WEEK 2 Lesson 1

CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS AND
TESTING
WEEK 2: LESSON 1
GENERAL PROPERTIES
OF MATERIALS
C O N S T R U C T I O N M AT E R I A L S
AND TESTING
FR
Types and Properties of Construction Materials
A. TIMBER
Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

FR
A. TIMBER
The wood suitable for construction of buildings or for other
engineering purposes is called TIMBER
It is used for structural framing (rough

carpentry), trim, floors, walls, and
cabinetry (finish carpentry and
architectural woodwork). Relative to its
weight, wood has high strength in
compression, tension, and bending. It
also has excellent impact resistance.

FR
A. TIMBER
When wood is cut into pieces of specific thickness, width, and
length, it is called lumber. Lumber products include rough framing
members (at least 2″ thick), such as beams, headers, and posts;
finished lumber, such as flooring, door and window trim, paneling,
and moldings; and specialty items, such as decorative panels,
carved doors, ornamental overlay designs, and turned balusters
(stair rail posts).
Lumber is classified as rough-sawn or surfaced to size. Rough-sawn

lumber has been cut to size but not dressed or surfaced. Surfaced
lumber has been dressed or finished to size by running it through a
planer. The designation “S2S” is used for lumber dressed on two
sides, and “S4S” for lumber that is surfaced or planed on all four
sides.
FR
A. TIMBER
Plywood is a wood product made of several layers of lumber
arranged with the grain at right angles in each successive layer
and bonded with an adhesive. An odd number of layers is used,
so that the grain of the face and back are running in the same
direction. The panels are usually 4′ × 8′ in size, and are available
in finished thicknesses ranging from 1/8″ to over 1″. Because of
its modular size and uniformity, plywood speeds construction
and is considered an economical building material.
Interior plywood is bonded with an adhesive that is water-

resistant. It is used for cabinetry, rough flooring, and finished
walls. Exterior or structural plywood is bonded with a
waterproof adhesive. It is used for wall sheathing, finished
walls, roof sheathing, and concrete forms.

FR
A. TIMBER
Glue Laminated Timber
The process of laminating (bonding layers
of lumber together with adhesive) has
made it possible to span larger distances
and change traditional construction
techniques. Wood beams, arches, and
other members of nearly any size and
shape can be fabricated. These laminated
products are made of kiln-dried lumber and
prepared for interior and exterior use.
These beams are usually prefinished at the
factory and to the job with protective
wrapping.
FR
A. TIMBER
Uses and importance of timber:
✓ Used as posts, beams, lintels, doors and windows
✓ Used in floorings, roofing, ceilings, etc.,
✓ Used in rafters , purlins, trusses etc.,
✓ Used for interior decoration purposes
✓ Used for making furniture, sport goods, railway sleepers etc.,

FR
A. TIMBER
Properties of timber: The quality of timber must be ensured before using it for a
purpose. The quality can be ensured by investigating the properties of timber.
Color – It should be uniform. Light color indicates weak timber.

Odor – It should be pleasant when cut freshly.
Soundness – A clear ringing sound when struck indicates the timber is good
Texture – Texture of good timber is fine and even
Grains – In good timber, grains are close
Density – Timber having higher density have a thicker wall and stronger
Hardness – Harder timbers are strong and durable
Warping – Good timber do not warp under changing of environmental conditions
Toughness – Timber should be capable of resisting shock loads

FR
A. TIMBER
Properties of timber: The quality of timber must be ensured before using it for
a purpose. The quality can be ensured by investigating the properties of timber.
Abrasion – Good timber do not deteriorate due to wear. This property should be looked into , if
timber is to be used for flooring
Strength – Timber should have high strength in bending, shear, and direct compression
Modulus of Elasticity – Timber with higher modulus of elasticity are preferred in construction
Specific Gravity – Variation of timber in specific gravity (0.3-0.9) is found. It depends on pores
present inside timber. The specific gravity of this light material is less than that of water (<1). But in
case of compact wood where pores are almost absent and become heavier, their specific gravity
increases up to 1.5.

FR

B. SAND

FR
B. SAND
▪ Sand is a granular material composed of finely
divided rock and mineral particles. It is defined
by size, being finer than gravel and coarser than
silt.
▪ The composition of sand varies, depending on
the local rock sources and conditions, but the
most common constituent of sand in inland
continental settings and non-tropical coastal
settings is silica (silicon dioxide, or SiO2), usually
in the form of quartz.
▪ Sand is a non-renewable resource over human
timescales, and sand suitable for making
concrete is in high demand.
FR
B. SAND
Uses and importance of sand:
✓ Sand is in very commonly use in construction,

often providing bulk, strength and stability to
other materials such as asphalt, concrete,
mortar, render, cement, and screed.

