Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa

Department of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENT NO: 01 DATE: _________

DIMENSION TEST ON CLAY BURNT BRICKS, FLYASH BRICKS

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT: To measure the dimensional accuracy and tolerance of clay
burnt bricks and flyash bricks.

COURSE OUTCOMES:
• CIV-222.1 – Identify and describe various building materials and their properties relevant
to construction practices.
• CIV-222.2– Conduct standard laboratory tests on building materials such as cement,
aggregates, bricks, and concrete to determine their quality and suitability.
• CIV-222.3 – Demonstrate the use of construction tools and basic techniques involved in
masonry, plastering, concreting, and other building works.
• CIV-222.4 – Analyze test results to assess compliance with relevant standards and make
recommendations for appropriate material selection.

MATERIAL REQUIRED: Clay burnt bricks, flyash bricks and measuring tape.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the dimensions of clay burnt bricks, flyash bricks

THEORY: In India, standard brick size is 190 mm x 90 mm x 90 mm as per the recommendation

of BIS. With mortar thickness, the dimension of the brick becomes 200 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm
which is also known as the nominal size of the modular brick.
The main ingredients of flyash include flyash (60%), sand (30%) and OPC (10%). Flyash bricks
are stronger than clay burnt bricks.

DIAGRAM:

Fig: Clay Burnt Bricks and Flyash Bricks.

Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda-Goa Page 1

Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

PROCEDURE:
Bricks (Carried out as per IS 1077:1992)
a) Certain quantity of bricks shall be selected at random. The sampling is to be carried out
as per procedure laid in IS5454:1978.
b) All blisters, loose particles of clay and small projections shall be removed.
c) Arrange all the bricks on a level surface in close contact lengthwise.
d) The overall length of assembled bricks is measured with a measuring tape.
e) Repeat the procedure by placing bricks height wise and width wise.

OBSERVATIONS:
1) Clay Burnt Bricks

Sr. No. Total Average Total Average Total Average

Length Length Width Width Height Height
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
1
2
Final L= B= H=

2) Flyash Bricks

Sr. No. Total Average Total Average Total Average

Length Length Width Width Height Height
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
1
2
Final L= B= H=

CALCULATIONS: *Note: Show all the calculations in detail*

Length= Overall Length/ No. of Bricks

Width= Overall Width/ No. of Bricks

Height= Overall Height/ No. of Bricks

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

RESULT:

1) The average size of bricks was found out to be

a) Clay burnt bricks ____________________
b) Flyash bricks _______________________

CONCLUSION: The dimensions of given specimen was determined.

QUESTIONAIRE:
1) What is the significance of this test?
2) How many bricks are taken out of given sample for this test?
3) What is the current price of clay burnt brick, fly-ash brick?

Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda-Goa Page 3

Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENT NO: 02 DATE: _________

DIMENSION TEST ON CONCRETE BLOCK, AAC BLOCK

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT: To measure the dimensional accuracy and tolerance of concrete
blocks and AAC blocks.

COURSE OUTCOMES:
• CIV-222.1 – Identify and describe various building materials and their properties relevant
to construction practices.
• CIV-222.2– Conduct standard laboratory tests on building materials such as cement,
aggregates, bricks, and concrete to determine their quality and suitability.
• CIV-222.3 – Demonstrate the use of construction tools and basic techniques involved in
masonry, plastering, concreting, and other building works.
• CIV-222.4 – Analyze test results to assess compliance with relevant standards and make
recommendations for appropriate material selection.

MATERIAL REQUIRED: Concrete blocks, AAC blocks and measuring tape.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the dimensional accuracy and tolerance of concrete blocks and
AAC blocks.

THEORY: Concrete blocks are made from cast concrete, e.g. Portland cement and aggregate,
usually sand and fine gravel for high-density blocks. Lower density blocks may use industrial
wastes as an aggregate. Concrete masonry building units which are used in the construction of
load-bearing and partition walls such as Hollow and Solid load-bearing and non-load bearing
concrete blocks shall conform to the IS: 2185-1 (2005).

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks are lightweight, foam concrete materials made from
cement, lime, sand (or fly ash), gypsum, water, and aluminum powder. The mix rises due to a
chemical reaction and is cured in an autoclave, giving it low density and thermal insulation. AAC
blocks are used for load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls and conform to IS: 2185-3 (1984).

DIAGRAM:

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

Fig: Concrete Blocks and AAC Blocks.

PROCEDURE:
Block (Carried out as per IS: 2185-1 (2005))
a) 20 full size units shall be selected at random.
b) Individual measurements of the dimensions of each unit shall be read to the nearest
division of the scale or caliper.
c) The average value of all the reading to be recorded as the dimension of the block.
d) Length shall be measured on the longitudinal centre line of each face.
e) Width shall be measured across the top and bottom bearing surfaces at mid length.
f) Height shall be measured on both faces at midlength.

