CT-124

CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY

M. Engrt. ASAD ZIA

 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

General Instructions:

• Being a student of professional degree be in professional attitude.

• Attendance will be marked within first twenty minutes. So, be on time.

• Follow the rules and ethics.

• Cheating/fraud will not be allowed.

 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Course Learning Outcomes (or Objectives):

At the end of the course, the student will be able:

To develop an understanding of the composition and behavior of plain and

CLO:1 reinforced concrete
To understand various methods of proportioning of constituent materials
CLO:2 for a required concrete quality
To analyze the problems of transportation, pouring, bleeding of concrete.
CLO:3
To understand methods of curing and compaction and factors affecting
CLO:4 strength of concrete
To know the benefits of testing of concrete and to understand the
CLO:5 procedure of quality control.
To get introduction of the design of simple beams for flexure and shear.
CLO:6
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Course plan (16 weeks teaching):

Week Course Outline QUIZZES/
PRESENTATIONS

1 1. Properties of aggregates, cement and concrete,

2. properties of fresh and hardened concrete, strength, elastic behavior, shrinkage and creep
3. and durability to chemical and physical attacks.
2 1. Methods of testing concrete cylinders and cubes in compression.
2. Effects of impurities in water and in aggregates on the performance and durability of plain and reinforced concrete.
3. Effect of water/cement ratio upon workability and strength of concrete.
4. Requirements of cube cylinder strength, workability and aggregate size

3 1. Prescribed mix, design mix and the effect of varying proportions of the component parts
2. Procedure for design of concrete mix
3. Laboratory and site testing for assessing the quality, performance and strength of a design mix.
4 1. Mechanics of reinforced concrete and its behavior under working and ultimate loads. QUIZ#1
2. Basics of reinforced concrete design

5&6 Analysis and design of RC beams for flexure.

7&8 Analysis and design of RC beams for shear by ultimate strength design method QUIZ#2

9&10 Analysis and design of RC beams axial load, and anchorage by ultimate strength design method

11&12 Analysis and design of RC columns for flexure by ultimate strength design method. QUIZ#3
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Course plan (16 weeks teaching):

Week Course Outline QUIZZES/
PRESENTATIONS

13 Analysis and design of RC columns for shear by ultimate strength design method. QUIZ#4

14 Analysis and design of RC columns for axial load by ultimate strength design method.

15 Design for diagonal tension and bond.

16 1. Behavior of one-way and two-way slabs and their design Presentations

17 1. Function of reinforcement in structural concrete elements with respect to resisting tension, compression, shear and shrinkage
cracking.
2. Concrete cover to reinforcing bars and its variation in different structural elements
18 1. lapping of reinforcement, details of bar bending and preparation of schedules.
2. Preparation of working drawings of structural elements.
3. Introduction to different types of concrete foundations.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Reference Codes / Books:

1. UBC-1997
2. ACI-318
3. BCP-2007
4. Design of Concrete Structures by H. Nilson, McGraw-Hill. (Latest
Edition)
5. ACI 201.2R
6. CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION by Edward S. Hoffman and David P.
Gustafson
7. ASTM Standards for concerned test and procedures
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Basic Definitions (Reported by ACI Committee 318)

BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR STRUCTURAL CONCRETE (ACI 318-14) AND
COMMENTARY (ACI 318R-14)
Concrete—mixture of portland cement or any other cementitious
material, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, and water, with or without
admixtures.
Cementitious materials—materials that have cementing value if used in
concrete either by themselves, such as Portland cement, blended
hydraulic cements, and expansive cement; or such materials in
combination with fly ash, other raw or calcined natural pozzolans, silica
fume, and slag cement
Aggregate—granular material, such as sand, gravel, crushed stone, and
iron blast-furnace slag, used with a cementing medium to form concrete
or mortar.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Basic Definitions (Reported by ACI Committee 318)

BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR STRUCTURAL CONCRETE (ACI 318-14) AND
COMMENTARY (ACI 318R-14)
Concrete—mixture of portland cement or any other cementitious
material, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, and water, with or without
admixtures.
Cementitious materials—materials that have cementing value if used in
concrete either by themselves, such as Portland cement, blended
hydraulic cements, and expansive cement; or such materials in
combination with fly ash, other raw or calcined natural pozzolans, silica
fume, and slag cement
Aggregate—granular material, such as sand, gravel, crushed stone, and
iron blast-furnace slag, used with a cementing medium to form concrete
or mortar.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Aggregate, Lightweight—aggregate meeting the requirements of

ASTM C330 and having a loose bulk density of 70 lb/ft3 or less,
determined in accordance with ASTM C29

Aggregate, Lightweight—In some standards, the term “lightweight

aggregate” is being replaced by the term “low-density aggregate.”

Admixture—material other than water, aggregate, or hydraulic cement,

used as an ingredient of concrete and added to concrete before or
during its mixing to modify its properties.

Concrete, Plain—concrete with no reinforcement or with reinforcement

less than the minimum amount specified for reinforced concrete.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Concrete, Reinforced—concrete reinforced with at least the minimum

amounts of nonprestressed or prestressed reinforcement required by
this Code.
Concrete, Fiber-reinforced—concrete containing a prescribed amount
of dispersed, randomly oriented, discontinuous fibers.

Fibers: Fibers are discontinuous and are generally distributed randomly

throughout the concrete matrix(ACI 544.1R-96).

Aspect ratio, fiber—the ratio of length to diameter of a fiber in which

the diameter may be an equivalent diameter(ACI 544.5R-10).

Fiber, equivalent diameter—diameter of a circle having an area equal

to the average cross sectional area of a fiber (ACI 544.5R-10).
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

CHAPTER NO. 1

CONCRETE AND
CONCRETE MATERIALS
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

CONCRETE
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

CONCRETE
In its simplest form, concrete is a mixture of paste
and aggregates. The paste, composed of portland
cement (or cementitious materials) and water, coats
the surface of the fine and coarse aggregates and
binds them together. Through a chemical reaction
called hydration, the paste hardens and gains
strength to form the rock-like mass known as
concrete. Supplementary cementitious materials and
chemical admixtures may also be included in the
paste.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

CONCRETE…………………contd
Within this process lies the key to a remarkable trait of
concrete: it's plastic and malleable when newly mixed, strong
and durable when hardened. These qualities explain why one
material, concrete, can build skyscrapers, bridges, sidewalks and
superhighways, houses and dams.
Typically, a concrete mix
is about 10 to 15 percent
cement, 60 to 75 percent
aggregate and 15 to 20
percent water. Entrained
air in many concrete mixes
may also take up another 5 to 8 percent.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

The Forms of Concrete

Concrete is produced in four basic forms, each with unique
applications and properties.
(i) Ready-mixed concrete, by far the most common form,
accounts for nearly three-fourths of all concrete. It's batched
at local plants for delivery in the familiar trucks with revolving
drums.
(ii) Precast concrete products are cast in a factory setting.
These products benefit from tight quality control achievable at a
production plant. Precast products range from concrete bricks
and paving stones to bridge girders, structural components, and
panels for cladding.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

The Forms of Concrete………………….. contd

(iii) Concrete masonry, another type of manufactured
concrete, may be best known for its conventional 8 x 8 x 16-
inch block. Today's masonry units can be molded into a
wealth of shapes, configurations, colors, and textures to
serve an infinite spectrum of building applications and
architectural needs.
(iv) Soil-cement and roller-compacted concrete—"cousins" of
concrete-are used for pavements and dams. Other products
in this category include flowable fill and cement-treated
bases.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Why Concrete?
Due to the reasons listed below, concrete is becoming the world’s
most versatile and most widely used construction material.
• Versatility in terms of: onsite adjustments
• Aesthetic Appeals in terms of: colour, texture, stamping and
scoring,
• Cost Effective Solution in terms of: more floors per structure,
earlier start up, faster finish time, lower energy cost, lower finishing
costs, longer spans,
• Structural Integrity in terms of: lasting structures requiring lower
maintenance, fire resistance, ideal for strict specifications,
• Environmentally Responsible in terms of: Energy efficiency,
recycling, sustainable development,
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Proportioning of Concrete Ingredients

