CONSTRUCTION

MATERIALS AND
TESTING LABORATORY
MANUAL

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 Table of Contents
Sieve Analysis of Coarse and Fine Aggregate 2
Specific Gravity and Absorption6
Determination of Unit Weight (Bulk Density) of Coarse Aggregate 10
Surface Moisture of Fine and Coarse Aggregate 13
Fineness of Cement 16
Normal Consistent of Portland Cement 18
Slump Test of Portland Cement 20
Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimen in the Laboratory 22
Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimen 24
Flexural Strength of Concrete 26
Determination of Compressive Strength of Concrete Hollow Blocks 28
Tensile Strength of Steel Bar 30

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Name: Date Started:
Course-Year & Section: Date Completed:
Rating: Date Due:

LABORATORY NO. 1

SIEVE ANALYSIS OF COARSE AND FINE AGGREGATE

Objectives:

This test is performed to determine the particle size distribution of fine and coarse aggregate
by sieving.

Standard Reference:

ASTM (136-96a, C 702, e 11, D 75)

AASHTO (T 27-91, T 11- 65)

Equipment/Apparatus:

Balance, accurate to 0.1 g

Set of Sieves with Pan and cover
Mechanical Sieve Shaker (optional)
Brush
Oven

Test Procedure:

1. Obtain the representative sample by quartering or by the use of sample splitter. The sample to
the tested should be the approximate of fine aggregate and about 10 – 12 kilograms of coarse
aggregate.
2. Dry the sample to constant temperature in the oven at a temperature 110±5°C (230 ±41°F)
3. Assemble the sieves in order of decreasing size of opening from top to bottom and place
sample on the top of the sieve and cover it with the lid.
a. For coarse aggregate: 1”, ¾’’,1/2’’, 3/8’’, #4, #8, pan
b. For fine aggregate: 3/8’’, #4, #8, # 30, # 50, #100, pan
4. Agitate the sieve by hand or by mechanical shaker for five minutes or for a sufficient period.
5. Limit the quantity of material on a given sieve so that all the particles have opportunity to
reach sieve openings a number of times during the sieving operations. For the sieve with
openings smaller than No. 4 (4.75 mm), the weight retained on any sieve at the completion of
the sieving operation shall not exceed 6 k/m2 of sieving surface. For the sieve with openings
No. 4 (4.75 mm) and larger, the weight in kg/m2 of the sieving surface shall not exceed the
product of 2.5

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Negros Oriental State University CE 241 – Construction Materials and Testing
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

x (sieve opening in mm). In no case shall the weight be so great as to cause permanent
deformation of the sieve cloth.

6. Continue sieving for sufficient period in such a manner that, after completion, not more than
0.5 percent by weight of the total sample passes any sieve during one (1) minute of
continuous hand sieving.
7. Weigh the material that is retained on each sieve, including the weight retained in the pan,
and record in the data sheet. The total weight of the material after sieving should check
closely with original sample placed on the sieve. Of the sum of these weights is not within 1
percent (0.3 for ASTM requirement) of the original sample, the procedure should be repeated.
8. Compute the cumulative percent retained on, and percent passing each sieve.
9. Plot the gradation curves for the coarse and the fine aggregates from the experiment on the
graph provided. Plot the specified gradation curves for coarse and fine aggregates (to be
specified by the laboratory instructor). Plot the combine-grading curve using the 40%
aggregate and 60% fine aggregate.
10. Compute the Fineness Modulus for fine and coarse aggregate.

Data Analysis:
COARSE AGGREGATE
Initial Weight: ____________________

Cum. Weight Cum. Percent

Sieve No. Weight Retained Percent Passing
Retained Retained

FINE AGGREGATE
Initial Weight: ____________________

Cum. Weight Cum. Percent

Sieve No. Weight Retained Percent Passing
Retained Retained

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Negros Oriental State University CE 241 – Construction Materials and Testing
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

SIEVE ANALYSIS
100

90

80

70
PERCENT PASSING

60

50

40

30

20

10

220 210 100 50 30 16 6 4 3/8” ¾” 1”

SIEVE SIZE

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Negros Oriental State University CE 241 – Construction Materials and Testing
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Conclusion:

Recommendation:

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Name: Date Started:
Course-Year & Section: Date Completed:
Rating: Date Due:

LABORATORY NO. 2

SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND ABSORPTION

Objectives:

This test is performed to determine the specific gravity and absorption of coarse and fine
aggregate.

