Engr. RYAN S.

GUEVARRA
Instructor IV
Project Engineer I, Materials Engineer II,
Safety Officer II
QUALITY CONTROL AND ITS SIGNIFICANT

QUALITY CONTROL FORMULA

HQ (M+W) = (HQ+E) S

Where HQ = High Quality M = Materials W=Work E = Economical

S = Structure

Quality Control is an essential part of engineering practice and is

vital to the development of better public works, highways or other
infrastructures. It is necessary when one party, the
builder/contractor, does work for another party, the owner.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & HIGHWAYS
Bureau of Research and Standards

MATERIALS TESTING

PHYSICAL CHEMICAL
 COURSE OVERVIEW
 OBJECTIVES

1. Recognize the basic technologies in testing of soil, concrete, asphalt,

cement and other miscellaneous construction materials;

2. Perform effectively laboratory/field testing of various construction materials

in accordance with standard methods/procedures and;

3. Evaluate / analyze testing results of construction materials.

 METHODOLOGIES

Lecture – discussion, workshop, actual laboratory practicals

 COURSE CONTENT
MODULE I
• Sampling and Testing of Soils, Soil Aggregates, Concrete
and Asphalt Aggregates

Soil and Soil Aggregates

* Sampling and Preparation of Samples

* Wash Test, Sieve Analysis

* Plastic / Liquid Limit
* Organic Content
* Moisture Content

* Moisture - Density Relation

* Abrasion
* Field Density Test (FDT)
* California Bearing Ratio (CBR)
 Concrete Aggregates ( Course and Fine )
* Sampling and Preparation of Samples
* Wash Test and Sieve Analysis
* Specific Gravity and Absorption
* Soundness
* Unit Weight
* Organic Impurities and Mortar Strength ( Fine Aggregates )
* Abrasion
Asphalt Aggregates ( Composite )
* Sampling and Preparation of Samples
* Wash Test and Sieve Analysis
* Plastic / Liquid Limit
* Abrasion
* Specific Gravity and Stripping
MODULE II
• Sampling and Testing of Cement and Concrete Mix

Cement

* Sampling and Preparation of Samples

* Magnesium Oxide and Sulfur Trioxide

* Insoluble Residue and Loss of Ignition

* Normal Consistency and Time of Setting

* Sampling and Preparation of Samples

* Autoclave Expansion

* Compressive Strength

* Specific Gravity

* Fineness

Concrete Mix ( Paving and Structural )

* Sampling of Fresh Concrete

* Determination of Slump

* Making and Curing of Concrete Specimens

* Compressive and Flexural Strength Determination

* Sampling and Preparation of Samples

MODULE III
• Sampling and Testing of Miscellaneous Const. Materials

Sampling and Testing of the following materials :

Reinforcing Steel Bars ( Deformed & Round )

Metallic Materials ( Structural Steel, Guardrails, etc. )

Concrete Pipes & Concrete Hollow Blocks

Galvanized Steel Sheets / Galvanized Pipes

Paints
MODULE IV
• Sampling and Testing of Asphaltic Materials and
Asphalt Mix

Asphaltic Materials

Sampling / Preparation of Samples

Physical and Chemical Tests of the following:

* Asphalt Cement
* Emulsified Asphalt

* Cutback Asphalt

* Pre-Molded Joint Sealer

* Preformed Joint Filler

WHAT IS MATERIALS TESTING ?

Testing Refers to the process of making tests to determine the

degree of compliance of delivered Of constructed materials with
the specifications.
 is the basic means or a tool by which an engineer or an
inspector can be used to determined whether the materials should
be allowed to be incorporated or be rejected into the work.
 it is a documented proof of the quality of materials indicating
it meets or it fails the desired properties as called for in the
specifications requirements of an approved contract.
 There can be no quality assurance without adequate quality control
at the source or manufacturer or at construction, therefore testing is a
tool for measuring quality control in project implementation.
 WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF MATERIALS
TESTING

Engineers do not guess !!!

