LESSON 1 : PRACTICE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN

CONCRETE AND MASONRY WORKS

There are three parties concerned with health and safety in the
workplace:

1. The workers
2. The employees
3. The Government

The OHS Act has three main intentions:

1. PREVENTION : of injury and sickness by eliminating risks to

health and safety at the workplace
2. CONSULTATION : between the three parties most closely
involved and directly affected – Workers, Employees and the
Government.
3. PARTICIPATION : of workers and employees in all decisions
about health and safety in the workplace.

The OHS Act outlines, in detail, the duties (responsibilities) of

employers and employees. Part of the Act states:

DUTIES OF EMPLOYERS

21 (1) “An employer shall provide and maintain so far is

practicable for employees a working environment that is
safe and without risks to health.”

DUTIES OF EMPLOYEES (YOU!)

25 (1) “An employee while at work shall take the care of which
the employee is capable for the employee’s own health
and safety of any other person who may be affected . . . .”

CONTROL OF HAZARDS IN THE WORKFORCE

- A hazard is something that has the potential to cause an

accident or sickness if not attended to.
- A hazard can be a safety hazard, a physical hazard or a
chemical hazard.

You should be aware of the types of hazards often found in the

building industry and know how to prevent them from causing
accidents or sickness.

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 Listed below are some of the common hazards associated with
painting and decorating and the precautions that should be taken.

A. SAFETY HAZARDS

WORKING HAZARD

HAZARD : Poor Housekeeping

Housekeeping is a term used to describe
the tidying and organizing of the work
area.

DESCRIPTION : Poor housekeeping is one of the most

common hazards in the building
industry.
PRECAUTIONS : Conduct regular inspections and clean
ups.
Safely store all equipment and materials.

HAZARD : Inadequate Facilties

DESCRIPTION : Lack of adequate facilities is a hazard.

E.g. Lack of first aid, fire fighting and
emergency facilities, lack of adequate
shelter, dining, clothing, sanitation and
washing facilities.

PRECAUTION : Know what to do in the case of

emergency.

HAZARD : Poor Visibility

DESCRIPTION : Poor visibility can also cause eye strain,

headaches and tiredness.

PRECAUTION : Provide adequate and suitable artificial

lighting.

HAZARD : Electricity

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DESCRIPTION : Electricity is a common hazard on jobs.
E.g. Contact with live wires or electrical
fittings. Use of unsafe electrical
equipment.

PRECAUTION : Inspect all electrical tools and equipment

regularly and have any damaged flex,
leads, plugs or sockets repaired.

Never use electrical tools near water or

flammable liquid.

HAZARD : Poor Ventilation

DESCRIPTION : Lack of oxygen, due to poor ventilation can

cause suffocation in extreme cases or
fatigue (which can leads to accidents). A
build up of solvent and paint fumes due
to poor ventilation can seriously affect
your health.

PRECAUTION : Only work in well ventilated areas or

wear protective equipment.

HAZARD : Wet Surfaces

DESCRIPTION : Water on floor and working surfaces often

causes slips and falls resulting in serious
injury. Persons working with electrical
tools and equipment, on or around wet
surfaces can be subjected to severe
electrical shock.

PRECAUTION : Where possible, clean up excess water.

Wear correct footwear.
Never use electrical tools, equipment and
leads where they may come in contact
with water.
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 B. PHYSICAL HAZARDS

HAZARD : Noise

DESCRIPTION : Noise is a constant hazard.

Exposure to excessive noise can cause :
 Temporary or permanent hearing
loss
 Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
 Stress and annoyance
 Increase in accidents because
warnings cannot be heard

PRECAUTIONS : Only use equipment with low noise

output.

Use hearing protection devices when

necessary.

HAZARD : Heat

DESCRIPTION : Heat stress can cause:

 More accidents through reduced

concentration
 Heat illnesses, e.g. heat stroke,
cramps, exhaustions, rashes
 Aggravation of other medical
conditions

PRECAUTION : Don not work continuously in hot

conditions.

Use protective clothing (e.g. sunglasses)

and skin protectors (e,g, sun cream)

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 HAZARD : Natural Handling

DESCRIPTION : Manual Handling (e.g. lifting) is a

common hazard and can cause:

 Back injuries
 Abdominal hernias
 Fatigue causing accidents

PRECAUTION : Use mechanical or human assistance

when loads are awkward or heavy.

Take work breaks during periods of

concentrated lifting.

Learn how to lift correctly.