The key to achieving a strong, durable concrete rests in the
careful proportioning and mixing of the ingredients. A concrete
mixture that does not have enough paste to fill all the voids
between the aggregates will be difficult to place and will produce
rough, honeycombed surfaces and porous concrete. A mixture
with an excess of cement paste will be easy to place and will
produce a smooth surface; however, the resulting concrete is
likely to shrink more and be uneconomical.
A properly designed concrete mixture will possess the desired
workability for the fresh concrete and the required durability
and strength for the hardened concrete.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Proportioning of Concrete Ingredients …….. contd

Portland cement's chemistry comes to life in the presence of water.
Cement and water form a paste that coats each particle of stone and
sand. Through a chemical reaction called hydration, the cement paste
hardens and gains strength. The character of the concrete is determined
by quality of the paste. The strength of the paste, in turn, depends on
the ratio of water to cement. The water-cement ratio is the weight of
the mixing water divided by the weight of the cement. High-quality
concrete is produced by lowering the water-cement ratio as much as
possible without sacrificing the workability of fresh concrete. Generally,
using less water produces a higher quality concrete provided the
concrete is properly placed, consolidated, and cured.
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

MATERIALS FOR USE

IN CONCRETE
(1) CEMENT
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

(1) Cement
Cements set and harden by reacting chemically with
water. During this reaction, called hydration, cement
combines with water to form a stone like mass, called paste.
When the paste (cement and water) is added to aggregates
(sand and gravel, crushed stone, or other granular material)
it acts as an adhesive and binds the aggregates together to
form concrete, the world’s most versatile and most widely
used construction material.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Cement …………… contd

Effect of Cement Characteristics on Concrete Properties
Cement, together with water, creates the paste that binds
aggregate together to form concrete. Concrete quality depends
upon the quantity and quality of the aggregate and the paste, as
well as the bond between the two. Therefore, the properties of
concrete are influenced by the properties of cement. Whether it
is the clinker composition, the fineness of the individual cement
grains, or the amount with which it is used in the concrete, the
type and proportion of cement affect both the fresh and
hardened properties of concrete. An understanding of cement
characteristics can provide insight to many of the issues arising in
concrete construction.
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

MATERIALS FOR USE IN

CONCRETE
(2) SUPPLIMENTARY
CEMENTING MATERIALS
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

(2) Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM)

Supplementary cementing materials, also called
mineral admixtures, contribute to the properties of
hardened concrete through hydraulic or pozzolanic
activity. Typical examples are natural pozzolans, fly
ash, ground granulated blast-furnace slag, and silica
fume, which can be used individually with portland or
blended cement or in different combinations.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Supplementary Cementitious Materials ...... contd

These materials react chemically with calcium hydroxide
released from the hydration of portland cement to form cement
compounds. These materials are often added to concrete to make
concrete mixtures more economical, reduce permeability, increase
strength, or influence other concrete properties.
(i) Fly ash, the most commonly used pozzolan in concrete, is a
finely divided residue that results from the combustion of
pulverized coal and is carried from the combustion chamber of the
furnace by exhaust gases. Commercially available fly ash is a by-
product of thermal power generating stations.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Supplementary Cementitious Materials ...... contd

(ii) Blast-furnace slag, or iron blast-furnace slag, is a
nonmetallic product consisting essentially of silicates,
aluminosilicates of calcium, and other compounds that are
developed in a molten condition simultaneously with the
iron in the blast-furnace.
(iii) Silica fume, also called condensed silica fume and
microsilica, is a finely divided residue resulting from the
production of elemental silicon or ferro-silicon alloys that
is carried from the furnace by the exhaust gases. Silica
fume, with or without fly ash or slag, is often used to
make high-strength concrete.
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

