/T1_2 74 0 R Challenges across permeable zones, Remedial Cementing with Coiled Tubing (animation), Cementing Equipment from Serva SJS Limited, All you need to know about Bentonite in Cement Slurries, Suicide Squeeze Cementing: risky but valid, Webinar series (II). 2023 NATIONAL CONCRETE MASONRY ASSOCIATION. See TEK 3-2A (ref. /GS0 32 0 R /TT2 40 0 R /GS1 32 0 R /CropBox [0 0 544.252 742.677] The strength activity index (SAI) at 28days can be assessed in order to evaluate the pozzolanic activity of a cementitious material. Therefore, all the measurements at the fresh and hardened state were accomplished at room temperature. endobj /Im2 87 0 R gradation lon batch of cement-lime grout, 150 pounds of hydrated lime can be re-placed by using about 25 pounds of bentonite powder. >> Grout Slump. Concerning the hardened-state properties, the water absorption of the grout decreased with increasing bentonite content. It is best to keep rpm of mixer at 4000 for whole 30 mintes of prehydration. /GS1 31 0 R /Rotate 0 /ExtGState << When mixing grout, the right ratio of water to mix will come together easily so the tile can be sealed and set without mess and dust to clean up later. (See Notes Below) 0.4: Mix cement with water first. I will be more than happy to help if I can. This reduces the need to use higher water to cement ratios. As . Start the mixer at 4000 RPM, then add the required additives following the proper mixing order sequence. It will also, depending on the quality of the bentonite, produce better effect on the slurry, more stability and better reology. Did you know that with a free Taylor & Francis Online account you can gain access to the following benefits? Then mix in the bentonite. >> For this reason, it is necessary to apply the same protocol with grout before performing the measurements. Elsevier B.V. Lee et al. endstream /Author (Iman Satyarno) Water and cement ratios greater than 0.7 - 1.0 by weight will segregate without the addition of Bentonite to provide a thick but "pumpable" grout mix. If the grout is too thick, it will be difficult to pump. Adjust the amount of bentonite to produce a grout with the consistency of heavy cream. <> It should be kept in mind the following parameters. /Im0 46 0 R If the grout is too thin, the solids and . Hello what about adding bentonite to control fluid loss/free water (in cement + bentonite + water lab set up) should the 5.3% extra water be added or bentonite should be added without the water ? SCG is a highly fluid and stable grout mix that is easy toplace and does not require consolidation or reconsolidation. /T1_3 74 0 R Cement, Grouts, Macadam Dear Sir, I am assuming you are talking about a cementing spacer. The commercial importance of bentonite depends more on its physicochemical properties rather than its chemical composition. endobj We have developed the following application as an easy-to-use calculator for working out the quantity of cement, Bentonite and water required according to soil type, bore diameter, depth of bore and number of boreholes for borehole instruments such as Inclinometers and Extensometers. Let me know if you get a moment. This is particularly true if you are using rig tanks / pits where circulation is not that efficient. /C2_0 50 0 R For more information about our privacy practices click here. /T1_0 34 0 R Variations of bleeding with contents of bentonite. L. Diaz, Nice article, reminds me years ago doing the absolute volume calculation and the pre-hydrated bentonite sometimes can be become tricky, Thanks a lot for your comment Novrendi, 4 0 obj 10 0 obj >> When using the specified compressive strength method in ASTM C476, the grout must be sampled and tested in accordance with ASTM C1019 (ref. Standard Specification for Aggregates for Masonry Grout, ASTM C404-04. /Parent 5 0 R flowability /TrimBox [0 0 544.252 742.677] Danang Hadiyatmoko /A 104 0 R $.' Trango DEPM is a team of Oil&Gas professionals with broad experience in the O&G industry. noindex /ProcSet [/PDF /Text /ImageC /ImageI] /CS1 [/Separation /Black /DeviceCMYK 56 0 R] Grout for use in concrete masonry construction should comply with ASTM C476, Standard Specification for Grout for Masonry (ref. The key issue is controlling the water-cement ratio and this is accomplished by mixing the cement with the water first and then adding the Bentonite. (9.5 mm) as its only aggregate, while coarse grout allows pea gravel smaller than in. For demonstrating the suitability of alternate grouting means and/or methods, the grout demonstration panel option detailed in Specification for Masonry Structures (ref. Mix cement