NOTE : Regulations set maximum limits for

lifting of weights as follows :

MALE : Under 16 - 13.5

kg

Between 16 & 18 - 18
kg

FEMALE : Under 16 - 9 kg

Between 16 & 18 -
11.25 kg

Over 18 - 16
kg

CORRECT LIFTING PROCEDURE

Manual lifting and carrying can subject the body to great strain
and frequently causes accidents. 30% of all industrial accidents can
be attributed to incorrect lifting techniques.

Size up the load first :

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  Get help if you need it.
 Make allowances for the bulk
of the load as well as for its
weight.

Position the feet correctly :

 Place your feet as close as
possible to the object to
be lifted.
 Check that your footing is
secure.
 Adopt a balanced position
with your knees bent.

Obtain a proper hold :

 Get a safe secure grip,
diagonally opposite on the
object with the palms of
your hands, NOT with your
fingertips.

Maintain a straight back :

 Keep the upper part of

your body erect and as
straight as possible.

Keep the head erect, chin in :

 Take a deep breath and
begin to raise the load by
straightening your legs.
 Complete the lift with
your back held straight.

Keep the arms in :

 Have your elbows and
knees slightly bent.
 Maintain flexible control
over the load with arm
and leg muscles.

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 In reverse, it is essential to keep them back straight while lowering
the load.

Compare the correct and

incorrect ways of carrying a
load in both arms. The worker
must walk in an upright position
and avoid bending his back either
forward or backward. It is best to
hold the load close to the body.
Do not carry a heavy load in
one hand or under one arm as
this tends to bend the spine
sideways. Distribute the load
evenly so that the bone structure
of the body can support the load
without distortion.

C. CHEMICAL HAZARDS
Many products used and applied by Painters and
Decorators have the potential to cause serious short term and
long term affects if not handled properly.

Chemicals can enter the body by :

 INHALATION – breathing in through the nose and mouth
 ABSORPTION – through the skin
 INGESTION – by swallowing

Chemicals can enter the body through the nose and mouth
(orally) or can be absorbed through the skin.

Chemicals can cause :

 Poisoning, acute and/or chronic (resulting in death)

 Sensitation and allergies
 Burning and irritation
 Explosion or fire

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 Chemicals can take many different forms, for example :

DUSTS - are visibly solid particles suspended in the air. Dusts may
form during the preparation of surfaces such as sanding
surfaces.

LIQUIDS – many liquids used by Painters and Decorators can be

absorbed through contact. Many of these toxic liquids are
also inflammable.

MISTS – are droplets of liquid suspended in the air. Mists will form
during spray painting operations.

GASES – are formless substances which spread through the air.

VAPOURS – are gases formed with solids or liquids evaporate.

- Paints, solvents and adhesives are some dangerous vapor

producing substances used by Painters and Decorators.
- Vapors can damage the body through skin contact, causing
dermatitis and through being breathed in causing a variety of
toxic effects.
- Many vapors, particularly those of solvents, are flammable.

FIRES AND FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Basically fire needs three things :

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 OXYGEN

FUEL HEAT

Remove one of these things and the fire goes out.

Examples :

 Separate the fuel from heat and oxygen.

The fuel could be a solid, a liquid or a gas.

Remove the fuel from the path of the fire.

 Separate oxygen from the fuel

Most portable fire extinguishers work by smothering the fire

which means that they remove the oxygen from the fire.

 Remove the heat from the fuel.

Cooling by water is an affective method of extinguishing solid

fuel fires.

9
Self – Check 1.1
Multiple Choice
Directions : Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. Health and safety in the workplace are the utmost concerned
by the workers, employees and _____________.

a. Building officials c. Government

b. Employees d. Public works

2. Taking part of the workers and employers in the decision

making about health and safety in the workplace is
___________.

a. Collaboration c. Participation
b. Consultations d. Prevention

3. The main duties of the employer is to provide ___________.

a. Commensurate wages c. Regular incentives

b. Job recognition d. Safe workplace

4. Workers or employees are also responsible for the safety of

_____________.

a. Co-workers c. His barangay

b. Neighbors d. The community

5. The main responsibility of the worker is for _______________.

a. Be punctual in coming to work
b. Take care of his own safety and health
c. Undergo collective negotiations
d. Work hard for promotions
6. To prevent injury and sickness in the workplace, eliminate
___________.

a. Hazard c. Safety signs

b. Safety precautions d. Stubborn workers

7. One of the most common safety problems in the building

sector is ______________.

a. Low salary c. Materials processing

b. Machine operations d. Poor housekeeping
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8. Conduct regular inspections and ___________.

