Construction Materials

- Any materials that used for construction

- the success of a construction project also lies on the materials used especially when the materials are tested against time.
- the durability of the materials is one of the relevant factors to be considered.
2 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS NATURALLY OCCURING MATERIALS
Cement Stone
Rebars Timber
Pipes Sand
Tiles Rock
Ceramics Soil
Glass Etc.
Paints
Etc.
Materials Testing
- An important parameter to complete the design process
- Helps to quantify and understand of the product is suitable to certain application or as construction material
- Can provide a wealth information about the tested materials, prototypes or product samples
- The data collected during testing can be very useful to engineers, designers, production managers and others
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT
1. Meet the requirements of regulatory agencies To verify that materials comply the
2. Selecting appropriate materials and treatments for an application required specification and if the material
3. Evaluating product design or improvement specifications failed the requirement then the material
4. Verifying a production process will be rejected and the constructor or
FACTORS DETERMINING THE CHOICE OF PROPER MATERIALS FOR A STRUCTURE agency will look for other materials
A. Strength, Rigidity & Durability
• Permanent Loading
○ Creep Strength - maximum stress endured by a material for a specific period of time w/o extreme deformation
• Repeated Loading
○ Fatigue Strength - highest stress that a material can withstand for a given number of cycles w/o breaking
• Impact Loading
○ Toughness - can withstand loading w/o fractures
○ Resilience - can store energy w/o permanent deformation
• Surface Loading
○ Hardness - measured by poking into the test material and measuring depth of penetration
○ Abrasion Resistance - measured by rubbing something against the test material and measuring how much
material is removed
B. Environmental
• Temperature Change
○ Coefficient of thermal conductivity - ability to conduct heat
• Moisture movement
○ Permeability - the volume of a fluid of unit viscosity passing through a unit cross section of the medium in unit
time under the action of a unit pressure gradient
• Chemical Effects
○ Chemical composition FACTORS NEED TO
C. Economy CONSIDER:
- Strength
• Choose the cheaper & available materials considering
- Climate
▪ Initial cost - Maintenance
▪ Useful life
▪ Frequency of maintenance
▪ Cost of maintenance
▪ Salvage value
▪ Comfortability

CMT Page 1
CLASSIFICATION OF CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIALS
• According to their phases
○ Gases ○ Semi Solid
▪ Air, Oxygen, CO2 ▪ Fresh pastes, Mortars, asphalt
○ Liquid ○ Solid
▪ Water and Chemical admixtures ▪ Metals, Hardened Concrete
• According to their internal structure & chemical composition
○ Metals ( formed by metallic bonds )
▪ Ferrous ( iron, cast iron, steel )
▪ Non-Ferrous ( aluminum, copper, zinc, lead)
○ Polymers (long chains having molecules of C, H, O ,N which are formed by covalent bonding. The chains are
bound to each other either by covalent binds or Van de Waal's forces)
▪ Natural (rubber, asphalt, resins, wood)
▪ Artificial (plastic)
○ Ceramics ( mainly aluminosilicates formed by mixed bonding, covalent and ionic)
▪ Structural clay products (bricks, tiles, pipes)
▪ Porcelains
○ Composite Materials
▪ Natural (Agglomerates - hardened lava)
▪ Artificial (Portland cement, concrete)
○ Reinforced Concrete Materials
▪ Reinforced Concrete
▪ Reinforced Plastics
DETERMINING THE PROPERTIES OF CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIALS
A. Laboratory Testing
B. Field Testing
Standardization Institutes
• U.S.
○ American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
○ American Association of State and Highways and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
○ American Concrete Institute (ACI)
• Turkey
○ Turkish Standards Institute (TSE)
• Europe
○ European Committee for Standardization (CEN)
• Germany
○ Deutsche Institute Norm (DIN)
• England
○ British Standards Institute

• When field testing indicates further study is needed the n laboratory testing is the next step
• In conducting a laboratory test you have to bear in mind that construction materials are equipped with costly and
sensitive laboratory equipment and apparatus that's why you should be familiar and you should know how to use them
• Testing of materials should be on time/schedule because any delay will result to unable to hit the turn over date and will
increase the production cost

Construction material and testing is critical for the viability and safety of a construction project. Hence,
1. It can reveal any number of issues related to construction quality
2. It can highlight future risks, help classify a building site, and assist with engineering decisions
3. Without construction material testing, engineers and builders may not know if the quality of the construction meets the
requirements

CMT Page 2
Before getting indulged with the science instruments or chemicals, it is quite important to have the accurate information
regarding it.
A. Safe Handling - laboratory equipment can lead to dangerous side effects and that is why it is quite important to know
how to handle properly.
B. Efficient Use - Laboratory instruments required the proper knowledge to run or operate them. If they are not operated
in the required way, it will not be helpful to churn out the desired results.
C. Proper Materials - Many laboratory machines are designed to study and analyze samples from a variety of sources. This
sample could be organic or inorganic, vegetable or mineral. Knowing which machine is for which kind of sample and what
the machine is supposed to do is good for avoiding trouble.
D. Understanding Results - After inserting the correct materials or calibrating a machine correctly, you still won't be able to
finish your task unless you understand what it is that the machine has just done. Knowing which sections of any printouts
or displays contain the most vital information and what that information means is important to completing the experiment.

