LAB MANUAL
Subject: - Basic Civil Engineering & Engineering Mechanics Lab
Subject Code: – BT-204
Submitted By
Name-…………………………………….
Enrollment No.-………………………….
Submitted To
Department of First Year Engineering
Sagar Institute of Science Technology & Research
Bhopal (M.P.)
Session 2024-25
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Subject: - Basic Civil Engineering & Engineering Mechanics Lab
Subject Code: – BT-204
INDEX
S.No. Title Page No.
To determine (a) normal consistency (b) Initial and Final Setting
1 time of a cement Sample
3-6
To determine the workability of fresh concrete of given
2 proportions by slump Cone test
7-9
3 To determine the Compressive Strength of Concrete Sample 10-11
4 To determine the Compressive Strength of brick 12-13
5 To Perform linear measurement using Chain 14-15
To perform levelling exercise by height of instrument of Rise and
6 fall method
16-17
7 To measure the bearing of in the field using Compass 18-19
8 To verify the law of Triangle of forces and Lami’s theorem 20-21
To find the support reactions of a given truss and verify 22-23
9 analytically
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Experiment No. 1
Objective: To determine the normal consistency, Initial Setting Time & Final Setting Time of
a given sample of cement.
Apparatus: Vicat apparatus conforming to IS: 5513-1976, Balance, Gauging Trowel, Stop
Watch, etc.
(a) Consistency Determination
Theory: The standard consistency of a cement paste is defined as that consistency which will
permit a Vicat plunger having 10 mm diameter and 50 mm length to penetrate to a
depth of 33-35 mm from the top of the mould.
For finding out initial setting time, final setting time and soundness of cement, and
strength a parameter known as standard consistency has to be used.
Procedure:
1. The standard consistency of a cement paste is defined as that consistency which will permit
the Vicat plunger to penetrate to a point 5 to 7 mm from the bottom of the Vicat mould.
2. Initially a cement sample of about 300 g is taken in a tray and is mixed with a known
percentage of water by weight of cement, say starting from 26% and then it is increased by
every 2% until the normal consistency is achieved.
3. Prepare a paste of 300 g of Cement with a weighed quantity of potable or distilled water,
taking care that the time of gauging is not less than 3 minutes, nor more than 5 min, and the
gauging shall be completed before any sign of setting occurs. The gauging time shall be
counted from the time of adding water to the dry cement until commencing to fill the mould.
4. Fill the Vicat mould (E) with this paste, the mould resting upon a non-porous plate. After
completely filling the mould, smoothen the surface of the paste, making it level with the top
of the mould. The mould may be slightly shaken to expel the air.
5. Place the test block in the mould, together with the non-porous resting plate, under the rod
bearing the plunger; lower the plunger gently to touch the surface of the test block, and quickly
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release, allowing it to sink into the paste. This operation shall be carried out immediately after
filling the mould.
6. Prepare trial pastes with varying percentages of water and test as described above until the
amount of water necessary for making up the standard consistency as defined in Step 1 is
found.
Observation: Express the amount of water as a percentage by mass of the dry cement to the
first place of decimal.
Penetration
Weight of Cement Amount of Water % of Water
S.No. Reading from
Taken (gram) added (ml) added
Bottom (mm)
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Conclusion / Result: The normal consistency of a given sample of cement is ______ %
(b) Initial & Final Setting Time Determination
Theory: For convenience, initial setting time is regarded as the time elapsed between the
moments that the water is added to the cement, to the time that the paste starts losing
its plasticity. The final setting time is the time elapsed between the moment the water
is added to the cement, and the time when the paste has completely lost its plasticity
and has attained sufficient firmness to resist certain definite pressure.
Procedure:
1. Preparation of Test Block - Prepare a neat 300 gms cement paste by gauging the cement with
0.85 times the water required to give a paste of standard consistency. Potable or distilled
water shall be used in preparing the paste.
2. Start a stop-watch at the instant when water is added to the cement. Fill the Vicat mould with
a cement paste gauged as above, the mould resting on a nonporous plate. Fill the mould
completely and smooth off the surface of the paste making it level with the top of the mould.
3. Immediately after moulding, place the test block in the moist closet or moist room and allow
it to remain there except when determinations of time of setting are being made.
4. Determination of Initial Setting Time - Place the test block confined in the mould and resting
on the non-porous plate, under the rod bearing the needle ( C ); lower the needle gently until
it comes in contact with the surface of the test block and quickly release, allowing it to
penetrate into the test block
5. Repeat this procedure until the needle, when brought in contact with the test block and
released as described above, fails to pierce the block beyond 5.0 ± 0.5 mm measured from
the bottom of the mould shall be the initial setting time.
