MATERIALS TESTING

TECHNOLOGY
NESTOR B. CAOILE
Division Chief
DPWH- Bureau of Research and
Standards
• WHAT IS QUALITY CONTROL?
• Quality Control are activities done by the
contractor to ensure the right materials and right
procedures used and done in the construction of a
certain projects. This includes the testing of
construction materials before its incorporation in the
works.
 MATERIALS QUALITY
CONTROL AND ASSURANCE
WHAT IS ASSURANCE?
WHAT IS QUALITY
ASSURANCE?
ASSURANCE is the degree of
certainty.
QUALITY ASSURANCE is a function
of the owner to verify that the work is
done in accordance with specifications.
Some call it acceptance inspection.
 WHAT IS MATERIALS
TESTING ?
 is the basic means or a tool by which an engineer or an
inspector can be used to determined whether
the materials should be allowed to be incorporated
or be rejected into the work.
 it is a documented proof of the quality of materials
indicating it meets or it fails the desired properties
as called for in the specifications requirements of an
approved contract.

 There can be no quality assurance without adequate quality

control at the source or manufacturer or at construction,
therefore testing is a tool for measuring quality control
in project implementation.
 WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF MATERIALS
TESTING

Engineers do not guess !!!

Testing is an important complement of quality

control in engineering works

Materials testing is not done by sight or other means

without the benefit of laboratory tests. If it is done by sight,
it is pure and simple guessing.

So without testing even in the field or in the laboratory,

no one can state definitely if the quality of materials is
satisfied or not, even the expert.
 WHAT BENEFITS WILL YOU ACQUIRED
IN LEARNING MATERIALS
TESTING
 Recognize the basic technologies in testing of
construction materials.

• Identify and familiarize the required tests on specific

construction materials

• Identify and understand the basic properties of materials

• Understand the significance of tests on the materials

• Aware of the importance of materials testing in project
implementation
  Perform effectively field/laboratory sampling and testing
of construction materials in accordance with the standard
methods/procedures.

• Familiarize in the application of the proper method

of sampling of materials in the field and laboratory

• Identify and familiarize in all laboratory testing

apparatus/equipment for materials sampling and testing

• Learn and familiarize standard methods and procedures of

laboratory testing of various construction materials

• Learn to check the accuracy and proper maintenance of

laboratory testing apparatus/equipment
 Evaluate, analyze and interpret test
results of construction
materials for the purpose of acceptance
and rejection.
• Learn proper computation and check result of
tests performed

• Know the proper reporting system of test reports

• Understand the application of materials standard

specifications based on the result of tests

• Learn how to analyze and evaluate result of

tests indicated on official test reports from testing
laboratories
• Learn the proper recommended measures in the
acceptance or rejection of materials
 HOW MATERIALS IS REPRESENTED
BY A TEST

The usual procedure is to make a test for a certain quantity of materials

representing the quantities to be incorporated into the work or in accordance with
the minimum testing requirements prescribed in each project. The requirements
specify the kind and number of tests for each items of works.

It should be emphasized that what are specified are the minimum number of
testing only. Additional number of test can be require to the materials if the
owner/inspector is in doubt of the quality of materials or the finished structure.
 When the Testing of Materials Should Be Conducted

An aspect of testing which is very important and most

often overlook is when testing should be conducted.

Testing of material is conducted prior to incorporation into the

work.
If the test is not conducted at the proper time, there is no
quality control since it will then be too late to correct anything
that is defective.

If someone will attempt to evaluate the quality of materials

without testing he is taking a big risk because he is guessing.
DIFFERENT TESTS BEING PERFORMED AS PART OF
QUALITY ASSURANCE/CONTROL
Materials Testing Technology being taught under Bureau
of Research and Standards is divided into 4 different
modules:
1. Soil and Soil Aggregates
2. Cement and Concrete Mix
3. Asphaltic Materials
4. Miscellaneous Materials
 • MODULE I
• Sampling and Testing of Soils, Soil Aggregates, Concrete
and Asphalt Aggregates
Soil and Soil Aggregates
* Sampling and Preparation of Samples

* Wash Test, Sieve Analysis

* Plastic / Liquid Limit

* Organic Content

* Moisture Content
* Moisture - Density Relation
* Abrasion
* Field Density Test (FDT)
* California Bearing Ratio (CBR)
 Concrete Aggregates ( Course and Fine )
* Sampling and Preparation of Samples
* Wash Test and Sieve Analysis
* Specific Gravity and Absorption
* Soundness
* Unit Weight
* Organic Impurities and Mortar Strength ( Fine Aggregates )
* Abrasion
Asphalt Aggregates ( Composite )
* Sampling and Preparation of Samples
* Wash Test and Sieve Analysis
* Plastic / Liquid Limit
* Abrasion
* Specific Gravity and Stripping
 MODULE II
• Sampling and Testing of Cement and Concrete Mix
Cement
* Sampling and Preparation of Samples
* Normal Consistency and Time of Setting
* Autoclave Expansion
* Specific Gravity
* Compressive Strength
* Fineness
* Insoluble Residue and Loss of Ignition
* Magnesium Oxide and Sulfur Trioxide
 Concrete Mix ( Paving and Structural )

