STUDY OF CHARACTERIZED STRENGTH OF SUPERPLASTICIZED

CONCRETE.

By

ANAND MISHRA
(1313103012)
B.Tech in Civil Engineering

SCHOOL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

GALGOTIAS UNIVERSITY
GREATER NOIDA

CERTIFICATE
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 This is to certify that the Concrete Technology project entitled Characterized Strength of
Super-plasticized Concrete submitted to Galgotias University, Greater Noida by:

ANAND MISHRA

To fulfill the requirement for completion of the Concrete Technology, course,

the project has been their own work done under the guidance and supervision of Mr. CHANDRA
BHUSAN K. YADAV This work has neither been carried nor submitted to any class to my best
of knowledge. It is informative and appreciable piece of report. I gladly approve it.

CHANDRA BHUSAN K. YADAV

(Concrete Technology Professor)

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 APPROVAL SHEET

This project report entitled " STUDY OF CHARACTERIZED STRENGTH OF SUPERPLASTICIZED

CONCRETE " by ANAND MISHRA is approved for the degree of Bachelor of Technology in Civil
Engineering.

Supervisor:
CHANDRA BHUSAN K. YADAV
(CIVIL ENGINEERING)

Dean
SUPRAKASH VISWAS
(SOCE)

Date:

Place:

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 DECLARATION

I declare that this written submission represents my ideas in my own words and where others'

ideas or words have been included, I have adequately cited and referenced the original sources.

I also declare that I have adhered to all principles of academic honesty and integrity and have

not misrepresented or fabricated or falsified any idea/data/fact/source in my submission. I

understand that any violation of the above will be cause for disciplinary action by the Institute

and can also evoke penal action from the sources which have thus not been properly cited or

from whom proper permission has not been taken when needed.

ANAND MISHRA
(1313103012)

Date:

Place:

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CONTENT
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Figures
Tables
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 General
1.2 Motivation
1.3 Problem statement
1.4 Objective of project
2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

3. MATERIAL USED
3.1 Specimen
3.2 mixing
3.3 sampling
3.4 Curing
4. METHODOLOGY
4.1 General
4.2 Methodology
5. CLASSIFICATION OF CONCRETE
5.1 Classification based on grade of concrete
TESTING AND RESULT

OBSERVATION

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CALCULATION

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The completion of this undertaking could not have been possible without the participation
and assistance of so many people whose names may not be enumerated. Their contributions
are sincerely appreciated and gratefully acknowledged. We would like to thank Mr.
CHANDRA BHUSHAN K. YADAV for their endless support in the completion of this
project.

We would also like to thank our friends and family who in one way or the other shared
their support, either morally, financially and physically, Thank You.

ANAND MISHRA

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ABSTRACT:
The main aim of any project is to minimize cost of production of concrete structures but at the
same time maintaining its strength and design. Recent studies have indicated that either a
change in the proportions of the concrete mix materials or use of admixtures can be used to
achieve that. Admixtures are used for various purposes, like to reduce or increase settling time,
increase hardening process and most of all to increase compressive strength of the concrete.
Super plasticizer reduces need of water required along with cement requirement.

This research reports on the effect of three different super plasticizers, in different amounts, on
characteristic compressive strength of the M25/A20 concrete mix. To do this, we took 3 cubes
with each admixture added to the mix and cured it for 7 and 28 days. The UTM machine was
used for the testing purpose.

Motivation: Reduction of w/c ratio in concrete mixture in such a way that complete
cement hydration process takes place and sufficient workability is maintained for
placement and consolidation during construction.

Problem statement: Determination of Characterized Compressive Strength for Super

plasticized Concrete.

Approach: 3 Concrete cubes were casted using three different super plasticizers i.e. Build plast
Super 3000, Build plast Super (RP) and Build plast NP and were tested for compressive strength
in Universal Testing Machine after curing of 7 days and 28 days.

Results: Average Compressive Strengths for cubes of each super plasticizers were calculated for
7 days and 28 days which signifies the best used super plasticizer for the increase in strength
with a reduction of w/c ratio upto 40% in Build plast Super 3000.

Conclusions: Build plast Super is much better to use as compared to other two as:

i) Increase in greater strength at very less w/c ratio.

ii) Cost of production is low.

iii) Extremely high workability, speeds construction.

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 iv) Self compacting and reduced permeability.

v) Economical and free from chlorides.

vi) Reduced segregation with increased cohesion.

INTRODUCTON
This report deals with the affect various different types of admixture will have on compressive
strength of the concrete mixture. For this project, the super plasticizers used are: Build plast
Super 3000, Build plast Super and Build plast. After forming the concrete mix design for M25
concrete grade and A20 aggregate grade, the concrete cubes were tested for their compressive
strength after curing of 7 days and 28 days. Slump test for the concrete mix was also done.