1) Concrete Blocks

Sr. No. Length Average Width Average Height Average

(mm) Length (mm) Width (mm) Height
(mm) (mm) (mm)
1
2
3
4
5
Final L= B= H=

2) AAC Blocks

Sr. No. Length Average Width Average Height Average

(mm) Length (mm) Width (mm) Height
(mm) (mm) (mm)
1
2
3
4
5
Final L= B= H=

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

CALCULATIONS: *Note: Show all the calculations in detail*

Average Length of the Block = Sum of the Length/ Number of Specimen

Average Width of the Block = Sum of the Width / Number of Specimen

Average Height of the Block = Sum of the Height / Number of Specimen

RESULT:
1) The average size of AAC block was found to be __________________
2) The average size of the concrete block was found to be___________________

CONCLUSION: The dimensions of given specimen was determined.

QUESTIONAIRE:
1) What is the significance of this test?
2) What is the standard size of the Concrete block?
3) What is the standard size of AAC block?

Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda-Goa Page 6

Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENT NO: 03 DATE: _________

WATER ABSORPTION TEST ON BRICKS, LATERITE STONES, CONCRETE

BLOCKS AND PAVER BLOCKS

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT: To determine the water absorption capacity of clay burnt
bricks, flyash bricks, concrete blocks, laterite stone, and paver blocks.

COURSE OUTCOMES:
• CIV-222.1 – Identify and describe various building materials and their properties relevant
to construction practices.
• CIV-222.2– Conduct standard laboratory tests on building materials such as cement,
aggregates, bricks, and concrete to determine their quality and suitability.
• CIV-222.3 – Demonstrate the use of construction tools and basic techniques involved in
masonry, plastering, concreting, and other building works.
• CIV-222.4 – Analyze test results to assess compliance with relevant standards and make
recommendations for appropriate material selection.

MATERIAL REQUIRED: Clay burnt bricks, flyash bricks, concrete blocks, paver blocks,
water bath, oven and weighing balance.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the water absorption of clay burnt bricks, flyash bricks, laterite
stones, concrete blocks and paver blocks

THEORY: The water absorption of bricks is not related directly to the porosity owing to the nature
of pores themselves. Some of Pores may be through pores which permit air to escape in absorption
tests and allow free passage of water in absorption tests, but other are completely seated and
inaccessible to water under ordinary conditions. For this reason it is seldom possible to fill more
than about three quarters of pores by simple immersion in cold water. For measuring total
absorption the boiling method is adopted. More is the water absorption capacity weaker is the brick
and vice versa.

DIAGRAM:

Fig: Brick and Weighing Balance

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

PROCEDURE:
1) Select 5 specimens at random from the given sample.
2) Dry them in an oven at a temperature of 105oc - 115oc till they attain practically a
constant weight.
3) Cool the specimen to the room temperature.
4) Weigh the specimens with the help of balance (M1)
5) Immerse specimens completely in water at 27 oc +2oc for 24hrs.
6) Remove he specimens from water bath and wipe off the surface using damp cloth.
7) Weigh the specimens after removing from the tank and note down the weight (M 2). 8)
Calculate the water absorption of each specimen and find the average.

OBSERVATIONS:

1) Clay Burnt Bricks

Sr. No. Dry Weight Wet Weight M2-M1 (kg) Absorption(%) = (M2-
(M1) (kg) (M2) (kg) M1)x100/M1
1
2
3
4
5
Average Absorption

2) Flyash Bricks

Sr. No. Dry Weight Wet Weight M2-M1 (kg) Absorption(%) = (M2-
(M1) (kg) (M2) (kg) M1)x100/M1
1
2
3
4
5
Average Absorption

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

3) Laterite Stone
Sr. No. Dry Weight Wet Weight M2-M1 (kg) Absorption(%) = (M2-
(M1) (kg) (M2) (kg) M1)x100/M1
1
2
3
Average Absorption

4) Concrete Blocks

Sr. No. Dry Weight Wet Weight M2-M1 (kg) Absorption(%) = (M2-
(M1) (kg) (M2) (kg) M1)x100/M1
1
2
3
Average Absorption

5) Paver Blocks

Sr. No. Dry Weight Wet Weight M2-M1 (kg) Absorption(%) = (M2-
(M1) (kg) (M2) (kg) M1)x100/M1
1
2
3
Average Absorption

CALCULATIONS: *Note: Show all the calculations in detail*

Water Absorption (%) = 𝑀2−𝑀1𝑥100

𝑀1

RESULT:
The average water absorption of the specimens was found out to be
a) Clay burnt bricks ____________________
b) Flyash bricks _______________________
c) Laterite stone ______________________
d) concrete blocks _______________
e) Paver blocks ________________________

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

CONCLUSION: The water absorption of given specimen was determined.

