DPWH Blue Book Summary Review

REVIEW ON CONSULTANT & CONTRACTOR
ACCREDITATION FOR MATERIALS ENGINEERS

M O D U L E I
• GENERAL DISCUSSION ON DEFINITION AND TERMS RELATED
TO MATERIALS TESTING AND QUALITY CONTROL
• Definition of Materials Testing
• Importance of Materials Testing
• Benefits Gain in Learning Materials Testing
• Definition of Quality Control
• Modern Concept of Quality Control
• Purpose of Quality Control
• Quality Control Procedures
• RESPONSIBILITIES OF ENGINEER AND INSPECTOR IN THE

IMPLEMENTATION OF MATERIALS TESTING AND QUALITY
CONTROL
• Roles of Project Engineers and Materials Engineers
• Duties and Responsibilities of Project Engineer in Project Implementation
• Duties and Responsibilities of Materials Engineer in Project Implementation

• STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES
( MATERIALS AND QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS )
• Earthworks
Item 102 -- Excavation
Item 104 – Embankment
Item 105 – Subgrade Preparation
Item 106 – Compaction Equipment and Density Control
• Subbase and Base Course
Item 200 – Aggregate Subbase Course
Item 201 - Aggregate Base Course
Item 202 – Crushed Aggregate Base Course
• Surface Courses
Item 300 – Aggregate Surface Course
Item 301 – Bituminous Prime Coat
Item 302 - Bituminous Tack Coat
Item 307 - Bituminous Plant Mix Surface Course-General
Item 310 – Bituminous Concrete Surface Course, Hot Laid
Item 311 – Portland Cement Concrete Pavement
• Bridge Construction
Item 404 – Reinforcing Steel
Item 405 – Structural Concrete
Item 406 – Prestressed Concrete Structures
Item 407 – Concrete Structures
Item 411 – Paints
• Drainage and Slope Protection Works
Item 500 – Pipe Culverts and Storm Drains
Item 505 – Riprap and Grouted Riprap
Item 506 – Stone Masonry
Item 507 - Rubble Concrete
Item 511 – Gabions and Mattresses
* Miscellaneuos Materials
Item 603 – Guardrail
Item 704 – Concrete Masonry Blocks
GENERAL DISCUSSION ON DEFINITION AND TERMS
RELATED TO MATERIALS TESTING AND

QUALITY CONTROL
IN ENGINEERING POINT OF VIEW, MATERIALS
QUALITY CONTROL HAS TWO ASPECTS
NAMELY :
• MATERIALS TESTING
• QUALITY CONTROL
WHAT IS MATERIALS TESTING ?
 is the basic means or a tool by which an engineer

or an inspector can be used to determined whether
the materials should be allowed to be incorporated
or be rejected into the work.
 It is a documented proof of the quality of materials

indicating it meets or it fails the desired properties
as called for in the specifications requirements of an
approved contract.
 There can be no quality assurance without adequate quality

control at the source or manufacturer or at construction,
therefore testing is a tool for measuring quality control
in project implementation.
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF MATERIALS
TESTING
Engineers do not guess !!!
Testing is an important complement of quality

control in engineering works
Materials testing is not done by sight or other means without

the benefit of laboratory tests. If it is done by sight, it is pure
and simple guessing.
So without testing even in the field or in the laboratory,

no one can state definitely if the quality of materials is
satisfied or not, even the expert.
WHY WE NEED TO KNOW & LEARN TESTING
- Project Engineers, Materials Engineers and Laboratory Technicians
who are involved in the implementation of various infrastructures
needs to learn & know testing technology in construction materials to
enhance and strength their capabilities in the implementation of
Quality Assurance Program in a project.
WHAT BENEFITS WILL YOU ACQUIRED IN
LEARNING MATERIALS TESTING
 Recognize the basic technologies in testing of

construction materials.
• Identify and familiarize the required tests on specific

construction materials
• Identify and understand the basic properties of materials
• Understand the significance of tests on the materials
• Aware of the importance of materials testing in project

implementation
 Perform effectively field/laboratory sampling and testing of
construction materials in accordance with the standard
methods/procedures.
• Familiarize in the application of the proper method of sampling

of materials in the field and laboratory
• Identify and familiarize in all laboratory testing apparatus /

equipment for materials sampling and testing
• Learn and familiarize standard methods and procedures of

laboratory testing of various construction materials
• Learn to check the accuracy and proper maintenance of

laboratory testing apparatus/equipment
 Evaluate, analyze and interpret test results of
construction materials for the purpose of acceptance and
rejection.
• Learn proper computation and check result of
tests performed
• Know the proper reporting system of test reports
• Understand the application of materials standard

specifications based on the result of tests
• Learn how to analyze and evaluate result of

tests indicated on official test reports from testing
laboratories
• Learn the proper recommended measures in the

acceptance or rejection of materials
HOW MATERIALS IS REPRESENTED
BY A TEST
The usual procedure is to make a test for a certain quantity of materials

representing the quantities to be incorporated into the work or in
accordance with the minimum testing requirements prescribed in each
project. The requirements specify the kind and number of tests for
each items of works.
It should be emphasized that what are specified are the minimum number
of testing only. Additional number of test can be require to the materials
if the owner/inspector is in doubt of the quality of materials or the
finished structure.
When the Testing of Materials be Conducted
An aspect of testing which is very important and most often

overlook is when testing should be conducted.
Testing of material is conducted prior to incorporation into the

work.
If the test is not conducted at the proper time, there is no quality control
since it will then be too late to correct anything that is defective.
If someone will attempt to evaluate the quality of materials without testing

he is taking a big risk because he is guessing.
What is Quality ?
 is a judgment by the customer or users of a product or

service.
 It is the extent to which the customer or users feel the

product or service surpasses their needs and
expectations.
 the characteristic of a product that provides a level of

performance in terms of service and life.
What is Control ?
It is usually used in relation to something in need of

checking or regulating due to some important and
compelling reasons.
 It is used to correct something which has gone wrong or

in other words, control is instituted as a (corrective)
preventive measure.
There is another form of control which is now widely and

increasingly used in most industries to gauge the
performance and excellence of work and product. It is the
combination of the above two-words we have just defined and
the name is Quality Control.
In the implementation of quality control in the engineering construction,
two-items are checked.
What is checked?
Materials and methods of construction or workmanship
Quality Control therefore includes all procedures which are necessary

to insure that the materials used and workmanship employed conform
to the standard of quality specified in the approved plans and specifications
If quality control is done by sight or other means without the benefit

of laboratory tests, and lately executed, it is pure and simple
guessing.
Quality Control is being increasingly instituted in the construction
industry, not necessarily as a corrective measure, but more as
a preventive tool.
An “ ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” ,was originally a

medical advice, but it is equally applicable to engineering.
Preventive measures are always economical and this is true, if the

finished structure is defective or fails, the cost of repair and/or
maintenance will be very high.
Quality Control in construction is checking for conformity to the

requirements of the approved plans and specifications.
The Modern Concept of Quality Control
- The modern concept of Quality Control is that, it is a system

which involves the joint but independent efforts of the owner
and the contractor to achieve the level of quality desired by the
owner as established in the project specifications.
- The owner’s task is to verify that the contractor’s quality

control system is functioning and the completed structure is of
the specified quality
- The contractor’s task is to regulate, test and inspect the

procedures, equipment, materials, and manpower so that the
completed facility will comply with the requirements.
What is the Purpose of the Quality Control?
 to insure the highest quality of work
 to extend the service life of any structure by

constructing according to the prescribed plans
and specifications
 to check and regulate the use of construction

materials
to economize the cost of construction of a structure

Quality Control Procedures
In the construction or improvement projects of the Department of

Public Works & Highways, the following quality control procedures
are commonly used/practice:
1. Quality Control Program
2. Certificate of Quality Control Assurance
3. Pretesting of Manufactured Materials
4. Monthly Materials Report
5. Accomplishment of Quality Control Logbook
6. Inspection
Quality Control Program ( QCP)
- A program of quality control works in a certain project which

involve inspection and testing of materials to be incorporated
into a work.
- It specifies the minimum number of tests required for an item

of work which corresponds to the quantities stated in the
approved Program of Work of a project
- It is prepared by the concerned Materials Engineer of the

owner and be approved by the Project Engineer
assigned in the project.
QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM
PROJECT: Restoration of Nueva Ecija – Pangasinan Road
Sta. 3+930 to Sta. 14+360, Nueva Ecija
A. Tests to be Performed
Item No. Description Unit Quantity No. of Test (Min.)
103 (1) Structure Excavation cu.m. 41 None

103 (6) Exc. For Pipe Culverts cu.m. 85 None
104 (1) Emb. From Rd. Excavation cu.m. 659 GPC – 1, D-7
104 (2) Emb. From Borrow cu.m. 1657 GPC –1, D-17
105 (1) Subgrade Preparation sq.m. 21,808 GPC –3, D-44
200 (1) Agg. Subbase Course cu.m. 4811 GP-16,C-4,D-64,

Q-4, CBR-2
201 Agg. Base Course cu.m. 7474 GP-25, C-5,Q-5,
D-100, CBR-3
311 PCCP sq. m. 34,181
a. Cement bags 61,526 Q – 31
b. Fine Agg. cu. m. 3419 Q – 3, G- 46
c. Coarse Agg. cu. m. 5264 Q – 4, G-71
d. Steel Bars kg. 700 Q–1
e. Concrete cu. m. FS – 91 sets CB
f. Completed PCCP, 200mm. , thk. 5 – cores/km/lane
B. INSPECTION:
Continuous quality control inspection on all Items of Works shall be done

as construction work progresses. Inspection Report to be submitted as
required.
Prepared and Submitted By: Approved By:
__________________________________ _______________________________
Materials Engineer Project Engineer
Certificate of Quality Control Assurance ( CQCA)
In the DPWH, engineering works should emphasize that
Quality Control is the responsibility of the contractor while the
Quality Assurance is the responsibility of the Implementing
Office ( Owner )
Cerificate of Quality Control Assurance (CQCA) is an assurance

report prepared and accomplished by the project implementing
office stating the accomplished quantity per item of work as the
work progresses and certifying the quality of materials completed
works.
CQCA is accomplished and submitted weekly by the Materials

Engineer and both duly signed by the concerned Project Engineer
and Materials Engineer and it is a required documents when a
contractor is requesting for partial or final payment of the
completed works.
Date
CERTIFICATE OF QUALITY CONTROL ASSURANCE
Project ____________________________________________________________________
Contractor _________________________________________________________________
We hereby certify that we have conducted an inspection and verification

on work accomplished on the above – mentioned project for the period
______________. We further certify that we found that the quality of materials
in the following items of work corresponding to the quantity accomplished
conforms with the Standard Specifications and Special Provision of the
Contract, viz:
Item No. Description Quantity Accomplished
__________ ________________________ _________________________

__________ _________________________ _________________________
__________ _________________________ __________________________
Note: To be submitted every quarter of the month

1 st report 1–7
2 nd report 8 – 15
3 rd report 16 – 22
4 th report 23 – 30/31
Pretesting of Manufactured Materials
- to avoid delays of sending samples from the project

to testing laboratories, samples of manufactured
materials are obtained at the factory or at reputable
supplier and tested at any of the DPWH or Accredited
testing laboratories.
- Manufactured materials such as asphalt, cement, steel

bars, paints and etc. particularly in big projects are
pretested upon the instruction of Engineer and upon
verification, the pretested materials are allowed to use
upon the delivery at the job-site.
MONTHLY MATERIALS REPORT
The Materials Engineer shall prepare and submit to the Project
Engineer a Monthly Materials Report containing the individual
tests conducted on the materials incorporated into the works and
the status of tests accomplished based on the approved Quality
Control Program.
The report shall include the following:
a. Status of tests performed and the balanced of tests as

required in the approved Quality Control Program
b. Summary of field and laboratory tests
c. Back-up test results of all tested construction materials
d. Photographs and Inspection Reports covering materials used
during the month.

Accomplishment of Quality Control Logbook
Project Control Logbook is being accomplished by the Project

/Resident Engineer , stating the daily construction activities in the
project, but another control logbook (Materials Quality Control
Logbook) where the daily entries of activities undertaken relative to
sampling, testing, inspection and other quality control activities/
comments in the project shall be properly encoded by the concerned
Materials Engineer.
Materials Quality Control Logbook shall contain all information and/

or observation relevant to materials quality control and shall be duly
signed by the concerned Materials Engineer of the project.
Logbook must always be kept available at all times for inspection.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF MATERIALS LOGBOOK
Date and Day _ _ _ _ March 10,2005 / Thursday
Weather _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ A.M…Clear PM…….Clear
Project Activities:
a. Compaction of the fill materials, Item 105 was done with sheepsfoot roller at
Sta. 1+600 to Sta. 2+000
b. Screening of coarse aggregate from Bauan River was done at the batching plant
for use for Item 405
c. Preparation of reinforcing steel bars for concrete pouring of double culvert at Sta.
2+105.70
Materials Quality Control Activities:
a. Field Density test were performed by Contractor’s men at Sta. 1+700 and Sta. 1+800 and
supervised by government Materialsmen R. Cruz. We reported that two test were made
and the samples for moisturre content were brought to the project laboratory, wieghed
and dried under my supervision.
b. Sieve analysis was conducted on screened coarse aggregates for use for Item 405 for
checking of the required gradation and the results was reviewed by me.
c. Checked the size and spacing of rebars installed at double culvert at Sta. 2+105.70 for
compliance to approved plans.
(SGD.) JUAN DELA CRUZ

Materials Engineer
Inspection
- An activity which is complimentary to quality control
- It is done on items of works not subject to testing. Construction

activities such as proper placing of forms, building up an embankment
in layers, benching of the hillside prior to filling, placing of
reinforcement or curing of concrete are encompassed by inspection.
When the Inspection should be done?
- Like in testing, it is also important that inspection is done at

the proper time and should be done as the work progresses.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ENGINEER AND
INSPECTOR IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
MATERIALS TESTING AND QUALITY CONTROL
Whose Responsibility for Quality Control ?
The concept that quality control rests solely on the Materials

Engineer is wrong. Quality control is the responsibility of
everyone involved in the construction. It is the responsibility
of the engineers, inspectors, technicians and even an ordinary
laborers.
Quality control is a team effort, it is like a chain that a weakness

in any one link will cause the whole chain to fail, all parties
involved in the construction must do their part in order to
insure success of a quality control program.
Engineers and supervisors have the great responsibility in the
implementation of the quality control, if it fails, they were to be
blame, because they failed to transmit their knowledge of good
quality control practices to the lower levels.
Quality Control, if properly executed, it will more than pay itself,

it is the key to more economical construction. Therefore, quality
control is not a cost item; it is in reality an investment. It pays
dividends to all, especially the owner and the builder.
ROLE OF PROJECT ENGR’S. & MATERIALS ENGR’S. IN THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF MATERIALS QUALITY CONTROL
 Project Engineers has the overall responsibility in terms of

materials quality control. He must have the technical know -
how in materials testing and quality control to enable to
check and regulate the use of construction materials and to
economize the cost of materials in the project.
 Materials Engineers has the primary responsibility in the

quality of materials which includes sampling, testing and
inspection, recommends for the acceptance or rejection and
recommends appropriate corrective measures to improved\
the quality of materials and works.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROJECT ENGINEER
1. Ensures that materials and workmanship are at all times in

accordance with plans and specifications.
 Is authorized to reject materials which fails to meet specification

requirements even though they have previously passed the
requirements.
 Is authorized to require the contractor to discontinue operations
if the workmanship or methods employed would adversely affect
the quality, durability or appearance of the work.
 Is directly supervise the sampling testing and control as well as
check the result of test to verify the quality of materials prior to

 May order the pre-testing/retesting
incorporation into the work. of construction materials under
the conditions for acceptance of materials which have sampled
and passed as satisfactory, may be re-sampled and retested.
2. Ensures that inspections and tests are carried out promptly
and timely.
 Check/verify the quantities reported in the Certificate of Quality

Control Assurance (CQCA) Report and ensure that quantities
being claimed have corresponding test results.
 Check that the required tests on materials are conducted

prior to its actual use and meets the minimum testing
requirements of the approved Quality Control Program.
 Issue pouring permit for asphalt and concreting works

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MATERIALS ENGINEER
 Ascertain that all materials incorporated into the works pass the
requirements of DPWH Standard Specifications for Highways,
Bridges and Airports and strictly comply with the schedule of
Minimum Testing Requirements.
 Advice the Project Engineer on the acceptance or rejection of

construction materials intended for use in the project (based on test
results)
 Recommend the Project Engineer remedial measures for the

correction of unsatisfactory condition of materials.
 Prepare Quality Control Program (QCP ) of the project based on

the standard minimum testing requirements.
 Accomplish the weekly Certificate of Quality Control Assurance
(CQCA) reports of the project.
 Prepare design mixes for concrete and bituminous mixtures.
 Fully acquaint himself with the standard procedures of sampling,

testing and control.
 Ensure that the laboratory is adequately equipped such that the

progress of the work will not be impeded to laboratory testing
and that non-performance of tests should not caused delay in the
prosecution of work.
 Submit test reports and other pertinent quality control reports

within the required time frame.
 Strictly supervise his laboratory technicians in the performance of

field and laboratory test.
DPWH STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS
FOR HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES
( MATERIALS AND QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS

TYPICAL CROSS – SECTION OF A ROADWAY
ONRY
NE MAS
AP
R
ITEM 311 - PCCP

RIP
6 - STO
ED
ITEM 201 – Aggregate Base Course

T
OU
GR
ITEM 200 – Aggregate Subbase Course
ITEM 50
505
Item 104 - Embankment

M
ITE
SUBGRADE or NATURAL GROUND

ITEM 102 – EXCAVATION
ITEM 102 – EXCAVATION
• This item shall consists of roadway, drainage and borrow excavation
and the disposal of material in accordance with specification and in
conformity with the lines, grades and dimensions shown on the Plans.
• Roadway excavation includes excavation and grading for roadways,
parking areas, intersections, approaches, slope rounding, benching,
waterways and dtches; removal of unsuitable material from the roadbed and
beneath embankment areas; and excavating selected material found
in the roadway for specific use in the improvement.
• Classification of Roadway Excavation
1. Unclassified Excavation - it consist of the excavation and disposal
of all materials regardless of its nature, not classified
and included in the Bill of Quantities
2. Rock Excavation – it consist of igneous, sedimentary and metamor-

phic rock which cannot be excavated without blasting
or the use of rippers, and all boulders or other
detached stones each having a volume of 1 cubic meter or more
• Classification of Roadway Excavation
3. Common Excavation - it consist of all excavation not included in the Bill
of Quantities under Rock Excavation or other pay items.
4. Muck Excavation - it consist of the removal and disposal of deposits of

saturated or unsaturated mixtures of soils and organic matter not
suitable for foundation material regardless of moisture content.
• Borrow Excavation - consist of the excavation and utilization of

approved material required for the construction of
embankments or for other portions of the work and shall be
obtained from approved sources in accordance with the following:
• Borrow, Case 1 - will consist of material obtained from sources

designated on the Plans or in the Special Provision
• Borrow, Case 2 - will consist of material obtained from sources

provided by the contractor.
Construction/Quality Control Requirements:
• All excavation shall be finished to reasonably smooth and uniform

surfaces. No materials shall be wasted without the authority of the
Engineer.
• Prior to excavation, all necessary clearing and grubbing in that area shall
have been performed in accordance with Item 100, Clearing and Grubbing
• All suitable materials removed from the excavation shall be used in

the formation of the embankment, subgrade, shoulders, slopes, bedding,
and backfill for structures and for other purposes shown on the Plans or as
directed.
• All excess material, including rock and boulders that cannot be used in the
embankments shall be disposed off as directed.
ITEM 104 - EMBANKMENT
• an earth material placed on top of subgrade in order to distribute the wheel
load transmitted to the subgrade. It is commonly used as fill materials to a
roadway construction where it needs to upgrade the existing grade elevation
to suit to actual field conditions when required in the plans.
MATERIALS REQUIREMENT :
Embankments shall be constructed of suitable materials, in consonance
with the following definitions:
1. Suitable Material – material which is acceptable in accordance with the

contract and which can be compacted in the manner specified. It can be
common material or rock.
Selected Borrow , for Topping – soil of such gradation that all particles
will pass sieve with 75 mm ( 3 inches ) and not more than 15 mass
percent will pass the 0.075 mm ( N0. 200 ) sieve. The materials shall have
a plasticity index of not more than 6 and a liquid limit of not more than
30
2. Unsuitable Material - material other than suitable materials such as:
a. Materials containing detrimental quantities of organic materials,
such as grass, roots and sewerage.
b. Organic soils such as peat and muck.
c. Soils with liquid limit exceeding 80 and/or plasticity index exceeding

55
d. Soils with a natural water content exceeding 100%
e. Soils with very low natural density, 800 kg/m3 or lower
f. Soils that cannot be properly compacted as determined by Engineer
CONSTRUCTION / QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS :
 The surface of the existing ground shall be compacted to a depth of

150 mm ( 6 in. ) and the top portions of the roadbed in both cuts and
fill of embankments shall consist of selected borrow for topping from
excavations.
 Roadway embankment of earth material shall be placed in horizontal
layers not exceeding 200 mm ( 8 inches ), loose measurement, and shall
be compacted before the next layer is placed.
 Thicker layer may be placed if vibratory roller with high compactive
effort is used provided that density requirement is attained and as
approved by the Engineer.
Compaction Trials
Before commencing the formation of embankments, compaction trials
on areas not less than 10 m wide and 50 m long shall be carry-out to
determine the relationship between types of compaction equipment and
the number of passes required and the method of adjusting moisture
content.
 The embankment material shall be compacted in layers until a uniform
density of not less than 95 mass percent of the maximum dry density is
attained as determined by AASTHO T 99 Method C
 At least one group of three in-situ density tests shall be carried out
for each 500 m2 of each layer of compacted fill.
ITEM 105 - SUBGRADE PREPARATION
This item shall consist of the preparation of the subgrade for the support of
overlying structural layers and should extend to full width of the roadway.
MATERIALS REQUIREMENT :
Unless otherwise stated in the Contract and except when the subgrade is
in rock cut, all materials below subgrade level to a depth of 150 mm or to
such greater depth shall meet the requirements of Item 104 - Embankment

The finished compacted surface of the subgrade shall conform to the
allowable tolerances:
Permitted variation from design Level of Surface + 20 mm

- 30 mm
Permitted Surface Irregularity measured by 3m
Straight Edge 30 mm
Permitted Variation from Design Cross Fall or

Camber ± 0.5%
Permitted Variation from Design Longitudinal

Grade over 25 m length ± 0.1%
ITEM 106 - COMPACTION EQUIPMENT and DENSITY
CONTROL STRIPS
This item is a control procedure used to determine density requirements
of selected embankments, subgrade, bases and bituminous concrete. The
procedure will consist of control strip construction to establish target
densities for the specified course plus uce of sand-cone method of density
testing equipment to determine in-place densities obtained during the
construction process.
Minimum requirements for compaction equipment:

