SILT TEST

Materials:
Objectives:
Procedures:
Before starting the entire experiment, the group first prepared the quartered and
oven-dried sand. The group then borrowed the necessary materials for the silt test experiment.
Using a clean and dried rum bottle, the group filled the rum bottle with three (3) inches thick of
sand. Next, the group then filled the glass with potable water up to the bottle’s shoulder and
placed the back of the bottle’s cover with a plastic cellophane wrapped around the head to make
sure that the next step won’t spill anything. After that, one member of the group shaked the
bottle vigorously for one (1) minute, and made sure that the last stroke was done in an upright
manner so that the level of sand inside the bottle would settle horizontally. The group then
placed the bottle on a flat surface and made it stand for one (1) hour. After an hour had passed,
the group then measured the thickness of the silt above the sand. Finally, the group recorded
the data on the CMT notebook.

Observations:
Shaking the bottle mixed the contents inside and discolored the water. After shaking the
bottle for one (1) minute, the sand settled at the bottom of the bottle. During the duration of one
(1) hour, silt slowly began to accumulate on the sand’s surface. After an hour, the accumulation
of silt reached its peak and the group can then clearly differentiate the silt from the sand. The
team then recorded the observations on the CMT notebook.

Computations, tables and graphs:

Conclusions:
In conclusion, the group managed to successfully conduct the experiment. The silt test
Provided the group with valuable information with regards to the sand’s sedimentary
composition. The measurements taken from all four (4) sides of the bottle which has the
average height of 0.775 cm. This information was later then used to calculate for the silt content
which is 9.31%. This suggests that the silt content is a significant factor and component within
the sample. This information will then be used in order to determine and build the exact
structures whether they be for bridge construction or for vertical structures such as buildings.
To summarize the findings, the silt test is used to determine the amount of silt on a sand.
This is because too much silt can be harmful to the strength and durability of the concrete.
Excessive silt reduced bonding between aggregates and cement thus resulting in increase of
water demand thus reducing the strength of concrete.
BULKING IN SAND

Objectives:
To determine the bulking phenomenon of the increase in sand volume due to the
increase of moisture content

Procedures:
The oven-dried sand sample was prepared in this experiment ahead of time. The
necessary materials were then taken and prepared on the table. A ½ litter container was first
weighted. Next, the sand was then placed inside the ½ litter container until it overflowed, the
excess sand was then scraped off. The sand, along with the ½ container was then weighted.
After that, the sand inside the ½ container was placed on a mixing pan and a water that is 2% of
the sand’s weight was added. The sand and water was then mixed properly until it was time to
put the sand back to the container. The sand was placed within the container, and the excess
was then scraped from the top of the container. This step was repeated until the sand would no
longer fill up the container. Several trials were performed, until the sand no longer filled up the
container and the group then recorded everything that had happened.

Observations:
` After the mixture of sand and water was placed inside the container, the group observed
an excess even though before the water, the sand filled the container to the brim. This is due to
the increase of moisture content. More water reduced the sand mass which was then observed
when weighting the mixture. After several trials, the group had to stop since the sand with water
no longer filled the container to the brim. The group has observed that adding water decreases
its volume. Percent dry weight increases as sand mass increases, thus, the group can say that
their relationship is inversely proportional with each other.

Computations, Tables and Graphs:

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the degree for bulking in sand is highly dependent on the moisture
content. As moisture content increases, the volume of the sand also increases, but at the same
time the weight of the mixture decreases. This is because a film of water is created around the
sand particles which forces the particles to get a side from each other and thus increasing the
volume. In other words, water films go around the sand particles causing them to separate and
occupy more space. Understanding this is crucial for accurate material calculation and efficient
resource utilization in construction, by considering the moisture content and sand
characteristics, can make precise estimation of the required sand volume
ORGANIC IMPURITIES

Equipments and Materials

- 1 pc measure
- 1 pc graduated cylinder
- Standard color chart
- Potable water
- Sodium hydroxide pellets

Objectives
To determine the presence and amount of organic contaminants in a given sample. It’s
main objective is to determine the material’s suitability for its intended use ‘

Procedure
Before starting the entire experiment, the group first prepared the quartered and
oven-dried sand. The group then borrowed the necessary materials for the organic impurities
experiment. Using a clean and dried rum bottle, the group filled the rum bottle with three (3)
inches thick of sand. Next, the group then filled the glass with 3% sodium hydroxide in water
solution up to the bottle’s shoulder and placed the back of the bottle’s cover with a plastic
cellophane wrapped around the head to make sure that the next step won’t spill anything. After
that, one member of the group shaked the bottle vigorously for one (1) minute, and made sure
that the last stroke was done in an upright manner so that the level of sand inside the bottle
would settle horizontally. The group then placed the bottle on a flat surface and made it stand for
twenty four (24) hours. After 24 hours the group then compared the color of liquid above the
sand with the standard color chart.

