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M.

Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

EXPERIMENT NO. ...................................................................................................................... 2


LAYOUT OF CONCERTE TECHNOLOGY LAB ..................................................................... 2
EXPERIMENT NO. 2 ................................................................................................................. 17
INRODUCTION TO CIVIL ENIGNEERING MATERIALS. ................................................... 22
EXPERIMENT NO. 3 ................................................................................................................ 24
DETERMINATION OF DIMENSIONS OF BRICKS. ............................................................. 25
EXPERIMENT NO. 4………………………..…………………………………………………11
DETERMINATION OF WATER ABSORPTION OF BRICKS. ............................................. 20
EXPERIMENT NO. 5 ............................................................................................................... 14
DETERMINATION OF EFFLORESCENCE OF BRICKS. ..................................................... 22
EXPERIMENT NO. 6 ............................................................................................................... 18
DETERMINATION OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF BRICKS. ................................... 24
EXPERIMENT NO. 7 ............................................................................................................... 29
DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF FINE AGGREGATE. ............................ 27
EXPERIMENT NO. 8………………………………………….………………………………33
DETRMINATION OF FINENESS MODULUS OF THE COARSE AGGREGATE. ............ 30
EXPERIMENT NO. 9 ............................................................................................................... 40
DETRMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND ABSORPTION OF FINE
AGGREGATE. ............. 33
EXPERIMENT NO. 10 ............................................................................................................ 45
DETERMINE THE RELATIVE DENSITY [SPECIFIC GRAVITY] AND ABSORPTION FOR
COARSE
AGGREGATE. .......................................................................................................................... 36
EXPERIMENT NO. 11 ............................................................................................................. 49
DETERMINE THE FINENESS OF HYDRAULIC CEMENT. .............................................. 38
EXPERIMENT NO. 12 ............................................................................................................. 53
DETRMINE THE WATER SOLUBILITY OF WATER. ........................................................ 54

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M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

EXPERIMENT NO. 13 ............................................................................................................. 49


DETERMINE THE MOISTURE CONTENT OF WOOD. ...................................................... 42

EXPERIMENT NO. 14 ............................................................................................................ 52


DETERMIENTHE SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF WOOD. ........................................................ 44

Figure 1:- sieve sets ......................................................................................................... 4 Figure


2:- weighing balance ....................................................................................................... 4 Figure
3:- capping apparatus ....................................................................................................... 5 Figure
4:- Vicat apparatus .......................................................................................................... 5 Figure
5:- Pycnometer ................................................................................................................. 5 Figure
6:- Flakness and elogation guages ................................................................................... 6 Figure
7:- Aggregate crushing value apparatus .......................................................................... 6 Figure
8:- Slump cone apparatus ................................................................................................ 7 Figure
9:- Beam load apparatus .................................................................................................. 7 Figure
10:- Vibrating machine.................................................................................................... 7 Figure
11:- Sargodha crush ........................................................................................................ 8 Figure
12:- Margalla crush ........................................................................................................ 8 Figure
13:- Cement ..................................................................................................................... 9 Figure
14:- Chenab sand ............................................................................................................ 9 Figure
15:- Lawerence pur sand ................................................................................................. 9 Figure
16:- Ravi sand ................................................................................................................. 10 Figure
17:- Compression testing machine .................................................................................. 10 Figure
18:- Aggregate impact value apparatus .......................................................................... 11 Figure
19:- Specific gravity apparatus ....................................................................................... 11 Figure
20:- Sieve shaker ............................................................................................................ 12 Figure
21:- Cylinders moulds..................................................................................................... 12 Figure
22:- Compaction factor Apparatus................................................................................... 12 Figure
23:- Rapid curing tank ..................................................................................................... 13 Figure
24:- Oven ......................................................... ............................................................... 13 Figure

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M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

APPENDIX 62
(RELEVANT ASTM STANDARDS)

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M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

EXPERIMENT NO. 1
LAYOUT OF CONCERTE TECHNOLOGY LAB

LEGENDS

SIEVE SETS
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M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

A sieve, or sifter, is a device for separating wanted elements from unwanted material or for
characterizing the particle size distribution of a sample.

Figure 1:- sieve sets


WEIGHING BALANCE
Weighing balance are devices to measure weight.

Figure 2:- weighing balance

CAPPING APPARATUS

pg. 5
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

Capping set can be used for cylindrical specimen like concrete cylinders of cores. It can
be used in laboratory or in field.

Figure 3:- capping apparatus


VICAT APPARATUS
Vicat apparatus is designed to determine the initial and final setting time of cement and mortar
paste.

Figure 4:- Vicat apparatus


PYCNOMETER
Pycnometer glass jar is used to determine the specific gravity of fine aggregate.

pg. 6
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

Figure 5:- Pycnometer


FLAKNESS AND ELOGATION GUAGES
When an aggregate particle has a thickness less than 0.6m of its mean sieve size, it is considered
flaky. The aggregate to be classified is separated into seven sieve fractions from 6.3 to 63 mm
and each fraction is examined separately. Each sieve is made from heavy gauge steel and is
coated with electrostatic paint. The dimensions of each sieve comply with the relevant
International Standard. The accuracy of the slot size is better than 0.1 mm.

