sharp
angels desired.

3
1.6.3 COLUMNS

Columns using internal curing with may be up to 10% smaller in cross section because of
greater compressive strength.

1.6.4 CONCRETE MASONRY UNIT

Internally cured concrete masonry units can have sharper corners and edges with
increased compressive strength.

1.6.5 CONCRETE PIPE

Internally cured concrete pipe benefits from increased compressive strength and lower
permeability improving the performance of in-place service

1.6.6 HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE

Autogenous shrinkage is reduced by internal curing with enabling HPS to overcome the
difficulties of lower w/cm ration and high cement content.

1.6.7 MASS CONCRETE

Because mass concrete cannot be adequately cured from the outside in most circumstance,
internal curing with better hydrates the cementitious materials improving the properties of thee
concrete

1.6.8 PARKING STRUCTURE

Parking structure benefit from the reduced permeability internal curing with offers and
are less affected by deicing salts used on exposed parking surface and tracked in off the streets.

1.6.9 PERVIOUS CONCRETE

Internally curing pervious concrete with results in improved performance and durability
while increasing ease of placement.

4
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 GENERAL

Self-curing concrete are internal curing is a unique property that increases the
strength of the building and also reduces the usage of water in a large scale. It has already
attained world - wide popularity in all kind of construction, especially in areas where
water scarcity is more. Some of the research works carried out earlier in self-curing
concrete is discussed here.

2.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Roland Tak Yong liang, Robert keith sun (2002) carried investigation on
internal curing composition for concrete which includes a glycol and wax. The invention
provides an internal curing composition which, when added to concrete or other
cementitious mixtures meets the required standards of curing as per Australian standard
AS 3799.

Wen-Chen Jau(2008) stated that self-curing concrete is provided to absorb water

from moisture from air to achieve better hydration of cement in concrete . It solves the
problem when degree of cement hydration is lowered due to no curing or improper curing
by using self- curing agent like poly - acrylic acid which has stronger capability of
absorbing moisture from atmosphere and providing water required for curing concrete.

A.S. EI- Dieb(2007) investigated water retention of concrete using water soluble
polymeric glycol as self- curing agent. Concrete weight loss and internal relative
humidity measurements with time were carried out., In order to evaluate in water
retention self -curing concrete. Water transport through concrete is

5
evaluated by measuring by absorption%, permeable voids %, water- captivity and water
permeability. The water transport through self- curing with evaluated with age. The effect
of the concrete mix proportions on the performance of self- curing concrete were
investigated, such as, cement content and water/ cement ratio.

Geetha(2006) compares the strength and durability properties of different grades

of concrete when added with polymeric materials without external curing for the
concrete . of the above test conducted, the strength as well as the durability property
holds good for the cubes with palak green with one day curing and without external
curing. While comparing the internal curing with that of external curing, the cost of the
internal curing proves to be cheaper when compared with that of external curing.

R.Malathy (2005) high performance concrete is not only characterized by high

strength, workability and durability and also by its smartness in performance without
human care since the first day. If the concrete can cure on its own without external
curing without compromising its strength and durability, then the concrete is said to be
self – curing concrete.in thus paper the attempt in made on the performance study of
internally curried concrete using bio materials, Spinacea Oleracea and Calatropis
Gigantea as self – curing agents.

And it is compared with the performance of concrete with existing self - cured
chemicals, namely poly ethylene glycol. This paper focuses on workability, durability
and strength study on M20, M30, M40 concretes replacing 30%of fly ash for cement.

6
 CHAPTER 3

METHODALOGY AND MATERIALS

3.1 METHODALOGY

For developing rich mix, it is important to select proper ingredients, evaluate their
properties and understand the interaction among different materials for optimum usage. The
materials used for this are same as used for normal concrete mix such as cement, fine aggregates,
coarse aggregates and water

The performance requirements of cement mortar may involve enhancement of the

following.

 Long term mechanical properties

 Early strength
 Toughness
 Volume stability
 Long-term durability properties
 Longer service life

In order to achieve good optimum proportions must be selected considering the

characteristics of cementitious materials, aggregate quality, paste proportion, aggregate paste
interaction and meticulous care in mixing and handling.