Standard Reference:

ASTM (C 127, C 136, C 70, C 702)

AASHTO T 85

Equipment/Apparatus:

For Coarse Aggregate:

Balance, sensitive to 0.01 lb or gram

Wire Mesh basket
Drying Oven
3/6” Sieve
Water Tank

For Fine Aggregate:

Balance, sensitive to 0.01 lb or gram

500 ml Chapman Flask
Dryer
Drying Oven

Preparation of Sample (for Coarse Aggregate)

1. Thoroughly mixed the sample aggregate and reduce it to the approximate quantity needed
using quartering or mechanical shaker method
2. Reject all materials passing at 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve sieving and thoroughly washing to
remove dust or other coatings from the surface.
3. The minimum weight of test sample to be used is given in the table.

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Negros Oriental State University CE 241 – Construction Materials and Testing
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Nominal Maximum Size mm (in) Maximum Weight of Test Sample Kg (lb)

12.5 (1/2) or less 2 (4.4)

19.0 (3/4) 3 (6.6)

25.0 (1) 4 (8.8)

37.5 (1½) 5(11)

50 (2) 8 (18)

63 (2½) 12 (26)
75 (3) 18 (40)
90 (3½) 25 (55)

100 (4) 40 (22)

112 (4½) 50 (110)

125 (5) 75 (165)

150 (6) 125 (276)

Test Procedure:

For Coarse Aggregate:

1. Dry the test sample to constant weight at a temperature of 110 ± 5ºC (230 9ºF).
2. Cool in air at room temperature 1 to 3 hours, or until the aggregate has cooled to a
temperature that is comfortable to handle (approximately 50ºC) and weigh.
3. Soak aggregate under water for 24 ± 4 hours.
4. Obtain approximately 5 kg of saturated coarse aggregate (retained on 3/8” sieve preferably.

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Negros Oriental State University CE 241 – Construction Materials and Testing
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

5. Towel the aggregate to a saturated surface-dry condition (SSD). A moving steam may be
used to assist drying operation. Take care to avoid evaporation of water from aggregate pores
during the surface-drying operation.
6. Measure SSD weight (B) of aggregate in air to the nearest 1 gm. Do this quickly to prevent
evaporation.
7. Place the sample in the wire mesh basket, and determine its weight in water (C) at 23 ± 1.7ºC
(73.4 ± 3ºF). Take care to remove all entrapped air before weighing by shaking the container
while immersed. Be sure to subtract the submerged weight of the basket from the total.
8. Place wet aggregate in oven, and dry to constant weight at temperature of 110 ± 5ºC (230 ±
9ºF) (leave the aggregate in oven overnight). Cool the aggregate in air at room temperature 1
to 3 hours, or until the aggregate has cooled to a temperature that is comfortable to handle
(approximately 50ºC) and weigh (A).
9. From the above data (i.e., A, B, and C) calculate the three types of specific gravity and
absorption as defined below:
A
( 1 ) Bulk Specific Gravity ( Dry )=
B−C
B
( 2 ) Bulk Specific Gravity ( SSD )=
B−C
A
( 3 ) Apparent Specific Gravity ( Dry )=
A−C
B−A
( 4 ) Absorption= × 100 %
A

where:
A = weight of oven-dry test sample, gm
B = weight of saturated surface-dry sample in air, gm
C = weight of test sample in water, gm

For Fine Aggregate:

1. Obtain approximately 4 kg air-dry fine aggregate (all groups working together).

2. Bring fine aggregate to SSD condition as explained by the instructor.
3. Each group takes approximately 500 gm of the SSD aggregate. Record exact weight of SSD
sample (D).
4. Fill Chapman Flask to 450 ml marks and record weight of water and flask in grams (B). The
water temperature should be about 23 ± 1.5ºC (73 ± 3ºC).
5. Empty water in flask to about 200 ml marks and adds SSD aggregate to flask. Fill flask to
almost 450-ml mark with additional water.
6. “Roll” flask on top surface to eliminate air bubbles. Then fill the flask with water up to 450-
ml. record total weight (in gm) of flask plus the water plus aggregate (C).
7. Pour entire contents of flask into pan and place in oven. Additional tap water may be used as
necessary to wash all aggregate out of the flask. Return after 24 hours or as long as it takes
for the aggregate to dry and record weight of oven-dry aggregates (A).