.
Figure 6:- Flakness and elogation guages
AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE APPARATUS
This apparatus is used to measures resistance of an aggregate to crushing under a gradually
applied compressive load.

pg. 7
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

Figure 7:- Aggregate crushing value apparatus


SLUMP CONE TEST APPARATUS
Concrete Slump Test measures consistency and workability of fresh concrete, and indirectly, the
water / cement ratio of the concrete mix.

Figure 8:- Slump cone apparatus


BEAM LOAD APPARATUS
To determine the flexural strength by sue of concrete beam with loading at the third
points.

pg. 8
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

Figure 9:- Beam load apparatus


VIBRATING MACHINE

Figure 10:- Vibrating machine


A vibrator is a mechanical device to generate vibrations.

SARGODHA CRUSH
Sargodha crush are being extensively used in construction since 1960s and considered as
standard aggregate sources for concrete works in federal and Punjab area.

pg. 9
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

Figure 11:- Sargodha crush


MARGALLA CRUSH
Margalla crush are being extensively used in construction since 1960s and considered as
standard aggregate sources for concrete works in federal and Punjab area.

Figure 12:- Margalla crush


CEMENT
Cement in generally are adhesive and cohesive materials which are capable of bonding together
particles of solid matter into compact durable mass. For civil engineering, they are restricted to
calcareous cements containing compounds of lime as chief constituent to bind the fine and coarse
aggregate particles.
It is used as masonry work, plastering, joints, for pipes and drains. Cement used in concrete for
laying floors, roofs, construction lintels, beams, stairs, pillars/columns. It is used in

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M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

manufacturing of precast pipes, piles, fencing posts etc. Cement is used in important engineering
structures e.g. bridges, culverts, dams, tunnels, etc.

Figure 13:- Cement


CHENAB SAND
It is usually found at the bank of Chenab River. It is light brown in color. Chenab River sand is
quite pricey as compared to sand from Ravi River.

Figure 14:- Chenab sand


LAWRENCE PUR SAND
Sand from Lawrence PUR is used for all type of construction. It is grey in color.

pg. 11
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

Figure 15:- Lawerence pur sand


RAVI SAND
In Lahore the big source of sand is ‘Ravi Sand’ and commonly used. It is brown in color. It is
mixture of same sized sand particles and it has a uniform appearance.It is used in making
floors,roads and other project.

Figure 16:- Ravi sand


COMPRESSION TESTING MACHINE
Compression test machines measure characteristics such as ultimate compression strength, yield
strength, deflection and modulus

pg. 12
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

Figure 17:- Compression testing machine


AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE APPARATUS
The Aggregate Impact Value Testing Apparatus is designed to determine the Aggregate Impact
Value (AIV) of aggregates which provides a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to
sudden shock or impact.

Figure 18:- Aggregate impact value apparatus


SPECIFIC GRAVITY APPARATUS
To determine the specific gravity of Coarse Aggregates.

pg. 13
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

Figure 19:- Specific gravity apparatus


SIEVE SHAKER
This plays an important role while finding out the fineness modulus of sand. A device used to
shake a stacked column of standard sieve test trays to cause solids to sift progressively from the
top to bottom according to particle size.They are used for seperation and size determination of
particle size.

Figure 20:- Sieve shaker

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M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

CYLINDER MOULDS
Moulds are commonly used for determined the compression of concrete. MOULDS have major 2
types, cubes and cylinders.

Figure 21:- Cylinders moulds


COMPACTION FACTOR APPARATUS
The compacting factor apparatus consists of two conical hoppers each with a hinged trap with a
quick release mechanism to allow free flow of the concrete sample.

Figure 22:- Compaction factor Apparatus


RAPID CURING TANK
This tank has been designed for accelerated concrete strength curing. It comprises a fully
insulated double wall tank with cover, inside all from stainless steel, outside from steel painted
sheet with an intermediate layer of insulating mineral wool.

pg. 15
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

Figure 23:- Rapid curing tank


OVEN
Oven is used to dry something like fine and coarse aggregate and specimen of bricks.

Figure 24:- Oven

COMMENTS

pg. 16
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

EXPERIMENT NO. 2
INRODUCTION TO CIVIL ENIGNEERING MATERIALS.
OBJECTIVE

To define Civil Engineer material use in Construction


SCOPE
It is important to study the various construction materials in built environment because shelter is
the basic need of civilized society. Stones, bricks, timber and lime concrete are the traditional
materials used for the construction of houses and other buildings. The invention of cement and
concrete has prodded vided durable buildings. Steel, aluminum, glass, plastics, glazed tiles,
plaster of Paris, linoleum, paints and varnishes have improved the quality of buildings.

BRICKS
Bricks are blocks prepared by tampered clay. It can be molded in different shapes and sizes.
Usual size available in Pakistan is 8 3/4 x 4 1/4 x 23/4 to make it 9 x 4.5 x 3 with mortar. There
are four class of bricks.
First class brick.
Second class brick.
Third class brick.
Fourth class brick.

FIRST CLASS BRICKS


plain surface, sharp edges and size with tolerance in dimensions +-3%.
Uniform red or brownish colored.
High crushing strength, not less than 10.7 n/mm2

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M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

Efflorescence- NIL
Water absorption less than 15% of water according to their weight for 24 hours.
When they collide with each other perform a metallic sound.
It can be used in floorings, face work, Short Column or arches.
It is mostly used in huge structures like plazas, Hotels, offices etc.