a. Clean up c. Work breaks

b. Safety moratorium d. Work holidays

9. To address poor visibility in the workplace, provide adequate

and suitable _____________.

a. Artificial lightings c. Safety gears

b. Natural lightings d. Safety goggles

10. Lack of oxygen due to poor ventilation can cause __________.

a. Hyperactivity c. Suffocation
b. Stroke d. Productivity

11. Considered as a constant hazard in the workplace is

_____________.

a. Heat c. Stress
b. Noise d. Trauma

12. Ringing inside the ears after too much exposure to loud
sound is _____________.

a. Collitus c. Merritus
b. Mellitus d. Tinnitus

13. Too much exposure to heat can cause _____________.

a. Blindness c. Stroke
b. Hearing loss d. Trauma

14. Manual handling or lifting after causes ____________.

a. Back injury c. Hand injury

b. Foot injury d. Head injury

15. Maximum limit for lifting of weights for mare 16 to 18 years

old should be ______________.

a. 8 kgs c. 28 kgs
b. 18 kg d. 38 kgs

16. Female maximum limit for lifting of weights 16 to 18 years old

should be _____________.
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 a. 7 kg c. 22 kgs
b. 12 kgs d. 32 kgs

17. Chemicals can enter the body through skin is __________.

a. Absorption c. Indigestion
b. Adsorption d. Ingestion

18. Chemicals may appear as visible solid particles suspended in

the air called ______________.

a. Dusts c. Mists
b. Gases d. Vapors

19. Chemicals appear as droplets of liquid suspended in the air is

___________.

a. Gases c. Moist
b. Mists d. Liquids

20. Extinguish solid fuel fires by ___________.

a. Blanketing
b. Cooling]
c. Sandblasting
d. Smothering

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LESSON 2 : QUANTIFY CONCRETE AND MASONRY MATERIALS

Quantify concrete and masonry materials refers to estimating and

preparing approximate number of pieces , areas, volumes and weights of
primary materials use in concrete and masonry works. Quantity take-off is
based on the specifications and working plans.

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to :

L01. Identify concrete and masonry materials

L02. Calculate / estimate concrete and masonry materials

Learning Outcome 1
Identify Concrete and Masonry Materials
Information Sheet 2.1.1
Concrete and Masonry

Masonry is the art of building using stones, bricks, concrete blocks and
other related products.

Concrete is a mixture of cement, fine and coarse aggregate. It is an

artificial stone produce by mixing cement and water resulting to a cement
paste binding by fine aggregate (sand) and coarse aggregate.

Masonry works including bricks or block laying, plastering, decorative

masonry finishing and filling.

Concrete works includes concreting (mixing, pouring and paving) roads,

highways, path walks, structural foundation (footings), columns, beams,
walls and floor slabs.

Cement

Cement is a mixture of clay and limestone. Clay is a natural earthly

material plastic when wet but hard and stiff when dry. Limestone are
sedimentary rocks that are formed by accumulation and deposition particles
mineral or organic in bodies of water at the earth’s surface. It consists
predominantly of calcium carbonates.

Hydraulic cement is a bonding agent that reacts with water to form a

hard stone but resistant to disintegration in water. It has specific
combination of silicates and aluminates of lime. Silicates are minerals
appearing as quartz consisting of silicates and oxygen with metal as quartz,
sand, flint and agate.

Main Composition of Cement

A. Lime – 60 to 65%. It is a white or grayish white solid calcium oxide

B. Silicon – 18 to 25%. It contains silicon found in sand and quartz
C. Alumina – 8%. It is a white metallic element which is an oxide of
aluminum appearing is corundum and in hydrated form of bauxite.

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 D. Iron Oxide. – 0.5 to 5%. It is a compound composed of iron and
oxygen or rust.
E. Magnesia – 2.5%. it is white tasteless substance used as antacid and
laxative.
F. Sulfur Trioxide – 1.5%. it is a yellow non-metallic element used in
making gunpowder, matches, medicine and vulcanizing rubber.

Portland cement is a type of cement introduced by Joseph Aspdin in

1824, he is a brick layer from Leeds, England. It is a hydraulic cement
resembling the natural limestone quarried on the isle of Portland in
England. David Saylor produced the first Portland cement in the United
States.

Categories of Portland Cement

Type I. Used in general construction

Type II. Used for general concrete construction exposed to moderate
sulfate action or where moderate heat hydration is required.
Type III. Used where high early strength is necessary.
Type IV. Specified when high sulfate resistance is required.

