1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 General background

Concrete due to its different application on civil engineering construction, its strength differs from
structure to structure. Thus to have different strength, different institution has developed mix design
methods.

Mix design or proportioning is the process of selecting suitable ingredients of concrete to determine
the quantities by considering factors like economy, physical and chemical properties, and specific
required strength. After designing the Mix, the material proportioning and mixing might be
conducted in laboratory as well as on field. The general mix design methods implemented are unique
in different parts of the world like DOE and ACI are the major ones.

Currently in Ethiopia, there is no standardized construction mix design manual. Due to lack of
standardization in material and manuals, there were difficulties in the preparation of samples and
mix design.

1.2 Objective of the paper

The objective of our laboratory work is to attempt to produce C-30 concrete sample using EBCS mix
design method using the materials of PPC cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate and pure water
from the Mekelle University’s laboratory. To obtain the concrete samples detailed tests of the
sample materials are conducted. The above specified test and results are reported in detail in the
following laboratory report.

2. CHARACTERISTICS OF INGRDIENT MATERIAL USED FOR C30

CONCRETE CLASSES

2.1 Material Preparation

Before starting any testing of materials, the following material preparations were initially performed
in order to achieve the C-30 grades of concrete.
 The cement used was the pozzolana Portland cement and was available by the Laboratory.
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  All the fine, coarse aggregates were collected from the university’s laboratory.
 Water was abundantly made available by the university’s laboratory even in the commonly
seen water scarcity within the campus.

3. Material Test

3.1 Test on hydraulic cement

The cement we used for the mix design is Pozzolana Portland cement which is manufactured in
Messobo cement factory and as we got a recommendation from the lab assistant Temesgen
kassahun we can use it without any test. As he said for us the cement that was available in the
laboratory is near time since it is came through the different test of cement in the industry .so it
would have no matter if we use it without any test.

To list here the main tests of hydraulic cement that should be to test are

1. Setting time of cement that is initial and final setting time of cement

2. Consistency of cement

3. Fineness’s of cement are the most properties to be tested.

3.2 Test on Fine Aggregate [Natural Sand]

3.2.1 Sieve Analysis /Gradation/ for fine aggregate

Theory

Sieve analysis is a procedure for the determination of the particle size distribution of aggregates
using a series of square or round meshes starting with the larges. It is used to determine the grading,
fineness modulus, an index to the fineness, coarseness and uniformity of aggregates.

The quality of concrete to be produced is very much influenced by the properties of its aggregates.
Aggregate grain size distribution or graduation is one among these properties and should be given

2
due consideration.

Objectives

Sieve analysis /gradation test/ is done to determine the particle size distribution of the aggregate.

Apparatus
1. Series of sieves
2. Balance
3. Shovel
4. Sieve brush
5. Riffle

Procedure for grading fine aggregate

1. A sample of 2kg of fine aggregate is taken

2. The sample is quartered by using the riffle box
3. From the quartered sample, known weight is taken.
4. The empty sieves are weighed and the data is recorded.
5. The pan is placed to the bottom of the sieve shaker and the other sieves are put in top of
the pan with increasing opening sizes of the sieve.
6. The weighed sample is placed on top of the sieve (on large opening size).
7. The sample is shaking for about 2 minutes in a sieve shaker
8. The fine aggregate retained on each sieve is weighed together with the sieve.
9. The weight of fine aggregate retained on each sieve is calculated.
10. The gradation chart is filled and the fineness modulus is calculated.

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Test Result obtained fine aggregate

Original sand sample

Sand grading
Sample weight = 2000gm
Table 1 Sieve analysis of fine aggregate

Weight of
Sieve Weight of Percentage Cumulative
Weight of Sieve and Cumulative
Size Retained Retained Retained
Sieve (gm) Retained Passing (%)
(mm) (gm) (%) (%)
(gm)
10 451 451 0.0 0.0 0.0 100.00
5 535 546.4 11.40 0.57 0.57 99.43

2.36 439 457.5 18.50 0.93 1.5 98.5

1.18 492 609.9 117.9 5.89 7.39 92.61

0.6 391 1752 1208.6 60.43 67.82 32.18

0.3 361 832.7 471.30 23.56 91.38 8.12
0.15 341 499.7 151.90 7.5 98.88 1.12
Pan 313 338.8 22.20 1.16 100.00 0.00
SUM TOTAL 2000kg 100.00 266.67 -