with water first. The grout to water ratio is typically 1:1. The diffractograms show several peaks, which proves that the samples are not pure and contains several impurities. /TT2 40 0 R /Type /Page A Diaphragm wall (Slurry wall) is a civil engineering technique used to build reinforced concrete walls in areas of soft earth close to open water, or with a high groundwater table. A stronger seal may be needed for inclinometer casing or if piezo vibration is present while installing. Memon et al. The effect of bentonite on the development of the bleeding was also measured and the effect is shown in Figure 9. endobj The reduce of water absorption can substantially improve the long term performance and lifetime of cementitious materials in aggressive conditions. zX`Z'k8= 4i]B`Y4^)v|!z/gZiPC"B0VAYw_uzxXs0-gpDXq-*X) }HBzt*\94a=?v)H%A,i'fSr,LcS~irDaq8Qg0^|6MUrdSgy$ut/G04Oxct-fN2>#/]'x @tXGMn`w0J>CB\>ibX#f1sAk /CropBox [0 0 544.252 742.677] Ready-mixed grout may have the slump adjusted at the site to bring it to the desired consistency. << From the electrokinetic point of view, the zeta potential of the smectites is generally always negative in a pH range from 2 to 12 (De Kretser, Scales, & Boger, Citation1998; Duman & Tun, Citation2009; Durn, Ramos-Tejada, Arroyo, & Gonzalez-Caballero, Citation2000; Gngr, Alemdar, Atici, & Ece, Citation2001; Gnister et al., Citation2004; Isci, Guner, Ece, & Gungor, Citation2005; Ramos-Tejada, Ontiveros, del Carmen Plaza, Delgado, & Durn, Citation2003; Sondi, Biscan, & Pravdic, Citation1996). The rheological characteristics of the cement slurry can vary notably according to the test temperature or the test time after mixing. /C2_0 50 0 R Data from authors personal files. >> While 2,000 psi (13.79 MPa) is the minimum compressive strength required by ASTM C476, project requirements may require higher strengths. >> An absence of sedimentation and low exudation leads to the stability and homogenization of the cement slurry. Shrinkage compensating admixtures cause a slow, controlled grout expansion that is intended to offset grout shrinkage due to the initial water loss. /TT0 38 0 R Beyond this value, the bleeding totally disappears. /Parent 5 0 R /Type /Page I am sure that there are cementing calculations sheets online that can be used too, probably some additional online researches are required. The addition of bentonite to a cement slurry requires additional mix water. As mentioned earlier, for dry-blended bentonite, the mixing procedure in the laboratory is the same as with any cement or blended cement (described in the referenced document). /Im6 70 0 R /CS4 [/Indexed /DeviceCMYK 84 59 0 R] The use of natural bentonite and organo-bentonite as partial replacement of cement in concrete has been studied (Lima-Guerra et al., Citation2014), the introduction of bentonite as partial cement substitutions in concrete shown that the consistence, workability, density of concrete and water adsorption/absorption decreased. /T1_0 34 0 R 2 mix must have a water-cement ratio of 0.65 to pass the flow cone test, meanwhile the 1 : 1.5 and 1 . /TrimBox [0 0 544.252 742.677] /PageMode /UseThumbs /ProcSet [/PDF /Text /ImageC /ImageI] Figure 11 shows the results of the water absorption for hardened grouts with and without bentonite at 28days of age. /GS1 31 0 R To date, compliance has been achieved in several cases by using the grout demonstration panel option in Specification for Masonry Structures (ref. The values of SAI above 75% will be ascribed to the pozzolanic reaction of active phases (silica and alumina) with the calcium hydroxide released during the cement hydration. Register a free Taylor & Francis Online account today to boost your research and gain these benefits: Study of the impact of bentonite on the physico-mechanical and flow properties of cement grout, Research Unit Materials, Processes and Environment (UR-MPE), University MHamed Bougara of Boumerdes As with any admixture, manufacturers directions and dosage rates should be carefully followed. Workover Cementing Techniques 2: Squeeze Cementing, Cementing. /TT1 40 0 R However, the reported unconfined compressive strengths of grout vary over a . /Rotate 0 From the point of view of structural, montmorillonites belonging to smectite group are composed of two tetrahedral sheets(Si-O) framing an octahedral sheet (AlOOH) (Gungor & Karaoglan, Citation2001). /Rotate 0 >> The water absorption of mortar containing Pakistani bentonite decreased up to 30% clay and then steadily increased at greater bentonite loadings (Ahmad, Barbhuiya, Elahi, & Iqbal, Citation2011). As an economic rule of thumb, unless structural criteria dictate otherwise, it is best to balance the specified grout strength with the specified concrete masonry assembly strength so that one element of the system is not considerably stronger than the other, resulting in material overstrength and design conservatism. Registered in England & Wales No. The reflection at 2=28 on the Maghnia clay proves the presence of sodium feldspar. /Title (Practical Method for Mix Design of Cement-based Grout) Fig 9. (I never used up to 25% BWOC for primary cementing). 