6. Determination of Final Setting Time - Replace the needle (C) of the Vicat apparatus by the
needle with an annular attachment (F).
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7. The cement shall be considered as finally set when, upon applying the needle gently to the
surface of the test block, the needle makes an impression thereon, while the attachment fails
to do so.
8. The period elapsing between the time when water is added to the cement and the time at
which the needle makes an impression on the surface of test block while the attachment
fails to do so shall be the final setting time.
Observation:
1. Weight of given sample of cement is ______ gms
2. The normal consistency of a given sample of cement is ______ %
3. Volume of water addend (0.85 times the water required to give a paste of standard
consistency) for preparation of test block ______ ml.
Penetration Reading from Bottom
Setting Time Remark
S.No. (mm)
Conclusion / Result:
i) The initial setting time of the cement sample is found to be …..
ii) The final setting time of the cement sample is found to be …..
Precautions:
Gauging time should be strictly observed
Room temperature should be well maintained as per test requirement.
All apparatus used should be clean.
The experiment should be performed away from vibrations and other disturbances.
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Experiment No. 2
Objective: To determine the workability of fresh concrete of given proportions by slump Cone test.
Apparatus: Slump cone (Height = 30 cm, Base dia = 20 cm, Top dia = 10 cm), Tamping rod (Length
= 60 cm, Dia = 16 mm), Mixing Pane, Trowel
Theory:
The word workability or workable concrete signifies much wider and deeper mea ning
than the other terminology consistency often used loosely for workability. Consistency
is a general term to indicate the degree of fluidity or the degree of mobility. The factors
helping concrete to have more lubricating effect to reduce internal friction for helping
easy compaction are given below:
(a) Water Content (b) Mix Proportions (c) Size of Aggregates (d) Shape of Aggregates
(e) Surface Texture of Aggregate (f) Grading of Aggregate (g) Use of Admixtures.
Slump test is the most commonly used method of measuring consistency of concrete
which can be employed either in laboratory or at site of work. It is not a suitable method
for very wet or very dry concrete. It does not measure all factors contributing to
workability, nor it is always representative of the place ability of the concrete.
It indicates the characteristic of concrete in addition to the slump value. If the concrete
slumps evenly it is called true slump. If one half of the cone slides down, it is called shear
slump. In case of a shear slump, the slump value is measured as the difference in height
between the height of the mould and the average value of the subsidence.
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Procedure:
1. The internal surface of the mould is thoroughly cleaned and freed from superfluous
moisture before commencing the test. And if the cone is in completely dry condition
then dampen it using a damp cloth.
2. The mould is then placed on a smooth, horizontally levelled rigid and non-absorbent
surface such as a rigid plate. It is held firmly in place during filling by the operator by
standing on the two foot pieces provided in the slump cone.
3. The mould is filled by concrete in four layers, each approximately one-quarter of height
of the mould, and each layer is tamped down with 25 strokes of tamping rod with
pointed end in a uniform manner.
4. After tamping the top layer, the concrete is struck off level with a trowel and any mortar
leaked out between the mould and base plate is cleaned away.
5. The mould is then removed from the concrete immediately by raising it slowly and
carefully in a vertical direction.
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Observation: The vertical difference between top of the mould and the displaced original
centre of the top surface of the specimen................. mm
Proportioning (C:S:A) W/C Ratio Slump (mm) Remark
S.No.
Result:
The Slump of the given sample is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Precautions:
1. The apparatus should remain free from vibrations during the test.
2. Use hand gloves & shoes while testing.
3. Equipment should be cleaned thoroughly before testing & after testing.
4. Any kind of leakage should be avoided during compaction of each layer.
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Experiment No. 3
Objective: To determine the Compressive Strength of Concrete Sample
Apparatus: Compressive Testing Machine, Cube Moulds shall be of 150 mm size conforming
to IS: 10086-1982, Mixing Pane for Hand Mixing, Trowel and Plaster Trowel
Theory: The compressive strength of any material is defined as the resistance to failure under
the action of compressive forces. Especially for concrete, compressive strength is an
important parameter to determine the performance of the material during service
conditions. Concrete mix can be designed or proportioned to obtain the required
engineering and durability properties as required by the design engineer. The
compressive strength of concrete is determined in batching plant laboratories for every
batch in order to maintain the desired quality of concrete during casting. In very simple
words, compressive strength is calculated by dividing the failure load with the area of
application of load, usually after 28 days of curing. The strength of concrete is
controlled by the proportioning of cement, coarse and fine aggregates, water, and
various admixtures the ratio of the water to cement is the chief factor for determining
concrete strength. The lower the water-cement ratio, the higher is the compressive
strength.
