CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY
3.1 Info and data collection
This chapter will focus on the methodologies of determining the compressive strength of
hardened concrete and the development of sensing device using arduino to measure different
value of electric pulse transmitted by the material subject to vibration. The steps and the
procedures that need to be carry out in order to achieve the aim of this project will be fully
describe in this chapter.
In the early stage of methodology, research have been made throughout studies, reports,
journal articles and books to figure out the type of test and procedure that were best to conduct to
evaluate the properties of the concrete as stated in previous chapter. After consulted with
lecturers, the selected test procedures were referred to British Standard (BS) Code and American
Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Besides that, this chapter will cover the laboratory test of compressive strength test to
assess the properties of hardened concrete. It is also important to understand the behaviour of the
design concrete in hardened state.
3.2 Hardened concrete process
Concrete is a composite material that results from the mixing aggregates, sand, cement and water
with a certain ratio. Mixture ratio must be determined according to the power that is needed for a
construction purpose. In this study, preparation of materials is essential to launch the process of
production of hardened concrete.
3.2.1 Raw material preparation
The materials used in this experimental work were the same for conventional concrete, in order
to be able to get a clear of the behaviour types of concrete and be able to define their hardened
state properties. The materials used in this experimental work are as given;
3.2.1.1 Ordinary Portland cement (OPC)

Cement powder is the binding agent for the water and aggregate mixture that hardens into
concrete. The cement used in this study is Ordinary Portland Cement (Type I) where this type of
cement is available in local market and it is good for all general concrete construction works.
OPC was used as cementitious materials in the concrete. This cement have been tested for its
specific gravity, normal consistency, initial and final setting time and the fineness modulus and
all of these parameters were conformed with the ASTM C150 BIS: 8112 -1989 standards
requirements and specifications.
3.2.1.2 Aggregates
There are two types of aggregates were used in this research:
i.

The control fine aggregates (natural river sand) with 4.75mm maximum size are used.
This fine aggregate is conformed to the Indian Standard specifications BIS: 383-1970 and
ASTM C33. The parameters that had satisfy the BIS standard requirements are the
aggregates specific gravity, aggregates water absorption, aggregates fineness modulus

ii.

and last but not least the aggregate bulk density (loose and compacted).
Basically, the aggregates that could be conveniently used for normal concrete making is
also suitable for concrete mixes. However, the maximum size of aggregates should be as
large as possible and it must within the specified limits and for the conventional concrete,
the particle size up to 20mm and below have been used.

3.2.1.3 Water
Water required to increase concrete workability thus to wet the surface area of the aggregates.
Generally, the mixing water for concrete can be from many ways such as batch water, ice, water
added by truck operator, free moisture on the aggregates, and water introduced in the form of
admixtures. Even though, in this experimental works, the mixing water used was the potable
water conformed to ASTM D1129 for mixing the concrete and curing of the reaction as potable
and non-potable water is permitted to be used as mixing water in concrete provided that the
water clean and free from any impurities that can harm the concrete.
3.3 Laboratory test

3.3.1 Sieving test

D.D. Bui et al. (2005) particle size often determines crucial quality attributes that relate to the
processability of intermediates and the quality of the final product, for example the strength of
concrete or the bioavailability of dosage forms.
Before carrying any other test, is important for the aggregates undergo sieve analysis test
(grading). It is also known as particle size distribution. Sieve analysis test is divided into two,
namely dry and wet sieving. In this study, the dry sieve used and it does not need to be washed
after the sample was removed from the oven. Aggregates will be poured into a sieve set
according to different sieve sizes (M1). Samples will be shaken with the vibrator for a few
minutes according to the schedule. Then sieve the sample retained on a particular sieve will be
removed and collected in a separate container. Then retained samples will be weighed separately
(M2).
Below is the calculation formula of the study, and the results are plotted in the log graph.
Percent sieve analysis = Mass (M1)/Mass (M2) X 100%

Figure 3.3: Example graph of percentage passing versus sieve size (BS812:Part103.1:1985)
3.3.2 Slump test

Slump is normally measured by filling an "Abrams cone" with a sample from a fresh batch of
concrete. Slump Test always do your slump test before making your cubes to ensure the
concrete is usable. If the slump test fails to meet the range limit as dictated by the British
Standard (shown in the table below) then the load should be rejected.
The damp slump cone is placed on a flat, hard surface. The cone filled up with the concrete
sample in three stages. Once each stage is filled, tamp the mix with the tamping rod 25 times.
After the third tamping the excess concrete shall be struck off flush to the top of the cone. Lift
the mould carefully upwards, to minimise disturbance of the concrete inside. The concrete will
slump. Place the cone next to the concrete slump and measure the difference in height in mm
between the top of the cone and the top of the highest point of the concrete. The slump must be
measured and data will be recorded for further research.

