WESTERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND
TESTING
LABORATORY MANUAL
NAME:
SECTION:
FOREWORD
The Construction Materials and Testing laboratory aims to equip civil engineering
students with the necessary skills for testing common construction materials. These
tests analyze how these materials behave under external loads and help determine
their mechanical properties, essential for the design of structural elements.
This instructional manual provides guidelines for students to conduct tests
according to standard procedures. It outlines the steps to ensure effective testing
and encourages a deeper understanding and logical interpretation of the results.
Prior to conducting any test, students are expected to familiarize themselves with
the theoretical background and necessary measuring instruments. Emphasis is
placed on accuracy and precision during testing and result interpretation. Students
are also encouraged to learn the safe and correct usage of instruments and
equipment under the supervision of laboratory staff.
The primary goal of these laboratories is to enhance students' engineering skills and
capabilities.
On behalf of the College of Engineering, I extend gratitude to all those involved in
the preparation and publication of this manual. Without their dedication and
support, this resource would not have reached the students.
ENGR. JOYCE JARDELEZA-ESTILO
HEAD, CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
ENGR. JIRAH JAY A. CENAL
INSTRUCTOR, MATERIALS ENGINEER-1
LABORATORY MANUAL CONTENTS
This manual is designed for third-year students enrolled in Civil Engineering
programs, specifically focusing on Construction Materials and Testing. It
encompasses practical lab sessions aimed at testing construction materials, offering
comprehensive coverage of the subject to facilitate better comprehension. Students
are advised to thoroughly go through this manual rather than only topics mentioned
in the syllabus, as practical aspects are the key to understanding and conceptual
visualization of theoretical aspects covered in the books
Course Description: The course deals with the physical properties of common
construction materials primarily metals, plastics, wood, concrete, coarse and fine
aggregates, asphalt and synthetic materials; examination of material properties
with respect to design and use of end product, design and control of aggregates,
concrete and asphalt mixtures, principle of testing; characteristics of test;
properties of materials and materials testing equipment.
Course outcomes: After completing this course, the student must be able to:
1. Explain relevant properties of common construction materials;
2. Conduct experiments on common construction materials according to
international standards such as the American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM);
3. Evaluate the results of the test of common construction materials
DO’S AND DON’T’S
Do’s
Bring observation notebooks, lab manuals and other necessary materials for
the class.
Use tools for mixing concrete and water.
Check the instruments for proper working conditions while taking and
returning the same.
Thoroughly clean your laboratory work space at the end of each laboratory
session.
Maintain silence and clean environment in the lab
Don’ts
Do not operate the machines without the permission of the Laboratory
instructor and/or Laboratory custodian.
Do not put hands or head while equipment is in running condition.
Do not fix or remove the test specimen while the main is switch on.
Do not spill the concrete and aggregates on the floor.
LIST OF EXPERIMENTS
PAGE
NO. TITLE OF EXPERIMENT
from to
TESTING OF COARSE AGGREGATES
TESTING OF FINE AGGREGATES
DESIGN MIX
TESTING OF PORTLAND CEMENT
TESTING OF CONCRETE
TESTING OF REINFORCING STEEL BAR
TESTING CONCRETE PRODUCTS
TESTING OF WOOD
WESTERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
CLASS CODE: ___________________ SUBJECT:
_________________
INDEX
LA
PA
B MAR REMAR
NAME OF EXPERIMENT GE DOP DOS SIGN
N KS K
NO.
O.
LABORATORY NO 1: TESTING COARSE AGGREGATES
I. OBJECTIVES
To determine the acceptability of course aggregates by performance of
standard method of test.
II. APPRATUS
SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND ABSORPTION OF GRAVEL
Pycnometer or calibrated volumetric flask
Conical mold, 1-1/2 in. top dia. 3-1/2 in bottom dia. 2-7/8 in. high
Tamping rod, weighing 12 oz. with a flat circular tamping face 1
in. dia.