Civil engineering projects largely depend on the quality of their materials; therefore testing equipment capable of providing
consumers with accurate and repeatable results is imperative. While the mechanism in which the equipment performs analysis
procedures varies depending upon the material to be analyzed, these testing instruments are capable of analyzing the properties
of the materials such as aggregates, soil, concrete, and asphalt

• Laboratory Oven - for drying, baking, • Sieve shaker motor - operated for sieves when
conditioning and moisture determination perform sieving test

• Muffle Furnaces - designed for higher • Sample splitters - designed for the reduction of
temperature heating test samples which are too large in volume to be
conveniently handled

• Moisture Tester - for accurate moisture • Tribometer-abrasion tester - used to determine

reading on site of soil and aggregates the resistance to abrasion and wear of cement,
concrete and similar materials

• Rock classification hammer - used for rock

classification test
• Chapman Flask - for field determination of the
amount of surface moisture in the fine aggregates

• Los Angeles abrasion machine - used to

determine the resistance of aggregates by abrasion
• Sieves - for separating wanted elements from
unwanted elements or for characterizing the
particle size distributions of samples

CMT Page 3
• Micro-Deval Testing machine - used to • Dry mixer - designed to dry mix materials like powder, cement,
determine the quality of aggregates by abrasion gypsum, and granulometric

• Core Drill - remove a cylinder of materials, much • High stiffness flexural frame - designed for displacement
like a hole saw controlled testing on advanced construction materials

• Specimen grinding machine - used to grind and polish rock

and concrete specimens, natural stones, ceramic materials, etc.
• Extruder to thrust out; force or press out

• Circumferential extensometers - designed for concrete and

rock compression testing or for compression tests on other
large samples
• Portable rock shear box assembly - determine
the strength and slope stability of rock size

• Universal testing machine - to test the tensile strength of

materials

• Climatic chamber - test the effect of specified

environmental conditions

• Concrete slump test - to measure the consistency of fresh

concrete before it sets
• Rebound Hammer - use to assess the uniformity
of concrete in situ

• Atterberg limit - to measure the critical water • Plastic limit tools - to measure of the critical water content of
content of fine-grained soils fine-grained soils

CMT Page 4
 • Shrinkage limit tools - evaluates the water content • Direct shear testing machine - used to apply both normal
of a soil where further loss of moisture will not result and shear stress on the specimen
in an additional volume reduction

• Proctor soil compaction test tools - to understand • Penetrometer - is a device to test the strength of a material
compaction characteristics of different soils with
change in moisture content

• Spatula - for mixing, lifting and handling powders, • Permeability - used to determine hydraulic conductivity or
granular materials, and other solids, as well as for flow characteristics of water or other permeants through soils
stirring or mixing liquids and other wet products

• Consolidation machine - designed to measure the

• Soil hydrometer - measure suspended solids during compressibility of soils.
testing

Timber
- The wood suitable for construction of buildings or for other engineering purposes
- 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.
○ Lumber
▪ When wood is cut into pieces of specific thickness, width, and length
▪ 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.
◊ “S2S” is used for lumber dressed on two sides,
◊ “S4S” for lumber that is surfaced or planed on all four sides.
LUMBER PRODUCTS
 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)
○ Plywood
▪ 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″.
▪ plywood speeds construction and is considered an economical building material

CMT Page 5
  Interior Plywood
▪ bonded with an adhesive that is water resistant.
▪ It is used for cabinetry, rough flooring, and finished walls.
 Exterior or structural plywood
▪ bonded with a waterproof adhesive.
▪ It is used for wall sheathing, finished walls, roof sheathing, and concrete forms.

❖ 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.
- made of kiln-dried lumber and prepared for interior and exterior use.
- usually prefinished at the factory and to the job with protective wrapping
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.,
PROPERTIES
Color – It should be uniform. Light color indicates weak timber. ( best choice is dark color )
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
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.

SAND
- 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
USES AND IMPORTANCE
- often providing bulk, strength and stability to other materials such as asphalt, concrete, mortar, render, cement, and screed.
- 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
- can also be used in its raw form as a decorative material in landscaping.
- Sand is used in liquid form to manufacture glass, and is also used for moulding metal casting
- Sandpaper is also made using sand.

CMT Page 6
TYPES OF SAND
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.
SOURCES OF SAND
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.
Pit Sand
○ This is obtained from old stream beds, where it is sharp and generally coarse
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.
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.

GRAVEL
- 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 meter of gravel typically weighs about 1,800 kg (or a cubic yard weighs about 3,000 pounds).
USES AND IMPORTANCE
- used for the manufacture of concrete, as well as for mixing with asphalt as part of road construction
- can be used as the base layer for roads before being covered with tarmac,
- commonly used to surface roadways, especially those in rural areas and in icy conditions.
- 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.
- 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.
- commonly used for landscaping applications, such as on driveways, walkways, or as a decorative filler over soil instead of
grass

CMT Page 7
PROPERTIES
• 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 in case of reinforced concrete
REINFRORCING BARS (REBARS)
- Rebar, also known as reinforcement steel and reinforcing steel,
- 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
USES AND IMPORTANCE
○ Primary reinforcement: Used to provide resistance to support design loads.
○ Secondary reinforcement: Used for durability and aesthetic purposes by providing localized 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.
○ 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
PROPERTIES OF REBARS
○ Tensile Strength
○ The ultimate strength of the bar is at least 10-15% more than the yield strength of the bar.
○ Bond Strength
○ 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.
○ Ductility
○ Weldability
○ Corrosion Resistance
○ Fire Resistance
TYPES OF REBARS
• Mild Steel Bars
- plain and round in shape
- available in various sizes of 6 mm to 50 mm
- 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.
- easy to cut and bend without damage.
• 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.
▪ Thermo Mechanically Treated Bars
□ are hot treated bars that are high in strength used in reinforced cement concrete (RCC) work.
□ It is the latest induction in the MS steel bars with superior properties such as strength, ductility, welding
ability, bending ability and highest quality standards at international level.
▪ High Strength Deformed Bars
□ cold twisted steel bars with lugs, ribs, projection or deformation on the surface.
□ It the extensively and majorly used for reinforcement purposes in a construction.
□ These bars are produced in sizes or sections from 4 mm to 50 mm in diameter.
• Other Types of Rebars
○ European rebar
▪ made of manganese, which makes them bend easily.
▪ 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