Figure 3.2: Type of concrete slump (BS EN 12350-2:2009)

3.3.3 Cube test
Concrete cube test is one of the test conducted on the concrete mix when arriving at the
construction site. Preparation of concrete cube specimens was conducted before the compression
test is started. Preparation of equipment are important as maintaining good work procedures.
Laboratory equipment were checked for any defect and conformed to standard code of practice.

Mould In this project square mould in shape will be used with non-absorbent material

and substantial enough to hold their form during the moulding of test specimen. The size of this
mould were conforming standard mould size of 100mm in both side. It was important that mould
shall be water tight and the base plate or bottom shall be right angles to the axis of concrete cube.

Sampling equipment Scoop or shovel, trowel, containers, saran wrap and tape were

used in the sampling stage.

Curing equipment Moist storage cabinet or room capable of maintaining specimens at

a temperature within 1C of 23C and capable of maintaining a moist condition in which free
water is maintained on the surface of the specimens are required for curing the concrete cube.
The work starts by place the mould on a firm, level surface. This conventional concrete are going
to undergo the compaction procedures using tamping rod. Then, the specimen is placed inside
the mould. The scoop is moved around the top edge of the mould to ensure a uniform distribution
of the concrete within the mould as well as the top layer surface is being levelled off before it is
covered with damp cloth or plastic sheet to prevent evaporation.
3.3.3.1 Curing and storage
The cubes should be covered with a damp cloth and a plastic sheet and stored in dry environment
at a temperature range of 20 5 degrees. The concrete cubes are removed from the moulds
between 16 to 72 hours, usually this done after 24 hours. Once the cubes are removed from the
mould, it will have a process of labelling or tracking the cubes and make sure record it properly
before placing into a curing tank. The curing tank needs to operate at a temperature between 20
2 degrees and provides a moist environment that allows the cubes to hydrate properly. Ensure the
cubes are fully submersed at all times and record the tank water temperature at least daily.
3.3.3.2 Compressive strength
Compressive strength test is an important laboratory test that is required in determining the
ability of mix design cube to withstand the maximum failure load applied. The result of the test
will enable further analysis hence provide the characteristics of designs mixture that might affect
the performance of concrete. In this project, this test was performed on the concrete cube
specimens at 7, 14, and 28 days of curing period.
In order to deliver maximum load to the concrete cube specimens, a machine of adequate
capacity able to apply a load continuously without shock within a range of 0.140 to 0.350 MPa
per second is used. The testing machine shall be equipped with two bearing blocks with hardened
faces. One bearing block shall be spherically seated and the other rigidly mounted. The testing

machine shall be accurate within a tolerance of 1.0 % of the compressive strength of the
specimen. The procedure in preparing specimens for compression test and during compressive
test is as suggested by ASTM.

Figure 3.1: Satisfactory failures of the cube specimens. (BS EN 12390-3:2009)

Figure 3.2: Unsatisfactory failures of the cube specimens (BS EN 12390-3:2009)

3.4 Vibration sensor device

In the development of the sensing device, an Arduino tools will be used to create the vibrator
sensor. The device will be tested on the hardened concrete to measure the different value of
electric pulse transmitted by the material subject to vibration.
3.4.1 Arduino
Arduino is an open-source prototyping platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software.
There are many types of Arduino. Among these are UNO model to be adopted in creating
vibrator sensing device. Arduino provides an open-source and easy-to-use programming tool, for
writing code and uploading it to the board. It is often referred to as the Arduino IDE (Integrated
Development Environment). The Arduino boards are able to read inputs-light, proximity or air
quality on a sensor, or a Short Message Service (SMS) or Twitter message, and turn it into an
output-activating a motor, turning on a light, publishing content online or trigger external events.
3.4.2 Programming and Output
It can be done by writing code and uploading it to the microcontroller on it using the Arduino
programming language (based on Wiring), and the Arduino Software (IDE), based on
Processing. The main objective of both projects is to make the process of working with
technology and electronics easier. It runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux.
3.5 Analysis on design
Based on laboratory test results have been obtained concrete, different concrete grades will be
tested using a new piezo vibrator sensors. From the values of electric pulse transmitted by the
material subject to vibration, a new formula will be established which converts frequency to
megapascals. Comparisons will be made to identify the design of sensors that are most effective
in terms of concrete compressive strength as compared with the example of a hammer schmit
only get readings on concrete surfaces only. The piezo sensor is tested on all the surface of the
cube and also at different angles. The analysis also aims to determine the characteristic strength
of the concrete can give good results in terms of design, economical and portable devices.