Analysis of fresh concrete

Abstract

Quite a few methods have been recommended in technical literature for the determination of the cement and water contents as well as the water-cement ration of fresh concrete. This not only shows the importance of the problem but the fact that none of the existing methods is completely satisfactory for engineers. This dissertation discusses some of the more established methods for determining the cement, water, and aggregate contents, with particular reference to the local calcareous aggregate. Some of the methods available in BS 1881: Part 128: 1997 are investigated, together with those published in the Italian UNI-6393 code and the German DIN 1048-1. Variations of these methods are also studied and an original variant based on the flammability of ethanol is proposed. Extensive research concerning various analysis methods supported in technical literature is clearly indicated.