CMT Page 8
Other Types of Rebars
○ Carbon Steel Rebar
▪ 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
○ Epoxy-Coated Rebar
▪ 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.
○ Galvanized rebar
▪ 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.
○ Glass-Fiber-Reinforced-Polymer
▪ made up of carbon fiber.
▪ bending is not allowed.
▪ It is very resistant to corrosion and is costly when compared to other rebars.
○ Stainless steel rebar
▪ 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;
▪ it can be bent in the field
REBARS MARKING

CONCRETE
- the oldest building materials, having been used by the Romans as early as 100. BC
- 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 shape of the formwork provided.
- Hardening of concrete is caused by a chemical reaction between the cement and water called hydration.
USES AND IMPORTANCE
• 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.

CMT Page 9
PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE
Durability
- 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
- It increases when the concrete mixture is lean and too wet.
- It also increases when rather large and rough-textured aggregate is used.
Bleeding
- The tendency of water to rise to the surface of freshly laid concrete
- 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.
- 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.

ITEMS THAT ARE USUALLY STANDARDIZED IN A TEST ARE:

○ Obtaining test specimens and number of specimens
○ Size and shape of the specimen
○ Preparation of specimens for testing
○ Temperature & moisture during preparation & testing
○ Type of machinery
○ Rate of loading
○ Interpretation of test results
○ Writing a report

CMT Page 10
 otal uantity
Minimum quantity
minimum testing re uired
MATERIALS MINIMUM TESTING REQUIREMENTS MINIMUM QUANTITY/VOLUME OF MATERIALS
FOR EACH SAMPLE SUBMITTED
Cement 1 sample per 2000 bags 10 kg
Asphaltic Material 1 sample per 40T or 200 drums 5L
Asphaltic Mix 1 sample per 130T 20kg
Aggregates 1 sample per 1500 m3
Coarse Aggregates 70 kg
Fine Aggregates 50 kg
Soil Aggregates 1 sample per 500 m3
Classification 20 kg
Routinary tests 50 kg
MDR test and CBR 50 kg
Non - Reinforced Concrete Pipes 2 pipes min. / 0.5% of no. of pipes 2 pipes
Reinforced Concrete Pipes 1 sample per 50 pipes or 2% of # of 1 pipe ( 1 m length)
pipes
Steel pipe ( galvanized ) 1 sample per 10,000 units 2 pcs of 100 mm long taken from both ends
w/ thread
Concrete hollow blocks (CHB) 1 sample per 10,000 units
Strength 3 units
moisture content 3 units
Steel bar 1 sample per 10T 1m
Steel Sheet ( galvanized ) 1 sample per 100 sheets 3 pcs 60mm x 60mm
Wire Strand 1 sample per 20T 2m
Gabion 1m x 2m
Paints 1 sample per 100 cans 1 - 4L can
Concrete cylinder 1 sample per 75 m3 1 set ( 3 cylinders)
Concrete beam 1 sample per 75 m3 or 1 day pouring 1 set ( 3 beams)
Joint - filler ( pre - molded ) 1 - 400mm x 400mm
Curing compound 1L
Concrete Core 5 holes for every km/lane
Asphalt core 1 core for every 100m

CLASS OF Minimum Maximum Consistency Designated Minimum

CONCRETE cement water – range in slump size of coarse compressive
content per cement ratio aggregate strength of 150mm
cu. M x 300mm concrete
square cylinder @ 28 days
kg (bags) kg/kg mm (inch) opening – std. MN/m2 (psi)
mm
A 360 (9) 0.53 50-100(2-4) 37.5 - 4.75 (1 20.7 (3000)
1/2 - No. 4)
B 320 (8.5) 0.58 50-100 (2-4) 50.0 -4.75 (2- 16.5 (2400)
No. 4)
C 380 (9.5) 0.55 550-100 (2-4) 125 -4.75 20.7 (3000)
(1/2 - No. 4)
P 440 (11) 0.49 100 MAX (4 max) 19.0 - 4.75 37.7 (5000)
(3/4 - No.4)
Seal 380 (9.5) 0.58 100 - 200 (4 - 8) 25.0 -4.75 20.7 (3000)
(1 - No. 4)

CMT Page 11
Deficiency in strength of concrete pavement Percent (%) Percent (%) of contact price allowed
Less than 5 100
5 to less than 10 80
10 to less than 15 70
15 to less than 20 60
20 to less than 25 50
25 or more 0

Deficiency in the average thickness per lot (mm) Percent (%) of contract price per lot
0-5 100
6 - 10 95
11 - 15 85
16 - 20 70
21 - 25 50
More than 25 Removed and replaced ( no payment)