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Negros Oriental State University CE 241 – Construction Materials and Testing
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

8. From the date above, calculate specific gravities and absorption defined below:
A
( 1 ) Apparent SpecificGravity=
B+ A−C
A
( 2 ) Bulk Specific Gravity=
B+ D−C
D
( 3 ) Bulk Specific Gravity ( SSD )=
B+ D−C
D− A
( 4 ) Absorption= × 100 %
A

Data Analysis:
FINE AGGREGATE
ITEM WEIGHT
SSD Weight in Air (D)
Weight of Pyc. + Water (B)
Weight of Pyc. + Water + Sample (C)
Oven Dry Weight (A)

COARSE AGGREGATE
ITEM WEIGHT
SSD Weight in Air (B)
Weight in Water (C)
Oven Dry Weight (A)

RESULTS
COARSE FINE
Apparent Specific Gravity
Bulk Specific Gravity (Dry)
Bulk Specific Gravity (SSD)
Absorption

Conclusion:

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Recommendation:

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Name: Date Started:
Course-Year & Section: Date Completed:
Rating: Date Due:

LABORATORY NO. 3

DETERMINATION OF UNIT WEIGHT (BULK DENSITY) OF COARSE AGGREGATE

Objectives:

This test is performed to determine the unit weight (bulk density) values that is necessary for use
for several methods of selecting proportions for concrete mixtures.

Standard Reference:

ASTM (C 29, C 29M – 97, C 127, C 702, C136)

AASHTO T 11

Equipment/Apparatus:

Balance, sensitive to 0.1 lb or 0.05 kg

Tamping rod, 5/8” (16mm) diameter
Volume measure

Test Procedure:

1. Obtain a representative sample of air-dry thoroughly mixed coarse aggregate and reduce the
sample by quartering method.

2. Fill the measure one-third full and level the surface with fingers.

3. Rod or tamp the layer 25 strokes of the tamping rod evenly distributed over the surface.

4. Fill the measure to two-thirds full and rod 25 times without penetrating the previous layer.

5. Fill the measure to overflowing and 25 times. Level the surface with fingers or the rod such
that any slight projections of larger pieces of aggregate approximately balance the larger
voids in the surface below the top of the measure. Do not compress the aggregate.

6. Determine the weight (or mass) to the nearest 0.1 lb (0.05kg)

7. Calculate the unit weight.

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Negros Oriental State University CE 241 – Construction Materials and Testing
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Data Analysis:
Aggregate: ________________________

Maximum Size: ____________________

Nominal Grade: ____________________

Source: ___________________________

ITEM TRIAL 1 TRIAL 2 TRIAL 3 TRIAL 4

Total Weight, lb (kg)
Measured Weight, lb (kg)
Weight of Aggregate, lb (kg)
Measure Volume, ft 3 ¿ )
Unit Weight, lb/ft 3 ¿)
% Difference from Average

Calculation:

(Wt −Wm)
UW =
V
where:

UW = Unit Weight (Bulk Density), lb/ft 3 ¿)

Wt = Weight of aggregate plus measure

Wm = Weight of calibrated measure
Table 1: Dimension of Measures (US Customary System)
Minimum Thickness of Metal (in) Maximum
Inside Diameter Inside Height
Capacity ( ft 3 ¿ Nominal Size of
(mm) (mm) Bottom Wall
Aggregate (in)
1/10 6.0 ± 0.1 6.0 ± 0.1 0.20 0.10 1/2
1/3 8.0 ± 0.1 11.5 ± 0.1 0.20 0.10 1
½ 10.0 ± 0.1 11.0 ± 0.1 0.20 0.12 1-1/2
1 14.0 ± 0.1 11.2 ± 0.1 0.20 0.12 4