1. Sheepsfoot, tamping or grid rollers shall be capable of exerting a force
of 45 newton/mm (250 lbs/in.) of length of roller drum
2. Steel-wheel rollers other than vibratory shall be capable of exerting force
of not less than 45 newton/mm (250 lbs/in.) of width of the compression
roll or rolls
3. Vibratory steel-wheel rollers shall have a minimum mass of 6 tonnes.
The compactor shall be equipped with amplitude and frequency controls
and specifically designed to compact the material on which is used.
4. Pneumatic-tire rollers shall have a smooth tread tires of equal size that will
provide a uniform compacting pressure for the full width of the roller and
capable of exerting a ground pressure of at least 550 kpa (80 lbs/in2).
5. Heavier compacting unit may be required to achieve the specified

density of the embankment
To determine target density, a control strip shall be constructed at the

beginning of work each course material to be compacted. A control
strip shall an area of approximately 335 sq.m.
The target density shall be the mean density of the control strip by
averaging the results of ten in-place density tests taken at randomly
selected sites within the control strips
If the mean density of the control strips is less than 98 percent of the
density of laboratory compacted specimens as determined by testing
procedures appropriate for the material being placed, another control
strip shall be constructed.
ITEM 200 – AGGREGATE SUBBASE COURSE
• The subbase is a structural layer which accepts greater compressive stress
than the subgrade and thus reduces the deformation of the pavement under
traffic loading.
• Made of economical materials with a relatively low load bearing capacity

which are place on top of subgrade or an embankment materials in order to
distribute the wheel load transmitted to the subgrade.
Materials Requirements:
Subbase materials shall consist of hard, durable particles or fragments of

crushed slag, or crushed natural gravel and filler of natural or crushed sand
or other finely divided mineral matter shall be free from vegetable matter and
lumps or balls of clay.
Grading Requirements:
The subbase materials should be well graded and should conform to

the following grading requirements as tested by ASSHTO T 11 and T 27
Sieve Designation Mass % Passing

Mm Inches
50 2 100
25 1 55 – 85
9.5 3/8 40 – 75
0.075 No. 200 0 - 12
Liquid Limit: (Tested by AASHTO T 89)
- The fraction passing 0.425 mm (No. 40) sieve shall have a Liquid
Limit of not greater than 35
Plasticity Index: (Tested by AASHTO T 90)
- The fraction passing the 0.425 mm (No. 40) sieve shall have a
plasticity index (PI) of not greater than 12
Abrasion Loss or Mass Percent Wear: (Tested by AASHTO T

96)
- The coarse portion, retained on a 2.0 mm (No. 10) sieve shall have a
mass percent of wear not exceeding 50 by the Los Angeles
Abrasion Tests.
CBR Value: (Tested by AASHTO T 193)

- The material shall shall have a soaked CBR value of not less than
25%. This value shall obtained at the maximum dry density
(MDD) as determined by ASSHTO T 180, Method D)
Construction/Quality Control Requirements:
Spreading and Compacting
- where the required thickness is 150 mm or less, the material may be
spread and compacted in one-layer.
- where the required thickness is more than 150 mm, the aggregate
subbase shall be spread and compacted into two (2) or more layers
of approximately equal thickness and the maximum compacted
thickness of any one (1) layer shall not exceed 150 mm
- compaction of each layer shall have a field density of at least 100

percent of the maximum dry density determined in accordance with
AASHTO T-180, Method D
- before subbase construction is started, a trial section shall be

conducted in order to check the suitability of the materials and the
efficiency of the equipment and construction method which is
proposed to be used by the contractor.
- one trial section of about 500 m2 shall be made for every type of
material and/or construction equipment/procedure propose for use.
Allowable Tolerances to the Designed Level and
Transverse Slopes for a Compacted Aggregate Subbase
Permitted variation from design

Thickness of Layer - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  20 mm
Permitted variation from design + 10 mm

Level of Surface - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 20 mm
Permitted Surface Irregularity

Measured by 3-m straight edge - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 20 mm

Crossfall or Camber - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ± 0.3%

Longitudinal Grade over 25 m length - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ± 0.1%
ITEM 201 – AGGREGATE BASE COURSE
The base reduces the vertical compressive stress induced by traffic

in the subbase and the subgrade.
Made of high quality material with a high load bearing capacity and lies
close under the surfacing course material. It provides a relatively non-
frost material on which to provide support for surface course and
sometimes to carry traffic temporarily.
The fraction passing the 0.075 mm (No. 200 sieve shall not be
greater than 0.66 (two thirds) of the fraction passing the 0.425 mm
(No. 40 sieve)
Materials Requirements
The base course materials should conform to one of the following

grading requirements:
Sieve Designation Mass % Passing

mm inches Grading A Grading B
50 2 100
37.5 1–½ - 100
25.0 1 60 – 85 -
19.0 ¾ - 60 – 85
12.5 ½ 35 – 65 -
4.75 No. 4 20 – 50 30 – 55
0.425 No. 40 5 – 20 8 – 25
0.075 No. 200 0 - 12 2 – 14
Liquid Limit: (Tested by AASHTO T 89)
The fraction passing 0.425 mm (No. 40) sieve shall have a Liquid
Limit of not greater than 25
Plasticity Index: (Tested by AASHTO T 90)
The fraction passing the 0.425 mm (No. 40) sieve shall have a
plasticity index (PI) of not greater than 6
Abrasion Loss or Mass Percent Wear: (Tested by AASHTO T 96)
The coarse portion, retained on a 2.0 mm (No. 10) sieve shall have a
mass percent of wear not exceeding 50.
The material passing the 19 mm (3/4 in.) shall have a soaked CBR
value not less than 80%. The CBR value shall be obtained at MDD
by AASHTO T 180, Method D
CONSTRUCTION / QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS
Spreading and Compaction
The same as construction procedure as in Item 200 – Aggregate Subbase
Course
Allowable Tolerances to the Designed Level and
Transverse Slopes for a Compacted Aggregate Subbase

Thickness of Layer - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 10 mm
-
Level of Surface - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10 mm
Measured by 3-m straight edge - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 mm
Crossfall or Camber - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
± 0.2%
Longitudinal Grade over 25 m length - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
± 0.1%
ITEM 202 – CRUSHED AGGREGATE BASE COURSE
Either a natural or manufactured base course material where granular
component are made of crushed gravel, crushed stone or crushed rock and
of much superior quality than an ordinary base course and not less than 50
mass percent shall have at least one (1) fractured surface.
This material requires a soil binder to have plasticity for proper bonding of
aggregates and use to provide support for surface course of a roadway.
Material Requirements
Crushed Aggregates
shall consist of hard, durable particles or fragments of stone or gravel

crushed to the size and shall be clean and free from vegetable matters,
lumps or balls of clay and other deleterious substances. The material
shall be of such nature that it can be compacted readily to form a
firm, stable base.
GRADING REQUIREMENTS
The base material shall conform to one of the following grading

requirements, whichever is called for in the Bill of Quantities.
Sieve Designation Mass Percent Passing

Std., mm Std., inch Grading A Grading B
37.5 1 – 1/ 2 100
25 1 - 100
19 3 /4 60 - 85 -
12.5 1/ 2 - 60 - 90
4.75 No. 4 30 - 55 35 - 65
0.425 No. 40 8 - 25 10 - 30
0.075 No. 200 2- 14 5 - 15
Liquid Limit : ( Tested by AASTHO T 89 )
The portion of the material passing the 0.425 mm ( No.40 ) sieve shall
have a liquid limit of not greater than 25
Plasticity Index : ( Tested by AASTHO T 90 )
The portion of the materials passing the 0.425 mm ( No. 40 ) sieve shall
have a plasticity index of not greater than 6
Abrasion Loss or Mass Percent Wear (Tested by AASTHO T 96)
The course aggregate retained on a 2.0 mm ( No.10 ) sieve shall have a

mass percent not exceeding 45 by the Los Angeles Abrasion Test
CBR VALUE : ( Tested by AASTHO T 180 )

The material passing the 19 mm ( ¾ in. ) sieve shall have a minimum
soaked CBR value of 80% tested according to AASTHO T 193. The CBR
value shall be obtained at the maximum dry density determined
according to AASTHO t 180, Method D.
ITEM 300 - AGGREGATE SURFACE COURSE
This Item consist of a wearing course or top course composed of gravel
or crushed aggregate and binder material constructed on a prepared base.
Materials Requirement :
Shall consist of hard, durable particles or fragments of stone or gravel and
sand or other fine mineral particles free from vegetable matter and lumps
or balls of clay and it can be compacted readily to form a firm, stable layer.
Grading Requirements

Standard Alternate Grading Grading Grading Grading
mm US Std. A B C D
25 1” 100 100 100 100

9.5 3/8 50 – 85 60 – 100 - -
4.75 No. 4 35 – 65 50 – 85 55 – 100 70 - 100
2.00 No. 10 25 – 50 40 – 70 40 – 100 55 – 100

0.425 No. 40 15 – 30 25 – 45 20 – 50 30 – 70
0. 075 No. 200 5 – 20 5 – 20 6 – 20 8 - 25
Abrasion Loss or Mass Percent Wear: ( Tested by AASHTO T 96 )
The coarse portion, retained on a 2.0 mm (No. 10) sieve shall have a
mass percent of wear by Los Angeles Test of not more than 45.
Fracture Face
When crushed aggregate is intended for use, not less than fifty ( 50 ) mass
percent of the particles retained on the 4.75 mm ( No. 4 ) shall have at least
one ( 1 ) fractured surface.
Liquid Limit and Plasticity Index

The fraction passing the 0.425 mm ( No. 40 ) sieve shall have a liquid limit
not greater than 35 and a plasticity index range of 4 to 9, when tested by
AASTHO T 89 AND T 90, respectively.
The material passing the 19 mm (3/4 in.) shall have a soaked CBR
value not less than 80%. The CBR value shall be obtained at MDD
by AASHTO T 180, Method D
Placing, Compacting Requirements and Trial Sections shall be in
accordance with the requirements of Item 201, Aggregate Base Course.
Surface Course Thickness and Tolerances

Thickness of Layer - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 mm
-
Level of Surface - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 mm
Measured by 3-m straight edge - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 mm
Crossfall or Camber - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
+ 0.2%
Longitudinal Grade over 25 m length - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
+ 0.1%
ITEM 301 - BITUMINOUS PRIME COAT
This item consists of preparing and treating an aggregate base course

with bituminous material preparatory to the construction of bituminous
surface course.
Bituminous material shall be either Rapid Curing (RC) or Medium Curing

(MC) Cut-Back Asphalt
Rapid Curing Liquid Asphalts shall conform to the requirements of

AASHTO M 81
Medium Curing Liquid Asphalts shall conform to the requirements of

AASHTO M 82
Construction / Quality Control Requirements :
Prime coat shall be applied only to surfaces which are dry or slightly
moist. No prime coat shall be applied when the weather is foggy or
rainy.
The bituminous material shall be sprayed by means of a pressure

distributor of not less than 1000 liters capacity mounted on pneumatic
tires with a heated temperature of 180 deg. centigrade
The rate of application of the bituminous material shall be within the

range of 1 to 2 liters/m2
The prime coat shall be left undisturbed for a period of at least 24

hours and shall not be opened to traffic until it has penetrated and
cured sufficiently.
ITEM 302 - BITUMINOUS TACK COAT
This item consists of preparing and treating an existing bituminous

or cement concrete surface with bituminous material preparatory to
the construction of bituminous surface course.
Bituminous material shall be either Rapid Curing (RC) Cut-Back or

Emulsified Asphalt
Rapid Curing Liquid Asphalts shall conform to the requirements of

AASHTO
M 81
Emulsified Asphalt shall conform to the requirements of AASHTO M140

(Anionic) or AASHTO M 208 (Cationic)
Tack coat shall be applied only to surfaces which are dry or slightly
moist. No tack coat shall be applied when the weather is foggy or
rainy.
Before applying the tack coat , the full width of the surface to be
treated shall be cleaned of loose and foreign materials by means of
power broom or blower and supplemented as necessary by hand
sweeping.
The rate of application of the bituminous material shall be within the

range of 0.2 to 0.7 liters/m2
ITEM 310 - BITUMINOUS CONCRETE SURFACE COURSE,
HOT LAID
 This is Item shall consist of constructing a bituminous concrete surface

course composed of aggregates, mineral filler, and bituminous material
mixed in a central plant , constructed and laid hot on the prepared base.
Materials Requirements :
Composition and Quality of Bituminous Mixture
( Job Mix Formula )
• Each job-mix formula shall propose definite single values for :
1. The percentage of aggregate passing each specified sieve size
2. The percentage of bituminous material to be added.
3. The temperature of the mixture delivered on the road
4. The kind and percentage of additive to be used
5. The kind and percentage of mineral filler to be used

Standard Tolerances for the Job - Mix Formula
Passing No. 4 and larger sieves + 7 percent

Passing No. 8 to No. 100 sieves ( inclusive ) + 4 percent
Passing No. 200 sieve + 2 percent
Bituminous Material + 0.4 percent
Temperature of Mixture + 10 deg. Centigrade

 The mixture shall have a minimum compressive strength of 1.4 Mpa
( 200 psi )
 The mixture shall have a mass percent air voids with the range of 3 to 5
 The mixture shall also have an index of Retain Strength of not less than
70 when tested by AASTHO T 165
 The proportion of bituminous material, on the basis of total dry aggregate

shall be from 5.0 to 8.0 mass percent
 Hydrated lime shall be added to the mixture during the mixing operation
in the amount of one-half to one ( 0.5 to 1.0 ) mass percent by dry
aggregate basis.
 Weather Limitations : Bituminous mixtures shall not be placed on any

wet surface, or when weather conditions would be prevent
the proper handling or finishing of the material.
 The mixture shall be placed at a temperature not less than 107 deg.
Centigrade as measured in the truck just prior to dumping into the
spreader.
 The mixture shall be rolled/compacted by a paver until the marks roller

marks are eliminated and a minimum of 97 mass percent of the density
of the laboratory compacted specimens prepared in accordance with
AASTHO t 166 has been obtained.
Acceptance, Sampling and Testing
 Samples shall be cut at full depth of the finished pavement for testing
by sawing or core drilling. Sawed and cored samples shall be squared
at least 150 mm x 150 mm or 100 mm diameter, respectively.
 At least one, but not more than three (3) samples shall be taken for each
full day’s operation.
 If no core samples were taken during the day’s operation, core samples
shall be taken from the completed pavement for every 100 lm. per lane.
no acceptance and final payment shall be made on completed asphalt
pavement unless core test for thickness determination is conducted.
 The compacted pavement shall have a density equal to, or greater than 97
mass percent of the density of a laboratory specimen. The asphalt
pavement represented by the cores shall not accepted if the deficiency in
density is more than 2 %.
 The compacted pavement shall have a thickness tolerances of (-) 5 mm.

Thickness in excess of the specified thickness shall not be considered in
the payment of asphalt pavement.
 The asphalt pavement represented by the individual core shall not be

accepted if the deficiency in the core thickness is more than 5 mm.
Averaging of the density and thickness of asphalt cores is not permitted.
 If the deficiency in the core thickness is more than 5 mm, additional layer
may be permitted in order to meet the designed thickness, however, the
minimum additional asphalt overlay thickness should be dependent on the
minimum capacity of asphalt paver but it should not be less than 50 mm
( 2 inches ).
ITEM 311 - PORTLAND CEMENT C0NCRETE PAVEMENT
This item consist of pavement of Portland Cement Concrete, with or without

reinforcement, constructed on the prepared base in accordance with
specification and in conformity with lines and grades, thickness and
typical cross-section of the plans.
1. Portland Cement
Only Type I Portland Cement shall be used unless otherwise provided for
in the Special Provisions.
Different brands or the same brands from different mills shall not be mixed
nor shall they be used alternately unless the mix is approved by the
Engineer.
The use of Portland Pozzolan Cement Type IP meeting the requirements
of AASTHO M 240 / ASTM C 695 shall be allowed, provided that the trial
mixes shall be done and that the mixes meet the concrete strength
requirements.
2. Fine Aggregate
• material passing the 0.075 mm ( No. 200 sieve ) shall not contain
more than (3) mass percent by washing nor more than (1) mass
percent each of clay lumps or shale.
• when subjected to five (5) cycles of the sodium sulfate soundness

test, the weighted loss, shall not exceed 10 mass percent
• if subjected to the calorimetric test for organic impurities and a color

darker than the standard is produced, it shall be rejected.
* when tested for the effect of organic impurities of strength of mortar,

the fine aggregate may be used if the relative strength at 7 and 28
days is not less than 95 mass percent
Grading Requirements for Fine Aggregates
9.5 mm ( 3/8 in. ) 100
4.75 mm ( No. 4 ) 95 - 100
2.36 mm ( No. 8 ) -
1.18 mm ( No. 16 ) 45 - 80
0.600 mm ( No. 30 ) -
0.300 mm ( No. 50 ) 5 - 30
0.150 mm ( No. 100 ) 0 - 10

3. Coarse Aggregate
• contain not more than one (1) mass percent of material passing the 0.074
mm ( No. 200 sieve ) by washing nor more than 0.25 mass percent of clay
lumps, nor more than 3.5 mass percent of soft fragments.
• if subjected to five (5) cycles of the sodium sulfate soundness test, the
weighted loss shall not exceed 12 mass percent.
• shall have a mass percent of wear not exceeding 40 when tested to Los
Abrasion machine.
Grading Requirement For Coarse Aggregate
Standard Alternate Grading Grading Grading

mm U.S. Std. A B C
75 3 in. 100 - -
63 2 – ½ in. 90 – 100 100 100
50 2 in. - 90 – 100 95 - 100
37. 5 1 – ½ in. 25 – 60 35 – 70 -
25 1 in. - 0 – 15 35 – 70
19 ¾ in. 0 – 10 - -
12.5 ½ in. 0–5 0–5 10 – 30
4.75 No. 4 - - 0–5

5. Reinforcing Steel
• tie bars shall be deformed bars that are to bent and re-straightened
during construction and shall conform to the requirements of AASTHO M
31 or M42
• dowel bars shall be plain round bars where one-half of the length shall
be painted with one coat of approved lead or tar paint and shall conform to
the requirements of AASTHO M 31 or M42.
• sleeves for dowel bars shall be metal of approved design to cover

50 mm ( 2 inches ) of the dowel with a closed end, and with suitable
stop to hold the end of the sleeve at least 25 mm (1 inch ) from the end
of the dowel.
PROPORTIONING, CONSISTENCY AND STRENGTH OF CONCRETE
Cement Factor, Min. :
- to meet the minimum strength requirements for paving concrete, it is
required to have at least 364 kg. of cement per cubic meter of concrete or
a cement content of 9.1 bags/cu.m. of concrete on a 40 kg. per bag of
cement
Slump Requirements :
- if vibrated, a slump between 37.5 – 75 mm ( 1-1/2 – 3 inches )
- if not vibrated, a slump between 12.5 – 37.5 mm ( ½ - 3 inches )

Strength Requirements :
- flexural strength @ 14 days of 3.8 Mpa ( 550 psi ), when tested by the
third point method or 4.5 Mpa ( 650 psi ), when tested by mid-point
method
- compressive strength @ 14 days of 24.1 Mpa ( 3500 psi ) for cores taken
and tested in accordance with AASTHO T 24

CONSTRUCTION / QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS
Preparation of Grade
• the prepared base shall be checked of the required density, surface
imperfections and finished grade elevation.
• the prepared base shall be extended and compacted at least 60 cm.

beyond the edge of the proposed concrete pavement to ensure that the
density of the base at the edge of pavement is the same as on its carriageway
that can support the paving machine when it is used.
Setting of Forms
• forms shall be of steel and of equal depth equal to the thickness of the
pavement at the edge and provided with adequate devices for secure
setting.
• any roadbed, which at the form line is found below established grade,
shall be filled with approved granular materials to grade in lifts of 3 cm.
or less, and thoroughly re-rolled or tamped.
Mixing of Concrete
• the concrete may be mixed at the site of the work, in a central-

mix plant, or in truck mixers
• concrete mix when supplied by a batching plant, shall only be

allowed in the DPWH projects provided it is duly accredited
by the BRS ( DO # 253, S. of 2003 ).
• batching plants installed/used in the DPWH contract projects

shall also be required to be accredited prior to supply the
concrete mix.
• concrete when mixed at the site or in a central mixing plant, the

mixing time shall not be less than 50 seconds nor more than 90
seconds
Mixing of Concrete
• the time elapsed from the time the water is added to the mix until the
concrete is deposited in place at the site, shall not exceed 45 minutes
when concrete is hauled in non agitating trucks, nor 90 minutes when
hauled in truck mixers.
• when volumetric measurements are authorized for small project requiring

less than 75 cu.m. of concrete per day of pouring, the weight proportions
shall be converted to equivalent volumetric proportions. Use of chute is
allowed provided that a weighing scales for determining the batch weight
will be used.
• retempering concrete by adding water or by other means shall not be

permitted, except that when concrete is delivered in truck mixers, provided
all these operations are performed within 45 minutes after the initial mixing
operation and the water-cement ratio is not exceeded.
Limitation of Mixing
• concrete not in place within 90 minutes from the time the ingre-
dients were charged into the mixing drum or that has developed
initial set shall not be used.
• retempering of concrete or mortar which has partially hardened

that is remixing with or without additional cement,aggregate or
water, shall not be permitted.
Placing of Concrete
• if only finishing equipment is carried on the newly paved lane,
paving in adjoining lanes may be permitted after 3 days.
• concrete shall be thoroughly consolidated by means of a vibrator

inserted in the concrete in a vertical position and should not be
operated longer than 15 seconds in any one location.
• vibrators shall operate at a frequency of 8,300 to 9,600 impulses

per minute under load and the space interval of inserting
vibrators should be between 50 cm to 60 cm.
Placing of Concrete
• vibrators shall be used for consolidation only, and not be used for
moving concrete horizontally along the forms.
• a well consolidated concrete is 20 % to 25 % higher in strength than that

of concrete which is not thoroughly consolidated
• concrete not in-place within 90 minutes from the time the ingredients
were charged into the mixing drum or that has develop initial set shall
not be used.
Test Specimens
• as work progresses, at least one (1) set consisting of three (3) concrete
beam test specimens, 150 mm x 150 mm x 525 mm or 900 mm shall be
taken from each 330 m2 of pavement, 230 mm depth, or fraction thereof
placed each day.
Joints in Portland Cement Concrete Pavement
Longitudinal Joints
• deformed steel tie bars of specified length, size,spacing shall be placed

perpendicular to the longitudinal joints and may be bent at right angles
against the form of the first lane constructed and straightened into final
position before the concrete of the adjacent lane is placed.
• when shown on the plans and when the adjacent lanes of pavement are
constructed separately, joint steel side forms shall be used which will
form a keyway along the construction.
Transverse Contraction Joint/ Weakened Joint
• consists of planes of weakness created by forming or cutting

grooves in the surface of the pavement and shall include transfer
assemblies.
• the depth of the weakened plane joint should at all times not less
than 50 mm and width should not be more than 6 mm.
Longitudinal joints
width = 6mm, min.
Depth = 50mm min.