3.2 MATERIALS

Ordinary Portland cement OPC 53 Grade confirming to IS:269-1976 was used throughout
the investigation. Locally available hard blue granite metal, well graded 20 mm and down size
were used. M.sand sand passing through 4.75mm sieve as per IS383 specifications confirming to
zone II were used as fine aggregates. The Conplast SP 430 is used. Spinacia oleracea is generally
called palak greens in tamilnadu used as bio self- curing agent.

7
3.3 SELF-CURING AGENTS
3.3.1 POLYETHYLENEGLYCOL
Polyethylene glycol is a condensation polymer of ethylene oxide and water with the
general formula H (OCH2CH2) n OH, where n is the average number of repeating ox ethylene
groups typically from 4 to about 180. The abbreviation (PEG) is termed in combination with a
numeric suffix which indicates the average molecular weights. One common features of PEG
appear to be the water-soluble nature. Polyethylene glycol is non-toxic, odorless, neutral,
lubricating, non-volatile, and none irritating and is used in a variety of pharmaceuticals. The
behavior of polyethylene glycol is shown in fig.1

Fig 3.1 Sample of Polyethylene Glycol

They are used to make emulsifying agents and detergents and as plasticizers humectants
and water soluble textile lubricants. The wide range of chain lengths provides identical physical
and chemical properties for the proper application selections directly or indirectly in the field of
alkyl and polyester resin preparation to enhance the water dispensability and water based
coatings, brightening effect and adhesion in electroplating, detergents and soaps with low
volatility and low toxicity solvent, humectants, solvent and lubricant in cosmetics and personal
care.

8
3.3.2 SPINACIA OLERACEA.
The test results concluded that, compared to conventional concrete, concrete with other
curing agents, specifically with polyethylene glycol, gave better results. Having arrived at better
results with Spinacia oleracea. This is curing agents were used in different concrete mix
proportions with different quantity of curing agents and test for compressive strength Existing
curing agent available in the market is polyethylene glycol, and its molecular weight is between
190 and 210. The specific gravity is 1.12-
1.13. Hydroxyl value is 535-590 (mg KOH/g), and pH value is between 5 and 7. Spinacia
oleracea is usually called as Palak greens in Tamil Nadu and it is a type of green popularly
consumed as food product. Curing agent was prepared from the filtrate extract of Spinacia
oleracea after it was ground well. Its pH value is 6.59. This extract base is added at the time of
preparing concrete that is while adding water to the dry ingredients. Placing and compacting the
fresh concrete is similar to the conventional concrete, but without curing. The chemical structure
shows that it contains (-O-) and (- OH) functional groups. As such, the Spinacia oleraceaselected
as internal curing agent possesses hydroxyl and ether functional group, which is also revealed in
Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) results.

Fig 3.2 Sample of Spinacia oleracea

3.3.3 MONITORING OF SELF CURING

This can be done by;

I. Measuring weight-loss
II. X-ray powder diffraction
III. Thermo Gravimetric (TGA) measurements
IV. Initial Surface Absorption tests (ISAT)
V. Scanning Election Microscope (SEM)

9
III) THERMOGRAVIMETRIC TEST

Thermogravimetric analysis or thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) is a method of

thermal analysis in which changes in physical and chemical properties of materials are measured
as a function of increasing temperature (with constant heating rate), or as a function of time (with
constant temperature and/or constant mass loss).

TGA helps in identifying various phases present in the concrete, like portlandite, calcite,
C-A-H, C-A-S-H, etc. If CH content has reduced that means it has been used up in hydration
reaction the various phases break down at different temperatures to release chemically bound
water in case of hydration products and CO2 in case of calcite. This release of chemically bound
water and CO2 helps in identifying the various phases present.

Fig 3.3 Thermogravimetric Analyzer

SPECIMEN SIZE
10 to 15 milligrams of powdery form of self -curing concrete is taken for
testing.
DATA
A plot of percent weight loss versus temperature.
EQUIPMENTS USED
Perkin Elmer TGA7 Thermogravimetric Analyzer

10
SCOPE

In a Thermogravimetric Analysis, the percentage weight loss of a test sample is recorded

while the sample is being heated at a uniform rate in an appropriate environment. The loss in
weight over specific temperature ranges provides an indication of the composition of the sample,
including volatiles and inert filler, as well as indications of thermal stability.

PROCEDURE
Set the inert (usually N2) and oxidative (O2) gas flow rates to provide the
appropriate environments for the test. Place the test material in the specimen holder and raise the
furnace. Set the initial weight reading to 100%, then initiate the heating program. The gas
environment is preselected for either a thermal decomposition (inert - nitrogen gas), an oxidative
decomposition (air or oxygen), or a thermal-oxidative combination.