Compressive strength is one of the most important property that a concrete has to be possess. It is
the ability of any material or structure to withstand continuous or sudden load applied on it. It
can be measured by plotting applied force against deformation of the material when tested using
the testing machine. Some materials fracture when they reach their compressive strength limit.
Whereas others deform irreversibly and in these cases given amount of deformation may be
considered as the limit for their compressive strength. Any design of structure requires careful
analyses of the compressive strength of the materials used with the expected amount of load the
structure is to bear.

Figure 1: Universal Testing Machine

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Compressive strength is, generally, measured using Universal Testing Machine
(UTM), ranging from very small table-top systems to over 53 MN capacity.
Measurement of compressive strength of a material is affected by the specific test
method used and conditions of measurement. Compressive strength of a material
varies due to various reasons, some of which are: water-cement ratio, temperature
of hardening, settling time, mix ratio, type and shape of aggregate, grade of
aggregate, cement type and grade, porosity, fineness modulus, admixtures, etc.
Every factor affects the workability of the concrete mixture directly or indirectly.

Admixtures:
Admixtures is used to reduce the cost of concrete construction; to modify the properties of
hardened concrete; to ensure the quality of concrete during mixing, transporting, placing, and
curing; and to overcome certain emergencies during concrete operations. 1 The use of chemical
admixtures such as water reducers, retarders, high-range water reducers or super plasticizers is
necessary. They make more efficient use of the large amount of cementitious material in high-
strength concrete and help to obtain the lowest practical water to cementing materials ratio.2

Super plasticizers, also known as high range water reducers, are chemical admixtures used where
well dispersed particle suspension is required. These polymers are used as dispersants to avoid
particle segregation (gravel, coarse and fine sands), and to improve the flow characteristics of
suspensions such as in concrete applications. Their addition to concrete or mortar allows the
reduction of the water to cement ratio, not affecting the workability of the mixture, and enables
the production of self-consolidating concrete and high performance concrete. The super
plasticizers used in this experiment are:

1) Blast plast Super 3000: It is a new generation towards 21 st century super plasticizer for
producing high strength, free flowing and self-compacting concrete. It is based on
specially selected organic Poly carboxylate Ether Polymer. It allows reduction in water

1 www.cement.org/cement-concrete-basics/concrete.../chemical-admixtures
2 High performance concrete. http://www.ce.memphis.edu/1101/notes/concrete/PCA_manual/Chap17.pdf

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 content while maintaining similar workability for a long time. Water reduction of 20% or
more is possible.
2) Blast plast Super: It is a high range water reducing-cum-retarding admixture with a high
degree of slump retention. It is a dark brown liquid based on specially selected organic
polymers. It allows large reduction in water content while maintaining similar
workability. Water reduction of 15% is possible.
3) Blast plast: It is a processed multipurpose admixture. It is used for producing more
workable concrete. It acts as water proofer and enhances the durability of the concrete
structures.

Objective of the project:

In this research, the aim is to evaluate the variation characteristic compressive strength of
concrete when different super plasticizers, in same quantity, are added to the M20 grade concrete
mix. This report also tests if the curing period of the concrete mix affects the characteristic
compressive strength of the concrete.

PREPARATION OF CUBE SPECIMEN:

The proportion and the material for making these test specimens are from the same concrete used
in the field.

SPECIMEN:

6 cubes of each super plasticizer of 150mm size.

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 MIXING:

Mix the concrete either by hand or by laboratory batch mixer.

SAMPLING:

i) Clean the moulds and apply oil.

ii) Fill the concrete in the moulds in layers approximately 5cm thick.

iii) Compact each layer with the tamping rod or by using vibrators.

iv) Level the top surface and smoothen it with a trowel.

Figure 2: Concrete moulds without and with concrete mix

CURING:

The test specimens are stored in moist air for 24 hours and after this period the specimens are
marked and removed from the moulds and kept submerged in clear fresh water until taken out
prior to test.

Procedure:

i) Remove the specimen from the water after specific curing time and wipe out excess
of water from the surface.

ii) Take the dimension of the specimen to the nearest 0.2m.

iii) Clean the bearing surface of the testing machine.

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 iv) Place the specimen in the machine in such a manner that the load shall be applied to
the opposite sides of the cube cast.

v) Align the specimen centrally on the base plate of the machine.

vi) Rotate the movable portion gently by hand so that it touches the top surface of the
specimen.

vii) Apply load gradually without shock and continuously at the rate of 140kg/cm2 per
minute till the specimen fails.

viii) Record the maximum load applied to the specimen.

Figure 3: UTM machine testing the characteristic compressive strength of concrete cubes.

PRECAUTIONS:
i) Readings should be taken carefully.

ii) At least three specimens should be tested for each super plasticizer.