MATERIALS FOR USE

IN CONCRETE
(3) AGGREGATES
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

(3) Aggregates
Aggregates are classified by ASTM C33 (AASHTO M 6/M
80) as fine or coarse. Aggregates are inert granular
materials such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone that, along
with water and Portland cement, are an essential ingredient
in concrete.
For a good concrete mix, aggregates need to be clean,
hard, strong particles free of absorbed chemicals or coatings
of clay and other fine materials that could cause the
deterioration of concrete.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Aggregates........................... contd
Aggregates, which account for 60 to 75 percent of the total
volume of concrete, are divided into two distinct categories-fine
and coarse. Fine aggregates generally consist of natural sand or
crushed stone with most particles passing through a 3/8-inch
(9.5-mm) sieve. Coarse aggregates are any particles greater
than 0.19 inch (4.75 mm), but generally range between 3/8 and
1.5 inches (9.5 mm to 37.5 mm) in diameter. Gravels constitute
the majority of coarse aggregate used in concrete with crushed
stone making up most of the remainder.
Natural gravel and sand are usually dug or dredged from a pit,
river, lake, or seabed. Crushed aggregate is produced by
crushing quarry rock, boulders, cobbles, or large-size gravel.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Aggregates........................... Contd
Recycled concrete is a viable source of aggregate and has
been satisfactorily used in granular subbases, soil-cement, and
in new concrete. Aggregate processing consists of crushing,
screening, and washing the aggregate to obtain proper
cleanliness and gradation. If necessary, a benefaction process
such as jigging or heavy media separation can be used to
upgrade the quality.
Once processed, the aggregates are handled and stored in a
way that minimizes segregation and degradation and prevents
contamination.
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Aggregates........................... Contd
Aggregates strongly influence concrete's freshly
mixed and hardened properties, mixture proportions,
and economy. Consequently, selection of aggregates is
an important process. Although some variation in
aggregate properties is expected, characteristics
that are considered when selecting aggregate include:
• Grading
• durability
• particle shape and surface texture
• abrasion and skid resistance
• unit weights and voids
• absorption and surface moisture
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Aggregates........................... Contd
Grading refers to the determination of the particle-size
distribution for aggregate. Grading limits and maximum
aggregate size are specified because grading and size affect
the amount of aggregate used as well as cement and water
requirements, workability, pumpability, and durability of
concrete. In general, if the water-cement ratio is chosen
correctly, a wide range in grading can be used without a major
effect on strength. When gap-graded aggregate are
specified, certain particle sizes of aggregate are omitted
from the size continuum. Gap-graded aggregate are used to
obtain uniform textures in exposed aggregate concrete. Close
control of mix proportions is necessary to avoid segregation.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Aggregates........................... Contd
Shape and Size of Aggregates
Particle shape and surface texture influence the
properties of freshly mixed concrete more than the
properties of hardened concrete. Rough-textured, angular,
and elongated particles require more water to produce
workable concrete than smooth, rounded compact
aggregate. Consequently, the cement content must also be
increased to maintain the water-cement ratio. Generally,
flat and elongated particles are avoided or are limited to
about 15 percent by weight of the total aggregate. Unit-
weight measures the volume that graded aggregate and
the voids between them will occupy in concrete.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Aggregates........................... Contd
Shape and Size of Aggregates…….. contd
The void content between particles affects the amount
of cement paste required for the mix. Angular aggregates
increase the void content. Larger sizes of well-graded
aggregate and improved grading decrease the void content.
Absorption and surface moisture of aggregate are
measured when selecting aggregate because the internal
structure of aggregate is made up of solid material and
voids that may or may not contain water. The amount of
water in the concrete mixture must be adjusted to include
the moisture conditions of the aggregate.
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Aggregates........................... Contd
Shape and Size of Aggregates…….. Contd
Abrasion and skid resistance of an aggregate are
essential when the aggregate is to be used in
concrete constantly subject to abrasion as in
heavy-duty floors or pavements. Different minerals
in the aggregate wear and polish at different rates.
Harder aggregate can be selected in highly abrasive
conditions to minimize wear.
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

MATERIALS FOR USE

IN CONCRETE
(4) WATER
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

(4) Water
The quality of hardened concrete is greatly
influenced by the amount of water used in relation to
the amount of cement. Higher water contents dilute
the cement paste (the glue of concrete). Here are
some advantages of reducing water content:
• Increased compressive and flexural strength
• Lower permeability, thus increased water tightness
and lower absorption
• Increased resistance to weathering
• Better bond between concrete and reinforcement
• Less volume change from wetting and drying
• Reduced shrinkage and cracking
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Water ..................... Contd

