CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING (CECMAT20)

MODULE 3 – GENERAL PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS

Objectives:
You will be able to comprehend the importance of sampling and testing to ensure the conformity and suitability of the materials used in construction.
You will be able to familiarize yourself with the apparatus /instruments and equipment used in the testing of materials.

A. Introduction

All structures—whether roads, buildings, or bridges—are made up of construction materials. Each of these materials has its own set of
physical and mechanical properties that determine how it will perform when used in a structure. These properties help engineers decide which
material is best for a certain part of the structure. Understanding these properties is essential to ensure safety, durability, and cost-efficiency in
construction projects.

B. Importance of the Physical Properties of Materials Used in Construction

The selection of construction materials should not be based solely on appearance or cost. Each material must be tested and chosen based
on its physical properties, which affect how it behaves under certain conditions such as load, temperature, moisture, and time. For instance:

• Concrete must have enough compressive strength to support loads (ASTM C39).
• Steel must have high tensile strength for structural frames (ASTM A370).
• Asphalt must have sufficient abrasion resistance for road surfaces (AASHTO T96).

By understanding and testing these properties, engineers and builders are able to:

• Ensure the structure's safety and durability

• Prevent future failures and costly repairs
• Design structures that are appropriate for specific climates and environmental conditions

C. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Used in Testing of Materials

Material properties are commonly grouped into two major types: Physical and Mechanical (Strength) properties.

1. Physical Properties
These are the characteristics that can be observed or measured without changing the material’s composition. These include:
a. Specific Gravity – The ratio of the material’s weight compared to water. Used in concrete and soil classification (ASTM
C127 for coarse aggregate).
Example: Crushed granite aggregate.
b. Density – The mass per unit volume. Important in structural calculations.
Example: Reinforced concrete (approx. 2400 kg/m³).
c. Bulk Density – The total mass per unit volume including voids, used in aggregates (ASTM C29).
Example: River sand in concrete mix.
d. Porosity – The amount of empty space (voids) in a material. Higher porosity often means lower strength.
Example: Lightweight hollow blocks.
e. Water Absorption – Indicates how much water a material can absorb, important for durability (ASTM C642 for concrete).
Example: Clay bricks.
f. Hygroscopicity – The ability to absorb moisture from air.
Example: Timber (especially untreated).
g. Permeability – The ease with which water passes through. Crucial for soil used in drainage layers (ASTM D2434).
Example: Sandy soil.
h. Fire Resistance – The material's ability to resist fire.
Example: Gypsum board used in fire-rated walls.
i. Thermal Properties – Include heat capacity, conductivity, and resistance. Important for insulation design.
Example: Glass wool (ASTM C518).
 j. Corrosion Resistance – Resistance to rust or oxidation, especially in metals.
Example: Galvanized steel (ASTM A653).
k. Durability – Resistance to weathering or wear over time.
Example: Concrete with fly ash (ASTM C618).
l. Soundness – Resistance to deterioration due to temperature and moisture changes (ASTM C88).
Example: Coarse aggregates.
m. Tenacity – Resistance to being pulled apart or broken by tension.
Example: Nylon fibers in concrete.

2. Mechanical Properties
These are properties that determine how a material behaves under loads or stress:
a. Elasticity – Ability to return to original shape after removing load (ASTM E111).
Example: Structural steel.
b. Plasticity – Ability to be molded without cracking.
Example: Fresh mortar or clay.
c. Toughness – Ability to absorb energy before fracturing.
Example: Reinforcing steel in seismic zones.
d. Resilience – Ability to bounce back after deformation.
Example: Rubber pads in bearings.
e. Hardness – Resistance to scratching or penetration.
Example: Stone tiles for flooring (ASTM C241).
f. Brittleness – Tendency to break without deformation.
Example: Glass panels.
g. Ductility – Ability to stretch into a wire without breaking (ASTM E8 for metals).
Example: Mild steel.
h. Fatigue Resistance – Ability to withstand repeated loading cycles.
Example: Steel beams in bridges.
i. Creep – Slow deformation over time under constant stress.
Example: Asphalt on hot roads.
j. Abrasive Resistance – Resistance to surface wear.
Example: Concrete road pavement (ASTM C779).
k. Impact Strength – Resistance to sudden shock or impact (ASTM D256).
Example: Safety glass.
l. Strength Properties – Determine how much force a material can withstand before breaking:
➢ Tensile Strength – For stretching loads (ASTM A370).
Example: Rebar in beams.
➢ Compressive Strength – For pushing loads (ASTM C39).
Example: Concrete cylinders.
➢ Shear Strength – For sliding or tangential loads (ASTM D732).
Example: Wood in joints.

D. References:

American Concrete Institute. (2011). ACI 211.1-91: Standard practice for selecting proportions for normal, heavyweight, and mass
concrete (Reapproved 2009). ACI Committee 211.
American Society for Testing and Materials. (2021). Annual book of ASTM standards: Section 4 – Construction. ASTM International.
[Link]
American Society for Testing and Materials. (2021). ASTM C39/C39M-21: Standard test method for compressive strength of
cylindrical concrete specimens. ASTM International.
American Society for Testing and Materials. (2021). ASTM C127-15: Standard test method for relative density (specific gravity) and
absorption of coarse aggregate. ASTM International.
American Society for Testing and Materials. (2021). ASTM C642-13: Standard test method for density, absorption, and voids in
hardened concrete. ASTM International.
American Society for Testing and Materials. (2021). ASTM C88/C88M-18: Standard test method for soundness of aggregates by use
of sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate. ASTM International.
American Society for Testing and Materials. (2021). ASTM D2434-68(2006): Standard test method for permeability of granular soils
(constant head). ASTM International.
American Society for Testing and Materials. (2021). ASTM C241/C241M-18: Standard test method for abrasion resistance of stone
subjected to foot traffic. ASTM International.
American Society for Testing and Materials. (2021). ASTM A370-21: Standard test methods and definitions for mechanical testing of
steel products. ASTM International.
American Society for Testing and Materials. (2021). ASTM E8/E8M-21: Standard test methods for tension testing of metallic materials.
ASTM International.
American Society for Testing and Materials. (2021). ASTM E111-17: Standard test method for Young’s modulus, tangent modulus,
and chord modulus. ASTM International.
American Society for Testing and Materials. (2021). ASTM C518-17: Standard test method for steady-state thermal transmission
properties by means of the heat flow meter apparatus. ASTM International.
American Society for Testing and Materials. (2021). ASTM D256-10(2018): Standard test methods for determining the Izod pendulum
impact resistance of plastics. ASTM International.
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. (2020). Standard specifications for transportation materials and
methods of sampling and testing (40th ed.). AASHTO.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). (2013). DPWH Standard Specifications for Public Works and Highways –
Volume II (Blue Book). Bureau of Research and Standards.
Mamlouk, M. S., & Zaniewski, J. P. (2016). Materials for civil and construction engineers (4th ed.). Pearson.
Neville, A. M. (2011). Properties of concrete (5th ed.). Pearson Education Limited.
Kosmatka, S. H., & Wilson, M. L. (2016). Design and control of concrete mixtures (16th ed.). Portland Cement Association.