Table 2: Dimension of Measures (Metric System)

Minimum Thickness of Metal (in) Maximum
Inside Diameter Inside Height
Capacity ( ft 3 ¿ Nominal Size of
(mm) (mm) Bottom Wall
Aggregate (in)
3 155 ± 2 160 ± 2 5.0 2.5 12.5
10 205 ± 2 205 ± 2 5.0 2.5 25.0
15 255 ± 2 295 ± 2 5.0 3.0 37.5
30 355 ± 2 305 ± 2 5.0 3.0 100.0

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Negros Oriental State University CE 241 – Construction Materials and Testing
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Table 3: Unit Weight of Water

Temperature 3 3
ºF ºC lb/ft kg /m
60 15.6 62.366 999.01
65 18.3 62.366 998.53
70 21.1 62.301 997.97
(73.4) (23.0) (62.274) (997.53)
75 23.9 62.261 997.32
80 26.7 62.216 996.60
85 29.4 62.166 995.80
*The indicated size of container may be used to test aggregate of a maximum nominal size equal to or
smaller than that listed.
*Based on sieves with square openings.

Conclusion:

Recommendation:

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Name: Date Started:
Course-Year & Section: Date Completed:
Rating: Date Due:

LABORATORY NO. 4

SURFACE MOISTURE OF FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATE

Objectives:

This test is performed to determine the percentage of surface moisture in both fine and coarse
aggregate.

Standard Reference:

ASTM (C 566-96, C 127, C128, C125)

Equipment/Apparatus:

Balance, sensitive to 0.1 gm

Sample container
Stirrer or spoon or spatula
Flash or pycnometer
Small rubber syringe or medicine dropper

Test Procedure:

Method A – Pycnometer or Flash Method

1. Obtain a representative sample or specimen of fine and coarse aggregate.

2. Fill the Pycnometer with water at temperature of between 18°C – 29°C (65°F - 85°F) to the
mark taking care not to trap air bubbles. The final increments of water shall be added using a
syringe or medicine dropper.
3. Thoroughly wipe any excess water from the outside of the container and determine the
weight (mass) to the nearest 0.1 gm.
4. Empty the container and partially fill with enough water to cover the specimen when
introduced.

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Negros Oriental State University CE 241 – Construction Materials and Testing
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

5. Introduce the weighted specimen into the container and remove the entrapped air by using a
vacuum or by stirring and carefully rolling or shaking the container unit no significant air
bubbles rise to the surface.
6. Completely fill the container with water to the original mark, wipe off any excess water and
determine the weight (mass) to the nearest 0.1 gm.

Calculation:

V −D
% Surface Moisture= ×100 %
W −C
where:
C = weight (mass) of pycnometer filled with water
W = weight (mass) of pycnometer, specimen and water
V = weight (mass) of displaced water = C + S – W
S = weight (mass) of specimen

Method B – Oven D

1. Obtain a representative sample of aggregate. For fine aggregate, obtain a specimen with a
weight (mass) of approximately 500 gm. For coarse aggregate, obtain a specimen of
approximately 1000 gm.
2. Identify and weigh sample container.

3. Put the sample aggregate into a container.

4. Weigh the container with sample aggregate to the nearest 0.1 gm.

5. Dry the sample to a constant weight (mass) at 110°C±5°C (230°F).

6. When dry weigh to the nearest 0.1 gm. And record the oven dry.

Calculation:
1. Total percentage of moisture in an oven dry basis:

Wet Wt−Dry Wt
% Moisture Oven Dry Basis= ×100 %
Dry Wt
where:
Wet Wt = original weight (mass) of aggregate
Dry Wt = oven dry weight (mass) of aggregate

2. Calculate the percent surface (free) moisture:

% Surface Moisture=(%Moisture, Oven Dry Basis)×( Absorption ,¿ Mix Design)

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Negros Oriental State University CE 241 – Construction Materials and Testing
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Conclusion:

Recommendation:

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Name: Date Started:
Course-Year & Section: Date Completed:
Rating: Date Due:

LABORATORY NO. 5

FINENESS OF CEMENT
Objectives:

This test is performed to determine the fineness of Portland cement by sieve analysis.

