DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & HIGHWAYS

Bureau of Research and Standards

Engr. Nestor B. Caoile

Divsiion Chief
Materials Testing Division
Bureau of Research & Standards
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

 PARTICIPANTS

Project / Materials Engineers and laboratory personnel of the Central / Regional

/ District Engineering and Project Management Offices
* DURATION / VENUE

Twenty – two (22) days ( Monday to Friday ) to be conducted at the BRS

Testing Laboratory, EDSA, Diliman, Edsa, Quezon City

* EVALUATION

Pre and Post Training surveys and session-reaction / evaluation

Intellectual exercises at the end of every Module will be given to gauge

the knowledge gained by the participants.

* RECOGNITION

Certificate of Training will be given to the participants who will

successfully complete the requirements of the course.
 COURSE CONTENT
MODULE I
• Sampling and Testing of Soils, Soil Aggregates, Concrete
and Asphalt Aggregates
Duration : 5 - working days

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

Duration : 5 - working days

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

Duration : 3 - working days

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
Duration : 6 - working days

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 ?

 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 !!!

Testing is an important complement of quality

control in engineering works
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.
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.

• Identify and familiarize the required tests on specific

construction materials
• Identify and understand the basic properties of materials

• Understand the significance of tests on the materials

• 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

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.

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

Testing of material is conducted prior to incorporation into the

work.

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 ?

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 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

Who will interpret the 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
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Public Works and Highways
BUREAU OF RESEARCH AND STANDARDS
EDSA, Diliman, Quezon City

Lab. Re port No.:

TEST REPORT ON REINFORCING STEEL Date

Project : Construction of Curb & Gutter Brgy. Poblacion, Ibaan, Batangas

:
Kind of material : Reinforcing Steel Bar (12 mm dia., deformed )
Sample identification : Q-405-01
Quantity represented : 7808.45 kgs.
Sampled at : Jobsite
Original source : Steel Asia
Supplied by : MelJean Construction Corporation
Proposed use : For Concrete Reinforcement ( Dowels )
Spec's Item No. : AASHTO M-31 Grade 40
Sampled by : P. B. Suarez,Prec. Inst. Tech. II DPWH-Bats. 4th DEO,Lipa City 4-03-06
(Name & designation) (Office) (Date)
Submitted by : B. B. Villanueva,Eng'r. II - do - 4-19-06
(Name & designation) (Office) (Date Received)
Lab. No. : 1301-06 ( Paid under OR #2595063 )

TESTS REQUIREMENTS RESULTS

Tensile Properties:
Yield Point, Mpa 276 Min. 345
Tensile Strength, Mpa 483 Min. 483
Elongation, % 12 Min. 12
Bending Properties: No cracking on outside Satisfactory
Degree bent, 180 degrees bent portion
Actual Unit mass, kg/m - 0.868
Variation in mass, % 6.0 Max. under nominal mass 13.0 under nominal mass *
Deformation, mm
Spacing, average 8.9 Max. 7.9
Height, average 0.51 Min. 0.60
Gap 4.9 Max 4.0
Phosphorous Content, % 0.06 Max. 0.01
REMARKS : * Sample fails to meet variation in mass requirement.
Te s te d by : Che cke d by:

T. Urmaza
S. Orate CLARITA C. FLORES
J. Tagalo Engine e r V
J. B e rgonio
C. de la Cruz ATTESTED :
Witnessed by:

B ASILIA S. VILLANUEVA ANTONIO V. MOLANO, JR.

Engine e r IV Dire ctor IV
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Public Works and Highways
BUREAU OF RESEARCH AND STANDARDS
EDSA, Diliman, Quezon City

Lab. Re port No.: 6-84-06

27 June 2006
TEST REPORT ON REINFORCING STEEL Date

Const. Of 2 Storey RGR Type Sch. Bldg. At Dona Ma. Platon Laurel, Aya, Talisay, Bats.
Project : Const. Of Circumferential Road Around Lake Taal, Agoncillo, Bats.
Completion of Aya-Tranca-Talisay Road, Talisay, Bats.
Kind of material : Reinforcing Steel Bar ( 16 mm dia., deformed )
Sample identification : DMP- 5
Quantity represented : 10,000 kgs.
Sampled at : Stockpile at jobsite
Original source : Top Steel
Supplied by : Revere Construction & Supply
Proposed use : for concrete reinforcement
Spec's Item No. : PNS 49 Grade 275 NW
Sampled by : F. Opena,Lab. Tech. II DPWH-Bats. 3rd DEO 06-08-06
(Name & designation) (Office) (Date)
Submitted by : Ma. B. M. Marquez - do - 6-14-06
(Name & designation) (Office) (Date Received)
Lab. No. : 1718-06 ( Paid under OR No. 2595342 )

