Describe in details the following fresh properties test in accordance with relevant British Standard, where necessary and discuss the importance and significant of such tests

Please read carefully the requirement of this Reassessment Coursework.

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This work requires an extensive literature and research desk study. As such, you are required to review, research, analyse, and understand the subject from books and magazines. References to books and quote at least 5 most recent published journal papers are highly recommended. Any other sources i.e. internet or website are NOT allowed.

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Your work will be marked against the following marking criteria: 1) Content:

• Detailed knowledge of the subject: up to date knowledge, information and explanation on the subject and the extent to which the work defines the concepts.
• Evidence and examples: the extent to which the work deploys examples and pieces of evidence to support its claims.

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particular intellectual problem posed.

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which demonstrates familiarity with the relevant writings on the subject. References to books are highly recommended. However, any references or citations made from other sources i.e. internet or website are acceptable (not Wikipedia). But, they must not be used excessively and the sources need to be from reliable sources.
• Presentation and Citations: the extent to which the work is presented in clear expression and format, accurate English and followed good academic practice in terms of citation and referencing.

1. Fresh concrete consists of aggregate and other solid particles dispersed in cement paste. The cement paste together with water coats the particles of aggregate and acts both as a binder and as a separating medium. It enables the particles to move and re-arrange their original spacing. Therefore, information on the fresh properties of concrete provides important knowledge and understanding which is essential in successful concrete construction practice.
1. (a)  Describe in details the following fresh properties test in accordance with relevant British Standard, where necessary and discuss the importance and significant of such tests.
   • Slump test

• Flow table

2. (b)  In concrete production, compaction has to be done properly to ensure the concrete has the potential to achieve its design strength and of good qualify of concrete. Explain the purpose of compaction and discuss the effects to the concrete if the compaction were not carried out properly.
3. (c)  Describe and distinguish the various terms and characteristic used to define fresh concrete:

• Workability • Segregation

(30 marks – 1500 words max)

2. The use of recycled materials and secondary aggregate in the UK is increasing as the construction industry seeks to become more sustainable. Building materials such as concrete are a key resource for building a sustainable society and the industry have a responsibility to protect the climate and secure the resources for the future. Below are some of the recycled materials that has been widely used in the industry and others have been widely researched. They are:

• Recycled concrete aggregate • Recycled wash glass sand

For each of the above recycled materials, describe, analyse and critically evaluate how these recycled materials will affect the performance of concrete in (note: review, analyse and quote at least 5 most recent published journal papers. Any other sources i.e. internet or website are NOT allowed):

• Fresh properties (these includes workability, segregation, etc) • Hardened properties (these includes strength, durability etc)

(30 marks – 1500 max)

1. Aggregate act as fillers to bind with cement paste to form concrete. As such, its properties have significant effect on concrete properties. There are different types of aggregate depending on their sources. Define the following types of aggregate:

1. (i)  Normal-density aggregate
2. (ii)  Recycled aggregate from demolition of concrete structure

(10 marks – 500 max)

4. A laboratory experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing natural aggregate with recycled concrete aggregate at different percentage content. Concrete cube samples of 150mm dimensions were tested for compressive strength and the test results are presented in Table Q4.

(i)  Using the results presented in Table Q4, calculate the compressive strength (N/mm2) of the concrete cube samples.

(ii)  Plot graph showing compressive strength against the percentage (%) of recycled concrete aggregate content. You can either use graph paper to hand-draw the graph or if you don’t have a graph paper, you can use normal A4 paper and draw the graph accordingly. After which, take photo in jpeg format and embed it within your answer (Please ensure the inserted image is at good resolution). Graphs drawn using Excel are not accepted.

(iii)  Based on the results, discuss the effect of replacing natural concrete aggregate to its compressive strength

 

*concrete cube samples of 150mm dimensions were used

(30 marks)