Pozzolan Cement is an amorphous silica that hardens reacting

chemically with alkali in the presence of water. It is derived from Pozzuoli,
Italy where Pozzolana, a composition of glassy tuft was found.

Aggregates are inert materials which can be formed into a solid mass. It
is bonded by Portland cement and water to form concrete, mortar or plaster.
It comprises of 75% of the total mass of concrete.

A. Coarse Aggregates are aggregates retained on a number 4 (4.76 mm)

sieve.

Types of Coarse Aggregates (Gravel)

1. Natural Gravel Deposits are formed by water wind or glacial action.

Texture of these gravel are smooth due to chemical reaction and
weathering process.
2. Manufactured or Crushed Gravel are gravel obtained from pounding
or crushing rock stones, boulders and cobblestones.

Kinds of Common Coarse Aggregates

1. Limestone or calcium bearing materials

2. Sandstones and quartzites
3. Basalt, granite and related igneous rocks
4. Rock such as opal and chert composed mainly of amorphous silicon
oxide (silica)

> The earth’s crust is 59% silica.

Conditions for Maximum Size of Coarse Aggregates

1. Aggregates must fit into the forms and in between Rebars.

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 2. Aggregates must not be larger than 1/5 of the narrowest dimension of
forms or 1/3 of the depth or thickness of slab nor ¾ of the minimum
distance between rebars.
B. Fine Aggregates are generally the product of material disintegration of
silica bearing or calcium bearing rock. It is also known as sand
passing through No. 4 sieve and retained by No. 200 (74 microns)
sieve. Sand can be derived from rivers, beaches and deserts. It is
manufactured from large pieces of aggregates by crushing, grinding
and rolling.

Water is a major component material on concrete and masonry works.

Water suitable for drinking purposes is very satisfactory for use in concrete,
mortar and plaster mixing. Rainwater is not suitable to use in concrete,
mortar or plaster mixing because it contains acid. Acidic reaction to cement
may result to carbonation. Carbonation lowers concrete pH level, affecting
its ability to hold or bind components within.

Admixtures are materials other than water aggregates or Portland

cement used as ingredient in concrete, mortar and plaster added before or
during mixing.

Purposes :

1. Improve workability or consistency of mixture

2. Improve durability of concrete, mortar and plaster.
3. Increases strength
4. Accelerate strength development
5. Retard or accelerate setting and hardening
6. Retard or reduce evolution of heat
7. Control alkali-aggregate expense
8. Increase density and permeability

Mortar is a workable paste mixture of cement, sand, water and

admixture. It is use as binder and filler for building blocks such as stones,
bricks, concrete hollow blocks and decorative blocks. It is used as brick
joints and cell fillers for bricks and hollow blocks.

Plaster is a masonry or concrete finishing material that is used for

protective or decorative coating of any surfaces. Plaster starts as mixture of
lime, gypsum, fine sand and cement with water. Basically, plaster is a
mixture of cement, fine sand, water and admixture

15
Self – Check 2.1.01
Matching Type

Directions : Match column A to column B. Write only the letter before each
number in column A

Column A Column B
_____1. It is the art of building using
a. Clay
natural and artificial stones
and binders. b. Cement
_____2. It is a mixture of cement, c. Portland cement
aggregates and water. d. Hydraulic cement
_____3. It is a mixture of clay e. Masonry
and limestone. f. Limestone
_____4. It is plastic when wet g. Lime
but hard when dry.
h. Concrete
_____5. It is a sedimentary rock.
_____6. It is a bonding agent that i. Type II
reacts with water. j. Type I
_____7. It is the major composition k. Type III
of cement. l. Type IV
_____8. It is the type of cement m. Admixture
introduced by Aspin. n. Sand’
_____9. It is a glassy tuff derived
o. Mortar
in Italy.
_____10. It is a type of cement used p. Pozzolan cement
for general construction. q. Gravel
_____11. It is a type of cement used r. Plaster
when early strength is required.
_____12. It is a fine aggregate.
_____13. It is a coarse aggregate.
_____14. It improves the workability
and consistency of concrete
mixture.
_____15. It is used as fillers for bricks
and concrete hollow block cells.

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 Information Sheet 2.1.02
Stones, Bricks, Concrete Hollow Blocks, Decorative Blocks and Paver’s
Block

Stoneworks
1. Stone is a rock or gravel, adobe which is relative strong under
compression but weak under tension. It is good for making walls and
pillars but poor as beam and roof structure.
2. Ashlar is a stone block joined and laid in parallel horizontal courses.
It is finally dressed (cut) stone and considered as the finest masonry
units.