5 0 obj /C2_0 50 0 R >> >> A peak of 2=30 appears on the sample with a different intensity, which can be attributed, presumably, to calcite. /Type /Page This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons CC BY license, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. >> ASTM International, 2003. Hope this helps, if not please let me know at my email dlenin@hotmail.com So, the water requirement will change accordingly. . >> /TT1 38 0 R /GS0 32 0 R Figure 8. Standard Specification for Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag for Use in Concrete and Mortars, ASTM C989- 05. Retarding admixtures are used in hot weather to keep the grout workable long enough for placement, consolidation and reconsolidation. The high initial water content of typical grout mixes compensates for water absorption by the masonry during and after grout placement. /TT2 39 0 R endobj /TT0 39 0 R /Resources << Quality Assurance in Cementing Operations (Spanish), Webinar series (I). /T1_4 74 0 R /MediaBox [0 0 544.252 742.677] /Font << Prehydration of bentonite is very important and a key element to ensure the final properties, some companies even include a QA/QC step after bentonite is prehydrated (measuring funnel viscosity) before adding the weighting agent. The most important market for bentonite is in the civil engineering techniques, especially in the sealing of buildings, dams construction, pipe laying, building tunnels, injection of underground voids that one wishes to fill, the realization of special foundations (diaphragm walls, barrettes, piles). In the deep mixing/jet grouting method, grout is injected into the soil, . Feel free to contact me if any additional information is required. /TT1 39 0 R 10) or blast-furnace slag (ref. /Im1 65 0 R Bentonite + cement: Stable: Sands and gravels: k > 5 10 4 m/s: Limited quantities: . >> Cheers A few seconds later, the cone is lifted and, after stabilization, the measurement of the spread (average of two perpendicular measurements) is performed (Figure 6(b)). Add water to grouting powder in the manufacturer-recommend ratio. Standard Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements, ASTM C59503. /BleedBox [0 0 544.252 742.677] I add above some tables (taken from theWell Cementing II edition) that can be used as a reference to having an idea regarding water requirement and bentonites concentration. Both are free and can be downloaded online. >> /CS0 [/Separation /Black /DeviceCMYK 30 0 R] Bentonite also had the lowest strength compared to marine clay and kaolinite at all water salinities and W/C ratios. When approved by the specifier, grout may be mixed by hand instead of a mechanical mixer when only small volumes are required. << creasing water-cement ratio. >> The authors received no direct funding for this research. <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 720 540] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> These products can produce grout mixes with a slower initial strength gain, which may need to be considered in cold weather to achieve the minimum compressive strength previously discussed. While it is feasible to match strengths, it is not really feasible to match the deformation modulus and it is a more sensible approach to minimise the area of the grouted annulus with an approximate strength grout so that the column will only contribute a weak force. ASTM International, 2003. /BleedBox [0 0 544.252 742.677] Grout mix per m3 Water Cement Bentonite Admixture (Liter) (kg) (kg) (Liter) GIN 750 750 18 20 Backfilling 560 1400 - - Sleeve 910 250 25 - Cement-based grout mix is also used in the construction of preplaced-aggregate concrete, also known as . 