Materials testing is not done by sight or other

means without the benefit of laboratory tests. If
it is done by sight, it is pure and simple guessing.

So without testing even in the field or in the laboratory, no one

can state definitely if the quality of materials is satisfied or not,
even the expert.
Testing is an important complement of quality
control in engineering works
WHY WE NEED TO KNOW & LEARN TESTING

-Project Engineers, Materials Engineers and Laboratory

Technicians who are involved in the implementation of
various infrastructures needs to learn & know testing
technology in construction materials to enhance and
strengthen their capabilities in the implementation of
Quality Assurance Program in a project.
WHAT BENEFITS WILL YOU ACQUIRED
IN LEARNING MATERIALS
TESTING
 Recognize the basic technologies in
testing of construction materials.

1. Identify and familiarize the required tests on specific

construction materials

2. Identify and understand the basic properties of materials

3. Understand the significance of tests on the materials

4. Aware of the importance of materials testing in project

implementation
 Perform effectively field/laboratory sampling and testing
of construction materials in accordance with the standard
methods/procedures.
• Familiarize in the application of the proper method
of sampling of materials in the field and laboratory
• Identify and familiarize in all laboratory testing
apparatus/equipment for materials sampling and testing
• Learn and familiarize standard methods and procedures of
laboratory testing of various construction materials
•Learn to check the accuracy and proper maintenance of
laboratory testing apparatus/equipment
Evaluate, analyze and interpret test results
of construction materials for the purpose of
acceptance and rejection.
•Learn proper computation and check result of tests
performed
. Know the proper reporting system of test reports
Understand the application of materials standard
specifications based on the result of tests
•Learn how to analyze and evaluate result of tests
indicated on official test reports from testing laboratories

• Learn the proper recommended measures in the

acceptance or rejection of materials
HOW MATERIALS IS REPRESENTED
BY A TEST
1. minimum testing requirements
The usual procedure is to make a test for a certain quantity of
materials representing the quantities to be incorporated into the
work or in accordance with the minimum testing requirements
prescribed in each project. The requirements specify the kind
and number of tests for each items of works.
2. minimum number of testing only.
It should be emphasized that what are specified are
the minimum number of testing only. Additional
number of test can be require to the materials if
the owner/inspector is in doubt of the quality of
materials or the finished structure.
When the Testing of Materials Should Be Conducted

Testing of material is conducted prior to incorporation into the

work.
An aspect of testing which is very important and most
often overlook is when testing should be conducted.

If the test is not conducted at the proper time, there is

no quality control since it will then be too late to
correct anything that is defective.

If someone will attempt to evaluate the

quality of materials without testing he is
taking a big risk because he is guessing.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ENGINEER AND
INSPECTOR IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
MATERIALS TESTING AND QUALITY CONTROL
Whose Responsibility for Quality Control ?
What is Quality?

Quality is degree of excellence. It is described by such general

terms as stable, durable, rigid or flexible. Some equate it to
cost, others to comfort or elegance. However, quality for
different individuals may vary since it is influenced by factors
such as economics, aesthetics, safety, or performance level.

Quality is a judgment by the customers or users of a product

or service, it is the extent to which the customers or users feel
the product or service surpasses their needs and expectations.
The terms Quality is that characteristic of a product that
provides a level of performance in terms of service and life
"quality" does not mean "perfect"
What is control?

Control is to regulate. It is usually used in relation to weight,

population, or prices it is instituted when there is need to check
or regulate due to some important, compelling reasons.
What is Quality Control?
Quality control is checking for conformance to requirements.
It is now widely and increasingly used in the construction
industry it is instituted during the course of construction as a
preventive tool, not as a corrective measure. Preventive
measures are always more economical.
What is Assurance?