FR
B. SAND
▪ Sand is also used as a base layer

known as ‘blinding’, that is laid above
a layer of hardcore to provide a clean,
level and dry surface for construction
works.
▪ It can also be used in its raw form as a

decorative material in landscaping.

FR
B. SAND
▪ Sand is used in liquid form to

manufacture glass, and is also used for
moulding metal casting
▪ Sandpaper is also made using sand.

FR
B. SAND
Types of sand: The different classifications of sand are:
Particle size: 0.6-2 mm (coarse sands) It is generally used for concrete work.,
0.2-0.6 mm (medium sands) It is generally used for masonry work.,
0.06-0.2 mm (fine sands) Fine sand is mainly used for plastering.
Particle shape: Angular, subangular, rounded, flat, elongated.
Texture: Rough, smooth, or polished.
Composite soil types: Classified as ‘sandy gravel’ or ‘gravelly sand’.
Clayey composites are described as plastic or cohesive.
Silty composites are described as non-plastic or of
low plasticity.
Structure: Homogenous, inter-stratified, heterogeneous, or weathered.
FR
B. SAND
Sources of sand: Sand is classified into various types according to the source of supply
such as:
a. River Sand - This sand is obtained from large rivers. It is usually fine in size. Proper care
should be taken while taking the sand from rivers so that there is no clay mixed with the sand.

FR
B. SAND
b. Pit Sand - This is obtained from old stream beds, where it is sharp and generally coarse.

FR
B. SAND
c. Sea Sand - This sand is obtained from beaches. It is usually good for most of the works if
they are free from detrimental salts except reinforced concrete works. These types of sands are
avoided to use in many constructions, if necessary, washed in fresh water and used.

FR
B. SAND
Properties of sand:
✓ The grains should be sharp, angular and coarse.
✓ The sand should be free from clay material and organic matters.
✓ The grains should be of durable minerals.
✓ It should be free from salts.
✓ The gradation of grains size should be such as that it will give minimum voids.
✓ It should be clean and free from coatings of clay and silt.
✓ It should not contain organic matter.
✓ It should be chemically.
✓ Sand is loose particles of hard broken rock, it comprises of grains from the
disintegrated rock.

FR

C. GRAVEL

FR
C. GRAVEL
Gravel is a loose aggregation of rock
fragments. Gravel is classified by particle
size range and includes size classes
from granule- to boulder-sized fragments.
ISO 14688 grades gravels as fine, medium, and

coarse with ranges 2 mm to 6.3 mm to 20 mm
to 63 mm.
One cubic metre of gravel typically weighs

about 1,800 kg (or a cubic yard weighs about
3,000 pounds).

FR
C. GRAVEL
Uses and importance of gravel:
✓ Gravel, along with sand, is used for the

manufacture of concrete, as well as for
mixing with asphalt as part of road
construction.

FR
C. GRAVEL
✓ It can be used as the base layer for

roads before being covered with
tarmac, and is also commonly used to
surface roadways, especially those in
rural areas and in icy conditions.

FR
C. GRAVEL
✓ Gravel can be used along with
pebbles as a form of render known as
pebbledash which is used for the
external walls of a building in which
the top coat is textured to create a
rough finish.

FR
C. GRAVEL
✓ Gravel can be used in the filtration

of water, where it acts as a natural
filter holding back precipitates which
may contain impurities as well as
other sand-sized particles.

FR
C. GRAVEL
✓ Gravel is commonly used for

landscaping applications, such as on
driveways, walkways, or as a
decorative filler over soil instead of
grass.

FR
C. GRAVEL
Properties of gravel:
✓ It should be hard, strong and durable.
✓ It should be dense, clear and free from any coating.
✓ It should be free from injurious vegetable matters.
✓ It should not contain flaky (angular) and elongated pieces.
✓ It should not contain any material liable to attack steel
reinforcement incase of reinforced concrete

FR

D. REINFORCING STEEL BARS (REBARS)

FR
Rebar, also known as reinforcement

steel and reinforcing steel, is a steel
bar or mesh of steel wires used in
reinforced concrete and masonry
structures to strengthen and hold
the concrete in tension.
To improve the quality of the bond

with the concrete, the surface of
rebar is often patterned.

FR
Uses and importance of rebars:
✓ Primary reinforcement: Used to provide resistance to support design
loads.
✓ Secondary reinforcement: Used for durability and aesthetic purposes by

providing localised resistance to limit cracking and temperature-induced
stresses.
✓ Provide resistance to concentrated loads, spreading it through a wider

area.
✓ Assist other steel bars in accommodating their loads by holding them in

the correct position.
FR

Uses and importance of rebars:
✓ External steel tie bars to constrain and reinforce masonry structures,

sometimes as a means of building conservation.
✓ Reinforced masonry: Some masonry blocks and bricks include voids to

accommodate rebar to carry tensile loads.
✓ The rebar is secured in place using grout.