SECOND CLASS BRICKS


Slightly uneven faces and edges with tolerance in dimensions +-8%.
Uniform colored but may be slightly over burnt.
High crushing strength, not less than 7 N/mm2.
Efflorescence- MEDIUM.
Water absorption less than 20%.
They are used for internal walls and compound walls.

THIRD CLASS BRICKS


May be distorted with blunt edges.
Over burnt or under burnt and non-uniform color.
High crushing strength, not less than 3.5N/mm2.
Efflorescence- HEAVILY SEVERE.
Water absorption less than 25%.
They are used for flooring, paving, small brick foundations and brick bat lime
concrete(B.B.L.C.)
They are used for the construction of temporary buildings.

pg. 18
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

FOURTH CLASS BRICKS


This class is also called over burnt or JAMMA bricks.
Such types of bricks are formed when some bricks are burn very close to fire in the kiln.
These are very hard.
These are very badly distorted in shape and size.
It is used for inferior structures.
Can be used as road materials.
It can be used in foundation of structure.
It is used as aggregate.

WOODS
Wood is a porous and fibrous structural tissue found in the stems and roots of trees and other
woody plants. It is an organic material, a natural composite of cellulose fibers that are strong in
tension and embedded in a matrix of lignin that resists compression. Wood is sometimes defined
as only the secondary xylem in the stems of trees, or it is defined more broadly to include the
same types of issues elsewhere such as in the roots of trees or shrubs.
There are several types of woods.
Pine.
Cedar.
Fir.
Hardwoods.
Oak.
Ash.
Beech.

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M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

Elm.
Mahogany.
Teak.
Walnut.

BITUMEN
Bitumen is a thick, black crude oil and it is a low grade of crude oil which is composed of
complex, heavy hydrocarbons. It is a black viscous mixture of hydrocarbons obtaining naturally
or as a residue from petroleum distillation. It is used for road surfacing and roofing.
The bitumen can be classified into following grades types:
Penetration grade bitumen.
Oxidized bitumen grades.
Cut back bitumen.
Bitumen emulsion.
Polymer modified bitumen.

STONES
A construction material derived from rocks in the earth’s crust and mixture of two or more
minerals. It is used in construction of residential and public buildings, dams, weirs, harbors,
bridges and abutments etc. It is used for face work of structures for appearance and ornamental
value. Stones are used in road metal and railway ballast. It is also used in aggregate for concrete.
Stones dust used as substitute for sand. Stones thin slabs used for roofing, flooring and
pavements.

Classification of stones are discussed below:


GEOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION

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M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

IGNEOUS ROCKS.
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS.
METAPHORPHIC ROCKS.
PHYSICAL CLASSIFICATION
STRAFIED ROCKS.
UN-STRAFIED ROCKS.
FOLIATED ROCKS.
CHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION
ARGILLACEOUS ROCKS.
SILLICEOUS ROCKS.
CALCAREOUS ROCKS.
PRACTICALCLASSIFICATION
GRANITES AND BASALTS.
MARBLE.
LIMESTONES, SANDTONE AND SLATE.

AGGREGATES
Construction aggregate, or simply aggregate, is a board category of coarse to medium grained
particulate material used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, recycled
concrete and geosynthetic aggregates. Aggregates are the most mined materials in the world.
There are two types of aggregates.
FINE AGGREGATE
Aggregate who retained on sieve no. 4 is called fine aggregate. Some fine aggregates are
Sand, silt, soil, stone dust and clay.
pg. 21
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

COARSE AGGREGATE
Aggregate who can pass through sieve no. 4 is called coarse aggregate. Some coarse
aggregates are gravel, stones etc.

EXPERIMENT NO. 3
DETERMINATION OF DIMENSIONS OF BRICKS

OBJECTIVE:
To estimate the amount of water or moisture present in the given quantity of soil in terms of its
dry weight by direct heating.
SCOPE
This test method covers procedure for the sampling and dimension of the bricks.

SAMPLING
Selection of Test Specimens_ Bricks should be of size standard size and shape. They should be
of good quality so that they can easily be burnt to core and its weight should be such that it can
conveniently lift up and place it with one hand. The length of brick should be twice of the width.
Common size of brick in Pakistan is 9 inch (length), 4.5 inch (width) and 2.75 inch (height).
Number of Specimens (Brick)_ For this test, at least ten individual brick shall be selected for lots
of 1 000 000 bricks. For larger lots, five additional specimens shall be selected from each
additional 500 000 bricks.
Identification_ Each specimen shall be marked so that it is identifiable at any time. Markings
shall cover not more than 5 % of the superficial area of the specimen.
APPARATUS
Ruler_ 1-ft ruler can be used for the measurements of bricks.
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M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

Dry Bricks_ The color, shape and size of the bricks should be correct according to the
conditions.
PROCEDURE
Measure the length of bricks properly. Atleast take two times so that it is confirmed. Take
readings from top, bottom, right face and left face.
Measure the width of the bricks and record the reading accurately
Measures the height of the bricks and take the readings properly.