Types of Contraction/Weakened Joint
1. Transverse Strip Contraction Joint
- can be formed by installing a parting strip to be left in place
2. Formed Groove Contraction Joint

- shall be made by depressing an approved tool or device into the
plastic concrete and shall remain in place unti the concrete has
attain its initial set and shall then be removed without disturbing the
adjacent concrete, unless the device is designed to remain in the
joint.
3. Sawed Contraction Joint
- created by sawing grooves in the surface of the pavement of the width
not more than 6 mm and depth of not less than 50 mm and at the
spacing and lines as shown on the plans.
- sawing of the joints shall commence as soon as the concrete has
hardened sufficiently to permit sawing without excessive ravelling,
usually 4 to 24 hours.
- sawing of any joint shall be omitted if cracks occurs at or near the joint
location prior to the time of sawing.
Transverse Construction Joint
• shall be constructed when there is an interruption of more than

30 minutes in the concreting operations.
• no transverse joint shall be constructed within 1.50 m of an

expansion joint, or plane of weakness.
• if sufficient concrete has been mixed at the time of interruption

to form a slab of at least 1.5 m long, the excess concrete from
the last preceding joint shall be removed and disposed off as
directed.
Load Transfer Device
• dowel bar of specified size, length and spacing is used in

transverse contraction joint as load transfer device to the
succeeding plane of weakness and shall be held in position
parallel to the surface and center line of the slab that is
left in the pavement.
• the portion of each dowel shall be painted with one coat of lead
or tar and be thorouhly coated of an approved lubricant to
prevent the concrete from binding to that portion of the dowel.
• dowel bar shall be provided with metal sleeves designed to cover

50 mm plus or minus 5 mm of the dowel , with a watertight
closed end and with a suitable stop to hold the end of the
sleeves at least 25 mm from the end of the dowel.
Final Finish
• brooming operation should be executed that the corrugations

produced in the surface shall be uniform in appearance and
not more than 1.5 mm in depth.
• the hardened surface of the finished pavement shall have a

coefficient of friction less than 0.25 or more. Completed
pavement that is found to have a coefficient of friction less
than 0.25 shall be grounded or scored by the contractor at
his own expense to provide the required coefficient of friction.
Surface Test
• the hardened finished pavement shall be tested with a 3-m

straight-edge or other specified device.
• areas showing high spots of more than 3 mm but not exceeding

12 mm shall be marked and immediately ground down with an
approved grinding tool to an elevation where there area or spot
will not show surface deviations in excess of 3 mm when tested
with 3 m straight
• areas showing high spots of more than 12 mm, the pavement

shall be removed and replaced by and at the expense of the
contractor.
• any area or section to be removed shall not be less than 1.5 m

in length and not less than the full width of the lane involved.
• any remaining portion of the slab to be removed and replaced

adjacent to the joints that is less than 1.5 m in length, shall also
be removed and replaced.
Curing
Immediately after the finishing operations have been completed and
the concrete has sufficiently set, the surface of the newly placed
concrete shall be cured for a period of 72 hours, with any of the
following methods:
1. By covering the pavement with cotton or burlap mats saturated with

water.
2. By thoroughly wetting the pavement and covering its top surface

and sides with waterproof paper.
3. By ponding which involves maintaining a layer of water on the

surface of the pavement by means of earth or sand dikes.
4. By spraying uniformly with white pigmented curing compound

( Impervious Membrane Method ) immediately after finishing of the
surface and before the set of concrete has taken place.
Removal of Forms
• forms for concrete shall remain in place undisturbed for not

less than24 hours after concrete pouring.
• in case portions of the concrete are spalled during the removal

of forms, they shall be immediately repaired with fresh mortar
mixed in the proportioned of one part of Portland Cement and
two parts of fine aggregates.
• in case major honeycombs occurs on sides of the pavement, it

shall be removed and replaced at the expense of the contractor.
Acceptance of Concrete
• the strength level of the concrete will be considered satisfactory if the

averages of all sets of three (3) consecutive strength test results equals
or exceed the specified strength and no individual strength test result
is deficient by more than 15 % of the specified strength.
• Concrete deemed to be not acceptable using the above criteria may

be rejected unless the contractor can provide evidence, by means of
core tests, that the quality of concrete represented by failed test is
acceptable in place.
• Concrete in the area represented by the cores will be considered

adequate if the average strength of the cores is equal to at least 85%
of and if no single core is less than 75% of the specified strength.
Acceptance of Concrete
• if the strength of control specimens does not meet the strength

requirements and it is not advisable to obtain cores from the structure
due to structural considerations, payment of the concrete will be made
at an adjusted price due to strength deficiency of concrete specimens
as specified hereunder:
Deficiency in Strength of Concrete Specimens Percent (%) of Contract

Percent (%) Price Allowed
Less than 5 100
5 to less than 10 80
25 or more 0
Opening to Traffic
• the concrete pavement will not be opened to traffic until the test
specimens molded and cured have attained the minimum strength
requirements.
• if tests are not conducted prior to the specified age, the pavement
shall not be operated to traffic until 14 days after the concrete was
placed.
Tolerance and Pavement Thickness
• the thickness of the pavement will be determined by measure-

ment of cores from the completed pavement.
• the completed pavement shall be accepted on a lot basis when :
a. Pavement length of 1000 lm when single lane is poured.
b. Pavement length of 500 lm when two lanes are poured concurrently.
c. The last unit in each slab constitutes a lot in itself when its length is
at least ½ of the normal length, however, if it is shorter than ½ of
the normal length, it shall be included in the previous lot.
d. Other areas such as intersections, entrances, cross-overs, ramps,

etc., will be grouped together to form a lot.
e. Each lot will be divided into five (5) equal segments and one
core will be obtained from each segment.
Rule in Calculating the Average Thickness of Pavement
1. Individual measurements which are in excess of the specified

thickness by more than 5 mm will be considered as the specified
thickness plus 5 mm
2. Measurement which are less than the specified thickness by more

than 25 mm shall not be included in the average.
3. When the average thickness for the lot is deficient, the contract unit
price will be adjusted for thickness.
4. When measurement of any core is less than the specified thickness

by more than 25 mm, the actual thickness of the pavement is this area
will be determined by taking additional cores at no less than 5 m
intervals parallel to the centerline in each direction from the
affected location until a core is found in each direction, which is
not deficient by more than 25 mm.
Rule in Calculating the Average Thickness of Pavement
5. The area of slab for which no payment will be made shall be the
product of the paving width multiplied by the distance along the center
line of the road between transverse sections found not
deficient in thickness by more than 25 mm .
6. The remainder of the segment to be used to get the average thickness

of each lot shall be determined by taking the average thickness
of additional cores which are not deficient by more than 25 mm .
Adjustment for Thickness
• when the average thickness of the pavement per lot is deficient
payment for the lot shall be adjusted as follows:
Deficiency in the Average Percentage Contract

Thickness, per lot (mm) Price Per Lot
0–5 100% payment
6 – 10 95% payment
11 – 15 85% payment
16 – 20 70% payment
21 – 25 50% payment
More than 25 Remove and replace/No Payment

ITEM 404 - REINFORCING STEEL
Reinforcing Steel for concreting works under the Item 311, Portland
Cement Concrete Pavement and Item 405, Structural Concrete shall
conform to the requirements of AASHTO M 31 (ASTM A 615)
The used of PNS 49, (Philippine National Standard Specification) for

concrete reinforcement is allowed provided that a special provision in
the contract is duly approved by the Head of the DPWH.
REINFORCING STEEL BARS
AASHTO M 31 ( 2003 )
STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR DEFORMED AND PLAIN STEEL BARS
FOR CONCRETE REINFORCEMENT
STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS:
GRADE Tensile Strenght , MPa, min. Yield Stenght , Mpa, min.
280 ( 40 ) 420 280

420 ( 60 ) 620 420
520 ( 75 ) 690 520
ELONGATION REQUREMENTS:
BAR DESIGNATION No. (mm) GRADE 280 ( 40 ) GRADE 420 (60 ) GRADE 520 (75)
No. 3 ( 10 ) 11 9 -
No. 4, 5 ( 13, 16 ) 12 9 -
No. 6 ( 19 ) 12 9 7
No. 7, 8 ( 22, 25 ) - 8 7
No. 9,10,11 ( 29, 32, 36 ) - 7 6
No. 14, 18 ( 43, 57 ) - 7 6
AASHTO M 31 ( 2003 )
STANDARD NOMINAL DIMENSIONS AND DEFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
Nominal Dia. Nominal Mass Nominal Cross Max. Ave. Min. Ave. Ht. Max. Gap
mm kg / m Sect. Area, mm2 Spacing, mm mm mm
10 0.560 71 6.7 0.38 3.6
13 0.994 129 8.9 0.51 4.9
16 1.552 199 11.1 0.71 6.1
19 2.235 284 13.3 0.97 7.3
22 3.042 387 15.5 1.12 8.5
25 3.973 510 17.8 1.27 9.7
29 5.060 645 20.1 1.42 10.9
32 6.404 819 22.6 1.63 12.4
36 7.907 1006 25.1 1.80 13.7

Bending Requirement No cracking on outside bent
Variation in Mass, % 6.0 Max. under nominal mass
Phosphorous Content, % 0.06 Max.
Footnotes:
Grade 280 (40) are furnished only in sizes 10 mm through 19 mm
Grade 520 (75) are furnished only in sizes 19 mm through 57 mm
Grade 420 (60) are furnished in all sizes from 10 mm to 57 mm

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS 49: 2000
SPECIFICATION FOR STEEL BARS FOR CONCRETE REINFORCEMENT
STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS:
MINIMUM TENSILE STRENGTH, Mpa MINIMUM YIELD STRENGTH, Mpa
GRADE
NON - WELDABLE WELDABLE NON - WELDABLE WELDABLE
230 390 390 230 230
275 480 480 275 275
415 620 550 * 415 415 **
ELONGATION REQUREMENTS:
PERCENT ELONGATION
GRADE BAR DIAMETER, mm
NON – WELDABLE WELDABLE
230 < 25 mm 18 20
≥ 25 mm 16 18
275 < 25 mm 10 16
≥ 25 mm 8 14
425 < 25 mm 8 14
≥ 25 mm 7 12
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS 49: 2000
SPECIFICATION FOR STEEL BARS FOR CONCRETE REINFORCEMENT
DIMENSIONAL PROPERTIES
NOMINAL DIAMETER, mm
PARAMETERS
10 12 16 20 25 28 32 36 40
Nominal Unit Mass, kg/m 0.616 0.888 1.578 2.466 3.853 4.834 6.313 7.990 9.865
Nominal X-Sect. Area, mm2 78.54 113.10 201.06 314.16 490.88 615.75 804.25 1017.88 1256.64
Max. Ave. Spacing, mm 7.0 8.4 11.2 14.0 17.25 19.6 22.4 25.2 28.0
Min. Lug Height, mm 0.4 0.5 0.7 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0
Max. Lug Height, mm 0.8 1.0 1.4 2.0 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.6 4.0
Max. Summ. Of Gaps, mm 7.8 9.4 12.6 15.7 19.6 22.0 25.1 27.5 31.41
Variation in Mass, % ± 6 ± 6 ± 6 ±6 ± 6 ± 6 ± 6 ± 6 ± 6
Note : * Tensile srength shall not be less than 1.25 times the actual yield strength. TS / TY for
Weldable ≥ 1.25
** Yield Strength = 540 Mpa max.

ITEM 405 - STRUCTURAL CONCRETE
Item Description
• This item shall consist of furnishing, placing and finishing concrete

in all structures except pavements in accordance with this
Specification and conforming to the lines, grades and dimensions
shown on the plans.
• Concrete shall consist of a mixture of portland cement, fine

aggregate, coarse aggregate, admixture, when specified and water in
proportions specified or approved by the Engineer.
Classes and Uses of Structural Concrete
Class A- All superstructures and heavily reinforced substructures

such as slabs, beams, girders, columns, arch ribs, box
culverts, reinforced abutments, retaining walls and
reinforced footings.
Class B - Footings, pedestals, massive pier shafts, pipe bedding, and

gravity walls, un-reinforced or with only a small reinforcement
Class C - Thin reinforced sections, railings, precast R.C. piles and cribbing and
for filler grid floors.
Class P - Prestressed concrete structures and members
Seal - Concrete deposited in water

MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS
Portland Cement
• Type I Portland Cement shall be used unless otherwise provided for

in the Special Provisions
•Use of Portland Pozzolan Cement Type IP meeting the requirements

of AASHTO M 240/ASTM C 695, Specifications for Blended Hydraulic
Cement shall be allowed, provided that trial mixes shall be done
and that the mixes meet the concrete strength requirements.
Fine Aggregates
•It shall consist of natural sand, stone screenings or other inert

materials with similar characteristics, or combinations, thereof,
having hard, strong and durable particles.
•It shall not contain more than three (3) mass percent of material
passing the 0.075 mm (No. 200 sieve) by washing nor more than
one (1) mass percent each of day lumps or shale.
• When subjected to five (5) cycles of the sodium sulfate soundness test
the weighted loss shall not exceed 10 mass percent
• When tested for the effect of organic impurities of strength of mortar by
AASHTO T 71, the fine aggregates may be used if the relative strength at
7 and 28 days is not less than 95 mass percent.
Grading Requirements for Fine Aggregates
9.5 mm ( 3/8 in. ) 100
4.75 mm ( No. 4 ) 95 - 100

2.36 mm ( No. 8 ) -
1.18 mm ( No. 16 ) 45 - 80
0.600 mm ( No. 30 ) -
0.300 mm ( No. 50 ) 5 - 30
0.150 mm ( No. 100 ) 0 - 10

Course Aggregates
• It shall consist of crushed stone, gravel, blast furnace slag, or other

approved inert materials of similar characteristics or combinations
thereof, having hard, strong, durable pieces and free from any adherent
coatings.
• It shall contain not more than one (1) mass percent of materials passing
the 0.075 mm (No. 200 Sieve), not more than 0.25 mass percent of clay
lumps, nor more than 3.5 mass percent of soft fragments.
• If subjected to five (5) cycles of the sodium sulfate soundness test, the
weighted loss shall not exceed 12 mass percent.
• It shall have a mass percent of wear not exceeding 40 when tested by

AASHTO T 96.
Grading Requirements for Coarse Aggregates

Class
Standard Alternative Class A Class B Class C Class P
Seal
63.0 2 – 1/2 in - 100
50.0 2 in 100 95 - 100
37.5 1-1/2 in 95–100 - 100
25.0 1 in - 35-70 100 95-100
19.0 34 in 35-70 - 100 95 - 100 -
12.5 1/2 in - 10-30 90-100 - 25-60
9.5 3/8 in 10-30 - 40-70 20-55 -
4.75 No. 4 0-5 0-5 0-15 0-10 0-10
Reinforcing Steel
• it shall conform to the requirements of AASHTO M 31 (ASTM A

615) – Deformed Billet – Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
• bar reinforcement for concrete structures, except No. 2 bars shall be

deformed in accordance with AASTHO M 42, M 31 and M 53 for Nos. 3
through 11.
• specification requires the use of structural or intermediate grades of

steel with suitable chemical composition, tensile and bending
properties.
• reinforcing steel should be clean and free of loose rust or mill scale
when concrete is placed.
Curing Materials
• curing means preventing or delaying drying up of intrinsic moisture
inside the capillaries of concrete for adequate hydration of cement in
the mix in order that may continue to gain strength.
• Curing materials for concrete such as cotton mats, burlap cloth, water-
proof paper, liquid membrane forming compounds or sheeting (film)
materials shall conform to the requirements of AASHTO M 182, AASHTO
M 171 and AASHTO M 148, respectively
• immediately after the finishing operations have been completed and the
concrete has sufficiently set, the surface of the newly placed concrete
shall be cured for a period of 72 hours, with any of the methods as in
Item 311-Portland Cement Concrete Pavement.
Sampling and testing of Structural Concrete
• As work progresses, at least one (1) sample consisting of three

(3) concrete cylinder test specimens; 150 mm x 300 mm (6 x 12
inches), shall be taken from each 75 cubic meters of each class of
concrete or fraction thereof placed each day.
• the cylinder shall be prepared, cured and tested at the specified date.
Composition and Strength of Concrete for Use in Structures
Min. Compressive
Designated Size Strength of Concrete
Min. Cement Max. Consistency Range
Class of of Coarse Cylinder Specimens @
Content per m3 kg Water/Cement in Slump
Concrete Aggregate
(bag**) Ratio kg/kg Mm (inch) 28 days
Std. Mm (inch)
MN/m2 (psi)
A 360 0.53 50 – 100 37.5 – 4.75 20.7
(9 bags) (2 – 4) (1-1/2 – No. 4) (3,000)
B 320 0.58 50 – 100 5.0 – 4.75 16.5
(8 bags) (2 – 4) (2” – No. 4) (2,400)
C 380 0.55 50 – 100 12.5 – 4.75 20.7
(9.5 bags) (2 – 4) (1/2” – No. 4*) (3,000)
P 440 0.49 100 max 19.0 – 4.75 37.7
(11 bags) (4 max.) (3/4” – No. 4*) (5,000)
Seal 380 0.58 100 – 200 25 – 4.75 20.7
(9.5 bags) (4 – 8) (1” – No. 4*) (3,000)
* The measured cement content shall be within plus or minus and mass percent of
the design cement content
** Based of 40 kg/bag
Mixing and Delivery of Concrete
• Concrete may be mixed at the site of construction, at a central point of by

a combination of central point and truck mixing or by a combination of
central point and truck agitating.
• concrete mix when supplied by a batching plant, shall only be allowed in

the DPWH projects provided it is duly accredited by the BRS ( DO # 253,
S. of 2003 ).
• batching plants installed/used in the DPWH contract projects shall also be

required to be accredited prior to supply the concrete mix.
• the intervals between delivery of batches shall not be so great as to allow the
concrete inplace to harden partially , and in no case shall such an interval
exceed 30 minutes.
• when volumetric measurements are authorized for small project requiring
less than 75 cu.m. of concrete per day of pouring, the weight proportions
shall be converted to equivalent volumetric proportions.
• concrete mixing, by chute is allowed provided that a weighing scales for

determining the batch weight to be used.
• mixer having a rated capacity of less than a one-bag batch shall not be
used and the volume of concrete mixed per batch shall not exceed the
mixer’s nominal capacity.
• mixing time shall be measured from the time all materials, except water,
are in the drum and shall not be less than 60 seconds for mixers having a
capacity of 1.5 cu.m. or less. While for mixers having a capacity greater
than 1.5 cu.m., the mixing time shall not be less than 90 minutes.
Placing of Concrete
• Concrete during and immediately after placing shall be thoroughly

compacted., The concrete in walls, beams, columns and the likes shall
be placed in horizontal layers not more than 30 cm thick.
• a well consolidated concrete is 20% to 25% higher than that

of concrete which is not thoroughly consolidated.
• Vibrators shall be inserted into and withdrawn slowly and vertically

from the concrete to penetrate underlying lift for homogeneity between
lifts.
•
Application of vibrators shall be at points uniformly spaced, and not
further apart than twice the radius over which the vibration is visibly
effective.
• the time of consolidation/compaction of structural concrete must not
exceed 15 seconds and the space interval of inserting vibrators should
be between 50 cm to 60 cm.
Joints in the concrete due to stopping work shall be avoided as much as

possible. When placing of concrete is temporarily discontinued, the
concrete, after becoming firm enough to retain its shape, shall be
cleaned of laitance and other objectionable materials to a sufficient
depth to expose sound concrete.
Curing of Concrete
Curing of concrete shall be done by any of the following method:
1. Water Method
• The concrete shall be kept continuously wet by the application of water
for a minimum period of 7 days after the concrete has been placed.
Cotton mats, rugs, carpets, or earth or sand blankets may be used to
retain the moisture.
2. Curing Compound
• Surfaces exposed to the air may be cured by the application of an

impervious membrane and shall be practically colorless liquid. The
compound shall be applied with a pressurized spray to cover the entire
concrete surface with a uniform film and shall be of such character that
it will harden within 30 minutes after application.
3. Waterproof Membrane Method
• The exposed finished surfaces of concrete shall be sprayed with water,

using a nozzle that so atomizes the flow that a mist and not a spray is
form until the concrete has set, after which a curing membrane of
waterproof paper or plastic sheeting shall be placed
• Curing membrane shall remain in place for a period of not less than 72
hours.
4.
Admixtures
- a material, other than water, aggregates and hydraulic cement (included
blended cement) that is used as an ingredient of concrete and is added
to the batch in controlled amounts immediately before or during mixing
to produce some desired modification to the properties of the concrete.
-Admixtures should be added only to the concrete mix to produce some

desired modifications to the properties of concrete when necessary, but
not as partial replacement of cement.
-Chemical admixtures, if specified or permitted, shall conform to the

requirements of AASHTO M 194. Fly Ash, if specified or permitted as a
mineral admixture and as 20 % partial replacement of Portland
Cement in concrete mix shall conform to the requirements of ASTM C
618.
Types of Chemical Admixtures
- Concrete chemical admixtures shall be classified as follows and

shall
conform the requirements of AASHTO M 194.
• Type A – Accelerating Admixtures - an admixture that accelerates the time
of setting and early strength development of concrete.
• Type B – Retarding Admixtures – admixtures that delays the time of

setting of concrete.
• Type C – Water- Reducing Admixtures - an admixture that reduces the

quantity of mixing water required to produce concrete of a
given consistency.
•Type D – Water –Reducing High Range, Admixtures - an admixture that

decreases the quantity of mixing water required to produce
concrete of a given consistency by 12 percent or greater.
• Type E – Water – Reducing and Accelerating Admixtures - an admixture
that decreases the quantity of mixing water required to produce
concrete of a given consistency and hastens the time of setting
and early strength development of concrete.
• Type F – Water – Reducing and Retarding Admixtures - an admixture that

decreases the quantity of mixing water required to produce
concrete of a given consistency and delays the time of setting
of concrete.
• Type G – Water- Reducing, High Range, and Retarding Admixtures

- an admixture that decreases the quantity of mixing water
required to produce concrete of a given consistency of
12 percent or greater and delays the time of setting of concrete.
4. Forms – In-place Method
• Formed surfaces of concrete may be cured by retaining the form-in-
place and shall remain in place for a minimum period of 7 days after the
concrete has been placed, except that for members over 50 cm in least
dimensions, the form shall remain in-place for a minimum period of 5
days. Wooden forms shall be kept wet by watering during the curing
period.
5. Steam Curing Method

• this method is applicable on pre-cast concrete members.
• After placement of the concrete members shall be held for a minimum

4 hour pre-steaming period.
• to prevent moisture loss on exposed surfaces during the pre-steaming

period, members shall be covered immediately after casting or the
exposed surface shall be kept wet by fog spray or wet blankets.
Removal of Forms and Falsework
• Forms and falsework shall not be removed without the consent of the
Engineer.
• when concrete strength tests are used for removal of forms and supports,
such removal should not begin until the concrete has attained the percentage
of the specified design strength as shown below:
Part of Concrete Structure Minimum Time Min. % Design Str.