QUESTIONAIRE:
1) What do you understand by the term water absorption?
2) What is the significance of this test?
3) As far as this parameter is concerned which specimen has lowest value of absorption?
4) Why is it not desirable to have higher value of water absorption?
5) Why is it necessary to keep the specimens in curing tank for 24 hour.

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENT NO: 04 DATE: _________

EFFLORESCENCE TEST ON CLAY BURNT BRICKS

AND FLYASH BRICKS

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT: To conduct the efflorescence test on clay burnt bricks and
flyash bricks.

COURSE OUTCOMES:
• CIV-222.1 – Identify and describe various building materials and their properties relevant
to construction practices.
• CIV-222.2– Conduct standard laboratory tests on building materials such as cement,
aggregates, bricks, and concrete to determine their quality and suitability.
• CIV-222.3 – Demonstrate the use of construction tools and basic techniques involved in
masonry, plastering, concreting, and other building works.
• CIV-222.4 – Analyze test results to assess compliance with relevant standards and make
recommendations for appropriate material selection.

MATERIAL REQUIRED: Clay burnt bricks, flyash bricks, water, tray and measuring tape.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efflorescence of clay burnt bricks and flyash bricks.

THEORY: Efflorescence is a crystalline, salty deposit that can occur on the surfaces
of bricks, masonry or concrete. It is generally a white or off-white colour with a powdery
appearance. While not a risk structurally, it affects the appearance of a building, particularly it
features coloured concrete or brickwork. Water moves and migrates through capillaries
(channels) in concrete, masonry, mortar or brickwork, carrying salts to the surface. The fewer
capillaries there are, or the higher the density of the material, the more difficulty the water will
have in passing through to the surface. The higher the porosity of the material, the greater the
likelihood of efflorescence occurring.

DIAGRAM:

Fig: Efflorescence and Tray

Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda-Goa Page 11

Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

PROCEDURE:
1) Take 5 bricks random from given sample.
2) Place each brick in a dish containing water ensuring depth of immersion as 2.5cms.
3) Keep the dish in a ventilated room at 20o centigrade to 30o centigrade till the whole of
water evaporates
4) Again put water in dish till 2.5cms depth of immersion and keep it till water gets
evaporated.
5) Examine bricks for efflorescence as given below.

OBSERVATIONS:

Observations Inference
1. No perceptible deposits No efflorescence
2. 10% area covered with deposits of salt Slight efflorescence
3. 50% area covered with deposits of salt Moderate efflorescence
without powdering on free surface
4. 50% area covered with deposits of salt Heavy efflorescence
accompanied by flaking of salt Heavy
efflorescence

RESULT: The efflorescence observed on the given sample was

a) Clay burnt bricks ________________
b) Flyash bricks ___________________

CONCLUSION: The efflorescence on bricks was determined.

QUESTIONAIRE:
1) What do you understand by efflorescence?
2) What causes efflorescence in bricks?
3) Does the effect of efflorescence functionally damage the structure?
4) What is the colour is efflorescence?
5) How do you clean efflorescence?

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENT NO: 05 DATE: _________

DENSITY TEST ON CONCRETE BLOCK

TIMBER BLOCK AND PAVER BLOCK

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT: To determine the density of concrete blocks, paver blocks, and
timber blocks.

COURSE OUTCOMES:
• CIV-222.1 – Identify and describe various building materials and their properties relevant
to construction practices.
• CIV-222.2– Conduct standard laboratory tests on building materials such as cement,
aggregates, bricks, and concrete to determine their quality and suitability.
• CIV-222.3 – Demonstrate the use of construction tools and basic techniques involved in
masonry, plastering, concreting, and other building works.
• CIV-222.4 – Analyze test results to assess compliance with relevant standards and make
recommendations for appropriate material selection.

MATERIAL REQUIRED: concrete blocks, timber blocks, paver blocks and measuring
tape.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the density of concrete blocks, timber blocks and paver
blocks.

THEORY: Conceptually, density is best described as the compactness of a material. That is to

say that dense material contains a large amount of material in a small amount of space. Less
dense materials have a smaller concentration of mass in a given volume, or a mass spread out
over a large volume of space.

DIAGRAM:

Fig: Timber Block and Concrete Block

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

PROCEDURE:
1) Certain quantity of specimens shall be selected and dried in the oven.
2) After cooling the specimens to room temperature, the dimensions of each unit shall be
measured.
3) The specimens shall then be weighed.
4) The density of every specimen can be calculated by the formula.