* Sampling of Fresh Concrete

* Determination of Slump

* Making and Curing of Concrete Specimens

* Compressive and Flexural Strength Determination

 • MODULE III

• Sampling and Testing of Miscellaneous Const. Materials

Sampling and Testing of the following materials :

Reinforcing Steel Bars ( Deformed & Round )

Metallic Materials ( Structural Steel, Guardrails, etc. )

Concrete Pipes & Concrete Hollow Blocks

Galvanized Steel Sheets / Galvanized Pipes

Paints
 • MODULE IV
• Sampling and Testing of Asphaltic Materials
and Asphalt Mix
Asphaltic Materials
Sampling / Preparation of Samples

Physical and Chemical Tests of the following:

* Asphalt Cement

* Emulsified Asphalt

* Cutback Asphalt

* Pre-Molded Joint Sealer

* Preformed Joint Filler

 Tests on Asphaltic Materials and Asphalt Mix

Specific Gravity And Density Of Semi-solid Bituminous Materials

Loss On Heating Of Oil And Asphaltic Compounds

Solubility Of Asphalt Materials In Trichloroethylene

Spot Test Of Asphaltic Materials

Penetration Of Bituminous Materials

Ductility Of Bituminous Materials

Bulk Specific Gravity Of Compacted Bituminous Mixtures Using Saturated Surface-dry

Specimens
 Tests on Asphaltic Materials and Asphalt Mix

Flash And Fire Points By Cleveland Open Cup Tester

Kinematic Viscosity Of Asphalts (Bitumens)

Distillation Of Cut-back Asphaltic (Bituminous) Products

Extraction Of Bitumen From Bituminous Paving Mixtures

Compressive Strength Of Bituminous Mixtures

Effect Of Water On Compressive Strength Of Compacted Bituminous Mixtures

Method of Soil Sampling
SOIL QUALITY TESTS
AND THEIR
SIGNIFICANCE
 Soil Sampling

1. By method of quartering

2. By the use of mechanical splitter

 I. MOISTURE CONTENT

SIGNIFICANCE:
Moisture content has an important characteristic in the soil
material where the behavior of soil is markedly influenced by the
amount of moisture it contains.
Moisture content is the ratio of the mass of water in the soil to
the mass of water in the dry soil after it has been dried to a
constant mass at a temperature of 110 deg. Centigrade.
 II. PARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS OF SOILS

SIGNIFICANCE :
Grain size distribution is widely used in the classification and
identification of soils. It is an important criteria in the classification of
highway sub-grade materials. It is also related to permeability and
capillarity of cohesionless soils.

Particle size analysis is the determination of particle size distribution

in soils by sieve, hydrometer, or a combined analysis. The method
which should be used depends on the size of the soil.
 IV. DETERMINATION OF LIQUID LIMIT

SIGNIFICANCE:

It is a measure of the potential cohesion which in turn depend upon the total
size of the contact areas, or the fineness and shape of the grains.
Required Soil Sample(Sampling) : Material passing 0.425 mm ( No. 40 ) sieve
weighing 100 g minimum

The Liquid Limit is defined as the lowest

moisture content at which the
Liquid Limit Apparatus soil can flow with the application of very
small amount of shearing force.
 IV. DETERMINATION OF LIQUID LIMIT

Required no. of determinations

Ranges of blows : Four (4) determinations & from 15 to 35 blows

Required amount of water to

be added during mixing : One (1) to three (3) ml increments

Balance Apparatus required for use : Sensitive to 0.1 g

Liquid Limit is expressed as the moisture content corresponding to 25 blows

CALCULATION:
W1 - W2
% Moisture = _____________ x 100
W2

W1 = weight of wet sample

W2 = weight of oven-dried
sample
 V. DETERMINATION OF PLASTIC LIMIT AND PLASTICITY INDEX
SIGNIFICANCE :

The Plastic Limit is defined as the minimum moisture content at which the
soil can be readily molded without breaking or crumbling.