APPLICATIONS AND POTENTIALS OF TGA TEST

 Phase quantification related to mass change

 Phase identification in a complex cement phase
 To study the kinematic formation of phase in cement
 Estimation the amount of water in the hydrated.

11
 CHAPTER 4

EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME

4.1 GENERAL

For developing rich mix, it is important to select proper ingredients, evaluate their
properties and understand the interaction among different materials for optimum usage. The
materials used for this investigation are,

1. Grade53 ordinary Portland cement

2. Fine aggregate
3. Coarse aggregate
4. Superplasticizer- conplast SP 430
5. Spinacia oleracea
6. Water

In order to achieve good quality, optimum proportions must be selected considering the
characteristics of cementitious materials, aggregate quality, paste proportion, aggregate paste
interaction and meticulous care in the mixing and handling.

4.2 CEMENT:

Cement is the most important ingredient used in the construction process.one of the most
important criteria for the selection of cement is its ability to produce improved microstructure.
Hence selection of proper grade and quality of cement is important for obtaining rich mix.

By confirming IS: 12269:1987, cement used in this investigation is grade 53 ordinary

Portland cement(OPC). The cement used for the experiments was obtained from the same source
with same grade.

12
4.2.1 STANDARD CONSISTENCY TEST

About 500gm of cement was taken and cement paste was prepared with the weighed
quantity of water (say 24% by weight of cement). For the first trial, the paste was prepared in
standard manner and filled in vicat mould within 3-5 min. after completely filling the mould, the
mould was shaken to expel the air. A standard plunger, 10mm diameter and 50mm long was
attached and brought down to touch the surface of the paste in test block and quickly released
allowing it to sink into the paste by its own weight. The reading was taken by noting the depth of
penetration of the plunger. More trials were conducted with increasing percentage of water by
weight of cement and penetration for each trial was noted. The test was proceeded until it reaches
a penetration value of 33-35mm. the water content corresponding to this penetration was noted as
standard consistency (p).

4.2.2 INITIAL SETTING TIME TEST

About 500gm of cement was taken and was added with 0.85% of consistency water
content and cement paste was prepared by mixing it thoroughly in a non-porous platform. The
mixing should not exceed 3-5 min. The paste was prepared in standard manner and filled in vicat
mould within 3-5 min. After completely filling the mould, the mould was shaken to expel the air.
The needle was lowered gently brought to contact with the test block and the corresponding
penetration reading was noted. After each 5 min, the penetration operation was conducted and
corresponding penetration value was noted. The test can be terminated when the penetration
value lies between 33-35mm. The time corresponding to this penetration is recorded as initial
setting time.

13
4.2.3 FINAL SETTING TIME TEST

About 500gm of cement was taken and was added with 0.85% of consistency water
content and cement paste was prepared by mixing it thoroughly in a non-porous platform. The
mixing should not exceed 3-5 min. The paste was prepared in standard manner and filled in vicat
mould within 3-5 min. After completely filling the mould, the mould was shaken to expel the air.
A standard needle of circular attachment was attached with vicat apparatus and the penetration
operation was conducted. The operation was repeated for every 30 min. The test can be
terminated when the centre needle doesn’t pierces through the paste more than 0.5mm.

4.2.4 SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST

The flask should be free from the liquid that means it should be fully dry. weigh the
empty flask. Which is W1. Next fill the cement on the bottle up to half of the flask around 50 gm
and weigh with its stopper. And it is W2. Add kerosene to the cement up to the top of the bottle.
Mix well to remove the air bubbles in it. Weigh the flask with cement and kerosene. And it is
W3. Empty the flask. Fill the bottle with kerosene up to the top and weigh the flask for counting
W4,

4.2.5 FINENESS TEST

About 100gm cement was taken on a standard I S sieve no.9 (90 microns). Air- set lumps
in the sample were broken with fingers and sieving was done continuously by giving circular and
vertical motion for a period of 15mins. The weight residue left on the sieve was weighed and
hence the fineness value of cement was calculated.