OBSERVATIONS:

1) Timber Blocks

Sr. No. Length Width Height Volume Weight Density

(mm) (mm) (mm) (m3) (Kg) (Kg/m3)
1
2
3
4
5
Average Density

2) Concrete Blocks

Sr. No. Length Width Height Volume Weight Density

(mm) (mm) (mm) (m3) (Kg) (Kg/m3)
1
2
3
4
5
Average Density

3) Paver Blocks

Sr. No. Length Width Height Volume Weight Density

(mm) (mm) (mm) (m3) (Kg) (Kg/m3)
1
2
3
4
5
Average Density

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

CALCULATIONS:

Density = Mass of Specimen / Volume of Specimen

RESULT:
The average density of specimen was found out to be
1) Timber Block _____________________
2) Concrete Block _____________
3) Paver Blocks _____________________

CONCLUSION: The density of timber block and concrete block was determined.

QUESTIONAIRE:
1) Why is it necessary to compute the density of timber block and concrete block?
2) What is the significance of this test?
3) What is the use of timber block in building construction?
4) What are the consequences of having higher value of density?
5) What are the commonly observed defects in timber that need to be checked and rectified?

Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda-Goa Page 15

Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENT NO: 06 DATE: _________

MOISTURE CONTENT OF TIMBER BLOCK

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT: To conduct the moisture content test on timber block

COURSE OUTCOMES:

• CIV-222.1 – Identify and describe various building materials and their properties relevant
to construction practices.
• CIV-222.2– Conduct standard laboratory tests on building materials such as cement,
aggregates, bricks, and concrete to determine their quality and suitability.
• CIV-222.3 – Demonstrate the use of construction tools and basic techniques involved in
masonry, plastering, concreting, and other building works.
• CIV-222.4 – Analyze test results to assess compliance with relevant standards and make
recommendations for appropriate material selection.

MATERIAL REQUIRED: Timber block, oven and weighing balance.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the moisture content of timber block, bricks and laterite stone

THEORY: Wood is a hygroscopic construction material. This means that the material monitors
the surrounding air humidity and temperature and constantly strives to remain in equilibrium
with the local climate, i.e. the relative humidity and the temperature. The equilibrium moisture
content is the moisture content that the wood has when it is in equilibrium with the local climate.
If the wood’s moisture content is higher than the equilibrium moisture content, the wood will dry
out and if it is lower the wood will take on moisture. When the moisture content changes, below
the fibre saturation point, the wood will therefore change its volume, depending on whether
moisture is being released or absorbed – the wood swells or shrinks accordingly.

DIAGRAM:

Fig 1: Timber Blocks

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

PROCEDURE:
1) Keep blocks in oven for atleast 10 minutes at temperature of 110 o c.
2) Switch off the oven and let the timber blocks dry in oven itself.
3) Remove the timber blocks from the oven and keep them outside so that they are exposed
in atmosphere.
4) After 24 hours note down the weight of the timber blocks which were exposed to
atmosphere. Let the weight be W1.
5) Keep the timber blocks in oven at 110o centigrade for 24 hours. Note the weight W2.
6) The moisture content in the wood is defined as the weight of the water in damp material
divided by the weight of the material in a dry state.
7) To obtain a percentage, the result is multiplied by 100.

OBSERVATIONS:
Sample no. W1 in grams W2 in grams W2 – W1in gms. Moisture %
1
2
3
4
5
Average Moisture Content

CALCULATIONS:

Moisture Content (%) = [(W1 – W2 )/ W2] x 100

RESULT:

The moisture content of timber blocks was found out to be

CONCLUSION: The moisture content of timber blocks was determined.

QUESTIONAIRE:
1) What do you understand by the term moisture content?
2) What is the difference between moisture content test and water absorption test?
3) What are the consequences of change in moisture content?
4) State the factors affecting moisture content of timber blocks?
5) State an application of the timber block?

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENT NO: 07 DATE: _________

FIELD TESTS ON BRICKS USING THE RINGING SOUND METHOD, DROPPING

TEST AND HARDNESS TEST

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT: To conduct field tests on bricks using the ringing sound method,
dropping test and hardness test.

COURSE OUTCOMES:
• CIV-222.1 – Identify and describe various building materials and their properties relevant
to construction practices.
• CIV-222.2– Conduct standard laboratory tests on building materials such as cement,
aggregates, bricks, and concrete to determine their quality and suitability.
• CIV-222.3 – Demonstrate the use of construction tools and basic techniques involved in
masonry, plastering, concreting, and other building works.
• CIV-222.4 – Analyze test results to assess compliance with relevant standards and make
recommendations for appropriate material selection.

MATERIAL REQUIRED: Clay Burnt Bricks

OBJECTIVES: To conduct field tests on bricks using the ringing sound method, dropping test
and hardness test.