Required Soil Sample: Material passing 0.425 mm ( No. 40 ) sieve

weighing 20 g
 VI. COMPACTION TEST / MOISTURE RELATION TEST OF SOIL
SIGNIFICANCE:
•Compaction of soil mass involves the application of energy and addition
of water as lubricant . It results in reduction of pore spaces and increase
density by rearrangement of particle grains. Thus, the mass becomes
more stable and impermeable which are desirable characteristics of
foundation.
•The compaction of soil fills in various engineering operations is of utmost
significance. A properly compacted fill will not settle very much even after
the loads are imposed.
•Compaction also makes the fill impervious, thus it reduces the detrimental
effects of infiltrating surface water. Maximum stability is attained by
compaction.
 Standard Methods Use for Determining the Moisture Density
Relation of Soil

AASHTO T 99 Method C

Soil Material Passing 19.0 mm ( ¾ in. )

Size of Mold 102 mm ( 4 in. )

Volume of Mold 0.000943 m3

Rammer 2.5 kg. ( 5.5 lb. )

Height of Drop 305 mm ( 12 in. )

No. of Layers in Molding 3 layers

No. of Blows per Layers 25 blows

Temperature of Test Sample 60 deg. Centigrade, max. 60 deg. Cent., max.

 Standard Methods Use for Determining the Moisture Density
Relation of Soil
AASHTO T 180 Method D

Soil Material Passing 19.0 mm ( ¾ in. )

Size of Mold 152 mm ( 6 in. )

Volume of Mold 0.002125 m3

Rammer 4.54 kg. ( 10.0 lb. )

Height of Drop 457 mm ( 18 in. )

No. of Layers in Molding 5 layers

No. of Blows per Layers 56 blows

Temperature of Test Sample 60 deg. Centigrade, max. 60 deg. Cent., max.

- The purpose of the laboratory compaction test is to determine
the right amount of mixing water in compacting a soil fill, in order
to obtain the maximum density under the applied energy.

- The highest point on the curve indicates the Maximum Dry Density
( MDD ) and the corresponding moisture content is called Optimum
Moisture Content ( OMC ).
 VII. DETERMINATION OF DENSITY OF SOIL IN –
PLACE BY THE
SAND - CONE METHOD
SIGNIFICANCE:
Field density test is widely used as a control test to ensure adequate
compaction of in-placed embankment, sub-base, base and gravel surface
courses in a road construction.
Density of soil is defined as the weight/mass per unit volume. It is a very
significant engineering property of soils as strength is dependent upon
density.
 VII. DETERMINATION OF DENSITY OF SOIL IN –
PLACE BY THE
SAND - CONE METHOD
Sand Cone Apparatus

Required Size of Sand for Use

in Density Apparatus : Passing 2.0 mm ( No. 10 ) sieve and
Retained on 0.075 mm ( No. 200 ) sieve
Required Balance Apparatus for use : Sensitive to 0.1 g with 10 kg.
capacity
 Field Density Test Using Nuclear Density gauge Apparatus:

Nuclear Density gauge Apparatus: Non- Nuclear Density gauge

Apparatus:
 VIII. ABRASION TEST
SIGNIFICANCE:
Abrasion test evaluates the structural strength of granular aggregates
on soil. It gives an indication of quality as determined by resistance
to impact and wear.

Abrasive Charges/ Spherical Charges

Sieve no. 12
Los Angeles Abrasion machine
 VIII. ABRASION TEST

The test also determines the hardness property of course aggregates.

Hard aggregates gives low crushing value; the lower the value of percent
wear on aggregates shows a hard/good quality of soil aggregate materials.

Percentage of wear is expressed as the difference between the original weight

of material coarser than 1.70 mm sieve as a percentage of the original
weight of test sample.
(Original Oven dried weight-Oven Dried weight retained in sieve #12)
% wear= ___________________________________________________ X 100 %
Original Oven dried weight

Test Sample : Aggregates shall be dried to a constant weight / mass at

110 deg. centigrade plus-minus 5 deg. centigrade

A total weight / mass of 5,000 grams are required for all

four (4) Grading Test Sample

Abrasive Charge : Consist of cast-iron spheres or steel spheres

approximately 46.8 mm in diameter and each weighing
between 390 and 455 grams.
GRADING AND WEIGHT OF TEST SAMPLE FOR ABRASION TEST

Sieve Size Grading & Weight of Test Sample, g

Passing Retained A B C D

37.5 mm 25 mm 1250 + 25 - - -
25 mm 19 mm 1250 + 25 - - -

19 mm 12.5 mm 1250 + 10 2500 + 10 - -

12.5 mm 9.5 mm 1250 + 10 2500 + 10 - -

9.5 mm 6.3 mm - - 2500 + 10 -
6.3 mm 4.75 mm - - 2500 + 10 -
4.75 mm 2.36 mm - - -
5000 +
Number of Spheres 12 11 8 10 6

Weight of Charge, g 5000 + 25 4584 + 25 3330 + 20 2500 + 10

 IX. CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO TEST ( CBR )

SIGNIFICANCE:

The most common method of assessing strength and stiffness

of both sub-grade and pavement materials.