TESTS REQUIREM ENTS RESULTS

Tensile Properties:
Y ield Point, Mpa 275 Min. 277
Tensile Strength, Mpa 480 Min, 410 *
Elongation, % 10 Min. 27
Bending Properties: No cracking on outside Satisfactory
Degree bent, 180 degrees bent portion
Actual Unit mass, kg/m - 1.508
Variation in mass, % 6 Max. under nominal mass 4.0 under nominal mass
Deformation, mm
Spacing, average 11.1 Max. 10.5
Height, average 0.7 - 1.4 1.15
Gap 12.6 Max 12.2
Phosphorous Content, % 0.06 Max. 0.01
REM ARKS : Sample fails to meet specification
Te s te d by : Che cke d by:
T. Urmaza
A. Empe rador
J. B e rgonio CLARITA C. FLORES
J. Tagalo Engine e r V
C. de la Cruz ATTESTED :

Witnessed by:

B ASILIA S. VILLANUEVA ANTONIO V. M OLANO, JR.

Engine e r IV Dire ctor IV
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Public Work s And Highways
BUREAU OF RESEARCH AND STANDARDS
EDS A, Diliman, Quezon City

Lab. Report No.:

(Date)
TEST REPORT ON CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS
Project :
Construction of 2 Storey RGR Type Sch. Bldg. At Dona Ma. Platon Laurel, Aya, Talisay, Bats.
Type of Unit :
Concrete Hollow Blocks (Non Load Bearing) 4" thick
Quantity represented :
10,000 pcs.
Sampled at :
Stockpile at jobsite
Original source :
Allied
Supplied by :
REVERE Construction & Supply
Proposed use :
for walling
Spec's Item No. :
ASTM C-129 ( Non- Load Bearing )
Sampled by :
N. Magnaye Revere Cons't. & Supply 06-08-06
F. Opena,Lab. Tech. II DPWH-Bats. 3rd DEO 06-08-06
(Name & designation) (Office) (Date)
Submitted by : Ma. B. M. Marquez - do - 6-16-06
(Name & designation) (Office) (Date received)
Lab. No. : 1720- 06 ( Paid under OR No. 2595342 )
SAMPLE I.D. TESTS REQUIREMENTS RESULTS

DMP-9 Dimension Measurement, mm

Width
1 - 96
2 - 96
3 - 98
Length
1 - 400
2 - 408
3 - 410
Height
1 - 195
2 - 190
3 - 195
Compressive Strength, MN/m 2
Individual Unit
1 3.45 Min. 1.89
2 3.45 Min. 1.98
3 3.45 Min. 1.88

Average of three(3) units 4.14 Min. 1.92

Water Absorption,kg/m 3 (Avg. of 3 units) - 128
Moisture Content, %(Avg .of 3 units) - 19
REMARKS : Sample fails to meets specification requirements.
Che cke d by:
Te s te d by :

T. Urmaza
A. Emperador CLARITA C. FLORES
J. Tagalo Engine e r V
J. Bergonio ATTESTED:

Witne s s e d by :

B ASILIA S. VILLANUEVA ANTONIO V. MOLANO, JR.

Engineer IV Dire ctor IV
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Public Works And Highways
BUREAU OF RESEARCH AND STANDARDS
EDSA, Diliman, Quezon City