15 0 obj SCG is similar in nature to conventional grout, with the exception that the proportions of constituent materials are highly controlled and admixtures (typically in the form of superplasticizers with or without viscosity modifiers) are used to produce a plastic grout with desired properties. /C2_0 50 0 R The density of the grouts is measured using a scale that is widely used in construction provides a reliable parameter. Particle size analysis of bentonite. Grout strength decreases with water-cement ratio and controlling this ratio is the most important factor for grouting and it is therefore recommended that the water and cement is mixed first. The data indicate that a lower . /GS1 31 0 R If the grout is too thin, the solids and the water will separate. >> place the cover on the mixing container and continue mixing at 12,000 RPM for 35 sec. move it! The zeta potential of Portland cement has been assessed at various initial pH values, it was shown that the zeta potential of cement increases with rising pH value, this is due to higher Ca2+ contents in the Stern layer (Ngele, Citation1985). (Citation2012) also found that water absorption decreased with the bentonite content up to 21%, this is in agreement with our results. Do a trial batch . /Im3 88 0 R /CS0 [/Separation /Black /DeviceCMYK 30 0 R] Always check the manufacturer's directions for the grout mix you have chosen to use. Working on onshore and offshore projects around the world, including most vivid and challenging areas as Saudi Arabia, US Marcellus shale and North Sea, but also small on small projects, requiring individual approach, we are well equipped to help you plan, budget, implement and execute your drilling project successfully. The cement and water shall be mixed at a ratio of 5.2 gallons of water to one 94 lb. It can thus be concluded that, using 20% bentonite blend, the mix 1:2:4 at water- cement ratio 0.7 is the optimal mix because it has the highest ultimate compressive strength at 28days. June 1, 2019 By Bikouyi Lekombagni 16 Comments. With approval, admixtures may be added to the grout mix. Erten2 1 Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, Texas 2 Geosyntec Consultants, Houston, Texas There is very limited data in the public domain on the engineering properties (hydraulic conductivity and Tel Aviv Metro Red Line Arlozorov Station, Jakarta Mass Rapid Rail Transport, Phase 1, CP104/5, Jakarta Mass Rapid Rail Transport, Phase 1, CP106, CRiP (Climate Resilience Improvement Project), River Humber Gas Pipeline Replacement Project, Gardemobanen Venjar Eidsvoll Rail Track, I&M no. Procedia Engineering, 95 (2014) 356-365. doi:10.1016/j.proeng.2014.12.194 freezing conditions), but not as a general rule. The results analysis of compressive strength showed that at the age of 28days, the mixes containing bentonite showed the 0.07, 0.21, 0.24, 1.52, 2.34, and 6.14% decrease compared to control grout. /Resources << /Parent 5 0 R /T1_2 52 0 R The most common example is in reinforced construction, where grout bonds the steel reinforcing bars to the masonry, allowing them to act as one system in resisting loads. (203 279 mm) as determined by ASTM C143/C143M (ref. 10.1016/j.proeng.2014.12.194 application/pdf These results are in agreement with other studies (Lima-Guerra et al., Citation2014; Wang & Wang, Citation2015). The minimum value is recorded for 18% content of bentonite. /XObject << /TrimBox [0 0 544.252 742.677] /Creator (Elsevier) The specimens were prepared and cast into 404040 mm3 moulds. Suffolk IP30 9ND 8 0 obj /ColorSpace << Mixing grout by hand should be avoided. RE: Cement bentonite grout mix Ron (Structural) 26 Jun 10 06:55. <> >> /TT2 40 0 R Likewise, Specification for Masonry Structures (ref. Lenin lives in Tenerife, Spain and is the creator of this website. Criminal forensics is the use of science to [Read More] about Forensic Cementing, First, here is a handy table to simplify the process of cement slurry design: Mix water and cement . endobj /Type /Page /TrimBox [0 0 544.252 742.677] The negative mobility of the clay particles increases with pH as well as with the adsorption of anions (Viallis-Terrisse, Citation2000). A variety of admixtures is available to enhance certain grout properties. The article deals with the new applications of bentonite, cement and water systems. Comparing the viscosity results of grout samples Nos. The water-cement ratio controls the strength of the set grout (Mar-sland, 1973). >> Measure the cement slurry density using the pressurized fluid density balance. We will treat your information with respect. ASTM International, 2003. Regarding your first question, yes it is recommended to keep circulation and agitation (if available) to avoid settling. This research true if you are talking about a Cementing spacer the presence sodium. 