Construction Material Testing

- What is construction material testing?

Construction Materials Testing (CMT) primarily
involves testing structural materials used to build new projects from the ground
up, materials and components used to construct new additions or new components being added
to an existing facility.

- Who developed materials testing?

From the 1850's on, various devices for testing materials had been developed, but
the goal of a truly universal testing machine proved elusive until 1880, when Philadelphia
engineer Tinius Olsen, a Norwegian immigrant who had just lost his job, devised and patented
what became known as the Little Giant.

- How many types of material testing are there?

Five
Materials testing breaks down into five major categories: mechanical testing; testing for thermal
properties; testing for electrical properties; testing for resistance to corrosion, radiation, and
biological deterioration; and nondestructive testing.

- What are the material properties?

A description of some common mechanical and physical properties will provide

information that product designers could consider in selecting materials for a given
application.

 Conductivity.

 Corrosion Resistance.

 Density.

 Ductility / Malleability.

 Elasticity / Stiffness.

 Fracture Toughness.

 Hardness.

 Plasticity.

- What is material testing?

 Construction Material Testing
Materials testing, measurement of the characteristics and behavior of such
substances as metals, ceramics, or plastics under various conditions. The data thus obtained can
be used in specifying the suitability of materials for various applications—e.g., building or aircraft
construction, machinery, or packaging.

- What is the purpose of material testing in construction?

It can highlight future risks, help classify a building site, and assist with engineering decisions.
Without CMT, engineers and builders may not know if the quality of the construction meets the
requirements. Construction Materials Testing is also a regulatory requirement for most large-
scale project.

- What are the materials used for construction?

Let's take a look at the most commonly-used natural and synthetic construction materials in Pakistan.

 Cement.

 Sand.

 Steel.

 Concrete.

 Glass.

 Wood.

 Brick.

 Stone.

- What are the types of cement?

Types of Cement Used in Construction and Civil Engineering

 Portland Cement. Ordinary Portland Cement, or OPC, is widely used in construction

work. ...

 White Cement. ...

 Water Repellent Cement. ...

 Sulfate Resistant Cement. ...

 Rapid Hardening Cement. ...

 Expansive Cement. ...
 Construction Material Testing
 Air Entraining Cement. ...

- Different type of Cement test

The quality of concrete depends on the quality of the cement. Therefore, it is very

important to check the quality of cement before using it. Various tests on cement are
conducted to ensure their quality. Cement test can be classified as follows:

a) Field test.
b) Laboratory Test.

a) Field Test

The Purity and quality of cement can be judged by applying the following rough and ready
field test of cement:

 The color of the cement should normally be greenish-grey.

 When the hand is inserted into a bag of cement, It should feel cool and not
warm.
 Any lump found in the cement bag should be powdered by pressing between the
thumb and the fore finger. If it does not turn into powder form, the cement is
considered to be spoiled by air setting.
 It should give a smooth feeling when rubbed in between fingers.
 A handful of cement thrown into a bucket of water should float for some time.
 It should not feel oily when touched.
Construction Material Testing