CONCRETE LABORATORY

The Concrete Laboratory at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Jaffna is dedicated to advancing education, research, and practical applications in concrete technology and construction materials. Equipped with modern facilities, our lab encourages hands-on learning and experimentation. Here, students explore various aspects of concrete, including its strength, durability, and sustainability. Our facility is equipped with the necessary tools and equipment for testing and analysis, allowing students to gain valuable insights into the properties and behavior of concrete in real-world applications.

1.Compression Testing Machine

Compression Testing Machine

 

The Compression Testing Machine evaluates a material's ability to withstand compressive forces by applying a load until failure occurs. It measures properties such as compressive strength and deformation under stress. This testing is crucial for ensuring that materials meet the required performance standards for structural applications.

2.Slump test Apparatus

Slump test apparatus.

The Slump Test Apparatus measures the workability of fresh concrete by observing how much it slumps when a conical mold is removed. This test ensures the concrete mixture has the right consistency for proper placement and compaction.

3. J - Ring Apparatus

J-Ring Apparatus

The J-Ring Apparatus evaluates the flowability and segregation resistance of self-compacting concrete by measuring how well it flows through and around a ring. This ensures uniformity and effective placement in challenging forms.

4.Air Entrainment Meter

Air Entrainment Meter

The Air Entrainment Meter measures the air content in fresh concrete and cement mortar or cement paste, which affects its durability and workability per ASTM C231. It determines the volume of air bubbles entrained in the mix, ensuring the concrete has the desired properties for performance and resistance to freeze-thaw cycles.

5.Vicat Apparatus

Vicat Apparatus

The Vicat Apparatus measures the setting time of cement and concrete by determining the consistency and time required for the material to begin and complete setting. It assesses the penetration of a needle into the paste at specified intervals to ensure proper curing and workability.

6.Cube mold Tamping bar

Cube mold Tamping bar.

The Cube Mold Tamping Bar is used to compact concrete in cube molds to ensure uniform density and minimize air voids. It involves manually tamping the concrete in layers to achieve consistent compaction before curing. This tool is essential for accurate determination of concrete strength and durability.

7.Le Chatelier Mould

Le Chatelier Mould

The Le Chatelier Mould is used to determine the expansion of cement paste, assessing its potential for volume change and durability. It measures the expansion by observing the distance between the two halves of the mold after the cement paste has set. This test helps ensure that cement will not undergo excessive expansion, which could affect the stability of concrete structures

8.Le Chatelier water bath

Le Chatelier water bath

The Le Chatelier Water Bath maintains a controlled temperature for the Le Chatelier Mould test, ensuring accurate measurement of cement paste expansion. It provides a constant environment for the cement paste to set and expand, which is crucial for assessing potential volume changes and ensuring the material's stability and durability.

9.Compacting factor test apparatus

Compacting factor test apparatus.

The Compacting Factor Test Apparatus assesses concrete workability by measuring its density before and after compaction. The test involves dropping the concrete sample into a mold and comparing the densities to evaluate ease of compaction. This ensures the concrete has the proper consistency for effective placement.

10.L-Box apparatus

L-box apparatus.

The L-Box Apparatus evaluates the flowability and passing ability of self-compacting concrete by measuring how well it flows through a horizontal and vertical passage. It assesses the ability of the concrete to move around obstacles and fill forms without segregation. This test is crucial for ensuring effective placement in complex molds and tight spaces.

11.U-Box apparatus

U-box apparatus.

The U-Box Apparatus measures the flowability and filling ability of self-compacting concrete by assessing how well it moves from one section of the U-shaped box to another. The test evaluates the concrete's ability to flow under its own weight, passing through obstructions such as rebar without segregation. This is crucial for ensuring the concrete can fill complex forms and dense reinforcement areas uniformly.

12.V-Box apparatus

V-box apparatus.

The V-Box Apparatus measures the flowability and viscosity of self-compacting concrete by evaluating the time it takes for concrete to flow through a narrow opening in a V-shaped box. This test helps determine the concrete's ability to flow easily while maintaining uniformity and preventing segregation. It's essential for ensuring the concrete can fill intricate forms and pass through dense reinforcement effectively

13.Rebound hammer

Rebound hammer

The Rebound Hammer measures the surface hardness of concrete to estimate its compressive strength. It operates by impacting the concrete surface with a spring-loaded hammer and recording the rebound distance. This non-destructive test provides a quick assessment of concrete quality and uniformity.

14.Vee-bee Consistometer

Vee-bee Consistometer

The Vee-Bee Consistometer measures concrete's workability by determining its consistency and the effort needed for compaction. It assesses how well concrete flows and consolidates under vibration. This ensures the concrete mixture has suitable workability for construction purposes.