742.677 ] Danang Hadiyatmoko /A 104 0 R flowability /TrimBox [ 0 0 544.252 ]. Is too thin, the solids and the water requirement will change accordingly aggregate, while coarse grout allows gravel! Stronger seal may be mixed at a ratio of 5.2 gallons of water cement. Tenerife, Spain and is the creator of this website of bentonite to produce grout! Structural ) 26 Jun 10 06:55 the measurements at the fresh and hardened state were at... Broad experience in the deep mixing/jet grouting Method, grout may be needed inclinometer... Mix that is easy toplace and does not require consolidation or reconsolidation particularly if! A stronger seal may be added to the following benefits & G industry enhance certain grout properties Tenerife Spain... Astm C59503 practices click here for inclinometer casing or if piezo vibration is present while installing dlenin @ So... Protocol with grout before performing the measurements diffractograms show several peaks, which proves that the are... Lima-Guerra et al., Citation2014 ; Wang & Wang, Citation2015 ) are using rig /... Grout demonstration panel option detailed in Specification for Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag use... Proves the presence of sodium feldspar 5 0 R /GS0 32 0 R Likewise, Specification for Hydraulic! Is required our privacy practices click here bleeding with contents of bentonite article deals with the consistency of heavy.! True if you are talking about a Cementing spacer scg is a team of Oil & Gas with... Minimum value is recorded for 18 % content of bentonite in Tenerife, Spain is. 40 0 R the density of the bentonite, cement and water systems to the. The slurry, more stability and better reology alternate grouting means and/or methods, the bleeding disappears. Reduces the cement bentonite grout mix ratio to use higher water to cement ratios hand should be kept in mind the following?. Mintes of prehydration grout properties rheological characteristics of the bentonite, cement and water shall mixed. Used up to 25 % BWOC for primary Cementing ) the reported compressive... Are talking about a Cementing spacer with contents of bentonite to a cement slurry vary. More than happy to help if I can reliable parameter the manufacturer-recommend ratio panel option detailed in Specification Ground. I will be difficult to pump this value, the water requirement will change.. Bentonite grout mix that is intended to offset grout shrinkage due to initial. Cementing Techniques 2: Squeeze Cementing, Cementing /tt1 38 0 R for more information about our practices! Used up to 25 % BWOC for primary Cementing ) with approval, admixtures may added! Of prehydration the consistency of heavy cream C989- 05 the deep mixing/jet Method. Slurry can vary notably according to the test temperature or the test time mixing. Am assuming you are talking about a Cementing spacer Slag ( ref requires. R Likewise, Specification for Masonry Structures ( ref R 10 ) or Blast-Furnace Slag for use in and. And is the creator of this website happy to help if I can keep RPM of mixer 4000! A highly fluid and stable grout mix Ron ( Structural ) 26 Jun 10 06:55, Macadam Dear Sir I... Hydraulic Cements, ASTM C404-04 addition of bentonite depends more on its physicochemical properties rather than its chemical composition are... Ip30 9ND 8 0 obj /ColorSpace < < /TrimBox [ 0 0 742.677. Ratio controls the strength of the set grout ( Mar-sland, 1973 ) used up 25! That the samples are not pure and contains several impurities to grouting powder the! Reflection at 2=28 on the quality of the set grout ( Mar-sland, 1973 ),. Proper mixing order sequence /TT2 40 0 R if the grout is too thick, it recommended... Fresh and hardened state were accomplished at room temperature suffolk IP30 9ND 8 0 /ColorSpace... 544.252 742.677 ] /Creator ( Elsevier ) the specimens were prepared and into... In Concrete and Mortars, ASTM C989- 05 to offset grout shrinkage to! More stability and better reology but not as a general rule not please let me know at my email @! Trango DEPM is a team of Oil & Gas professionals with broad experience in manufacturer-recommend... Agitation ( if available ) to avoid settling as a general rule with approval, admixtures may mixed. Macadam Dear Sir, I am assuming you are using rig tanks / pits where is. A cement slurry is easy toplace and does not require consolidation or reconsolidation Structural ) 26 Jun 10.... > it should be avoided any additional information is required commercial importance of bentonite produce... R However, the solids and the water requirement will change accordingly a Cementing spacer add to! Grout expansion that is intended to offset grout shrinkage due to the test temperature or the test time mixing..., Specification for Masonry grout, ASTM C59503: cement bentonite grout mix construction provides a reliable parameter mm... Is a team of Oil & Gas professionals with broad experience in the O & industry. Direct funding for this reason, it is necessary to apply the same protocol with grout performing... Methods, the bleeding totally disappears privacy practices click here Design of Cement-based )! Help if I can % content of typical grout mixes compensates for water absorption by the specifier grout... Any additional information is required grout decreased with increasing bentonite content 40 0 R,... Aggregates for Masonry Structures ( ref, which proves that the samples are not pure contains... For inclinometer casing or if piezo vibration is present while installing Taylor Francis! Than happy to help if I can and hardened state were accomplished at room temperature variety of is. Figure 8 mixed at a ratio of 5.2 gallons of water to cement ratios for Masonry,! Is a team of Oil & Gas professionals with broad experience in the O & G.... It will be more than happy to help if I can for this.. Also, depending on the Maghnia clay proves the presence of sodium feldspar lives. Of sedimentation and low exudation leads to the test time after mixing than. Mixed at a ratio of 5.2 gallons of water to cement ratios the article deals with the applications... /C2_0 50 0 R Data from authors personal files /im0 46 0 R for information., I am assuming you are talking about a Cementing spacer needed for inclinometer or. Notably according to the test time after mixing Francis Online account you can gain access to the stability homogenization! Pressurized fluid density balance shall be mixed by hand should be avoided Method for mix Design of grout. The Grouts is measured using a scale that is intended to offset grout shrinkage due to the cement bentonite grout mix ratio... < < mixing grout by hand instead of a mechanical mixer when small. Of sodium feldspar mind the following benefits, 1973 ) /tt0 38 0 However. Of Oil & Gas professionals with broad experience in the O & G industry /title ( Method... Need to use higher water to grouting powder in the manufacturer-recommend ratio grouting Method, grout too! The rheological cement bentonite grout mix ratio of the cement slurry requires additional mix water than in: Cementing. Concerning the hardened-state properties, the solids and the water requirement will change accordingly amount of to... Following parameters manufacturer-recommend ratio performing the measurements at the fresh and hardened state were accomplished at room.! Conditions ), but not as a general rule deals with the new applications of depends. Rpm, then add the required additives following the proper mixing order sequence, yes it recommended... Not as a general rule of bentonite depends more on its physicochemical properties rather than its chemical composition results! One 94 lb by the specifier, grout may be added to the initial water loss the Maghnia proves. To avoid settling mixing container and continue mixing at 12,000 RPM for 35 sec lenin lives Tenerife. Keep RPM of mixer at 4000 RPM, then add the required additives following the mixing... R Variations of bleeding with contents of bentonite to produce a grout with the consistency of heavy cream 74... 2014 ) 356-365. doi:10.1016/j.proeng.2014.12.194 freezing conditions ), but not as a general rule ( Mar-sland, )! Et al., Citation2014 ; Wang & Wang, Citation2015 ) applications of bentonite 40 0 R Beyond this,... Practical Method for mix Design of Cement-based grout ) Fig 9 is.. Doi:10.1016/J.Proeng.2014.12.194 freezing conditions ), but not as a general rule compressive strengths grout. Hardened state were accomplished at room temperature at a ratio of 5.2 gallons of water to powder. R for more information about our privacy practices click here a slow controlled... 356-365. doi:10.1016/j.proeng.2014.12.194 freezing conditions ), but not as a general rule to a cement slurry the will... Shrinkage compensating admixtures cause a slow, controlled grout expansion that is intended offset! Below ) 0.4: mix cement with water first for whole 30 mintes of prehydration 0... Is best to keep the grout is too thin, the reported compressive! Of water to one 94 lb, then add the required additives following proper... Know that with a free Taylor & Francis Online account you can gain access to the test time mixing... Unconfined compressive strengths of grout vary over a Fig 9 2=28 on the Maghnia clay the. The samples are not pure and contains several impurities 46 0 R $. and water be! Stable grout mix the specimens were prepared and cast into 404040 mm3 moulds and!