Familiarization with the

Apparatus and Equipment Used in Testing of Materials

CE 406: Construction Materials and Testing
CEMENT/MORTAR
Cement Testing | Various
Tests for Cement |
Equipment Used in Cement
Testing
 Cement Cement Tests are performed to know the strength, characteristics and
properties of cement. Various Test on cement is done nowadays to check
Testing the quality of cement.

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Various Tests for Cement/Mortar
Here are some of the various tests conducted in cement.
1 Initial and Final Setting
Fineness Test
The fineness of cement is a measure of
cement particle size and is denoted as
terms of the specific surface area of
cement. The Test is done by sieving
cement samples through a standard IS
sieve.
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2
Test
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Initial Setting Time of Cement: It is the
time elapsed between the moment that Standard Consistency Test
the water is added to the cement, to the The standard consistency of cement
time that the paste starts losing its paste is defined as the percentage of
plasticity. water added In 300gm weight of cement
which will permit a Vicat plunger having
Final Setting Time of Cement: It is the 50 mm length and 10 mm diameter to
time elapsed between the moment the penetrate in cement paste to a depth of
water is added to the cement and the 33-35 mm from the top of the mold.
time when cement paste loses its
plasticity completely and has attained
sufficient firmness to resist certain
definite pressure.
 Various Tests for Cement
Here are the other tests for cement.

4 Soundness Test
▪ The soundness of cement indicates the stability of any cement
during the volume change in the process of setting and
5 Specific Gravity Test
▪ The specific gravity of cement is defined as the mass of cement
of specified volume to the mass of water of the same volume of
hardening. In case the volume change in cement is unstable cement. It can also be defined as the density of cement to the
after setting and hardening, the concrete element will crack, density of water for the same volume.
which can affect the quality of the structure or even cause
serious accidents, known as poor dimensional stability.

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Equipment Used in Cement Testing
Here are some of the apparatus and equipment used in cement.

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Vicat Needle Apparatus
Vicat apparatus is a penetration device used in
testing of hydraulic cements and similar
materials to determine their normal or standard
consistency. It is also used to determine the
initial setting time and final setting time of
hydraulic cements and similar materials.

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 Flow Cone Apparatus
It is used for viscosity and fluidity determination
of mortars, muds, grouts, fluid materials and etc.

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 Flame Photometer
▪ It is used to determine the alkali content of
cement.

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Automatic Mortar
Mixer
It is expressively designed for the efficient mixing
of cement pastes and mortar, with two
automatic sequences of mixing cycle.

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Bulk Density of Cement
Set
This apparatus is used for the measurement of
the apparent density (bulk density) of powder
and non-cohesive materials. It consists of sieve
funnel with tripod, unit weight measure 1 liter
capacity with hopper, spatula, straight edge,
large spoon.

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 Le Chatelier Mold
Used for determining the expansion of cement.
The mould consists of a spring tensioned split
cylinder 30 mm internal diameter, 30 mm high
with two indicator stems which measure 165
mm from the points of the centre line of the
cylinder and O ring. Two or three moulds are
required for each test. To perform the test, a
water bath is also required.

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 Le Chatelier Flask
Used to determine the specific gravity of
hydraulic cement and lime. Glass flask 250 ml
capacity, with graduated neck from 0 to 1 ml and
from 18 to 24 ml in 0.1 ml graduation with
accuracy of 0.05 ml.
Weight approx.: 500 g

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Le Chatelier Water Bath
Le Chatelier Water Bath, used for the
determination of setting time and expansion of
cement samples.
Constructed with stainless steel inside chamber
and exterior case in painted steel sheet, it can
hold up to 12 Le Chatelier moulds (to be ordered
separately) in the removable rack, supplied with
the bath. The bath reaches the boiling point in
approx. 30 minutes.