Standard Reference:

ASTM 115-96A
AASHTO (T 98-99, T192)

Equipment/Apparatus:

Balance, sensitive to 0.1 gm

Sieve No. 200
Container

Test Procedure:

1. Weight accurately 100 gm of cement and place it on No. 200 sieve.

2. Breakdown any air-set lumps in the sample with fingers but do not rub it on the sieve.

3. Sieving is done by a gentle motion of the wrist for fifteen (15) minutes continuously

4. Weight the residue and should not exceed ten percent (10%) by weight of the cement sample.

Calculation:

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Negros Oriental State University CE 241 – Construction Materials and Testing
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Conclusion:

Recommendation:

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Name: Date Started:
Course-Year & Section: Date Completed:
Rating: Date Due:

LABORATORY NO. 6

NORMAL CONSISTENT OF PORTLAND CEMENT

Objectives:

This test is performed to determine the normal consistency of Portland cement using Vicat
apparatus.

Standard Reference:

ASTM C 187-56
AASHTO T 129

Equipment/Apparatus:

Balance, sensitive to 0.1 gm

Vicat apparatus
Spatula
Mixing pan
Graduated cylinder, capacity 50 ml to 200 ml
Container

Temperature and Humidity:

1. The temperature of the air in vicinity of the mixing slab, the dry cement, molds, and the base
plates shall be maintained between 20°C- 27.5°C (68°C- 81.5°F). The temperature of the
mixing water shall not vary from 23°C (73.4°F) by more than plus or minus 1.7°C (3°F).
2. The relative humidity of the laboratory shall be not less than 50 percent.

Test Procedure:

1. Weigh accurately 300 gm of neat cement sample and place it on the mixing pan.
2. Mix about 25% of clean water to the cement by means of spatula for about one minute.
3. Mixed it thoroughly with hands for at least one minute.
4. The kneaded paste is formed into a ball and tossed six times from one hand to the other,
maintaining the hand about 6 inches apart.
5. The ball is pressed into a conical ring or conical mold completely filling the ring with paste.

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Negros Oriental State University CE 241 – Construction Materials and Testing
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

6. Sliced off the excess paste at the top of the ring by a single oblique stroke of a sharp edge
spatula or trowel and the top smoothed, if necessary, with a few light touches of the toward or
spatula. Care shall be taken not to compress the paste.
7. Center paste confined in the ring under the larger end of the rod.
8. The larger end of the rod is brought in contact with the surface of the paste and tightened the
screw.
9. Set the movable indicator to zero marks of the scale and tightened the screw.
10. The rod is then quickly released without any jerk and the penetration noted.
11. If the rod penetrates 33 to 35 mm the paste is said to be normal consistency
12. Trial paste shall be made with varying percentage of water until the normal consistency is
obtained. Each trial shall be made with fresh cement. The amount of water is expressed as
percentage by weight of dry cement usually 30%.
13. The time taken between adding of water to cement and filling of the ring or mold should be
between 3 to 5 minutes.

Conclusion:

Recommendation:

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Name: Date Started:
Course-Year & Section: Date Completed:
Rating: Date Due:

LABORATORY NO. 7

SLUMP TEST OF PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE

Objectives:

This test is performed to determine the slump of concrete mixture, both in the laboratory and in
the field.

Standard Reference:

ASTM (C 143-74, C 143M-00, C172-71)

AASHTO (T-23, T-119, T-126)

Equipment/Apparatus:

Slump
Spade
Container
Mixing box
Graduated cylinder
Meter stick

Test Procedure:

1. Take a representative sample of aggregate; wash so that it will be free from still and clay and
dry.
2. Using a proportion of 1:2:4 by weight, equal amount of sand and gravel for a total of 12 kg
and place them on the mixing box. Add 2 kg of cement, and water, using water- cement ratio
of 0.45, 0.55, 0.65. Keep precise record of the amount of the materials. It is convenient to
measure the water in the graduated cylinder (1000 ml= 1 kg) Mix them thoroughly.
3. Dampen the mold and place it on the flat, nonabsorbent and the rigid surface. The operator
standing on the two-foot pieces shall hold it firmly in place during filling.
4. Fill the mold in three years, each layer should be approximately one-third the volume of the
mold.
5. Rod each layer 25 strokes with a tamping rod. Uniformly distribute the stroke over the cross-
section of each layer by using approximately half the stroke near the perimeter (outer edge)
and progressing spirally toward the center.