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From the above the FM =2.67 so this is between the range of 2.6-2.9 ` ` and it is a medium
sand` OK

3.2.2 Specific gravity, moisture content and Water Absorption test for fine
aggregate
Objective
-To determine bulk and apparent specific gravity, and absorption of the blended fine aggregate
Apparatus
1. Balance or scale of capacity 1 kg or more
2. Pycnometer – A flask or other suitable container into which the fine aggregate test
sample can readily be put.
3. Mold – A metal mold in the form of a frustum of a cone 38mm in top diameter, 89mm in
bottom diameter and 74 mm in height with the metal having a minimum thickness of
about 0.9mm (Not available)
4. Tamper – A metal tamper weighing 340+3mm in diameter (Not available)
Sample preparation
- Approximately 1000gm of fine aggregate was obtained from the sample by use of a
sample splitter or by quartering.
0
- Sample should be dried to a constant weight in an oven at a temperature of 110+5 c
- Sample should be cooled, spread over a flat surface exposed to secure uniform drying.
Procedure
1. 500gm of prepared fine aggregate (sand) sample was inserted into the pycnometer and
filled with water approximately ¾ of the capacity.
2. The pycnometer was rolled, inverted and agitated to eliminate all air bubbles. (For our
case, a motor with fixed hose is used to eliminate the air bubbles continuously) then,
water is filled to the level of the pycnometer to its calibrated capacity.
3. The total weight of the pycnometer and sample was determined and recorded.

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Test result obtained /fine aggregate (sand)
Specific gravity of sand
Table 2 sample weight and test result

Sample 1 2
Weight of water + pycnometer (B) 652 654
Weight of sand + water + pycnometer (C) 976 976
Oven-dry Weight of sand (A) 498 497
Sample of saturated surface dry(S) 500 500

 Bulk specific gravity = A/(B+S-C)

 Bulk specific gravity (SSD) =S/(B+S-C)
 Apparent specific gravity = A/(B+A-C)
 Absorption capacity (%) = [(S-A)/A] *100

Bulk specific gravity A/ (B+S-C): Trial 1=2.8

Trial 2=2.8 average bulk specific gravity =2.8

Bulk specific gravity (SSD basis)

Bulk specific gravity (SSD1 basis) = 500 = 500 =2.8

B+500-C 652+500-976
Bulk specific gravity (SSD2 basis) = 500 = 500 = 2.8
B+500-C 654+500-976

The average bulk specific gravity (SSD) of the blended sand = 2.8+28=2.8
Apparent
Apparent sp.gr = A = 498 = 2.86
B+A-C 652+498-976
Apparent sp.gr = A = 497 = 2.84
B+A-C 654+497- 976

The average apparent specific gravity of the blended fine aggregate = 2.84+2.86 = 2.85
2
Water Absorption
Absorption capacity (%) of Sample1=500-498 *100=0.4%
498
Absorption capacity (%) of Sample2=500-497 *100 =0.6% taking average % =0.5%

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3.2.3 Moisture Content of Fine Aggregate
Objective:

The objective of this test is to determine the moisture content of fine aggregate.

Test Results:

A = 500gm for both sample

B = 491.2.gm

Where:

A = weight of original sample [g]

B = weight of oven dried sample [g]

w = Moisture content (%)

Calculation w (%) = A - B * 100

B

Sample1 W (%) = 500 –491.2* 100 = 1.8%

500

3.2.4 Silt content of Fine Aggregate

Theory

Sand is obtained from glacial, river, lake, marine, residual and other deposits. These deposits do
not provide pure sand. They often contain other materials such as dust, loam and clay that are
finer than sand. The presence of such materials in sand used to make concrete or mortar
decreased the bond between the materials to be bound together and hence the strength of the
mixture. Therefore, it is necessary that one make a test on the silt content and checks against
permissible limits.

A simple test which can be made on site to give a guide to the amount of silt in natural sand is
the field setting test. This test should not be used for crushed rock sands.

7
Objective

It is to determine the silt (finer than no 200 sieve) content in the blended sand.