Excessive impurities in mixing water not only may
affect setting time and concrete strength, but also
may cause efflorescence, staining, corrosion of
reinforcement, volume instability, and reduced
durability. Specifications usually set limits on
chlorides, sulfates, alkalis, and solids in mixing water
unless tests can be performed to determine the
effect the impurity has on various properties.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Water ..................... Contd

ASTM Specification for Mixing Water
ASTM C1602, Standard Specification for Mixing Water Used
in the Production of Hydraulic Cement Concrete, defines sources
of mixing water as:
• Batch water. Batch water discharged into the mixer from
municipal water supply, reclaimed municipal water, or water
resulting from concrete production operations. This is the
main source of mixing water in concrete.
• Ice. During hot-weather concreting, ice may be used as part
of the mixing water. The ice should be completely melted by
the time mixing is completed.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Water ..................... Contd

ASTM Specification for Mixing Water....... contd
• Water added by the truck operator. ASTM C94 (AASHTO
M 157) allows the addition of water on site if the slump is less
than specified, provided the maximum allowable water-cement
ratio is not exceeded and several other conditions are met.
• Free moisture on aggregate. Free moisture on aggregate can
represent a substantial portion of the total mixing water. It is
important that any water brought in by the aggregate be free
of harmful materials.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Water ..................... Contd

ASTM Specification for Mixing Water....... contd
• Water contained in admixtures. Water contained in
admixtures must be considered part of the mixing water if the
admixture’s water content is sufficient to affect the water-
cementitious materials ratio by 0.01 or more.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Water ..................... Contd

Adding Water On-Site to Concrete Mixtures
Adding water on-site to concrete mixtures has been a
controversial topic for as long as concrete has been used
as a construction material. The addition of water is clearly
covered in ASTM C94, Standard Specification for Ready
Mixed Concrete. The standard does allow for on-site
addition of water to adjust fresh concrete properties so
the material as delivered is suitable for the specific
application.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Water ..................... Contd

How Much Water Can be Added on Site?
The general rule is that water may be added to adjust the
slump of the material to comply with specifications upon
arrival as long as the maximum specified water-cement ratio
is not exceeded. Typical additions of water on-site are in
the order of 1 to 2 US gallons(3.785 litres) per cubic yard
of concrete (this would amount to 10 to 20 US gallons of
water in a ten cubic yard load). A general rule of thumb for
the effect of the addition of water to a concrete mixture is
an increase in slump of approximately 1 in. per US gallon of
water added to a cubic yard of concrete.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Water ..................... Contd

Adding Water On-Site to Concrete Mixtures……. Contd
Concrete that is delivered with a low slump may lack the
workability for proper concrete placement consolidation and
finishing operations. Additionally, low slump concrete mixtures in
some cases may be deficient in air content for durability in
freezing and thawing environments or where the material may
be exposed to deicing chemicals. While on-site additions of
water may potentially reduce the final concrete strength
properties, in many cases the consequences of adding the water
may be less detrimental than attempting to place, consolidate,
and finish a concrete mixture that that lacks proper workability
and/or air content.
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Water ..................... Contd

How Much Water Can be Added on Site?....
Contd
In short, a small addition of water (1 to 2 gal per
cubic yard of concrete) can be beneficial to the
quality of the hardened concrete when appropriately
added (not exceeding the maximum water-cement
ratio or maximum revolutions) on-site during the
normal course of concrete construction.
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Hydration Begins
Soon after the aggregates, water, and the cement are
combined, the mixture starts to harden. All portland
cements are hydraulic cements that set and harden
through a chemical reaction with water. During this
reaction, called hydration, a node forms on the surface of
each cement particle. The node grows and expands until it
links up with nodes from other cement particles or
adheres to adjacent aggregates. The building up process
results in progressive stiffening, hardening, and strength
development. Once the concrete is thoroughly mixed and
workable it should be placed in forms before the mixture
becomes too stiff.
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Hydration Begins………………… Contd