Assurance is degree of certainty. Quality assurance is a

function of the owner to verify that the work is done in
accordance with specifications. Some call it acceptance
inspection.
The concept that quality control rests solely on the Materials
Engineer is wrong. Quality control is the responsibility of
everyone involved in the construction. It is the responsibility
of the engineers, inspectors, technicians and even an ordinary
laborers.
Quality control is a team effort, it is like a chain that a
weakness in any one link will cause the whole chain to
fail, all parties involved in the construction must do their
part in order to insure success of a quality control
program.
Engineers and supervisors have the great responsibility
in the implementation of the quality control, if it fails,
they were to be blame, because they failed to transmit
their knowledge of good quality control practices to
the lower levels.

Quality Control, if properly executed, it will more than

pay itself, it is the key to more economical
construction. Therefore, quality control is not a cost
item; it is in reality an investment. It pays dividends to
all, especially the owner and the builder.
 ROLE OF ENGINEERS/INSPECTORS IN THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF MATERIALS TESTING

 To insure that the highest quality of materials and work be

incorporated into the project is the primary responsibility
of engineers
 Project Engineers has the overall responsibility in
terms of materials quality control. He must have the
technical know -how in materials testing and quality
control to enable to check and regulate the use of
construction materials and to economize the cost of
materials in the project.

 Materials Engineers has the primary responsibility in the

quality of materials
Materials Engineers has the primary responsibility in
the quality of materials which includes sampling, testing
and inspection, recommends for the acceptance or
rejection and recommends appropriate corrective measures
to improved the quality of materials and works.
 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROJECT
ENGINEERS IN MATERIALS TESTING

1. Ensures that materials and workmanship are at all times in

accordance with plans and specifications.
 is authorized to reject materials which fails to meet specification
requirements even though they have previously passed the
requirements.

 is authorized to require the contractor to discontinue operations if

the workmanship or methods employed would adversely affect the
quality,durability or appearance of the work.

 is directly supervise the sampling testing and control as well as

check the result of test to verify the quality of materials prior to
incorporation into the work.

 may order the pre-testing/retesting of construction materials under the

conditions for acceptance of materials which have sampled and passed as
satisfactory, may be resampled and retested.
2. Ensures that inspections and tests are carried out promptly and
timely.

 check/verify the quantities reported in the Certificate of Quality

Control Assurance (CQCA) Report and ensure that quantities being
claimed have corresponding test results.

 check that the required tests on materials are conducted prior to

its actual use and meets the minimum testing requirements of the
approved Quality Control Program.

 issue pouring permit for asphalt and concreting works

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MATERIALS ENGINEER

 Ascertain that all materials incorporated into the works pass the
requirements of DPWH Standard Specifications for Highways,
Bridges and Airports and strictly comply with the schedule of
Minimum Testing Requirements.

 Advice the Project Engineer on the acceptance or rejection of

construction materials intended for use in the project (based on test
results)

 Recommend the Project Engineer remedial measures for the correction of

unsatisfactory condition of materials.

 Prepare Quality Control Program (QCP ) of the project based on

the standard minimum testing requirements.
 Accomplish the weekly Certificate of Quality Control Assurance
(CQCA) reports of the project.

 Prepare design mixes for concrete and bituminous mixtures.

 Fully acquaint himself with the standard procedures of sampling,

testing and control.

 Ensure that the laboratory is adequately equipped such that the

progress of the work will not be impeded to laboratory testing and
that non-performance of tests should not caused delay in the
prosecution of work.

 Submit test reports and other pertinent quality control reports within
the required time frame.

 Strictly supervise his laboratory technicians in the performance of

field and laboratory test.
INTERPRETATION, ACCEPTANCE/REJECTION

AND APPLICATION OF TEST RESULTS

 INTERPRETATION OF MATERIALS TEST RESULTS

It is the responsibility of the Materials Engineer assigned

in the project either from the contractor, consultant or from
the owner to interpret the test results correctly and
accurately.