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Negros Oriental State University CE 241 – Construction Materials and Testing
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

6. Rod the bottom layer through its depth.

7. Rod the second and the layer each throughout its depth, so that the strokes just penetrate into
the underlying layer.
8. In filling and rodding the top layer, heap the concrete above the mold before rodding is
started. If the rodding operation results in a subsidence of the concrete below the top edge of
the mold add additional concrete to keep excess at all time.
9. After the top layer has been rodded, strike off the surface of the concrete by means of scree
ding and rolling motion of the tamping rod.
10. Remove the mold immediately from the concrete by raising it carefully in a vertical motion.
Raise the mold a distance of 12 inches (300 mm) in 5 + 2 second by a steady upward lift with
no lateral or torsional motion. Complete the entire test from the start of filling through
removal of the mold without interruption and complete it within an elapsed time of 2 1/2
minutes.
11. Place the meter stick horizontally across the inverted mold so that the meter stick extends
over the slumped concrete. Immediately measure the distance from the bottom of the meter
stick to the original center of the top surface of the specimen.
12. If a decided falling away or shearing off of concrete from one side or portion of the mass
occurs. Disregard the test and make a new test on another portion of the sample.
13. Record the slump in term of inches (mm) to the nearest 1/4 inches (6mm) of subsidence of
the specimen during the test.

Calculation:

Slump = 12 inches – inches of the height after subsidence.

Conclusion:

Recommendation:

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Name: Date Started:
Course-Year & Section: Date Completed:
Rating: Date Due:

LABORATORY NO. 8

MAKING AND CURING CONCRETE TEST SPECIMEN IN THE LABORATORY

Objectives:

This test is performed to produce and cure concrete test specimen in the laboratory under accurate
control and test conditions using concrete that can be consolidated by rodding o vibration.

Standard Reference:

ASTM (C 192, C192M-95, C31/31M, C470-94, C617-94)

AASHTO (T 126-70, T 119-74)

Equipment/Apparatus:

Cylindrical molds
Tamping rods, 5/8” (16 mm) inch-diameter and 3/8” (10 mm) inch-diameter
Trowel or shovel
Slump cone device
Sampling and mixing pans
Balance
Air content device (optional)
Vibrator (optional)
Mixer (optional)

Test Procedure:

Mixing Concrete:

1. Mix concrete in a suitable mixer or hand in batches as to leave about 10% excess after
molding the test specimens. Hand-mixing procedures are not applicable to air entrained
concrete or concrete with no measurable slump. Hand mixing should be limited to batches of
¼ ft3 (0.007 m3) volume or less.
2. In the case of machine mixing, add the cored aggregate; some of the mixing water, and the
solution of admixture (if required), to the mix before starting its rotation. Start the mixer, and
then add the fine aggregate, cement, and water with the mixer running. If it is impractical for
a particular test to add the fine aggregate, cement and water while the mixer is running, these
components may be added to the stopped mixer permitting it to turn a few revolutions