Observation
After 24 hours, the liquid above the sand appears to have not changed, the liquid is still
clear and is void of any colors. The color of the liquid, based on the observation, is compatible
with figure 1 on the chart located in the CMT laboratory. It signifies that the sand used is suitable
for use in high grade concrete.

Conclusion
` In conclusion, the sand that was used by the group is suitable for high grade concrete.
The liquid above the sand shows a clear color, thus, it is considered as a good sand in
construction. This test is a crucial component in construction because by conducting this test,
the contractors can assess the injurious organic compounds present in sand and organic
impurities. This also allows the quality control of concrete production enhancing and avoiding
compatibility issues and making sure that performance of concrete structures could be long
term.
 EXPERIMENT 4
MOISTURE IN SAND

Equipments and Materials

- Spatula
- 500 mL Measure
- Graduated Cylinder
- Scoop
- Oven

Objectives
To Determine the different characteristics of soil with varying water content. To observe
the changes of soil characteristics when subjected to different levels of water.

Procedure
The experiment begins with the group gathering the necessary materials as well as
securing an oven dried sample of sand aggregate. It must be oven dried for at least 24 hours to
remove water particles from the sand aggregate. The sand is then divided into 3 parts
measured equally using a 500ml measure. Using a graduated cylinder, the first part of the sand
was mixed with 16 ml of water, the second part was mixed with 32 ml of water, and the last part
was mixed with 48 ml of water. All samples were then mixed thoroughly and separately. After
mixing, the group then observed and recorded each of the samples’ texture, appearance, and
other physical characteristics.

Observation
Before the experiment began, the 3 parts/samples of sand were equally the same, they
were all oven dried, thus making sure that all of the samples were brought from the same
environment before the experiment had commenced. The first sample that was mixed with the
16 ml of sand looked pale and had minimal presence of water, thus making the sand loose and
unable to contain a shape. The second sample, the one mixed with 32 ml of water, looks darker
compared to the first sample, it is more compact and can retain simpler shapes. The last
sample, the one with the 48 ml of water, looked the darkest compared to the other 2 samples. It
can be observed that more water has been mixed with it. It can also retain a more complex
shape without deforming over time.

Conclusion
It is crucial to conduct a study of moisture in sand, this will allow the geotechnical
engineers, as well as the contractors to gain a better understanding when using the available
aggregates. This is because, according to an article by Ozocak, moisture content can
significantly affect the shear strength, cohesion, and the angle of internal friction decreases as
moisture content increases. This test helps in selecting the best and most appropriate amount of
water to be added in sand during construction applications.
REFERENCES
Ma, S., Yao, Y., Bao, P., & Guo, C. (2023). Effects of moisture content on

strength and compression properties of foundation soils of cultural relics in

areas flooded by the Yellow River. Frontiers in Materials, 10.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2023.1186750
 EXPERIMENT 5
MATERIALS PASSING NO. 200 SIEVE

Equipments and Materials

- Sieves
- Basin
- Digital Balance
- Drying Pan
- Oven
- Tap water
- Basin

Objectives
To determine the amount of particles, aggregates, as well as materials passing through
the no. 200 sieve.

Procedure
The experiment begins with the group securing an oven dried sample of sand
aggregates as well as the necessary materials for the experiment. The sand must be subjected
to oven drying for at least 24 hours to remove moisture content. The sand is then taken out to
room temperature and is weighted before starting the experiment. After recording the sand’s
weight, the sad sample is then poured into a basin. Tap water is then poured and the sand is
washed until water is observed to be clearer. The washing of sand is done at least 20 times to
make sure that unnecessary particles for the experiment are removed. The sample is then
sieved using a no.200 sieve, in which tap water is also being poured to it. The water quality
should be as clear and similar to the tap water being used. After washing, the sand aggregate is
then placed into an oven, and dried for another 24 hours. After 24 hours, the sample is then
taken out to room temperature and is then weighted. The amount of materials passing no. 200
sieve is then solved using the data that was recorded previously.

