CENTRAL MINDANAO UNIVERSITY

College of Engineering
Civil Engineering Program

Physically Distanced but Academically Engaged

Self-Instructional Manual (SIM) for Self-Directed Learning (SDL)

Course/Subject: CE 38– Testing of Materials. Laboratory

Name of Teacher: Engr. Irish S. Tambis

THIS SIM/SDL MANUAL IS A DRAFT VERSION ONLY, NOT FOR

REPRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OUTSIDE OF ITS INTENDED USE.
THIS IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE STUDENTS WHO ARE
OFFICIALLY ENROLLED IN THE COURSE/SUBJECT.
EXPECT REVISIONS OF THE MANUAL.

LABORATORY ACTIVITY No. 2

Table of Contents

Course Overview

 Course Overview
 Common Field Testing (In-Situ)
 Familiarization with apparatus & equipment used in testing of materials;
 Reducing field samples of aggregates to testing size
a. Method A-Mechanical Splitter
b. Method B-Quartering (for performance)
c. Method C – Miniature Stockpile
 Sample of Fresh Concrete
 Slump Test for Consistency of Portland Cement Concrete
 Concrete Cylinder Moulding Preparation, Curing and Testing
 Concrete Beam Moulding Preparation and Testing, Curing and Testing
 Sampling and Testing of Asphalt Core, Testing of drilled cores from an Asphalt
Pavement, Concrete drilled cores
Activity No. 2: REDUCING FIELD SAMPLE OF AGGREGATE
Discussion:

These methods cover the reduction of field samples to testing size

employing techniques that are intended to minimize variation in measured
characteristics between the test samples selected and the field sample. The
correct method of obtaining a sample of aggregates for mechanical analysis is
an important aspect of Material Testing. The purpose of this exercise is to obtain
a representative sample for testing.

Specifications for aggregate require sampling portion of the material for

testing. Other factors being equal, larger samples will tend to be more
representative of the total supply.
These methods provide for reducing the large sample obtained in the field
to a convenient size. This is for the purpose of conducting a number of tests to
describe the material and measure its quality in manner that the smaller portion
is most likely to be a representation of the field sample and thus the total supply.
The individual test methods provide for minimum weights of material to be tested.
Objective: To learn and understand the correct method of obtaining sample
aggregate for mechanical analysis.

Referenced Documents: ASTM (C 702 – 98, C 33, D 75, C 330 – 89) AASHTO
T 248

Selection of Method:
1. Fine Aggregate – Filed sample of fine aggregate that are drier than the
saturated surface-dry condition shall be reduced in size by a mechanical
splitter according to Method A. Field sample having free moisture on the
particle surface may be reduced in sizes by quartering method according
to Method B.
1.1 If the use of Method B is desired and the field sample does not have free
moisture on the particle surfaces, the sample may be moistened to
achieve this condition, thoroughly mixed and then the sample reduction
performed.
1.2 If the use of Method A is desired and the field sample has free moisture
on the particle surfaces, the entire field sample may be dried to at least
surface-dry condition using the temperature that do not exceed those
specified for any of the test contemplated and then the sample
reduction performed.
2. Coarse Aggregates and Mixture of Coarse and Fine Aggregates – Reduce
the sample using a mechanical splitter in accordance with Method A
(preferred method) or by a quartering method in accordance with Method
B.

Apparatus and Materials:

1. Representative sample of aggregate

2. Spade
3. Container
4. Sample Splitter
Procedure:
Method A – Mechanical Splitter
1. Check moisture condition of aggregate – If the sample has free moisture
on the particle surface the entire sample must be dried to at least the
SSD condition prior to reduction by splitter.

2. Check sample splitter chute opening. (Their number and width relative
to maximum size of aggregate)

3. Place the sample in the hopper or pan and uniformly distribute it from
edge to edge, so that when it is introduced into the chutes,
approximate and equal amounts will flow through each chute.

4. The rate of which the sample is introduced shall be of such as allow free
flowing through the chutes into the receptacle below.

5. Reintroduce the portion of the sample in one of the receptacles as

many times as necessary to reduce to specified size for the intended
test.

6. The portion of the material collected in the other receptacle may be

reserved for reduction in size for other test.

Method B – Quartering

1. Perform in actual the Quartering method per group.

2. Take representative sample of sand or gravel (see sizes for minimum
weight of field samples)

3. Place the sample on a hard, clean, level surface where there will neither
loss of material nor the accidental addition of foreign material.

4. 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 shovel on top of the preceding one.

5. Carefully flatten the conical pile to a uniform thickness and diameter, by

pressing down the apex with a shovel or other device so that each
quarter sector of the resulting pile will contain the material originally in it.
The diameter should be approximately four to eight times the thickness.

6. Divide the flattened mass approximately into four equal part quarters
with a shovel, trowel or other suitable device and remove to diagonally
opposite quarters, including all fine materials and brush the cleared
spaces clean.

7. Successively mix and quarter the remaining material until the sample is
reduced to the desired size.
The sample will be used for the sieve analysis of combined coarse
and fine aggregates.
8. Submit separate documentation video(s) along with the laboratory
report. The report should include photos of the conducted activity.
Please include in the report the specific task assigned or performed by
each member.
SIZE OF SAMPLES inches Minimum Weight of Field Samples

mm lb Kg

9.5 3/8 10 5

12.5 ½ 20 10

19 ¾ 30 15

25 1 50 25

37.5 1½ 70 30

50 2 90 40

63 2½ 100 45

75 3 125 60

90 3½ 150 65