During placement, the concrete is consolidated to
compact it within the forms and to eliminate potential
flaws, such as honeycombs and air pockets. For slabs,
concrete is left to stand until the surface moisture film
disappears. After the film disappears from the surface, a
wood or metal hand float is used to smooth off the
concrete. Floating produces a relatively even, but slightly
rough, texture that has good slip resistance and is
frequently used as a final finish for exterior slabs. If a
smooth, hard, dense surface is required, floating is
followed by steel troweling.
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

FRESH STATE / EARLY

STAGE PROPERTIES OF
CONCRETE AND
WORKABILITY

By Courtesy of: LEC MUHAMMAD ALI SHAIKH

 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

FRESH CONCRETE
Fresh concrete is a transient material with continuously
changing properties. It is, however, essential that these are
such that the concrete can be handled, transported, placed,
compacted and finished to form a homogenous, usually void-free,
solid mass that realizes the full potential hardened properties.
There are two sets of criteria that must be considered when
making concrete;
1) Long-term requirements of hardened concrete, such as,
strength, durability, and volume stability,
2) Short-term requirements, like workability.
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

FRESH CONCRETE ……………. Contd

However, these two requirements are not necessarily
complementary.
For fresh concrete to be acceptable, it should:
• Be easily mixed and transported.
• Be uniform throughout a given batch and between
batches.
• Be of a consistency so that it can fill completely the
forms for which it was designed.
• Have the ability to be compacted without excessive
loss of energy.
• Not segregate during placing and consolidation.
• Have good finishing characteristics.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Main properties of fresh concrete during mixing,

transporting, placing and compacting
• Fluidity or consistency: capability of being handled and
of flowing into formwork and around any reinforcement,
with assistance of compacting equipment
• Compactability: air entrapped during mixing and
handling should be easily removed by compaction
equipment, such as poker vibrators
• Stability or cohesiveness: fresh concrete should remain
homogenous and uniform. No segregation of cement
paste from aggregates (especially coarse ones)
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

WORKABILITY
The term workability is broadly defined; no single test method
measures all aspects of workability. A satisfactory definition of
workability is by no means straightforward.
Over 50 years ago, Glanville, et al. (1947), after an extensive
study of fresh concrete properties, defined workability as ‘the
amount of work needed to produce full compaction’, thereby
relating it to the placing rather than the handling process.
A more recent ACI definition has encompassed other operations;
it is ‘that property of freshly mixed concrete or mortar which
determines the ease and homogeneity with which it can be mixed,
placed, consolidated and finished’ (ACI, 1990). This makes no
attempt to define how the workability can be measured or
specified.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

WORKABILITY…………………. Contd
A similar criticism applies to the ASTM definition of ‘that property
determining the effort required to manipulate a freshly mixed quantity
of concrete with minimum loss of homogeneity’ (ASTM, 1993).
The Japanese Association of Concrete Engineers defines workability
as “that property of freshly mixed concrete or mortar that determines
the ease and homogeneity with which it can be mixed, placed, and
compacted due to its consistency, the homogeneity with which it can be
made into concrete, and the degree with which it can resist separation
of materials” (Ferraris 1999, 464).
Neville (1981, 203) succinctly defines workability as “the amount of
useful internal work necessary to produce full compaction.”
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Factors Affecting Workability

Workable concrete is one which exhibits very little friction between
particles or which overcomes the frictional resistance offered by the
formwork surface or reinforcement contained in the concrete with just
the amount of compacting efforts forth coming. The factors helping
concrete to have more lubricating effect to reduce internal friction for
helping easy compaction are:
(i) Water Content of the Mix -- This is the single most important
factor governing workability of concrete. A group of particles requires
a certain amount of water. Water is absorbed on the particle surface,
in the volumes between particles, and provides "lubrication" to help the
particles move past one another more easily. Therefore, finer particles,
necessary for plastic behavior, require more water. Some side-effects
of increased water are loss of strength and possible segregation.
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Factors Affecting Workability ………….. Contd