3. Rubble is an undressed, rough stone generally used for wall

construction. It requires no binders as mortar. The rubbles are just
piled up very common and popular for landscapes.
4. Bricks is a type of block manufactured from clay molded into size and
fired into kiln to make the material strong, durable and attractive.
Brick laying is one popular job of a mason especially in other
countries.
Standard size – 2 ¼” x 3 5/8” x 8”
Most commonly produced size –
2 ¼’ x 3 ½ x 7 5/8” to 3 5/8” x 3 5/8” x 11 5/8”

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5. Concrete Hollow Blocks (CHB)
It is the most popular masonry materials manufactured in variety
of thickness at 4” (100mm), 6” (150mm) and 8” (200mm) the height
and length is standard at 8” (200mm) by 16” (400mm) through
theoretically they are in two core (2 cells) and three core (3 cells) the
latter is commonly used and available in the local hardware and
construction supply. Concrete hollow block can be load bearing or nor
load bearing and is one of most extensively used materials for wall
construction. Hollows, core or cell or CHB are insulation against heat,
wetness and sound. They keep the building cool in summer and warm
during cold season.

4”, 6”, 8”

8”

16”

6. Decorative Concrete Blocks

It is concrete masonry unit manufacture in standard rectangular
size with varied designs intended for curtain walls or for baffle
purposes and ventilation. Common thickness ranges from 3 ½” to 4”
height and length can be 8” x 8” or 10” x 10”

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Rectangular shape decorative blocks are laid vertically or horizontally.
They have varied sizes and designs.

19
7. Paver Block or Paving Block
It is made of mortar – cement and sand and other composite
materials. It is also known as interlocking bricks or cement bricks.
Paver blocks are used for constructing driveways, pavement patios,
town plaza, alleys and other road surfaces.
There are three main types of Paver block ; natural, stone brick
and concrete. They are available in varied styles and colors. There are
approximately 38 paver blocks per square meter ( 38pcs / m² ).
The size of the pavers block ranges from 50mm to 250mm in
length, the width is larger than 50mm and thickness may be 60mm,
80mm or 100mm. under ASTMC C936 paving units shall have an
exposed area < 0.065 m², length divided by thickness shall be < = 4.
Minimum thickness shall be 60mm.

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Self – Check 2.1.02
Completion Type
Directions : Fill in the blanks with the correct answer.

1. Stones are strong under compression but weak under ___________.

2. Considered as the finest masonry unit is __________.
3. A very common and popular materials for landscapes is ____________.
4. Brick is usually made of __________.
5. Bricks are fired or bake in ____________.
6. The standard height and length of concrete hollow block is
___________.
7. The hollows, core or cells of the concrete hollow block serve as
________________.
8. The smallest size of concrete hollow block is ___________.
9. Concrete hollow blocks are extensive used for _____________.
10. Decorative blocks aside for decoration purpose are used for
________________.
11. The common height and length of decorative blocks are 200mm x
200mm and ________________.
12. Decorative blocks which are laid vertically or horizontally is
_________.
13. Concrete pavers blocks are usually made cement and sand called
__________________.
14. Per square meter area requires approximately _____________ paver
blocks.
15. The longest length of pavers block is __________________.

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 Information Sheet 2.1.03
Concrete

Concrete is an artificial stone which in either plain or reinforced. Plain

concrete has no rebars or steel reinforcement intended for non-load bearing
concrete structure, slab o n ground and for few numbers of live loads.
Reinforced concrete requires rebars to resist live loads, dead loads and other
stresses being held as supported by certain concrete structural components.

Chemistry of Concrete

The reaction between Portland cement and water is the principal action
in the chemistry of concrete. Portland cement by itself does not provide a
cementing binder. Cementing gel is formed by the reaction of Portland
cement and water. Cement paste hardens within a week and the hardening
process continues for months or years. Concrete does not harden due to
evaporation. Without water, there will be no evaporation. Thus, hardening
process or curing will not take place.

Workability of Concrete

It is the ability of fresh concrete to flow freely around the rebars and fill
or cover all voids inside the formworks.

Workability of concrete is also described as in terms of :

A. Consistency is the degree of wetness or slump of the concrete mixture.

It varies directly with the amount of water in the mixture.
B. Plasticity is the ease with which fresh concrete can be molded or
formed without segregation.
C. Mobility is the tendency of fresh concrete mixture to move or flow
during vibration.