Apparatus

1. Graduated cylinder
2. Dish for taking sample of sand
3. Small size spoon
4. Sand sample
5. Funnel
6. Clear water

Procedure

1. A graduated cylinder is taken having a capacity greater than 100ml.

2. The 200 g sand sample is poured to a known volume.
3. The cylinder is filed approximately to ¾ with water.
4. The cylinder is shaking vigorously for a minute.
5. The cylinder is left for about an hour to allow the silt to settle on the layer of the sand.
6. The amount of fines (Silt) forming a separate layer on top of the washed sand is
measured.
7. Silt Content= (B/C)*100%, where A= total sand and silt

8. B=amount of silt deposited above the sand

9. C=amount of clean sand

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 Table 3 measuring of the silt content

Item Trial 1 Trial 2

A 5.5 5.3

C 5.3 5.2

B=(A-C) 0.2 0.1

% silt content: trial 1= (0.2/5.5) *100%=3.63%

% silt content: trial 2= (0.1/5.3/) *100%=1.88%

% Average silt content=3.04%less than 6% so it is ok!

Figure 1 measuring of silt content

Conclusion

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According to ES, if the average silt content is greater than 6%, it is not acceptable. Therefore,
since the average silt content of our sand sample is 3.04% it is acceptable.

3.3. Test on Coarse Aggregate

3.3.1 Sieve Analysis for coarse Aggregate
Theory

An aggregate, for concrete making, is any hard, inert material composed of fragments in a wide
gradational range of sizes, which is mixed with a cementing material and water to form concrete.

Aggregates should be clean, sound, tough, durable and uniform in quality. They should also be
free of soft, friable, thin or deleterious substances like alkali, oil, coal or other organic matter.

The quality of concrete to be produced is very much influenced by the properties of its,
aggregates. Aggregate grain size distribution or gradation is one among these properties and
should be given due consideration.

Sieve analysis is a procedure for the determination of the particle size distribution of aggregates
using a series of square or round meshes starting with the larges. It is used to determine the
grading, fineness modulus, an index to the fineness, coarseness and uniformity of aggregates.

Objectives

Sieve analysis /gradation test/ is done to determine the particle size distribution of coarse
aggregates.
Apparatus

1. Balance
2. Series sieves
3. Shovel
4. Sieve brush
5. Riffle box

Procedure for grading coarse aggregates:-

1. A sample of 5kg coarse

3. From the quartered sample, 2kg of aggregate is taken
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4. The empty sieve is weighed and the data is recorded
5. The known weight of sample is placed on the top of the sieve

6. The sample was shake for about 2 minutes in a sieve shaker (For out test, manual
shaking is used)
7. The aggregate retained on each sieve was measured
8. The weight retained on each sieve in calculated
9. The graduation chart is filled

Fig. 2 Sieve analysis for coarse aggregate

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Table 4-sieve analysis of coarse aggregate

Weight of
Sieve Weight Sieve and Weight of Percentage
Size of Sieve Retained Retained Retained Cumulative Cumulative
(mm) (gm.) (gm.) (gm.) (%) Retained (%) Passing (%)
37.5 1710 1710 0 0.00 0.00 100.00

28 1730 1795 0.065 1.3 1.3 98.7

20 1615 4024 2409 48.18 49.48 50.52

14 1356 3455 2099 41.98 91.46 8.54

10 1324 1737 413 8.26 99.72 0.28

5 1372 1382 0.1 0.2 99.92 0.08

2.36 439 439 0 0 99.92 0.08

1.18 492 492 0 0 99.92 0.08

0.6 391 391 0 0 99.92 0.08

0.3 361 361 0 0 99.92 0.08
0.15 341 341 0 0 99.92 0.08

pan 759 763 0.04 0.08 100 0.00

Sum=941.48
5000gram 100

FM= sum cumulative % retained = 748.72 = 7.48 the fine modules for course
100 100
Here the sum is without the intermediate sieves of no 28, 14 and the pan

Aggregate typically falls within the range of 6.0 up to 8 .0.this rang is considered suitable for
various concrete mix designs and construction applications.
Unfortunately there is no specific range limitation according to Ethiopian standard when we are
referring to the Ethiopian standard ES 1491:2000 or other relevant authorities.as we have
discussed with the other engineers and other consulting bodies it is advisable to take this FM to

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produce C30 concrete sample.