Procedure:
1. Mix the cement and fine aggregate on a water tight none-absorbent platform until the
mixture is thoroughly blended and is of uniform colour.
2. Add the coarse aggregate and mix with cement and fine aggregate until the coarse
aggregate is uniformly distributed throughout the batch.
3. Add water and mix it until the concrete appears to be homogeneous and of the desired
consistency.
4. The test specimens are stored in moist air for 24 hours and after this period the
specimens are marked and removed from the molds and kept submerged in clear fresh
water until taken out prior to test.
5. Remove the specimen from water after specified curing time and wipe out excess
water from the surface.
6. Take the dimension of the specimen to the nearest 0.2m
7. Clean the bearing surface of the testing machine
8. Place the specimen in the machine in such a manner that the load shall be applied to
the opposite sides of the cube cast.
9. Align the specimen centrally on the base plate of the machine.
10. Rotate the movable portion gently by hand so that it touches the top surface of the
specimen.
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11. Apply the load gradually without shock and continuously at the rate of 140
kg/cm2/minute till the specimen fails
12. Record the maximum load and note any unusual features in the type of failure.
Observation:
Compressive Strength = Failure Load / Cross sectional area
Compressive Average
Cross Sectional
Sample Failure Load (N) Strength Compressive
Area (Sq.mm)
Name (N/sq.mm) Strength
Result:
The Average Comparative strength of the given sample is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
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Experiment No. 4
Objective: To determine the Compressive Strength of Brick Sample
Apparatus: Compressive Testing Machine, Brick sample, mortar, plywood piece.
Theory: Bricks are mainly used in the construction of wall, floor, cornices, and arches. Brick
chips are also used as a substitute for stone chips in the concrete mix where a stone is
not available or an economic solution is preferred. In all the above-mentioned cases,
compression load governs. Due to this, the compressive strength of bricks is a very
important parameter.
Compressive strength of bricks is the capacity of brick to resist or withstand under
compression when tested on Compressive testing machine [CTM]. The Compressive
strength of a material is determined by the ability of the material to resist failure in the
form of cracks and fissure.
Compressive Strength = Failure Load / Cross sectional area
The bricks are classified as
1. First Class Brick: The brick which has a compressive strength of 10N/mm2 is
called as a First class brick
2. Second Class Brick: The brick with compressive strength of 7N/mm2 is called as a
Second class brick
3. Third Class brick: The brick which we use for building has a compressive strength
of 3.5N/mm2
4. Fourth Class Brick: The sun dried brick has a compressive strength
of 1.5N/mm2 to 2.5N/mm2
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Procedure:
1. Three bricks are picked from the brick pouch and the unevenness on the brick faces are
removed by grinding.
2. Immerse the brick samples in the water for 24 hours at the temperature of 23-degree
centigrade.
3. Prepare the mortar by mixing the cement and sand at the ratio of 1:1.
4. Fill the frog with the mortar paste and allow to set the bricks in jute bags for the period of
24hrs.
5. Also, check for the voids on the brick surface. If there any fill the voids by flushing the
mortar on them.
6. Take out the bricks from bags and immerse them back in the water for 7 days to complete
the hardening of mortar on brick.
7. Allow the bricks to dry, before placing it on the compressive testing machine
8. Place the specimen flat-wise on the base of CTM, with mortar filled face upwards between
the two flat plywood sheets.
9. Plywood sheets are used to hold the brick in the correct position while testing.
10. Start the CTM and apply the load axially on the specimen at the rate of 14 N/mm2 (140
kg/cm2) per minute till the brick starts breaking.
11. Repeat the same procedure with the leftover bricks
12. Note down the reading of each brick from CTM once the brick starts tearing.
Observation:
Compressive Average
Sample Cross Sectional
Failure Load (N) Strength Compressive
Area (Sq.mm)
Name (N/sq.mm) Strength
Result:
The Average Comparative strength of the given Brick sample is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
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Experiment No. 5
Objective: To Perform Linear measurement using chain.
Apparatus: Chain, Arrows, Tapes, Ranging Rods, Offset Rods, Cross staff or optical square,
Plumb bob, wooden mallet, pegs.