Width of brick Height of brick Leghth of brick

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATIONS

TYPE MEASURMENTS VOLUME


OF
LENGTH WIDTH HEIGHT (inchᵌ) REMARK
BRICKS
S
(in) (in) (in)
8.87 4.37 3.04

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M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

9 4.5 3.062
1st 8.81 4.312 3.06
CLASS
BRICKS 8.893 4.394 3.054 119.34 Avg

9 4.34 3.06
2ND 8.87 4.37 3.06
CLASS
BRICKS 8.87 4.5 3
8.913 4.403 3.04 119.31 Avg
9 4.625 2.937
3RD 9 4.625 2.906
CLASS
BRICKS 8.875 4.5 3.00
8.958 4.583 2.947 121.028 Avg

REFERENCES
Take all the measurements carefully to the nearest 1/32 inch
Measure all the dimensions along both beds and along both faces from the midpoints of the
edges bounding the ends.
Take the average of all the individual dimensions.
COMMENTS
In this experiment we came to know that there are three types of bricks and classified on basis of
its color and dimensions, their sizes are also different and common size is 9 inch (length),
4.5 inch (width) and 2.75 inch (height).
REFERENCE
ASTM Designation C67-14.

pg. 24
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

EXPERIMENT NO. 4
DETERMINATION OF WATER ABSORPTION OF BRICKS.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the porosity of pavers and gives an indication of amount of moisture that a brick or
paver is likely to absorb over a period of time.
SCOPE
This test is undertaken to determine the porosity of pavers and gives an indication of amount of
moisture that a brick or paver is likely to absorb over a period of time. The amount of water
absorbed by a brick can be used as a simple method pf obtaining an indication to which a product
will resist salt attack and others problems caused by the entry of water into the product such as
efflorescence.
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M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

APPARATUS
1. Weight Balance_ the weight of bricks is taken with the help of weight balance.
2. Dry Oven_ bricks are dried in the drying oven.
3. Container or Curing Tank_ the bricks are placed in the container filled with water.

PROCEDURE:
1. Fill the container with water so that the bricks are completely dipped in the water.
2. Place all the first, second and third class bricks in the container properly for 7 days.
3. After 7 days take the bricks and weight them, it is called as saturated weight (WS).
4. Note the weight properly.
5. Place the bricks in the oven for 24 hours.
6. Now take the bricks and weight the bricks, it is called dry weight (WD).

Where:
1. WS= Saturated weight of the bricks.
2. WD= Dry weight of the brick

PRECAUTIONS
1. The bricks should be free from cracks, free lime and other impurities.
2. Clean the bricks with brush to remove the particles that are attached on the surface.
3. Place the bricks vertically in the container.
4. Clean the bricks with cloth when removed from water.
5. Note the weight accurately.

pg. 26
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

COMMENTS
From this experiment we came to know about the classes of bricks. The bricks which absorption
is less than 15% is 1st class brick. 2nd class brick absorbs up to 20% of water and the range of
3rd class brick has absorption between 20% to 25%.
REFERENCE
ASTM Designation C67-14.

pg. 27
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

EXPERIMENT NO. 5
DETERMINATION OF EFFLORESCENCE OF BRICKS.
OBJECTIVE
To introduce the students to the method of How measure efflorescence of brick
pg. 28
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

SCOPE
Efflorescence is the loss of water of crystallization from a hydrated or solvated salt to the
atmosphere on exposure to air. Due to efflorescence brick’s surface become white. Bricks
showing more efflorescence is not good for construction material. It harms the plaster and paints,
white color appears due to presences of salts.
SAMPLING
1. Selection of Test Specimens_ Bricks should be of size standard size and shape. They
should be of good quality so that they can easily be burnt to core and its weight
should be such that it can conveniently lift up and place it with one hand. The length
of brick should be twice of the width. Common size of brick in Pakistan is 9 inch
(length), 4.5 inch (width) and 2.75 inch (height).
2. Number of Specimens (Brick)_ For this test, at least ten individual brick shall be
selected for lots of 1 000 000 bricks. For larger lots, five additional specimens shall
be selected from each additional 500 000 bricks.
3. Identification_ Each specimen shall be marked so that it is identifiable at any time.
Markings shall cover not more than 5 % of the superficial area of the specimen.
APPARATUS
1. Sample Tray_ the tray should not provide depth of water less than 1 inch and it
should not give soluble salts when water are dipped in water.
2. Distilled Water_ use distilled water because distilled water has no salt.
3. Measurement Tape_ to measure the area of effloresced place.

PROCEDURE

1. Set specimen partially vertically immersed in distilled water to a depth of


approximately 1 inch (25.4 mm) for 7 days in the drying room.
2. When several specimens are tested in the same container, separate the individual
specimens by spacing of at least 2 inch (50.8 mm).
3. Observe the specimen through a distance of 10ft and the light intensity should be
538.2 lm/sr.
4. At the end of 7 days, take out the specimen.

pg. 29
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

.
PRECAUTIONS
1. When bricks are placed in distilled water gives space of 2 inch between them.
2. Bricks should be placed in distilled water for 7 days.

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATIONS

SAMPLE Type Weight per Description Efflorescence


unit area[kg]
1. First class 0.045519 kg Efflorescence 50%
brick
appeared on the side
of the brick
2. Second class 0.466340 kg Efflorescence 60%
brick
appeared on the side
of the brick
pg. 30
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

3. Third class 0.055338 kg Efflorescence 80%


brick appeared on the side
of the brick

COMMENTS
From this experiment we came to know about the classes of bricks. The bricks which absorption
is less than 15% is 1st class brick. 2nd class brick absorbs upto 20% of water and the range of
3rd class brick has absorption between 20% to 25%.