Strength of Concrete

Strength of concrete is measured by its capacity to resist ;

a. Compressive stress – is a load or force directed to opposite force

tending to deform or crush it. If the capacity to withstand compactors.
b. Tensile stress – tendency to withstand stretching or pulling before
breaking,
c. Flexural stress – tendency to withstand bereding.
d. Shearing stress – force tending to deform concrete component or any
material by slippage along the imposed stress.

A low water cement ratio produces high quality Portland cement paste ;
add desirable properties such as :

a. Water tightness
b. Abrasion resistance
c. Durability

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 Durability of concrete is the capacity of the concrete to resist
deterioration.

Force of Nature Causing Concrete Deterioration

1. Freezing and thawing

2. Expansion caused by the reaction between aggregates and alkali in
cement
3. Reaction between soil and water sulfate and hydrated Portland cement
4. Expansion and shrinkage caused by wetting and drying.

Protecting Concrete

Hydrated Portland cement is the chemical of concrete and it reacts to

most acid. This reaction cause concrete disintegration. Concrete must be
protected from corrosive chemicals. Magnesium fluorosilicate makes the
concrete impervious to chemical attack.

Application of any of the following may protect the concrete :

1. Fineness of the cement

2. Cement water ratio
3. Caring time
4. Manner of curing
5. Temperature
6. Presence of entrained air

Types of Concrete

A. Lightweight concrete is classified into three types based on the

aggregates used.
1. Low density concrete is sued for insulation purposes. Its unit
weight rarely exceed 50 pst or 800 kg/m³
2. Moderate strength concrete is used to fill light gauge steel floor
panel. It has 360 to 960 kg/m³
3. Structural concrete has similarly with medium stone concrete
having 1440 to 1920 kg/m³. it is used in buildings, roads and
bridges.
B. Medium stone concrete is an structural concrete weighing 2325 to
2435 kg/m³.
C. Heavy weight concrete is used as shield against gamma rays, reactor
and other similar structure. Also used as counter weights for lift
bridges

Compositions – cement, heavy iron orcs, crushed rocks, steel scraps,

punchings or shots as fine aggregates.
Weight is 3200 kg/m³ when mixed with heavy rock aggregates and
when mixed iron punchings and high density orcs weight is 4325 to
5000kg/m³

23
Self – Check 2. 1.03
Matching Type
Directions : Match column A to column B. Write only the letter of the correct
match or pair before each number.

Column A
Column B
_____1. It is a concrete without rebars
a. Cementing gel
_____2. It is a concrete with rebars
_____3. It is formed by the reaction b. Workability
between cement and water c. Strength
_____4. It is the hardening process d. Consistency
of concrete e. Reinforced concrete
_____5. It is the ability of concrete to f. Curing
filled voids inside the form g. Acid
_____6. It is the tendency of concrete
h. Plain concrete
to move during vibration
_____7. It is the tendency of concrete i. Magnesium fluorosilicate
to be molded without j. Mobility
segregation k. Durability
_____8. It is the capacity of l. Heavy weight concrete
concrete to resist stress m. Light heavy weight
_____9. It is the capacity of concrete
concrete
to resist deterioration
_____10. It causes disintegration n. Medium stone concrete
of concrete o. High density concrete
_____11. It protects concrete p. Moderate strength
from chemical attack concrete
_____12. It is used as insulation q. Low density concrete
_____13. It is used as shield against
gamma rays
_____14. It is an structural concrete
_____15. It is used to fill light gauge
floor panel

24
 Learning Outcome 2 Calculate / Estimate Concrete and
Masonry Materials
Information Sheet 2.2.01
Proportioning Concrete

It is one of the most important aspects in producing high quality

economical concrete. Correct proportioning provides balance between :

A. Economy
B. Workability
C. Strength
D. Durability
E. Appearance

Duff A. Abrams is an American scientist researcher, discovered in 1918,

the ratio between the quantity of water to the quantity of cement is related
to the strength and quality of concrete.
In 1940, it was found out that the durability of the concrete could be
increased ten times (10x) by using admixture ( air entraining ) in concrete.
The discovery of water cement ration and the use of admixture popularized
concrete technology.
Varied quantities of cement, fine, coarse aggregates and water produces
different strengths of concrete mixture. The quality of concrete is specified in
:
a. Water-cement ratio
b. Weight of the given volume
c. Strength after 28 days
d. Proportion of cement, fine and coarse aggregates

Concrete mixtures are identified by classes with their corresponding ratio of

cement and aggregates, quantities per cubic meter and probable strength
after 28 days.

