4th DPWH Consultants &

Contractors Materials Engineer

Accreditation Examination Review
Examination Coverage

A. Soil and Soil Aggregates - 30%

B. Bituminous Materials & Mixtures - 30%
C. Concrete & Concrete Products - 30%
D. Miscellaneous - 10%
Topics to be discussed by Engr. Noel R. Tayoto,CE,RMP,ME2

Sampling & Testing Procedures

on various Lab Test on Soil,
Aggregates, and Concrete

Test Results Calculation &

Interpretation
AGGREGATE PRODUCTION
CONTROL

PROPER SAMPLING
OF AGGREGATES
AT STOCKPILED
REDUCING FIELD SAMPLES OF AGGREGATES TO
TESTING SIZE
These methods cover the reduction of field samples to
the appropriate size for testing employing techniques
that are intended to minimize variations in measured
characteristics between the test samples so selected
and the field sample.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE

These methods provide for reducing the large sample
obtained in the field to a convenient size for
conducting a number of tests to the smaller portion is
most likely to be a representation of the field sample
SELECTION OF METHOD

Method A MECHANICAL SPLITTER

Sample splitter shall have an even number of equal

widths chutes, but not less than a total of eight(8) for
Coarse aggregates, or Twelve(12) for Fine aggregates,
which discharge alternatively to each side of the splitter.
Method B QUARTERING

Place the field sample on a hard clean, level surface and mix the
material thoroughly by turning the entire sample over three
times. With the last turning, shovel the entire sample into a
conical pile by depositing each shovelful on top of the preceding

one. Carefully flatten the conical pile to a uniform thickness and

diameter. Divide the flattened mass into four equal quarters with
a shovel or trowel and remove two diagonally opposite quarters,
including all fine material, and brush the cleared spaces clean.
Successively mix and quarter the remaining material until the
sample is reduced to the desired size.
Method C MINIATURE STOCKPILE

SAMPLING

Obtain a sample for each test by selecting at least five

increments of materials at random locations from the
miniature stockpile.
Soil Inspection or say Geotechnical Inspection is very important
in understanding the physical properties of soil and the rocks
DETERMINATION
beneath. OF MOISTURE
This is required to ascertainCONTENT
the type of foundation
required for the proposed construction. Various tests are done to
explore the sub-surface and surface characteristics of soil. Some
1.CALCIUM CARBIDE METHOD It is a method for rapid
of determination
these of water content
are given
from the gas pressure below.
developed by the reaction of calcium carbide with the
free water of the soil. From the calibrated scale of the
pressure gauge the percentage of water on total mass of
wet soil is obtained and the same is converted to water
content on dry mass of soil.
DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT

2.OVEN DRYING METHOD This test is done to determine water

content in soil by oven drying method. WC, is the ratio of the
weight/mass of water in the soil to the weight/mass of the dry
soil after it has been dried to constant weight/mass at a
temperature of 110 + 5 degree Celsius.

CALCULATION
Moisture Content, MC % = [ W1 W2 / W2 - Wc ] x 100
Where:
W1 = weight/mass of container plus wet soil
W2 = weight/mass of container plus dry soil
Wc = weight of container

Note: Weighing hot containers (sample) is not advisable as it

affects the accuracy of results.
 PARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS OF SOILS
Is the determination of particle/grain size distribution in soils
by Sieve, Hydrometer, or a Combined Analysis.

Is also widely used in the classification and identification of

soils. It is an important criteria in the classification of highway
subgrade materials. It is also related to permeability and
capillarity of cohesionless soils.

* Maximum size is the sieve through which 100% of the

aggregate sample particle pass.