Wire basket of no. 4 mesh
Water bucket
Balance and weights
UNIT WEIGHT
Metal volumetric measure, 1/10 and ½ cu. ft. that can stand
rough usage.
Tamping rod, steel, 5/8 in. dia., 24 inch long
Balance and weights
SIEVE ANALYSIS
Set of standard sieves, with pan and cover
Pans
Oven with temperature control
Balance and weights
III. PROCEDURE
SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND ABSORPTION OF GRAVEL
Pass about 5 kg. of the sample through a 3/8 in. sieve; reject
portion passing.
Wash portion retained to remove dust or other coating in soak
and water at 20 oC for 24 hours.
Remove sample from water and wipe all visible films of water
with an absorbent cloth. Sample is now in surface dry condition.
Weigh surface dry sample in air.
Place sample in wire basket and determine the weight in water
Dry sample to constant weight
Get oven dry weight
UNIT WEIGHT OF GRAVEL
COMPACT WEIGHT DETERMINATION
Fill one third of the measure, level, and tamp 25 times evenly
distributed over the surface.
Fill two thirds of the measure, then to turn over glowing.
Each time the same procedure as in step 1 is repeated. (In
tamping, the rod should penetrate only the layer being
tamped and should not be forced into the bottom of measure
or last layer placed.
Strike off the excess aggregates with the tamping rod.
Get net weight of the volume of measure.
LOOSE WEIGHT DETERMINATION
Fill the volumetric measure to overflowing by means of a
shovel or scoop. Discharge the aggregate from a height of
about 2 in. from top of measure. Exercise care to prevent
segregation of particle sizes.
Level off carefully surface of aggregate.
Get net weight of aggregate and compute unit weight by
dividing net weight by volume of measure.
SIEVE ANALYSIS
Dry the sample of proper weight to constant weight at a
temperature of about 105 oC.
Cool to room temperature and weigh.
Pass sample through a nested set of sieves.
Weigh material retained on each sieve.
IV. DATA
SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND ABSORPTION OF GRAVEL
W1= Wt. in air of saturated surface dry sample
W2= Wt. of sample in water
Wo= Wt. of oven dried sample
W1 =___________
W2=____________
Wo=____________
UNIT WEIGHT OF GRAVEL
(RODDED) (LOOSE)
Weight = _________________ Weight =
_________________
Dimensions of Cylinder Mold Dimensions of Cylinder
Mold
Height = _________ Height = _________
Diameter= _______ Diameter= _______
SIEVE ANALYSIS
V. CALCULATIONS
SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND ABSORPTION OF GRAVEL
UNIT WEIGHT OF GRAVEL
SIEVE ANALYSIS
VI. OBSERVATIONS & CONCLUSIONS
VII. FOOTAGES
LABORATORY NO 2: TESTING FINE AGGREGATES
I. OBJECTIVES
To determine the acceptability of fine aggregates by performance of
standard method of test.
II. APPRATUSES:
SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND ABSORPTION OF SAND
Pycnometer or calibrated volumetric flask
Conical mold, 1-1/2 in. top dia. 3-1/2 in bottom dia. 2-7/8 in. high
Tamping rod, weighing 12 oz. with a flat circular tamping face 1
in. dia.
Wire basket of no. 4 mesh
Water bucket
Balance and weights
UNIT WEIGHT
Metal volumetric measure, 1/10 and ½ cu. ft. that can stand
rough usage.
Tamping rod, steel, 5/8 in. dia., 24 inch long
Balance and weights
FINENESS MODULUS
Set of standard sieves, with pan and cover
Pans
Balance and weights
III. PROCEDURE
SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND ABSORPTION OF SAND
Soak about 1000 g. of the sample in water for 2h hours.
Spread sample on a flat surface and stir frequently until it
approaches a free-flowing condition.
Place sample in a conical mold
Weigh 500 g. of the surface dry sample and place in the
Pycnometer.