Concrete Proportions

CLASS OF PROPORTIONS IN QUANTITY PER M³ PROBABLE

CONCRET PARTS STRENGTH
E AFTER 28
DAYS
C S G C S G
A-A 1: 1 1/2 :3 12 0.5 1 4000 – 3500
PSI
A 1: 2 :4 9 0.5 1 3000 – 2500
PSI
B 1: 2 1/2 :5 7.5 0.5 1 2000 – 1500
PSI
C 1: 3 :6 6 0.5 1 1000 – 500 PSI
D 1: 3 1/2 :7 4.5 0.5 1 500 PSI -
LESS
Legend : C – Cement S – Sand G - Gravel

25
 Water Proportions for each Class

CLASS Quantity of Water Strength

Liter per / bag of cement
A-A 13 liters / bag of cement 4500 psi
A 15 liters 4000 psi
B 17 liters 3500 psi
C 19 liters 3000 psi
D 23 liters 2500 psi

Example :

For Class A

1 part Cement

2 parts Sand

4 parts Gravel

Adequate Water
15 liters

26
 Maintaining the Proportions ( Quantities ) of Concrete Materials

In order to maintain the quantities of the concrete material at the

construction site during mixing, a measuring box is used with its contents is
equivalent to the content volume of one bag of cement. The box has inside
measurement of its height x width x length of 1 foot or 12 inches x 12” x 12
equivalent to 0.3 meter x 0.3 m x 0.3 m.

12” = 0.3m

12” = 0.3m

3m
0.
=
”
12

Thus, the volume of the measuring box is equals to 0.3m x 0.3m =

0.027m³.

That means 1 bag of 40 kg cement contains that is 0.027m³ or tall volume of

the measuring box. Nowadays, the measuring box is seldom used. It is the
bag of cement being used as measuring instrument.

27
Self – Check 2.2.01
Completion Type

Directions : Fill in the blanks with the correct answer.

1. One of the most important factors in producing quality and

economical concrete is _______________.
2. Duff A. Abrams discovered in 1918 the ratio between _____________.
3. Admixture increases the durability of concrete by __________________.
4. Concrete achieves its strength after ____________________.
5. Concrete mixtures are identified by ____________________.
6. The lesser the aggregates, the _______________ the concrete.
7. The greater the aggregates, the _____________ the concrete.
8. The lesser the water, the ______________ the concrete.
9. The inside dimensions of the measuring box in concrete mixing is
______________.
10. The volume of the measuring box is equals to the volume of
_________________.

28
 Information Sheet 2.2.02
Calculating Concrete Materials

Concrete material are calculated based on the details in the working

plans and specifications. Determining the volume in cubic meters of the
components to be concreted and which class of concrete with its
corresponding quantity per cubic meter, the number of cement in bags and
the quanitities of sand and gravel in cubic meters can be easily computed.

Example :

Supposing a secondary road is to be paved with 8” thick, 6 meter wide

and 800 meters in length concrete. Determine the number of cement, sand
and gravel in cubic meter using class A concrete.

Solution :

1. Thickness = 8” = 0.2 meters

Width = 6.0 meters
Length = 800 meters
2. Volume = 0.2 m x 6.0 m x 800 m
= 960 m³
3. Using class A at requiring 9 bags of cement, 0.5 m³ of sand, 1 m³ of
gravel per cubic meter thus :
4. C = V x 9 bags / m³
= 960 m³ x 9 bags / m³
= 8640 bags of cement
5. S = V x 0.5 m³
= 960 m³ x 0.5 m³ / m³
= 480 m³ of sand
6. G = V x 1 m³ / m³
= 960 m³ x 1
= 960 m³ of gravel

Example No. 2
A concrete path walk from the exit door to the gate is to be constructed
or paved. The path walk should be 6” thick, 48” wide and 3 meters long.
Solve for the quantity of cement in bags, sand and gravel in cubic meters
using class B concrete.
Solution :
1. Given = T = 6” = 0.15 m
W = 48” = 1.20 m
L = 3 meters
2. Volume = 0.15 m x 1.20 m x 3 m
= 0.54 m³
3. Using Class B cement has 7.5 bags, sand 0.5, gravel of 1
4. C = 0.54 m³ X 7.5 bags / m³
= 4.05 bags; say 4 bags or 5 bags
5. S = 0.54 m³ x 0.5 = 0.27 m³ or 0.5 m³

29
 6. G = 0.54 x 1 = 0.54 m³ or 1 m³

Since bags of sand and gravel are already available at the hardware or
construction supplies, 0.27 m³ of sand can be converted into bags ;

No. of bag of sand = 0.27 m³

0.027 m³ / bags – volume of 1 bag of cement

= 10 bags

Just make the quantity or number of sand double to get the quantity of
gravel.