REFERENCE
ASTM Designation C67-14.

Experiment No.6
DETERMINATION OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF BRICKS.
SCOPE
Compressive strength of bricks depends upon the clay composition and amount of voids present
in bricks. Compressive strength of first class bricks is greater than second class bricks.
SAMPLING
1. Selection of Test Specimens_ Bricks should be of size standard size and shape. They
should be of good quality so that they can easily be burnt to core and its weight should be such

pg. 31
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

that it can conveniently lift up and place it with one hand. The length of brick should be twice of
the width. Common size of brick in Pakistan is 9 inch (length), 4.5 inch (width) and 2.75 inch
(height).
2. Number of Specimens (Brick)_ For this test, at least ten individual brick shall be selected
for lots of 1 000 000 bricks. For larger lots, five additional specimens shall be selected from each
additional 500 000 bricks.
3. Identification_ Each specimen shall be marked so that it is identifiable at any time.
Markings shall cover not more than 5 % of the superficial area of the specimen.
APPARATUS
1. Measurement Tape_ to measure the length and width of the bricks.
2. Cutting Machine_ to cut brick into two equal parts.
3. Cement-Sand Paste_ to fill the frog of bricks.
4. Plaster of Paris Powder_ it is mixed with water to form a paste and used for capping
of bricks.
5. Compressive Testing Machine_ the machine in which brick’s compressive strength is
obtained.

PBROCEDURE

1. Cut the bricks into two equal parts.


2. Make the cement sand paste with ratio 1:2.
3. Apply capping with 3mm layer on frog place.
4. Then place the specimen in dry place for 48 hours of time to harden.
5. Apply second capping with Plaster of Paris on two opposite bearing surface of each
specimen.
6. Age the caps at least 24 hours before testing the specimens.
7. Put the specimen into CTM.
8. The load of CTM shall be applied perpendicular to bed surface of the brick with the
brick in the stretcher position.

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M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

9. Apply the load, up to one half of the expected maximum load, at any convenient rate,
after which, adjust the controls of the machine so that the remaining load is applied at
a uniform rate in not less than 1 nor more than 2min.

10. Apply the formula: Compressive strength, C 5 W/ A

Where:
1. C=compressive strength.
2. P=maximum load indicated on machine.
3. A=average of the gross area of upper and lower bearing surfaces of brick.

PRECAUTIONS
1. Measure the dimensions of bricks accurately.
2. Two parallel plane capping of bricks should be smooth.
3. The brick should be placed exactly in the center of machine.
4. The load should be applied at the uniform speed.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS


SR. Determination First class Second class Third class
brick brick brick
1. Maximum load 164.6 KN 34.2 KN 79.9 KN
indicated on machine.
[P]

2. Area of upper and 20.25m2 20.27m2 20.23m2


lower bearing
surfaces of brick.[A]
3. Compressive 8.18Mpa 1.6Mpa 3.94Mpa
strength. [C]
pg. 33
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

COMMENTS

According to the experiment first class brick has greater strength. Second class brick and third
class brick has lowest strength when apply plaster a brick to the surface of the brick.

REFERENCES
ASTM Designation C67-14

pg. 34
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

Experiment no 7
DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF FINE AGGREGATE.
SCOPE
This test method covers the determination of the particles size distribution of fine aggregates by
sieving. Some specifications for aggregates which reference this test method contain grading
requirements including fine fractions. This test method is used primarily to determine the grading
of materials proposed for use as aggregates or being used as aggregates. The results are used to
determine compliance of the particle size distribution with applicable specification requirements
and to provide necessary data for control of production of various aggregate products and
mixtures containing aggregates.

SAMPLING

In this process we use RAVI sand as sample and its weight is 500mg.

APPARATUS

1. Weight balance_ balances used in testing fine aggregate shall have readability to 0.1g
and accurate to 0.1 g or 0.1% of test load.
2. A nylon or pure bustle brush_ preferably with 20-45mm bristle, for cleaning the
sieve.
3. Sieves_ The sieve cloth shall be mounted on substantial frames constructed in a
manner that will prevent loss of material during sieving.
4. Sieve shaker_ A sieve shaker, if used, shall create motion of the sieves to cause the
particles to bounce, tumble, or otherwise turn so as to present different orientations to
the sieving surface.

pg. 35
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

5. Oven_ An oven of appropriate size capable of maintaining a uniform temperature of


110±5°C.
PROCEDURE

1. Heat or dry the sample to constant mass at a temperature of 110±5°C.


2. Select the sieves with the suitable openings.
3. Nest the sieves in order of decreasing size of opening from top to bottom and place
the sample on the top sieve, and at the end cover the bottom with pan to collect the
material.
4. Agitate the sieves by hand.
5. After that put the sieves with the material in the sieve shaker.
6. Rotate the particles, by the use of sieve shaker.
7. After that remove one by one sieve and take weight of every sieve with the retained
material on it which is denoted as [ WtRt ].
8. % of WtRt can be derived by dividing the retained weight by sample weight and
multiply by 100.
9. Commutative % Rt is determined by adding the value of % of WtRt into
Commutative % Rt. As shown below in calculation table.