THEORY: Sound test of a brick is field test to understand the quality of bricks received. In this
test, two bricks are struck with each other. Good quality bricks usually don’t break and should
produce a metallic sound (bell ring) sound when struck with each other. Hardness test is done to
check hardness of brick. This is an indirect test to know its compressive strength and to know how
well the brick is kilned. This is tested by using a sharp tools or finger nail and scratching against
the brick surface. If there is no impression of the scratch on the brick surface, the brick is
sufficiently hard and fit for use. The ideal brick must be able to resist any scratches induced by
sharp objects. So, for this specific test, a sharp tool or fingernail is used to create scratches on
bricks. If there are no impressions of any scratches, then the brick is considered to be a hard brick.
The dropping test is performed to evaluate the toughness and impact resistance of bricks. During
handling, transportation, and construction, bricks are subjected to sudden shocks and impacts. A
good-quality brick should withstand such impacts without breaking into pieces. In this test, the
brick is dropped from a specified height (usually 1 meter) onto a hard surface. If the brick only
shows minor edge chipping and does not fracture, it is considered suitable for construction
purposes.

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

DIAGRAM:

Fig 1: Clay Burnt

PROCEDURE:
A) Ringing Sound Method: Take two clean, well-burnt bricks. Strike them against each other
or tap one with a hammer. Listen carefully to the sound produced.

B) Hardness Test: Take a well-burnt brick sample and clean its surface. Use a steel knife or a
pointed tool to make a scratch on the brick surface. Apply firm pressure and try to mark
the surface.

C) Dropping Test: Select a representative brick sample. Drop the brick freely from a height of
1 meter onto a hard surface. Repeat the drop three times – once on its flat face, once on its
edge, and once on its corner.

OBSERVATIONS: The following observations were made _______________________

RESULT:

The quality of the bricks was found out to be

A) Clay Burnt Bricks ____________

CONCLUSION: The field tests on bricks using the ringing sound method, dropping test and
hardness test was successfully completed

QUESTIONAIRE:
1. What is the main purpose of conducting field tests like dropping, hardness, and ringing
sound on bricks?
2. From what height is a brick dropped in the dropping test, and what is observed?
3. How is the hardness of a brick checked in the hardness test?
4. What type of sound does a good-quality brick produce in the ringing sound test?
5. Why are these simple tests important before conducting laboratory tests on bricks?

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENT NO: 08 DATE: _________

CLASSIFY TIMBER BASED ON GRAIN PATTERN, COLOUR AND TEXTURE

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT: To classify timber based on grain pattern, colour, and texture.

COURSE OUTCOMES:
• CIV-222.1 – Identify and describe various building materials and their properties relevant
to construction practices.
• CIV-222.2– Conduct standard laboratory tests on building materials such as cement,
aggregates, bricks, and concrete to determine their quality and suitability.
• CIV-222.3 – Demonstrate the use of construction tools and basic techniques involved in
masonry, plastering, concreting, and other building works.
• CIV-222.4 – Analyze test results to assess compliance with relevant standards and make
recommendations for appropriate material selection.

MATERIAL REQUIRED: Timber Blocks.

OBJECTIVES: To classify timber based on grain pattern, colour, and texture.

THEORY: Timber is classified based on its grain pattern, colour, and texture, which determine its
strength and use. Straight-grained timber is strong and easy to work, while interlocked or wavy
grains are decorative but harder to shape. Light-coloured wood like pine is soft, whereas dark-
coloured wood like teak is strong and durable. Fine-textured timber gives a smooth finish, while
coarse-textured timber appears rough. These features help identify and select suitable timber for
different purposes.

DIAGRAM:

Fig 1: Timber Blocks

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

PROCEDURE:
1. Collect timber specimens with clean planed and end-grain surfaces.
2. Observe grain pattern (straight, interlocked, wavy, spiral).
3. Note colour of sapwood and heartwood.
4. Feel the surface to judge texture (fine, medium, coarse).
5. Examine end grain with a lens for annual rings, pores, and rays.
6. Perform simple checks: hardness (by scratching/pressing) and density (by weight feel).
7. Record observations in a table (grain, colour, texture, hardness, density).
8. Classify the timber based on the observed characteristics.

OBSERVATIONS:

Type Characteristics
- Straight grain → Strong, easy to work, used in beams/furniture (e.g., Teak).
- Interlocked/Spiral grain → Difficult to plane, resists splitting, used in heavy
Grain
construction (e.g., Sal).
Pattern
- Wavy/Curly grain → Decorative, used in paneling, veneers (e.g., Maple).
- Cross grain → Reduces strength, difficult to season/work.
- Light coloured → Soft, less durable, usually sapwood (e.g., Pine).
Colour - Dark coloured → Hard, durable, resistant to decay (e.g., Rosewood, Teak).
- Distinct sapwood & heartwood colour → Useful for classification.
- Fine texture → Smooth finish, strong, good for furniture & carving (e.g.,
Walnut).
- Medium texture → Balanced workability, general construction (e.g.,
Texture
Deodar).
- Coarse texture → Rough finish, heavy structural use, less decorative (e.g.,
Sal, Oak).

