Empirical Engineering Dossiers

Featured Research & Engineering Projects

Undergraduate experimental research conducted at Nepal Engineering College (Pokhara University) evaluating self-healing concrete agents, commercial OPC cement quality compliance, and standardized testing frameworks in Nepal.

Primary Focus

3 Core Research Dossiers

Specialized Research

Self-Healing Concrete (~88% Recovery)

Code Compliance

IS 516, IS 4031, IS 456 & NS Codes

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Featured Research Project

Concrete & Materials

Evaluation of Crack Sealing Performance in Concrete with Various Agents

Experimental research evaluating early-age compressive strength, split tensile recovery, and visual crack sealing efficiency of epoxy resin, encapsulated epoxy (gelatin-gum arabic), gypsum, and fly ash with coconut coir in OPC concrete specimens.

Problem & Research Purpose

Concrete cracking accelerates steel reinforcement corrosion and reduces structural lifespan. This study investigates affordable, locally accessible self-healing agents in Nepal to autonomously repair micro-cracks and enhance concrete durability.

Key Findings

Conducted 7-day & 28-day compressive and split tensile testing on 150mm cubes & 150x300mm cylinders as per IS 516.

Induced controlled artificial cracks on Day 16 using UTM; evaluated healing & residual strength on Day 28.

Epoxy resin achieved highest 7-day compressive strength (15.12 MPa, +18.95% over control) & 76.68% strength recovery.

OPC 43 Grade CementUniversal Testing Machine (UTM)Vicat ApparatusSlump Cone (IS 1199)+2 more

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Featured Research Project

Quality Assurance & Testing

Quality Assessment of Different Cements in Nepal

Comprehensive laboratory experimentation and field site survey auditing the physical and chemical properties of five major 43-Grade OPC cement brands in Nepal (Shivam, Huaxin, Arghakhanchi, United, and Brij) against Indian and Nepal Bureau of Standards.

Problem & Research Purpose

Rapid post-earthquake rebuilding in Nepal requires reliable cement quality. Concerns over strength variations and setting times prompted this study to evaluate compliance with standards and assist construction firms in material selection.

Key Findings

Performed fineness sieve analysis (90μm sieve) showing 90% to 94% passing (6% to 10% retained), meeting IS 4031 Part 1.

Evaluated Vicat consistency (26% to 31%) and initial setting times (30 to 45 mins), complying with IS 4031 Part 5 (>30 mins).

Measured final setting times (8h 55m to 9h 46m) and specific gravity (2.99 to 3.15), satisfying IS 4031 Part 11 limits (3.10 - 3.25).

Vicat Apparatus (Setting & Consistency)Compression Testing Machine (UTM)Le-Chatelier Flask & KeroseneStandard 90μm Sieves+2 more

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Research & Standards Proposal

Proposal on Quality Assessment of Cements Manufactured in Nepal

Structured academic research proposal establishing experimental methodologies, sampling protocols, and socio-economic evaluation frameworks to audit commercial cement compliance (OPC 33, 43, and 53 grades) with Nepal Standards (NS: 49:2041).

Problem & Research Purpose

Lack of transparent quality compliance data between manufacturers and construction contractors creates structural integrity risks. This proposal designed a standardized testing audit to evaluate physical/chemical properties and improve local cement quality.

Key Findings

Outlined experimental sampling methodology across 5 major Nepalese cement manufacturers (Shivam, Sarbottam, Hongshi, Jagadamba, and Maruti).

Defined laboratory test protocols for fineness (90μm sieve shaking), Vicat consistency (25-35%), initial setting time (<30 mins), and Le-Chatelier soundness expansion (<10mm).

Formulated 28-day compressive strength grading criteria for 33 Grade (33 MPa), 43 Grade (43 MPa), and 53 Grade (53 MPa) cements.

Research Proposal MethodologyNepal Standards (NS: 49:2041)Indian Standards (IS 8112 / IS 12269)NBSM Compliance Framework+1 more