PRECAUTIONS
1. Neglect the pan value.
2. If the result is 99.7% then your result is accurate because o.3% is relaxation in this
experiment.
3. Clean the sieves properly with the help of brush so that extra particles are removed.
4. The samples of sand should be dry.
OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION

pg. 36
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

Sieve size[mm] Retained weight % retained weight Accumulative% weight

0 0.59 g 6.00 100.00


0.15 1.37 g 14.00 94.00
0.3 2.20 g 22.50 80.00
0.6 2.44 g 25.00 57.50
1.18 2.20 g 22.50 32.50
2.36 0.73 g 7.50 10.00
4.75 0.24 g 2.50 2.50
276.51

Fineness modulus 2.77

pg. 37
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

FUNCTIONS OF SIEVE ANALYSIS


Sieve analysis on fine aggregate is performed in order to check their graduation. This graduation
gives us an indirect measure about the workability
COMMENTS

By doing this job, we have become able to calculate fineness modulus of different type of sand
like fineness modulus experiment is useful for the determination of size of sand particles. It also
tells about us surface area. The sand particles are fine and coarse, size 2.3-3.1 is good fineness
good sand.
REFERENCE
ASTM Designation C136-14.

Experiment no.8
DETRMINATION OF FINENESS MODULUS OF THE COARSE AGGREGATE.

SCOPE

This test method is used to determine the fineness modulus of the given fine grained aggregates.
Fineness modulus tells about us directly whether the material is well graded or gap graded.
Fineness modulus gives us an overall idea whether the material is fine or coarse.

SAMPLING

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M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

In this process we use Margalla and Sargodha crush as sample and its weight is 5.0 kg.

APPARATUS

1. Weight balance_ balances used in testing fine aggregate shall have readable and
accurate to 0.5 g or 0.1% of test load.
2. A nylon or pure bustle brush_ preferably with 20-45mm bristle, for cleaning the
sieve.
3. Sieves_ The sieve cloth shall be mounted on substantial frames constructed in a
manner that will prevent loss of material during sieving.
4. Sieve shaker_ A sieve shaker, if used, shall create motion of the sieves to cause the
particles to bounce, tumble, or otherwise turn so as to present different orientations to
the sieving surface.
5. Oven_ An oven of appropriate size capable of maintaining a uniform temperature of
110±5°C.

PROCEDURE
1. Take 5 kg of the dried sample of Margalla and Sargodha crush.
2. Place the set of standard sieves one above another with the smallest aperture opening
at the bottom.
3. The pan is placed at the bottom most position. This experiment can be performed
manually or with the aid of machine called sieve shaker.
4. Time elapsed for sieving process is 3-5 minutes.
5. Weigh the mass retained on each sieve and calculates the percentage passing through
each sieve.
PRECAUTIONS

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M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

1. The sample should be perfectly dry because if there is some moisture content present
then the particles will stick together and will not pass through the sieves.
2. If the result is 99.7% then your result is accurate because o.3% is relaxation in this
experiment.
3. Clean the sieves properly with the help of brush so that extra particles are removed.

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION

Sieve size[mm] Weight retained[g] Percentage retained Commutative


percentage retained

Pan 0.68 3.63 100.00

4.75 9.27 49.49 96.37

9.5 7.80 41.67 46.88

12.5 0.98 5.21 5.21

19.5 0 0 0

25 0 0 0

37.5 0 0 0

148.46

Fineness Modulus 1.48 Without Considering the Factor of 500


Fineness Modulus 6.48 Considering the Factor of 500

pg. 40
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

Civil Engineer

COMMENTS

From this experiment, we come to know about the fineness modulus of above coarse aggregate.
We calculated the fineness modulus for Margalla and Sargodha crush which was 1.48. The
fineness modulus gives us information about the strength given by the aggregate of that concrete.
REFERENCE
ASTM Designation C136-14.

Experiment No. 9
DETRMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND ABSORPTION OF FINE
AGGREGATE.
SCOPE

pg. 41
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

This test method covers the determination of relative density (specific gravity) and the absorption
of fine aggregates. The relative density (specific gravity), a dimensionless quality, is expressed as
oven-dry (OD), saturated-surface-dry (SSD), or as apparent relative density (specific gravity).
The OD relative density is determined after drying the aggregate. The SSD relative density and
absorption are determined after soaking the aggregate in water for a prescribed duration.
SAMPLING
In this test, we use the sample of fine aggregate of 500 g and 30 ml water.
PROCEDURE
1. Balance—A balance or scale having a capacity of 1 kg or more, sensitive to 0.1 g
or less, and accurate within 0.1 % of the test load.
2. Pycnometer (for Use with Gravimetric Procedure)—A flask or other suitable
container into which the fine aggregate test sample can be readily introduced and
in which the volume content can be reproduced within ±0.1 cm3.
3. Glass stirrer_ it is used to stir the material in the pycnometer.
4. Oven—An oven of sufficient size, capable of maintaining a uniform temperature
of 110±5 °C.
5. Wash bottle_ it is used to contain the water in it and it opening is consist of pipe.
PROCEDURE
1. Partially fill the pycnometer with water. Introduce into the pycnometer 500 ± 10 g of saturated
surface-dry fine aggregate and fill with additional water to approximately 90 % of capacity.
2. Manually roll, invert, or agitate the pycnometer (or use a combination of these actions) to
eliminate visible air bubbles.
3. Mechanically agitate the pycnometer by external vibration in a manner that will not degrade the
sample. A level of agitation adjusted to just set individual particles in motion is sufficient to
promote de-airing without degradation.
4. After eliminating all air bubbles, adjust the temperature of the pycnometer.
5. Determine the total mass of the pycnometer, specimen, and water.
6. Remove the fine aggregate from the pycnometer, dry in the oven to constant mass at a
temperature of 110 ± 5 °C.
7. After cooling in air at room temperature and determine the mass.
8. Determine the mass of the pycnometer filled to its calibrated capacity with water.
9. Oven dry weight is denoted by A.
10. Pycnometer + water weight is denoted by B.
pg. 42
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