14
 Table 4.1 Properties of Cement

SI.NO DESCRIPTION TEST REQUIREMENTS AS PER

RESULTS IS:12269-1987(reaffirmed 2004)

1 Specific gravity 3.13 -

2 Normal consistency 30% -

3 Initial setting time 30min Not less than 30min

4 Final setting time 550min Not less than 600min

5 Fineness 6% Not more than 10%

4.3 FINE AGGREGATE

Fine aggregate used for cement mortar should be properly graded to give minimum void
ratio and be free from deleterious material like clay, silt content and chloride contamination etc.
The optimum gradation of fine aggregate is determined more by its effect on water requirement.
ACI committee reports that sand with fineness modulus below 2.5 gives a sticky consistency,
making it difficult to compact and sand with fineness modulus about 3 gives the best workability
and compressive strength.

15
4.3.1 FINENESS MODULUS TEST

The sand of weight about 1 kg was taken and was passed through 40mm, 20mm and
10mm IS sieves. Then the sets of sieves varying from 4.75mm to 0.075mm was placed one
below another and the pan at the bottom. Then the sample that passes through 10mm sieve was
placed into 4.75mm sieve and sieves were closed by keeping a lid on the top. Then the set of
sieves were kept under mechanical shakers and allowed to shake for about 10 min. Then the
mass retained in each sieve was weighed individually and a graph was drawn and hence the
fineness modulus was determined.

Table 4.2 proportions of different size fractions of M- Sand

Sieve size Weight of Percentage Cumulative Percentage

Sl No aggregates weight weight passing
retained retained
(mm) (gm) (%) (%) (%)

1 4.75 0.02 1 1 99

2 2.36 0.362 18.1 19.1 80.9

3 1.70 0.275 13.75 33.85 67.15

4 0.3 1.079 53.95 86.8 13.2

5 0.15 0.156 7.8 94.6 5.4

6 pan 0.095 4.75 99.35 0.65

16
 % PASSING
120

100

80

60

40

20

0
0.01 0.1 1 10

Fig 4.1 Particle distribution curve of M- sand

4.3.2 SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST

A clean and dry pycnometer was weighed and kept it as W1. The sand was poured into
the pycnometer to reach the 1/3rd volume of it. Then this weight was noted down as w2. Then,
the rest of the volume of the pycnometer was filled with water and weighed again and that was
noted as w3. Finally, pycnometer was fully filled with water and this weight was noted as w4.

Using the following formula, the specific gravity was determined.

Sp. Gravity = (W2-W1) / [(W4-W1)-(W3-W2)]

4.3.3 BULK DENSITY TEST

The bulk density or unit weight of aggregate gives valuable information regarding the
shape and grading of aggregate. The bulk density of aggregate is determined by the following
procedure.

17
 The weight empty container was measured and the bulk density of the aggregate was
measured by filling the container with known volume of aggregate in a standard manner. The
aggregate were filled in the container and then they were compacted in a standard manner. Then
the surface of the container was levelled. After this, the weight of the container with aggregate
was measured. The measured weight of the aggregate was used to found the loose density of
aggregates. And then, the empty container was filled with water. And the initial amount of soil
taken was measured. Then the aggregate were dropped carefully to make it dense. This process
was continued to fulfil the container with aggregate and, the surface of the container was levelled.
Finally, the retained quantity of soil was measured. From the above, the weight of the sand in the
container measured.

Table 4.3 properties of fine aggregate

SI no Description Result

1 Specific gravity (IS:2386(part-III)-1963) 2.56

2 Bulk density (IS:2386(p art-III)-1963) 1869 kg/m3

3 Water absorption 3.2%

4 Fineness modulus (IS 383 - 1970) 2.94

5 Grading Zone Zone II (FM 2.6- 3.0)

18
4.4 COARSE AGGREGATE

Aggregates are the important constituents in concrete. They give body to the concrete and
reduces shrinkage. The mere fact is that coarse aggregate occupies 70- 80 percent of the concrete.
Coarse aggregate used for concrete mix should be well graded to give minimum voids ratio.
Hence for better workability the aggregate with smooth surface texture, uniform size is preferred.