The test involves measuring the resistance of soil to penetration

by a cylindrical piston, expressed as a percentage fraction of a
standard resistance which was originally measured in tests on a
good quality crushed rock.

The CBR depends not only on the nature of the material but to a
large extent on its moisture content and its state of compaction.
 IX. CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO TEST ( CBR )

Loading Device : compression type apparatus capable of applying a

uniformly increasing load up to 44.5 N at a rate of
1.3 mm per min.

Test Sample : Soil sample weighing approximately 7 kgs. with

material passing the 19.0 mm sieve.
 CONCRETE
CONCRETE MATERIALS
MATERIALS AND
AND MIX
MIX SUB
SUB SERIES
SERIES

TESTING OF
PORTLAND CEMENT
1. Specific Gravity
2. Fineness Test by the no.
200 Sieve
3. Normal Consistency Test
4. Time of Setting by Gillmore
Needle
5. Autoclave Expansion Test
6. Air Content of Hydraulic
Cement
7. Compressive Strength of
Cement
8. Chemical Analysis of Cement
a. Insoluble Residue Test
b. Sulfur Trioxide Test
c. Magnesium Oxide Test
d. Loss on Ignition Test
Specific Gravity Test
The value of which is
used in the design of
concrete mixtures
Fineness Test by the
no. 200 Sieve

Determines the fineness

of cement which affect
the strength of concrete
% Fineness a
(Passing = 100 - x 100
No. 200) b

Where:
a = wt. of residue
b = wt. of original sample in
grams
 Normal Consistency Test
Determines the normal
consistency of hydraulic
cement which is used to
determine the amount of
water required to prepare paste
for testing.
 a
Normal = x 100
Consistency b

Where :
a = amount of water required
b = original wt. of cement sample
4. Time of Setting by Gillmore
Needle
5. Autoclave Expansion Test
6. Air Content of Hydraulic
Cement
7. Compressive Strength of
Cement
Time of Setting by
Gillmore Needle

Determines whether type

of cement complies with
specified limit on setting
time.
Autoclave Expansion Test

Provides an index of potential

delayed expansion caused by
the hydration of Calcium Oxide
or Magnesium Oxide or both
Air Content of Hydraulic Cement
Test
Determines whether the Hydraulic
Cement meets the air-entraining or
non-air-entraining requirements of
the applicable hydraulic cement
specification.
Compressive Strength
of Cement Test
Determines the compressive
strength of hydraulic cement
mortars using 2 in. or 50 mm.
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
OF CEMENT
1. Insoluble Residue Test
2. Sulfur Trioxide Test
3. Magnesium Oxide Test
4. Loss on Ignition Test
 Insoluble Residue Test

Determines the amount of

inert materials present in
cement
Sulfur Trioxide Test
Determines the amount of
gypsum cement which
regulates the setting time
affecting the strength of
concrete
Magnesium Oxide Test
Ascertains the soundness
of cement
Loss of Ignition Test

Determines the amount of

moisture in the cement
ASPHALTIC
MATERIALS
 Testing of Asphalt
1. Asphalt Cement (9 tests)
1.1 Specific Gravity
1.2 Loss on heating
1.3 Solubility
1.4 Spot test
1.5 Flash Point (Cleveland Open Cup
FlashTester)
1.6 Penetration
1.6.1 Original
1.6.2 After loss
1.7 Ductility
1.7.1 Original
1.7.2 After loss
2. Cut-back Asphalt Cement (8
tests)
2.1 Specific Gravity
2.2 Flash Point (Tag Open Cup Flash
Tester)
2.3 Viscosity (Kinematic Capillary
Viscometer)
2.4 Distillation
2.5 Test on residue
2.5.1 Penetration
2.5.2 Ductility
2.5.3 Solubility
3. Emulsified Asphalt (9 tests)
3.1 Specific Gravity
3.2 Storage Stability
3.3 Sieve Test
3.4 Viscosity (Saybolt-Furol Viscometer)
3.5 Cement Mixing
3.6 Distillation
3.7 Test on Residue
3.7.1 Penetration
3.7.2 Ductility
3.7.3 Solubility
 Significance of Tests

1. Specific Gravity
- It is a gauge to a uniformity of supply of an asphalt (if it is being
adulterated or diluted).
- Important during computation and design (Job-Mix) essentials in the
determination of the effective asphalt content and the percentage of
air voids in compacted mix specimens and compacted pavement.
- Results is of value for making volume correction when measurements
are made at elevated temperature.

