Civil Engineering Materials, Testing & Evaluation - Vol 1 | 7. Fresh Concrete – Properties and Workability Tests (IS Standards) by Abraham | Learn Smarter
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7. Fresh Concrete – Properties and Workability Tests (IS Standards)

Fresh concrete is critical for effective handling, placement, compaction, and finishing of concrete structures. Its properties, including workability, consistency, cohesiveness, segregation, and bleeding, influence the final product's durability and strength. Various standardized tests, such as the slump test and compacting factor test, measure the workability of fresh concrete, ensuring quality control in construction practices.

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Sections

  • 7

    Fresh Concrete – Properties And Workability Tests (Is Standards)

    This section focuses on the properties and workability tests of fresh concrete, detailing techniques guided by Indian Standards that ensure concrete's quality and usability during construction.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.1

    Properties Of Fresh Concrete

    The properties of fresh concrete include workability, consistency, cohesiveness, segregation, bleeding, and harshness, all of which significantly affect construction outcomes.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.1.1

    Workability

    Workability refers to how easily concrete can be mixed, transported, placed, and compacted without segregation or excessive bleeding.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.1.2

    Consistency

    Consistency in fresh concrete measures the mobility or flowability of the mix, impacting its ease of placement and workability.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.1.3

    Cohesiveness

    Cohesiveness in fresh concrete is the ability of the concrete mix to remain homogenous during mixing and handling, resisting segregation and bleeding.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.1.4

    Segregation

    Segregation refers to the separation of concrete constituents, adversely affecting the concrete's strength and durability.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.1.5

    Bleeding

    Bleeding in fresh concrete refers to the emergence of water on its surface due to settlement, which can weaken the surface layer.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.1.6

    Harshness

    Harshness in concrete refers to its resistance to finishing operations, primarily caused by a lack of fines or the use of angular coarse aggregates.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2

    Workability Tests Of Fresh Concrete (As Per Is Standards)

    This section discusses various standardized tests for assessing the workability of fresh concrete, as outlined in Indian Standards.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2.1

    Slump Test

    The Slump Test evaluates the consistency and workability of fresh concrete using a standardized method.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2.2

    Compacting Factor Test

    The Compacting Factor Test measures the workability of low workability concrete and provides a more accurate assessment than the slump test.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2.3

    Flow Table Test

    The Flow Table Test measures the flowability of highly workable concrete using a flow table and mold.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2.4

    Vee-Bee Consistometer Test

    The Vee-Bee Consistometer Test measures the workability of very low slump concrete using a specific apparatus and procedure.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.3

    Factors Affecting Workability

    This section outlines various factors that influence the workability of fresh concrete, emphasizing their implications on mixing and application.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.4

    Acceptance Criteria And Field Application

    This section outlines the acceptance criteria for the workability of fresh concrete and emphasizes the significance of regular testing and record-keeping during construction.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.5

    Special Considerations In Workability Assessment

    This section outlines unique workability requirements for different types of concrete, emphasizing specialized test methods and the impact of specific materials.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.5.1

    Workability Of Special Concretes

    This section discusses the workability requirements of various special concretes, including self-compacting concrete, fiber-reinforced concrete, and lightweight concrete.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.5.1.a

    Self-Compacting Concrete (Scc)

    Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) is a type of concrete that can flow and compact under its own weight, requiring no mechanical vibration.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.5.1.b

    Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

    Fiber-reinforced concrete incorporates various types of fibers to enhance its properties, particularly workability and toughness, influencing its application in various construction projects.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.5.1.c

    Lightweight Concrete

    Lightweight concrete is characterized by its lower density and enhanced workability due to the presence of air pores.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.6

    Modern Practices To Improve Workability

    Modern practices such as using chemical and mineral admixtures enhance the workability of fresh concrete for high-performance construction.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.6.1

    Chemical Admixtures

    Chemical admixtures enhance the properties of fresh concrete, including workability and setting time.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.6.2

    Mineral Admixtures

    Mineral admixtures enhance the properties of concrete, offering benefits such as improved cohesiveness and reduced bleeding.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.7

    Field Problems And Troubleshooting In Fresh Concrete

    This section addresses common field problems encountered with fresh concrete, particularly issues related to workability and provides troubleshooting solutions.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.7.1

    Segregation During Pumping

    This section discusses segregation during the pumping of fresh concrete, including its causes and solutions.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.7.2

    Rapid Slump Loss

    Rapid slump loss occurs when fresh concrete loses its workability quickly due to various factors, potentially affecting the final output.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.7.3

    Bleeding At Top Surface

    Bleeding in freshly laid concrete is the process where water rises to the surface, resulting from the settlement of solid particles.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.7.4

    Harsh Mix In Rmc Plants

    This section discusses the causes and solutions for harsh mixes in Ready Mixed Concrete (RMC) plants, focusing on the effects of coarse grading and insufficient fines.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.8

    Quality Control And Workability Monitoring At Site

    This section discusses the importance of quality control and monitoring workability of fresh concrete on site to ensure performance and structural integrity.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.8.1

    Frequency Of Testing

    This section outlines the frequency of slump testing for fresh concrete as per IS 4926:2003 standards.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.8.2

    Recording & Interpretation

    This section emphasizes the importance of meticulous recording and interpretation of workability tests for fresh concrete, ensuring quality control during production.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.8.3

    Workability Vs Strength Trade-Off

    This section addresses the balance between workability and strength in fresh concrete, highlighting that higher workability may lead to reduced strength due to increased water content.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.9

    Is Codes Relevant To Fresh Concrete Testing

    This section summarizes the Indian Standards (IS) codes that govern the testing of fresh concrete, highlighting their purposes and key methodologies.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.10

    Case Study: Workability Issues In A Metro Rail Project (India)

    This section discusses workability challenges faced during a metro rail construction project in Delhi, highlighting the causes, investigative actions taken, and the successful outcomes achieved.

    Learning Practice

References

Chapter_7_Fresh.pdf

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Fresh concrete should be wo...
  • Workability is influenced b...
  • Standardized tests are esse...

Final Test

Revision Tests