LAB REPORT

Subject: CEP 775

(Construction Engineering and Information Technology Laboratory)

EXPERIMENT NO. 3
TESTING OF SAMPLES
28TH January 2015

Submitted by-

HARSHIKA SHRIVASTAVA
2014CET2779

EXPERIMENT NO.3
Testing of Samples
Objective:
Testing of samples for 7 days strength using Compression testing machine and non- destructive
test using UPV tester and Rebound Hammer.

Reference:
IS 13311(Pat1): 1991
IS 13311(Part2):1992
IS 14858: 2000

Apparatus used:
i. Ultra sonic Pulse Velocity Tester- Electrical pulse generator, Transducer, Carbon rod,
UPV gel, Electronic timing device
ii. Rebound Hammer
iii. Compression testing machine

UPV TEST:
Theory:
Ultrasonic scanning is a recognised non-destructive evaluation test to qualitatively asses
the homogeneity and integrity of concrete.This test essentially consists of measuring
travel time, T of ultrasonic pulse of 50 to 54 kHz, produced by an electro-acoustical
transducer, held in contact with one surface of the concrete member under test and
receiving the same by a similar transducer in contact with the surface at the other end.
With the path length L, (i.e. the distance between the two probes) and time of travel T, the
pulse velocity (V=L/T) is calculated. Higher the elastic modulus, density and integrity of

the concrete, higher is the pulse velocity. The ultrasonic pulse velocity depends on the
density and elastic properties of the material being tested.

Laboratory Apparatus

Procedure:

The samples (cubes, cylinders and prisms) were then unmolded after 1 day of casting and
cured in a water tank for 7 days.

On the 7th day the samples were taken out from the water tank. Out of 6 cubes
(150X150X150 ) dimensions, 3 cubes were tested in non-destructive manner using UPV
and Rebound Hammer.

Calibration is carried out using the black carbon rod by applying grease on the faces of
the rod and the probes.

The concrete cube surface is cleaned thoroughly.

Grease is applied on the faces of the concrete cube where the test is to be conducted.

Probes are pressed on the surface of structural element so as to remove air gaps and the
distance between the two probes is noted down.

Time taken for the ultrasonic pulse velocity to travel between the probes is noted down
from the apparatus.

Observations:
Sample
No.
Sample 1
Sample 2
Sample 3

Dimensions
(cms)
15.4X15.4
15.2X15.2
15.5 X15.5

Transmission
time (s)
37.5
37.2
37.1

Pulse velocity
(Km/s)
4.10
4.03
4.17

Remarks
Good
Good
Good

2. REBOUND HAMMER TEST:

Theory:
Rebound hammer test is done to find out the compressive strength of concrete by using rebound
hammer as per IS: 13311 (Part 2) 1992.
The rebound of an elastic mass depends on the hardness of the surface against which its mass
strikes. When the plunger of the rebound hammer is pressed against the surface of the concrete,
the spring-controlled mass rebounds and the extent of such a rebound depends upon the surface
hardness of the concrete. The surface hardness and therefore the rebound is taken to be related to
the compressive strength of the concrete. The rebound value is read from a graduated scale and is
designated as the rebound number or rebound index. The compressive strength can be read
directly from the graph provided on the body of the hammer.

Procedure:
1. 3 specimens were taken which were already tested using UPV test.
2. The surface is cleaned using a dry cloth.
3. The hammer is pressed horizontally on the cube surface directly at the centre of the every
square.
4. After it is completely pressed a click sound is heard. And then the lock button is pressed
to view the reading.
5. Take the readings on the 2 sides of specimen.
6. Take the average of readings to get the representative index or hardness.

Observations:
CUBE 1

CUBE 2

CUBE 3

15.5X15.5X

15.4X15.4X15.4

15.2X15.2X

NUMBE

15.5
16
16
18
15
15
16
14
14
15
14

16
16
14
12
12
16
15
16
12
16

15.2
20
19
16
20
20
19
19
16
22
16

RS
Average

15.3

REBOUN
D

14.5

18.7

Graph

Note: The manufacturers calibration graph represents the rebound values from 20-55
for cube compressive strength interpretations where the compressive strength
corresponding to 20 rebound number is 16MPa. The observed values are lower than 20
ranging from 15.3 to 18.7. Hence from the graph given it can be said that the compressive
strength of the cubes will be lesser than 16 MPa.

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST:

Theory:
Compressive strength of concrete: Out of many test applied to the concrete, this is the utmost
important which gives an idea about all the characteristics of concrete. By this single test one
judge that whether Concreting has been done properly or not. For cube test the same specimens
of 15.4 cm X 15.4 cm X 15.4 cm, 15.2cm X 15.2 cm x 15.2 cm and 15.5X15.5X15.5cm are used.
For most of the works cubes of size 15 cm x 15cm x 15 cm are commonly used.

Procedure:
1. Before testing of cubes, the machine was calibrated for rate of loading using a knob at the
side of the machine.
2. The cubes were now tested on the face perpendicular to the casting face.
3. The compression machine exerts a constant progressing force on the cubes till they fail,
the rate of loading was set to 25.2kg/cm2/min.
4. When the sample fails then the reading of the first needle is noted down.
5. The reading at failure is used to calculate the compressive strength of the cubes.

Compression test and failed specimen

Strength Calculations:
Rate of Loading (ROL)
ROL=

AxRmx 100
C

Rm = 140 kg/cm2/min for cube

= 120 kg/cm2/min for cylinder
C = capacity of the machine in kilograms (kg) = 250 * 103
A = area of the sample in cm2= 225 cm2
ROL=

225 x 140 x 100

125000

= 25.2 kg/cm2/min.

Observation Table1 ( 7 day strength of cubes)

Sample no
1
2
3

Dimensions(mm)
155 X 155X155
152 X 152X152
154 X 154X154

Sample capacity Sample strength in Mpa

(Ton)

(1Mpa=10.197kg.cm2)

44.0
41.0
34.0

18.314
17.745
14.336

Result:

The average 7 day compressive strength of the cubes =

16.798MPa.

Discussion:

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) testing of concrete is based on the pulse velocity method
to provide information on the uniformity of concrete, cavities, cracks and defects.
The pulse velocity in a material depends on its density and its elastic properties which in
turn are related to the quality and the compressive strength of the concrete. It is therefore
possible to obtain information about the properties of components by sonic
investigations.
The rebound hammer can provide a fairly accurate estimate of concrete compressive
strength. Because it is a non- destructive testing device, it can be used on finished
concrete structures, such as precast concrete septic tanks.
The observed values for rebound number are lower than 20 ranging from 15.3 to 18.7.
Hence from the graph given it can be said that the compressive strength of the cubes will
be lesser than 16 MPa. It is an indicative test of hardness and sample is tested for 7 day
strength.
A considerable variation was observed in the results obtained from rebound hammer test
and that done in compression testing machine. This can be attributed to Errors in

performing the tests, inaccurate rate of loading etc.

Average compressive strength at 7 day is 16.798MPa for w/c ratio of 0.5 and target M20
grade concrete.