11. Pycnometer + water + sand weight is denoted by C.


12. SSD weight of fine aggregate is denoted by D.

PRECAUTIONS
a. ASTM code says that if we mix 6% [by weight] in cement then it is in SSD form. But put
1% by 1% in cement till it become 6%.
b. This test method is done by gravimetric process.
c. Volume of aggregate is determined by difference of weight in air and weight in water.
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS
SR. DETERMINATION VALUES
1. A 500g
2. B 905.4 g
3. C 1225.2 g
4. D 514.8 g
5. S.G[od] 2.5641
6. S.G[ssd] 2.64
7. S.G[apparent] 2.774
8. ABSORPTION 2.96%
COMMENTS

pg. 43
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

REFERENCE
ASTM Designation C128-15.

Experiment No.10
DETERMINE THE RELATIVE DENSITY [SPECIFIC GRAVITY] AND ABSORPTION
FOR COARSE AGGREGATE.

SCOPE
This test method covers the determination of relative density [specific gravity] and the
absorption of coarse aggregates. The relative density [specific gravity], a dimensionless quantity,
is expressed as oven dry [od], saturated-surface-dry [ssd], or as apparent relative density
[apparent specific gravity]. The od relative density is determined after drying the aggregate. The
ssd relative density and absorption are determined after soaking the aggregate in water for a
prescribed duration.

APPARATUS
1. Weighing balance_ least count o.1 g
2. Oven_ to dry some material.
3. Water tank_ to saturate some material.
4. Beaker.

PROCEDURE
1. Oven dry the sample on 110±10°C for 1-3 hours.
2. Then put the sample into room temperature.
3. Then submerged the sample into the water for 24±4 hours.
4. Dry the sample with absorbent cloth to take its SSD form.
5. Measure the weight and denoted by B
6. Submerged into water and measure the weight and denoted by C.
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M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

7. Then place the sample into oven on temperature 110±10°C for 24±4 hours.
8. Measure the weight and denoted by A

9. Apply the formula:𝑆. 𝐺[𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑑𝑟𝑦] =

PRECAUTIONS
1. Volume of aggregate is also obtained by water displacement.
2. Clean the sieve so that sieve is from an y type of material which can disturb calculation.
3. Use dry absorbent cloth.
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATION

COMMENTS
In this process we are able to determine the volume occupied by the coarse aggregate in any mix
either it is hydraulic concrete or bituminous concrete.

pg. 45
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

REFERENCES
ASTM Designation C127-15.

Experiments No. 11
DETERMINE THE FINENESS OF HYDRAULIC CEMENT.
SCOPE
The fineness of cement affects the rate of hydration. Hydration means chemical reaction between
cement and water. Greater fineness increases the surface available for hydration, causing greater
early strength and rapid generating heat. This experiment is for the determination of cement
whose grain size is larger than mesh size.
SAMPLING
In this experiment we use the fine aggregate as sample.
APPARATUS

pg. 46
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

1. Sieve_ sieve 100 is used for the fineness test of cement. It is a pan of steel having
150- 200mm diameter and 40-100mm depth.
2. Weight balance_ it can measure upto 1 grams. It is apparatus used to measure any
quantity in grams.
3. Brush_ a brush is required for cleaning the sieve properly.
4. Tray_ during fineness tray, a tray is placed under sieve to collect cement.
PROCEDURE
1. Clean the sieves with the help of brush so that the particles are removed.
2. Attach the pan under the sieve 100, now place 50 grams of cement in the sieve and
cover it with lid.
3. Shake the pan for 3 minutes.
4. Weight the residue left on the sieve after sieving.

5. Calculate the fineness by the formula:fineness of cement =

6. WR=Weight retained on sieve. Wi= initial weight of sample.


7. Repeat the procedure for the next sample of cement.
8. Source is cement bag. Different cements are selected for the fineness test.

PRECAUTION
1. While performances the experiment switch off the fans.
2. Clean the sieve properly from the bottom so that no particle is left behind.
3. Cement should be in dry condition.
4. Shake the pan properly for 3-4 minutes.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

pg. 47
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

SAMPLE INITIAL WEIGHT RETAINED WEIGHT Fineness of cement


[Wi] [Wr]
1. 50 g 25.79 g 48.42
2. 50 g 21.84 g 53.32
3. 50 g 16.47 g 67.06

COMMENTS
From this experiment we come to know about the weight of cement retrained when cement
retained when cement is passed through the sieves which gives us information that the minor
particles become dust. Moreover, the experiment also enables us to know that was it effects the
hydration process.
REFERENCES
ASTM Designation C786-10.

Experiment No.12
DETRMINE THE WATER SOLUBILITY OF WATER.

