CE31: Construction Materials and Testing
INTRODUCTION
This activity explores experiences and observations at
Geotechnical Testing Services in Purok-9A, Poblacion, Tupi,
South Cotabato, allowing some of our group members to observe
material function and usage.
Material testing equipment is a crucial component in
scientific research and engineering projects. It is a variety
of machines used to examine the strength, toughness,
flexibility, and suitability of certain materials for
specific applications. They are used to determine how a
material will react to varying conditions. This laboratory
report presents the different types of material testing
equipment and their applications in the field of engineering.
SPECIFICATION OF MATERIALS
1) Universal Testing Machine.
A Universal Testing Machine
(UTM) is a flexible equipment
used for conducting mechanical
tests on materials, assessing
their tensile, compressive,
bending, and shear properties
through controlled forces.
2) Compression Machine
A compression machine is a
tool used to assess the
compressive strength of
materials by applying a
compressive force to a specimen,
which is usually a cylindrical or
cubical sample of concrete,
metal, rock, or other materials,
until it fails or fractures.
CE31: Construction Materials and Testing
3) Water Resistivity Test (Magneto Tailoring)
Water resistivity testing is
crucial for assessing groundwater
quality, detecting contamination,
and monitoring water composition
over time, as well as assessing
treatment effectiveness in
industrial settings.
4) Geo-technical Tri-Axial
Geo-technical Tri-Axial test is
a crucial laboratory procedure in
geotechnical engineering,
assessing soil mechanical
properties and behavior under
stress conditions, predicting
real-world performance during
construction or structure load.
5) Ace Mat
Ace Mats are frequently used to
provide a protective covering over
the soil surface on slopes,
embankments, riverbanks, and other
sites that are prone to erosion. By
reducing the effects of wind, rain,
and water runoff, this protective
coating efficiently reduces silt
buildup and soil erosion.
6) Electrical Density Gauge
An Electrical Density Gauge
(EDG) measures soil and pavement
materials' density and moisture
content using low-energy gamma
radiation attenuation analysis,
allowing for non-destructive
measurements.
CE31: Construction Materials and Testing
7) Computer Soil Liquid and Plastic Limit Tester
(British Standard)
A Computer Soil Liquid and
Plastic Limit Tester (British
Standard) is a specialized lab
device utilized in soil mechanics
to ascertain the liquid limit and
plastic limit of fine-grained
soils.
8) Soil Disc Type Liquid Limit Gauge
The Soil Disc Type Liquid Limit
Gauge is a lab tool used to measure
the liquid limit of fine-grained
soils, consisting of a cup and a disc,
which is rotated along a groove. The
procedure involves placing the soil
sample in the cup, adding a small
quantity of water, and rotating the
disc along the groove on the soil
surface to create a circular path.
9) Oven
An oven is a piece of equipment
utilized for controlled heating and
drying of samples or materials. It
serves as a crucial tool in
laboratory environments, enabling
researchers and scientists to
effectively and efficiently heat,
dry, and process samples.
10) Standard Penetration Test (SPT) Machine
In geotechnical engineering, the
Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
machine is a device used to assess the
soil's resistance to penetration.
This technique is frequently used to
evaluate the relative density and
consistency of the soil, among other
attributes.
CE31: Construction Materials and Testing
11) Cone Penetration Test (CPT)
The Cone Penetration Test (CPT)
is a geotechnical engineering
method used to measure soil
properties by inserting a
cone-shaped penetrometer into the
ground at a consistent speed.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, material testing equipment, including
material testing machines and measurement devices, is
crucial for accurate results, eliminating human bias,
enhancing precision, and addressing specific testing
needs.
This activity piqued my interest in exploring and
learning more about the different material testing
equipment in compliance with testing standards and
equipment limitations.
As a future engineer, the visit at Geotechnical
Testing Services was a huge opportunity, even though I
wasn't able to participate, which enabled us to explore,
observe, and understand the implementation of
sustainable construction practices.