2. Solubility
- Determines the bitumen content in asphalt cement that is soluble in a
solvent (carbon disulfide and carbon tetrachloride).
- Measures the purity of the asphalt cement.
- Portion of the asphalt cement that is soluble represent the active
cementing constituents.
- Impurities such as salts, free carbon and non-organic contaminants
does not dissolve in a solvent.
3. Spot Test
- Determines if asphalts is overheated or not during production.

4. Loss of Heating
- Determines the loss of volatiles in the asphalt.

5. Flash Point
- Indicates the safe heating temperature of the asphalt, the
temperature to which the material maybe safely heated
without danger of instantaneous flash (catching fire or explode)
in the presence of an open flame.

6. Penetration
- Determines the relative hardness or consistency of an asphalt
cement, by measuring the distance of the standard needle
used that penetrate vertically to the sample under the fixed
condition of temperature, load, and time.

7. Ductility
- Measures the ability of asphalt to stretch without breaking
- A gauge to adhesiveness of asphalt, the higher the ductility the
more adhesive the asphalt.
8. Viscosity
- Liquidity or fluidity of asphalt.
- Consistency test of the liquid asphalt.
- Determines the flow characteristics of asphalt in the
range of temperature during application.

9. Distillation
- Determines the relative proportions of asphalt and
diluent present in liquid asphalt.
- also used to measure the amount of diluent that distills
off at various temperature denoting its evaporation
characteristics, this in turn, indicates the relative rate at
which the material will cure “after application”.

10. Sieve Test

- Determines quantitatively the percent asphalt present in
the form of relatively large globules in the emulsion,
Such globules do not provide thin & uniform coatings of
asphalt on the aggregate particles.
- Determines whether the emulsion has properly
emulsified (properly mixed).
11. Cement Mixing
- Determines the resistance of the emulsion to
breakdown on the job.
- Determines the rate where in the emulsion will
break when in contact with soil or mineral
aggregates.

12. Storage Stability

- Detects the tendency of the asphalt globules in the
emulsion to settle during storage of an emulsified
asphalt.

XI. Specifications:

ASSHTO M-20 – Penetration Graded Asphalt Cement

ASSHTO M-81 – Cut-back Asphalt (Rapid – Curing
Type)
ASSHTO M-82 – Cut-back Asphalt (Medium – Curing
Type)
ASSHTO M-140 – Emulsified Asphalt (Anionic)
 Minimum Testing Requirements
1 – Q.T. – For every 130 M.T. or fraction thereof
Size of sample : 20 kg

Tests on Bituminous Mix

1. Extraction – quantitative determination of asphalt content in

bituminous paving mixtures. Asphalt content may be express
either as a percentage by weight of total weight of mix or a
percentage by weight of dry aggregates.

Calculation:
wt. of original - wt. of sample
sample after
extraction
% Asphalt Content =
----------------------------------------------- x 100
(by wt. of mix) wt. of original sample

wt. of original - wt. of sample

sample after
extraction
% Asphalt Content =
 Tests on Bituminous Mix

2. Bulk Specific Gravity – Bulk specific gravity of the compacted

bituminous mixtures are used in calculating unit weight of the
mixture. The specific gravity or density is an important data in the
determination of the degree of compaction of a newly constructed
asphalt pavement.

Calculation:
A
Bulk Specific Gravity, Gmb = -------------------
B - C

where:
A = mass of specimen in air, g
B = mass of surface – dry specimen, g.
C = mass of specimen in water, g.

3. Grading – determining the relative proportions of various particles

sizes of mineral aggregates in a mix, if it conforms with the Job-Mix
Formula/Specifications.
 Tests on Bituminous Mix

4. Stability (Immersion – Compression Method) – this method covers

measurement of the loss of cohesion resulting from the action of water
on compacted bituminous mixtures.

1. Dry Stability – compressive strength of freshly molded and cured

specimens.
2. Wet Stability - compressive strength of duplicate specimens that
have been immersed in water under prescribed conditions.

Calculation:

Index of Retained Strength (IRS) – calculate numerical index of

resistance of bituminous mixtures to the detrimental effect of water as
the percentage of the original strength that is retain after the immersion
period.

Load Load
Stability (Compressive Strength) = -------------- = ------------
Area  D2/4

Wet Stability
Index of Retained Strength, (IRS), % = ---------------------- x 100
Dry Stability
MISCELLANEOUS CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS
 TESTS ON REINFORCING STEEL
BARS
1. Variation in Mass
The test determines the actual size of the bar based on weight
Measurement per one-meter length and determines its variation to
the standard nominal mass per respective size of the steel bar

Variation in Mass, % :

Actual Mass of Specimen, kg/m - Nominal Mass, kg/m

x 100
Nominal Mass, kg/m

DPWH Specification:

Variation in Mass, % : Shall not exceed 6% under nominal

weight
except for bars smaller than 3/8 in. (10 mm)
plain round. In no case shall the underweight
be the cause for rejection.
 2. Determination of Tensile Properties

The test is intended to determine the yield and tensile

strength of the bar as well as its elongation, and is used to
classify the bars into grade.

