CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter contains the results, interpretation and discussion of values based on the

laboratory tests carried out. The results gathered were used to compute a descriptive

statistical analysis of the data as frequency count and percentage, such as tables,

charts and graphs for the presentation as statistical techniques to test for the

relatedness of the research objectives and practical that was discussed. The test results

of different concrete percentages are presented in the table below. The variation of

strength of various percentages with days of curing of concrete. It may be seen hat the

compressive strength of all the different substituted percentages increased with age of

curing. The strength of the concrete was higher and increases based on curing days. It

is clear that the self- compacting concrete increased in strength as super plasticizers

dosage was added at different percentage. The split tensile strength of concrete with

different percentage of super plasticizers dosage also increased with age. However, it

was noted from the figure below that the split tensile strength of the concrete was

found to exhibit a better split tension strength at each substituted percentage.

4.2 PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF AGGREGATES

4.2.1 Sieve Analysis for Fine Aggregate (Sand)

The sieve analysis for fine aggregate was carried out accordance to BS 812 part 2,

1995, BS 812 part 101, 1990 and BS 812 part 103, 1989 respectively. The results are

shown in Table 3.3 of chapter Three. The distribution of the particles is shown in

figure 4.1 below.

Weight of container = 23g

Weight of material = 200g

Table 4.1 Result for sieve analysis for fine aggregate (sand)

Sieve size (mm) Retained weight Percentage Percentage passing (%)

(g) retained (%)

2.36 19.8 8.9 91.1

1.18 54.4 29.2 63.9

0.600 80.9 40.5 23.4

0.424 23.4 11.7 11.9

0.300 15.4 7.7 4.1

0.212 4.8 2.7 1.1

0.150 1.2 0.7 0.6

0.075 1.0 0.6 0.0

200 100
 stme
e
T th o d BS
1 3 7 7 :P a
rt2 :1 9 9 0 :9 .2 /9 .3 /9 .4 /9 .6 /9 .7 *

100
Percentage Passing (%) 90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0.000 0.002 0.020 Particle Size0.200
(mm) 2.000 20.000 200.000
particle size distrib...
Me
d iu m Me
d iu m

CLAY BOULDERS

Fig: 4.1: Particle Size Distribution Curve for fine aggregate

Find coefficient of uniformity and coefficient of curvature.

Cu = U60/U10

Cu = 1.124148/0.393795 =2.85 is uniformly graded.

If Cu is 5 – above soil is ok

1 – 4 uniformly graded

0 – 1 poorly graded

4.2.2 Sieve Analysis for Coarse Aggregate (Granite)

Weight of container = 23g

Weight of material = 1000g

Table 4.2 Result for sieve analysis for fine aggregate (Granite)

Sieve size (mm) Retained weight Percentage Percentage

(g) retained (%) passing (%)

31.75 0.00 0 100.0

25.40 17.0 1.7 98.3

19.05 286.9 28.69 69.61

12.70 491.6 49.16 20.46

9.52 189.3 18.93 1.53

6.35 14.01 1.4 0.13

4.76 0 0 0.13

<4.75 1.19 0

1000 100

stme
Te th o d B S1 3 7 7 :P art2 :1 9 9 0 :9 .2 /9 .3 /9 .4 /9 .6 /9 .7 *

100

90

80
Percentage Passing (%)

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
0.000 0.002 0.020 Particle Size (mm)
0.200 2.000 20.000 200.000
Medium
Medium Medium
CLAY BOULDERS
GR A V EL

particle side distribution

Fig:4.2: particle size distribution for Granite

Coefficient of uniformity and coefficient of curvature.

Cu = U60/U10 , Cu = 17.80842/10.94285 = 1.627402

4.3 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF AGGREGATE

Table 4.3 Specific gravity of Granite

Description Sample1 Sample2

(g) (g)

Weight of glass jar / pycnometer (W1) 536 598

Weight of glass jar + sample (W2) 1436 1456

Weight of glass jar + sample + water (W3) 2356 2426

Weight of glass jar + water (W4) 1806 1932

Result 2.57 2.63

Specific gravity for sample 1 = 𝑊2−𝑊1

(𝑊4−𝑊1) − (𝑊3−𝑊2)

(1436 – 536) / {(1806 − 536) − (2354−1436)} = 2.57

Specific gravity for sample 2 = 𝑊2−𝑊1

(𝑊4−𝑊1) − (𝑊3−𝑊2)

(1556 – 598) / {(1932 −598) − (2426−1436)} = 2.63

Therefore; the specific gravity of Granite sample is = (2.57 + 2.63) / 2 = 2.60

Table 4.4 Specific gravity of Fine aggregate (Sand)

Description Sample1 Sample2

(g) (g)