Concrete Mix Design for M25/A20:

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 Required Slump for the concrete mixture: 120mm (As per IS: 10262-2009)
Using below design criteria, 6 cubes were created of dimension: 150150150 mm3.

Design Stipulations:

a) Characteristic Compressive Strength required at 28 days (in field) = 25N/mm2.

b) Maximum Size of the Aggregates = 20mm.

1) Test Data for Materials:

a) Cement (CCI) = Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC).

b) Specific Gravity of Cement = 3.15.

c) Specific Gravity of Coarse Aggregates = 2.60.

d) Specific Gravity of Fine Aggregates = 2.58.

e) Free Surface Moisture:

i) Coarse Aggregates = NIL

ii) Fine Aggregates = NIL

f) Sieve Analysis of Coarse Aggregates:

i) 20mm (Single Size)--Weight of Sample = 5000gms.

Size of IS Weight % Retained Cumulative % % Passing Range

Sieve Retained (gm) Retained (gm) Required (As
(gm) per IS: 383-
1970)
40mm 0.00 0.00 0.00 100 100
20mm 345 6.90 6.90 93.10 85-100
10mm 4055 81010 88.00 12.00 0-20
4.75mm 570 11.40 99.40 0.60 0-5
Pan 30 ---- ---- ---- ----

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 i) 1 ii) 10ii) 10mm (Single Size)--Weight of Sample = 5000gms

Size of IS Weight % Retained Cumulative % % Passing Range

Sieve Retained (gm) Retained (gm) Required (As
(gm) per IS: 383-
1970)
12.50mm 0.00 0.00 0.00 100 100
10.00mm 160.00 3.20 3.20 96.80 85-100

4.75mm 4695.00 93.90 97.10 2.90 0-20

2.36mm 120.00 99.50 0.50 0.50 0-5

Pan 25 ---- ---- ---- ----

2) River Sand:

Weight of Sample= 3000gms

Size of IS Weight % Retained Cumulative % % Passing Required (As

Sieve Retained (gm) (gm) Retained (gm) per IS: 383-
1970)
Zone- II

4.75mm 168 5.60 5.60 94.40 90-100

2.36mm 174 5.80 11.40 88.60 75-100
1.18mm 282 9.40 20.80 79.20 55=90

600 micron 912 30.40 51.20 48.80 35-59

300 micron 918 30.60 81.80 18.20 8-30

150 micron 468 15.60 97.40 2.60 0-10

75 micron 78 2.60 ----- ---- ----

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From the above data, Fineness Modulus (F.M.) =2.68

3) Target Mean Strength for Design Mix of M25/A20:

= 25 + 1.65* Standard Deviation

= 25 + (1.65*4) {Standard Deviation = 4; as per IS: 456-2000}
= 31.60 N/mm2

4) Selection of Water Cement Ratio (W/C):

As per IS: 10262-2009, water cement ratio for 31.60 N/mm2 should be approximate to 0.49.

5) Selection of Cement Quantity:

As per IS: 10262-2009, cement quantity should be approximately 380 kg/m3.

6) Selection of Coarse and Fine Aggregates:

As per IS: 10262-2009, we select the required coarse and fine aggregates.

a) Coarse Aggregates = 1220 kg/m3

20mm = 60% = 732 kg/m3
10mm = 40% = 488 kg/m3

b) Fine Aggregates = 664 kg/m3

7) Water Content:

Water = 380 *0.49 = 186 kg/m3.

Hence, the required quantity of cement, coarse aggregates, fine aggregates, water and admixtures
is given by-

Cement = 380 kg/m3

20mm Coarse Aggregates = 732 kg/m3
10mm Coarse Aggregates = 488 kg/m3
Sand (Fine Aggregates) = 664 kg/m3
Water = 186 kg/m3

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 Admixtures used:
a) Build plast Super 3000 = 2.28 kg/m3.
b) Build plast Super (RP) = 2.28 kg/m3.
c) Build plast NP = 2.28 kg/m3.

Ratio of Various Proportions:

Description Cement Sand Coarse Coarse Water Admixtur

aggregate aggregate e
(10mm) (20mm)
Actual 380 664 488 732 186 2.28
proportion(kg)
Proportion w.r.t. 1 1.75 1.28 1.93 0.49 0.006
cement(kg)

For 6 numbers of cubes, the required materials are as follows:

a) Cement = 10 kg
b) Sand = 17.50 kg
c) 10mm Coarse aggregate= 12.80 kg
d) 20mm Coarse aggregate= 19.30 kg
e) Water = 4.90 kg
f) Admixtures = 0.06 kg
The 6 cubes were made using the above data and specification. The mixture was used to
find the workability of the concrete mixture using slump test.
The cubes after achieving final settling was kept in cool water for curing.
Three of the cubes of each admixture were removed after 7 days of curing and the rest
after 28 days of curing.
Using the UTM the compressive strength that each of the cubes possessed was calculated.