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 Cement Mortar
Permeability Apparatus
Permeability apparatus is used to determine
permeability to water of cement mortar specimens
with or without water proofing compound.
It comprises three brass/ gun metal cells mounted
on a stand and a pressure chamber with a pressure
regulator. The cell can accommodate 100mm dia x
50mm high specimen. Each cell assembly consists
of one base plate. The base plate has one outlet for
water and is recessed to hold the specimen in place
with a ring washer in between. The top plate has
an inlet for water and a suitable connector for the
application of pressurized water in the cell. The
mould and collar are clamped between the base
plate and the top plate with the help of four
tension rods and nuts. The cells are mounted on a
stand.
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CONCRETE
Concrete Testing | Various
Tests for Concrete |
Equipment Used in Concrete
Testing
Concrete A concrete test is performed to learn more about the properties of a
specific sample of concrete. A number of different tests can be performed
Testing on concrete both, on a job site and in a laboratory.

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Various Tests for Concrete
Here are some of the various tests conducted in concrete.

1 Concrete Slump Test
Air Content Test
Air Content Test measures the total air
content in a sample of fresh concrete,
but does not indicate what the final
in-place air content will be, because a
certain amount of air is lost in
transportation, consolidating, placement
and finishing.
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2
3
The test measures consistency of
Compressive Strength Test
concrete in that specific batch. It is
performed to check consistency of Out of many tests applied to the
freshly made concrete. Consistency concrete, this is of an utmost importance
refers to the ease with which concrete which gives an idea about all the
flows. It is used to indicate degree of characteristics of concrete. By this single
wetness. Consistency affects workability test one judge that whether concreting
of concrete. That is, wetter mixes are has been done properly or not.
more workable than drier mixes, but
concrete of the same consistency may
vary in workability. The test is also used
to determine consistency between
individual batches.
 Various Tests for Concrete
Here are the other tests for concrete.

4 Curing Test
▪ Curing plays an important role on strength development and
durability of concrete. Curing takes place immediately after
5 Flow Table Test
▪ The flow table test or flow test is a method to determine
consistency of fresh concrete. Flow table test is also used to
concrete placing and finishing, and involves maintenance of identify transportable moisture limit of solid bulk cargoes.
desired moisture and temperature conditions, both at depth
and near the surface, for extended periods of time. Properly ▪ If consistency is not at the desired level, concrete will not have
cured concrete has an adequate amount of moisture for the required strength and other qualities once it has set. If
continued hydration and development of strength, volume concrete is too pasty, cavities may form within it. Rebar may
stability, resistance to freezing and thawing, and abrasion and
scaling resistance. become corroded, and concrete will crack. Cavities also reduce
the concrete strength.

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Equipment Used in Concrete Testing
Here are some of the apparatus and equipment used in concrete.

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Compression Testing
Machine
This Compression Testing Machine is a hydraulic,
electrically operated unit, designed for
conducting compression tests on concrete
specimens up to 20 cm. Diameter (or width and
depth) and 30 cm, in height and also rocks and
various other materials.

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Flow Table
This equipment is used to determine the flow of
concrete. The apparatus consists of a flow table,
stainless steel flow mould, tamping bar.
The steel cone, part of the apparatus, has a top
dia. of 130 mm a base dia. of 200 mm and is 200
mm high. All metal parts are protected against
corrosion.

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Flexural Testing Machine
Flexural Testing Machines has a range of
100 kN and 200 kN capacity flexure testing
machines have been designed to meet the need
for reliable and consistent testing of flexural test
on standard concrete beams, transverse test on
kerbs and flagstones, indirect tensile tests on
concrete and interlocking pavers.

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 Mortar Mixer
It is used for mixing cement pastes, mortars and
pozzolona.

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Gauging Trowel
It is a round-nosed trowel used for mixing
mortar and applying small amounts in confined
areas; it is also used to replace crumbled mortar
and to patch concrete.

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VeeBee Consistometer
It is used for workability as well as consistency
for fresh concrete. A slump cone and a
graduated rod supplied with the instrument
helps the operator to find out slump values and
Vibration Table with container and acrylic disc is
used to find out workability of concrete
expressed in Vee Bee degrees.
Vee Bee Degrees is defined as the time in
seconds to complete required vibrating at which
the fresh concrete flows out sufficiently to come
in contract of the entire face of acrylic disc.