Fill pycnometer with water and roll on a flat surface to remove
air bubbles. Then place in a water bath maintained at 20 oC for
about 1 hour.
Fill pycnometer to 500 ml. mark and weigh.
Remove sample from pycnometer and dry to constant weight.
Get oven-dry weight.
FINENESS MODULUS
Dry the sample of proper weight to constant weight at a
temperature of about 105 oC.
Cool to room temperature and weigh.
Pass sample through a nested set of sieves.
Weigh material retained on each sieve.
IV. DATA & CALCULATIONS
SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND ABSORPTION OF GRAVEL
W1= Wt. in air of saturated surface dry sample
W2= Wt. of pycnometer filled with water
W3= Wt. of pycnometer + water + sample in bottle
Wo= Wt. of oven dried sample
W1 =___________
W2=____________
W3=____________
Wo=____________
UNIT WEIGHT OF GRAVEL
(RODDED) (LOOSE)
Weight = _________________ Weight =
_________________
Volume = _________________ Volume=
__________________
SIEVE ANALYSIS
V. CALCULATIONS
SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND ABSORPTION OF GRAVEL
UNIT WEIGHT OF GRAVEL
SIEVE ANALYSIS
VI. OBSERVATIONS & CONCLUSIONS
VII. FOOTAGES
LABORATORY NO 3: DESIGN OF CONCRETE MIXTURE
I. OBJECTIVES
To determine the suitable ratio and proportion of a concrete mix design by
performance of strength design method and the method of fixed
proportion.
II. DATA COLLECTED
Cement factor = _________
Water = __________
Slump =__________
Water cement ratio = ___________
Max. size of coarse aggregates = _________
Sand % = __________
Compressive strength = __________
Entrapped air = __________
III. PROCEDURE
Prepare the materials needed.
Estimate the specific gravity, absorption, finesse modulus of
aggregates.
Estimate weight of sand.
Determine the batch weight of concrete
IV. DATA
Sand, bulk, s.g. =
______ Gravel, bulk, s.g. =
Finesse modulus = _____
______ Absorption = ______
Absorption = _______ Cement, s.g. = _______
Source = ________ Wt. of bag = 40 kg
V. CALCULATIONS
VI. OBSERVATIONS & CONCLUSIONS
LABORATORY NO 4: TESTING OF PORTLAND CEMENT
I. OBJECTIVES
To determine the suitability of Portland Cement for concrete work by the
standard acceptance test.
II. APPARATUSES:
TIME OF SETTING OF CEMENT
Gillmore needles, 1/24 inch
Graduated cylinder
Balance and weights
Glass plates
III. PROCEDURE
TIME OF SETTING OF CEMENT
Prepare cement paste of normal consistency
Form on a glass plates a pat about 3 inches in diameter, 0.5 inch
thick at the center with a flat top and tapering to a thin edge.
Place pat in moist closet with a temperature of 23 oC and
relative humidity of 90%.
Determine setting time by applying needles lightly on the
surface of pat. The cement shall be considered to have acquired
its initial set when the pat will bear without appreciable
indentation the ¼ lb Gillmore needle and the final set when the
pat will bear without appreciable indentation the 1-lb. Gillmore
needle.
IV. DATA
V. CALCULATIONS
VI. OBSERVATIONS & CONCLUSIONS
VII. FOOTAGES
LABORATORY NO 5: TESTING OF CONCRETE
I. OBJECTIVES
To prepare concrete specimens and test these specimens in compression
and flexure.
II. APPARATUSES:
STRENGTH TEST
Compression cylindrical molds, 6 in. dia. And 12 in. height
Flexure beam molds, 6 in. by 6 in. in cross-section and inch
length.