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATIONS

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 a) Slump test was conducted on the concrete mix for M25/A20. The slump was found to
be 120mm.
b) Compressive Strength of the concrete mix for M25/A20:
For 7 days cured cubes

Admixture Weight of the Load Applied Compressive

s Added in Cube (kg) (KN) Strength after 7
the Cubes days (N/mm2)
a) 8.20 a) 470 a) 20.89
Build plast b) 8.15 b) 460 b) 20.44
c) 8.20 c) 480 c) 21.33
Super 3000

a) 8.25 a) 440 a) 19.56

Build plast b) 8.20 b) 450 b) 20.00
c) 8.25 c) 430 c) 19.11
Super (RP)

a) 8.15 a) 460 a) 20.44

Build plast b) 8.20 b) 450 b) 20.00
c) 8.15 c) 480 c) 21.33
NP

For 28 days cured cubes:

Admixtures added in Weight of the Load Applied Compressive Strength for

the cubes Cube (kg) (KN) 28 days (N/mm2)

d) 8.20 d) 710 d) 31.56

e) 8.15 e) 720 e) 32.00
Build plast Super 3000
f) 8.20 f) 720 f) 32.00

d) 8.25 d) 660 d) 29.33

e) 8.20 e) 675 e) 30.00
Build plast Super
f) 8.25 f) 645 f) 28.67

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 d) 8.15 d) 690 a) 30.67
e) 8.20 e) 675 b) 30.00
Build plast
f) 8.15 f) 720 c) 32.00

RESULT:
Load applied
Compressive strength (N/mm2) =
Area under load applied

Average Characteristic Compressive Strength of cubes after 7 days of

curing:

a) Build plast Super 3000 = 20.89 N/mm2

b) Build plast Super = 19.56 N/mm2

c) Build plast = 20.59 N/mm2

Average Characteristic Compressive Strength of cubes after 28 days of

curing:
a) Build plast Super 3000 = 31.52 N/mm2
b) Build plast Super = 29.33 N/mm2
c) Build plast = 30.89 N/mm2

Graph 1: Characteristic compressive strength of each admixture for different curing days:

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 31.25 29.33 30.89
28 Days Cured

20.89 19.56 20.59

7 Days Cured

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Bl a st Pl ast Super 3000 Bl ast Pl a st Super Bl ast pl ast

Average Compressive Strength in N/mm2:

35

30

25

20
Build plast Super 3000
Build plast Super (RP)
15 Build plast NP

10

0
7 DAYS 28 DAYS

INFERENCE:
As can be seen from the above data, the value of average compressive strength of cubes
increases when the cubes are cured till 28 days of curing than when they are cured for 7 days.

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Each of the concrete mix cubes with different admixtures have an approximate 50% increase in
their tensile strength. This experiments main purpose was to analyze the effect of admixtures
when they are added to the concrete mix. The characteristic compressive strength of the concrete
mix without the addition of the admixtures would have been 25N/mm 2 after 28 days of curing.
As can be seen from the data above the average compressive strength of the cubes is more than
25 N/mm2 for every admixture used. This proves that adding the super plasticizers increases the
compressive strength of the concrete mix.

The required or standard slump for a concrete mix of grade M25 is 120mm, as per IS:10262-
2009. After performing the slump test, the slump for the concrete mix with admixture came to an
approximate 120mm on an average for all the mixes. This means that concrete mix had the
required workability. This also infers that the concrete mixes were correctly made. The Build
plast Super 3000 admixture produces the highest value of average compressive strength for its
cube. Whereas Build plast Super and Build plast have approximately close compressive strength
for its cubes. These cubes have more strength than the concrete cube made without addition of
admixture.

The mix design with the appropriate proportions is the one which satisfies the condition that the
compressive strength of each specimen should be less than or equal to 15% of the average
compressive strength for each super plasticizer at given time. The Mix Design which fulfill the
required criteria as per IS: 10262-2009 is the mix design containing Build plast Super 3000.
Therefore we conclude that mix design should be followed with Build plast Super 3000 for a
particular requirement of strength, cost saving or flowing concrete or high slump concrete.

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 BIBILIOGRAPHY
The content for this project report has been taken from the following sources:

Naik T.R., Sustainability of Concrete Construction. Practice periodical on Structural

Design and Construction 13(2), 2008, pp. 98-103.

Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia, Use of Recycled Aggregates in

Construction, May 2008.

British Standard Institution, BS 8110-Part I, 1997, The Structural Use of Concrete, BSI,

London.
Neville A.M., Properties of Concrete (4th Edition), Longman Group Ltd, 1996, London.
Concrete Technology by M.S. Shetty.
High performance concrete. PCA manual. Chapter 17.

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