According to IS: 383-1970, crushed granite was used as coarse aggregate for this
investigation. Maximum coarse aggregate size used is 20mm. The following tests were
conducted on coarse aggregates and the properties are listed in table 4.3

percentage passing (%)

0.01 0.1 1 10 100

Fig 4.2 particle distribution curve of Coarse aggregate

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 Table 4.4 Proportions of different size fraction of Coarse aggregate

Sieve size Weight of Percentage Cumulative Percentage

SI NO aggregates weight retained weight retained passing
(mm) (gm) (%) (%)
(%)

1 63 - - - 100

2 50 - - - 100

3 40 - - - 100

4 25 0.4 20 20 80

5 20 0.38 19 39 61

6 12.5 0.18 9 48 42

7 10 0.9 45 93 7

8 4.75 0.14 7 100 0

9 pan - - - -

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4.4.1 IMPACT STRENGTH TEST

About 350gm of broken stones are taken which were passed through 12.5mm retained in
10mm sieve the stones are filled into cylindrical Mould by three layers using tamping rods then
the cylinder containing testing aggregate was kept under impact testing machine and 25 number
of blows were given. Then the aggregate was passed through 2.36mm sieve, the weight of
fraction of aggregate passed through 2.36mm sieve was weighed and hence the impact strength
was calculated using the formula.

Impact strength = B / A x 100%

Where, B = weight of fraction passing through the sieve 2.36 mm sieve.

A = total weight of surface dry aggregate taken.

4.4.3 SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND WATER ABSORPTION TEST

The wire basket was submerged in a bucket of water and its submerged weight was noted.
About 2kg of broken stone were taken and was placed in the bucket which was immersed in
water. Now the immersed weight of aggregate along with the wire bucket was noted down. After
24 hours the aggregates was taken out of the bucket and wiped off using dry cloth and then
saturated weight of aggregate was noted. Then the aggregates were kept in oven for 24 hours at
110ºC and then the dried weight of aggregate was noted. From the various weights, specific
gravity and water absorption of aggregate were determined using the following formula.

Specific gravity = (dry wt. of aggregate / wt of equal vol of water)

Water absorption = wt of water absorbed / dry wt of aggregates

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 Table 4.5 properties of coarse aggregate

SI no Description Result

1 Specific gravity (IS:2386(part-III)-1963) 2.89

2 Bulk density (IS:2386(p art-III)-1963) 1746 kg/m3

3 Water absorption 0.5%

4.5 CONPLAST SP 430

Conplast SP 430 is a chloride free is a super plasticizing admixture based on selected

sulphonated naphthalene polymers. It is supplied as a brown solution which instantly disperses in
water It disperses the fine particles in concrete mix more effectively. The very high levels of
water reduction possible allow major increases in strength to be obtained. For high strength,
water reduced concrete the normal dosage range is from 0.7 to 2.00 litres/100kg.

4.6 SPINACIA OLERACEA.

This is a curing agents used in different concrete mix proportions and tested for
compressive strength. Existing curing agent available in the market is polyethylene glycol, and
its molecular weight is between 190 and 210. The specific gravity is 1.12-
1.13. Hydroxyl value is 535-590 (mg KOH/g), and pH value is between 5 and 7. Spinacia
oleracea is usually called as Palak greens in Tamil Nadu and it is a type of green popularly
consumed as food product. Curing agent was prepared from the filtrate extract of Spinacia
oleracea after it was ground well. Its pH value is 6.59. This extract base is added at the time of
preparing concrete that is while adding water to the dry ingredients. Placing and compacting the
fresh concrete is similar to the conventional concrete, but without curing. The chemical structure
shows that it contains (-O-) and (- OH) functional groups. As such, the Spinacia oleracea
selected as internal curing agent

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possesses hydroxyl and ether functional group, which is also revealed in Fourier Transform
Infra-Red (FTIR) results.

Fig.4.3 Extraction of spinacia oleracea

4.7 WATER

Water is an important ingredient of concrete as it chemically participates in the reaction

with cement to form the hydration product, C-S-H gel. The strength of cement mortar depends
mainly from the binding action of the hydrated cement paste gel. A higher w/c ratio will reduce
the strength, durability, water tightness and other related properties.

Quality and quantity of water should be added very carefully. The water used for making
concrete should be free from undesirable salts that may react with cement and admixtures and
reduce their efficiency.

Water conforming to the requirement of 456-2000 is found to be suitable for making

cement mortar. It is generally stated that water fit for drinking is fit for making

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cement mortar. For the present investigation, potable water (from siruvani reservoir) supplied by the
neighboring municipality was used.

4.8 MIX DESIGN

Mix design was done according to IS 10262-2009 for M20 mix. Trial mix was done and
considerable values were obtained. The water-cement ratio used in design is
0.42. The mix proportion of materials was arrived as 1: 1.76: 3.3 (cement: fine aggregate:
coarse aggregate). The procedure is detailed Later.