Kind of Material Type of Test Test duration per sample (min. # of days)
Cement Physical and chemical 8
Course Aggregate Grading 3
Specific Gravity 3
Absorption 3
Abrasion 1
Unit Weight 1
Fine Aggregate Grading 3
Specific Gravity 3
Absorption 3
Unit Weight 1
Soil Aggregates mixtures Grading 3
(subbase, base and
surfaces courses
Liquid Limit 3
Plastic Limit 3
Compaction 3
CBR 7
Abrasion 1
Asphalt Physical 4
Paint Physical and Chemical 4
Concrete cylinder Compressive 1
Concrete beam Flexural 1
Concrete core Cutting of sample 1

CMT Page 12
 SCOPE OF WORK MINIMUM MINIMUM % OF DESIGN
TIME STRENGTH
Centering under grinders, beams, 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%

S GRADE 40 GRADE 60
Tension 24 times bar diameter 36 times bar diameter
Compression 20 times bar diameter 24 time bar diameter

ASTM C-192
- Standard practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Laboratory
ASTM C-31
- Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the field

SCOPE
1. This practice covers procedures for making and curing test specimens of concrete in the laboratory under accurate control of
materials and test conditions using concrete that can be consolidated by rodding or vibration
2. The values stated in either inch/pound units or SI units shall be regarded separately as standard . The values stated in each
system are not exact equivalents ; therefore, each system shall be used independently of each other . Combining values from
the two systems may result in nonconformance.
SIGNIFANCE AND USE
• This practice provides standardized requirements for preparation of materials, mixing concrete, and making and curing
concrete test specimens under laboratory conditions.
• If specimen preparation is controlled as stipulated herein, the specimens may be used to develop information for the following
purposes:
○ Mixture proportioning for project concrete ○ Correlation with nondestructive tests

○ Providing specimens for research purposes

○ Evaluation of different mixtures and materials,

CMT Page 13
APPARATUS
MOLDS  Molds for specimens or fastenings thereto in contact with the concrete shall be made of
steel, cast iron, or other nonabsorbent material, nonreactive with concrete containing
portland or other hydraulic cements.
 Molds shall conform to the dimensions and tolerances specified in the method for which the
specimens are required.
 Molds shall hold their dimensions and shape under all conditions of use. Watertightness of molds
during use shall be judged by their ability to hold water poured into them

TAMPING RODS  Two sizes are specified in ASTM methods. Each shall be a round, straight steel rod with
at least the tamping end rounded to a hemispherical tip of the same diameter as the rod.
Both ends may be rounded, if preferred

MALLETS  A mallet with a rubber or rawhide head weighing 1.25 ± 0.50 lb [0.6 ± 0.20 kg] shall be
used.

INTERNAL VIBRATOR  Internal Vibrators

○ The vibrator frequency shall be at least 7000 vibrations per minute [115 Hz] while
the vibrator is operating in the concrete. The diameter of a round vibrator shall be
no more than one fourth the diameter of the cylinder mold or one fourth the width
of the beam or prism mold

EXTERNAL VIBRATOR  External Vibrators

○ The two types of external vibrators permitted are either table or plank. The
external vibrator frequency shall be 3600 vibrations per minute [60 Hz] or higher.

SMALL TOOLS  Tools and items such as shovels, pails, trowels, wood float, blunted trowels, straightedge,
feeler gage, scoops, rulers, rubber gloves, and metal mixing bowls shall be provided

SLUMP APPARATUS

SAMPLING AND MIXING PAN  The pan shall be flat bottom and of heavy-gage metal, watertight, of convenient depth, and of
sufficient capacity to allow easy mixing by shovel or trowel of the entire batch; or, if mixing is by
machine, to receive the entire batch on discharge of the mixer and allow remixing in the pan by
trowel or shovel.

WET-SIEVING EUIPMENT  If wet-sieving is required, the equipment shall conform to the requirements of Practice C 172

AIR CONTENT APPARATUS  The apparatus for measuring air content shall conform to the requirements of either Test
Methods C 231 or C 173

CMT Page 14
APPARATUS
SCALES  Scales for determining the mass of batches of materials and concrete shall be accurate within 0.3 % of
the test load at any point within the range of use

TEMPERATURE  The temperature measuring device shall conform to the requirements of Test Method C 1064
MEASURING DEVICE
•

CONCRETE MIXER  A power-driven concrete mixer shall be a revolving drum, tilting mixer, or suitable revolving pan or
revolving paddle mixer capable of thoroughly mixing batches of the prescribed sizes at the required
slump.

PREPARATION OF MATERIALS
• Temperature
○ bring the concrete materials to room temperature in the range from 68 to 86 ° F [20 to 30 °C] , except when the
temperature of the concrete is stipulated .
○ When a concrete temperature is stipulated, the method proposed to obtain the concrete temperature needs approval
of the stipulator
• Cement
○ Store the cement in a dry place, in moisture proof containers, preferably made of metal .
○ It shall be passed through a 850 - μ m [No . 200 ] or finer sieve to remove all lumps, remixed on a plastic sheet, and
returned to sample by: containers
• Aggregates
○ Determine the specific gravity and absorption of aggregates in accordance with either Test Methods C 127 or C 128.
○ The moisture content of the aggregates may be determined in accordance with Test Methods C 70 and C 566.
○ Surface moisture in fine aggregate may be determined in accordance with Test Methods C 70 and C 566, making
due allowance for the amount of water absorbed.
○ Aggregates, fine or coarse, may be brought to and maintained in a saturated surface-dry condition until batched for use.
This method is used primarily to prepare material for batches not exceeding 1⁄4 ft3 [0.007 m3 ] in volume. Care must be
taken to prevent drying during weighing and use
• Lightweight Aggregates
○ Lightweight aggregates, air - cooled slag, and certain highly porous or vesicular natural aggregate may be so absorptive
as to be difficult to treat as described .
○ The moisture content of lightweight aggregate at the time of mixing may have important effects on properties of
freshly mixed and hardened concretes such as slump loss, compressive strength, and resistance to freezing and
thawing .
• Admixtures
○ Powdered admixtures that are entirely or largely insoluble, that do not contain hygroscopic salts and are to be added in
small quantities, should be mixed with a portion of the cement before introduction into the batch in the mixer so as to
ensure thorough distribution throughout the concrete .
○ Essentially insoluble materials which are used in amounts exceeding 10 % by mass of cement , such as pozzolans, should
be handled and added to the batch in the same manner as cement .
○ Powdered admixtures which are largely insoluble but contain hygroscopic salts may cause balling of cement and should
be mixed with the sand .
○ Water -soluble and liquid admixtures should be added to the mixer in solution in the mixing water.
○ The quantity of such solution used shall be included in the calculation of the water content of the concrete .