Centering under Girders, Beam
Frames or Arches 14 days 80 %
Floor Slabs 14 days 70 %
Walls 1 day 70 %
Columns 2 days 70 %
Sides of Beams and all other

Vertical surfaces 1 day 70 %
ITEM 406 - PRESTRESSED CONCRETE STRUCTURES
This item shall consist of prestressed concrete structures and the pre-
stressed concrete structures including the furnish and installing of any
appurtenant items necessary for the particular prestressing system to be
used, including but not limited to ducts, anchorage assemblies and grouts
used for pressure grouting ducts.
Concrete and Grout
The materials for concrete and grout shall conform to Item 405, Structural
Concrete. Concrete shall be Class P unless otherwise shown on the plans
or specified in the Special Provisions.
Prestressing Reinforcing Steel

It shall conform to the requirements of the following:
High-Tensile Wire AASSHTO M 204 (ASTM A 421)
High –Tensile Wire Rope (AASHTO M 203 (ASTM 203)
High-Tensile Alloy Bars

High-Tensile Alloy Bars shall be cold strecthed to a minimum of 895.7 Mpa
(130,000 psi) and the resultant physical properties shall be as follows:
Minimum ultimate tensile strength _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1000 Mpa (145,000 psi)
followed by stress relieving
Minimum yield strength measured by the 0.7% extension
under load method shall not less than _ _ _ _ 895.7 Mpa ( 130,000 psi)
Minimum modulus of elasticity _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _25,000,000
Minimum elongation in 20 bar diameters after rupture _ 4 percent
Diameters Tolerance _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ + 0.762 mm - 0.254 mm

(+ 0.03” - 0.01”)
Sampling and Testing
All samples submitted shall be represented of the lot to be furnished and in the case
of wire or strand, shall be taken from the same master roll. The selection of samples
selected from each lot will be made at the manufacturer’s plant by the Engineer or
his representative in the following manner:
1. For pretensioning work-samples at least 2.0 m long shall be furnished of each

size of wire or strand proposed.
2. For post-tensioning work-samples of the following lengths shall be furnished
of each size of wire proposed.
a. For wire requiring heading, 2.0 meter

b. For wires not requiring heading, sufficient length to make up one parallel
cable of 1.50 m long consisting of the same number of wires as the cable
to be furnished.
c. For strand to be furnished with fittings, 1.50 m between near ends of
fittings.
d. For bars to be furnished with thread ends and nuts, 1.50 m between
threads at ends.
3. Anchorage assemblies – If anchorage assemblies are not attached to reinforcement

samples, two (2) anchorage assemblies shall be furnished, completed with distri-
bution plates of each size and type to be used.
Construction / Quality Control Requirements
Concrete - concrete structural members shall be constructed in accordance with

the requirements of Item 405 – Structural Concrete
Reinforcing Steel Bars - Shall be placed in accordance with the requirements of

Item 404 – Reinforcing Steel
Prestressing Method - prior to casting of any members to be prestressed, the
contractor shall submit to the Engineer for approval of the
complete details of the methods, materials and equipment he
proposes to use in the prestressing operations.
Details shall outline the following :
a. method and sequence of stressing

b. complete specifications and details of the prestressing
c. steel and anchoring devices proposed for use anchoring stresses
d. type of enclosures and all other data pertaining to the prestressing
operations, including the proposed arrangement of the prestressing
units in the members
e. pressure grouting materials and equipment.
Prestressing Equipment - hydraulic jacks used to stress tendons shall be equipped

with either a pressure gauge or a load cell for deter-
mining the jacking stress.
The pressure gauge ,if used, shall have an accurate reading dial at least 154 mm
(6 inches) in diameter and its jack and its gauge shall be
calibrated as a unit with the cylinder extension in the
approximate position that it will be at final jacking force and
shall be accompanied by a certified calibration chart.
The load cell, if used, shall be calibrated and shall be provided with an indicator by
means of which the prestressing force in the tendon may be determined.
The range of the load cell shall be such that the lower ten (10) percent
of the manufacturer’s rated capacity will not be used in determining the
jacking stress.
Pretensioning
No bond stress shall be transferred to the concrete, nor end anchorages released
until the concrete has attained a compressive strength, as shown by cylinder tests,
of at least 28 Mpa unless otherwise specified.
Curing
Steam curing process may be used as an alternative to water curing.
Two to four hours after placing the concrete and after the concrete has under
gone initial set, the first application of steam or radiant heat shall be made unless
retarders are used, in which case the waiting period before the application of the
Steam or radiant heat shall be increased to from four to six hours.
Post-tensioning
Tensioning of the prestressing reinforcement shall not be commenced until tests
on concrete cylinders, manufactured of the same concrete under the same
conditions , indicate that the concrete of the particular member to be pre-
stressed has attained compressive strength of at least 28 Mpa unless otherwise
specified.
ITEM 411 - PAINTS
This item shall consist of furnishing and applying all paint materials
including vehicles, pigments, pastes, driers, thinners and mixed paints
for steel and wooden structures; sampling and testing and packing;
preparation of the surface and application of paint structures.
All paints shall meet the following general requirements:
1.The paint shall show no excessive settling and shall easily redisperse
with a paddle to a smooth, homogeneous state. The paint shall show
no curdling, livering, caking or color separation and shall free from
lumps and skins.
2. The paint as received shall brush easily, possess good levellng

properties and shall show no running or sagging when applied to
a smooth vertical surface.
3.The paint shall dry to a smooth uniform finish, free from roughness
grit, unevenness and other imperfections.
4. The paint shall not skin within 48 hours in a ¾ filled tightly closed
container.
The paint shall conform to the requirements of the Specifications indicated
as follows:
Ready Mixed Red Lead Paint _ _ _ _ AASHTO 72 and PNS Type

I, II, III & IV
Aluminum Paint _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AASHTO M 69 and PNS Type I & II
White & Tinted Ready Mixed Paint _ _ AASHTO M 70
Foliage Green Bridge Paint _ _ _ _ _ AASHTO M 67
Black Paint for Bridges &

Timber Structure _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AASHTO M 68
Ready Mixed Primer _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AASHTO M 229
Ready Mixed Aluminum _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AASHTO M 260 and PNS

Containers and Markings
All paints shall be shipped to strong substantial containers plainly mark

with the weight, color and volume in liters of the paint content, a true
statement of the percentage composition of the pigment, the proportions of
the pigment to vehicle, and the stencil of the authorized inspecting agency.
Any package or container not so marked will not be accepted for use.
Sampling and Testing
1. One 20 – liter can sample in original unopened container shall be

be obtained for 100 cans of the delivered material or 10% fraction
thereof.
2. One 4 – liter can sample in original unopened container shall be

be obtained for 100 cans of the delivered material.
ITEM 500 - PIPE CULVERTS AND STORM DRAINS
This item shall consist of the construction or reconstruction of pipe
culverts and storm drains referred as “conduit” .
Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain and Sewer Pipe shall meets the
requirements of AASHTO M 170
Joint Mortar - it shall consist of one (1) part by volume of Portland

Cement and two (2) parts of approved sand with water as
necessary to obtain the required consistency . Mortar shall
be used within 30 minutes after its preparation.
Bedding - shall conform to one of the classes specified, however, when

no bedding class is specified, the requirements for Class C
bedding shall apply.
Class “A “ bedding shall consist of a continuous concrete cradle

conforming to the plan details
Class “B” bedding shall consist of bedding conduit to a depth of not less
than 30 percent of the vertical outside diameter of the pipe.
The maximum thickness of bedding materials beneath the pipe
shall be 100 mm
The bedding material shall be sand or selected sandy soil all of
which passes a 9.5 mm sieve and not more than 10 percent of
which passes a 0.075 mm sieve.
Class “C” bedding shall consist of bedding the conduit to a depth of not
less than 10 percent of its total height and a bedding of
Backfilling – materials for backfilling on each side of the pipes for the full trench
width and to an elevation of 300 mm above the top of the pipes shall
be fine, readily compactible soil or granular material selected from

excavation and shall not contain stones that would be retained on a
50 mm sieve , chunks of highly plastic clay, or other objectionable
material.
Granular backfill material shall have not less than 95 percent passing
a 12.5 mm sieve and not less than 95 percent retained on a 4.75 mm
sieve. Oversized material, if present, shall be removed at the source
of the material.
STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR REINFORCED CONCRETE CULVERT, STORM DRAIN, AND SEWER
PIPE ( Metric ) AASHTO M 170M – 94 or ASTM C 76M - 90a
CLASS II REINFORCED CONCRETE PIPE - WALL B

DESIGN REQMTS. 600 mm 750 mm 900 mm 1050 mm 1200 mm
Internal Diameter, mm 600 - 620 750 – 775 900 – 925 1050 – 1080 1200 - 1230
Wall Thickness, mm 70 min. 83 min. 95 min. 108 min. 120 min.
Length, mm 990 min. 990 min. 990 min. 990 min. 990 min.
Sides variation, mm 16 max. 16 max. 16 max. 16 max. 16 max.
REINFORCEMENT
Covering, mm 19 min. 19 min. 19 min. 19 min. 19 min.
Spacing, mm 100 max. 100 max. 100 max. 150 max. 150 max.
REINFORCEMENT AREA, mm2 / linear m
Inner cage 150 min. 300 min. 250 min. 320 min. 380 min.
Outer cage - - 150 min. 190 min. 230 min.
STRENGTH, D – Load to Produce:
0.3 mm crack, N 50 min. 50 min. 50 min. 50 min. 50 min.
Ultimate Load, N 75 min. 75 min. 75 min. 75 min. 75 min.
Absorption, % 9 max. 9 max. 9 max. 9 max. 9 max.

Item 505 - RIPRAP AND GROUTED RIPRAP
- A structure which is built of stone only or stone, cement, fine
aggregates and water, with or without filter backing which is
commonly used in slope protection works, drainage canals and other
places as called for in the plans, and constructed on the prepared
foundation bed in accordance with the lines and grades, sections and
dimensions shown on the plans.
Stones – consist of rock as nearly rectangular in section as is
practical,except that riprap of Class A may consist of round
natural stones. The stones shall be sound, tough, durable,
dense, resistant to the action of air and water, and suitable
in all respects for the purpose intended.
- Sound pieces of concrete obtained from the removal of

bridges, culverts and other structures may be substituted
for stone with the approval of the Engineer.
Classes of Stones Intended for Riprap
Class A - Stones ranging from a minimum of 15 kg to a maximum of

25 kg., with at least 50 percent of the stones weighing more
than 20 kg.
Class B - Stones ranging from a minimum of 30 kg to a maximum of

70 kg. with at least 50 percent of the stones weighing more
than 50 kg.
Class C - Stones ranging from a minimum of 60 kg to a maximum of

100 kg with at least 50 percent of the stones weighing more
than 80 kg.
Class D - Stones ranging from a minimum of 100 kg to a maximum of

200 kg with at least 50 percent of the stones weighing more
than 150 kg.
Mortar
• shall consists of sand, cement and water conforming to the

requirements under Item 405 – Structural Concrete.
• shall be mixed in the proportion of one part cement to three parts

sand by volume and sufficient water to obtain the required
consistency
• Portland Cement Type I conforming to the requirements of

AASHTO M 85 (ASTM C 150) shall be used.
• Use of Portland Pozzolan Type IP meeting the requirements of

AASHTO M 240 (ASTM C 595) Specifications for Blended
Hydraulic Cement shall be allowed, provided that trial mix shall be
done and that the mixes meet the strength requirement.
• Fine aggregates shall conform to the requirements as specified in
Item 405, Structural Concrete and have the following grading
requirements:
Grading Requirements for Structural Concrete
9.5 mm ( 3/8 ) 100

4.75 mm ( No.4 ) 95 - 100
2.36 mm ( No. 8 ) -
1.18 mm ( No.16 ) 45 - 80
0.600 mm ( No. 30 ) -
0.300 mm ( No. 50 ) 5 - 30
0.150 mm ( No. 100 ) 0 - 10
Mortar
• the horizontal and vertical contact surface between stones shall be
embedded by cement mortar having a minimum thickness of 20 mm.
• sufficient mortar shall be used to completely fill all voids leaving the
face of the stones exposed.
Filter Materials
• when required, the riprap shall be placed on a filter layer to prevent fine
embankment materials to be washed out through the voids of the faces of
stones.
• the grading of the filter material shall be specified on the Plans or in the
Special Provisions.
• if not so specified, fine aggregate passing the grading requirements for

Item 405, Structural Concrete, will satisfy for the filter materials.
• the bed for riprap shall be excavated to the required depths

and properly compacted, trimmed and shaped.
• stones placed below the water line shall be distributed so that

the minimum thickness of the riprap is not less than that of
the specified.
• stones above the water line shall be placed by hand or

individually by machines and they shall be laid with close,
broken joints and shall be firmly bedded into the slope and
against the adjoining stones.
• Stones shall be laid with its larger axis perpendicular to the

slope in close contact with each adjacent stone.
• For dry riprap, interstices between stones shall be filled with

small broken fragments firmly rammed into place
• the surface of riprap shall not vary from the theoretical surface
by more than 100 mm at any point.
• Grouted riprap shall be cured for a period of at least three (3)
days.
• For grouted riprap, spaces between the stones shall be filled

with cement mortar throughout the thickness of the riprap and
sufficient mortar shall be used to completely fill all voids
except that the face surface of the stone shall be left exposed.
• Riprap shall have the following minimum thickness, measured

perpendicular to the slope
Class A - 300 mm
Class B - 500 mm
Class C - 600 mm
Class D - 800 mm
• Weepholes shall be placed horizontally at the lowest points
where free outlets for water can be obtained and shall spaced
at not more than 2 meter center to center in a staggered
manner.
• All faces of stones shall be thoroughly cleaned of mortar stains

immediately after stones are laid and while the mortar is fresh.
ITEM 506 - STONE MASONRY
This item consist of stone masonry in minor structures, in headwalls for
culverts, in retaining walls at the toes of slopes, and at other places called
for on the Plans.
Stone - unless otherwise shown on the Plans, stones shall have a thickness
of not less than 150 mm, and widths of not less than one and one-half
times their respective thickness, and lengths of not less than one and
one-half times their respective widths. Stones shall be clean, hard,
durable and of good shape and free of depressions and projections
that might weaken or prevent it from being properly bedded. Adobe
stones shall not be used unless otherwise specified.
Mortar
- shall consists of sand, cement and water conforming to there
requirements under Item 405 – Structural Concrete except as to
the of fine aggregate which shall all pass the 2.36 mm (No.8)
sieve, not less than 15 nor more than 40 percent shall pass the 0.3
mm (No. 50) sieve, and not more than 10 percent shall pass the 0.15
mm (No. 100) sieve.
• shall be mixed in the proportion of one part cement to three parts sand by
volume and sufficient water to obtain the required consistency that can be
handled easily and spread with the trowel.
• Mortar that is not used within 90 minutes after the water has been added shall be
discarded. Retempering of mortar will not be permitted.
• Stones shall be laid with their longest faces horizontal in full beds of mortar and
joints shall be flushed with mortar. Large stones shall be used in the corners.
• The exposed faces of individual stones shall be parallel to the faces of the walls
in which the stones are set.
• Weepholes shall be placed horizontally at the lowest points where free outlets
for water can be obtained and shall spaced at not more than 2 meter center to
center in a staggered manner. Other provision of weepholes shall conform to the
requirements of Item 405, Riprap and Grouted Riprap.
• All faces of stones shall be thoroughly cleaned of mortar stains immediately after
stones are laid and while the mortar is fresh.
• The stone masonry shall be protected from the hot or dry weather and
shall be cured by keeping wet for a period of at least three (3) days after
completion.
• Weepholes shall be placed horizontally at the lowest points where free

outlets for water can be obtained and shall spaced at not more than 2
meter center to center in a staggered manner.
• The length of the weepholes shall not be less than the thickness of the
walls of the abutment and shall be at least 50 mm diameter PVC or other
pipe material accepted by the Engineer.
• Cleaning of exposed faces of stones shall be immediately done after

being laid and while the mortar is still fresh. All face of stones shall be
thoroughly cleaned of mortar stains and shall be kept clean until the
work is completed.
• Curing of the completed stone masonry shall be satisfactory protected

from the sun and shall be kept wet for a period of at least three (3) days
after completion.
ITEM 507 - RUBBLE CONCRETE
This item consist of the construction of rubble concrete in accordance
with the specification and in conformity with the lines, grades, slopes and
dimension shown in the Plans.
Stone - the stone shall be cleaned, hard, and durable and shall be
subject to the Engineer’s approval. Adobe stone shall not be used
unless otherwise specified. Stones to be used shall be more than
0.015 cubic meter in volume and not less than 75 percent of the
total volume of rock embankment and shall consist of stones 0.03
cubic meter in volume.
Concrete Class “B”

- It shall be in accordance with Item 405, Structural Concrete with
16.50 Mpa ( 2400 psi ) minimum compressive strength @ 28 days
Placing of Concrete:
- One layer of concrete Class “B” shall be placed at the prepared
base prior to placing of stones. Clearance between stones shall
not be less than 2-1/2 inches or the maximum size of concrete
aggregates for Class “B”.
- Concrete Class “B” shall be placed after each layer of stone and shall
be thoroughly consolidated by means of a vibrator inserted in each
in each layer of concrete. In no case shall the vibrator be operated
longer than 10 seconds in any location.
Weepholes
• Weepholes shall be placed horizontally at the lowest points where
free outlets for water can be obtained and shall spaced at not more
than 2 meter center to center in a staggered manner. Other provision
of weepholes shall conform to the requirements of Item 405, Riprap
and Grouted Riprap.
Item 511 – Gabions and Mattresses
Gabions Gabion
s
GABIONS
- is a restraint structure used to control landslide or erosion. It is free

draining, heavy monolithic gravity structure consisting of wire
baskets filled with non-degrable rocks.
- gabions are flexible enough to cope with differential settlement and

they have excellent permeability to drain the restrained material. Less
lateral space is needed as compared to the rock buttress, and much
preferred where the space is limited.
- it is made of zinc-coated steel wire and range in size from 1.0 x 1.0 x 1.0
m to 1.0 x 1.0 x 3.0 m. Each basket is secured to an adjacent basket
with a tie wire and is loaded in place with selected rocks ranging from
200 mm to 400 mm in size.
Gabion structures can be subject to various stresses and they must be able to
settle, twist and conform to channel and foundation shifts and changes. At the
same time, gabions must have sufficient strength to contain the weight of the
rocks with which they are filled and of additional filled gabions that may be
placed upon them, as well as to resist the impact force of high velocity
currents and soil pressure.
Applications:
• Mass gravity retaining structures
• Mechanically stabilized earth walls (MSE walls)
• Vegetated slope reinforcement

• Slope Stabilization
• Slope reinforcement
• Slope & Bank protection
• Shore Protection
• Culvert Outlet scour pads & headwalls
• Bridge abutments
• Erosion Control
Gabions shall be constructed of wire mesh and shall be supplied in
various lengths and heights. A double twisted wire mesh
container of various sizes, uniformly partitioned into internal
cells , interconnected with other units and filled with stones to
form flexible, permeable, monolithic structures such as retaining
walls, spur dikes, sea walls, revetments and channel linings for
erosion control.
The lengths shall be multiples of 2,3 or 4 times the width of the gabion
and height shall be 0.50 m to 1.00 m and the horizontal width shall
not be less than one-meter.
Mattresses are double twisted wire mesh container uniformly partitioned into
internal cells with relatively small height in relation to other
dimensions, having smaller mesh openings than the mesh used for
gabions. It is generally used for river bank protection and channel
linings.
The length shall be 3.00 m to 6.00 m, the width shall be 2.00 m

and the height shall be 0.17 m, 0.23 m 0r 0.30 m or as shown
on the Plans.
Wire - the wire used in the manufactured of double-twisted mesh for use in
gabions and mattresses shall conform to the specifications for the
style ordered as shown below:
Style 1 - double-twisted mesh shall be manufactured from zinc-

coated steel wire conforming to the specification
requirements of ASTM A 641, Class 3 coating, soft temper
Style 2 - double-twisted mesh shall be manufactured from Zn-

5A1-MM- coated steel wire conforming to the
specification requirements of ASTM A 856/ A 856 M,
Class 3 coating, soft temper
Style 3 - double-twisted mesh shall be manufactured from the

same type of metallic coated steel wire as Style 1
with
an additional PVC coating extruded into the metallic-
coated steel wire.
Style 4 - double-twisted mesh shall be manufactured from
aluminum- coated steel wire conforming to the
specification requirement of ASTM A 809, soft temper
The minimum size of the galvanized and PVC coated wire to be used in the
fabrication of the gabion and mattresses shall be as follows:
Diameter, mm, min.

Gabion Mattress
Metallic PVC Metallic PVC
Coated Coated Coated Coated
Body Wire 3.05 2.70 2.20 2.20
Selvedge or Perimeter Wire 3.80 3.40 2.70 2.70
Tying & Connecting Wire 2.20 2.20 2.70 2.20
• Diameter Tolerances for Galvanized Wire to be used in the fabrication of gabion

and mattresses shall be ± 0.10 mm
• The nominal and the minimum thickness of PVC coating shall be 0.50 mm and
0.38 mm, respectively
• The PVC coating shall not show cracks or breaks after the wires are twisted in the
fabrication of the mesh.
Lacing Wire and Stiffener - shall be made of wire having the same
coating material as the double-twisted wire mesh
conforming to Specification requirements of ASTM 641, A
856/A 856 M or A 809
Dimension Requirements of Gabion and Mattresses
Diameter, mm, min.
Gabion Mattresses
Metallic PVC Metallic PVC
Coated Coated Coated Coated
Body Wire 3.05 2.70 2.20 2.20
Selvedge or Perimeter Wire 3.80 3.40 2.70 2.70
Tying and Connecting Wire 2.20 2.20 2.70 2.20

Tensile Strength of Zinc-Coated Wire for Fabrication of
Gabion and Mattresses
Strength, min., MPa

Gabion Mattresses
Body Wire 485 515
Selvedge or Perimeter Wire 485 485

Tying and Connecting Wire 515 515
Weight of Zinc Coating Per Unit Area of Uncoated Wire Surface
Wire Diameter, mm Class 3 or A Coating, g/m2

Over 1.90 to 2.30 220
Over 2.30 to 2.70 230
Over 2.70 to 3.10 240
Over 3.10 to 3.50 260
Over 3.50 to 3.90 270
Rockfill
• Rock used in the gabions and mattresses shall consist of hard, durable
rock pieces that will not deteriorate when submerge to water or exposed
to severe weather conditions.
• Rock pieces shall be generally uniformly graded in sizes ranging from

100 mm to 200 mm ( 4 to 8 inches).
• Filled gabions shall have a minimum density of 1,400 kg/m3. Voids

shall be evenly distributed
• No rock size shall exceed 2/3 the mattress depth and at least 85% by
weight of the stone shall have a size greater than 80 mm. No stones
shall be able to pass through the mesh.
• Rock shall have a sodium sulfate soundness loss of not more than 9%
after five (5) cycles.
• Gabion shall be assembled by binding together all vertical edges with

wire ties on approximately 152 mm (6 inches) spacing or by continuous
piece of connecting wire stitch around the vertical edges with a coil
every 102 mm (4 inches).
• Before laying/placing of the mattress and gabion, the subgrade or base

shall be properly compacted to a depth of 150 mm.
• The gabions shall be filled with stone carefully placed by hand or

machine to assure alignment and avoid bulges with a minimum voids.
properly compacted to a depth of 150 mm.
ITEM 704 – MASONRY UNITS
DPWH STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR
CONCRETE MASONRY UNIT
ITEM 704 – Masonry Units
Concrete Masonry Blocks
ASTM C – 90 - Load Bearing Concrete Masonry Units
ASTM C – 129 - Non Load Bearing Concrete Masonry

Units
Concrete Solid Blocks
ASTM C – 139 or ASTM 145, Grade as specified

ASTM C – 90 - Load Bearing Concrete Masonry Units
Strength Requirements
Individual : 5.5 Mpa ( 800 psi )

Average : 6.9 Mpa ( 1000 psi )
ASTM C – 129 - Non Load Bearing Concrete Masonry Units
Strength Requirements
Individual : 3.45 Mpa ( 500 psi )
Average : 4.14 Mpa ( 600 psi )

SAMPLING OF MATERIALS AND
GUIDELINES IN THE SUBMISSION
OF SAMPLES
Sampling of Materials
Is the process of selecting a part (sample), which will be used to judge
the whole (lot). Sampling of construction materials should be done on the
delivered materials at the project site and not in the place where it was
purchase.
Sampling of materials shall be in accordance with the Standard Sampling

Procedures to obtained a true representative of a lot and based on the
minimum testing requirements as prescribe for the item of works.
The quantity of representative sample to be brought to a testing laboratory

should be adequate and meets the requirements for the sizes, shapes and
part of the material where it should be taken to obtain a reliable test results in
the conduct of the required physical and chemical analysis of a material that
will subjected for testing.
In soil sampling the following should be observed:
1. Use new clean containers to avoid contamination.
2. Seal filled containers with clean, dry, and tight fitting aids
3. Label container clearly and properly
 If samples are not truly representative, both sampling and

testing are complete waste of time as the test results will be of no
value. Laboratory testing involves much time and great expense,
therefore, considerable care and judgment must be exercised in
sampling.
Types of Soil Materials & Method of Sampling
1. Undisturbed Soils
- are those obtained from the field with minimum disturbance
by using drilling equipment that provides clean hole before
insertion of thin walled tubes that is both the natural density
and moisture content are preserved as much as practicable.
- soil samples are obtained for investigation to determined the

properties of the materials necessary for the design analysis
of a structure.
Tests on Undisturbed Soils
a. Density e. Shear test
b. Permeability f. Hydrometer analysis
c. Consolidation g. Specific gravity
d. Tri - axial
2. Disturbed Soils
- are those obtained from the field thru manual sampling on the point of
sources and or at stockpiles for investigation purposes and construction
materials for use in the road and other structures.
Tests on Disturbed Soils
a. Wash and Grading Tests
b. Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit Tests
c. Moisture – Density Relation Test
d. Abrasion and Field density Tests
e. California Bearing Ratio ( CBR ) Test