RESULT: The timber was identified and classified as

A) _______ based on grain pattern
B) _______ based on colour
C) _______ based on texture.

CONCLUSION: The timber was identified and classified based on grain pattern, colour, and
texture.

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

QUESTIONAIRE:
1. What are the different grain patterns observed in the given timber samples?
2. How does the colour of timber help in identifying its type or species?
3. What variations in texture (coarse, medium, fine) can be seen among the timber samples?
4. Why is grain pattern important in determining the strength and appearance of timber?
5. How can the classification of timber based on grain, colour, and texture be useful in
construction and furniture making?

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENT NO: 09 DATE: _________

DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN NATURAL STONE TILES AND MANUFACTURED

TILES BASED ON TEXTURE, APPEARANCE, AND FINISH.

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT: To identify and differentiate between natural stone tiles and
manufactured tiles based on texture, appearance, and finish.

COURSE OUTCOMES:
• CIV-222.1 – Identify and describe various building materials and their properties relevant
to construction practices.
• CIV-222.2– Conduct standard laboratory tests on building materials such as cement,
aggregates, bricks, and concrete to determine their quality and suitability.
• CIV-222.3 – Demonstrate the use of construction tools and basic techniques involved in
masonry, plastering, concreting, and other building works.
• CIV-222.4 – Analyze test results to assess compliance with relevant standards and make
recommendations for appropriate material selection.

MATERIAL REQUIRED: Natural stone tiles and Manufactured tiles.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and differentiate between natural stone tiles and manufactured tiles
based on texture, appearance, and finish.

THEORY: Tiles can be classified as natural stone or manufactured. Natural stone tiles, such as
granite and marble, show irregular textures, natural grains, veins, and slight color variations,
making each piece unique. Manufactured tiles, like ceramic and vitrified, are produced industrially
and hence display uniform texture, consistent color or pattern, and a smooth finish. By observing
their texture, appearance, and finish, one can differentiate between natural and manufactured tiles.

DIAGRAM:

Fig 1: Natural Stone Tiles and Manufactured Tiles

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

PROCEDURE:
1. Collect samples of natural stone tiles (e.g., granite, marble, slate) and manufactured tiles
(e.g., ceramic, vitrified).
2. Observe the texture of each tile by touch – check if it is uniform or irregular.
3. Examine the appearance – look for natural grains, veins, or color variations in stone tiles
and uniform patterns in manufactured tiles.
4. Check the finish – note whether the surface is polished, matte, rough, or glazed.
5. Compare both types of tiles side by side and record the differences in texture, appearance,
and finish.
6. Conclude whether the tile is natural or manufactured based on observations.

OBSERVATIONS:
Natural Stone Tiles (Granite, Manufactured Tiles (Ceramic,
Parameter
Marble, etc.) Vitrified, etc.)

Texture Irregular, non-uniform, natural feel Smooth, uniform, consistent

Natural grains, veins, color Even color, printed or consistent

Appearance
variations patterns
Polished, honed, or rough, less Polished, matte, or glazed, very
Finish
uniform uniform
Each tile is unique, no two are
Uniqueness All tiles are identical in look and size
identical

RESULT: The tile under observation is ____________ and is classified as _____________ tile
based on texture, appearance and finish.

CONCLUSION: The tiles were identified and differentiated based on texture, appearance, and
finish.

QUESTIONAIRE:
1. What are the main differences between natural stone tiles and manufactured tiles?
2. Which properties are observed to identify the type of tile?
3. Give two examples of natural stone tiles and manufactured tiles.
4. Why do natural stone tiles show irregular grains and color variations?
5. Which type of tile (natural or manufactured) generally has a more uniform finish?

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENT NO: 10 DATE: _________

GAUGE OF GI/ALUMINIUM ROOFING SHEETS

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT: To determine the gauge of GI/aluminium roofing sheets.

COURSE OUTCOMES:
• CIV-222.1 – Identify and describe various building materials and their properties relevant
to construction practices.
• CIV-222.2– Conduct standard laboratory tests on building materials such as cement,
aggregates, bricks, and concrete to determine their quality and suitability.
• CIV-222.3 – Demonstrate the use of construction tools and basic techniques involved in
masonry, plastering, concreting, and other building works.
• CIV-222.4 – Analyze test results to assess compliance with relevant standards and make
recommendations for appropriate material selection.

MATERIAL REQUIRED: Roofing Sheets and Micrometre screw Gauge .

OBJECTIVES: To determine the gauge of GI/aluminium roofing sheets.

THEORY: The gauge of GI or aluminium roofing sheets indicates their thickness and strength.
Since gauge numbers correspond to specific thickness values, the sheet’s actual thickness is
measured using a micrometer screw gauge or vernier caliper. The average measured value is then
compared with the standard gauge chart to identify the correct gauge number. This ensures that the
roofing sheet conforms to the required size and quality specifications for construction use.