Theory: Among the various methods of determining distance the most accurate and common
method is the method of measuring distance with a chain or tape is called Chaining.
For work of ordinary precision a chain is used. But where great accuracy is required a
steel tape is invariably used.
RANGING RODS:
The ranging rods are used for marking the positions of Stations conspicuously and for ranging
the lines. Io order to make these visible at a distance, they are painted alternately black and white,
or red and white or red White and black successively. The adjustment of the chain should as far
as possible be affected symmetrically on either side of the middle so as that the position of central
tag remains unaltered. In measuring the length of survey line also called as chain line.
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Two men are required for chaining operation; the chain man at the forward end of chain is called
the leader while the other man at the rear end is known as the follower. Duties of leader &follower.
Leader:- 1) To put the chain forward 2) To fix arrows at the end of chain 3) To follow the
instruction of the followers.
Follower:- 1) To direct the leader to the line with the ranging rod. 2) To carry the rear end of the
chain. 3) To pick up the arrows inserted by the leader.
Determination of the area of ground using perpendicular offset method
Procedure: -
1. The survey stations are fixed.
2. To range a line AB, first ranging rods are fixed at the end of the line.
3. The surveyor’s stand just behind the ranging rod A, the assistant holds a ranging rod at
point C, approximately on the line AB.
4. locating the perpendicular offset by Using cross staff.
5. Move the cross staff towards left or right.
6. Now base line (AB) is visible to perpendicular line also visible.
7. Perpendicular line measurements are taken.
8. The operation is repeated until the end station of the line is reached.
9. checked the accuracy of the measurement, the line is measured in the reverse direction.
10. Other survey lines followed by above procedure.
11. The split the area, the triangles and trapezoidal.
12. Area calculation followed by triangle and trapezoidal area formulae.
Calculation:-
Area of the triangle A = 1 X b X h
2
Area of the trapezium A =1 X (a+b) X h
2
Result: -
The area of the Field = ............................... m2
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Experiment No. 6
Objective: To perform levelling exercise by height of instrument of Rise and fall method.
Apparatus: Tape, Dumpy /Auto Level ,Tripod, Ranging Rods, Levelling Staff, Plumb bob,
pegs.
Theory: The art of determining and representing the relative height or elevation of different
object/points on the surface of earth is called levelling. It deals with measurement in
vertical plane. By levelling operation, the relative position of two points is known
whether the points are near or far off. Similarly, the point at different elevation with
respect to a given datum can be established by levelling.
Reduced Levels- The system of working out the reduced level of the points from staff
reading taken in the field is called as reduced level (R.L) of a points is the elevation of
the point with reference to the same datum.
There are two systems of reduced levels
1) The plane of collimation system (H.I. method)
2) The Rise and fall system
Procedure:
1. Set up the instrument at "a point" to cover all the given points.
2. Do all the initial adjustments.
3. Direct the telescope towards each staff points and note down the readings at every time.
4. Check the centre of the bubble whether it is at the centre of the bubble tube to get the
accurate readings during each and every observation.
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Height of Instrument method: -
Observations:
Reduced Level of the first point =................
BS IS FS HI RL
Staff
(Back (Intermediate (Fore (Height of (Reduced Remark
Station
Sight) Sight) Sight) Instrument) Level)
Calculation: -
R.L of B.M + B.S = H.I
H.I - F.S or I.S = R.L of that particular point.
Arithmetic check: -
Sum of B.S. – Sum of F.S. = Last RL - First RL
Rise fall method: -
Observations:
Reduced Level of the first point =................
BS IS FS RL
Staff
(Back (Intermediate (Fore Rise Fall (Reduced Remark
Station
Sight) Sight) Sight) Level)
Calculation: -
Rise or fall = Previous Reading – Present Reading
RL of any station = R.L of that Previous Station +Rise or - Fall.
Arithmetic check: -
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Sum of B.S. – Sum of F.S. = Sum of Rise – Sum. Of fall = Last RL - First RL
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Experiment No. 7
Objective: To measure the bearing of in the field using Compass.
Apparatus: Prismatic Compass, Surveyors Compass with stand, Ranging Rods.
Theory: Bearing of a line is its direction relative to a given meridian. A meridian is any direction
such as true meridian, magnetic meridian and arbitrary meridian.
Magnetic Meridian
The magnetic bearing through a point is the direction shown by a freely floating and
balanced magnetic needle free from all other attractive forces. The direction of magnetic
meridian can be established with the help of a magnetic compass.