Sampling from Stockpiles or Transportation Units
– Avoid sampling coarse aggregate or mixed coarse and fine aggregate from
the stockpiles or transportation units whenever possible, particularly when
the sampling is done for the purpose of determining aggregate properties
that may be dependent upon the grading of the sample
- If circumstances make it necessary to obtain samples from the stockpile

of coarse aggregate or a stockpile of combined coarse and fine aggregate,
design a sampling plan for the specific case under consideration. This
approach will allow the sampling agency to use a sampling plan that will
give a confidence in results obtained there from that is agreed upon by all
parties concerned to be acceptable for the particular situation.
- The sampling plan shall define the number of samples necessary to

represent lots and sub lots of specific sizes. General principles for sampling
from stockpiles are applicable to sampling from trucks, rail cars, barges, or
other transportation units.
- Sampling of soil aggregates in a big stockpile shall be done by taking

sample from the bottom, middle and top of the stockpile.
Sampling of coarse aggregates and fine aggregates
Sampling from a Roadway
- Sample units shall be selected by a random method from the construction

site. Obtain at least three (3) approximately equal increments, selected at
randomfrom the unit being sampled, and combined to form a field sample
whose equal or exceeds the minimum recommended size of samples.
- Take all the increments from the roadway for the full depth of the material,
taking care to exclude the underlying material.
Sampling from a Roadway
Sampling from the Conveyor Belt
- Select units to be sampled by a random method from the production.
Obtain at least three approximately equal increments, selected at

random, from the unit being sampled and combine to form a field
sample that’s mass equals or exceeds the minimum.
- Stop the conveyor belt while the sample increments are being obtained.
Insert two templates, the shape of which conforms to the shape of the
belt in the aggregate stream on the belt, and space them such that the
material contained between them will yield an increment of the required
weight.
- Carefully scoop all material between the templates into a suitable

container and collect the fines on the belt with a brush and dust pan
and add to the container.
Sampling of coarse and fine aggregates from the conveyor belt
Handling and Storage of Materials
Delivered construction materials should be placed or stored in a
safe location/place to protect from contamination or the action of the
weather and to avoid damaged and to maintain the desired quality.
To prevent contamination of materials to other similar type particu-

larly those coming from other sources, it should be provided with
seperator or partition in case of an small stockpile area, however,
in case of a big stockpile area, provide adequate distance for each
type of materials depending on sources and sizes.
Other construction materials which are sensitive to weather

conditions like cement, steel bars, etc. should be kept in a site that are
protected from direct sunlight and rain. It should not be place directly
on the ground to maintain its quality.
Storage of Cement
All cement shall be stored, immediately upon delivery at the Site, in

weather proof building which will protect the cement from dampness.
The floor shall be raised from the ground.
Provisions for storage shall be ample, and the shipments of cement as

received shall be separately stored in such a manner as to allow the
earliest deliveries to be used first and to provide easy access for
identification and inspection of each shipment.
Storage building shall have capacity for storage of a sufficient quantity

of cement to allow sampling at least twelve (12) days before the cement is to
be used.
Proper Storage of Cement
Storage of Concrete Aggregates
The handling and storing of concrete aggregates shall be such as to

prevent segregation or the inclusion of foreign materials The Engineer may
require that aggregates be stored on separate platforms at satisfactory
locations.
In order to secure greater uniformity of concrete mix, the Engineer may require
that the coarse aggregate be separated into two or more sized. Different sized of
aggregate shall be stored in separate bins or in separate stockpiles sufficiently
removed from each other to prevent the material at the edges of the piles from
becoming intermixed.
Storage of Reinforcing Steel Bars
Steel reinforcement shall be stored above the surface of the ground upon
platforms, skids, or other supports and shall be protected as far as
practicable from mechanical injury and surface deterioration caused by
exposure to conditions producing rust.
When placed in the work, reinforcement shall be free from dirt, detrimental
rust, loose scale, paint, grease, oil, or other foreign materials. Reinforcement
shall be free from injurious defects such as cracks and laminations.
Rust, surface seams, surface irregularities or mill scale will not be cause for
rejection, provided the minimum dimensions, cross sectional area and tensile
properties of a hand wire brushed specimen meets the physical requirements
For the size and grade of steel specified.
Storage and Protection of Steel Bars
TRANSPORTATION OF SPECIMENS TO TESTING LABORATORY
Concrete specimens such as beams and cylinders shall not be

transported from the field to the laboratory before completion of the
initial curing.
Specimens must be protected with suitable cushioning material

to prevent damage from jarring and damage by freezing temperature,
or moisture loss. Moisture loss may be prevented by wrapping the
specimens in plastic or surrounding them with wet sand or wet saw
dust.
Transport aggregate in bags or other containers so constructed as to

preclude loss or contamination of any part of the sample, or damage
to the contents from mishandling during shipment.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION OF SAMPLES
MATERIALS MINIMUM TESTING MINIMUM QTY./VOL.
REQUIREMENTS OF MATLS. FOR EACH
SAMPLE SUBMITTED
1. Cement 1 Sample per 2000 bags 10 kg
2. Asphaltic Matls. 1 Sample per 40 tonnes 5 L

or 200 drums
3. Asphalt Mix 1 Sample per 130 tonnes 20 kg
4. Aggregates 1 Sample per 1500 cu.m.

a. Coarse Agg. 70 kg
b. Fine Agg. 50 kg
5. Soil Agg. 1 Sample per 1500 cu.m.

a. Classification 20 kg
b. Routinary tests 50 kg
c. Moisture Density
Relation & CBR 50 kg
6. Non-Reinforced
Concrete Pipe 2 Pipes min./0.5% of no. of Pipes 2 pipes
SAMPLE SUBMITTED
7. Reinforced Conc. Pipe 1 Sample per 50 pipes or

2% of no. of pipes 1 pipe (1 m length)
8. Steel Pipe (Galvanized) 1 Sample per 500 m length 2 pcs. of 100 mm

long taken from
both ends w/o
thread
9. Conc. Hollow Blocks 1 Sample per 10,000 units
a. Complete test 6 units
b. Strength 3 units
c. Moisture Content 3 units
10. Steel Bar 1 Sample per 10,000 kgs. 1 meter
11. Steel Sheet (Galvanized) 1 Sample per 1,000 sheets 1 sheet
12. Wire Strand (Strap) 2 meters

13. Gabions 1 m x 2m
14. Paints 1 Sample per 100 cans 1 ( 4L can)

1 ( 20L can)
SAMPLE SUBMITTED
15. Joint Filler ( Pre-mold ) For every shipment 1 ( 400 mm x 400 mm )
16. Curing Compound For every shipment 1 liter
17. Concrete Cylinder 1 Set of 3 cylinders 1 set of 3 cylinders

for every 75 cu.m. or day of pouring ( 6” x 12” )
18. Concrete Beam 1 Set of 3 beams for 1 set of 3 beams

every 75 cu.m. or day of pouring ( 6” x 21” )
19. Concrete Core 5 cores/km/lane -
20. Asphalt Cores 1 core/100m/ lane -
21. Water Analysis

a. Chemical Analysis 500 ml
b. Sediment Analysis 500 ml
22. Structural Steel Sheet Reduced Section

(as prescribed)
MINIMUM TESTING REQUIREMENTS
ON DPWH ITEMS WORKS

 The prescribed tests on the construction materials to

be used in a project based on approved contract
quantities
 The requirements which specify the kind and number

of tests for each pay item of works
 It should emphasized that what are specified are the

minimum number of testing only. Additional number of
test can be require to the materials if the
owner/inspector is in doubt of the quality of materials
or the finished structure
ITEM 102 – EXCAVATION and
ITEM 103 - STRUCTURE EXCAVATION
* If excavated materials are wasted, the volume involved shall be

reported, so that quality control requirements may be adjusted
accordingly. Submit Project Engineer Certificate of Waste
* If excavated materials are to be incorporated into the work:
Tests:
For every 1500 m3 of fraction thereof:
1 – G, Grading Test
1 – P, Plasticity Test ( LL. PL. PI )
1 – C, Laboratory Compaction Test

For every layer of 150 mm of compacted depth/based on the results of
compaction trials;
At least one group of three in-situ density tests for each 500 m 2 or
fraction thereof
Minimum Testing Requirements:
Tests:
For every 1500 m3 or fraction thereof:
1 – P, Plasticity Test ( LL, PL, PI )
For each 500 m2 of each layer of compacted fill or fraction

thereof at least one group of three in-situ density tests.
The layers shall be placed not exceeding 200 mm in loose
measurement or based on the result of compaction trials.

Tests:
For every 300 m3 or fraction thereof :
1 – P, Plasticity Test ( LL, PL, PI )
1 - Q, Quality Test for : ( Grading, Plasticity and Abrasion )

1 – CBR, California Bearing Ratio Test
For every layer of 150 mm of compacted depth/based on
The results of compaction trials.
At least one group of three in-situ density tests for each
500 m2 or fraction thereof.
ITEM 201 – AGGREGATE BASE COURSE
Tests :
Same as in Item No. 200

ITEM 202 – CRUSHED AGGREGATE BASE COURSE
Tests:
Same as for Item 201 except:
1 – F, Fractured Face
ITEM 300 – AGGREGATE SURFACE COURSE
Minimum Testing Requirement:
Tests :
Same as in Item No. 202

ITEM 307 – BITUMINOUS PLANT-MIX SURFACE
COURSE - GENERAL
A. Aggregates
Tests:
For every 75 m3 / 200 t or fraction thereof:
1 – G & P, Grading and Plasticity Tests

1 – Q, Quality Test for: ( Grading, Plasticity,
Abrasion, Stripping and Bulk Specific Gravity )
1 – F, Fractured Face
B. Bituminous Materials
Quantity: 5.0 to 8.0 mass % of total aggregate
Tests: 1 – Q, Quality Test for each 40 T or fraction
thereof
C. Mix
Tests: For every 75 m3 / 130 T or fraction thereof:
1 – Ext., Extraction
1 – Sty., Stability
1 – C, Laboratory Compaction
D. Hydrated Lime
Tests: For every 100 t or fraction thereof:
1 – Q, Quality Test
E. Mineral Filler
Tests: For every 75 m3 or fraction thereof:
1 – G & P, Grading and Plasticity Tests

( LL, PL, PI )
F. Compacted Pavement
Teats: For each full day’s operation:
D & T ( Density and Thickness Tests )- at least

one (1) but not more than three (3) samples shall
be taken.
ITEM 310 – BITUMINOUS CONCRETE SURFACE
COURSE, HOT-LAID
Tests for Aggregates, Bituminous Materials, Mix,

Hydrated Lime, Mineral Filler and Compacted Pavement
Same as in Item 307

ITEM 311 – PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE PAVEMENT
A. Cement
Quantity: 9.00 bags / m3 ( 40 kg / bag )
Tests : For every 2000 bags or fraction thereof:
B. Fine Aggregates
Quantity : 0.50 m /m3 ( if rounded course aggregate is used )
0.54 m3/m3( if angular course aggregate is used )
Tests : For every 1500 m3 or fraction thereof:
a. For a source not yet tested, or failed in previous

quality test:
1 – Q, Quality Test for: Grading, Elutriation

( Wash ) Bulk Specific Gravity, Absorption,
Mortar Strength, Soundness, Organic Content,
Unit Weight, % Clay Lumps and Shale.
b. For a source previously tested and passed quality test:
1 – Q, Quality Test for: Grading, Elutriation (Wash),

Bulk Specific Gravity, Absorption and Mortar Test

C. Course Aggregate
Quantity: 0.77 m3/m3 concrete ( if rounded coarse aggregate

is used )
0.68 m3/m3 concrete ( if angular is used )
a. For a source not yet tested or failed in quality tests:
1 – Q, Quality Test for: Grading, Bulk Specific Gravity,

Absorption, Abrasion, Soundness and Unit Weight
b. For a source previously tested and passed quality test:
1 – Q, Quality Test for : Grading, Bulk Specific Gravity,
Absorption and Abrasion
D. Water
Tests: 1 – Certificate from Project Engineer or

1 - Q, Quality Test, if source is questionable
E. Joint Filler
1. Poured Joint Filler

Tests: 1 – Q, Quality Test on each type of ingredient for each
shipment
2. Premolded Joint Filler

Tests: 1- Q, Quality Test on each thickness of filler for each
shipment
F. Special Curing Agent
Tests : 1 – Q, Quality Test for each shipment
G. Steel Bars
Tests : For every 10,000 kgs. or fraction thereof

for each size
1 – Q, Quality Test, Bending, Tension and Chemical

Analysis
H. Concrete
Tests : Flexural Strength Test on Concrete Beam Samples
1 – set consisting of 3 beam samples shall represent a

330 m2 of pavement, 230 mm depth, or fraction
thereof placed each day. Volume of concrete not
more than 75 m3
I. Completed Pavement
Tests:
Thickness determination by concrete core drilling on

a lot basis
Five (5) holes per km per lane or five (5) holes per
500 m when two (2) lanes are poured concurrently.
ITEM 404 - REINFORCING STEEL
A. Bar reinforcement for concrete for every 10,000 kgs

or fraction thereof for each size:
1 – Q, Quality Test for Bending, Tension and

Chemical Analysis
B. Wire and Wire Mesh
ITEM 405 - STRUCTURAL CONCRETE
A. Cement : Quantity : ( 40 kg./bag )
Class A ----------- 9.0 bags / m3 of concrete
Class B ------------ 8.0 bags / m3 of concrete
Class C ------------ 9.5 bags / m3 of concrete
Class P ----------- 11.0 bags / m3 of concrete
Tests: For every 2000 bags or fraction thereof :
1 Q, - Quality Test
B. Fine Aggregate
Quantity :
For Rounded For Angular
Class A --- 0.50 m3/m3 of conc. 0.54 m3/m3 of concrete
Class B --- 0.45 m3/m3 of conc. 0.52 m3/m3 of concrete
Class C --- 0.53 m3/m3 of conc. 0.59 m3/m3 of concrete
Class P --- 0.44 m3/m3 of conc. 0.47 m3/m3 of concrete
a. For a source not yet tested or failed in previous quality test:
1 – Q, Quality Test for : Grading, Elutriation (Wash), Bulk

Specific Gravity, Absorption, Mortar Strength,
Soundness, Organic Impurities, Unit Weight, % Clay
Lumps and Shale
b. For a source previously and passed quality test:
1 – Q, Quality Test for : Grading, Elutriation (Wash), Bulk

Specific Gravity, Absorption and Mortar Strength
For every 75 cu.m. or fraction thereof:

C. Coarse Aggregate
Quantity:
For Rounded CA For Angular CA
Class A -----0.77 0.68 m3/m3 of concrete
Class B ---- 0.82 0.73 m3/m3 of concrete
Class C----- 0.70 0.68 m3/m3 of concrete
Class P----- 0.68 0.65 m3/m3 of concrete
Tests : For every 1500 m3 or fraction thereof:
a. For a source not yet tested or failed in previous quality test:
1 – Q, Quality Test for: Grading Bulk Specific Gravity,
Absorption, Abrasion, Soundness and Unit Weight
b. For a source previously tested and passed quality test

1 – Q, Quality Test for: Grading, Absorption, Bulk
Specific Gravity and Abrasion
D. Water
Tests:
1 – Certification from Project Engineer
1 – Q, Quality Test, if source is questionable
E. Premolded Filler for expansion joints
Tests:
1 – Q, Quality Test on each thickness of filler for each
shipment
F. Steel Reinforcement
Tests :
1 – Q, Quality Test for every 10,000 kgs. or fraction
thereof:
G. Concrete
Tests :
Compressive strength test on concrete cylinder samples.
One (1) set consisting of three (3) concrete cylinder
samples and to represent not more than 75 m3 of concrete
Or fraction thereof.
ITEM 411 - PAINT
Tests :
1 – Q, Quality , One 20 – L can for every 100 cans or
fraction thereof or
1 – Q, Quality, 4 – L can for every 100 cans or fraction
thereof
ITEM 500 – PIPE CULVERTS AND STORM DRAINS

A. Pipes
Tests: 1 – pipe for every 50 pieces ( Strength, Absorption,
and Dimension )
Alternative Requirements:
1 – set consisting of 3 – concrete cylinder samples for not
more than 25 pcs. cast in the field and
1 – Inspection Report for each size for not more than
25 pcs. cast in the field
B. Mortar for Joint

Tests: Cement, Fine Aggregates and Water – Same as
for Item 405
ITEM 505 – RIPRAP AND GROUTED RIPRAP
A. Cement
Quantity: 3 bags / m3
Tests : For every 2,000 bags or fraction thereof:
B. Fine Aggregates
Quantity : 0.17 m3/m3
C. Stone
Tests: Inspection Report
D. Water
Tests: 1 – Certificate from Project Engineer or
1 – Q, Quality Test, if source is questionable
ITEM 506 – STONE MASONRY
A. Cement
Quantity: 2 bags of cement / m3

Tests: Same as in Item 505
B. Fine Aggregates
Quantity and Tests: Same as in Item 505
C. Stone
D. Water

ITEM 509 - SHEET PILES
A. Timber Sheet Piles
Tests: Inspection Report
B. Concrete Sheet Piles
Tests: Concrete – same as in Item 405

Reinforcing Steel Bar - same as in Item 404
C. Steel Sheet Piles
Tests: 1- Q, Quality Test or Mill Certificate for each

type of materials used
1 – Inspection Report for each type and shipment

of metal used
ITEM 511 – GABIONS AND MATTRESSES
A. Wire Mesh Basket
Tests: 1 – Q, Quality Test for each shipment

( Tensile Strength, Diameter of Body &
Selvedge Wire and Weight of Coating-Zinc )
B. Rock Fill
Tests: 1 – Soundness Test for each source

1 - Inspection Report on Rocks used
C. Lacing Wire and Stiffener
Test: 1 – Tensile Strength and Diameter for each shipment

ITEM 704 – MASONRY UNITS
Tests: 1 – Q, Quality Test for every 10,000 units or

fraction thereof ( Compression, Absorption
and Dimension )
ITEM 709 - PAINTS
Tests:
1 – Q, One (1) 20-L can for every 100 cans or fraction

thereof or
1 – Q, One (1) 4-L can for every 100 cans or fraction

thereof
ITEM 712 - STRUCTURAL METAL
Tests:
1 – Q, Quality Test or Mill Certificate for each type

of materials used
1 - Inspection Report for each type and shipment of

metal used
EXERCISES IN THE USAGE OF THE
QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM
PROJECT: Restoration of Nueva Ecija – Pangasinan Road
Sta. 3+930 to Sta. 14+360, Nueva Ecija
A. Tests to be Performed:
ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION UNIT QUANTITY NO. OF TESTS(Min.)
103 (1) Structure Excavation cu.m. 41 None
103 (6) Exc. For Pipe Culverts cu.m. 85 None
104 (1) Emb. From Rd. Exc. cu.m. 659 GPC – 1, D-7
1O4 (2) Emb. From Borrow cu.m. 1657 GPC –2, D-17
105 (1) Subgrade Preparation sq.m. 21,808 GPC –3, D-44
200 (1) Agg. Subbase Course cu.m. 4811 GP-16,C-4,D-64,

Q-4, CBR-2
201 Agg. Base Course cu.m. 7474 GP-25, C-5,Q-5,

D-100, CBR-3
Item 311 Portland Cement Concrete
Pavement ( PCCP ) sq. m. 34,181
a. Cement bags 61,526 Q - 31
b. Fine Aggregate cu. m. 3,419 Q – 3, G - 46
c. Course Aggregate cu. m. 5,264 Q – 4, G - 71
d. Reinf. Steel Bars, 16 mm kg. 3,000 Q-1
e. Concrete FS – 92 sets of CB
f. Completed PCCP, 200mm.,thk. 5 - cores
Item 500 Pipe Culvert, 910 mm pcs. 45 Q-1
Alternative: In case no available Pipe Tester: 2 –sets of concrete cylinder and 2 – Inspec-
tion Report on Casting
Item 505 Grouted Riprap cu. m.

a. Cement bags 2,500 Q-2
b. Fine Aggregates cu.m 3,450 G- 46, Q- 3
c. Stone Inspection Rep.
Computation:
Item 103 ( 1 & 6 ) Structure Excavation No test is required, excavated

materials is wasted
Item 104 (1) Embankment from Road Qty: 659 m3

Excavation
GPC = 1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _For every 1500 m3 or fraction thereof
D = 7 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _659 / 0.20 / 500 = 6.59 say 7 ( For each 500 m2 of each layer of
compacted fill or fraction thereof at least one group of 3 – in –
situ density tests. The layers shall be placed not exceeding
200 mm in loose measurement.
Item 104 (2) Embankment from Borrow Qty: 1657 m3
GPC = 2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _For every 1500 m3 or fraction thereof
D = 17 _ _ _ _ _ _ 1657 / 0.20 / 500 = 16.57 say 17 ( Same as in I-104 (1)
Item 105 Subgrade Preparation Qty: 21,808 m2
GPC = 3 _ _ _ _ _ _ 21,808 x 0.20 / 1,500 = 2.90 say 3

D = 44 _ _ _ _ _ _21,808 / 500 = 43.6 say 44
Item 200 Aggregate Subbase Qty: 4811 cu.m.
G,P = 16 For every 300 cu.m. or fraction thereof
Q, C = 4 For every 1500 cu.m. or fraction thereof

CBR = 2 For every 2,500 cu.m. or fraction thereof
D = 64 4811 / 0.15 / 500 = 64 ( At least one-group of three in-situ

density tests for each 500 m2 or fraction thereof and for
every layer of 150 mm of compacted depth.
Item 201 Aggregate Base Course Qty: 7474 cu.m.
G,P = 25 For every 300 cu.m. or fraction thereof
Q,C = 5 For every 1,500 cu.m. or fraction thereof
CBR = 3 For every 2,500 cu.m. or fraction thereof
D = 100 7474 / 0.15 / 500 = 99.65 say 100 ( Same as in I- 200 )

ITEM 311 PCCP Quantity : 34,181 sq. m.
Cement : 61,526 bags Q = 31_ _ _ For every 2000 bags or fraction thereof
Fine Aggregates 3,419 cu.m. Q = 3 _ _ _ For every 1500 cu.m. or fraction thereof
G = 46 _ _ _For every 75 cu.m. Or fraction thereof
Course Aggregate 5,264 cu.m. Q = 4 _ _ _ For every 1500 cu.m. or fraction thereof
G = 71 _ _ _ For every 75 cu.m. or fraction thereof
RSB, 16 mm dia. 3,000 kgs. Q = 1 _ _ _ For every 10,000 kgs. or fraction thereof
Concrete 34,181 sq.m. FS = 92 sets of Concrete Beam
( 34,181 x 0.20 / 75 = 91.15 sets say 92