CMT Page 15
PROCEDURE
1. Mixing Concrete
a. Machine Mixing
i. Add course aggregates, water and admixtures
ii. Start the mixer, add fine aggregate, cement, water, while the mixer is running
1) If dili possible nga mag add ug materials, pwede ra I stop and mixer dayon ayha pa pud I add ag coarse agg.
water
iii. Mix for 3 mins then rest for 3 min then after 3 min., mix it again for 2 mins
1) Kaning sa 3 mins rest, cover the opening of the mixer to prevent evaporation
iv. Iyabo apil ang mga nabilin nga mortar kay para di madisturbed ang proportion
v. deposit machine-mixed concrete in the clean, damp mixing pan and remix by shovel or trowel until it appears to
be uniform, kay there is a possibility of segregation
b. Hand Mixing
i. In a metal pan/bowl, mix the cement, powdered insoluble admixture, if used, and fine aggregate , then mix it
ii. Add the coarse aggregate and mix the entire batch without addition of water until the coarse aggregate is
uniformly distributed
iii. If ma prolong ang mixing of the mixture tungod kay sigeg add of water sa pag mix, you have to discard and and
make new batch
2. Testing
a. Slump
i. Measure using test method C 143/C 143 immediately after mixing
b. Air Content
i. I discard daan
ii. Test method C 173 or C 231
c. Yield
i. Test method c 138
ii. Concrete used in slump and yield may be used returned to mixing pan and remixed
d. Temperature
i. Test method C 1064
3. Making Specimen
a. Place of Molding
i. Place it where I-store nimo and concrete for 24 hrs, and where there are not disturbance
b. Placing
i. Place the concrete in the mold using scoop, blunted trowel or shovel
ii. Further distribute the concrete using tamping rod
iii. For the final layer, punon sya dayon use taping rod for 25 times then tanggalon tung sobra by flattening the
concrete above
iv. Number of layers

CONSOLIDATION
a. Rodding
a. After placing the concrete in the mold, rod each layer uniformly 25 times taman sa end of each layer, then tap it 15
times using mallet
b. Vibration
i. Maintain a uniform duration of vibration for the particular kind of concrete, vibrator, and specimen mold involved
ii. Continue vibration only long enough to achieve proper consolidation of the concrete.

CMT Page 16
 a. Internal Vibration
- In compacting the specimen insert the vibrator slowly and do not allow the vibrator to rest on or touch the
bottom or sides of the mold or strike embedded items such as strain meters. Slowly withdraw the vibrator so that
no large air pockets are left in the specimen.
i. Cylinder
1) After vibrated tap it 10 times using mallet

ii. Beams, prism and Horizontal Creep Cylinder

1) Insert the vibrator at intervals not exceeding 6 in. [150 mm] along the center line of the long dimension of
the specimen, or along both sides but not in contact with the strain gage in the case of creep cylinders. For
specimens wider than 6 in. [150mm], use alternating insertions along two lines. Allow the shaft of the
vibrator to penetrate into the bottom layer approximately 1 in. [25 mm]. After each layer is vibrated, tap the
outsides of the mold sharply at least 10 times with the mallet to close holes left by vibrating and to release
entrapped air voids
b. External Vibration
i. Take care to ensure that the mold is rigidly attached to or securely held against the vibrating element or vibrating
c. Finishing
a. Cylinder
i. After consolidation finish the top surfaces by striking them off with the tamping rod where the consistency of the
concrete permits, or with a wood float or trowel.
b. Horizontally Cast Creep Cylinder
i. After consolidation strike off the specimen with a trowel or float, then trowel the minimum amount required to
form the concrete in the opening concentrically with the rest of the specimen. Use a screed curved to the radius
of the specimen to more precisely shape and finish the concrete in the opening
CURING
a. Initial Curing
To prevent evaporation of water from unhardened concrete, cover the specimens immediately after finishing, preferably with
a non absorptive, nonreactive plate or a sheet of tough, durable impervious plastic.
b. Removal from Molds
Remove the specimens from the molds 24 ± 8 h after casting. For concrete with prolonged setting time, molds shall not be
removed until 20 ± 4 h after final set. If needed, determine the setting times in accordance with Test Method C 403/C 403M
c. Curing Environment
Unless otherwise specified all specimens shall be moist cured at 73.5 ± 3.5 °F [23.0 + 2.0 °C] from the time of molding until
the moment of test. Storage during the first 48 h of curing shall be in a vibration-free environment. As applied to the
treatment of demolded specimens, moist curing means that the test specimens shall have free water maintained on the entire
surface area at all times This condition is met by using water storage tanks or a moist room in accordance with the
requirements of Specification C 511. Cure structural lightweight concrete cylinders in accordance with Specification C 330.
d. Flexural Strength Test Specimens
Cure the flexural strength test specimens in accordance with Initial Curing and Removal from Molds except that while in
storage for a minimum period of 20 h immediately prior to testing they shall be immersed in water saturated with calcium
hydroxide at 73 + 3 °F [23 ± 2 °C]. At the end of the curing period, between the time the specimen is removed from curing
until testing is completed, drying of the surfaces shall be prevented.

