CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING (CECMAT20)

MODULE 2 – FAMILIARIZATION WITH THE APPARATUS, INSTRUMENTS,

Objectives:
You will be able to comprehend the importance of sampling and testing to ensure the conformity and suitability of the materials used in construction.
You will be able to familiarize yourself with the apparatus /instruments and equipment used in the testing of materials.

A. Introduction

Construction materials had been required to undergo rigorous testing to ensure their safety, strength, and suitability for use in structures such
as roads, buildings, and bridges. Testing had been done in laboratories and on-site using appropriate tools, devices, and equipment. This module
had been intended to help students recognize and understand how each testing apparatus and machine had been used in practice.

B. Importance of Following Proper Procedure and Standards in Testing of Materials

Construction material testing must always be done in accordance with recognized standards to ensure quality and reliability. The following
standards have been established by different regulatory bodies:

1. ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) – has established technical standards for a wide range of materials and testing
methods.
Example: ASTM C39 – Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens.

2. AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) – has developed materials and methods standards
specifically for transportation and highway construction.
Example: AASHTO T180 – Moisture-Density Relationship of Soils.

3. ACI (American Concrete Institute) – Had provided specifications for concrete mixture design, testing, and performance in construction.
Example: ACI 211.1 – Standard Practice for Selecting Proportions for Normal, Heavyweight, and Mass Concrete.

4. DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways – Philippines) – Had regulated local infrastructure standards, including material
testing for roads and bridges.
Example: DPWH Blue Book Section 900 – Quality Control and Acceptance of Concrete.

5. BRS (Bureau of Research and Standards) – Had supported DPWH through research and standardization of laboratory practices and
testing procedures.
Example: Standard Test Procedures used in DPWH-accredited labs for soil and concrete.

C. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Used in Testing of Materials

The safety of individuals working in material testing environments has been ensured through the use of the following PPE:
1. Safety Goggles – used to protect the eyes from dust, flying particles, or chemical splashes.
2. Rubber/Nitrile Gloves – used to protect hands from harmful chemicals, heat, or cold.
3. Leather Work Gloves – used to prevent hand injuries from rough or heavy materials.
4. Laboratory Gown / Coverall – used to protect the body from chemical spills or dirt.
5. Face Mask / Respirator – used to avoid inhaling dust or fumes.
6. Hard Hat – used to prevent head injury from falling objects.
7. Safety Vest – used to increase visibility on construction sites.
8. Steel-Toe Boots – used to protect feet from heavy or sharp objects.
9. Ear Protection – used during operations involving loud machinery.

D. Laboratory Apparatus or Instruments in Construction Materials and Testing

These instruments had been used to perform tests on materials under controlled laboratory conditions:
1. Set of Sieves – used to determine the particle size distribution of aggregates.
2. Liquid Limit Device – used to assess the consistency of fine-grained soil.
3. Vicat Apparatus – used to test the setting time of cement paste.
4. Gilmore Needle Apparatus – also used to determine initial and final setting time of cement.
5. Le Chatelier Apparatus – used to determine the soundness of cement.
6. Pycnometer Bottle – used to measure the specific gravity of liquids.
7. Triple Beam Balance – used to measure precise weights of small samples.
8. CBR Mold – used to mold soil samples for California Bearing Ratio tests.
9. Shrinkage Limit Device – used to determine the moisture level at which soil ceases to shrink.
10. Spatula – used for scraping and mixing cement or soil.
11. Trowel – used to handle and apply mortar or paste.
12. Scoop – used to move fine granular materials.
13. Mixing Bowl / Mixing Pan – used to mix test samples like concrete and mortar.
14. Wire Mesh Bucket – used to wash coarse aggregates.
15. Consistency Apparatus – used to determine the normal consistency of cement.
16. Compaction Factor Test Apparatus – used to assess the workability of concrete.
17. Air Content Apparatus (Standard) – used to measure the volume of air voids in freshly mixed concrete.
18. Cylindrical Molds (Various Sizes) – used to mold concrete samples for compression testing.
19. Beam Molds, 6" x 6" x 12" – used to prepare concrete beams for flexural strength testing.
20. Sampling and Mixing Receptacle (48" x 48" x 3" min.) – used to mix and sample large volumes of concrete.
21. Slump Apparatus (Standard) – used to determine the consistency or workability of fresh concrete.
22. Tamping Rods – used to compact concrete inside molds or slump cones.
23. Set of Weights – used for balance calibration and comparative testing.
24. Brushes – used for cleaning lab apparatus and sieves after use.
25. Stabilometer – used to determine the stability of bituminous mixtures.
26. Marshall Test Set – used for determining the stability and flow of asphalt mixtures.