Interpretation of materials test reports needs familiarization

of materials specifications and a lot of experienced in
materials testing and quality control works

Project Engineers/Inspectors must also have the ability

to interpret and evaluate test reports of materials and
must not always depend in their Materials Engineer,
hence, they have the great responsibility in the
implementation of the project
How to Interpret the Result of Tests on Materials

 The composition and properties of a material is individually

verified when it is subjected to a quality test to verify if it
meets or fails the specification requirement prior to incorporation
into the work

 The contents of the test reports of materials will be the basis

of an engineer for the acceptance or rejection of the delivered
materials in the project site. It is the documented proof that
determined the quality of materials

 When the contents of the test reports after proper interpretation

shows that it fails or meets the specifications requirement, the
Project Engineer thru the advise of the Materials Engineer shall
immediately act to whether utilized or not the delivered materials
to avoid delay in the project implementation
 The rejection or utilization of a material depends on the
outcome of test results. A material may fail in one or more
of its properties but still can be utilized into the work thru
the application of alternative measures and Engineers should
have good judgment and in-depth knowledge on the
properties of the materials
Example:

Soil aggregates sample fails to meet grading and plasticity requirements

Reinforcing steel bars failed to meet variation in mass requirement

Cement failed to meet loss ignition or insoluble residue requirement

 Engineers should familiarize in the significant properties of

materials so that they can immediately decide in the
acceptance or rejection. Incorrect interpretation of material
test reports can cause delay in the project implementation,
additional cost and failure of the structure
 SAMPLE WORKSHEETS AND TEST
REPORTS FOR BASIC CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS
 ACCEPTANCE/REJECTION OF MATERIALS
Who’s Responsible for the Acceptance/Rejection of Materials?
The Project Engineer has the authority to reject or accept
construction materials intended for use in the project upon the
recommendation of the Materials Engineer based on the test results.

Guidelines in the Acceptance and Rejection of Materials:

a. No material shall be incorporated into the work unless and found
satisfactory.

b. The approval of preliminary samples shall not be considered a

guarantee of the acceptance of all materials from the same source,
as to the quality or quantity of such materials.
c. Any material that has been sampled and passed the standard spe-
cifications may be re-sampled and re-tested anytime before,during
and after incorporation into the work.
 MINIMUM TESTING REQUIREMENTS

 The prescribed tests on the construction materials to be used

in a project based on approved contract quantities

 The requirements which specify the kind and number of tests

for each pay item of works

 It should emphasized that what are specified are the minimum

number of testing only. Additional number of test can be
require to the materials if the owner/inspector is in doubt of
the quality of materials or the finished structure
 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION OF SAMPLES
Materials Minimum Testing Minimum Quantity/Volume
Requirements of Materials for each Sample
Submitted

1. Cement 1 Sample per 2000 bags 10 kg

2. Asphaltic Matls. 1 Sample per 40 tonnes 5 L

or 200 drums
3. Asphalt Mix 1 Sample per 130 tonnes 20 kg

4. Aggregates 1 Sample per 1500 cu.m.

a. Coarse Agg. 70 kg
b. Fine Agg. 50 kg

5. Soil Agg. 1 Sample per 1500 cu.m.

a. Classification 20 kg
b. Routinary tests 50 kg
c. Moisture Density
Relation & CBR 50 kg
6. Non-Reinforced
Concrete Pipe 2 Pipes min./0.5% of no. of Pipes 2 pipes
Materials Minimum Testing Minimum Quantity/Volume
Requirements of Materials for each Sample
Submitted
7. Reinforced Conc. Pipe 1 Sample per 50 pipes or
2% of no. of pipes 1 pipe (1 m length)

8. Steel Pipe (Galvanized) 1 Sample per 500 m length 2 pcs. of 100 mm

long taken from
both ends w/o
thread
9. Conc. Hollow Blocks 1 Sample per 10,000 units
a. Complete test 6 units
b. Strength 3 units
c. Moisture Content 3 units