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 following charging with coarse aggregate and some of the water. Mix the concrete, after all
the ingredients are in the mixer for 3 minutes followed by 3- minute rest, followed by 2
minutes final mixing. To eliminate segregation, deposit machine-mixed concrete in the clean,
damp mixing pan and remix by shovel or trowel until it appears to be uniform.
3. In the case of hand mixing, mix the batch in water tight, clean, damp, metal pan or bowl with
a brick layer’s blunted trowel.
4. Mix the cement, powdered insoluble admixture (if required), and fine aggregate without the
addition of water until they are thoroughly blended.
5. Add the coarse aggregate and mix the entire batch without the addition of water until the
coarse aggregate in uniformly distributed throughout the batch.
6. Add water and admixture solution and mix the mass until the concrete is homogeneous in
appearance and has a desired consistency.
7. Select portions of the batch of mixed concrete to be used in the tests for molding specimens
so as to be representative of the actual proportions and conditions of the concrete. When the
concrete is not being remixed or sampled cover it to prevent evaporation.
8. Measure the slump of each batch immediately after mixing.
9. Mold specimens as near as practicable to the place where they are to be stored during the first
24 hours. If it is not practicable to mold the specimens where they will be stored, move them
to the place of storage immediately after being struck off. Place molds on a rigid surface free
from vibration and other disturbances. Avoid harsh, striking, tilting, or scarring of the surface
of the specimen when moving to the storage place.

Conclusion:

Recommendation:

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Name: Date Started:
Course-Year & Section: Date Completed:
Rating: Date Due:

LABORATORY NO. 9

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CYLINDRICAL CONCRETE SPECIMEN

Objectives:

This test is performed to determine the compressive strength of cylindrical concrete specimen
such as molded concrete cylinder.

Standard Reference:

ASTM (C 39-94, C 39/C 39-01, C31, C617, C873)

Equipment/Apparatus:

Universal Testing Machine

Measuring device
Balance, sensitive, to 0.1 gm
Capping device

Test Procedure:

1. Compression tests on specimens shall be made as soon as practicable after removal from the
moist storage. A 28-day test shall be performed within +-20 hours of the 28thday. Test
specimens shall be kept moist by any convenient method during the period between removals
from moist storage and testing. The y shall be tested in moist condition.
2. All test specimens for a given test age shall be broken within the permissible time tolerance
prescribed below.

TEST AGE PERMISSIBLE TOLERANCE

24 hours + -0.5 hours or 2.1%
3 days 2 hours or 2.8%
7 days 6 hours or 3.6%
28 days 20 hours or 3.0%
90 days 2 days or 2.2%

3. With a clean rag or rush clean the bearing faces of the bearing blocks, test the specimens and
exclusion controller (elastomeric cps).

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Negros Oriental State University CE 241 – Construction Materials and Testing
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

4. Rest the specimen on the lower extrusion controller, place the top extrusion controller on the
specimen on the specimen, and check the spacing between the sides of the specimen and the

extrusion controllers to ensure no contact between the cylinder and the steel. Slide the
specimen and extrusion controller configuration into the center of the concentric circles of the
lower bearing block. Check the alignment with the upper bearing face after lowering it into
position.
5. Apply the load to the specimen. During the first half of the anticipated loading phase, a
higher loading rate shall be permitted. The remainder of the loading shall be 20 to 50
psi/second(0.14 to 0.34 Mpa)
Note: For 6 inches (150 mm) diameter specimens, the loading rate shall be 550 to 1400 lbs.
/second. For 4-inch (100 mm) diameter specimen, the loading rate shall be 250 to 620
lbs. /second.
6. Apply the load until the specimen fails, and record the maximum load supported by the
specimen during the test rounded to the nearest 500lb.

Calculation:
q
Cs= 2
πR

where:
Cs = compressive strength (psi)
Q = load at failure (lb-force)
R = radius of specimen (in)
For 6-inch (150mm) diameter specimen = q/28.274
For 4-inch (100mm) diameter specimen – q/12.566

Conclusion:

Recommendation:

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Name: Date Started:
Course-Year & Section: Date Completed:
Rating: Date Due:

LABORATORY NO. 10

FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF CONCRETE

Objectives:

This test is performed to determine the flexural strength of concrete specimen by the use of
simple beam with a center point loading.