For every 75 cu.m. or fraction thereof )
ITEM 500 PIPE CULVERT Quantity : 45 pcs. – 910 mm. dia.
Pipe, 910 mm. dia. Q = 1, ( 1 Q, for every 50 pcs. of delivered

pipes
Alternative: 2 sets of concrete cylinder & 2 - Inspection Report for
pipe casting
( 1 set of conc. cyl. & 1- I.R for every 25 pcs. or fraction
thereof of casted pipe )
ITEM 505 GROUTED RIPRAP
Cement : 2,500 bags Q = 2 _ _For every 2000 bags or

fraction thereof
Fine Agg. 3,450 cu.m. Q = 3_ _ For every 1500 cu.m. or

fraction thereof
Stone Inspection Re[port

TESTS ON CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

REDUCING FIELD SAMPLES OF AGGREGATES TO TESTING SIZE
• METHOD A - MECHANICAL SPLITTER
Mechanical splitters are commonly available in sizes adequate for coarse

aggregate having the largest particle not over 37.5 mm (1-1/2 in.). For fine
aggregate, a splitter having chutes 13 mm (1/2 in.) wide will be satisfactory
when the entire sample will pass a 9.5 mm (3/8 in.) Sieve.
Mechanical Splitter
• METHOD B - QUARTERING
Apparatus:
1. Straightedge
scoop,
2. Shovel or trowel
3. Broom or brush
Shovel Straightedge
scoop & broom
brush
Flattening Dividing
Quartered Sample
• METHOD C - MINIATURE STOCKPILE SAMPLING
(Damp Fine Aggregate Only)
APPARATUS:
1.Straightedge scoop
2.Shovel, or trowel for mixing the aggregate
3.Small Sampling Thief
4.Small scoop or spoon for sampling
Mixing the Sample Quartered Sample
Quartering on a Canvass Blanket

TESTS ON SOILS AND
SOIL AGGREGATE MATERIALS

TESTS ON SOILS, SOIL AGGREGATES, ASPHALT &
CONCRETE AGGREGATES
I. DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT
II. PARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS OF SOILS
III. AMOUNT FINER THAN 0.075 MM SIEVE
IV. DETERMINATION OF LIQUID LIMIT

V. DETERMINATION OF PLASTIC LIMIT AND PLASTICITY INDEX
VI. COMPACTION TEST/MOISTURE DENSITY RELATION TEST OF SOIL

VII. DETERMINATION OF DENSITY OF SOIL IN-PLACE BY THE
SAND – CONE METHOD
VIII. ABRASION TEST
IX. CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO TEST
X. DETERMINATION OF ORGANIC IMPURITIES IN SANDS FOR CONCRETE
XI. EFFECT OF ORGANIC IMPURITIES IN FINE AGGREGATE ON
STRENGHT OF MORTAR
XII. SOUNDNESS TEST BY THE USE OF SODIUM OR MAGNESIUM
SULFATE
I. DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT
SIGNIFICANCE:
Moisture content has an important characteristic in the soil
material where the behaviour of soil is markedly influenced by the
amount of moisture it contains.
Moisture content is the ratio of the weight / mass of water in the soil
to the weight /mass of water in the dry soil after it has been dried to a
constant weight / mass at a temperature of 110 deg. Centigrade.
Size of sample ranges from 25 g – 1000 g depending on the maximum

grain size of soil material which is subjected to test.
CALCULATION:
W1 - W2
Moisture Content, MC % = ____________ x 100
W2 - WC
Where:
W1 = weight / mass of container plus wet soil
W2 = weight / mass of container plus dry soil
Wc = weight of container
II. PARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS OF SOILS
SIGNIFICANCE :
Grain size distribution is widely used in the classification and

identification ofsoils. It is an important criteria in the classification of
highway subgrade materials. It is also related to permeability and
capillarity of cohesionless soils.
Particle size analysis is the determination of particle size distribution

in soils by sieve, hydrometer, or a combined analysis. The method
which should be used depends on the size of the soil.
For materials examined for any particular type of work or purpose,

only such fractions shall be reported as are included in the specifications
or other requirements for the work purpose.
III. AMOUNT OF MATERIAL FINER THAN 0.075 MM SIEVE
SIGNIFICANCE :
This test method is used on the sample of soils and soil aggregates
prior to the dry sieving to determine the wash loss or the amount of
finer material than 0.075 mm sieve which is considered dirt on the
tested material.
Material finer than the 0.075 mm ( N0. 200 ) sieve can be separated from
larger particles much more effectively and completely by wet sieving
than through the use of dry sieving.
If the amount of finer material finer than 0.075 mm ( No. 200 ) sieve is
larger as obtained during dry sieving process, the efficiency of the
washing operation should be checked or it could be an indication of
degradation of the aggregate.
CALCULATION:
-
Original Dry - Dry Weight
Wt./ Mass after Washing
____________________________
% Materials Passing 0.075 mm = X 100
Original Dry Weight / Mass
DETERMINATION OF LIQUID LIMIT
SIGNIFICANCE:
The liquid limit gives a certain measure of the shearing resistance of a soil
when mixed with water.
It is a measure of the potential cohesion which in turn depend upon the
Total size of the contact areas, or the fineness and shape of the grains.
Required Soil Sample: Material passing 0.425 mm ( No. 40 ) sieve

weighing 100 g
Required no. of determinations
Ranges of blows : Four (4) determinations & from 15 to 35
blows
Required amount of water to
be added during mixing : One (1) to three (3) ml increments
Balance Apparatus required for use : Sensitive to 0.1 g
Liquid Limit is expressed as the moisture content corresponding to
25 blows
W1 - W2
% Moisture = _____________
CALCULATION: X 100
W2
W1 = weight / mass of wet sample
W2 = weight / mass of oven-dried sample
V. DETERMINATION OF PLASTIC LIMIT AND PLASTICITY INDEX
SIGNIFICANCE :
The limit tests and plasticity index are widely used to control the
characteristics of soil which are to be incorporated in roadways.
The Plastic Limit is defined as the minimum moisture content at which the
soil can be readily molded without breaking or crumbling.
Plasticity Index indicates compressibility of a soil and also related to

permeability; the higher the P.I. The lower the permeability; and vice-versa
Required Soil Sample: Material passing 0.425 mm ( No. 40 ) sieve
weighing 20 g
Required Balance Apparatus for use : Sensitive to 0.1 g
Plastic Limit is expressed as the moisture content in percentage of the
oven-dried weight / mass of the crumbled soil thread.
The Plasticity Index is the difference between the liquid limit and plastic limit
CALCULATION: Where:
Wa = wt. of crumbled soil thread
Plastic Limit = Wa - Wb
____________ X 100 Wb = wt. of oven-dried crumbled
Wb soil thread
Plasticity Index = Liquid Limit - Plastic Limit
VI. COMPACTION TEST / MOISTURE RELATION TEST OF SOIL
SIGNIFICANCE:
Compaction of soil mass involves the application of energy and addition

of water as lubricant It results in reduction of pore spaces and increase
density by rearrangement of particle grains. Thus, the mass becomes
more stable and impermeable which are desirable characteristics of
foundation.
The compaction of soil fills in various engineering operations is of utmost

significance. A properly compacted fill will not settle very much even after
the loads are imposed.
Compaction also makes the fill impervious, thus it reduces the detrimental
effects of infiltrating surface water. Maximum stability is attained by
compaction.
Standard Methods Use for Determining the Moisture Density
Relation of Soil
AASHTO T 99 Method C AASHTO T 180 Method D
Soil Material Passing 19.0 mm ( ¾ in. ) Passing 19.0 mm ( ¾ in. )
Size of Mold 102 mm ( 4 in. ) 152 mm ( 6 in. )
Volume of Mold 0.000943 m3 0.002125 m3
Rammer 2.5 kg. ( 5.5 lb. ) 4.54 kg. ( 10.0 lb. )
Height of Drop 305 mm ( 12 in. ) 457 mm ( 18 in. )

No. of Layers in Molding 3 layers 5 layers
No. of Blows per Layers 25 blows 56 blows
Temperature of Test Sample 60 deg. Centigrade, max. 60 deg. Cent., max.

- The purpose of the laboratory compaction test is to determine
the right amount of mixing water in compacting a soil fill, in order
to obtain the maximum density under the applied energy.It also
serves as reference in checking in-place densities of fills under
construction.
- In the test, the soil is compacted at a number of moisture contents

ranging from slightly dry to wet, by a specified amount of energy
applied in a specified manner. The dry density and moisture content
are determined, then plot is made of dry densities against the
corresponding moisture contents and a smooth curve is drawn
through the points.
- The highest point on the curve indicates the Maximum Dry Density
( MDD ) and the corresponding moisture content is called Optimum
Moisture Content ( OMC ).
Four Distinct Stages In Compaction
1. Wetting
- when the soil particles are relatively dry, the water is

added is absorbed by the soil particles, thus the frictional
resistance to granular rearrangement is high. After the
absorption capacities, the soil is satisfied.
2. Lubrication Stage
- the addition of water replaces some of the entrapped air,
the soil flows more readily under the “lubricating effect”
of the added water and the soil particles move closer
together, a resulting increase in density. This effect is
continued until the optimum water content is reached, at
which point of maximum density is attained.
- At optimum moisture content the “lubricating limit” is

reached and at this point, the pressure of the compacting
equipment has overcome the resistance offered by the
cohesive water film and the friction between particles.
3. Swelling
- After the lubrication limit is passed, addition of water

results in increased film thickness and dispersion of
particles. This is the swelling stage, since further
lubrication is not possible the soil grains are forced
apart by the water added , thus the density is reduced.
4. Saturation
- all free air is expelled and replaced by water if further

pressure is applied to the soil mass, tendency is reduced
the volume. This is however is impossible in a saturated
system since the free air has been replaced.
VII. DETERMINATION OF DENSITY OF SOIL IN – OLACE BY THE
SAND - CONE METHOD
SIGNIFICANCE:
Field density test is widely used as a control test to ensure
adequate compaction of in-placed embankment, subbase,
base and gravel surface courses in a road construction.
The test is conducted in every fill and compacted layer of
soil and the results is used in the acceptance and determi-
nation of “pay quantity” of in-placed materials
Density of soil is defined as the weight/mass per unit
volume. It is a very significant engineering property of soils
as strength is dependent upon density.
Required Size of Sand for Use

in Density Apparatus : Passing 2.0 mm ( No. 10 ) sieve and
Retained on 0.075 mm ( No. 200 ) sieve
Required Balance Apparatus for use : Sensitive to 0.1 g with 10 kg.

capacity
CALCULATION :
Total Material taken from hole, kg.

Wet Unit Weight, kg. / m3 = ______________________________
Volume of Hole, m3
Wet Unit Weight

Dry Unit Weight, kg. / m3 = ___________________________
Ave. Actual Moisture Content
__________________________ + 1
100
Dry Unit Wt.

Degree of Compaction, % : ___________________ x 100
* Maximum Dry Density
* Data obtained from Moisture Density Relation or Laboratory Compaction

VIII. ABRASION TEST
SIGNIFICANCE:
Abrasion test evaluates the structural strength of granular aggregates
on soil. It gives an indication of quality as determined by resistance
to impact and wear.
The test also determines the hardness property of course aggregates.
Hard aggregates gives low crushing value; the lower the value of percent
wear on aggregates shows a hard/good quality of soil aggregate materials.
Percentage of wear is express the difference between the original
weight of material coarser than 1.70 mm sieve as a percentage of the
original weight of test sample.
Test Sample : Aggregates shall be dried to a constant weight / mass at
110 deg. centigrade plus-minus 5 deg. centigrade
A total weight / mass of 5,000 grams are required for all
four (4) Grading Test Sample
Abrasive Charge : consist of cast-iron spheres or steel spheres

approximately 46.8 mm in diameter and each weighing
between 390 and 455 grams.
GRADING AND WEIGHT OF TEST SAMPLE FOR ABRASION TEST
Sieve SIze Grading & Weight of Test Sample, g
Passing Retained A B C D
37.5 mm 25 mm 1250 + 25 - - -
25 mm 19 mm 1250 + 25 - - -
19 mm 12.5 mm 1250 + 10 2500 + 10 - -
12.5 mm 9.5 mm 1250 + 10 2500 + 10 - -

9.5 mm 6.3 mm - - 2500 + 10 -
6.3 mm 4.75 mm - - 2500 + 10 -
4.75 mm 2.36 mm - - - 5000 +10
Number of Spheres 12 11 8 6
Weight of Charge, g 5000 + 25 4584 + 25 3330 + 20 2500 + 10

ABRASION TEST
•Los Angeles Machine

IX. CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO TEST ( CBR )
SIGNIFICANCE:
The most common method of assessing strength and stiffness
of both subgrade and pavement materials.
The test involves measuring the resistance of soil to penetration

by a cylindrical piston, expressed as a percentage fraction of a
standard resistance which was originally measured in tests on a
good quality crushed rock.
The CBR depends not only on the nature of the material but to a
large extent on its moisture content and its state of compaction.
Loading Device : compression type apparatus capable of applying a

uniformly increasing load up to 44.5 N at a rate of
1.3 mm per min.
Test Sample : Soil sample weighing approximately 11 kgs. with

material passing the 19.0 mm sieve and retained on
the 4.75 mm sieve
No. of Specimens to be Compacted : Three (3) specimens molded in a
cylindrical mold of 152.4 mm dia. with 10, 30,and
60 blows per layer for compacting specimens 1,2,
and 3, respectively.
Soaking Time of Molded Specimens : 96 hours ( 4 ) days
Rate of Loading required during Penetration Test : 1.3 mm per minute
CBR is generally selected at 2.54 mm penetration. If the ratio at 5.08 mm

Penetration is greater, the test result shall be rerun. If the check test gives
a similar result, the ratio at 5.08 mm penetration shall be used.
The CBR Value of the soil material shall be obtained at the maximum dry
density ( MDD ) as determined by AASTHO T 180, Method D.
CALCULATION :
Corrected Load Value

CBR = ______________________
X 100
Standard Value
X. DETERMINATION OF ORGANIC IMPURITIES IN SANDS
FOR CONCRETE
SIGNIFICANCE :
The test determines the presence of injurious organic compounds in natural

sands which are to be used in cement mortar or concrete.
The purpose of the test is to furnish a warning that further tests of the sand
are necessary before they are approved for use.
Test Sample : Sample of sand weighing about 450 grams
Chemical Reagents Required : Sodium Hydroxide Solution (3 %) dissolve

3 parts by weight in 97 parts of water
Interpretation of Results : If the color of the supernatant liquid above the

test sample with that of the reference standard color solution
is darker, the sand under test shall be considered to possibly
contain injurious organic compounds and it is advisable to
perform the effect of organic impurities on the strength of
mortar.
DETERMINATION OF ORGANIC IMPURITIES IN SANDS FOR CONCRETE
XI. EFFECT OF ORGANIC IMPURITIES IN FINE AGGREGATE ON
STRENGHT OF MORTAR
SIGNIFICANCE:
This method is of significance in making a final determination of the

Acceptability of fine aggregates with respect to the requirements of standard
specification for fine aggregates for Portland Cement Concrete.
This test is only conducted only on those samples of fine aggregates for
concrete found to have failed on test on organic impurities to determine
the acceptability of the tested material.
Test Sample : Mold three (3) 50 mm cubes of mortar in 3-batches and test
at 7- days age for compressive strength using the fine
aggregates tested in the organic impurities mix with Portland
Cement Type I that will yield a water cement-ratio of 0.6 by
mass. ( 600 g of cement & 360 ml of water for a 6 – cube batch )
EFFECT OF ORGANIC IMPURITIES IN FINE AGGREGATE ON STRENGTH OF MORTAR
Breaking of cube samples for compressive strength
Molding of Cube Sample

CALCULATION :
Calculate the compressive strength of each specimen by dividing the

maximum load it carried during the test by the cross-sectional area.
Average the strengths of the three specimens from each batch.
Calculate three strength ratios by dividing the average strength for a

batch containing unwashed aggregates by the average strength for
the corresponding batch containing washed aggregate.
REPORT :
Report the average of the three ratios, expressed as a percentage,

as the relative strength for the aggregate under test.
XII. SOUNDNESS TEST BY THE USE OF SODIUM OR
MAGNESIUM SULFATE
SIGNIFICANCE :
The test determines the resistance of aggregates ( Course and Fine ) to

disintegration by saturated solutions of sodium sulfate or magnesium
sulfate which furnishes information helpful in evaluating soundness of
aggregate subject to weathering action.
Test Sample :
Fine Aggregate ( Passing 9.5 mm )
Passing Sieve Retained on Sieve Weight/Mass of Test Fraction, g
9.5 mm 4.75 mm 100

4.75 mm 2.36 mm 100
2.36 mm 1.18 mm 100
1.18 mm 0.600 mm 100
0.600 mm 0.300 mm 100
Course Aggregate ( Retained on 4.75 mm Sieve )
Passing Sieve Retained on Sieve Weight/Mass of Test Fraction, g

63.0 mm 37.5 mm 3000
37.5 mm 19.0 mm 1500
19.0 mm 1.18 mm 1000
9.5 mm 4.75 mm 300
Immersion Period of Samples to Saturated Solution of Sodium or
Magnesium Sulfate :
16 to 18 hours at 21 deg. Centigrade plus minus 1 deg. Centigrade

to a depth of at least 12.70 mm
Immersion and Drying of aggregates sample shall be done for

five (5) cycles
CALCULATION :
To determine % Soundness Loss, compute the Loss in Mass between

mass of test fraction before test and after the test and determine the
% Passing Sieve after Test ( Actual Loss ) on all No. of Sieves used then
compute for the Mass Average ( Corrected % Loss )
SOUNDNESS TEST BY THE USE OF SODIUM OR MAGNESIUM SULFATE
Sieve with Pan and Cover Preparation of Sodium Sulfate Solution
Soaked samples (FA and CA) with sodium sulfate solution Oven drying of samples
M O D U L E II
• TESTS ON CONCRETE AND CONCRETE PRODUCTS AND

ITS SIGNIFICANCE
• TESTS ON ASPHALT CEMENT AND ASPHALT MIX AND ITS

SIGNIFICANCE
• TESTS ON CEMENT, REINFORCING STEEL BARS, STRUCTURAL

STEEL AND PAINT MATERIALS
• CORE DRILLING ON COMPLETED ASPHALT AND CONCRETE

PAVEMENTS AND TESTS ON DRILLED CORES
• STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS ON DPWH ITEM OF WORKS
• TEST REPORTS EVALUATION, INTERPRETATION AND FIELD

APPLICATION
TESTS ON CONCRETE AND CONCRETE PRODUCTS
I. DETERMINATION OF SLUMP OF PORTLAND CEMENT
AND CONCRETE
II. SAMPLING FRESH CONCRETE
III. MAKING AND CURING CONCRETE COMPRESSIVE AND

FLEXURAL TESTS SPECIMENS
IV. DETERMINATION OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF

CYLINDRICAL CONCRETE SPECIMENS
V. DETERMINATION OF FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF CONCRETE
VI. DETERMINATION OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST OF

CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS
VII. EXTERNAL LOAD CRUSHING STRENGTH TEST OF

CONCRETE PIPE BY THREEE – EDGE BEARING METHOD
I. DETERMINATION OF SLUMP OF PORTLAND CEMENT
AND CONCRETE
SIGNIFICANCE :
This test determines the workability of fresh concrete mix during pouring
of the structure. It also has a relation to the water-cement ratio that affect
the designed strength of concrete.
Standard Size of Slump Mold : In the form of lateral surface of the

frustum of a cone with a base measuring 203 mm ( 8 in. )
in diameter, the top with 102 mm ( 4 in. ) in diameter and
height of 305 mm ( 12 in. )
Molding of Specimen : Fill the mold in three (3) layers, each layers
approximately one third the volume of the mold and rod
with 25 strokes by using 16 mm dia. tamping rod.
CALCULATION :
Slump = 305 mm - millimeter of height after subsidence
Record the slump in terms of millimeters to the nearest 6 mm

( ¼ in. ) of subsidence of the specimen during the test.
Slump Test on Concrete Mix
Slump Mold
Slump
II. SAMPLING FRESH CONCRETE
SIGNIFICANCE :
Sampling of fresh concrete in obtaining a representative sample for
determination and verification of the desired properties shall needs the use
of every precaution that will assist in obtaining samples that are truly
representative of the nature and condition of the batched concrete mixture.
Poor sampling procedures employed in obtaining the representative
samples will greatly affect the result of tests on various properties of the
concrete and will lead to the rejection of the batched mix which is costly
and waste of time.
Required Elapsed Time Between Obtaining the 1st & Final

Portions of the Composite Samples : 15 minutes, maximum
Required Time for Slump and Air Content Tests : Start tests within 5 min.
after obtaining the final portion of the composite sample.
Required Time for Molding Specimens for Strength Tests : Start molding
within 15 min. after fabricating the composite sample.
Size of Sample for Strength Tests : 28 liters ( 1 cu. ft. ), min.

