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Since the introduction of concrete for building structural elements, the importance of controlling
the manufacture of concrete to achieve the desired strength has been felt strongly.
Effective inspection reduces failures, prevents mistakes and improves the adherence to
specifications. Adequate inspection of concrete construction permits the use of advanced design
procedures and specifications and will frequently expedite construction and reduce the cost of
the work. Moreover, it is expected to reduce the maintenance cost.
=∑x/n
The average strength of test samples in the field has to be higher than the structural design
strength, as with reference to average strength, half the test values will fall below it.
Three stages
• Mixing
• Compaction
• Curing
• Quality of Sand
• Quality of Water
• Concrete must be satisfactory in two stages, namely in the plastic stage and the hardened
stage. If the condition of the plastic concrete is not satisfactory it can not be properly
compacted and its structural value is reduced. Thus, if there are 5% of air voids due to
incomplete compaction, the strength will be reduced by 30% and 10% of air voids will
cause a loss of strength of about 60%. The satisfactory compaction can be obtained only
if the concrete is satisfactorily and sufficiently workable. The property of workability,
therefore become of vital importance from structural point of view.
2. Workability of Concrete
• Slump Test – I.S. 1199 para 5 deals with this test. The slump test apparatus is very simple
and cheap and the test can be conducted during the progress of work in the filed. I.S. 456
para 7.1 prescribes the values of workability.
Durability
• The durability of concrete depends on adequate cement content and low water cement
ratio. Cement and water is needed to bind together the aggregates firmly. Thus, the
suitable combination of the aggregates is key to quality concrete. The proper grading of
the aggregates make the concrete dense. This also governs the quantity of water required
for workability