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 Slump Test Apparatus
It is used for the determination of the consistency
of freshly mixed concrete, where the maximum size
of the aggregate does not exceed 38mm.
It consists of one slump cone with handles and foot
pieces. The slump cone has internal dimensions
20cm. dia at base 10cm. top dia. and 30cm height.
Foot pieces can be fixed to the clamps on the base
plate. The base plate has lifting handle for easy
transportation. One graduated steel rod 16mm dia
x 600mm long, rounded at one end and graduated
in mms.

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Compaction Factor
Apparatus
Designed to undertake a more precise and
sensitive test procedure than the simple slump
test. The apparatus consists of two conical
hoppers mounted on a cylinder. Each hopper has
a hinged flange with quick release mechanism
and everything is mounted on a rigid steel stand.
The compacting factor is the ratio between the
weight of the partially compacted concrete and
the weight of the fully compacted concrete.
Dimensions: 500x400x1510 mm
Weight: 55 kg

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 Kelley Ball Penetration
Apparatus
A test for the consistency of concrete using the
penetration of a half sphere; a 1-inch
(2.5-centimeter) penetration by the Kelly ball
corresponds to about 2 inches (5 centimeters) of
slump. Determines depth of penetration of metal
weight into plastic concrete. Apparatus consists of
30 lb. (14kg) cylinder with hemispherically shaped
bottom and handle. The stirrup (frame) guides the
handle and acts as a reference for measuring depth
of penetration. Handle is graduated in 1/4"
(6.4mm) increments on one side and
half-centimeter increments on the other side.
Concrete may be tested as placed in the forms
prior to any manipulation or in a suitable container.
20lb version can be used with lightweight
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Cube Mold
The standard size of cube is 150 mm. Cubes of
100 mm size are not suitable for concrete having
a nominal maximum aggregate size exceeding 20
mm. Cubes of 150 mm size are not suitable for
concrete having a nominal maximum aggregate
size exceeding 40 mm.
It allows accurate determination of compression
and flexural strength of concrete and it provides
superior alignment accuracy.

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 Cylindrical Mold
Hard plastic and steel cylinder moulds are
manufactured in accordance with dimensions and
tolerances stated in the related standards. Two part
and clamp attached base plate cast iron, plastic and
steel moulds are designed to be durable, corrosion
resistant and easy to clean.

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Beam Mold
For casting concrete specimens for flexure tests.
Specification: Made of cast iron. The moulds are
made of 4 plates assembled together. Each
mould is supplied complete with base plate.
Faces are machined flat to +/-0.2mm and
finished in size to 0.2mm

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 Curing Tank
Specimens must be cured at a stable
temperature under water to ensure consistent
test results.

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Vibrating Table
Vibrating tables have been used for the following
applications:
▪ powder compaction in boxes
▪ removing air from concrete molds
▪ settle and compact products in bulk bags and bulk boxes
▪ to settle and compact 30 to 55 gallon drums of powdered
chemicals
▪ vibrating ash shakeout system
▪ to settle and compact metal powders in molds
▪ light duty applications for labs and factories
▪ to settle and density activated carbon inside filter cartridges
and canisters
▪ remove bubbles in sealed containers filled with water

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 Air Entrainment Meter
An air entrainment meter is used to measure the
amount of air that is trapped within the mix. The
water column type consists essentially of a
stainless steel flanged cylindrical vessel with
cover assembly, incorporating the measuring
cylinder, pressure gauge and valves. Supplied
complete with hand pump and calibration
cylinder apparatus which is essential for
adjustment to site barometric pressure.
The cylindrical vessel of all models can also be
used as unit weight measure for fresh concrete
for density determination.

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 Three-Meter Straight
Edge
It is a metal device normally 3.0 meters long and
of straight section. It measures surface
irregularity of completed concrete and asphalt
pavements. These are widely used for checking
straightness and marking purposes.

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AGGREGATES
Aggregate Testing | Various
Tests for Aggregates |
Equipment Used in
Aggregate Testing
Aggregate Aggregate Testing is used to determine the material characteristics and
properties of aggregate materials for use in pavement construction. Test
Testing results are an important part of mix design and can help predict pavement
quality.

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 Various Tests for Aggregates
Here are the other tests for aggregates.