Sampling from Stationary Mixers
Sample the concrete at two or more regularly spaced intervals during

discharged of middle portion of the batch. Do not obtain samples from
the very first or last portion of the batch discharge.
Sampling from Paving Mixers
Sample the concrete after the contents of the paving mixer have been
discharge. Obtain samples from at least five (5) different portions
of the pile and then composite into one sample for test purposes.
Sampling from Revolving Drum Trucks Mixers or Agitators
Sample the concrete at two (2) or more regularly spaced intervals

during discharged of the middle portion of the batch. In any case
do not obtain samples until after all of the water has been added to
the mixer; also do not obtain samples from the very first or last
portions of the batch – discharged.
III. MAKING AND CURING CONCRETE COMPRESSIVE AND
FLEXURAL TESTS SPECIMENS
SIGNIFICANCE :
This method provides standard requirements for making, curing, protecting

and transporting concrete test specimens under field conditions.
Standard Size of Molds for Concrete Specimens :
Cylinder Molds : Right Circular Cylinder in shape having 152 mm ( 6 in. )

in diameter and 305 mm ( 12 in. ) in height
Beam Molds : Rectangular in shape having 152 mm x 152 mm x 533 mm
( 6 in. x 6 in. x 21 in. )
Molding of Concrete Specimens for Cylinder and Beam
No. of Layers No. of Strokes/Layer Diameter of Rod
Cylinder 3 equal 25 16 mm ( 5/8 in. )
Beam 2 equal one (1) for each 2 in.2 16 mm ( 5/8 in. )

( 13 cm2 ) top surface area
SAMPLING AND CURING OF CONCRETE TEST
SPECIMENS IN THE FIELD
Sampling of concrete cylinder
Curing of Cylinder Sample in Water Storage Tank

CYLINDRICAL CONCRETE SPECIMENS
SIGNIFICANCE :
The results of this test may be used as basis for quality control of concrete
proportioning, mixing and placing operations; determination of compliance
with specification.
Rate of Loading of Compression Machine : At a constant rate within the

range of 0.14 to 0.34 Mpa per second ( 20 to 50 psi
per second ).
CALCULATION :
Calculate the Compressive Strength of the specimen by dividing the

maximum load carried by the specimen during the test by the average
cross-sectional area and express the result to the nearest 69 kPa (10 psi ).
DETERMINATION OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CYLINDRICAL
CONCRETE SPECIMENS
Compression Machine
Breaking of Cylinder Samples

V. DETERMINATION OF FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF CONCRETE
SIGNIFICANCE :
The results of this test may be used as basis for quality control of concrete
proportioning, mixing and placing operations; determination of compliance
with specification.
Rate of Loading of Flexural Beam Tester :
Between 861 kPa and 1207 kPa ( 125 psi and 175 psi ) per minute
CALCULATION :
1. If the fracture occurs in the tension surface within the middle third of the
span length, calculate the modulus of rupture by the formula :
PL
R = ______
Bd 2
2. If the fracture occurs in the tension surface outside of the middle third of
the span length by not more than 5 percent of the span length, calculate
the modulus of rupture by the formula :
3 Pa
R = ________
Bd 2
3. If the fracture occurs in the tension surface outside of cases 1 and 2,
discard the results of the test.
4. If the fracture occurs in the tension surface outside the middle third
of the span length by more than 5 percent of the span length, discard
the result of the test.
where: R = modulus of rupture, kPa, ( or psi )

P = maximum applied load indicated by the testing machine,
N ( or LBf )
L = span length, mm ( or in. )
a = average distance between line of fracture and the nearest
support on the tension surface of the beam, mm., ( or in. )
b = average width of specimen, mm, ( or in. )
d = average depth of specimen, mm, ( or in. )
VI. DETERMINATION OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST OF
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS
SIGNIFICANCE :
Compression test is performed on concrete masonry units such as
solid load, hollow load, and non-load bearing blocks in order to
determine its strength properties. The test is important for the
evaluation of compressive strength as a basis of acceptance.
Test Sample : 3 – full-size units taken from each lot of 10,000 units
or fraction thereof
Thickness of Steel Plates as Bearing Block : 12.7 mm; min.
CALCULATION :
Maximum Load, newtons ( or pound-force )
Compressive Strength = _________________________________________
Gross Cross Sectional Area of the Unit, mm2
Gross Cross Sectional Area of the Unit, mm2 = is the total area of a
section perpendicular to the direction of the load,
including areas within cells.
Report the results to the nearest 69 Kpa ( 10 psi ) separately for each
unit and as average for the three units.
Dimension measurement of Concrete Hollow Block (CHB)
Compression test of Concrete Hollow Block (CHB)
DETERMINATION OF ABSORPTION AND MOISTURE CONTENT
OF CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS
Significance
Absorption and moisture content tests of concrete masonry units are

performed so as to determine the actual percentage of water and the
absorption characteristic of the concrete when subjected in a saturated
condition. The values of this are necessary in the evaluation relative to its
permissible value of acceptance.
Apparatus
1. Oven with temperature control up to 115 ºC
2. Balance sensitive within 0.5 % of the weight
3. Container for saturating samples
Test Specimen
1. Three (3) full size units shall be used and taken from six (6) units
selected from each lot of 10,000 units or fraction thereof.
Calculation
1. Calculate the absorption by the following formulas:
Absorption, kg / m3 = ( Wet Weight – Dry Weight ) x 100

( Wet Weight – Suspended Immerse Wt.)
Absorption, % = (Wet Weight – Dry Weight ) x 100

Dry Weight
2. Calculate the moisture content of the units at time of sampling, expressed

as percentage of the total absorption, by dividing the difference between
the average weight as sampled and the average dry weight by the difference
the average dry weight, multiplied by 100, or
Moisture Content, % = ( Weight as sampled – dry weight ) x 100

( Weight as sampled – dry weight )
Weighing and soaking of CHB specimen for Absorption test
Absorption test of Concrete Hollow
Block (CHB)
VII. EXTERNAL LOAD CRUSHING STRENGTH TEST OF CONCRETE
PIPE BY THREEE – EDGE BEARING METHOD
SIGNIFICANCE :
The crushing test can be either a quality control test performed to

establish that the finished pipe has sufficient strength to withstand
the crushing loads stated in the specifications or a proof of design
testing performed to prove the adequacy of design.
Rate of Loading required for Concrete Pipe Tester:
A minimum uniform rate of 120 N/ linear meter of pipe per

second and a maximum uniform rate of 610 N / linear meter
of pipe per second.
Record the load to produce a 0.3 mm crack. The 0.3 mm crack load is the
maximum load applied to the pipe before a crack having a width
of 0.3 mm occurs throughout a continuous length of 300 mm or
more measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of pipe barrel.
CALCULATION :
The load in kilo-newtons per linear meter required to produced

the 0.3 mm crack shall be calculated by dividing the total load on
the specimen at the time the indicated crack occurs by the laying
length of the pipe.
The crushing strength , or ultimate load in kilo-newtons per linear

meter shall be calculated by dividing the maximum load applied to the
specimen by the laying length.
Concrete Pipe Tester
Measurement of thickness, inner
diameter and laying length of
Reinforced Concrete Pipe
Verification of in-place reinforcement on concrete pipe
TESTS ON ASPHALT CEMENT AND ASPHALT MIX
AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE
TESTS ON ASPHALT CEMENT
I. DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND DENSITY
II. DETERMINATION OF SOLUBILITY OF ASPHALT MATERIALS
III. DETERMINATION OF PENETRATION OF BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
IV. DETERMINATION OF DUCTILITY OF BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
V. DETERMINATION OF FLASH POINT BY CLEVELAND OPEN CUP
TESTS ON CUTBACK ASPHALT
I. DETERMINATION OF VISCOSITY
II. DETERMINATION OF DISTILLATION

TESTS ON EMULSIFIED ASPHALT
I. DETERMINATION OF STORAGE STABILITY OF ASPHALT EMULSION
II. DETERMINATION OF RESIDUE BY DISTILLATION
TESTS ON BITUMINOUS MIXTURES
I. DETERMINATION OF QUANTITATIVE EXTRACTION OF BITUMEN

FROM BITUMINOUS PAVING MIXTURES
II. IMMERSION – COMPRESSION TEST ( COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH )
III. DETERMINATION OF BULK SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF COMPACTED

BITUMINOUS MIXTURES
TEST ON CONCRETE JOINT SEALERS

TESTS ON ASPHALT CEMENT
I. DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND DENSITY
SIGNIFICANCE :
Values of specific gravity are used for converting volumes to units

Of mass as required in ASTM Standards and in sales transactions.
Water Bath Apparatus : Capable of maintaining temperature within

0.1 deg. centigrade ( 0.2 deg. Fahrenheit ) of
test temperature.
CALCULATION :
Specific Gravity = ( c – a ) / ( ( b – a ) - ( d – c ) )
Where :
a = mass of pycnometer ( plus stopper )
b = mass of pycnometer filled with water
c = mass of pycnometer partially filled with asphalt
d = mass of pycnometer plus asphalt plus water
II. DETERMINATION OF SOLUBILITY OF ASPHALT MATERIALS
SIGNIFICANCE :
This test is a measure of the solubility of asphalt in trichloroethylene.
The portion that is soluble in trichlorethylene represents the active
cementing constituents.
Test Sample : 2 grams of asphalt sample in a fluid condition. In case

asphalt sample is not fluid, heat to any convenient temperature,
but not in any case not more than 100 deg. Centigrade above the
softening point.
CALCULATION :
Insoluble, % = A
____________ x 100
B
A
Soluble, % = 100 – ( __ ) x 100
B
Where : A = Total weight insoluble
B = Total weight of sample

III. DETERMINATION OF PENETRATION OF BITUMINOUS
MATERIALS
SIGNIFICANCE :
The penetration test is used as a measure of consistency. Higher values

of penetration indicate softer consistency.
Normal Test Condition of the Sample :
Temperature : 25 deg. Centigrade
Load : 100 grams
Time : 5 seconds
No. of Test Determinations: At least three (3) determinations at points

on the surface of the sample not less than 10 mm from the
side of the container and not less than 10 mm apart.
For Referee Tests : Penetrations at temperature other than 25 deg.

Centigrade should be made without removing the
sample from the bath.
IV. DETERMINATION OF DUCTILITY OF BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
SIGNIFICANCE :
The ductility of the bituminous material is measured by the distance
to which it will elongate before breaking when two ends of a briquet
specimen of the material are pulled apart at a specified speed and at a
specified temperature.
The test shall be made at a temperature of 25 plus or minus 0.5 deg.
centigrade with a speed of 50 mm per minute plus or minus 5 %.
Period of Keeping Specimen at Standard Temperature in the Water

Bath : From 85 to 95 min.
Report the average of three normal tests as the Ductility of the sample.
Normal Test : is one which the material between the two clips pulls out
to a point or thread until rupture occurs at the point where
the thread has practically no cross-sectional area.
Abnormal Test : if the bituminous comes in contact with the surface

of the water or the bottom of the bath.
 If a normal test is not obtainable on three tests, report the ductility as

being un-obtainable under the conditions of the test.
V. DETERMINATION OF FLASH POINT BY CLEVELAND OPEN CUP
SIGNIFICANCE :
Flash Point measures the tendency of the sample to form a flammable

mixture with air under controlled laboratory conditions.
The test indicates the possible presence of highly volatile and flammable
materials in a relatively nonvolatile or nonflammable material.
It is only one of a number of properties that must be considered in

assessing the overall flammability hazard of a material.
Apparatus Used : Cleveland Open Cup Apparatus

Thermometer : with temperature range of (-) 6 to
400 deg. centigrade
Temperature of the Flash Point : Record the temperature when a flash

or fire point appears at any point on the surface of
the oil. Report the temperature of flash or fire point
to the nearest 2 deg. centigrade.
TESTS ON CUTBACK ASPHALT
I. DETERMINATION OF VISCOSITY ( KINEMATIC )
SIGNIFICANCE :
The test measures the resistance to flow of a liquid under gravity or

its consistency.
Test Sample : 20 ml. Of cut-back asphalt
CALCULATION :
Kinematic Viscosity, cSt = c x t
Where: c = calibration constant of viscometer, cSt / second
t = Efflux time, seconds

II. DETERMINATION OF DISTILLATION
SIGNIFICANCE :
The test measures the amount of the more volatile constituents in the cut-
back asphaltic products. The properties of the residue after distillation are
not necessarily characteristic of the bitumen used in the original mixture
nor of the residue which may be left at any particular time after application
of the cut-back asphaltic product.
Total Distillate = the total volume of distillate collected during heating

of the sample from 316 to 360 deg. centigrade for a period
of not over 10 min.
CALCULATION :
Asphaltic Residue, R = ( ( 200 - TD ) / 200 ) x 100
Where : R = residue content, in volume percent

TD = total distillate recovered to 360 deg. Centigrade, ml.
Total Distillate, TD % = ( TD / 200 ) X 100

TESTS ON EMULSIFIED ASPHALT
I. DETERMINATION OF STORAGE STABILITY OF ASPHALT EMULSION
SIGNIFICANCE :
The test is useful for determining in a comparatively short time storage

stability of an asphalt emulsion.
It is a measure of the permanence of the dispersion as related to time,

but it is not to be construed to have significance as a measure of other
stability aspects involved in use.
Test Sample : Two (2) 500 ml. representative of asphalt emulsion
CALCULATION :
Calculate the storage stability as the numerical difference between the

average percentage of asphaltic residue found in the two top samples
and that found in the two bottom samples.
II. DETERMINATION OF RESIDUE BY DISTILLATION
SIGNIFICANCE :
The test can be used for quantitative determination of residue in asphalt
emulsions for specification acceptance, service evaluation, control and
research.
Test Sample : 200 grams of a representative sample of emulsion
Total Distillation Time shall be completed in 60 plus – minus 15 minutes
Temperature to maintain during the distillation process of

the sample : 260 plus-minus 5 deg. centigrade
CALCULATION :
Calculate and report the percentage residue by distillation after the

expiration of the heating period.
Calculate and report oil distillate as a volume percentage of the total

emulsion.
TESTS ON BITUMINOUS MIXTURES
I. DETERMINATION OF QUANTITATIVE EXTRACTION OF BITUMEN
FROM BITUMINOUS PAVING MIXTURES
SIGNIFICANCE :
The test can be used for quantitative determination of bitumen in hot-paving
mixtures and pavement samples for specification acceptance, service
evaluation, control and research.
Main Apparatus : Extraction Apparatus – an apparatus in which the bowl

may be revolved at controlled variable speeds up to
3600 rpm.
Test Sample : 850 grams to 1000 grams of bituminous mix
CALCULATION :
W1 – W2
Bitumen Content, % by Mass of Aggregate = ________________ X 100
W2
Where : W1 = mass of the test portion ( sample )

W2 = mass of sample after extraction
II. IMMERSION – COMPRESSION TEST ( COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH )
SIGNIFICANCE :
The compressive strength of specimens prepared and tested by this test
along with the density and voids properties are used for laboratory mix
design of bituminous mixtures.
The test also may contribute to the overall mixture characterization and also
one factor in determining the suitability of the mixture for use under given
loading conditions.
Test Sample : weigh at least 2000 grams to 2060 grams of sample
Molding temperature of Sample :

 124 plus-minus 3 deg. centigrade for hot mixtures containing asphalt
 104 plus-minus 3 deg. Centigrade for mixtures containing road tar
Required Loading for Compressing the Specimen :

Initial Load : 1.0 Mpa ( 150 psi )
Entire Molding Load : 20.7 Mpa ( 3000 psi ) applied for 120 seconds
Period of Curing of Specimens after Compression :
Specimens shall be oven cured 24 hours at 60 deg. Centigrade
Standard Rate of Loading of Testing Machine during Compression :

A uniform rate of vertical deformations of 1.3 mm ( 0.05 in. )
per minute per 25 mm ( 1 in. ) of height.
For a specimens with 100 mm ( 4 in. ) in height, use a rate of

5.1 mm per minute ( 0.2 in / min. )
CALCULATION :
Maximum vertical load during deformation

Compressive Strength = ___________________________________________
Original cross-sectional area of the test specimen
 Not less than three (3) specimens shall be prepared for each asphalt
increment and the average of the three shall be reported as the
compressive strength.
DETERMINATION OF BULK SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF
COMPACTED BITUMINOUS MIXTURES
SIGNIFICANCE :
Bulk Specific Gravity of the compacted bituminous mixture is determine

either from the laboratory-molded specimens or from bituminous pavement
by core drilled specimens.
The test may be used in calculating the unit weight of the bituminous
mixture and as basis for payment for the density specifications of the
completed asphalt pavement.
Test Specimens :
• The diameter of cylindrically molded or cored specimens, or the lengths

of the sides of sawed specimens, be at least equal to four times the
maximum size of aggregate.
• The thickness of specimens be at least one and one-half times the

maximum size of aggregate
Required Temperature of Water and Time to Immerse the Specimens
in Water : 25 deg. Centigrade plus-minus 1 % C / 3 to 5 minutes
CALCULATION :
Bulk Specific Gravity = A

__________
B - C
Where :
A = mass in grams of sample in air
B = mass in grams of surface – dry specimen in air
C = mass in grams in water

TESTS ON PORTLAND CEMENT,
REINFORCING STEEL BARS,
STRUCTURAL STEEL
AND PAINT MATERIALS

TESTS ON PORTLAND CEMENT
I. DETERMINATION OF DENSITY OF CEMENT
II. DETERMINATION OF FINENESS OF CEMENT
III. DETERMINATION OF NORMAL CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT
IV. DETERMINATION OF TIME OF SETTING ( BY GILLMORE NEEDLE )
V. SOUNDNESS DETERMINATION BY AUTOCLAVE EXPANSION
VI. DETERMINATION OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CEMENT MORTARS
VII. DETERMINATION OF LOSS ON IGNITION
VIII. DETERMINATION OF INSOLUBLE RESIDUE

I. DETERMINATION OF DENSITY OF CEMENT
SIGNIFICANCE :
The value of specific gravity of cement is used in the design mix

and control of concrete mixtures.
Test Sample : At least 64 grams of cement sample
Main Apparatus Required for Test : Le Chatelier Flask
CALCULATION :
64
Density, g / cm3 = ___________________________
Final reading - Initial reading
• The density in g / cm3 is numerically equal to specific gravity

DETERMINATION OF DENSITY HYDRAULIC CEMENT
Le Chatelier Flask
II. DETERMINATION OF FINENESS OF CEMENT BY THE NO.
200 SIEVES
SIGNIFICANCE :
The test determines the proper condition of cement as to fineness

of its texture and where there should be no appreciable amount of
dust contain in the cement.
Necessary Apparatus Required :
Standard Sieve No. 200 ( 0.075 mm ) and Analytical Balance
Test Sample : 50 grams of cement
CALCULATION :
Wt. Of residue (g) x 100

% Fineness = 100 - ________________________
Wt. Of original sample (g)
DETERMINATION OF FINENESS OF HYDRAULIC CEMENT
BY THE NO. 200 (0.075-MM) SIEVES
Analytical Balance Pan and No. 200 sieve

III. DETERMINATION OF NORMAL CONSISTENCY OF CEMENT
SIGNIFICANCE :
The test determines the amount of water required to prepare hydraulic

cement pastes for testing
Main Apparatus Required : Vicat Apparatus with a removable needle

having a 1 mm in diameter and 50 mm in
length
CALCULATION :
Volume of water required ( cm3 )

Normal Consistency, N.C. = _________________________________
Wt. Of cement sample ( 650 g )
DETERMINATION OF NORMAL CONSISTENCY
OF HYDRAULIC CEMENT
VICAT APPARATUS
IV. DETERMINATION OF TIME OF SETTING
( BY GILLMORE NEEDLE )
SIGNIFICANCE :
The purpose of this test is to establish whether a cement complies with

a specification limit on setting time.
The time of setting is affected not only by the percentage and temperature
of the water used, and the amount of kneading the paste received, but also
by the temperature and humidity of the air.
Gillmore Needle shall conform to the following :
a. The initial setting-time needle shall have a weight of 113.4 + 0.5 g

and a tip diameter of 2.12 + 0.05 mm
b. The final setting time needle shall have a weight of 453.6 + 0.5_ g
and a tip diameter of 1.06 + 0.05 mm

Initial Setting Time, min. = the difference in minutes between the time of
contact of cement and mixing water and the
time the cement paste acquires its initial set.
Final Setting Time, min. = the difference in minutes between the time of
contact of cement and mixing water and the
time the cement paste acquires its final set.
GILLMORE APPARATUS
V. SOUNDNESS DETERMINATION BY AUTOCLAVE EXPANSION
SIGNIFICANCE :
The test provides an index of potential delayed expansion caused

by the hydration of calcium oxide or magnesium oxide or both.
Initial Temperature Required for the Specimens in the

Autoclave Apparatus : 20 to 28 deg. Centigrade
Required Gage Pressure to maintain in the Autoclave Apparatus :

2 + 0.07 Mpa ( 295 + 10 psi ) for 3 hours
CALCULATION :
Calculate the difference in length of the test specimens before and after
Autoclaving as percent of the effective gage length and report to the
Nearest 0.01 percent.
Report the percentage of increase in length as the autoclave expansion.

Autoclave Apparatus
CEMENT MORTARS ( USING 50 MM CUBE SPECIMENS )
SIGNIFICANCE :
This test is used to determine the compressive strength of cement that
will be used to determine compliance with specifications. The test is one
of the significant properties as basis for the acceptance of cement material.
Test Sample : Standard Mortar using a proportion of one (1) part of

cement to 2.75 parts of graded standard sand by
weight.
Quantities of Materials for Use in One Batch of Mortar as Test Specimens:
Number of Specimens 6 9
Cement, grams 500 740
Sand, grams 1375 2035
Water, ml To produce a flow of 110 + 5
( as determine by flow test using Flow Table )
-
( The flow is the resulting increase in average diameter of the base of the
mortar mass, measured on at least four diameters, expressed as
percentage of the original diameter.
Cube Mortar Specimens shall be tested for Compressive Strength for
the ages of 3, 7, and 28 days
Standard Rate of Loading of the Compression Machine for the

Compressive Strength Test of Mortar Specimens : 3000 lbf and
loading time shall not be less than 20 nor more than 80 seconds from the
start of loading.
CALCULATION :
Record the maximum load indicated by the testing machine and calculate
the compressive strength in kPa by dividing the cross-sectional area of the
specimen.
• The compressive strength of all acceptable test specimens made from

the same sample and tested at the same period shall be averaged and
reported to the nearest 70 kPa ( 10 psi )
DETERMINATION OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF HYDRAULIC
CEMENT MORTARS (Using 50mm Cube Specimens)
Preparation of Sample for Molding Test Specimen (Molding Cubes)
Breaking of Cube Samples for Compressive Strength

VII. DETERMINATION OF LOSS ON IGNITION
SIGNIFICANCE :
It determines the freshness of cement and the presence/accumulated

moisture content in the cement cause by free hydration and carbonation
of cement.
Analytical Balance shall have a sensitivity of 0.0001 gram
Muffle Furnace shall have a heating temperature capable of continous

operation up to 1200 deg. Centigrade
Test Sample : 1 gram of cement

Required Heating Temperature of Mufflle Furnace and Heating Period
for the Sample : 950 deg. Centigrade + 50 deg. Centigrade and
15 min. -
CALCULATION :
Wt. of Sample _ Wt. of Sample

before Ignition after Ignition
% Loss on Ignition = _________________________________ x 100
Wt. of Sample
DETERMINATION OF LOSS ON IGNITION
Weigh 1g of sample using Balance Analytical Place sample inside the Muffle Furnace
Cool to room temperature in the dessicator and

crucible
VIII. DETERMINATION OF INSOLUBLE RESIDUE
SIGNIFICANCE :
The test determines the acid-insoluble materials ( inert ) present in cement.
when large amount is present in the cement, it affects the setting time and
the strength of concrete.
Analytical Balance shall have a sensitivity of 0.0001 gram
Muffle Furnace shall have a heating temperature capable of continous

operation up to 1200 deg. Centigrade
Reagents : Sodium hydroxide solution ( 10 g / liter )

Hydrochloric Acid ( w / Sp. Gr. = 1.19 )
Methyl Red Indicator – 2 g / liter with 95 % ethyl
Test Sample : 1 gram of cement
Required Heating Temperature of Mufflle Furnace for the Sample :

900 to 1000 deg. Centigrade
CALCULATION :
Calculate the percentage of Insoluble Residue to the nearest 0.01
by multiplying the weight in grams of the residue by 100
DETERMINATION OF INSOLUBLE RESIDUE
Weighing 1g of cement sample Filtering the solution

using Balance Analytical
Ignite the residue in a weighed crucible to Cool the crucible in the dessicator
900-1000°C using the Muffle Furnace
TESTS ON REINFORCING STEEL BARS
I. DETERMINATION OF THE TENSILE PROPERTIES
II. DETERMINATION OF THE BENDING PROPERTIES
TEST ON METALLIC MATERIALS ( STRUCTURAL STEEL )
TEST ON GALVANIZED STEEL SHEETS AND COILS
TESTS ON PAINTS
TESTS ON REINFORCING STEEL BARS
I. DETERMINATION OF THE TENSILE PROPERTIES
SIGNIFICANCE :
This test is intended to determine the yield and tensile strength of the
Bar as well as its elongation, and is used to classify the bars into grade.
Universal Machine - main equipment having 100 tons or 200,000 lbs.

capacity
Test Sample : 1 – meter representative of the size of steel bar intended
for test. Mark in the center of the test specimen a
200 mm ( 8 “ ) gage length.
CALCULATION :
Tensile Strength = Maximum Load the Specimen sustains during test

____________________________________________
Nominal cross-sectional Area of the Specimen
Load sustain by the Specimen by the sudden halt of Load

Yield Point = __________________________________________________
Nominal cross-sectional Area of the Specimen
Elongation : express as the increase in length of the gage length as a
percentage of the original gage length.
* REINFORCING STEEL BARS
II. DETERMINATION OF THE BENDING PROPERTIES
SIGNIFICANCE :
The test is one of the methods in evaluating the ductile properties

of the reinforcing steel bars.
Universal Machine - main equipment having 100 tons or 200,000 lbs.