SCOPE
1. This practice covers procedures for making and curing cylinder and beam specimens from representative samples of fresh
concrete for a construction project.

CMT Page 17
 2. The concrete used to make the molded specimens shall be sampled after all on-site adjustments have been made to the
mixture proportions, including the addition of mix water and admixtures. This practice is not satisfactory for making specimens
from concrete not having measurable slump or requiring other sizes or shapes of specimens.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
• This practice provides standardized requirements for making, curing, protecting, and transporting concrete test specimens
under field conditions.
• If the specimens are made and standard cured, as stipulated herein, the resulting strength test data when the specimens are
tested are able to be used for the following purposes:

○ Acceptance testing for specified strength,

○ Checking adequacy of mixture proportions for strength,
○ Quality control.
○ Determination of whether a structure is capable of being put in service,
○ Comparison with test results of standard cured specimens or with test results from various in place test methods,
○ Adequacy of curing and protection of concrete in the structure, or
○ Form or shoring removal time requirements.
APPARATUS
MOLDS
TAMPING RODS The length of the tamping rod shall be at least 100 mm [4 in.] greater
than the depth of the mold in which rodding is being performed, but
not greater than 600 mm [24 in.] in overall length

INTERNAL VIBRATOR Frequency = at least 150 Hz [9000 per min.]bwhile the vibrator is
operating
The diameter of a round vibrator shall be no more than one-fourth
the diameter of the cylinder mold or one-fourth the width of the
beam mold. The combined length of the vibrator shaft and vibrating
element shall exceed the depth of the section being vibrated by at
least 75 mm [3 in.].
MALLETS weighing 0.6± 0.2 kg [1.25 ± 0.50 lb]
PLACEMENT TOOLS For placing concrete in a cylinder mold, the acceptable tool is a
- Shovel scoop. For placing concrete in a beam mold, either a shovel or
- Scoop scoop is permitted.

FINISHING TOOLS a handheld float or a trowel

SLUMP APPARATUS
SAMPLING RECEPTABLE The receptacle shall be a suit- able heavy gauge metal pan,
wheelbarrow, or flat, clean nonabsorbent board of sufficient capacity
to allow easy remixing of the entire sample with a shovel or trowel
AIR CONTENT APPARATUS Test method C 173/ C 173M or C 231/ C231M
TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE Test Method C 1064/ C1064M
TESTING REQUIREMENTS
• Cylindrical Specimens
○ The number and size of cylinders cast shall be as directed by the specifier of the tests. In addition, the length shall be
twice the diameter and the cylinder diameter shall be at least 3 times the nominal maximum size of the coarse
aggregate. When the nominal maximum size of the coarse aggregate exceeds 50 mm [2 in.], the concrete sample shall
be treated by wet sieving through a 50-mm [2-in.] sieve as described in Practice C172/C172M. For acceptance testing
for specified compressive strength, cylinders shall be 150 by 300 mm [6 by 12 in.] or 100 by 200 mm [4 by 8 in.]

CMT Page 18
• Beam Specimens
○ Flexural strength specimens shall be beams of concrete cast and hardened in the horizontal position. The length shall be at
least 50 mm [2 in.] greater than three times the depth as tested. The ratio of width to depth as molded shall not exceed 1.5.

○ When the nominal maximum size of the coarse aggregate exceeds 50 mm [2 in.], the concrete sample shall be
treated by wet sieving through a 50-mm [2-in.] sieve as described in Practice C172/C172M.
○ The specifier of tests shall specify the specimen size and the number of specimens to be tested to obtain an average
test result. The same specimen size shall be used when comparing results and for mixture qualification and acceptance
testing.
• Field Technicians
○ The field technicians making and curing specimens for acceptance testing shall meet the person- nel qualification
requirements of Practice C1077.
MOLDING SPECIMENS / PROCEDURE
a) Place of Molding
Mold specimens promptly on a level, rigid surface, free of vibration and other disturbances, at A a place as near as practicable
to the location where they are to be stored.
b) Casting Cylinders
Select the proper tamping rod from Table 1 or the proper vibrator. Determine the method of consolidation from Table 3,
unless another method is specified. If the method of consolidation is rodding, determine molding requirements from Table 4. If
the method of consolidation is vibration, determine molding requirements from Table 5. Select a scoop of the size described
in 5.7. While placing the concrete in the mold, move the scoop around the perimeter of the mold opening to ensure an even
distribution of the concrete with minimal segregation. Each layer of concrete shall be consolidated as required. In placing the
final layer, add an amount of concrete that will fill the mold after consolidation.

c. Casting Beams
Determine the number of roddings per layer, one for each
14 cm2 [2 in.2] of the top surface area of the beam. Using the
scoop or shovel, place the concrete in the mold to the height
required for each layer. Place the concrete so that it is uniformly
distributed within each layer with minimal segregation. Each layer
shall be consolidated as required. In placing the final layer, add an
amount of concrete that will fill the mold after consolidation

d. Consolidation
The methods of consolidation for this practice are
rodding or internal vibration