(ii) Influence of Aggregate Mix Proportions --
Increasing the proportion of aggregates relative to
the cement will decrease the workability of the
concrete. Also, any additional fines will require more
cement in the mix. An "oversanded" mix will be
permeable and less economical. A concrete deficient
of fines will be difficult to finish and prone to
segregation.
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Factors Affecting Workability ……………… Contd

(iii) Aggregate Properties –
• The ratio of coarse/fine aggregate
• The gradation and particle size of sands are important.
• Shape and texture of aggregate will also affect
workability.
• Spherical shaped particles will not have the interaction
problems associated with more angular particles. Also,
spherical shapes have a low surface/volume ratio,
therefore, less cement will be required to coat each
particle and more will be available to contribute to the
workability of the concrete.
• Aggregate which is porous will absorb more water
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Factors Affecting Workability ………… Contd

(iv)Time and Temperature -- In general, increasing
temperature will cause an increase in the rate of hydration and
evaporation. Both of these effects lead to a loss of workability.
(v) Loss of Workability -- Workability will decrease with time due
to several factors;
• continued slow hydration of C3S and C3A during dormant period,
• loss of water through evaporation and absorption,
• increased particle interaction due to the formation of hydration
products on the particle surface.
• Loss of workability is measured as "slump loss" with time.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Factors Affecting Workability ………….. Contd

(vi)Cement Characteristics –
• Less important than aggregate properties
• However, the increased fineness of rapid-hardening cements will
result in rapid hydration and increased water requirements
(vi) Admixtures –
• In general, air-entraining, water-reducing, and set-retarding
admixtures will all improve workability.
• However, some chemical admixtures will react differently with
cements and aggregates and may result in reduced workability.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Measurement of Workability
Workability, a term applied to many concrete properties, can be
adequately measured by three characteristics:
• Compactibility, the ease with which the concrete can be
compacted and air void removed.
• Mobility, ease with which concrete can flow into forms and
around reinforcement.
• Stability, ability for concrete to remain stable and
homogeneous during handling and vibration without excessive
segregation.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Measurement of Workability ......... Contd

(1) Slump Test
The slump test is the most well-known and widely used test
method to characterize the workability of fresh concrete. The
inexpensive test, which measures consistency, is used on job
sites to determine rapidly whether a concrete batch should be
accepted or rejected.
Standards:
The test method is widely standardized throughout the world,
including in ASTM C143 in the United States and EN 12350-2 in
Europe and BS 1881 Part 102: 1983 in UK.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Measurement of Workability ......... Contd

(1)Slump Test ............. Contd
Apparatus and Procedure
Mould in the shape of a frustum of a cone with a base
diameter of 8 inches (200 mm), a top diameter of 4 inches (100
mm), and a height of 12 inches (300 mm). The mould is filled
with concrete in three layers of equal volume. Each layer is
compacted with 25 strokes of a tamping rod. The slump cone
mould is lifted vertically upward and the change in height of
the concrete is measured.
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Measurement of Workability ......... Contd

(1)Slump Test ............. Contd
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Measurement of Workability ......... Contd

(1)Slump Test ............. Contd
Types of Slumps
Four types of slumps are commonly encountered.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Measurement of Workability ......... Contd

(1)Slump Test ............. Contd
Types of Slumps
As per ASTM C143:
Slump permissible frequently referred to as the “true” slump,
where the concrete remains intact and retains a symmetric
shape. A zero slump and a collapsed slump are both outside the
range of workability that can be measured with the slump test.
Specifically, ASTM C143 advises caution in interpreting test
results less than ½ inch and greater than 9 inches. If part of the
concrete shears from the mass, the test must be repeated with a
different sample of concrete. A concrete that exhibits a shear
slump in a second test is not sufficiently cohesive and should be
rejected.
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Measurement of Workability ......... Contd

(1)Slump Test ............. Contd
Consistency grade
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Measurement of Workability ......... Contd

(1)Slump Test ............. Contd
Limitaions:
• The slump test is not considered applicable for concretes with a
maximum coarse aggregate size greater than 1.5 inches.
• For concrete with aggregate greater than 1.5 inches in size, such
larger particles can be removed by sieving.
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Measurement of Workability ......... Contd