* Nominal maximum size is the sieve that retains any of

the aggregate particles but generally
not more than 10% for the larger sized
aggregates.
 DETERMINATION OF LIQUID LIMIT

The Liquid Limit is defined as the lowest

moisture content at which the soil will flow
upon the application of a very small
shearing force (soil behaves practically like
a liquid, but has small shear strength). It
gives a certain measure of the shearing
resistance of a soil when mixed with water.
Apparatus used: Casagrandes Liquid Limit Device
Grooving Tools, Spatula, Sieve #40(0.425mm)
Evaporating Dish
CALCULATION
Moisture % =[ W1 W2 / W2 ] x 100
Where:
W1 = weight/mass of wet sample
W2 = weight/mass of oven-dried sample

Plot the percent moisture as ordinate against the number of

blows as abscissa on a logarithmic scale. Draw a straight line
connecting these points. The plot is called the flow curve
The Liquid Limit is expressed as the moisture content
corresponding to 25 blows
DETERMINATION OF PLASTIC LIMIT AND
PLASTICITY INDEX

The Plastic Limit is defined as the minimum moisture content

at which the soil can be readily molded without breaking or
crumbling. PL is the water content of the soil below w/c it stop
to be plastic. It begins to crumble when rolled into threads of
3mm diameter.

Plasticity Index indicates compressibility; high PI means high

degree of compressibility of a soil. It is also related to
permeability; the higher the PI the lower the permeability; and
vice-versa.
CALCULATION

1. The Plastic limit is expressed as the moisture

content in percentage of the oven-dried weight/mass
of the crumbled soil thread.
Plastic Limit = [ W1 W2 / W2 ] x 100
Where:
W1 = weight/mass of crumbled soil thread
W2 = weight/mass of oven-dried crumbled soil thread
2. The Plasticity Index is the difference between
the Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit.
Plasticity Index = liquid Limit Plastic Limit
 PREPARED BASE
READY FOR POURING
ITEM 201( AGGREGATE BASE COURSE)
DETERMINATION OF DENSITY OF
SOIL IN-PLACE BY THE SAND CONE
METHOD
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.

Field Density Test is widely used as a control test in

embankment construction to ensure adequate compaction.
Highway specification usually require that embankment
should be compacted to not less than 95% of a maximum
density(maximum dry density taken from the laboratory).

Note: Sand any clean, dry, free-flowing, uncemented sand

having few, if any, particles passing the 0.075mm( No. 200 )
or retained on the 2.00mm (No. 10) sieves.
*Passing No. 10 and Retained No. 200
Procedure to determine the In-Situ Dry Density of Soil by Sand Cone/
Replacement Method

A. Calibration of apparatus
1.Determination of Unit Weight of Air-Dry Sand or
Bulk Density of the Sand
2.Determination of the weight/mass of sand to Fill
Cone or Funnel

B. Measurement of Field/Soil Density

1.A prepared area, approximately 500sq.m. of the soil to be
tested should be trimmed down to a level surface

2.The Density Plate or metal tray with a central hole should be

laid on the prepared surface of the soil with the hole over the
portion of the soil to be tested. The hole in the soil should then
be excavated using the hole in the tray as a pattern, to the depth of
the layer to be tested up to a maximum of 150mm(6). The
excavated soil should be carefully collected, leaving no loose
material in the hole and weighed to the
 nearest gram. The pouring Cylinder/Density Jar is placed
in position of Density Plate with a hole over the excavated hole
of the soil.

3.The actual moisture/water content of the excavated soil should

be determined (Calcium Carbide or Oven Drying Method)

4. The pouring cylinder , filled to the constant weight should be

placed that the base of the cylinder covers the hole concentri-
cally. The shutter should then be opened and sand allowed to
runout into the hole. The Density Jar and the surrounding area
should not be vibrated during this period. When no further
movement of sand takes place, the shutter should be closed.
The Density Jar should be removed and weighed to the nearest
gram.
CBR TEST PROCEDURE
 Tests on Cement Concrete

There are many tests which are

conducted to check the quality
of concrete. These tests are
basically divided into two cate-
gories; FRESH CONCRETE
and HARDENED CONCRETE
Various Laboratory Test on :