4.9 TEST TO BE CARRIED OUT

4.9.1 TEST TO BE CONDUCTED ON FRESH CONCRETE

After mixing the concrete the mix ratio of 1:1.76:3.3, the following workability tests
were conducted on the fresh concrete.

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4.9.1.1 SLUMP TEST

The slump test is the most commonly used method for measuring the consistency of
concrete. It is not suitable very wet or very dry concrete. The apparatus consists of a metallic
mould in the form a frustum of a coPne having the internal dimensions as under.

 Bottom diameter : 20 cm
 Top diameter : 10 cm
 Height : 30 cm

The thickness of the metallic sheet for the mould should not be thinner than
1.6mm. The internal surface of the mould was thoroughly cleaned and freed from superfluous
moisture. The mould was placed on a smooth, horizontal, rigid, non- absorbent surface. The
mould was then filled in four layers each approximately ¼ of the height of the mould. Each layer
was tamped 25 times by the tamping rod taking care to distribute the strokes evenly over the
cross section. After the top layer has been rodded the concrete was struck off level with a trowel.
The mould was removed from the concrete immediately by raising it slowly and carefully in
vertical direction. This allowed the concrete to subside. This subsidence was referred as SLUMP
of concrete. The difference in height was measured in mm.

4.9.2 TEST CONDUCTED ON HARDENED CONCRETE

4.9.2.1 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST

The specimens were tested on compression testing machine of capacity 3000kN. The
bearing surface of machine was wiped off clean and sand or other material removed from the
surface of the specimen. The specimen was placed in machine in such a manner that the load was
applied to opposite sides of the cubes as casted that is, not top and bottom. The axis of the
specimen was carefully aligned at the centre of loading frame. The load applied was increased
continuously at a constant rate until the resistance of the specimen to the increasing load breaks
down and no longer can be sustained. The maximum load applied on specimen was recorded.

fc = P/A where, P is load & A is resisting area

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4.9.2.2 SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH TEST

The capacity specimens were tested on compression testing machine of capacity 3000
kN. The bearing surface of machine was wiped off clean and loses other sand or other material
removed from the surface of the specimen. The load applied was increased continuously at a
constant rate until the resistance of the increasing load breaks down and no longer can be
sustained. The maximum load applied on specimen was recorded.
fsplit = 2p/πDL

where, P = Load

D = Diameter of cylinder L

= Length of the cylinder

4.9.2.3 FLEXURAL STRENGTH TEST

The beam specimens were tested on universal testing machine for two-point loading
create a pure bending. The bearing surface of machine was wiped off clean and sand or other
material removed from the surface of the specimen. The two-point bending load applied was
increased continuously at a constant rate until specimen breaks down and no longer can be
sustained. The maximum load applied on specimen was recorded. The modulus of rupture
depends on where the specimen breaks along the span.

If the specimen breaks at the middle third of the span, then the modulus of rupture is
given by

frup. = (WL)/(bd²)

If the specimen breaks at a distance of ʿaʾ from any of the supports, then the modulus of rupture
is given by

frup. = (3Wa)/(bd²)

Where, W = load at failure

L = length of specimen (400mm) b

= width of specimen (10mm) d =

depth of specimen (100mm)

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 CONCLUSION

In this project, the mix design for self-curing concrete of grade M20 to be designed .
Concrete cubes, cylinders and prisms for compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural
strength to be prepared and tested for various Percentage of spinacia oleracea.

27
 REFERENCES

Ronald Tak Yong Lian, Robert Keith sun, “Compositions and Methods for curing
concrete”, Patent No. U.S. 6,468,344 B1 dated oct 22, 2002.

Wen- Chen Jau, “Self- curing concrete”, Patent application publication np. U.S.
2008/0072799 A1 dated Mar, 27, 2008.

Ei- Dieb A. S.,” Self- curing concrete: Water retention, hydration and moisture
transport”, Construction and Building Materials 21, (2007), PP. 1282-1287.

Geetha M. “Compeaitive study of strength and durability properties of polymeric

mterials as self- curing agents”, International Journal of Engineering Science and
Technology, 2006, PP. 766-771.

Experimental study on strength and durability properties of bio self-cured fly ash
based concrete under aggressive environment, R. Malathy.

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