Observation
The entire process of washing was done longer compared to other groups, this may be
because of the sand properties of the secured sand aggregates by the group. Different values of
weight have been observed from before and after the experiment. Several changes occurred
after washing the sand for a number of times, during the early stages of washing, the water
become darker suggesting that the group’s sand has many impurities, until the late stages of
washing, where the visibility of the water significantly improved suggesting the successful
separation of impurities and undesired elements on the sand aggregates.
Computations, Tables and Graphs

Conclusion
The continuous washing and sieving the sand can remove impurities and undesired
elements to the sand. This experiment is important for construction and engineering projects
because according to an article by Footing (2023) particle size distribution can impact material
properties like strength and workability. Water becomes significantly clearer after washing a lot
of times suggesting that undesirable elements have been separated with desirable ones.
Unwanted materials such as clay, and silt were removed during the entire process. This
experiment separates them using a no. 200 sieve to provide an accurate observation and
determination of materials in the sample.
Based on the data collected, the materials passing through the no. 200 sieve has a
mass of 78 grams or 11% of the original unwashed mass. This indicates that before washing,
the sand has a 78 grams of impurities and unwanted substances mixed within the sand which
were finally removed after completing the experiment.
References
Footing, A. (2023, April 28). How to read Sieve Analysis of Sand | Performance

Footing. Performance Footing.

https://www.performancefooting.com/blog/sieve-analysis-of-sand/#:~:text=

The%20goal%20of%20sand%20sieve,properties%20like%20strength%20

and%20workability.
 Experiment No. 6
Specific Gravity of Fine Aggregates

EQUIPMENTS AND MATERIALS:

- HairDryer
- Conical Mold
- Tamper
- Drying Pan
- Sand aggregate
- Soaking Container
- Old Newspaper
- Distilled Water
- Specific Gravity Bottle
- Basin

OBJECTIVE;
To Determine the bulk and apparent specific gravity as well as the absorption of
concrete mix design calculation purpose for fine aggregates.

PROCEDURE:
To start the experiment, the group soaked the sample previously. The soaking
process lasted for about 24 hours, until the experiment started. After soaking, the
sample was layered with old newspaper and was exposed to air to make sure the drying
of the sample is uniformly done. The group then brought the entire sample to the
laboratory.
The group made sure that the sample is in SSD condition or in a saturated
surface dry condition. Using the given conical mold and tamper, the mold was placed in
a flat surface and the fine aggregates was then placed inside the mold and was then
tampered 24 times until the mold was then slowly removed. If the sand still continues to
retain the shape of the mold, then it means that moisture is still present inside the
sample, thus the next steps will then be repeated until the sample is unable to retain the
mold’s structure. Since, during the first trial, the sample retained the structure, the group
placed the sample on a drying pan and was then dried using a hair dryer. The group
continued to dry the sample with the warm air and frequently tested using the mold and
tamper. Once the sample no longer retains the structure, this would result in a slumping
state. When this point is reached, the group then placed the sample on the specific
gravity bottle with distilled water, distilled as water until the water reached the bottle’s
neck. The bottle is then weighted to the nearest 0.1 gram. The necessary steps were
done by weighting the sample along with the bottle. After doing these steps, the sample
along with the distilled water was then placed on a drying pan and was left in the oven
for 24 hours to be dried. After 24 hours, the group then weighted the sample.

OBSERVATIONS
The group took notice of the various weights of the sample throughout the entire
experiment. The weights were utilized for the calculations to be done to calculate for the
values of specific gravity, both for bulk and apparent, as well as aggregate absorption.
The group also noticed the changes in color, during the early stages of the experiment,
the darkish color of the sample can clearly be observed, as the group continued to dry
the sample using the hair dryer, it was evident that the color became lighter and paler
compared to when the sample was first taken. The ability to retain the shape of the mold
was greatly reduced sa the drying continued until the group has reached the 20th try.

Calculations

CONCLUSION
According to a website called LibreText Chemistry, Specific gravity is the ratio of
the density of a substance to the density of a given reference material, often a liquid. It
is formally known as relative density and is a measure of density of a substance in
comparison to the density of water. It is a measure of strength or quality of the material.
Aggregates usually measure from ragnes 2.5 to 3.0. The group’s sample offered a 2.65
average thus, indicating that the sample is dense and has strong aggregate particles.
Aggregates with 1-2% aboroption are considered normally absorptive aggregates. The
group’s sample indicated a 0.4% thus indicating that the group’s sample is ranked below
the average absorption of aggregates. One way to solve this issue is by adjusting the
mix proportions when using this type of aggregate.
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_Chemistry/Map%3A_Fun
damentals_of_General_Organic_and_Biological_Chemistry_(McMurry_et_al.)
/01%3A_Matter_and_Measurements/1.12%3A_Density_and_Specific_Gravity

https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/specific-gravity
 Experiment No. 7
Specific Gravity of Coarse Aggregates

EQUIPMENTS AND MATERIALS:

- Dry clean cloth

- Wire Mesh Basket
- Distilled water
- Heavy Duty Solution Balance
- Soaking Container

OBJECTIVE;
To Determine the bulk and apparent specific gravity as well as the absorption of
concrete mix design calculation purpose for coarse aggregates.