FRESH CONCRETE

1.Slump Test - workability

2.Compacting Factor
3.Vee-Bee Test - workability
4.Air Content Test
HARDENED CONCRETE
1. Compressive / Flexural Test
2. Core Boring Test
3. Rebound Hammer Test
4. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity
Test (Pundit)
5. 3-m Straight Edge
CONCRETE PRODUCTION
CONTROL
CONTROL IN TRANSPORTING
AND PLACING
POURING OF PCCP
ITEM 311
 SAMPLING AND TESTING OF MIXTURE
CONCRETE SAMPLING: (PCCP- ITEM 311)
Casting Flexural Strength Specimens BEAMS
ASTM C31-84/ AASHTO T 23: Standard Method of Making
and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
1. Remix the concrete sample(middle portion discharge of the batch)
2. Wet the equipment (beam mold)
3. Fill the Standard 6x6x 20or21 (152mmx152mmx508mm)
beam mold (use for concrete with nominal, maximum-
sized coarse aggregate up to 2 1/2 (63mm) in two, equal
layers.
4. Distribute the concrete evenly, both when filling and when
tamping, prior to consolidation.
5. Rod each layer once for each 2in2 of top surface area of the
specimen. Distribute the strokes uniformly over the cross
section of the mold. Rod the bottom layer throughout its
depth. When rodding the upper layer, allow the rod to
penetrate about (13mm) into the underlying layer when
the depth of the layer is less than 4 (102mm) or more.
6. If voids are left by the tamping rod, tap the sides lightly with a mallet to close the
voids.

7. After each layer is rodded, spade the concrete along the sides and end of the beam
molds with a trowel or other suitable tool.

8. When placing the final layer, avoid overfilling the mold by more than (6mm).

9. Strike off the surface of the concrete and float or trowel as required. Perform all
finishing with the least manipulation necessary to produce a flat, even surface which is
level with the edge or trim of the mold.

10. Cover the specimens immediately after finishing to prevent moisture loss. ( See
Sec. 8 for methods)

11. The 24-hour, initial cure must be at a temperature range between 60 to 80 (16 to
27 C).

12. For the final cure, the concrete must be in a moist condition at 23.4 3F
(231.7C) until the moment of test. ( Range Temperature, 21.30 - 24.7C )
MOLDED CONCRETE CYLINDER & BEAM
SAMPLE
 CURING
AND
PROTECTION

CURING
POND/TANK
FLEXURAL STRENGTH TEST
THIRD-POINT METHOD

3.8 Mpa (550 psi) when tested 3rd-point method at

14 days
Or a compressive strength of 24.1 Mpa (3500 psi)
for cores taken at 14 days
in accordance with AASHTO T24
 CONCRETE SAMPLING: (STRUCTURAL ITEM 405)
CASTING COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH SPECIMENS
CONCRETE CYLINDER SAMPLE
ASTM C 31- 84: STANDARD METHOD OF MAKING AND
CURING CONCRETE TEST SPECIMENS IN THE FIELD

1. Remix the concrete sample.

2. Wet the equipment.

3. Fill standard 6 by 12 (152 by 305 mm) test cylinders in three(3)

equal layers.

4. Distribute the concrete evenly, both when filling and when tamping,
prior to consolidation.
5. Rod each layer 25 times, penetrating the previous layer about 1 (25
mm). Distribute the strokes uniformly over the cross section of the mold.

6. Tap the mold sides lightly to close voids left by rodding.

7. Strike the top off with a tamping rod and float or towel the surface.

8. Clean the cylinder exterior. Mark test identification on mold.

9. Cover to prevent loss of moisture.

10. Initial cure for the first 24 hours must be at 60 to 80F (16 to 27C).

11. Final curing requires concrete to be in a moist condition at 73.4 3F

(23 1.7C) until moment of test.
Minimum Testing Requirements
of Structural Concrete
As work progresses, at least one(1) set of
sample consisting of three(3) concrete
cylinder test specimens,
150x300mm(6x12 inches), shall be taken
from each seventy five(75) cubic meters of
each class of concrete or fraction thereof
placed each day.
Note:

The ends of
Concrete
Cylinder Specimens
that
Are not plane within
0.002 inch
(0.050mm)
Shall be capped by
Capping
compound(Sulfur)
 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST
OF MOLDED CONCRETE CYLINDER
AASHTO T22

Compressive
strength tests
(breaking test)
Shall be made at:

7,14 and 28 days

 Verification of Calibration of the Testing Machine
(Compression & Flexural Machine, CBR Machine, UTM Machine, etc.)