DIAGRAM:

Fig: Roofing Sheet

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

PROCEDURE:
1) Clean the GI or aluminium roofing sheet to remove any dust or coating.
2) Take a micrometre screw gauge/ vernier caliper and check its zero error, if any.
3) Place the sheet gently between the anvil and spindle of the micrometer.
4) Rotate the ratchet knob until a slight pressure is felt, ensuring accurate contact.
5) Note down the reading from the sleeve and thimble scales.
6) Compare the average value with the standard gauge chart to determine the gauge number.

OBSERVATIONS:
Thickness = _________ mm

RESULT:
Gauge number of roofing sheet is _________ Gauge

CONCLUSION: The gauge number of roofing sheet was determined

QUESTIONAIRE:
1) What is meant by the gauge of a roofing sheet?
2) Which instrument is used to measure the thickness of the sheet in this experiment?
3) Why is it necessary to take readings at multiple points on the sheet?
4) How is the gauge number determined from the measured thickness?
5) Why is it important to know the gauge of GI or aluminium roofing sheets in construction?

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENT NO: 11 DATE: _________

WATER ABSORPTION AND DIMENSIONAL TOLERANCE FOR ROOFING TILES

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT: To evaluate the water absorption and dimensional tolerance for
roofing tiles.

COURSE OUTCOMES:
• CIV-222.1 – Identify and describe various building materials and their properties relevant
to construction practices.
• CIV-222.2– Conduct standard laboratory tests on building materials such as cement,
aggregates, bricks, and concrete to determine their quality and suitability.
• CIV-222.3 – Demonstrate the use of construction tools and basic techniques involved in
masonry, plastering, concreting, and other building works.
• CIV-222.4 – Analyze test results to assess compliance with relevant standards and make
recommendations for appropriate material selection.

MATERIAL REQUIRED: Roofing tiles and measuring tape.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the water absorption and dimensional tolerance for roofing tiles.

THEORY: Mangalore tiles are traditional clay roofing tiles known for their strength, durability,
and thermal insulation. Made from red clay and fired at high temperatures, they offer good weather
resistance. Their performance depends on low water absorption, adequate flexural strength, and
accurate dimensions, which ensure durability, prevent cracking, and allow proper fitting for leak-
proof roofing.

DIAGRAM:

Fig: Mangalore tiles

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

PROCEDURE:
A) Water Absorption Test:
1) Clean the Mangalore tile and dry it in an oven at 105°C–110°C until a constant weight
is obtained.
2) Cool the tile to room temperature and record the dry weight (W₁).
3) Immerse the tile completely in clean water for 24 hours.
4) Remove it, wipe off surface water, and record the wet weight (W₂).
5) Calculate water absorption for the roofing tile using the formula.

B) Dimensional Tolerance Test:

1) Measure the length, width, thickness, straightness, and warpage of several tiles using a
measuring tape.
2) Compare the measured dimensions with standard values or permissible tolerances specified
in IS codes ( IS 654 (1992)) .
3) Record deviations to determine if the tiles are within acceptable limits.

OBSERVATIONS:
1) Water Absorption Test:

Sr. No. Dry Weight Wet Weight M2-M1 (kg) Absorption(%) = (M2-
(M1) (kg) (M2) (kg) M1)x100/M1
1
2
3
4
5
6
Average Absorption

2) Dimensional Tolerance Test:

Material Individual Overall Individual Overall

Length Length Width Width
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
Mangalore Tile
Tolerance Length (mm) = _______ Tolerance Width (mm) = ________

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

CALCULATIONS: *Note: Show all the calculations in detail*

1) Water Absorption Test:

Water Absorption (%) = 𝑀2−𝑀1𝑥100

𝑀1

2) Dimensional Tolerance Test:

Tolerance Length (mm) = Overall Length (mm) – Individual Length (mm)

Tolerance Width (mm) = Overall Width (mm) – Individual Width (mm)

Dimensional Tolerance Table as per IS 654:1992

RESULT:
1) The dimensional tolerance of the roofing tiles was ____________________
2) The water absorption of the roofing tiles was found to be _______________

CONCLUSION: The dimensions and water absorption of roofing tiles were determined.

QUESTIONAIRE:
1) What is the significance of determining the water absorption of Mangalore tiles?
2) How does the flexural strength of a roofing tile affect its performance in service
conditions?
3) Why is dimensional tolerance important in Mangalore tiles used for roofing?
4) Which properties of clay influence the strength and durability of Mangalore tiles?
5) What precautions should be taken while conducting the water absorption and flexural
strength tests on roofing tiles?

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

EXPERIMENT NO: 12 DATE: _________

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF BRICKS, BLOCKS (AAC, CONCRETE, FLY ASH),

PAVER BLOCKS, LATERITE, AND TIMBER

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT: To evaluate the compressive strength of bricks, blocks (AAC,
concrete, fly ash), paver blocks and laterite stones.