capacity with accessories for bending test and
suitable pins.
REPORTING :
Examine carefully the bent portion for any sign of cracking on the
outside bend and report with satisfactory when no cracks appears
and unsatisfactory when sign of crack occurs.
DETERMINATION OF THE BENDING PROPERTIES
OF REINFORCING STEEL BARS/STRUCTURAL STEEL
Set cold bend apparatus then
place sample for bending test
Start the bending operation

using Universal Testing
Machine (UTM)
Examine the bend portion if crack appears using

magnifying glass
Acceptance and Rejection:
Insufficient height, insufficient circumferential coverage, or excessive

spacing of deformations shall not constitute cause for rejection.
No rejection shall be made on the basis of measurements if fewer

than ten adjacent deformations of each side of the bar are measured
In no case shall overweight ( excess mass ) of any deformed bar

be the cause for rejection
Retests
 If any tensile property of any tension test specimen is less than

that specified, and any part of the fracture is outside the middle
third of the gage length, as indicated by scribe scratches marked
on the specimen after testing, a retest shall be allowed.
If the results of an original tension specimen fail to meet the specified
minimum requirements and are within 14 MPa ( 2000 psi ) of the

required tensile strength, within 7 MPa ( 1000 psi ) of the required yield
point, or within two percentage units of the required elongation, a
retest shall be permitted on two random specimens for each original
tension specimen failure from the lot. Both retest specimens shall
meet the requirements of the specification.
If a weight ( mass ) test fails for reasons other than flaws in the
specimen, a retest shall be permitted on two random specimens from
the same lot. Both retest specimens shall meet
the requirements of the specification.
TEST ON METALLIC MATERIALS ( STRUCTURAL STEEL )
Metallic materials are subjected to different tests in order to obtain

quantitative measurements of their mechanical properties.
TESTS AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE :
Tension Test : Provide information on the strength and ductility of

material and are useful in comparisons of materials,
quality control and design under certain circumstances.
Ductility Test : is evaluated by the tension test, by determination

of the percent elongation and sometimes the percent
reduction in area.
Hardness Test : is determined by measuring the resistance to indention
by the use of hardened steel ball or diamond conical
penetrator. Brinell Hardness and Rockwell Hardness
are the two tests commonly performed in determining
the hardness of metallic materials.
Impact Test : is to determined the resistance to failure due to brittleness

by a suddenly applied load. It is also a control test on all
metallic materials.
Figure 1 Rectangular Tension Test Specimen
Figure 2 Standard 0.500 in. (12.5mm) Round Tension Test Specimen

w/2 in. (50mm) Gage Length
Standard Specimen
Plate – Type Sheet – Type
mm mm
G 200 + 0.25 50 + 0.10
W 40 + 3 12.5 + 0.25
T Thickness of Material
R 13 13
L 450 200
A 225 60
B 75 50
C 50 20
TEST ON GALVANIZED STEEL SHEETS AND COILS (ZINC COATING)
Significance :
The test provides a standard method for determining the weight of coating
for comparison with specification requirements.
A coating of zinc on iron or steel materials provides protection against

corrosion.
Test Specimen : Cut from each sheet three specimens, one from the center
and the other two from diagonally opposite corners,
adjacent to and within the boundary formed by lines not
less than 50 mm from sides and 100 mm from ends.
Size of Specimen : 60 mm + 0.25 mm or

64.52 mm + 0.25 mm
CALCULATION :
C = (______________
M1 - M2 ) G K
where : C = mass of coating, g/m2 of sheet
M2 M1 = original mass of specimen, g
M2 = mass of stripped sheet, g
G = thickness of stripped sheet, mm
K = a constant equal to 7850 g/m2,mm
Specimens for Zinc Coating test of galvanized metal
PAINTS
TESTS ON PAINTS
Paints is a mixture of a finely divided insoluble solid called the pigment

and a liquid portion called vehicle which dries upon exposure to air or
heat and forms a tough coating when spread in thin layer.
There are different types of paints differing from one another in

Composition and properties, namely : Exterior House Paints, Interior
Flat Paints, Metal Protective Paints, Traffic Paints, Roof Paints and
Chemical Resistant Paints.
Testing of paints are conducted in order to determine its physical and

chemical characteristics and to check whether the materials meet the
necessary conditionsand requirements for which they are intended for.
CLASSIFICATION OF PAINTS
1. Latex Paint - intended for use on concrete or other masonry surfaces loss
Gloss/Semi-Gloss Latex - paints that are made from emulsions of

polymer in water as binder with suitable pigment which has
sheen, shine or luster.
Flat Latex Paint - a paint made from emulsions of polymer in water

as binder with suitable pigment which is substantially free
from gloss ( lusterless finish ).
2. Enamel Paint - intended for use on wood surfaces, a special type of

paint made with varnish as the vehicle.
Gloss/Semi-Gloss Enamel - for interior use, a paint made from alkyd

resin as binder with suitable pigment which has sheen,
shine or luster.
Flat Wall Paint - intended for interior use, a paint made from alkyd
resin as binder with suitable pigment which is
substantially free from gloss.
3. Red Lead Oxide Paint - is metal primers, for exterior and interior use.
Use as a prime or shop coat of for maintenance coats
which are place on bridges, similar structural steel and
other ferrous metal surfaces.
Read Lead - a bright orange –red tetroxide used as primary
constituents of anti-corrosive primers for iron and steel.
Red Oxide - a pigment mainly of ferric oxide
4. Aluminum Paint - a paint primarily intended for use on steel structures.
5. Reflectorized Traffic Paint
- For zone marking, traffic lanes and parking spaces. It should be

rapid drying, resistant to abrasion & weather conditions and
should possess improve visibility at night.
- Pavement marking materials that can be applied uniformly by

means of a standard application and when properly applied will
provide a retro-directive reflective marking for concrete & asphalt
highway surfaces.
TESTS ON PAINTS
FOR LATEX, ENAMEL, RED LEAD, RED OXIDE AND ALUMINUM PAINTS
I. Physical Tests:
1. Density/Specific Gravity ( ASTM D 1475 )
2. Drying Time ( ASTM D 1640 )
3. Total Solids ( Non – Volatile Matter ) - ( ASTM 1644/ ISO 1515 )
4. Extraction of Pigment ( ASTM D 2371 )
5. Course Particles ( ASTM D 185 ) , for Red Lead
II. Chemical Tests:
For White Paint - % Titanium Dioxide ( % TiO2 )

For Red Lead - % True Red Lead ( % Pb3O4 )
% Iron Oxide ( % Fe2O3 )
For Red Oxide - % Iron Oxide ( % Fe2O3 )
TESTS ON REFLECTORIZED TRAFFIC PAINT
( White and Yellow )
I. Physical Tests:
1. Density / Specific Gravity ( ASTM D 1475 )

2. No Pick-up Time ( ASTM D 711 )
3. Total Solids ( Non – Volatile Matter ) , ( ASTM 1644 / ISO 1515 )

4. Extraction of Pigment ( ASTM D 2371 )
5. Extraction of Glass Beads ( Decantation )
6. Grading of Beads ( ASTM 1214 )

7. Amount of True Spheres ( ASTM B - Roundness )
II. Chemical Tests:
For White Reflectorized Traffic Paint - % Titanium Dioxide
For Yellow Reflectorized Traffic Paint - % Medium Chrome Yellow

% Lead Chromate
CORE DRILLING ON COMPLETED ASPHALT AND CONCRETE
PAVEMENT AND TESTS ON DRILLED CORES
SIGNIFICANCE :
Core drilling on the completed asphalt and concrete pavements is conducted
to determine the compliance of both pavement construction with design
specifications.
It is especially important in determining the in-place thickness, the strength

and density of the completed structures whichever is desired as basis for the
acceptance and payment of the completed works.
Requirements for Obtaining of Cores in the Completed Pavement
Asphalt Pavement Concrete Pavement
Thickness determination One-core for every Five-cores for every

100 lm / lane km /lane
Diameter of core, mm 100 mm ( 4 in. ) 100 mm ( 4 in. )

Asphalt Pavement Concrete Pavement
Strength Determination - three-cores representing area

of concrete with strength
deficiency in control specimens
Diameter of core - 150 mm ( 6 in. )
Density of Compacted one-core per -

Pavement 100 lm / lane
No. of measurement for

determining the average four ( 4 ) nine (9)
thickness of core
TEST REPORTS EVALUATION,
INTERPRETATION AND
FIELD APPLICATION
EVALUATION OF MATERIALS TEST REPORTS
 The composition and properties of a material is individually
verified when it is subjected to a quality test to verify if it
meets or fails the specification requirement prior to
incorporation into the work
 Construction materials are subjected to physical and chemical tests

to determine the compliance of its properties to the standard
specifications.
 The contents of the test reports of materials will be the

basis of an engineer for the acceptance or rejection of the
delivered materials in the project site. It is the documented proof
that determined the quality of materials
 When the contents of the test reports after proper evaluation

shows that it fails or meets the specifications requirement, the
Project Engineer thru the advise of the Materials Engineer shall
immediately act to whether utilized or not the delivered
materials to avoid delay in the project implementation
INTERPRETATION OF MATERIALS TEST RESULTS
Who will interprete the materials test results?
- It is the responsibility of the Materials Engineer assigned in

the project either from the contractor, consultant or from the
owner to interpret the test results correctly and accurately
- Interpretation of materials test reports needs familiarization

of materials specifications and a lot of experienced in
materials testing and quality control works
- Project Engineers/Inspectors must also have the ability to

interpret and evaluate test reports of materials and must not
always depend in their Materials Engineer, hence, they have
the great responsibility in the implementation of the project
 The rejection or utilization of a material depends on the
outcome of test results. A material may fail in one or more of its
properties but still can be utilized into the work thru the
application of alternative measures and Engineers should have good
judgment and in-depth knowledge on the properties of the
materials
 Engineers should familiarize in the significant properties of

materials so that they can immediately decide in the acceptance or
rejection. Incorrect interpretation of material test reports can
cause delay in the project interpretation, additional cost and
failure of the structure
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Public Work s and Highways
BUREAU OF RESEARCH AND STANDARDS
EDS A, Diliman, Quezon City
Lab. Re port No.:
TEST REPORT ON REINFORCING STEEL Date
Project : Construction of Curb & Gutter Brgy. Poblacion, Ibaan, Batangas

:
Kind of material : Reinforcing Steel Bar (12 mm dia., deformed )
Sample identification : Q-405-01
Quantity represented : 7808.45 kgs.
Sampled at : Jobsite
Original source : Steel Asia
Supplied by : MelJean Construction Corporation
Proposed use : For Concrete Reinforcement ( Dowels )
Spec's Item No. : AASHTO M-31 Grade 40
Sampled by : P. B. Suarez,Prec. Inst. Tech. II DPWH-Bats. 4th DEO,Lipa City 4-03-06
(Name & designation) (Office) (Date)
Submitted by : B. B. Villanueva,Eng'r. II - do - 4-19-06
(Name & designation) (Office) (Date Received)
Lab. No. : 1301-06 ( Paid under OR #2595063 )
TESTS REQUIREMENTS RESULTS

Tensile Properties:
Yield Point, Mpa 276 Min. 345
Tensile Strength, Mpa 483 Min. 483
Elongation, % 12 Min. 12
Bending Properties: No cracking on outside Satisfactory
Degree bent, 180 degrees bent portion
Actual Unit mass, kg/m - 0.868
Variation in mass, % 6.0 Max. under nominal mass 13.0 under nominal mass *
Deformation, mm
Spacing, average 8.9 Max. 7.9
Height, average 0.51 Min. 0.60
Gap 4.9 Max 4.0
Phosphorous Content, % 0.06 Max. 0.01
REMARKS : * Sample fails to meet variation in mass requirement.
Te s te d by : Che cke d by:
T. Urmaza
S. Orate CLARITA C. FLORES
J. Tagalo Engine e r V
J. B e rgonio
C. de la Cruz ATTESTED :
Witnessed by:
B ASILIA S. VILLANUEVA ANTONIO V. MOLANO, JR.

Engine e r IV Dire ctor IV
Department of Public Works and Highways
EDSA, Diliman, Quezon City
Lab. Re port No.: 6-84-06

27 June 2006
TEST REPORT ON REINFORCING STEEL Date
Const. Of 2 Storey RGR Type Sch. Bldg. At Dona Ma. Platon Laurel, Aya, Talisay, Bats.
Project : Const. Of Circumferential Road Around Lake Taal, Agoncillo, Bats.
Completion of Aya-Tranca-Talisay Road, Talisay, Bats.
Kind of material : Reinforcing Steel Bar ( 16 mm dia., deformed )
Sample identification : DMP- 5
Quantity represented : 10,000 kgs.
Sampled at : Stockpile at jobsite
Original source : Top Steel
Supplied by : Revere Construction & Supply
Proposed use : for concrete reinforcement
Spec's Item No. : PNS 49 Grade 275 NW
Sampled by : F. Opena,Lab. Tech. II DPWH-Bats. 3rd DEO 06-08-06
Submitted by : Ma. B. M. Marquez - do - 6-14-06
(Name & designation) (Office) (Date Received)
Lab. No. : 1718-06 ( Paid under OR No. 2595342 )
TESTS REQUIREM ENTS RESULTS

Tensile Properties:
Yield Point, Mpa 275 Min. 277
Tensile Strength, Mpa 480 Min, 410 *
Elongation, % 10 Min. 27
Bending Properties: No cracking on outside Satisfactory
Degree bent, 180 degrees bent portion
Actual Unit mass, kg/m - 1.508
Variation in mass, % 6 Max. under nominal mass 4.0 under nominal mass
Deformation, mm
Spacing, average 11.1 Max. 10.5
Height, average 0.7 - 1.4 1.15
Gap 12.6 Max 12.2
Phosphorous Content, % 0.06 Max. 0.01
REM ARKS : Sample fails to meet specification
Te s te d by : Che cke d by:

T. Urmaza
A. Empe rador
J. B e rgonio CLARITA C. FLORES
C. de la Cruz ATTESTED :
Witnessed by:

Engine e r IV Dire ctor IV
Department of Public Works And Highways
Lab. Report No.:
(Date)
TEST REPORT ON CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS
Project : Construction of 2 Storey RGR Type Sch. Bldg. At Dona Ma. Platon Laurel, Aya, Talisay, Bats.
Type of Unit : Concrete Hollow Blocks (Non Load Bearing) 4" thick
Quantity represented : 10,000 pcs.
Sampled at : Stockpile at jobsite
Original source : Allied
Supplied by : REVERE Construction & Supply
Proposed use : for walling
Spec's Item No. : ASTM C-129 ( Non- Load Bearing )
Sampled by : N. Magnaye Revere Cons't. & Supply 06-08-06
F. Opena,Lab. Tech. II DPWH-Bats. 3rd DEO 06-08-06
Submitted by : Ma. B. M. Marquez - do - 6-16-06
(Name & designation) (Office) (Date received)
Lab. No. : 1720- 06 ( Paid under OR No. 2595342 )
SAMPLE I.D. TESTS REQUIREMENTS RESULTS
DMP-9 Dimension Measurement, mm

Width
1 - 96
2 - 96
3 - 98
Length
1 - 400
2 - 408
3 - 410
Height
1 - 195
2 - 190
3 - 195
Compressive Strength, MN/m 2
Individual Unit
1 3.45 Min. 1.89
2 3.45 Min. 1.98
3 3.45 Min. 1.88
Average of three(3) units 4.14 Min. 1.92

Water Absorption,kg/m 3 (Avg. of 3 units) - 128
Moisture Content, %(Avg .of 3 units) - 19
REM ARKS : Sample fails to meets specification requirements.
Che cke d by:
Te s te d by :
T. Urmaza
A. Emperador CLARITA C. FLORES
J. Bergonio ATTESTED:
Witne s s e d by :

Engineer IV Dire ctor IV
Department of Public Works And Highways
Lab. Report No. : 8-29-06

04 August 2006
Date
TEST REPORT ON PORTLAND CEMENT
Project : Concreting of Road, Barangay II, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
Sample identification : CRBII-01
Quantity represented : 2000 bags
Sampled at : Jobsite
Manufactured by : Taiheiyo Cement Phils., Inc., San Fernando, Cebu City
Brand : Grand Portland Cement
Supplied by : Kuntel Construction
Spec's Item No. : ASTM C-150
Sampled by : R.dela Cruz/J.Yanson DPWH-Neg. 1st EDO/Kuntel Const. 6-16-06
: (Name & designation) (Office) (Date)
Submitted by : N.A. Noble-Engr. III DPWH-Neg. 1st EDO Neg. Occ. 6-20-06
: (Name & designation) (Office) (Date received)
Lab. No. : 1741-06 (Paid under OR # 2595384)
Magnesium Oxide (MgO), % 6.0 Max. 1.30
Sulfur Trioxide (SO 3), % 3.0 Max. 2.47
Loss on Ignition, % 3.0 Max. 4.70*
Insoluble Residue, % 0.75 Max. 1.10*
Air Content of Mortar, % 12.0 Max. -
Fineness : Amount Passing
No. 0.075 mm Sieve, % - 99
Autoclave Expansion, % 0.8 Max. 0.03
Time of Setting : Gilmore Test
Initial set, min. 60 Min. 120
Final set, min. 600 Max. 253
Compressive Strength, Avg. mortar
cubes, Mpa:
3 days 12.0 Min. 19.0
7 days 19.0 Min. 17.5
28 days 28.0 Min. 23.0
Specific Gravity - 3.09
REMARKS: * Sample fails to meet Specification requirements.
Tested by: Checked by:
P. Malonzo
B.A. Minano
E. Cruz CLARITA C. FLORES
E. Flores Engineer V
M. S. Gianan ATTESTED :
Witnessed by:
EUGENIO P. ELERIA ANTONIO V. MOLANO, JR.

Engineer IV Director IV
Re public of the Philippine s
De partme nt of Public Works And Highways
EDSA, Diliman, Que zon City
Lab. Re port No. : 8-30-06

04 Augus t 2006
Date
Proje ct : Concreting/Improvement of Matulatula-Sitio Bahid Farm to Market Road

Sample ide ntification : Q.T.-1; Code: 05100049002
Quantity re pre s e nte d : 2000 bags
Sample d at : Jobsite
M anufacture d by : Iligan Cement Corp.
B rand : Fortune Portland Cement
Supplie d by : Sixteen Enterprises - Calapan City, Or. Mindoro
Spe c's Ite m No. : ASTM C-150
Sample d by : M.V. Mendoza-Lab. Tech. I DPWH-Calapan City 6-20-06
: (Name & de s ignation) (Office ) (Date )
Submitte d by : A. Mahia- Engr. III -do- 6-21-06
: (Name & de s ignation) (Office ) (Date re ce ive d)
M agne s ium Oxide (M gO), % 6.0 Max. 1.52
Los s on Ignition, % 3.0 Max. 2.80
Ins oluble Re s idue , % 0.75 Max. 0.70
Air Conte nt of Mortar, % 12.0 Max. -
Fine ne s s : Amount Pas s ing
No. 0.075 mm Sie ve , % - 98
Autoclave Expans ion, % 0.8 Max. 0.04
Time of Se tting : Gilmore Te s t
Initial s e t, min. 60 Min. 120
Final s e t, min. 600 Max. 213
Compre s s ive Stre ngth, Avg. mortar
cube s , Mpa:
3 days 12.0 Min. 21.7
7 days 19.0 Min. 27.7
28 days 28.0 Min. -
Spe cific Gravity - 3.11
REM ARKS: Sample meets Specification
Te s te d by: Che cke d by:
P. M alonzo
B .A. Minano
E. Cruz CLARITA C. FLORES
E. Flore s Engine e r V
M . S. Gianan ATTESTED :
Witne s s e d by:
EUGENIO P. ELERIA ANTONIO V. MOLANO, JR.

Engine e r IV Director IV
Republic of the Philippine s
Departme nt of Public Works And Highways
Lab. Re port No. : 8-77-06

14 Augus t 2006
Date
Proje ct : Const.of Water Supply/Spring development @Taysan Bats./San Jose Bats.

: and Brgy. Talisay, Lipa City
Sample ide ntification : Q-405-01
Quantity re pre s e nte d : 2000 bags
Sample d at : Jobsite
Manufacture d by : Fortune Cement Corp.
B rand : Fortune Portland Cement
Supplie d by : Nermar Lumber and Hardware Corp.
Spe c's Ite m No. : ASTM C-150
Sample d by : P.B.Suarez-Prec.Inst.Tech.II Bats.4th DEO 7-07-06
: (Name & de s ignation) (Office ) (Date )
Submitte d by : B.B.Villanueva-Engr.II -do- 7-07-06
: (Name & de s ignation) (Office ) (Date re ce ive d)
Magne s ium Oxide (MgO), % 6.0 Max. 1.66
Los s on Ignition, % 3.0 Max. 3.50*
Ins oluble Re s idue , % 0.75 Max. 0.90*
Air Conte nt of Mortar, % 12.0 Max. -
Fine ne s s : Amount Pas s ing
No. 0.075 mm Sie ve , % - 98
Autoclave Expans ion, % 0.8 Max. 0.03
Time of Se tting : Gilmore Te s t
Initial s e t, min. 60 Min. 134
Final s e t, min. 600 Max. 254
Compre s s ive Stre ngth, Avg. mortar
cube s , Mpa:
3 days 12.0 Min. 20.5
7 days 19.0 Min. 21.7
28 days 28.0 Min. -
Spe cific Gravity - 3.12
Strength of mortar samples tested at 3 days and 7 days can be considered for acceptance,
provided that the strength of sample at 7 days is not less than 23.46 MPA w/c is 85%
of the compressive strength requirement for 28 days (27.6 MPA) D.O. No.57
REMARKS: * Sample fails to meet Loss on Ignition & Insoluble residue requirement.

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REVIEW ON CONSULTANT & CONTRACTOR

ACCREDITATION FOR MATERIALS ENGINEERS

• RESPONSIBILITIES OF ENGINEER AND INSPECTOR IN THE

• Roles of Project Engineers and Materials Engineers

• Duties and Responsibilities of Project Engineer in Project Implementation

• Duties and Responsibilities of Materials Engineer in Project Implementation

RELATED TO MATERIALS TESTING AND

 is the basic means or a tool by which an engineer

 It is a documented proof of the quality of materials

 There can be no quality assurance without adequate quality

Engineers do not guess !!!

Testing is an important complement of quality

Materials testing is not done by sight or other means without

So without testing even in the field or in the laboratory,

 Recognize the basic technologies in testing of

• Identify and familiarize the required tests on specific

• Identify and understand the basic properties of materials

• Understand the significance of tests on the materials

• Aware of the importance of materials testing in project

• Familiarize in the application of the proper method of sampling

• Identify and familiarize in all laboratory testing apparatus /

• Learn and familiarize standard methods and procedures of

• Learn to check the accuracy and proper maintenance of

• Know the proper reporting system of test reports

• Understand the application of materials standard

• Learn how to analyze and evaluate result of

• Learn the proper recommended measures in the

The usual procedure is to make a test for a certain quantity of materials

An aspect of testing which is very important and most often

Testing of material is conducted prior to incorporation into the

If someone will attempt to evaluate the quality of materials without testing

 is a judgment by the customer or users of a product or

 It is the extent to which the customer or users feel the

 the characteristic of a product that provides a level of

It is usually used in relation to something in need of

 It is used to correct something which has gone wrong or

There is another form of control which is now widely and

Materials and methods of construction or workmanship

Quality Control therefore includes all procedures which are necessary

If quality control is done by sight or other means without the benefit

An “ ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” ,was originally a

Preventive measures are always economical and this is true, if the

Quality Control in construction is checking for conformity to the

- The modern concept of Quality Control is that, it is a system

- The owner’s task is to verify that the contractor’s quality

- The contractor’s task is to regulate, test and inspect the

 to insure the highest quality of work

 to extend the service life of any structure by

 to check and regulate the use of construction

to economize the cost of construction of a structure

In the construction or improvement projects of the Department of

1. Quality Control Program

2. Certificate of Quality Control Assurance

3. Pretesting of Manufactured Materials

4. Monthly Materials Report

5. Accomplishment of Quality Control Logbook

- A program of quality control works in a certain project which

- It specifies the minimum number of tests required for an item

- It is prepared by the concerned Materials Engineer of the

103 (1) Structure Excavation cu.m. 41 None

___________