Weight of glass jar / pycnometer (W1) 600 605

Weight of glass jar + sample (W2) 1680 1690

Weight of glass jar + sample + water (W3) 2635 2650

Weight of glass jar + water (W4) 1965 1968

Result 2.634 2.692

Specific gravity for sample 1 = 𝑊2−𝑊1

(𝑊4−𝑊1) − (𝑊3−𝑊2)
(1680 – 600) / {(1965−600) −(2635−1680)} = 2.634

Specific gravity for sample 2 = W𝑊2−𝑊1

(𝑊4−𝑊1) − (𝑊3−𝑊2)

(1690– 605) / {(1968−605) −(2650−1690)}=2.692

Therefore; the specific gravity of sand sample is = (2.634 + 2.692) / 2 = 2.66

Table 4.5 Specific gravity of Cement

Description Sample1 Sample2

(g) (g)

Weight of density bottle (W1) 22 22

Weight of density bottle + Cement (W2) 68 70

Weight of density bottle + cement + water (W3) 105 108

Weight of density bottle + water (W4) 74 75

Result 3.07 3.2

Specific gravity for sample 1 = 𝑊2−𝑊1

(𝑊4−𝑊1) − (𝑊3−𝑊2)

(68– 22) / {(74−22) −(105−68)} = 3.07

Specific gravity for sample 2 = 𝑊2−W1

 (W𝑊4−𝑊1) − (𝑊3−𝑊2)

(70 – 22) / {(75−22) −(108−70)} = 3.2

Therefore; the specific gravity of Granite sample is = (3.07 + 3.2) / 2 = 3.14

4.4 TEST ON CEMENT

Cement is the major constituent for most of the concrete. The ordinary Portland

cement (53 Garde as per IS; 8114-1978) was used in this project. The test result

obtained on the major test required the physical properties of cement are tabulated

below:

Table 4.6 Physical properties of ordinary Portland cement

S/N Properties of cement Value

1 Fineness of cement 82%

2. Specific gravity 3.14

3 Initial setting time 60min

4. Final setting time 150min

5. Consistency 32

4.4.1 Soundness of cement

Soundness is the ability of hardened paste to maintain volume after setting. The

soundness test for the brand of ordinary Portland cement used was conducted using

the le chatelier method of measuring expansion . The results of soundness test are

presented in table below.

Table 4.7 soundness of ordinary Portland cement

S/N Test process Dimension (cm) Expansion (cm)

1 24hrs in water 10.3

2 Boiled in water 10.7 0.4cm

4.5 WORKABILITY FOR SELF COMPACTING CONCREATE

The flowability of the fresh concrete can be tested with the V-funnel

test, whereby the

flow time is measured, figure 2.The funnel is filled with about 12

litres of concrete and the

time taken for it to flow through the apparatus is measured. Further,

T 5min is also measured

with V-funnel, which indicates the tendency for segregation, wherein

the funnel can be

refilled with concrete and left for 5 minutes to settle. If the concrete

shows segregation, the

flow time will increase significantly.

The passing ability is determined using the L- box test [10] as shown

in Fig 3. The

vertical section of the L-Box is filled with concrete, and then the

gate lifted to let the concrete flow into the horizontal section. The
height of the concrete at the end of the horizontal section is

expressed as a proportion of that remaining in the vertical section

(H2/H1). This is an indication of passing ability.

Table 4.8 Trial mix for self-compacting concrete

Trial No Water M. S.P Mix Remarks
cement ratio S Proportion
(%) (%)
T1 0.35 2.5 2 1:1.6:1.4 Very watery and high
slump loss
T2 0.33 2.5 1.5 1:1:1.28. High slump loss, very
poor consistency
T3 0.34 2.5 2 1:1.6:1.4 Very good
consistency
T4 0.34 2.5 1.5 1:2.22:3.6 Good consistency, out
6 poor cohesiveness
T5 0.34 2.5 1.7 1:1.28:1.6 Fair consistency
5 3
T6 0.30 2.5 1.7 1:2.22:3.6 Good consistency,
5 6 Too high strength
(EFNARC)

Table 4.9 Workability test for mix proportion (1:1.6:1.4)-T3

Self-compacting Slump flow (650 – L-boss (0.8 – 15mm) V. funnel (8 – 12s)

concrete 800mm)
Trial (1:1.6:1.4:0.34) 710 0.93 10s

Table 4.10 V.funnel result

S/ Percentage Time taken (s)

replacement
N of cement

1 0 7

2 2.5 8.3

3 5 9

4 10 9.6
 Fig:4.3 V. funnel result

4.5.1 Workability of SCC containing microsilica using the V-funnel apparatus

Fig 4.5.1 present the result of workability interms of flow values of self-compacting

containing micro-silica. The graph represents the time taken on the y-axis plotted

against percentage replacement of cement on the x-axis. The highest time taken was

observed at 10% replacement of cement and the lowest time was noticed at 0%

replacement. The Workability was found to reduce as the percentage of replacement

increased in the mix.