10. Steel Bar 1 Sample per 10,000 kgs. 1 meter

11. Steel Sheet (Galvanized) 1 Sample per 1,000 sheets 1 sheet

12. Wire Strand (Strap) 2 meters

13. Gabions 1 m x 2m

14. Paints 1 Sample per 100 cans 1 ( 4L can)

1 ( 20L can)
Materials Minimum Testing Minimum Quantity/Volume
Requirements of Materials for each Sample
Submitted

15. Joint Filler ( Pre-mold ) For every shipment 1 ( 400 mm x 400 mm )

16. Curing Compound For every shipment 1 liter

17. Concrete Cylinder 1 Set of 3 cylinders 1 set of 3 cylinders

for every 75 cu.m. or day of pouring ( 6” x 12” )

18. Concrete Beam 1 Set of 3 beams for 1 set of 3 beams

every 75 cu.m. or day of pouring ( 6” x 21” )

19. Concrete Core 5 cores/km/lane -

20. Asphalt Cores 1 core/100m/ lane -

21. Water Analysis
a. Chemical Analysis 500 ml
b. Sediment Analysis 500 ml

22. Structural Steel Sheet Reduced Section

(as prescribed)
 HOW TO CONTROL THE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
In the DPWH, construction materials is being controlled by checking and
evaluating the materials physical and chemical properties thru testing to ensure the
materials meets the required Standard Specifications.

Control of Materials can be done thru proper selection, handling, storage,

sampling, testing and inspection.

Selection of Materials
Materials shall be obtained from approved materials sources and should be
known in advance so that the required tests can be made to avoid delays in the
construction due possible rejection of unacceptable properties of materials so
that an approved corrective measures could be immediately implemented to
correct the quality of materials prior to its usage.
Information regarding the location of materials sources
that will be incorporated into the work may be
represented by the following:
a.Raw materials such as soil, sand and bank or river gravel
(with little or no processing).
b. Materials that are processed without basically changing
their properties, such as washed manufactured sand,
crushed rock and gravel, and etc.
c. Manufactured materials such as bituminous materials,
cement, paint, structural and reinforcing steel.
d. Combination of materials that may be partly or totally
manufactured, such as bituminous and Portland cement
concrete.
Materials to be procured or obtained from selected portions
of any area of materials sources such as mentioned above
should be known in advance so that the required test can
be made or arrangement for testing the materials involved
may be done to avoid unnecessary delays in construction
due to rejection of unacceptable quality of materials.
 Handling and Storage of Materials

Delivered construction materials should be placed or stored in a safe location/

place to protect from contamination or the action of the weather and to avoid
damaged and to maintain the desired quality.

To prevent contamination of materials to other similar type particularly those

coming from other sources, it should be provided with separator or partition in
case of an small stockpile area, however, in case of a big stockpile area, provide
adequate distance for each type of materials depending on sources and sizes.

Other construction materials which are sensitive to weather conditions like

cement, steel bars, etc. should be kept in a site that are protected from direct
sunlight and rain. It should not be place directly on the ground to maintain its
quality.
 Sampling of Materials

Is the process of selecting a part (sample), which will be used to judge the
whole (lot). Sampling of construction materials should be done on the
delivered materials at the project site and not in the place where it was
purchase.

Sampling of materials shall be in accordance with the Standard Sampling

Procedures to obtained a true representative of a lot and based on the minimum
testing requirements as prescribe for the item of works.

The quantity of representative sample to be brought to a testing laboratory

should be adequate and meets the requirements for the sizes, shapes and part
of the material where it should be taken to obtain a reliable test results in the
conduct of the required physical and chemical analysis of a material that will
subjected for testing.
 Testing and Inspection of Materials

Testing and Inspection in the construction works compliments with each other
and should be done both at the right time as the work progresses.