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3.3.2 Specific gravity, water absorption and moisture content tests/ for coarse
aggregate/

Objectives

To determine bulk apparent, specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregates.

Theory

The specific gravity of an aggregate is considered to be a measure of strength or quality of the

material.
The specific gravity of a substance is the ratio between the weight of the substance and that of
the same volume of water. This definition assumes that the substance is solid throughout.
Aggregates, however, have pores that are both permeable and impermeable.

Apparatus

1. Balance
2. Sample container- a wire container of No 6(3mm) or finer mesh or bucket of
approximate equal breadth and height with a capacity of 4000 to 7000 cm3.
3. Suitable apparatus for suspending the sample container in water from the center of the
scale pan or balance
4. Dry absorbent clothes (towel)
Sample preparation

Sample is selected by sample splitter or by quartering. All samples passing 4.75mm sieve
should be rejected

Procedure

1. The sample was washed thoroughly to remove dust from the surface of the particles; the
sample was dried to constant weight in oven at a temperature of 110+50c, and cooled in
air at room temperature for 1 to 3 hrs. and then the sample was soaked in water at room
temperature for a period of 24+4 hrs.
2. The sample was removed from the water and rolled in a large absorbent cloth/ towel/
until all visible films of water are removed. Care was taken to avoid evaporation of

14
 3. water from aggregate pores during the operation of surface drying.
4. The sample was weighed in the saturated surface dry condition /SSD/ and the data was
recorded (B)
5. The saturated surface dry /SSD/ sample was immediately place in the sample container
and its weight in water was determined at room temperature. Entrapped air was
removed by shaking the container while immersed and the test sample was fully
immersed before weighing (C).
6. The sample was dried at a constant weight in over at a temperature of 110+50c and then
Cooled in air at room temperature and 1 to 3hrs, and sample was weighed (A) Test result
obtained /for specific gravity/ coarse aggregate/ Specific gravity of aggregate
Table 5 calculation of specific gravity and moisture content

Sample 1 2 3
Saturated Oven Dry Weight, gm. A 2080.0 2178.7 2218.6
Saturated Surface Dry Weight, gm. B 2094.4 2184.5 2234.0
Saturated Sample Weight, gm. C 1306.4 1381.3 1394.0

Where, A= weight of oven dry sample in air (gm.)

B= wt. of saturated surface dry sample in air (gm.)
C= wt. of saturated sample in water (gm.)

Calculation of specific gravity /coarse aggregate/

1. Bulk specific gravity

Bulk specific gravity/SSD/ of sample 1= A = 2080 = 2.64

B-C 2094.4 - 1306.4

Bulk specific gravity/SSD/ of sample 2= A = 2178.7 = 2.71

B-C 2184.5 - 1381.3

Bulk specific gravity/SSD/ of sample 3= A = 2218.6 = 2.64

B-C 2234.0 - 1394.0

The average bulk specific gravity of the coarse aggregate=

= 2.64+2.71+2.64 = 2.66
3

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2. Bulk specific gravity (saturated surface dry basis /SSD/)

Bulk specific gravity/SSD/ of sample 1= B = 2094.4 = 2.65

B-C 2094.4 – 1306.4

Bulk specific gravity/SSD/ of sample 2= B = 2184.5 = 2.72

B-C 2184.5-1381.3

Bulk specific gravity/SSD/ of sample 3= B = 2234.0 = 2.66

B-C 2234.0 – 1394.0

The average bulk specific gravity of the coarse aggregate=

= 2.65+2.72+2.66 = 2.67
3
3. Apparent specific gravity

App. Sp. G of sample 1= A = 2080 = 2.67

B-C 2080-1306.4

App. Sp. G of sample 2= A = 2178.7 = 2.7

B-C 2178.7 - 1381.3

App. Sp. G of sample 3= A = 2218.6 = 2.69

B-C 2218.6 – 1394.0

The average apparent specific gravity of the coarse aggregate = 2.69

4. Absorption capacity

Absorption capacity (%) of sample 1 = B – A = 2094.4-2080 = 0.69%

A 2080
Absorption capacity (%) of sample 2= B – A = 2184.5 – 2178.7 = 0.27%
A 2178.7
Absorption capacity (%) of sample 3 = B – A = 2234-2218.6 = 0.694
A 2218.6
The average absorption capacity of the coarse aggregate = 0.55%