E. Laboratory Equipment in Construction Materials and Testing

Larger machines and advanced tools had been used to simulate forces and conditions encountered in the field:
1. Universal Testing Machine (UTM – Compression) – used to determine compressive strength of concrete specimens.
2. Universal Testing Machine (UTM – Compression and Tensile) – used for testing both concrete and steel for compressive and
tensile strengths.
3. Universal Testing Machine (UTM – Flexural) – used to measure flexural strength of beam specimens.
4. CBR Machine – used to measure the strength of subgrade soils.
5. Los Angeles Abrasion Machine – used to determine wear resistance of aggregates.
6. Impact Testing Machine for Aggregates – used to simulate aggregate response to impact forces.
7. Crushing Test Machine for Aggregates – used to assess aggregate compressive strength.
8. Dorry Abrasion Testing Machine – used to determine aggregate resistance to continuous abrasion.
9. Sieve Shaker (Mechanical) – used to facilitate particle separation in sieving.
10. Cement Mortar Consistency Test Machine – used to test water content for cement paste preparation.
11. Mortar Flow Table – used to determine the flow characteristics of fresh mortar.
12. Specific Gravity Testing Machine – used to assess the water absorption and density of aggregates.
13. Curing Tank – used to submerge concrete samples under temperature-controlled conditions for curing.
14. Heavy Duty Oven – used for drying soil and aggregate samples.
15. Heavy Duty Platform Scale – used to weigh large quantities of testing materials.
F. Hand Tools Used in a Construction Site

Hand tools had been used by workers and technicians for handling, shaping, and preparing test samples.
1. Trowel – used for spreading and finishing mortar.
2. Shovel – used for scooping and transferring large amounts of loose material.
3. Hoe – used for manually mixing concrete or mortar.
4. Float – used to level and smooth fresh concrete surfaces.
5. Scoop – used to collect and transfer small amounts of granular materials.
6. Measuring Tape – used for linear measurement during sampling.
7. Spirit Level – used to ensure level surfaces.
8. Plumb Bob – used to confirm vertical alignment.
9. Wheelbarrow – used to transport materials on site.
10. Brushes – used for cleaning molds, sieves, and surfaces.

G. Equipment and Vehicles Used in the Construction Site

Heavy equipment and transport vehicles had been essential for moving materials, shaping terrain, and supporting construction operations.
1. Concrete Mixer Truck – used to transport and mix ready-mix concrete.
2. Dump Truck – used to haul large volumes of sand, gravel, and soil.
3. Backhoe Loader – used for excavation, lifting, and trenching.
4. Bulldozer – used to push earth and level ground.
5. Excavator – used for deep digging and demolition.
6. Vibratory Roller – used to compact soil and pavement.
7. Grader – used for leveling the ground prior to road laying.
8. Water Truck – used to control dust and aid in compaction.
9. Crane – used to lift heavy construction materials.
10. Forklift – used for moving pallets or materials in confined areas.
11. Concrete Vibrator – used to eliminate air pockets in freshly poured concrete.

H. References:

American Concrete Institute. (2011). ACI 211.1-91: Standard practice for selecting proportions for normal, heavyweight, and mass
concrete (Reapproved 2009). ACI Committee 211.
American Society for Testing and Materials. (2021). Annual book of ASTM standards: Section 4 – Construction. ASTM International.
[Link]
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. (2020). Standard specifications for transportation materials and
methods of sampling and testing (40th ed.). AASHTO.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). (2013). DPWH Standard Specifications for Public Works and Highways –
Volume II (Blue Book). Bureau of Research and Standards.
Mamlouk, M. S., & Zaniewski, J. P. (2016). Materials for civil and construction engineers (4th ed.). Pearson.
Neville, A. M. (2011). Properties of concrete (5th ed.). Pearson Education Limited.
Kosmatka, S. H., & Wilson, M. L. (2016). Design and control of concrete mixtures (16th ed.). Portland Cement Association.
Smith, D. K., & Andres, C. K. (2020). Mechanical and electrical systems in architecture, engineering and construction (5th ed.).
Pearson.
Whitaker, J. F. (2016). Construction materials, methods and techniques (5th ed.). Cengage Learning.
WorkSafeBC. (2022). Personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines. Retrieved from [Link]