Construction Materials and Testing PDF

Construction Materials and Testing An Introduction Learning Objectives To learn the different standards used in construction materials  Definition Construction materials are materials or supply brought to the site by the Contractor or a subcontractor for incorporation into the b...

Construction Materials and Testing An Introduction Learning Objectives To learn the different standards used in construction materials  Definition Construction materials are materials or supply brought to the site by the Contractor or a subcontractor for incorporation into the building or work. Construction Materials can be traced to as early as 400BC. Civil Engineers deals with the traditional and modern materials.  Traditional Construction Materials Are materials that have been used for centuries, often locally sourced and based on traditional knowledge and techniques. These materials can be natural, such as wood, stone, adobe, cob, thatch, and bamboo, or man-made, such as fired bricks, terracotta tiles, and lime mortar. In many parts of the world, traditional materials are still commonly used for construction, especially in rural areas or for buildings with historical or cultural significance. These materials have proven to be durable, sustainable, and affordable over time, and can provide thermal and acoustic insulation. Advanced or Modern Construction Materials Modern construction materials refer to the newer materials that have emerged in the construction industry, which provide innovative solutions for construction challenges, such as strength, durability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.  Importance Construction materials play a critical role in the construction of buildings, infrastructure, and other structures. Their importance lies in the following aspects: Strength and Durability: Construction materials provide the structural integrity and longevity required for buildings and infrastructure to withstand the forces of nature and use over time. Safety: Proper selection and testing of construction materials can ensure the safety of occupants, workers, and the general public during and after construction. Aesthetics: Construction materials can enhance the aesthetic appeal of buildings and structures, and contribute to the cultural and historical significance of a place.  Importance Cost-effectiveness: Proper selection and use of construction materials can lead to cost savings during construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure. Sustainability: Construction materials can impact the environmental sustainability of the built environment, through their embodied energy, carbon footprint, and impact on natural resources. Innovation: Advancements in construction materials and their use can lead to innovative and sustainable building practices, addressing modern challenges such as climate change, energy efficiency, and affordable housing. Types of Construction Materials Natural Materials Wood: A natural and renewable material, wood is commonly used in construction for its durability, strength, and aesthetic appeal. It is often used for framing, flooring, and finishing, and can be treated for resistance to fire, insects, and moisture.  Natural Materials ◈ Stone: A natural and durable material, stone is used for its aesthetic appeal and resistance to weather and fire. It is often used for walls, flooring, and decorative features, and can be cut and polished for a smooth finish.  Types of Construction Materials Man-made Materials Concrete: A composite material made of cement, aggregates, and water. Concrete is used for its strength, durability, and versatility. It can be used for foundations, walls, floors, and bridges, and can be reinforced with steel to increase its strength. Man-made ◈ Steel: A high-strength material, steel is used for its durability, resistance to weather and fire, and versatility in construction. It is often used for structural framing, roofing, and cladding, and can be recycled for sustainability.  Man-made Brick: A fired clay or concrete block, brick is commonly used for its durability, insulation, and fire resistance. It is often used for walls, chimneys, and decorative features, and can be made in various sizes and colors. Man-made Glass: A transparent material, glass is used for its aesthetic appeal, natural light, and energy efficiency. It can be used for windows, doors, facades, and decorative features, and can be tempered or laminated for safety.  Man-made Plastics: A versatile and lightweight material, plastics are used for their insulation, moisture resistance, and flexibility. They can be used for piping, insulation, roofing, and structural elements, and can be made from recycled materials for sustainability. Man-made Asphalt: A petroleum-based material, asphalt is used for its durability, waterproofing, and flexibility. It is often used for paving roads, parking lots, and driveways, and can be recycled for sustainability. Composition: Bitumen, Aggregate Overall, the selection of construction materials depends on their properties, suitability for specific applications, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability.  Properties of Construction Materials A. Mechanical Properties a. Hardness- it is the ability to resist indentation b. Toughness- it is the ability to absorb energy and plastic deformation without fracturing c. Ductility- it is the ability to deform in plastic range without breaking d. Stiffness- it is the ability to resist deformation within linear range e. Durability- it is the ability to last over time without wearing or significant deterioration f. Elasticity- property of a material which makes it return to its original dimension when the load is removed  Properties of Construction Materials B. Chemical Properties a. Corrosion Resistance- it is the ability to withstand corrosion damage caused by oxidation b. Fire Resistance- it is the ability to prevent or delays the passage of excessive heat and fire c. Chemical Resistance- it is the ability to withstand the action of acids, alkali, seawater, and gases  Properties of Construction Materials C. Physical Properties a. Density- ratio of mass to its volume b. Specific Gravity- ratio of density of a substance to density of water c. Dimension- measurement in one direction of a physical object d. Porosity- ratio of volume of voids to the volume of substance e. Void Ratio- ratio of volume of voids to the volume of solid f. Water Absorption- amount of water absorbed  Testing of Construction Materials ◈ There are two types of testing construction materials – Destructive and Non-Destructive. i. Destructive Testing is the evaluation that determines how a component will behave under pressure. ii. Non-Destructive Testing is the evaluation that determines how a component will behave without permanently damaging the object.  Destructive Testing Compression Test It determines the compressive strength of a specimen under compressive pressure  Destructive Testing Tensile Test It determines the tensile strength, yield strength and ductility of a metallic material by pulling up to its breaking point  Destructive Testing Flexural Test It evaluates the tensile strength of concrete indirectly. It tests the ability of unreinforced concrete beam or slab to withstand failure in bending. The results of flexural test on concrete expressed as a modulus of rupture which denotes as (MR) in MPa or psi.  Tests on Aggregates Water Aggregate Sieve Analysis Absorption Impact Value Aggregate Aggregate Abrasion Crushing Value Tests on Bitumen Bitumen Content Flash and Fire Point Penetration Softening Point Specific Gravity Ductility Marshal Stability  Tests on Cement FINENESS SOUNDNESS CONSISTENCY SETTING TIME TEST TEST TEST  Tests on Concrete COMPRESSION FLEXURAL REBOUND ULTRASONIC STRENGTH STRENGTH HAMMER PULSE VELOCITY Steel Reinforcement Tests ◈ Tensile Strength ◈ Bend Test ◈ Re-bend Test ◈ Shear Test ◈ Brinell Hardness Test ◈ Impact Test ◈ Torsion Test  Standard-Setting Agencies ASTM- American Society for Testing and Materials AASHTO- American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials AISC- American Institute of Steel Construction ASCE- American Society of Civil Engineers ACI- American Concrete Institute ISO- International Organization for Standardization