FR

Properties of rebars:
The ultimate strength of the bar is at least 10-15%
more than the yield strength of the bar.
Bonds in concrete and steel depends on
the deformation of the ribbing pattern over the bars. The slipping
characteristics of deformed bars are 0.1 mm. The longitudinal ribs over the
bar to increase the bond strength at about 3 to 4 times of the plain bars.

FR
Types of rebars:
1. MILD STEEL BARS
The surface of the mild steel bars are plain and
round in shape. They are available in various
sizes of 6 mm to 50 mm. They are used in
concrete for special purposes, such as dowels
at expansion joints, where bars must slide in a
metal or paper sleeve, for contraction joints in
roads and runways, and for column spirals.
They are easy to cut and bend without
damage.

FR
Types of rebars:
2. DEFORMED STEEL BAR
Deformed steel bars have ribs, lugs and indentation
on the surface of the bar, which reduces the major
problem that is faced by mild steel bar due to
slippage and good bonding is achieved between
concrete and rebar. The tensile properties is higher
compared to other rebars. These bars are produced
in sections from 6 mm to 50 mm dia.

FR
Types of rebars:
2. DEFORMED STEEL BAR
Types of Deformed Bars
A. Thermo Mechanically Treated Bars B. High Strength Deformed Bars

Thermo Mechanically Treated Bars High strength deformed bars are
are hot treated bars that are high in cold twisted steel bars with lugs,
strength used in reinforced cement ribs, projection or deformation
concrete (RCC) work. It is the latest on the surface. It the extensively
induction in the MS steel bars with and majorly used for
superior properties such as strength, reinforcement purposes in a
ductility, welding ability, bending construction. These bars are
ability and highest quality standards produced in sizes or sections
at international level. from 4 mm to 50 mm in
diameter.
FR
Types of rebars:
3. OTHER TYPES OF REBARS

Depending upon the type of material used in the production of rebar, different
types of rebars are:
A. European Rebar
European rebar is made of manganese, which makes them bend
easily. They’re not suitable for use in areas that are prone to
extreme weather conditions or geological effects, such as
earthquakes, hurricanes, or tornadoes. The cost of this rebar is low.

FR
B. Carbon Steel Rebar
As the name represents, it is made up of carbon

steel and is commonly known as Black Bar due to
carbon colour. The main drawback of this rebar is
that it corrodes, which adversely effect the
concrete and structure. The tensile strength ratio
coupled with the value makes black rebar one of
the best choices.

FR
C. Epoxy-Coated Rebar
Epoxy-coated rebar is black rebar with an

epoxy coat. It has the same tensile
strength, but is 70 to 1,700 times more
resistant to corrosion. However, the epoxy
coating is incredibly delicate. The greater
the damage to the coating, the less
resistant to corrosion.

FR
D. Galvanized Rebar
Galvanized rebar is only forty times more

resistant to corrosion than black rebar, but
it is more difficult to damage the coating of
galvanized rebar. In that respect, it has
more value than epoxy-coated rebar.
However, it is about 40% more expensive
than epoxy-coated rebar.

FR
E. Glass-Fiber-Reinforced-Polymer
GFRP is made up of carbon fibre. As it is

made up of fibre, bending is not allowed. It
is very resistant to corrosion and is costly
when compared to other rebars.

FR
F. Stainless Steel Rebar
Stainless steel rebar is the most expensive

reinforcing bar available, about eight times
the price of epoxy-coated rebar. It is more
resistant to damage than any of the other
corrosive-resistant or corrosive-proof types or
rebar; and it can be bent in the field.

FR
Rebar Markings

FR
E. CONCRETE

FR
E. CONCRETE
Concrete is the oldest building
materials, having been used by the
Romans as early as 100. BC
Concrete is a mixture of cement, sand,
gravel, admixtures, and water. When
first mixed, it is plastic (able to flow
and be shaped) and can be cast to the
the shape of the formwork provided.
Hardening of concrete is caused by a
chemical reaction between the
cement and water called hydration.

FR
E. CONCRETE
Uses and importance of concrete:
✓ It is an important building product. Concrete is chosen over wood as a
construction material.
✓ It is durable and cost-effective.
✓ Concrete is a sustainable choice for residential and commercial projects.
✓ The strength of concrete increases over time
✓ Concrete can hold up against weather condition and is easy to maintain.
✓ It is used as aggregates in roadbeds or as granular material while making new
concrete.
✓ Concrete is fire resistant, can be shaped in various form, has multiple design
possibilities, and gives a longer service life.
✓ It used to build bridges, culvert and sewers, foundation, roads, and dams.