After an elapsed interval since the previous verification of 18 months maximum, but
preferably after an interval of 12 months
On original installation or relocation of the machine
Immediately after making repairs or adjustments which may in any way affect the
operation of the weighing system or the values displayed
Whenever there is reason to doubt the accuracy of the results

RATE OF LOADING

Compression Test, apply the load continuosly and without shock in hydraulically
operated machines apply the load at a constant rate within the range 20 to 50 psi/s
(0.14 to 0.34 mpa/s). During the application of the first half of the anticipated load a
higher rate of loading shall be permitted.

Flexural Test, apply the load continuosly at a rate which constantly increases the
extreme fiber stress between 125 and 175 psi/min(861 and 1207 kpa/min).
 CONTROL CONSISTENCY
STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR SLUMP
OF PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE
SLUMP TEST
ASTM C 143-78 (AASHTO T 119)

Standard Test Method for

Slump of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement
 Remix the concrete sample.

Dampen the mold and place it on a flat, moist, nonabsorbent, rigid,

horizontal surface. If smooth plywood is used, cover with plastic.

Fill the container in three equal layers at approximately, 2-5/8 (67

mm) and 6-1/8 (155mm) from the base.

Rod each layer 25 times

for the first layer, slightly incline the rod and make approximately
half the strokes near the perimeter;

on successive layer, penetrate the previous layer slightly;

on the third layer, keep concrete mounted above the top of the
mold at all times.
1. Strike off the last layer with a screeding and rolling motion or the
tamping rod.

2. Remove any spilled concrete from the base of the cone.

3. Raise the mold a distance of 12 (300mm) in 5 to 2 seconds by a

steady upward lift.

4. Complete entire test within 2-1/2 minutes.

5. Measure the difference in height of the cone and the displaced

original center of the top surface of the concrete.

6. Measure and report to the nearest (6 mm.)

7. The test is not valid if there is a decided falling away or shearing off
Disregard test and make a new test on another portion of the
sample.
 SLUMP measures the consistency of concrete and often
reflects a change in the amount of mix water, temperature,
setting, and hydration.

SLUMP HEIGHT
 AIR CONTENT TEST
( ASTM C 231 )
Air Content measures the amount of air bubbles in fresh
concrete. Entrained air is purposely added to concrete
for freeze-melt resistance. Too much air results in low
strength.

TO PERFORM AN AIR CONTENT TEST:

* Fill the bowl of the meter in three equal layers
* Rod each layer 25 times followed by 10 to 15 taps
with a rubber mallet
* Clamp the top assembly onto the bowl, filling the void
space with water
* Pump air into the chamber to the specified mark
* Close the petcocks then release the air into bowl
* Tap the bowl sharply and read the percent air on the
dial gauge
 ABRASION TEST BY LOS ANGELES
MACHINE AASHTO T 96-77

ABRASION TEST- evaluates the structural strength of coarse

aggregates. It is an indication of quality as determined by resistance
to impact and wear
The abrasive charge shall consist of cast-iron spheres or steel
spheres approximately 46.8mm in diameter and each weighing
between 390 and 455 grams. The charge depending upon grading
of test sample shall be as follows:
Grading No. of Spheres Weight of Charge, g
A 12 5000 + 25
B 11 4584 + 25
C 8 3330 + 20
D 6 2500 + 15
1. Place test sample and abrasive charge in the Los Angeles Machine
rotated at a speed of 30 to 33 rpm for 500 revolutions.
2. At completion of Test, discharge material from the machine. Make a
preliminary separation of the samples on a sieve coarser than
1.70mm (Sieve #12)
3. Sieve finer portion on the 1.70mm(Sieve #12), using the standard
procedure of sieving aggregates
4. Wash all materials coarser than 1.70mm, dry to constant
weight/mass at about 110+5C and weigh accurately to the nearest
1 gram.

Percentage of Wear,% = Orig. Wt. of Sample, g Sample retained

sieve no. 12
_______________________________ X100
Original mass of sample, g
CORE BORING TEST
 Thank You!!!!
&
Happy Weekend!!