COURSE OUTCOMES:
• CIV-222.1 – Identify and describe various building materials and their properties relevant
to construction practices.
• CIV-222.2– Conduct standard laboratory tests on building materials such as cement,
aggregates, bricks, and concrete to determine their quality and suitability.
• CIV-222.3 – Demonstrate the use of construction tools and basic techniques involved in
masonry, plastering, concreting, and other building works.
• CIV-222.4 – Analyze test results to assess compliance with relevant standards and make
recommendations for appropriate material selection.

MATERIAL REQUIRED: Bricks, Blocks (AAC, Concrete, Fly Ash), Paver blocks, Laterite,
Timber, Weighing machine, measuring tape, Compressive Testing Machine, Universal Testing
Machine.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the compressive strength of bricks, blocks (AAC, concrete, fly ash),
paver blocks and laterite stone.

THEORY: The compressive strength test determines the load-bearing capacity of materials like
bricks, blocks (AAC, concrete, fly ash), paver blocks, laterite, and timber. The specimen is placed
in a Compression Testing Machine (CTM) and loaded gradually until it fails. The maximum load
divided by the loaded area gives the compressive strength. This test helps assess the material’s
strength, quality, and suitability for construction as per standard requirements.

DIAGRAM:

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

Fig: Compression Testing Machine and Specimen

PROCEDURE:
A. Bricks:
1) Select bricks at random from sample
2) Remove the unevenness observed in the bed faces to provide smooth and parallel faces
by grinding.
3) Immerse them in water at random temperature for 24 hours.
4) Remove the sample and drain out the surplus water at room temperature.
5) Fill the frog with cement mortar (1:3).
6) Store the bricks in damp jute bag for 24hrs followed by immersion in water for three
days.
7) Remove the bricks and wipe out any traces of moisture.
8) Place the specimen with flat surface at bottom and mortar filled surface facing upwards
between 2 plywood sheets each of 3mm thickness and carefully centered between the
plates of testing machine.
9) Apply the load at uniform rate and note down the reading when the brick fails.
10) Repeat the procedure for other bricks.

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

B. Blocks (AAC, Concrete, Fly Ash), Paver Blocks, and Laterite (Using CTM):
1) Collect and measure the dimensions of each specimen accurately.
2) Clean all surfaces to remove dust or loose particles.
3) Place the specimen centrally on the platen of the Compression Testing Machine (CTM).
4) Apply the load gradually and uniformly without any shock until the specimen fails.
5) Note down the maximum load at the point of failure.
6) Record the observations and calculate compressive strength using formula.

OBSERVATIONS:

A. Clay Burnt Bricks:

Sr. Length Width Area (mm2) Compressive Compressive Average Comp

No. (mm) (mm) Load (N) Strength Strength (N/mm2)
(N/mm2)
1
2
3

B. Flyash Bricks:

Sr. Length Width Area (mm2) Compressive Compressive Average Comp

No. (mm) (mm) Load (N) Strength Strength (N/mm2)
(N/mm2)
1
2
3

C. Concrete Block:

Sr. Length Width Area (mm2) Compressive Compressive Average Comp

No. (mm) (mm) Load (N) Strength Strength (N/mm2)
(N/mm2)
1
2
3

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

D. AAC Block:

Sr. Length Width Area (mm2) Compressive Compressive Average Comp

No. (mm) (mm) Load (N) Strength Strength (N/mm2)
(N/mm2)
1
2
3

E. Paver Block:

Sr. Length Width Area (mm2) Compressive Compressive Average Comp

No. (mm) (mm) Load (N) Strength Strength (N/mm2)
(N/mm2)
1
2
3

F. Laterite Block

Sr. Length Width Area (mm2) Compressive Compressive Average Comp

No. (mm) (mm) Load (N) Strength Strength (N/mm2)
(N/mm2)
1
2
3

CALCULATIONS:

Compressive Strength (N/mm2) = Compressive Load / Area

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)
 Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Goa
Department of Civil Engineering

RESULT:
The average compressive strength of bricks was found out to be
1) Clay burnt bricks = __________N/mm 2
2) Fly ash bricks = _____________N/mm 2
3) Concrete block = ____________N/mm 2
4) AAC block = _______________ N/mm 2
5) Paver block = _______________ N/mm2
6) Laterite stone = _____________ N/mm

CONCLUSION: The compressive strength of the specimen was determined.

QUESTIONAIRE:
1) What is meant by the compressive strength of a material?
2) Which testing machine is used for testing bricks and blocks?
3) Why is timber tested in a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) instead of a CTM?
4) Why should the load be applied gradually during testing?
5) What does the failure of a specimen in compression indicate about its strength?

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Laboratory Manual (Building Material and Construction Lab)