Tensile Strength = Maximum Load the Specimen sustains during test

_____________”________________________________
Nominal cross-sectional Area of the Specimen

Load sustain by the Specimen by the sudden halt of Load

Yield Point = _____________________________________________
Nominal cross-sectional Area of the Specimen
3. Elongation : express as the increase in length of the gage length as a
percentage of the original gage length.

Elongation, % : Final Elongation, mm – Gage Length, mm x 100

Gage Length, mm

DPWH Specification:

Elongation, % See
: Table (Based on the size of steel bar)

Measurement of rebar elongation

 4. Phosphorous Content Determination
The test evaluates the ductile properties of rebars

DPWH Specification:

Phosphorous Content, % = 0.06 Max

 5. Deformation Measurements
(For deformed Bar)
 Average spacing (spacing between the lugs)
 Average Height (Height of the lug)

 Gap (Width of the Rib)

Measurement of rebar deformation

 6. Determination of Bending Propertie

The test is one of the methods in evaluating the ductile

properties of the reinforcing steel bars.
Reporting :Examine carefully the bent portion for any sign of
cracking on the outside bend and report with
satisfactory when no cracks appears and
unsatisfactory when sign of crack occurs.

Set cold bend apparatus

then
place sample for bending
test

Start the bending

operation using
Universal Testing
Machine (UTM)
CONCRETE HOLLOW BLOCKS (CHB)
SPECIFICATIONS FOR CONCRETE HOLLOW BLOCKS ( CHB )
ASTM C-90 : LOAD BEARING CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS

Strength Requirements:
Individual - 5.5 Mpa (800 psi) Minimum
Average - 6.9 Mpa (1000 psi) Minimum
Absorption - 240 kg/m3 Maximum

Moisture Content - 45% Maximum

ASTM C-129 : NON-LOAD BEARING CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS

Strength Requirements:

Individual - 3.45 Mpa (500 psi) Minimum

Average - 4.14 Mpa (600 psi) Minimum
Absorption - -
Moisture Content - -
DETERMINATION OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST OF
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS

Significance :
Compression test is performed on concrete masonry units such as
solid load, hollow load, and non-load bearing blocks in order to
determine its strength properties. The test is important for the
evaluation of compressive strength as a basis of acceptance.
Test Sample : 3 – full-size units taken from each lot of 10,000 units
or fraction thereof

Thickness of Steel Plates as Bearing Block : 12.7 mm; min.

Calculation :
Maximum Load, newtons ( or pound-force )
Compressive Strength = _________________________________________
Gross Cross Sectional Area of the Unit, mm2

Gross Cross Sectional Area of the Unit, mm2 = is the total area of a
section perpendicular to the direction of the load,
including areas within cells.
Dimension measurement of Concrete Hollow Block (CHB)
 DETERMINATION OF ABSORPTION AND MOISTURE CONTENT
OF CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS
Significance
Absorption and moisture content tests of concrete masonry units are
performed so as to determine the actual percentage of water and the
absorption characteristic of the concrete when subjected in a saturated
condition. The values of this are necessary in the evaluation relative to its
permissible value of acceptance.
Apparatus 1. Oven with temperature control up to 115 ºC
2. Balance sensitive within 0.5 % of the weight

3. Container for saturating samples

Test Specimen

1. Three (3) full size units shall be used and taken from six (6) units
selected from each lot of 10,000 units or fraction thereof.
 WORK SHEET FOR TESTS ON CONCRETE HOLLOW BLOCKS
Project __________________________________________________________________________________________
Proposed use ______________________________________ Spec’s Item No. _________________________________
Tested by__________________________________________ Computed by __________________________________
Lab. _______________
(Name and designation) (Date) (Name and
designation) (Date)

Sample Identification 1 2 3

1. Width, mm - - - - - - - - - - - - 150 150 150

2. Length, mm - - - - - - - - - - - 400 400 400

3. Height, mm - - - - - - - - - - - 200 200 200
4. Gross-cross sectional area, mm - - 60,000 60,000 60,000
5. Compressive Strength:
Ultimate Load, kg 66,000# 76,000# 67,000#
Compressive Strength, MN/m2
4.9 5.6 5.0
Compressive Strength, MN/2 (Avg. of 3 units)
5.2