(3)Compaction Factor Test (Compacting Factor
Test, Glanville Compaction Test) ...............
Contd
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Measurement of Workability ......... Contd

(3)Compaction Factor Test (Compacting Factor Test, Glanville
Compaction Test) ............... Contd
The results of the compaction factor test can be correlated to
slump, although the relationship is not linear. Following table relates
the results of the compaction factor test to slump and the sample’s
degree of workability.
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Segregation
Segregation refers to a separation of the components of fresh
concrete, resulting in a non-uniform mix. This can be seen as a
separation of coarse aggregate from the mortar, caused from either
the settling of heavy aggregate to the bottom or the separation of the
aggregate from the mix due to improper placement.
Some factors that increase segregation are:
• Larger maximum particle size and proportion of the larger particles.
• High specific gravity of coarse aggregate.
• Decrease in the amount of fine particles.
• Particle shape and texture.
• Water/cement ratio.
• Good handling and placement techniques are most important in
prevention of segregation.
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Segregation ……………… Contd

 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Bleeding
Bleeding is defined as the appearance of water on the
surface of concrete after it has consolidated but before it is
set. Since mixing water is the lightest component of the
concrete, this is a special form of segregation. Bleeding is
generally the result of aggregates settling into the mix and
releasing their mixing water.
Some bleeding is normal for good concrete. Some bleed is
unavoidable, and may not be harmful. For example, if the
concrete is placed in hot or windy conditions, the loss of bleed
water from the surface may not cause any distress, and the
water/cement ratio of the remaining concrete may be reduced.
However, if the rate of evaporation of the water is greater
than the rate of bleed, plastic shrinkage, which can lead to
surface cracking, will occur.
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Segregation and Bleeding ………….. Contd

Bleeding may be reduced by:
• Increasing cement fineness and incorporation of
cement replacement materials.
• Increasing the rate of hydration.
• Using air-entraining admixtures.
• Reducing the water content.
University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Segregation and Bleeding ………….. Contd

 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Durability of hydraulic cement concrete : is defined as its ability

to resist weathering action, chemical attack, abrasion, or any other
process of deterioration (ACI 201.2R-01).

Reference Pages of ACI 201.2R-01:

Page#8: Table 2.2—Factors influencing chemical attack on
concrete
Page#9: 2.2.3 Recommendations—Protection against sulfate
attack
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Important Properties of Hardened Concrete

Creep:
Creep is defined as a phenomenon in which strain in a solid
increases with time while the stress producing the strain is kept
constant.
In more practical terms, creep is the increased strain or
deformation of a structural element under a constant load.

Creep behavior of concrete: Compressive creep strain in

conventional concrete can be 1.30 to 4.15 times the initial elastic
strain under standard conditions (ACI 209R; Troxell et al. 1958).
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Shrinkage: Shrinkage is a reduction in volume, and in concrete, it

is mainly caused by the loss of water. In most cases, shrinkage is
measured by monitoring longitudinal strain

Types of shrinkage:
1. Linear shrinkage (LS): LS is taken as percentage
increase/decrease in the length of the specimen (ASTM C531-00;
OPSS LS-435 standard).

2. Plastic shrinkage : The shrinkage that occurs due to loss of

moisture from fresh concrete (in the plastic state) (Deshpande et
al. 2007).
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

3. Autogenous Shrinkage (also known as chemical shrinkage): It

is a volume change that occurs without moisture loss to the
surrounding environment. It occurs when water in cement
paste is consumed by the hydration reactions, and results due
to self desiccation (extreme drying) of the concrete
(Deshpande et al. 2007).

4. Drying shrinkage : occurs due to the loss of moisture from

hardened concrete (Deshpande et al. 2007).
 University of Technology, Nowshera
Department of Civil Engineering Technology By M. Engrt. Asad Zia

Elastic Behaviour of Concrete:

Refer page#22-23(Slide#39) of Design of Concrete Structures by H.
Nilson, McGraw-Hill. (14th Edition)