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3.3.3 Moisture Content of Coarse Aggregate
Objective:

The objective of this test is to determine the moisture content of coarse aggregate.
Test Results:

Aggregate to be used for c30 classes of concrete

Where the data we took are

A = 2000gm

B = 1994.8gm

Where:

A = weight of original sample [g]

B = weight of oven dried sample [g]

w = Moisture content (%)

Calculation: w (%) = A-B = 2000-1994.8 x100 = 0.26 %

B 1994.8

4.0 MIX DESIGN PROCESS FOR C-30 USING EBCS METHOD

a. Calculating ratio by weight
After all knowing of the properties of material and According to EBCS 2 1995 the data’s for
concrete mix design for the C-30 having of 20 mm maximum size of aggregate which is for
one bag of cement are those following and the ratio is calculated as follow
1. Total weight of aggregate =210kg
2. Amount of cement =50kg
3. Fine aggregate should be 30%-40%
4. Volume of finished concrete =0.124m^3
5. w/c=0.65using a 20mm maximum size of aggregate and medium workability
6. maximum amount of cement should be 550kg/m^3
7. minimum amount of cement should also 260kg/^3

Let the amount of fine aggregate be 35% then 0.35*210=73.5kg

The amount of coarse aggregate would be 65% thus get result 0.65*210= 136.5kg
The amount of water will be calculated from w/c ratio which is given from the above
Max W/c=0.65 for the 50 kg of cement the amount of water could be
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 Ww/Wc=0.65
Ww/50kg=0.65
Ww=32.5 kg
According to EBCS2 1995 maximum amount of cement for 1m^3 is 550kg and the minimum
amount is 260 kg then Check the amount of cement is in between the limitation for the given
0.124 m^3 using I bag of cement.
Maximum amount of cement
1m^3=550
0.124m^3=x
The maximum amount of cement is x=68.2 kg per 0.124m^3
Minimum amount of cement
1m^3=260kg
0.124=x
The minimum amount of cement for 0.124m^3 of cement is x=32.24kg
So, 32.24kg<50kg<68.2kg…………..which is safe we can use it||
Then the weight of ingredients is as follow

a. Weight of cement =50 kg

b. Weight of fine aggregate =73.5kg
c. Weight of course aggregate=136.5kg
d. Weight of water=32.5kg from this we can calculate the ratio by weight after the
adjustment of amount of water.
 Adjustment for the amount of water to be used for mixing, so
1. Fine aggregate
 % Absorption capacity =0.5%
 % moisture content=1.8% we have the difference (1.8%-0.5%) =1.3% moisture
So, weight the adjustment will be
W sand= 73.5+ (73.5*1.3%) =74.46 kg
2. Coarse aggregate
 % Absorption capacity =0.55%
 % moisture content=0.26%We have a greater absorption capacity than the moisture
content, so 0.55%-0.26%=0.29% water absorption capacity
WCA=136.5-(136.5*0.29%) =136.1 kg
3. Weight of water
Ww= (32.5+ (0.29%*32.5)-(32.5*1.3%)) =32.17kg

So, after adjusting, The Cement: fine aggregate: coarse aggregate: water would be

50kg: 74..46kg:136.1kg :32.17kg

50kg 50kg 50kg 50kg

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This gives 1:1.49:2.72:0.64 is the ratio by weight for C 30 using the Ethiopian building
code standard

4.1 Test for workability of concrete (slump test)

Objective

To determine workability of concrete

Theory

A concrete mix, either produced at a ready mix plant or on site, must be made of the right
amount of cement, aggregates and water to make the concrete workable enough for easy
compaction and placing and strong enough for good performance in resisting stresses after
hardening. If the mix is too dry, then its compaction will be too difficult and if it is too wet,
then the concrete is likely to be weak.

During mixing the mix might vary without the change very noticeable at first. For instance, a
loan of aggregate may be wetter or drier than what is expected or there may be variations in the
amount of water added to the mix. These all necessitate a check on the workability and strength
of concrete after producing. Slump test is the simplest test for workability and is most widely
used on construction sites. In the slump test, the distance that a cone full of concrete slumps
down is measured when the cone is lifted from around the concrete. The slump can vary from
nil on dry mixes to complete collapse on very wet ones. One drawback with the test is that it is
not helpful for very dry mixes.