Magnetic bearing: The magnetic bearing of a line is the horizontal angle which it makes
with the magnetic meridian passing through one of the extremities of the line. A magnetic
compass is used to measure it.
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Procedure:
1. Setup the instrument at any convenient point and do the initial adjustments.
2. Turn the compass box until the ranging rod at the object vane is bisected by the
hair when looked through the slit above the prism.
3. Not down the reading at which the hairline produced appears to cut the image of
the graduated ring.
Observation:
Inst. At Sight to WCB Reduced Bearing
In Degree In Minutes In Degree In Minutes
Rule for the conversion of WCB to RB
Case W.C.B Between Rule for RB Quadrant
I 0 and 90 = W.C.B N.E
II 90 and 180 = 180 – W.C.B S.E
III 180 and 270 = W.C.B – 180 S.W
IV 270 and 360 = 360 –W.C.B N.W
Results:
1. Whole Circle Bearing = …………………
2. Reduced Bearing = …………………
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Experiment No. 8
Objective: To verify the law of Triangle of forces and Lami’s theorem.
Apparatus: . 1. Board with pulleys 2. Drawing sheets 3. Strings, 4. Weights/Mass 5. Drawing
Sheets 6. Protector
Theory: Lami's theorem states that If three forces acting on a body are in the state of
equilibrium then the magnitude of each force is proportional to the sine of angle
between the other two forces". Thus, Lami's theorem is applied when the forces are in
equilibrium.
Procedure:
1. Fix drawing sheet on the board.
2. Connect the hanger at the end of each string.
3. Take the string over the pulleys and tie each to a ring.
4. Add any weights (P,R) in two hangers and a suitable weight (Q) in third hanger such
that equilibrium condition is achieved.
5. Note down magnitudes of weight P, Q and R1 in the table
6. After equilibrium is reached, mark the position of strings on the drawing sheet by using
the mirror strip.
7. Remove the drawing sheet and construct space and vector diagram
8. To verify law of triangle, measure magnitude of resultanat force R graphically
9. To verify Lami's theorm, measure the angle á, â and a with the help of the protector 1
0. Compute analytically P' and R 'as 𝐏 = 𝐐 𝐒𝐢𝐧 𝑎 𝐒𝐢𝐧 𝛽 𝐑 = 𝐐 𝐒𝐢𝐧 𝗒 𝐒𝐢𝐧 𝛽
11. Compare these P and R values with the observed values within served values. (in the
table)
12. Repeat the experiment for minimum five or more sets of observations.
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Observations:
S.No. Observed Force on Observed Angle Remark
Pulley
P Q R α β γ
1
2
3
Results :
Lami's theorem verified / Not verified and for ..................... sets of readings, The observed
average percentage error is………………….
Precautions:
Weights of hangers should be taken into consideration.
Weights should be placed gently.
Parallax should be removed to mark the position of string (line of action of the force)
Pulleys should be smooth and, if required, be properly lubricated.
Proper scale should be chosen.
Drawing Sheet should be fixed properly
Weights should be in stationary position while marking the points.
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Experiment No. 9
Objective: To find the support reactions of a given Beam and verify analytically.
Apparatus: 1. Parallel beam apparatus (Two spring balances at two ends, knife edges suspenders) 2.
Weights 3. Measuring scale 4. Sprit level etc
Theory: it consists of seasoned wooden long bar supported on two stands provided with the system
of spring balance to read reactions directly.
Procedure:
1. Measure the total length of the beam.L
2. Note the reading of the spring balance for no load condition and check that the beam is
horizontal.(use sprit level).
3. Apply loads at various points on the beam and take its distance from a support. (ensure
the beam is horizontal)
4. Note down the reading of spring balance. The difference of final & initial reading gives
the value of support reaction
5. Repeat the experiment with changing loads and their positions for at least five to six sets
6. Compare the experimental values with the analytically obtained values of reactions at
support.
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Observations:
S.No, Load Distance Distance Reading at A Reading at B Analytical Analytical
Kg from A from A Reaction Reaction
at A at B
1 Initial Final Initial Final
2
3
4
Result:
% Error in Reaction 𝐑𝐀 = ………………………
% Error in Reaction 𝐑𝐁 = ………………………
Precautions:
1. Beam should be properly leveled at no load condition.
2. Take the spring balance reading properly both at no load and after loading.
3. Measure the span and position of the loads carefully.
4. Loads should be placed gently.
5. Span should be measured from the centre of supports.
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