No. of gravels on bags = 0.54 = 20 bags

0.027

Example No. 3 :

A two story residential building has 6 concrete columns having 250 mm

x 250 mm cross – section and height of 6.8 meters with corresponding
concrete footings of 8” thick x 1.0 meter wider x 1.0 m on length. Find /
solve for the quantity of cement in bags, sand and gravel in cubic meter
using class A – A concrete for the concrete footing and column.

250m
0m
25

C
O
L
U
6.8m

‘M
N

0m
1.
8”

1.0m

Solution :

Given = 6 columns

6 footings

30
 A. Footings x 6
1. Given T = 8 = 0.2m
W = 1.0m
L = 1.0m
2. V = 0.2m x 1m x 1m
= 1.2 m³
3. Using class A – A C = 12, Sand = 0.5, Gravel = 1
4. Cement = 1.2 m³ x 12 = 14.4 bags or 15 bags
5. Sand = 1.2 x 0.5 = 0.6m³ or 1m³
6. Gravel = 1.2 x 1 = 1.2 or 2m³

Or to be exact – Sand bags = 0.6 = 23 bags

0.027

Gravel bags = 1.2 = 45 bags or 46 bags

0.027

B. Column x 6
1. Given T x W = 250mm x 250m = 0.25m x 0.25m’
Height = 6.80m
2. Volume = 0.25m x 0.25m x 6.80 x 6
= 2.55 m³
3. Using class A – A C has 12 bags, S = 0.5, G = 1
4. Cement = V x 12 bags / m³
= 2.55 m³ x 12 bags / m³ = 31 bags
5. Sand = 2.55 m³ x 0.5 = 1.3 m³ say 2m³
6. Gravel = 2.55 m³ x 1 = 2.55 – 2.6 say 3m³ or 4³

Example No.4

A lot area of 6 meters x 12 meters needs to be secured by a 6” thick 60”

high concrete perimeter fence from footings. The concrete fence has a
continuous footing of 6” thick and 18” wide. Compute the required quantity
of cement in bags, sand and gravel in cubic meters using class A concrete.

6m

m
12
60” = 15m

0.15 = 6”

31
Solution No. 4

A. Concrete Perimeter Fence

1. Given = Area = 6 x 12m
Height = 60” = 1.5m
Thickness = 6” = 0.15m
2. Perimeter = (2 x 6) + (2 x 12)
12m + 24m
= 36m
3. Volume = 0.15m x 1.5m x 36m
= 8.1 m³
4. Using class A = C = 9 ; S = 0.5, G = 1
5. Cement = 8.1m³ x 9 = 72.9 bags = 73 bags
6. Sand = 8.1m³ x 0.5 = 4.05m³ = 5m³
7. Gravel = 8.1m³ x 1 = 8.1m³ = 9m³ or 10m³
B. Continuous Concrete Wall Footing
1. Given T x W = 6” x 18”
= 0.15m x 0.45m
Area = (6m + 0.3m) + (12m + .3m)
= 63m x 12.3m

FOOTING 6” = 0.15m
18” = 0.45m

2. Perimeter = 2 (6.3m) + 2 (12.3m)

= 12.6m x 24.6m
= 37.2m

32
 6m

0.15 0.15 0.15

0.15 0.15
6m

3. Volume = 0.15 x 0.45m x 37.2m

= 2511m³

0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15

0.15 0.15

4. Using class A = C = 9 ; S = 0.5 ; G = 1

5. Cement = 2.511m³ x 9 = 22.6 bags ; say 23 bags
6. Sand = 2.511m³ x 0.5 = 1.5m³ say 2m³
7. Gravel = 2.511m³ x 1 = 2.511 ; say 3m³ or 4m³

33
Self – Check 2.2.02
Problem Solving

Directions : Answer the following problems comprehensively. Use extra sheet

of paper if necessary. Highlight your answer.

A. A rough road is to be paved with 10” thick, 8 meters wide and 1

kilometer length. Calculate the quantity of cement in bags, sand and
gravel in cubic meters using Class A – A concrete.

34
B. A lot area of 12 meters x 20 meters needs a perimeter fence with 6”
thick and 72” high concrete wall from the footing with 8” thick and
18” x 18” cross-section. Determine the quantity of cement in bags,
sand in cubic meter using class A.

35
36