Testing refers to the process of making tests to determine the degree of

compliance of the delivered materials with the required specifications. It is a
documented proof of the materials where an engineer or an inspector can be used
as basis for the Acceptance or Rejection.

Inspection is the basic means or a tool by which an Engineer or an Inspector

can be used to determined physically the acceptability of the delivered
construction materials on site if it conforms to the required quantity, size and
conditions stipulated in the purchase order of the materials intended for use in
the work.
 COMMON ABUSES IN MATERIALS TESTING &
QUALITY CONTROL

• No Approved Quality Control Program (QCP) for the project

prior to the start of works.

 This is happened when the Construction personnel has no coordination with

the Materials personnel. Approved Program of Work of the project is not
furnished for the preparation of quality control program.

 This practice shows that relationship of personnel in the project are in poor
situation. Construction and Materials personnel have no harmonious relation
and do not cooperate to each other during the implementation of the project.
• Incorporation of Materials into the works without Quality Tests

 Construction materials are being incorporated into the works without the
benefit of quality tests.

 Testing of materials were not timely done as the work progresses. Testing
are done as only compliance to the requirement of the project for billing
purposes.

• Fabrication of Test Reports on Construction Materials

 Test Reports of materials are not authentic and contains doubtful results.

 Signatures of the personnel and officials of testing laboratories are forged.

• Submission of Material Samples to Testing Laboratory not truly
representing the Actual Delivered Materials On the Project Site

 Special fabricated samples of materials were submitted to the testing

laboratory to ensure that the result of tests will passed the required
specifications.

 Materials samples of good quality were taken from good source and not
on the actual delivered materials on site.

• Actual Delivered Construction Materials is Incompatible

to the Result of Tests
 Poor and substandard materials were purchase and delivered to the project
site on the succeeding deliveries.

 Samples tested is different from the actual materials being incorporated

into the work.
• Unreliable and Dubious Test Results of Materials
 This can be only determined thru thorough review of the worksheets of
tests performed by the laboratory technician. Inspectors with vast
experience in the laboratory works has the edge to distinguished this
type of abuses.

• Pouring of Concrete Mix on a Structure Without Approved

Pouring Permit

 This malpractices was commonly done by the contractor in concreting

works without the knowledge/permission of the owners field
engineers/inspectors.

 Prepared structure for pouring should be properly inspected to check its

compliance to plans requirements and the availability of the required
equipment to be utilized during pouring of mix. This malpractices is
embodied in Department Order No. 211, Series of 2000
• Bloated Monthly Status of Test Reports and Certificates of
Quality Control Assurance Reports

 Status of monthly test reports are bloated by reporting higher number of test
performed but not yet done just to comply to the required scheduled tests.

 Quantities of accomplished on-going items of works are reported bloated as

against the actual accomplishment.
Acceptance of Concrete based on Overaged / Underaged Testing
of Beam and Cylinder Specimens

 Concrete is accepted / paid based on test results of specimens tested at an

earlier age but does not meets the designed strength requirement . i.e.
Flexural strength of concrete for Item 311- PCCP tested @ 7 days where
results are based on the strength percentage of the standard graph.

 Concrete is accepted / paid based on test results of specimens tested at an

overaged instead of the required age of acceptance specified for concrete.
i.e. 14 days for flexural strength for Item 311 – PCCP and 28 day
compressive strength for Item 405 – Structural Concrete.
• Testing of materials not done in accordance with the
standard sampling and testing procedures

 By witnessing the actual performance of the laboratory technicians in the

sampling and testing of materials and or by reviewing the test worksheets on
tests performed, sampling and testing are not in accordance with the standard
requirements.

• Laboratory Testing Apparatus/Equipment are not calibrated prior

to Testing of Materials

 Testing of materials are tested using laboratory testing apparatus/

equipment that are not calibrated for long period of time which will
affect the accuracy and reliability of tests.
THANK YOU FOR
LISTENING, EVEN IF IT’S
HARD TO UNDERSTAND.