SCOPE
Salts play a vital role in life of a wood so it becomes very important to determine their existence
in the wood so this experiment helps in determining the solubility of wood. Cold water removes

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M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

a part of such extraneous materials as tannins, gums, sugars, and coloring matters. Hot water
removes these plus the starches.
This test method describes procedures for the determination of the hot and cold water soluble
materials in wood. The test for water solubility is normally applied to wood and pulp which are
not extracted with organic solvents. However, if prior extraction with organic solvents is desired,
a solvent which will dissolve only a minimum amount of the water soluble material should be
used.
SAMPLING
In this method we use sand dust of wood of 10 grams of air dry sample. Actually we need that
type of material of sand dust which passes through 450 µm sieve and retained on 250µm sieve.
APPARATUS
1. Sieves_ two types of sieves, sieve no. 40 and 60.
2. Beaker_ which has a capacity of 400ml
3. Weighing balance_ least count 0.1 gm.
4. Stirrer and filtering equipment_ crucible filter
5. Other equipment_ glass stopper and weighing bottle.

PROCEDURE
1. Place the specimen[2-g] in a 400ml beaker and slowly add 300ml of distilled water,
making sure the wood is well wetted initially to avoid tendency to float.
2. Carry the extraction at 23±2°C with constant stirring for 48 hours.
3. Take the weight of the filter paper and now filter the material.
4. Take the total weight of the filter paper and material retained on it and find out the
solubility of wood using the below relation.
5. Apply the formula:𝑊. 𝑆 = [MinitiaS–Moven dry]×100
6. Moven dry

PRECAUTIONS
1. Clean the sieves in order to remove the previous material present in sieves.
pg. 49
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

2. Avoid over heating so that fusion of the salts does not place the filter.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Sample Initial weight Oven dry weight %age solubility


1. 2g 1.71 g 16.95%

COMMENTS
This method cover the Cold water removes a part of such extraneous materials as tannins, gums,
sugars, and coloring matters. Hot water removes these plus the starches.

REFRENCE
ASTM Designation D1110-84.

Experiment No. 13
DETERMINE THE MOISTURE CONTENT OF WOOD.

SCOPE
This test method covers the determination of the moisture content of solid wood, veneer, and
other wood-base materials including those that contain adhesives and chemical additives.
The primary oven drying method is intended as the sole primary method. It is structured for
research purposes where the highest accuracy or degree of precision is needed. Variations in

pg. 50
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

moisture content affects the physical and mechanical properties of wood as strength and
shrinkage.
SAMPLING
In this test method, we can use any type of wood. Because the primary oven dry method is
applicable on any type of wood.
APPARATUS
1. Drying oven
2. Weighing balance_ least count 0.1 gm
1. Wooden sample
PROCEDURE
1. A specimen of wood is weighed then placed in oven set at 100°C FOR 3 hours.
2. The oven dry sample is then weighed.
3. Then calculate the moisture content in the wood.

Where
A= weight of wood before drying in oven. B= weight of wood after drying in oven.
PRECAUTIONS
1. No overheating should be done while drying the sample in oven.
2. Take the weight of wooden sample suddenly when removed from the oven.
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATION

Sample Weight of sample Dry weight Moisture content


1. 0.615 g 0.565 g 8.84%
2. 0.860 g 0.787 g 9.27%
3. 0.210 g 0.175 g 20%

pg. 51
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

4. 0.220 g 0.195 g 12.82%

COMMENTS
The experiment gives us information about the %age of the presence of moisture content. First
we have to final the weight of wood and we have to dip the woods into the water. The difference
of initial and dry weight gives us the moisture contents.
REFERENCE
ASTM Designation D4442-15.

Experiment No. 14 :-
DETERMIENTHE SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF WOOD.

SCOPE
This test method covers the determination of the specific gravity of wood and wood based
materials to generally desired degrees of accuracy and for specimens of different sizes, shapes
and moisture content conditions.

pg. 52
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

SAMPLING
The specific gravity of wood gives an excellent measure of the amount of wood substance
present in a sample. Thus, it may serve as valuable indicator of the amount of wood pulp that
could be produced, the workability of material, or the strength characteristics of a specimen or a
species. Since the specific gravity varies between trees, within the trees and between species.
APPARATUS
1. Weighing balance_ least count 0.1 grams.
2. Measuring tape_ to measure the volume of wood.
3. Drying oven.
PROCEDURE
1. Determine the dimensions of the wooden sample and calculate wood sample volume.
2. Take the weight of the sample and submerge sample in a graduated cylinder and
measure change in volume.
3. Wood block can be coated before submersion to eliminate water absorption by block.
Commonly, it is assumed no water absorption.
4. Oven dry weight of sample can then be measured by placing the sample in an oven,
then weighing.
5. Now at the end, find out the density of material.
6. And at the end, determine the specific gravity of wood.

PRECAUTIONS
1. Sample should be dry and weight the sample properly.
2. There should be no zero error in the weighing balance.
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Sample Length Width Height Volume Weight Specific gravity


1. 21.5cm 15.1cm 4.0cm 1298cm3 625 g 0.846 g/cm3
2. 26.1cm 18.0cm 3.1cm 1404cm3 791.3 g 0.5635 g/cm3
pg. 53
M. Adnan Maqbool
BSE02203138
Construction Material Lab Manual

COMMENTS
In this job we have learnt to find the specific gravity of wood gives into about amount of wood
substance present in the sample.
REFERENCE
ASTM Designation D2305-14.

pg. 54

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