There are three kinds of slump

1. True slump – where the concrete just subsides, keeping its shape approximately
2. Shear slump – Where the top half of the cone shears off and slips sideways down an
inclined plane.
3. Collapse slump – where the concrete collapses completely.
The first type is associated with workable mix while the other two are usually associated with
harsh mixes that lack cohesion.

Apparatus
- Standard slump cone – 300mm high with a bottom diameter of 200mm and top
19
Diameter of 100 mm.
- Steel tamping rod – 16mm diameter, 600mm long, with one end rounded
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Steel float
- Waterproof base plate, about 450 x 450 square
- Cleaning rags
Procedure

1. Make sure the cone is clean, free from hardened concrete and dry inside. Stand it on
the base plate, which must also be clean.
2. Stand with your feet on the foot rests.
3. Using the scoop fill cone to about one third of its height and rod this layer of concrete
exactly 25 times using the tamping rod.
4. Add two further layers of equals height (each about 100 mm), rodding each one in turn
exactly 25 times, allowing the rod to penetrate through into the layer below. After
rodding the top layer make sure that there is a slight surcharge of concrete, i.e. that
some concrete sticks out of the top.
5. Strike off the surplus concrete using steel float.
6. Wipe the cone and the base plate clean keeping your feet still on the foot rests
7. Take hold of the handles and pushing downwards remove your feet from the foot rests.
8. Very carefully lift the cone straight up, turn it over and put it down on the base plate
next to the mound of concrete. As soon as the cone is lifted the concrete will slump to
some extent.
9. Rest the tamping rod across the top of the empty inverted cone so that it reaches over
the slump concrete.
10. Using the ruler measure from the underside of the rod to the highest point of the
concrete, to the nearest 5mm. That will be the slump

Using the above procedure, the slump obtained for mix design we calculated in the above
which is 1:49:2.72:0.64, we got trial with a collapsed slump then we have decided to improve
water cement ratio.
According the EBCS the w/c given in the data is, maximum, so using a trials we got a true
slum having the height of 27.5 cm of true slump of the 30cm slump cone height having of the
height difference 2.5 cm at the ratio at 0.48. We prepared a mix using this ratio of
1:1.49:2.72:0.48
Which is water cement ratio is 0.48.
1. Calculate the amount of concrete that we produced
This is calculated as number of cube *volume of 1 cube +30% of wastage and 5% of shrinkage
VT=6*0.15*0.15*0.15=0.02025
=0.02025+ 0.02025*0.3+0.05*0.02025
=0.0273m^3 is the total volume of concrete we needed
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The from the EBCS 1, we have a data’s of
Unit weight of sand=14kn/m^3
Unit weight of gravel=14kn/m^3
Unit weight of cement=15kn/m3
Unit weight of water=9.8kn/m^3
Unit weight of concrete=24kn/m^3
Then change the total volume of concrete we need in to the weight measurement
24kn/m^3=2400kg/m^3
2400kg=1m^3
x =0.0273m^3 so, we calculated that 65.76kg is the total weight of ingredients we
used to prepare.
Finding the weight of individuals is
Weight of cement=1/5.69*65.76=11.55kg
Weight of aggregate=1.49/5.69*65.76=17.2kg
Weight of aggregate=2.72/5.69*65.76=31.4kg
Weight of water=0.48/5.698*65.76=5.54kg this is the adjusted Wight of ingredient that we
prepared for the mixing design

Fig .3 mix of ingredients ,slump test and compression test of concrete cube

21
5. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST FOR C-30
5.1 Test for compressive strength of concrete

Theory

The major goal of concrete structure is carrying loads applied to them. The concrete produced,
therefore, must not fail under the actions of any such loads.

The most common test for hardened concrete involves taking a sample of fresh concrete and
putting it into special cube molds so that, when hard, the cube can be tested to failure in a
special machine in order to measure the strength of the concrete.

The results obtained from compression tests on hardened concrete cubes are used to check that
its strength is above the minimum specified and to assess the control exercised over the
production of concrete. Factors like w/c. degree of compaction & curing temperature affects
the strength of concrete specimen.