CMT Page 19
PROCEDURE
e. Rodding
Place the concrete in the mold in the required number of layers of approximately equal volume. Rod each layer uniformly over
the cross section with the rounded end of the rod using the required number of strokes. Rod the bottom layer throughout its
depth. In rodding this layer, use care not to damage the bottom of the mold. For each upper layer, allow the rod to penetrate
through the layer being rodded and into the layer below approximately 25 mm [1 in.]. After each layer is rodded, tap the
outsides of the mold lightly 10 to 15 times with the mallet to close any holes left by rodding and to release any large air bubbles
that may have been trapped. Use an open hand to tap cylinder molds that are susceptible to denting or other permanent
distortion if tapped with a mallet. After tapping, spade each layer of the concrete along the sides and ends of beam molds
with a trowel or other suitable tool. Underfilled molds shall be adjusted with representative concrete during consolidation o f the
top layer. Overfilled molds shall have excess concrete removed
f. Vibration
• The duration of vibration required will depend upon the workability of the concrete and the effectiveness of the vibrator.
• Continue vibration only long enough to achieve proper consolidation of the concrete (see Note 6)
• Fill the molds and vibrate in the required number of approximately equal layers.
• Place all the concrete for each layer in the mold before starting vibration of that layer.
• In compacting the specimen, insert the vibrator slowly and do not allow it to rest on the bottom or sides of the mold.
• Slowly withdraw the vibrator so that no large air pockets are left in the specimen.
• When placing the final layer, avoid overfilling by more than 6 mm [1⁄4 in.].
 Cylinder
▪ the number of insertions of the vibrator per layer is given in Table 5. When more than one insertion per layer is
required distribute the insertion uniformly within each layer. Allow the vibrator to penetrate through the layer
being vibrated, and into the layer below, about 25 mm [1 in.]. After each layer is vibrated, tap the outsides of the
mold at least 10 times with the mallet. Use an open hand to tap molds that are susceptible to denting or other
permanent distortion if tapped with a mallet.
 Beams
▪ insert the vibrator at intervals not exceeding 150 mm [6 in.] along the center line of the long dimension of the
specimen. For specimens wider than 150 mm [6 in.], use alternating insertions along two lines. Allow the shaft of
the vibrator to penetrate into the bottom layer about 25 mm [1 in.]. After each layer is vibrated, tap the outsides
of the mold sharply at least 10 times with the mallet to close holes left by vibrating and to release entrapped air
voids.
g. Finishing
Perform all finishing with the minimum manipulation necessary to produce a flat even surface that is level with the rim or ed ge
of the mold and that has no depressions or projections larger than G 3.3 mm [1⁄8 in.].
a. Cylinder
After consolidation, finish the top surfaces by striking them off with the tamping rod where the consistency of the
concrete permits or with a handheld float or trowel. If desired, cap the top surface of freshly made cylinders with a thin
layer of stiff portland cement paste which is permitted to harden and cure with the specimen. See section on Capping
Materials of Practice C617/C617M
b. Beams
After consolidation of the concrete, use a handheld float or trowel to strike off the top surface to the required
tolerance to produce a flat, even surface
h. Identification
Mark the specimens to positively identify them and the concrete they represent. Use a method that will not alter the top
surface of the concrete. Do not mark the removable caps. Upon H removal of the molds, mark the test specimens to retain
their identities.
CURING
Storage
• The supporting surface on which specimens are stored shall be level to within 20 mm/m [1⁄4 in./ft].
• If wala na mold sa location nga oag curingan, ibalin ang mold sa location within 15 min
Initial Curing
• Store the specimen for 48 h
• For concrete mixtures with a specified strength less than 40 MPa [6000 psi], maintain the initial curing temperature
between 16 and 27°C [60 and 80°F].
• For concrete mixtures with a specified strength of 40 MPa [6000 psi] or greater, maintain the initial curing temperature
between 20 and 26°C [68 and 78°F].
• Shield specimens from direct exposure to sunlight and, if used, radiant heating devices. Record the minimum temperature and
maximum temperatures achieved for each set of specimens during the initial curing period.