FR
E. CONCRETE
Properties of Concrete
▪ Strength
a. Compressive strength
b. Tensile strength
c. Flexural strength
d. Shear strength
▪ Workability
▪ Elastic Properties - Concrete is not perfectly elastic for any range of loading, an
appreciable permanent setting taking place for even low loads. The deformation is not
proportional to the stress at any stage of loading. The elastic properties of concrete vary with
the richness of the mixture and with the intensity of the stress. They also vary with the age of
concrete.

FR
E. CONCRETE
▪ Durability - Durability is the property of concrete to withstand the condition for
which it has been designed, without deterioration over a period of years. Lack of
durability can be caused by external agents arising from the environment or by
internal agents within the concrete.
▪ Impermeability - In the case of reinforced cement concrete, the penetration
of moisture and air will result in the corrosion of steel. This leads to an increase in
the volume of the steel, resulting in cracking and spalling of the concrete.
Permeability of concrete is also of importance for liquid retaining and hydraulic
structures
▪ Segregation - The tendency of separation of coarse aggregate grains from the
concrete mass is called segregation. It increases when the concrete mixture is lean
and too wet. It also increases when rather large and rough-textured aggregate is
used.

FR
E. CONCRETE
▪ Bleeding - The tendency of water to rise to the surface of freshly laid concrete is known
as bleeding. The water rising to the surface carries with it, particles of sand and cement, which
on hardening form a scum layer is popularly known as laitance. Concrete bleeding can be
checked by adopting the following measures.
By adding more cement
By using more finely ground cement
By properly designing the mix and using the minimum quantity of water
By using little air entraining agent
By increasing the finer part of fine aggregate
▪ Fatigue - lain concrete when subjected to flexure, exhibits fatigue. The flexure resisting
ability of concrete of a given quality is indicated by an endurance limit whose value depends
upon the number of repetitions of stress.

References
FR
Gravel (2020). Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravel
Gravel in Construction (2020). Available: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Gravel_in

_construction
Importance of Sand in Construction (2020). Available: https://www.buildersmart.in/blogs/everything-

about-sand
Properties of good sand (2020). Available: https://www.polytechnichub.com/properties-good-sand/
Rebar (2020). Available: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Rebar
Rebar (2020). Available: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Rebar
Sand (2020). Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand
Sand (2020). Available: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Sand#:~:text=of%20calcium%

20carbonate.,Uses%20of%20sand,render%2C%20cement%2C%20and%20screed.&text=Sand%20is%20us
ed%20in%20liquid,used%20for%20moulding%20metal%20casting.
References
FR
What is Rebar? Types and Grades of Steel Reinforcement (2020). Available:
https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/steel-reinforcement-types-grades/24730/
25 Different Uses of Concrete (2020). Available: https://civiltoday.com/civil-engineering-

materials/concrete/215-uses-of-concrete

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CONSTRUCTION

Types and Properties of Construction Materials

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

It is used for structural framing (rough

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

Lumber is classified as rough-sawn or surfaced to size. Rough-sawn

Interior plywood is bonded with an adhesive that is water-

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

✓ Used as posts, beams, lintels, doors and windows

✓ Used in floorings, roofing, ceilings, etc.,

✓ Used in rafters , purlins, trusses etc.,

✓ Used for interior decoration purposes

✓ Used for making furniture, sport goods, railway sleepers etc.,

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

Color – It should be uniform. Light color indicates weak timber.

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

Types and Properties of Construction Materials

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

✓ Sand is in very commonly use in construction,

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

▪ Sand is also used as a base layer

▪ It can also be used in its raw form as a

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

▪ Sand is used in liquid form to

▪ Sandpaper is also made using sand.

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

Types and Properties of Construction Materials

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

ISO 14688 grades gravels as fine, medium, and

One cubic metre of gravel typically weighs

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

✓ Gravel, along with sand, is used for the

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

✓ It can be used as the base layer for

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

✓ Gravel can be used in the filtration

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

✓ Gravel is commonly used for

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

Types and Properties of Construction Materials

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

Rebar, also known as reinforcement

To improve the quality of the bond

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

✓ Secondary reinforcement: Used for durability and aesthetic purposes by

✓ Provide resistance to concentrated loads, spreading it through a wider

✓ Assist other steel bars in accommodating their loads by holding them in

D. REINFORCING STEEL BARS (REBARS)

✓ External steel tie bars to constrain and reinforce masonry structures,

✓ Reinforced masonry: Some masonry blocks and bricks include voids to

✓ The rebar is secured in place using grout.

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

D. REINFORCING STEEL BARS (REBARS)

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng

Prepared by: Dr. KVS Caingles and Engr. RC Galdo, M.Eng