6. Moisture Content and water absorption:

Mass as Dry Wet Immersed

Sample ID Sampled (1) g Mass (2) g Mass (3) g Mass (4) g

1 1570 1524 1678 903

2 1506 1466 1580 886
3 1923 1882 2070 1116
Average 1666 1624 1776 968
REINFORCED CONCRETE CULVERT PIPE
(RCCP)
 Reinforced Concrete Pipe is manufactured into five (5)
classes:
Class D-Load to D-Load to Concrete Concrete
produce a 0.03 produce the Strength, Strength,
mm crack, ultimate load Mpa MPa
Newton/lm/mm Newton/lm/m
of diameter m of Wall A Wall B
diameter
I 40.0 60.0 27.6 Mpa (4000 27.6 Mpa
psi) (4000psi)

II 50.0 75.0 27.6 Mpa (4000 27.6 Mpa (4000

psi) psi)

III 65.0 100.0 27.6 Mpa (4000 27.6 Mpa (4000

psi) psi)

IV 100.0 150.0 34.5 Mpa (5000 27.6 Mpa (4000

psi) psi)
BasisV of 140.0 175.0 41.4 Mpa (6000 41.4 Mpa (6000
Acceptance:
 Load Bearing Test - shall be determine psi)
by the results ofpsi)
:
a. three –edge bearing tests to produce a 0.3 mm crack and the
ultimate load (strength) of the pipe.
b. Absorption test on selected samples of concrete from the wall
of the pipe.
c. Visual inspection of the finished pipe to determine its
conformance with the accepted design and its freedom from
defects.
QUALITY CONTROL OF RCCP AND SIGNIFICANCE
 RCP are tested to assure uniformity of quality
 To check compliance with design and other
specification requirements

SAMPLING AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS

 One (1) Quality Test – every 50 pcs. or fraction thereof

 Alternative Requirements:
 1 - set consisting of 3 cylinder samples -
For not more than 25 pipes cast in the field
 1 – Inspection Report for each size for not more
than 25 pipes cast in the field
- For cement, fine aggregate and water – testing is
sample for Item 405 (Structural Concrete)
TESTS ON RCCP AND SIGNIFICANCE

 External Load Crushing Strength Test

(By Three-Edge Bearing Method)
- Performed to establish that the finished,
shippable
pipe has sufficient strength to withstand the
crushing loads stated in the specification.

- Performed to prove the adequacy of design.

- Proof of design.

 Absorption Test
- Performed to establish the fact that the finished,
shippable pipe meets the absorption limits stated in
the specification.
EXTERNAL LOAD CRUSHING STRENGTH TEST OF CONCRETE
PIPE BY THREEE – EDGE BEARING METHOD
Significance :
The crushing test can be either a quality control test performed to
establish that the finished pipe has sufficient strength to withstand
the crushing loads stated in the specifications or a proof of design
testing performed to prove the adequacy of design.

Rate of Loading required for Concrete Pipe Tester:

A minimum uniform rate of 120 N/ linear meter of pipe per
second and a maximum uniform rate of 610 N / linear meter
of pipe per second.