PROCEDURE:

The experiment begins with soaking the coarse aggregates to water for at least

24 hours. After that, The sample was dried using the dry clean cloth and was covered

by it to avoid evaporation. The sample was then washed from all materials and sieved

using a ⅜ or 19.0mm inch sieve. The remaining sample was then used for the next

step. The group then wiped the sample and brought it to SSD or saturated surface dry

condition. The sample was then weighted to the nearest 0.1 gram. The necessary

weighting was then done by the group. The sample, along with the wire mesh was then

weighted in water. After the weight was taken, the group then transferred the sample to

the drying pan and was then oven dried for over 24 hours. The group then weighted the

oven dried sample, and records were then keenly recorded by the group.

OBSERVATIONS:

The weights obtained were used for the calculations for determining the values

for aggregate absorption as well as the specific gravity. After the sieve, it was somewhat
noticeable that a lot of small materials were mixed with the aggregates, the reason for

this may be because the coarse aggregates were a mixture of small and big stones

placed together. Unlike fine aggregates, coarse aggregates consume more space, 100

grams of fine aggregates looks small compared to a 100 grams of coarse aggregates.

COMPUTATIONS, TABLES, AND GRAPHS

CONCLUSION

According to a website called LibreText Chemistry, Specific gravity is the ratio of

the density of a substance to the density of a given reference material, often a liquid. It

is formally known as relative density and is a measure of density of a substance in

comparison to the density of water. It is a measure of strength or quality of the material.

Based on the group’s research, aggregates’ specific gravity typically are in between 2.5

to 3.0, the group’s average is around 2.6, thus solidifying the group’s calculation. The

absorption also is around 1.4%, indicating that it is on the normal range. One way to

solve this problem is to saturate the aggregates with water early on, this helps in

reducing the capacity of the aggregates to absorb additional water during the mixing

phase.
 Experiment no. 8

Sieve Analysis of Fine Aggregates

NAME: Franz Louie J. Apat

SCHEDULEL: W 1:30 to 4:30

EQUIPMENTS AND MATERIALS:

- Oven

- Drying Pan

- 1500 Fine Aggregates

- Sieve No. 4, 8, 10 16 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 100

- Sieve Pan and Cover

- Sieve Shaker

OBJECTIVES

To determine the particle size distribution of fine aggregates. To determine the

Uniformity Coefficient and Coefficient of Graduation. This helps to determine as to how

it will perform when mixed with concrete

PROCEDURE:

This experiment starts with the group securing an oven-dried fine aggregate

sample. The oven drying is done for about 24 hours before the experiment starts. The

sample is then taken to a room temperature for it to cool off. The set of sieves were then
taken from the laboratory in charge and were then weighted one by one. After

weighting, the set of sieves were arranged in a manner where the sieve with the biggest

opening was placed on the topmost and the sieve with the smallest opening was placed

just above the pan. The sieves were then placed above the sieve shaker and the

samples were then poured out to the top most sieve. The cover was then placed and

the sieve shaker was then turned on for about 10 minutes. After the 10th minute, the

sieves with the samples were taken from the sieve shaker and were then weighted one

by one. The data was written and collected by the group and were then calculated.

OBSERVATIONS:

As observed, the samples were slowly filtered by each sieve, the bigger particles

were trapped from the upper sieved and the smallest particle of the sample continued to

go down until it reached the pan which is located at the bottom most part according to

the arrangement. According to the data gathered, only the sieve number 4 has a

percent passing of 90 above, indicating that only around 8% has a size that is above

4.75mm. Most of the sample is smaller than 4.75 thus only a small amount was sieved.

Based on the weight retained, the sieve number 16 has retained the most sample,

indicating that a large portion of the sample are smaller than 2mm but bigger than

1.18mm. And lastly, only 44 grams were smaller than 0.15mm.

CALCULATIONS, GRAPHS AND

CONCLUSION

According to a website called gzipwtf, sieve analysis determines the distribution

of aggregate particles by size within a given sample. With this information, engineers

and contractors can then determine the design and production requirements when

constructing. This also helps in measuring the proportion of soils in each size range.

The Uniformity Coefficient that is considered as a well graded for fine aggregates is

betwwen 4 to 6, this information is taken from the website called the constructor. Since,

the sample’s Uniformity coefficient is 4.68, it can be said that it is a well graded sample.

Another proof is the, Cc of the sample, the sample’s Cc is 1.00 and well graded soils
are in between 1 to 3, thus indicating that using both the Cu and Cc, the group’s sample

is considered as well-graded aggregate.