1 Silt Content Test for Sand

▪ The permissible silt content in sand (fine aggregate) must not
exceed the values as specified in the standards. However, this
2 Bulking of Sand
▪ When sand is damp, the water coating on the surface of each
sand particle causes separation of particles from one another
method can only be used for natural sand, it should not be used due to surface tension. This causes sand to bulk. Bulked sand
for crushed rock sand. occupies more volume and hence if volumetric measuring is
▪ If silt content by weight exceeds 3% then washing of sand is done while proportioning it, bulking correction is necessary.
necessary. After conducting few tests, a co-relation can be
developed for silt layer thicknesses at various intervals of time.
The silt content at 10 minutes can be fixed as inspection
criteria.

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 Various Tests for Aggregates
Here are the other tests for aggregates.

3 Sieve Analysis
Sieve analysis is done to check the gradation of aggregate. The
test is done as follow.
4 Fineness Modulus
▪ Fineness modulus is generally used to get an idea of how coarse
or fine the aggregate is. More fineness modulus value indicates
▪ Take required amount of aggregate sample that the aggregate is coarser and small value of fineness
modulus indicates that the aggregate is finer.
▪ Arrange the required no of sieves as per the contract or job
requirement in an descending manner. Shake vigorously the ▪ Sieve the aggregate using the appropriate sieves (80 mm, 40
sieve set for at least 2 minute. mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600 micron,
300 micron & 150 micron)
▪ Then measure the weight of aggregate on each sieve and
express it as the percentage of passing.

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Equipment Used in Aggregate Testing
Here are some of the apparatus and equipment used in aggregates.

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 Laboratory Oven
It is designed for drying, baking, conditioning
and moisture determination.

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Muffle Furnace
Aside from the laboratory oven, this one is
designed for higher temperature heating.

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Flakiness Gauge
For determining flakiness index. Particle is flaky
when its thickness (smallest dimension) is less
than 0.6 of the mid-size of the sieve fraction.
Gauge has seven labeled slots for rapid hand
trying of particles from each of the seven sieve
cuts. The mass of all flaky particles (passing
appropriate slots) as percent of the sample is the
flakiness index.

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Void Content Apparatus
(Fine Aggregates)
Used to determine the uncompacted void
content of a fine aggregate sample. Indicates the
angularity, sphericality, and workability of fine
aggregate in a mixture. Includes 100 ml brass
cylindrical measure, funnel assembly, funnel
stand, and glass plate for calibration.

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 Void Content Apparatus
(Coarse Aggregates)
Used to determine the void content of
uncompacted coarse aggregates. In operation,
the aggregate is allowed to free-fall 115mm from
the funnel bottom into a 154mm diameter by
160mm high cylindrical measure. The excess
heaped aggregate is struck of using the included
bar, the mass is measured, and the void content
is computed. The apparatus consists of a
stainless steel hopper, stand, measure and
strike-off bar and a 170mm square glass plate for
calibration of the measure.

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Sieves
A sieve, or sifter, is a device for separating
wanted elements from unwanted material or for
characterizing the particle size distribution of a
sample, typically using a woven screen such as a
mesh or net or metal.

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 Sieve Shaker
Sieve Shakers save time and effort and improve
accuracy for particle sizing operations. Shakers
agitate a stacked series of test sieves to
efficiently separate materials of all different
types.
▪ Range: 20 µm to 125 mm
▪ Drive / sieving motion: electromagnetic 3D
▪ Amplitude: 0 - 3 mm
digital setting in 0.1 mm steps
"Closed Loop" amplitude control
▪ Sieve diameter: 100 / 200 mm
8''

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Riffle Sample Divider
It allows dividing samples into two
representative subsamples with a good accuracy.
It is precisely designed to reduce the bulk of
material to a convenient representative size for
laboratory analysis. When used properly, it
provides an accuracy that is recognized through
out the industry

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 Proportional Caliper
Device
Use to determine the percentage of flat
particles, elongated particles, or both flat &
elongated particles in coarse aggregates. Steel
construction for strength & durability, plated for
corrosion resistance. 6" x 16" (152.4 x 406.4mm)
base plate with four rubber feet for stability, and
for convenience in tabletop testing. Ratio desired
is obtained by selecting one of four adjustable
positions: 2 = l:2; 3 = 1:3; 4 = 1:4; or 5 = 1:5.

