Introduction
The concrete testing laboratory is essential for B.Tech Civil Engineering students and for quality control in construction. It covers fresh concrete workability, mix design, curing, and hardened concrete strength tests — all governed by IS 456:2000 (Plain and Reinforced Concrete) and associated IS codes. This guide lists the standard equipment required for a complete concrete testing lab.
Fresh Concrete Tests — Workability Apparatus
| Equipment | IS Code | Workability Test |
|---|---|---|
| Slump Cone Apparatus (Abrams Cone) | IS 1199 Part 2 | Slump test — most common site workability test |
| Compaction Factor Apparatus | IS 1199 Part 3 | Compaction factor test — medium/low workability concretes |
| Vee-Bee Consistometer | IS 1199 Part 4 | Vee-Bee degree — stiff and very stiff mixes |
| Flow Table Apparatus | IS 1199 Part 5 | Flow test — self-compacting concrete |
Concrete Cube and Cylinder Moulds
| Item | Size | Standard | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube Moulds | 150mm × 150mm × 150mm | IS 10086 | Compressive strength specimens |
| Cylinder Moulds | 150mm dia × 300mm | ASTM C39 | Tensile split and compressive strength |
| Beam Moulds | 150mm × 150mm × 700mm | IS 516 | Flexural strength (modulus of rupture) |
| Compaction Rod / Tamping Rod | 16mm dia, 600mm long | IS 516 | Consolidation of concrete in moulds |
Compression Testing Machine (CTM)
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The Compression Testing Machine is the centrepiece of the concrete testing lab. Key specifications:
- Capacity: 2000 kN (standard for civil engineering labs); 3000 kN for research
- Platens: Hardened steel, 150mm × 150mm minimum
- Loading rate: 140 kg/cm²/minute (IS 516 requirement)
- Display: Digital load display with peak-hold function
- Compliance: IS 14858, BIS certified
Curing Equipment
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Curing Tank (Water Bath, 1000L capacity) | Water curing of concrete specimens at 27±2°C (IS 516) |
| Accelerated Curing Tank | 80°C hot water curing for rapid strength assessment |
| Humidity Chamber | Controlled humidity curing for specialty mixes |
Concrete Mix Design and Aggregate Testing
| Equipment | IS Code | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Sieve Set for Aggregates (80mm–75μm) | IS 2386 Part 1 | Particle size distribution of aggregates |
| Aggregate Impact Value Apparatus | IS 2386 Part 4 | Toughness of coarse aggregate |
| Aggregate Crushing Value Apparatus | IS 2386 Part 4 | Compressive strength of coarse aggregate |
| Los Angeles Abrasion Machine | IS 2386 Part 4 | Abrasion resistance of coarse aggregate |
| Flakiness and Elongation Index Gauge | IS 2386 Part 1 | Particle shape of coarse aggregate |
| Concrete Mixer (Pan type, 40L) | — | Batching and mixing of trial mixes |
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Equipment
| Equipment | IS Code | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Rebound Hammer (Schmidt Hammer) | IS 13311 Part 2 | Surface hardness / in-situ strength estimation |
| Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) Meter | IS 13311 Part 1 | Concrete quality assessment, crack detection |
| Rebar Detector / Covermeter | — | Location and cover of reinforcement bars |
| Core Drilling Machine (100mm dia) | IS 516 | Extraction of cores from existing structures |
Cement Testing Equipment
- Vicat Apparatus — Initial and final setting time (IS 4031 Part 5)
- Le Chatelier Apparatus — Soundness of cement (IS 4031 Part 3)
- Blaine Air Permeability Apparatus — Fineness of cement (IS 4031 Part 2)
- Cement Cube Moulds (70.6mm) — Compressive strength of cement mortar (IS 4031 Part 6)
Procurement Tips
- Ensure the CTM is BIS certified under IS 14858 and has a current calibration certificate from a NABL-accredited lab.
- Rebound hammers must be calibrated every 6 months — check supplier service network.
- Aggregate testing equipment should comply with IS 2386; compression testing to IS 516.
- For NAAC accreditation, maintain calibration records for all measuring instruments.
Equipping a Lab? Get a Quote in 24 Hours
Scientico India manufactures CE-certified, ISO 9001:2015 laboratory equipment — exported to 60+ countries since 1993. Get a CIF proforma invoice within 24 hours.
Lab Equipment Featured in This Guide
Manufactured in-house by Scientico India — ISO 9001:2015 & CE certified, exported to 60+ countries. Request a CIF quote within 24 hours.
Multi-Purpose Teaching Flume (Length 5 m) | FluidoSurge-X 240View details & get quote →
Inclined Pitot Tube Apparatus | FluidoSurge-X 152View details & get quote →
Combined Convection and Radiation ThermoFlux – 7073View details & get quote →
Automotive Air Conditioning Trainer | PolarX – 544View details & get quote →
Thermal Conductivity of Building Materials | ThermoFlux – 7039View details & get quote →
Osborne Reynold’s Apparatus with Manometer | FluidoSurge-X 133View details & get quote →Setting up or upgrading a lab? Send your equipment list or syllabus — get a CIF proforma invoice within 24 hours.