Record the load to produce a 0.3 mm crack. The 0.3 mm crack load is the
maximum load applied to the pipe before a crack having a width of 0.3 mm
occurs throughout a continuous length of 300 mm or more measured parallel to
the longitudinal axis of pipe barrel.
QUALITY TEST ON COMMON
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
 COMMON MATERIAL TEST REQUIRED
1. Excavated and Subgrade Materials 1. Grading Test
2. Plasticity Test
3. Laboratory Compaction (Standard)
4. Field Density Test (FDT)
2. Embankment Materials 1. Same as No. 1
3. Aggregate Subbase Course Materials 1. Grading Test
2. Plasticity Test
3. Laboratory Compaction (Modified)
4. Abrasion
5. California Bearing Ratio (CBR)
6. Field Density Test (FDT)
4. Aggregate Base Course Materials 1. Same as No. 3
5. Crushed Aggregate Base Course 1. Same as No. 3
Materials 2. Fractured Face
6. Aggregate Surface Course Materials 1. Grading Test
2. Plasticity Test
3. Abrasion
4. Fractured Face
5. California Bearing Ratio (CBR)
 COMMON MATERIAL TEST REQUIRED
7. Aggregate Materials for Bituminous 1. Grading Test
Road Surface Course Mix 2. Plasticity Test
3. Abrasion
4. Stripping
5. Bulk Specific Gravity
6. Fractured Face
8. Fine Aggregates 1. Grading Test
2. Bulk Specific Gravity and Absorption
3. Effect of Organic Impurities on Strength of
Mortar
4. Soundness Test
5. Organic Impurities
6. Unit Weight (Loose and Rodded)
7. Clay Lumps and Friable Particles
 COMMON MATERIAL TEST REQUIRED
9. Coarse Aggregates 1. Grading Test
2. Bulk Specific Gravity and Absorption
3. Abrasion
4. Soundness Test
5. Unit Weight (Loose and Rodded)
10. Asphalt Cement Penetration Graded 1. Penetration Test
2. Flash Point (Cleveland Open-Cup)
3. Ductility
4. Solubility Test
5. Specific Gravity
6. Thin-film Oven Test/ Loss on Heating
7. Spot Test
 COMMON MATERIAL TEST REQUIRED
11. Bituminous Mix 1. Extraction (Bitumen Content)
2. Grading Test Mechanical
3. Bulk Specific Gravity
4. Stability Test
5. Thickness Determination
6. Density Test
12. Emulsified Asphalt 1. Viscosity, Saybolt-Furol
(Cationic/Anionic) 2. Storage Stability Test
3. Cement Mixing
4. Sieve Test
5. Specific Gravity Test
6. Distillation Test
7. Penetration Test
8. Ductility Test
9. Solubility Test
 COMMON MATERIAL TEST REQUIRED
13. Cutback Asphalt 1. Kinematic Viscosity
2. Flash Point (Tag Open-Cup)
3. Specific Gravity
4. Distillation Test
5. Penetration test
6. Ductility
7. Solubility
8. Spot Test
14. Mineral Filler 1. Grading Test
2. Plasticity Test
3. Loss on Ignition
15. Portland Cement (Physical Test and 1. Air Content of Mortar
Chemical Analysis) 2. Fineness by Air-Permeability Test
3. Autoclave Expansion
4. Compressive Strength
5. Time of Setting by Vicat Apparatus
6. False Set
7. Heat of Hydration
8. Sulfate Resistance
 COMMON MATERIAL TEST REQUIRED
9. Specific Gravity/Density
10. Time of Setting by Gillmore Needle
11. Fineness by Turbidimeter
12. Calcium Sulfate
16. Blended Hydraulic Cement 1. Fineness
(Physical Test and Chemical Analysis) 2. Autoclave Expansion
3. Autoclave Contraction
4. Time of Setting Vicat Needle
5. Air Content of Mortar
6. Compressive Strength
7. Magnesium Oxide
8. Sulfur Trioxide
9. Insoluble Residue
10.Loss on Ignition
17. Concrete Joint Sealer 1. Pour Point Temperature
2. Safe Heating temperature
3. Penetration Test
4. Flow
 COMMON MATERIAL TEST REQUIRED
18. Concrete Samples/ Concrete Cores 1. Compressive Strength for Cylinders
2. Flexural Strength for beams
3. Thickness Measurement
19. Reinforced Concrete Pipe 1. Strength Test
2. Water Absorption
3. Dimension Measurement
4. Moisture Content
20. Reinforcing Steel Bars 1. Test for Tensile Properties (Yield, Tensile,
Elongation)
2. Test for Bending
3. Actual Unit Mass
4. Variation in Mass
5. Deformation Measurement
6. Phosphorous Content
RECOMMENDED SIZE OF
SAMPLE FOR TESTING
 COMMON MATERIAL MINIMUM QUANTITY REQUIRED
FOR SUBMISSION
1. Excavated and Subgrade Materials 50 kgs.
2. Embankment Materials 50 kgs.
3. Aggregate Subbase Course Materials 50 kgs. –Quality Test
20 kgs. – Soil Classification
4. Aggregate Base Course Materials 50 kgs. –Quality Test
20 kgs. – Soil Classification
5. Crushed Aggregate Base Course 50 kgs.
Materials
6. Aggregate Surface Course Materials 50 kgs.
7. Aggregate Materials for Bituminous 50 kgs.
Road Surface Course Mix
8. Fine Aggregates 50 kgs.
9. Coarse Aggregates 50 kgs.
10. Asphalt Cement Penetration Graded 1 Gallon
11. Bituminous Mix 20 kgs.
12. Emulsified Asphalt (Cationic/Anionic) 1 Gallon
 COMMON MATERIAL MINIMUM QUANTITY REQUIRED FOR
SUBMISSION
13. Cutback Asphalt 1 Gallon
14. Mineral Filler 5 kgs.
15. Portland Cement Physical Test and 10 kgs.
Chemical Analysis
16. Blended Hydraulic Cement 10 kgs.
17. Concrete Joint Sealer 5 kgs.
18. Concrete Samples/ Core Samples Atleast one (1) but not more than three
(3) in full day’s operation
19. Reinforced Concrete Pipe 1 pipe, 1-m length
20. Reinforcing Steel Bars 1 pc., 1-m length