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Aggregate Impact Value
Test Apparatus
It is used for determining the aggregate impact
value. The Sturdy Construction consists of a base
and support columns to form a rigid framework
around the quick release trigger mechanism to
ensure an effective free fall of the hammer
during test. The free fall can be adjusted through
380±5mm. The hammer is provided with a
locking arrangement. Aggregate impact value
test apparatus is supplied complete with a
cylindrical measure of 75mm dia x 50mm depth,
an automatic blow counter and a tamping rod.

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 Aggregate Crushing
Value Test Apparatus
Aggregate crushing value test apparatus is used
for measuring resistance of an aggregate to
crushing. This is made of Mild Steel comprising
of:
▪ Cylindrical Cell, 150mm internal dia x 130 to 140mm height.
▪ Plunger, 148mm dia x 100 to 115mm height.
▪ Base Plate, 200 to 230mm square x 6mm thickness.
▪ Tamping Rod, 16mm dia x 450 to 600mm length.
▪ Metal Measure, 110mm internal dia x 180mm height.

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WOOD

Wood Testing | Equipment

Used in Wood Testing
 Moisture Meter
This is used to measure the percentage of water
in a given substance. The information can be
used to determine if the material is ready for
use, unexpectedly wet or dry, or otherwise in
need of further inspection. Wood and paper
products are very sensitive to their moisture
content.

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Universal Wood Tester
It is a screw type motor driven and its suitable
for determination of shear strength, hardness
(Janka Ball Test), Clavage, Static bend Plywood
GripsNail/Screw withdrawal test, compression
(parallel-to-grain) and many other tests on wood
plywood

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OTHERS
Other Equipment Used in
Construction Materials and
Testing
 Beaker
A beaker is a simple container for stirring, mixing
and heating liquids commonly used in many
laboratories. Beakers are generally cylindrical in
shape, with a flat bottom. Most also have a small
spout (or "beak") to aid pouring as shown in the
picture. Beakers are available in a wide range of
sizes, from one millilitre up to several litres.

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Graduated Cylinder
It is a measuring instrument for measuring fluid
volume; a glass container whose sides are
marked or divided into amounts.

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 Thermometer
The design essentially consists of a lens to focus
the infrared thermal radiation on to a detector,
which converts the radiant power to an
electrical signal that can be displayed in units of
temperature after being compensated for
ambient temperature. This permits temperature
measurement from a distance without contact
with the object to be measured. A non-contact
infrared thermometer is useful for measuring
temperature under circumstances
where thermocouples or other probe-type
sensors cannot be used or do not produce
accurate data for a variety of reasons.

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Mechanical Balance
It is a measuring instrument used where the
most accurate weighing are required.

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 Hydrometer
An instrument used to measure the specific
gravity (or relative density) of liquids. It is usually
made of glass and consists of a cylindrical stem
and a bulb weighted with mercury or lead.

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Concrete Mixer
A device that homogenously combines cement, aggregate such as sand or
gravel, and water to form concrete.

Stationary Concrete Mixer - cannot be

Mobile Concrete Mixer – it is ideal if you need to use
moved because they are fixed in only
concrete in more than one place in the same area.
one place.
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 Bucket
It delivers concrete by means of a tower crane. It
has a bottom opening to allow concrete to flow
out when in-place.

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Scoop
A deep bowl for taking something from a
container.

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 Hammer
A deep bowl for taking something from a
container.

Mallet
A tool used to pound on something.

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 Trowel
Used to spread building materials such as plaster
or cement.

Wheelbarrow
A kind of vehicle that is build to be pushed around
with a load inside out.

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Equipment and Apparatus Used in the University
Here are some of the
photos of the apparatus
and equipment used in our
Soil Laboratory.

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68 Graduated Cylinder Decanters
 Mortar & Pestle |
Vicat Needle Apparatus
69 Evaporating Dish
 Trowel Set of Sieves
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71 Oven Universal Testing Machine
 Thank you!

victoria@fabrikam.com 404-555-0115 www.fabrikam.com