Standard tamping rod
Container for mixing sample
Scoop or shovel
Towel
Capping material and facilities
Curing facilities
Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
III. PROCEDURE
COMPRESSION TEST
Molding of specimen. Place the thoroughly-mixed sample in the
cylindrical mold in 3 layers of approximately equal volume. In
placing the concrete, move the scoop around the edge of mold
to ensure symmetrical distribution of the concrete I mold. Tamp
each layer with 25 strokes of the tamping rod distributed over
the surface. The rod should penetrate the entire depth of the
layer being tamped. Tap sides of the mold if voids are left by
tamping rod. After the top layer has been rodded, strike off the
surface with a towel and cover with a plate or damp material
that will prevent evaporation.
After 24 hours, remove specimen from mold and cure until the
time of test. Curing means to store specimen in a moist
condition at temperature range of 18 to 24 oC. Specimens shall
not be exposed to running water.
Prior to testing, cap the ends of the specimen with suitable
material to make ends approximately at right angles to the axis
of cylinder. The cap shall be as thin as possible.
Determine the average diameter by measuring two diameters at
right angles to each other near center of height of specimen.
Measure also height of specimen including caps.
Place the specimen, which is in a moist condition on the working
table of testing machine. Center specimen by aligning carefully
with the center of spherically-seated black of the middle platen.
As the block is brought to bear on top of specimen, rotate gently
movable portion to obtain a uniform seating.
Apply load at a constant rate within the range of 20 to 50 PSI per
second. Increase load until specimen fails.
Record the maximum load carried by the specimen.
FLEXURE TEST
Molding of specimen. Place the thoroughly-mixed sample in the
mold, with its long axis horizontal, in layers approximately 3 in.,
in depth. Tamp each layer 50 times per sq. ft. of area. The top
layer shall slightly overfill the mold. After each layer has been
rodded, spade the concrete along the sides and ends of the
mold with a towel. After the rodding and spading operations on
the top layer are completed, strike-off the surface with a straight
edge and finish with a wooden float. Cover top with damp
material.
After 24 hours, remove specimen from mold and cure until time
of test, same as in compression specimens.
Testing specimen by simple beam with third point loading. Test
specimen in the same position as when molded. Center on the
bearing blocks, bring the load applying blocks in contact with
the upper surface at the third points between supports. Apply
the load at such a rate that the increase in extreme fiber stress
does not exceed 150 PSI per min. Increase the load until the
specimen fails. The record the maximum load carried by
specimen.
After the test, measure the average width and average depth of
specimen at the section of failure.
IV. DATA
V. CALCULATIONS
VI. OBSERVATIONS & CONCLUSIONS
VII. FOOTAGES
LABORATORY NO 6: TESTING OF REINFORCING STEEL
BARS
I. OBJECTIVES
To determine the suitability of reinforcing steel bars for concrete
reinforcement by performance of the standard acceptance physical tests.
II. APPARATUSES:
Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
Tension grip
Bending apparatus and suitable pin
Extensometer
Micrometer caliper
Balance beam
III. PROCEDURE
TENSILE PROPERTIES
Measure accurately the length of the tension sample and
determine its weight. Determine the actual cross-section of
deformed bars by dividing the weight per linear inch by 0.2833,
the weight per cubic inch of steel.
Mark in the center of the test specimen an at 8” gage length. If
necessary, machine the specimen to a reduced section in the
middle about 11”. Set suitable grips in the testing machine to
hold the specimen and apply the load to failure at a uniform
rate. If available, attach to the specimen an extensometer
reading to 0.0291inch per inch of gage length at gage marks for
strain determination.
Record the sudden halt of the load indicating pointer and the
corresponding stress as the yield point. Calculate the tensile
strength by dividing the maximum load carrier by the specimen
during test by the original cross-section area of the specimen.
After fracture, put together the ends of the specimen and
measure accurately the distance between the gage marks.
Express the increase in length of the gage length as a
percentage of the original gage length (8”) and report as
percent elongation.
IV. DATA
V. CALCULATIONS
VI. OBSERVATIONS & CONCLUSIONS
VII. FOOTAGES
LABORATORY NO 7: TESTING OF CONCRETE
PRODUCTS
I. OBJECTIVES
To determine the suitability of concrete products for construction on the
basis of standard acceptance tests.