Objective

- To determine the compressive strength of concrete.

Apparatus:-

1. Mixer 5. Compressive strength testing

3
2. Cubical molds (15x15x15)cm machine
3. Vibrator
4. Spatula
Procedure

1. A concrete mix is prepared, the same concrete for which workability is determined.
2. A cubical mold (15x15x15cm) is prepared and oiled in order to easily de mound of the
concrete cubes.
3. The concrete is filled in the cubical mold and vibrated in order to remove air bubbles for
about 30sec.
4. The surface is smoothed and the excess concrete on the cubes is removed by using spatula,
and the mixing date is registered at the top of the concrete.

22
5. The concrete is removed from the mold after 24 hrs. And cured in water till the required
date.
rd th th th
6. The concrete specimen is loaded to failure at 3 , 7 , 14 and 28 days of age by using
testing machine and failure loads are recorded.
7. The stress at failure is calculated by dividing the failure loads by the respective contact
areas with the load (compressive strength).
Tests performed

Our group task was to prepare C-30 concrete mix design and hence we did take the mix design
th th
then we perform 7 , 14 , day concrete compression test for cube because of the time we
have. .

Table 6 testing of compressive strength

Cross- Total Compressive
Age
Sample Cast Date Test Date sectional Load strength
2 2
Days Area (cm ) (KN) (N/mm )
1 25-06-16 03-07-16 7 225 458,5 20.34
2 25-06-16 03-07-16 7 225 505.2 22.45
3 25-06-16 03-07-16 7 225 505.7 22.47
Average 21.75

Cross- Total Compressive

Age
Sample Cast Date Test Date sectional Load strength
2 2
Days Area (cm ) (KN) (N/mm )
1 25-06-16 10-07-13 14 225 612 27.2
2 25-06-16 10-07-13 14 225 641.5 28.51
3 25-06-16 10-07-13 14 225 629.7 27.98
Average 27.90

From this we can go in to conclusion the compressive strength of C-30 properly cured for
seven days should be above 65% of the required compressive strength and that of 14 day
should be greater than 80%. From this, that is a safe condition of mix design for a given
structural concrete work.ok/

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6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION
Mix design of a concrete is one of the critical works to be done before any of concreting any
structure. In this, EBCS mix design we have done is, first preparation of the materials like
cement, aggregate which are fine coarse and pure water is first activity. After preparation of the
ingredients, testing of the properties of the materials is the following task of the mix design.

The strength development of concrete depends on various factors such as mix design, curing
condition, and environmental factors .however, typically, for C30 class concrete using Portland
pozzolana Cement (PPC), the 7 day strength can be expected to be around above 65% of28-day
strength .so for c30 class concrete the 7 day strength using ppc cement would generally range
21Mpa-24Mpa and the 14 day should be greater than 10-20% of the 7 day and it should be
properly cured.
In our test result, for the C-30 grade concrete, we have achieved a:
 ~65% at the 7th day,
 ~80% at the 14th day and

Therefore, the obtained results are within the range of the total compressive strength targeted to
be achieved.
Hence, in this laboratory work, C-30 is achieved In an economical way, therefore, similar result
can be achieved on site level and the common concern of contractors and construction
practitioners can be answered.

Our recommendation is Mix design should be worked out in detail and the concrete
specifications should provide all the detailed information necessary for the desired concrete mix.
In order to achieve the required compressive strength the whole mix proportion process should
be done with attention and care.

Thus, to overcome the problems, in achieving concrete with the specified strength, the following
suggestions have been forwarded specifically for our country:

 Detailed mix design and proportioning manuals compatible with our practical conditions
has to be drafted from our country and implemented.
 Standardization of testing equipment’s has to be enacted so as to overcome quality and
availability problems.

 Generally well experienced and knowledgeable engineers have to contribute to

standardize and upgrade the Ethiopian concrete mix design practice.
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REFERENCES
 EBCS 2 1995 (Ethiopian building code standard)

 EBCS 1and 2 ,1995(Ethiopian building code standard)

 Concrete mix design, Dr.Zena G. Mekelle university hand out lecture text book,2024

 Concrete mix design, properties, and testing by H.W.chung ,

 Marsh, B. K. Design of normal concrete mixes.Publication, 1997.

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