Table 4.11 L box test result

S/ Percentage H1 (mm) H2 (mm) H2/H1

replacement of
N cement

1 0 200 160 0.8

2 2.5 240 200 0.83

3 5 250 210 0.84

4 10 150 140 0.93

Fig:4.4 L box result

4.5.2 Workability of SCC containing micro silica using the L-box apparatus

Fig 4.5.2 present the result of workability in terms of L-box test of self-compacting

concrete containing micro-silica. The blocking ratio on the y-axis was plotted against

the percentage replacement of cement on the x-axis.The highest blocking ratio is 0.93

at 10% replacement and the lowest is 0.8 at 0% replacement level.

4.6 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE

The Compressive strength of concrete is important because it governs the design of

structural concrete being the property specified by standards and codes for

compliance. All other structural properties such as flexural strength, splitting tensile

strength and modulus of elasticity directly depend on the compressive strength of the

concrete.

The results obtained from compressive strength test for the control and percentage

replacements
Of both silica fume with the same percentage of super plasticizer are presented in the

table

below.

Table 4.12 Average compressive strength

S/ (%) 7days 14days 28days
Replacement
N of cement

1 0 16.67 19.8 27.13

2 2.5 19.27 22.0 28.5

35 7days 14days 28days 31.3
3 5 23.10 25.00 30.37 30.37
30
compressive s strength (Nmm2)

27.13 28.5 28.07

25
4 10
25 26.83 22 28.07 31.3026.83
19.8
20 23.1
15 19.27
16.67
10

0
0% 3% 5% 10%
% replacement of cement

Fig: 4.5 Compressive strength

4.6.1 Compressive strength of SCC for 7, 14 and 28days

Fig 4.6.1 shows the maximum compression strength of SCC. The average

compressive strength of SCC on 7th, 14th and 28th days was plotted on the y-axis
against the

percentage of replacement of cement on the x-axis. After 28th day curing of self -
Compacting

concrete as per the mix proportion chosen. 7th day strength achieved (40-60% of
compressive

strength) and similarly 14th day (65-80% strength) and on 28th day (80-95%) of
maximum

compression strength of SCC was attained.

After days of curing of concrete cubes, the compression test was carried out for each
of the

cubes and the values are recorded. The crushing values of each cubes are determined
in KN.

It was found that at each replacement of silica fume increases the density of cubes and
the

addition of admixtures increased the strength and was noticed during crushing of
cubes at

each percentage respectively

4.7 SPLITTING TENSILE STRENGTH

Table 4.13 Average Splitting tensile strength

S/ (%) Replacement 7days 14days 28days
of cement
N

1 0 1.89 1.93 1.98

2 2.5 2.03 2.07 2.23

3 5 2.21 2.23 2.47

4 10 2.29 2.47 3.00

 3.5
3
3
2.47
2.5 2.23 2.47
tensile strength
1.98 2.23
2 1.93 2.07
2.21 2.29
2.03
1.51.89

0.5

0
0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12%
% replacement of cement

7days 14days 28days

.

Fig: 4.6. Splitting tensile strength

4.7.1 Splitting tensile strength of SCC

Fig 4.7.1 shows the splitting tensile strength of SCC. The average tensile strength of

SCC on 7th, 14th and 28th days was plotted against the percentage of replacement of

cement (micro-silica). After 28th day curing of self - Compacting concrete as per the

mix proportion chosen. 7th day strength achieved is (40-60% of compressive strength)

and similarly 14th day (65-80% strength) and on 28th day (80-95%) of maximum

compression strength of SCC was attained.

After complete days of curing concrete cylinders, the split tensile test was carried out

on the cylinders and the results were recorded. The crushing values was converted to

N/mm2 and the average value was computed. It was observed from the result that

tensile strength of cylinders increases on each percentage replacement.

4.8 WATER ABSORPTION

This gives the maximum water absorbed by the concrete specimen after 7days and

28days as shown in the Table 4.13. From the result obtained, the maximum amount of

water absorbed by the concrete at each replacement of silica fume and addition of

super plasticizer shows that the absorption capacity of the concrete is less than that of

the normal conventional concrete.

From the result obtained, the water absorption capacity for replacement of cement

with percentage of silica fume used as concrete compared with the normal concrete

used as control is a bit less in the absorption capacity as such, the absorption capacity

of the material is within the range for construction purpose.

Table 4.14 Water absorption result test for 7days and 28days of curing
S/ (%) replacement 7days (%) 28days (%)
Of cement
N

1 0 2.14 2.36

2 2.5 2.22 2.98

3 5 2.45 3.03

4 10 2.58 3.23
Fig 4.7 Water absorption result of cubes