II. APPARATUSES
REINFORCED CULVERT PIPES
Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
2 Bearing blocks, wooden, at least 6’’ x 6’’; the lower block with
two wooden parallel strips
Rigid steel beam
Gage leaf
Oven with temperature control
Container for boiling absorption test specimen
Balance
Steel tape measure
HOLLOW LOAD-BEARING UNITS
Compression machine
Capping material
Bearing block; hardened metal
Steel plate, surfaces machined to true planes
Balance
Oven with temperature control
Container for saturating samples
Steel tape measure
III. PROCEDURE
REINFORCED CULVERT PIPE
Measure the thickness and length of the pipe.
Place specimen on lower bearing block and upper bearing block
on top of specimen.
Place the specimen symmetrical between the two bearings and
apply the load at the center of the length of pipe.
Record the load to produce a 0.01 in crack. Measure the width of
crack by means of the gage leaf. The 0.01 crack load is the
maximum load applies before a crack having a width of 0.01
inch. Measured at less intervals occurs throughout a length of 1
ft. or more, with the gage penetrating 1/16 in.
Record the ultimate load that the specimen can sustain.
Calculate and report the strength test results in pound per linear
foot of laying length.
Break the pipe with a sledge hammer, opening it along the full
length. Count the hoops and measure the reinforcement.
Obtain an absorption test from each pipe that has passed the
strength requirements. Each specimen shall have an area of 16
to 24 sq. in. with the full thickness of the pipe shell.
Dry absorption test specimen to constant weight at a
temperature of about 110 oC.
Place dried specimen in a suitable container and covered with a
clean water.
Heat the water continuously for 5 hours. Allow to cool by natural
loss of heat for not less than remove specimen water by wiping
specimen with absorbent cloth or paper. Weight immediately.
HOLLOW LOAD BEARING UNIT
Measures dimension of each unit.
Set the specimen on the lower bearing block and center it
beneath the upper bearing block.
Apply the load at a uniform rate until failure occurs. Record the
maximum load. Calculate the compressive strength by dividing
the maximum load in pounds by the cross-sectional of the unit
by square inches.
IV. DATA
V. CALCULATIONS
VI. OBSERVATIONS & CONCLUSIONS
VII. FOOTAGES
LABORATORY NO 8: TESTING OF WOOD
I. OBJECTIVES
To determine the more important physical and mechanical
properties of wood.
To recommend safe working stresses based on the laboratory test
results.
II. APPARATUSES:
STATIC BENDING
Based unit containing a pair of laterally adjustable supporting
knife edges having a span length of 28 inches.
Two roller bearing plates for placement under each end of the
specimen and over the knife edges.
Bearing block
Deflection measuring device – a yoke having dial gage mounted
at center of its length.
Testing machine
COMPRESSION PARALLEL TO THE GRAIN
Compressometer having a central gage length of 6 inches.
Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
III. PROCEDURE
STATIC BENDING
Size of specimen (2x3x30 in)
Measure the actual width and height at the center, and length of
the specimen.
Set the specimen for test. Use the center loading method and a
span of 28 in.
Apply the load at the center of the beam at a uniform speed of 0.10
inch per min. until the beam fails.
Take simultaneous readings of load and deflection of the neutral
plane at the center of the length and plot the curve up to or beyond
the maximum load. In at least one third of the tests take readings
up to a 6-in. deflection or until the specimen fails to support a load
or 200 lb.
Observe and sketch the type of failure.
Compression Parallel to grain
Size of specimen (3x3x6in)
Measure the actual cross-section dimension and length of the
specimen.
Set the specimen for test
Apply the compressive load continuously in the direction of length
of specimen length per min.
Take simultaneous load and reflection readings and plot the curve
over a central gage length not exceeding a 6 in. until past the
proportional limit, as indicated by the curve.
Observe and sketch the type or failure.
IV. DATA
V. CALCULATIONS
VI. OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
VII. FOOTAGES