Standard Reference:

ASTM (C 293-94, C78-94, C 31, C 192, C 293-02)

AASHTO (T 198-74, T 23)
ACI (325, 330)

Equipment/Apparatus:

Universal testing machine

Loading apparatus

Test Procedure:

1. Measure the dimensions of the specimen and the record them in the date sheet
2. Turn the specimen on its side with respect to its position as molded and center in on life
support blocks.
3. Center the loading system in relation to the applied force.
4. Bring the load applying-block in contact with the surface of the specimen at the center and
apply a load between 3 and 6% of the estimated load.
5. Grind cap, or use leather shims on the specimen contact surface to eliminate any gap in
excess of 0.004 inch (0.10 mm). Gaps in excess of 0.15 inch (0.38 mm) shall be eliminated
by capping or grinding.
6. Apply the load on the specimen continuously and without shock. The load shall be applied at
the constant rate to the breaking. Apply the load at such a rate that constantly increases the
extreme fiber stresses between 125 and 175 psi/min. (0.86 and 121 MPa/min) when
calculated in accordance with 7.1 until rupture occurs.
7. Take three measurements across each dimension (one at each edge and at the center) to the
nearest0.05 in. (1 mm) to determine the average width and depth of the specimen at the point
of fracture. If the fracture occurs at a capped section, include the cap thickness in
measurement.

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Negros Oriental State University CE 241 – Construction Materials and Testing
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Calculation:
3 PL
MR= 2
2b d

where:
MR = maximum load applied as indicated by testing machine, in lb (N)
L = span length, in (mm)
b = average width of specimen in inches (mm)

Note: The weight of the beam is not included in the above calculation.

Conclusion:

Recommendation:

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Name: Date Started:
Course-Year & Section: Date Completed:
Rating: Date Due:

LABORATORY NO. 11

DETERMINATION OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE HOLLOW BLOCKS

Objectives:

This test is performed to determine the compressive strength of concrete hollo blocks.

Standard Reference:

ASTM (C 90, C 129)

Equipment/Apparatus:

Compression Machine

Test Procedure:

1. Place the bottom of the concrete hollow block on a compression block made of 1-inch-thick
plywood. Place another 1-inch-thick plywood on top of the concrete hollow block.
2. Apply the compression load slowly until failure is attained and record the reading. Take note
of the appearance of the concrete hollow block as well as the type of failure that will occur.
3. Test a total of three hollow blocks for each batch.

Calculation:
P
Compressive Strength(CS)=
A

where:
CS = compressive strength of the specimen, psi (kN/m 3)
P = maximum load, lb (kN)
A = cross-sectional area of the specimen, inches2 (m 2 ¿

Conclusion:

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Negros Oriental State University CE 241 – Construction Materials and Testing
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Recommendation:

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Name: Date Started:
Course-Year & Section: Date Completed:
Rating: Date Due:

LABORATORY NO. 12

TENSILE STRENGTH OF STEEL BAR

Objectives:

This test is performed to obtain the force-deformation diagram (stress-strain diagram) of a plain
bar and a deformed bar of concrete reinforcing steel and compare some of their mechanical properties in
tension.

Standard Reference:

ASTM (A6/A6/M, A36M, E8-69)

AASHTO (T 68-74)

Equipment/Apparatus:

Universal Testing Machine

Extensometer
Vernier caliper

Test Procedure:

1. Measured the total length L and weight W of the deformed bar specimen. Mark the gage
length.

2. Attach the specimen to the universal testing machine (100 ton-capacity).

3. Apply a tensile load satisfying all the requirements of the related standard.

4. Obtain the force- deformation diagram (stress-strain diagram) as graphs from the mechanical
recorder of the machine. Reload the ultimate load Pu. Continue until load fracture of the
specimen.

5. Measure the gage length after fracture (Lf) by connecting the two pieces.

6. Measure the final diameter dfd by vernier. Make about three mutual measurements.

7. Make calculation:
a. Determine the nominal diameter dn (mm) of the deformed bar using dn=12.8 G0.5
where G is the weight/unit weight (kN/m) which can be calculated using L and W.
b. Calculate the yield strength of the bar as σ y.

38
Negros Oriental State University CE 241 – Construction Materials and Testing
College of Engineering & Architecture Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

c. Calculate the ultimate strength of the bar as σ u using the ultimate load Pu and
original cross-sectional area A o and read Pu from the graph.

d. Calculate the modulus of elasticity E for the bar using:

σ 2−σ 1
( )( )
P2
An
−
P1
An
e. Calculate the percent reduction in are using:
A o− A r
f. Calculate percent elongation using:
Lf −Li

Conclusion:

Recommendation:

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