PREFACE

This manual is written for the laboratory component of a typical

one-semester

undergraduate Construction Materials and Testing

course as part of a typical civil engineering

undergraduate curriculum. The fundamentals learned in the classroom could be more improved

through demonstration and observations gathered in the field and laboratory. In order to have a

more effective laboratory instruction, the following objectives should visualize the ability:

To develop the students' critical thinking instead of just recording observed facts.

1.

2. To train the students to evaluate through careful analysis

ng the results of his/her

experimentation.

Generic laboratory data sheets have been prepared for each exercise, and are included at

the end of each chapter. These data sheets are intended for use by students, researches, or

practicing engineers particularly in the field of quality materials engineering

In the preparation of this laboratory manual I would like to express my gratitude from

these persons for their assistance and encouragement. Engr. Jonas M. Placer, M.Eng., the Dean

of the College of Engineering, for sharing his time, moral support and proper guidance; Bro

Ellakim P. Sosmeña, the President of Cor Jesu College and Dr. Alex D. Niez, the head of the

council of Deans, for the approval of the preparation of this manual; All of my colleagues in the

Engineering and Technology Department, for their support and encouragement.

Special thanks to my family, for their enduring love, understanding and encouragement

that made me who I am today; and to the Almighty God, for His bountiful graces, unconditional

love and divine inspiration conferred upon me.

ENGR. PETER JULY P. SORONGON

I
Page

PREFACE

Laboratory Safety Orientation And Familiarization Of Apparatus

In Construction Materials And Testing

Activity

Sampling Aggregates

Laboratory No. 1

Reducing Field Samples Of Aggregates To Testing Size

By Method of Quartering

Laboratory No. 2

11

Laboratory Determination Of Moisture Content Of Soils

Laboratory No. 3

14

Dry Preparation Of Disturbed Soil And Soil Aggregate

Samples For Test

19

Laboratory No. 4

Materials Finer Than 75-um (No. 200) Sieve In Material

Aggregates By Washing

Laboratory No. 5

25

Sieve Analysis Of Fine And Coarse Aggregates

Laboratory No. 6

32

The Moisture-Density Relations Of Soils Using A

2.5 Kg (5.5 Lb) Rammer And A 305 MM (12 In.) Drop

Laboratory No. 7

38

Laboratory No. 8

Density Of Soil In-Place By The Sand-Cone Method

46

Laboratory No. 9

Specific Gravity And Absorption Of Fine Aggregates

52

Laboratory No. 10

Specific Gravity And Absorption Of Coarse Aggregates

58

Laboratory No. 11

Bulk Density ("Unit Weight) And Voids In Aggregates

65

Laboratory No. 12

Fineness Of Hydraulic Cement By The No. 100 And

No. 200 Sieves

69

Laboratory No. 13

Density And Specific Gravity Of Hydraulic Cement

74

Laboratory No. 14

Normal Consistency Of Hydraulic Cement

22
Laboratory No. 15

Time Of Setting Of Hydraulic Cement By Vicat Needle

78

Slump Of Hydraulic-Cement Concrete

Laboratory No. 16

82

Unit Weight, Yield, And Air Content Of Concrete

Laboratory No. 17

86

Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field

Laboratory No. 18

94

Concrete Mix Design

Laboratory No. 19

98

Compressive Strength Of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens

Laboratory No. 20

105

Flexural Strength Of Concrete

(Using Simple Beam With Third-Point Loading)

Laboratory No. 21

108

Testing Of Reinforcing Steel Bars

112

Laboratory No. 22

116

Determination Of Compressive Strength Test Of

Concrete Masonry Units

Laboratory No. 23
Determination Of Absorption And Moisture Content

Of Concrete Masonry Units

119

Laboratory No. 24

122

BIBLIOGRAPHY
uActivity No. 1

Laboratory Safety Orientation and Familiarization of Apparatus

in Construction Materials and Testing

their corresponding usage.

A. Safety Rules and Regulations inside the Laboratory

SAFETY means prevention of harm or loss of life, property and time.

"Safety First" should be the motto of every students, teachers and all persons actively

involved in the laboratory as well as in any institution. The responsibility for safety and

the enforcement of safety regulations and laws should be done and practiced by everyone.

Following simple laboratory instructions should be done to have a safe and healthful

nment inside the classrooms.

To ensure a safe and healthful environment inside the laboratory when performing

experiments, the following salety rules and regulations should be followed.

laboratory.

2. To identify experiments that can cause hazards to students.

3. To familiarize the different laboratory apparatus in the different laboratory test and

Objectives:

1. To orient the students to know the basic safety rules and regulation inside the

General Rules and Regulations:

1. NEVER WORK ALONE IN THE LABORATORY. Students

should

assistance.

students.

Note: an unattended experiment can result in accidents.

accompanied by the instructor or the lab in charge during the whole span of the
limitations of all the equipment. When in doubt, ask the instructor.

experiments.

experiments.

2. Know the locations and operational details of all laboratory emergency safety

wishes to read them,

12. Do not lift heavy equipment without assistance.

13. Do not reach for supplies on high shelves without the use of a stepstool and

14. Handle all equipment with care;, make sure that you understand the proper use and

15. Read all the instruction written on the manual before starting the experiments. Note:

cquipment and evacuation routes

3. no

location of eye sprinkler, shower room, fire extinguisher and electrical

only materials and equipment authorized by the instructor should be used in the

16. No horse playing or loitering inside the laboratory to prevent bumps with the other

panel board.

4 All aisles in the laboratory must be kept open at all times. Personal belongings should

be kept below the table and out of the working area.

5. Report all unsafe conditions, unusual odors and personal injuries to the instructor or a

7. Stay out of restricted areas.

8. Observe the warning signs inside the laboratory.

9. Carefully follow all instructions from instructors and laboratory sta

10. Persons not following these rules will be asked to leave the laboratory.

11. Material data sheets are located in the prep room and are available to anyone who

6. Leave your lab bench as you found it. With the equipment neatly placed at the end of

staff member immediately.

the table nearest the center aisle. The lab bench area should be free of debris.