CMT Page 20
CURING
• A satisfactory temperature environment can be created during the initial curing of the specimens by one or more of the
following procedures:
○ (1) use of ventilation;
○ (2) use of ice;
○ (3) use of cooling devices; or
○ (4) use of heating devices such as electrical resistance heaters or light bulbs.
○ Other suitable methods may be used provided the temperature requirements are met
• Early-age strength test results may be lower if specimens are stored at temperatures lower than the specified range. At later
ages, strength test results may be lower if specimens are exposed to initial curing temperatures higher than the specified
range.
• A satisfactory moisture environment can be created during the initial curing of the specimens by one or more of the
following procedures:
○ (1) immerse molded specimens with plastic lids in water;
○ (2) store specimens in a container or enclosure;
○ (3) place specimens in damp sand pits;
○ (4) cover specimens with plastic lids;
○ (5) place specimens inside plastic bags; or
○ (6) cover specimens with wet fabric.
• Immersion in water may be the easiest method to maintain required moisture and temperature conditions during initial curing.
Final Curing
• Cylinders
○ Upon completion of initial curing and within 30 min after removing the molds, cure specimens with free water
maintained on their surfaces at all times at a temperature of 23.0 ± 2.0°C [73.5 ± 3.5°F] using water storage tanks or
moist rooms complying with the requirements of Specification C511, except when capping with sulfur mortar capping
compound and immediately prior to testing. When capping with sulfur mortar capping compound, the ends of the
cylinder shall be dry enough to preclude the formation of steam or foam pockets under or in cap larger than 6 mm [1⁄
4 in.] as described in Practice C617/C617M. For a period not to exceed 3 h immediately prior to test, standard curing
temperature is not required provided free moisture is maintained on the cylinders and ambient temperature is
between 20 and 30°C [68 and 86°F ].
• Beams
○ Beams are to be cured the same as cylinders (see 10.1.3.1) except that they shall be stored in water saturated with
calcium hydroxide at 23.0 ± 2.0°C [73.5 ± 3.5°F] at least 20 h prior to testing. Drying of the surfaces of the beam
shall be prevented between removal from water storage and completion of testing
Field Curing
• Cylinders
○ Store near to the point of the deposit
○ Provide the cylinders with the same temperature and moisture environment as the structural work. Test the
specimens in the moisture condition resulting from the specified curing treatment.
○ specimens made for the purpose of determining when a structure is capable of being put in service shall be removed
from the molds at the time of removal of form work
• Beams
○ cure beams in the same manner as the concrete in the structure
○ At the end of 48 ± 4 h after molding, take the molded specimens to the storage location and remove from the molds.
○ At the end of the curing period leave the specimens in place exposed to the weather in the same manner as the
structure. Remove all beam specimens from field storage and store in water saturated with calcium hydroxide at 23.0 ±
2.0°C [73.5 ± 3.5°F] for 24 ± 4 h immediately before time of testing to ensure uniform moisture condition from
specimen to specimen
TRANSPORATION OF SPECIMENS TO LABORATORY
Specimens shall not be transported until at least 8 h after final set (Test Method C403/ C403M). During transporting, protect
the specimens with suitable cushioning material to prevent damage from jarring. During cold weather, protect the specimens
from freezing with suitable insulation material. Prevent moisture loss during transportation by wrapping the specimens in
plastic, wet burlap, by surrounding them with wet sand, or tight fitting plastic caps on plastic molds. Transportation time shall
not exceed 4 h.

CMT Page 21
 - Cement has many important properties which are gained by adding required amount of water to start the reaction between
them. When water is mixed with cement, the paste is formed and it remains in the plastic state for a first few minute. During
these first few minutes, the paste can be molded in any required shape due to its plasticity.
- However, within this specific time, reaction continues between cement and water. During this reaction, paste loses its
plasticity and gets hardened. Afterwards, molding the hardened paste in the desired shape is difficult. The early time of the
hardening of cement paste is known as “Setting time of Cement
Setting Time of cement paste
- interval during which the cement paste losses its plasticity after adding water in cement
- specified time required for concrete or mortar to change from liquid state to plastic state and plastic state to solid state so
that the surface becomes sufficiently rigid to withstand a definite amount of pressure.
- It is necessary to place and consolidate the concrete or the mortar before initial setting to start and do not disturb till the
final setting of mortar or concrete has taken place.
• Initial setting time
○ time elapsed between the moments that the water is added to the cement to the time that the paste starts losing its
plasticity and the hardening of the cement starts.
○ It is the time within which the cement can be molded in any desired shape without losing its strength
• Final setting time
○ the moment when water is added to the cement and the time when the paste has completely lost its plasticity and
has attained the sufficient firmness to resist certain and definite pressure.
○ This is the time taken for the cement paste to becomes hard and attain the shape of the mold in which it is cast.
STANDARD REFERENCE:
ASTM C191 : Standard Test Method for Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Vicat Needle
APPARATUS
Vicat Apparatus with th needle end, 1mm in diameter
Weights and Weighing device
Glass Graduates ( 200 or 250 ml) capacity
Trowel and cntainers

PROCEDURE
1. Weigh 400g cement
2. Prepare amount of water as to that calculated in normal consistency test
3. Prepare a cement paste. Place in Vicat conical ring. Don’t forget to record the time since the cement is added to the water
4. Allow the time of setting specimen to remain in the moist cabinet for 30 min after molding without being disturbed.
Determine the penetration of the 1mm needle at this time and every 15 min until a penetration of 25mm or less is obtained.
5. To read the penetration, lower the needle of Vicat Apparatus until it touches the surface of the cement paste. Tighten the crew
and take an initial reading. Release the set screw and allow the needle to settle for 30 sec, and then take reading to determine
the penetration
6. Note that no penetration shall be made closer than 6 mm from any previous penetration and no penetration shall be made
closer than 9.5mm from the inside of the mold. Record the results of all penetration, then by drawing a curve determine the
time when a penetration of 25mm is obtained. This is the initial setting time.
7. The final setting time is when the needle dose not sinks visible into the paste.
8. Draw a graph for (Penetration-time). Show the time which gives penetration 25mm this will be the initial setting time.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY:
• The temperature of the air in the vicinity of the mixing slab, the dry cement, molds, and base plates shall be maintained
between 20 and 27.5 °C (68 and 81.5 °F).
• The temperature of the mixing water shall not vary from 23.0 °C (73.5 °F) by more than 62.0 °C (3.5 °F).
• The relative humidity of the laboratory shall be not less than 50 %.
PRECAUTION:
• Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged
exposure. The use of gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection is recommended.
• Wash contact area with copious amounts of water after contact. Wash eyes for a minimum of 15 min.
• Avoid exposure of the body to clothing saturated with the liquid phase of the unhardened material. Remove contaminated
clothing immediately after exposure
• The apparatus should be free from vibrations during all the test.

CMT Page 22