Lab. Report No. : 8-29-06

04 August 2006
Date
TEST REPORT ON PORTLAND CEMENT

Project : Concreting of Road, Barangay II, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
Sample identification : CRBII-01
Quantity represented : 2000 bags
Sampled at : Jobsite
Manufactured by : Taiheiyo Cement Phils., Inc., San Fernando, Cebu City
Brand : Grand Portland Cement
Supplied by : Kuntel Construction
Spec's Item No. : ASTM C-150
Sampled by : R.dela Cruz/J.Yanson DPWH-Neg. 1st EDO/Kuntel Const. 6-16-06
: (Name & designation) (Office) (Date)
Submitted by : N.A. Noble-Engr. III DPWH-Neg. 1st EDO Neg. Occ. 6-20-06
: (Name & designation) (Office) (Date received)
Lab. No. : 1741-06 (Paid under OR # 2595384)
TESTS REQUIREMENTS RESULTS
Magnesium Oxide (MgO), % 6.0 Max. 1.30
Sulfur Trioxide (SO 3), % 3.0 Max. 2.47
Loss on Ignition, % 3.0 Max. 4.70*
Insoluble Residue, % 0.75 Max. 1.10*
Air Content of Mortar, % 12.0 Max. -
Fineness : Amount Passing
No. 0.075 mm Sieve, % - 99
Autoclave Expansion, % 0.8 Max. 0.03
Time of Setting : Gilmore Test
Initial set, min. 60 Min. 120
Final set, min. 600 Max. 253
Compressive Strength, Avg. mortar
cubes, Mpa:
3 days 12.0 Min. 19.0
7 days 19.0 Min. 17.5
28 days 28.0 Min. 23.0
Specific Gravity - 3.09
REMARKS: * Sample fails to meet Specification requirements.
Tested by: Checked by:
P. Malonzo
B.A. Minano
E. Cruz CLARITA C. FLORES
E. Flores Engineer V
M. S. Gianan ATTESTED :

Witnessed by:

EUGENIO P. ELERIA ANTONIO V. MOLANO, JR.

Engineer IV Director IV
 Re public of the Philippine s
De partme nt of Public Works And Highways
BUREAU OF RESEARCH AND STANDARDS
EDSA, Diliman, Que zon City

Lab. Re port No. : 8-30-06

04 Augus t 2006
Date
TEST REPORT ON PORTLAND CEMENT

Proje ct : Concreting/Improvement of Matulatula-Sitio Bahid Farm to Market Road

Sample ide ntification : Q.T.-1; Code: 05100049002
Quantity re pre s e nte d : 2000 bags
Sample d at : Jobsite
M anufacture d by : Iligan Cement Corp.
B rand : Fortune Portland Cement
Supplie d by : Sixteen Enterprises - Calapan City, Or. Mindoro
Spe c's Ite m No. : ASTM C-150
Sample d by : M.V. Mendoza-Lab. Tech. I DPWH-Calapan City 6-20-06
: (Name & de s ignation) (Office ) (Date )
Submitte d by : A. Mahia- Engr. III -do- 6-21-06
: (Name & de s ignation) (Office ) (Date re ce ive d)
Lab. No. : 1742-06 (Paid under OR # 2595386)
TESTS REQUIREM ENTS RESULTS
M agne s ium Oxide (M gO), % 6.0 Max. 1.52
Sulfur Trioxide (SO 3), % 3.0 Max. 2.06
Los s on Ignition, % 3.0 Max. 2.80
Ins oluble Re s idue , % 0.75 Max. 0.70
Air Conte nt of M ortar, % 12.0 Max. -
Fine ne s s : Amount Pas s ing
No. 0.075 mm Sie ve , % - 98
Autoclave Expans ion, % 0.8 Max. 0.04
Time of Se tting : Gilmore Te s t
Initial s e t, min. 60 Min. 120
Final s e t, min. 600 Max. 213
Compre s s ive Stre ngth, Avg. mortar
cube s , M pa:
3 days 12.0 Min. 21.7
7 days 19.0 Min. 27.7
28 days 28.0 Min. -
Spe cific Gravity - 3.11
REM ARKS: Sample meets Specification
Te s te d by: Che cke d by:
P. M alonzo
B .A. M inano
E. Cruz CLARITA C. FLORES
E. Flore s Engine e r V
M . S. Gianan ATTESTED :

Witne s s e d by:

EUGENIO P. ELERIA ANTONIO V. M OLANO, JR.

Engine e r IV Director IV
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Public Works And Highways
BUREAU OF RESEARCH AND STANDARDS
EDSA, Diliman, Quezon City

Lab. Re port No. : 8-77-06

14 Augus t 2006
Date
TEST REPORT ON PORTLAND CEMENT

Proje ct : Const.of Water Supply/Spring development @Taysan Bats./San Jose Bats.

: and Brgy. Talisay, Lipa City
Sample ide ntification : Q-405-01
Quantity re pre s e nte d : 2000 bags
Sample d at : Jobsite
Manufacture d by : Fortune Cement Corp.
B rand : Fortune Portland Cement
Supplie d by : Nermar Lumber and Hardware Corp.
Spe c's Ite m No. : ASTM C-150
Sample d by : P.B.Suarez-Prec.Inst.Tech.II Bats.4th DEO 7-07-06
: (Name & de s ignation) (Office ) (Date )
Submitte d by : B.B.Villanueva-Engr.II -do- 7-07-06
: (Name & de s ignation) (Office ) (Date re ce ive d)
Lab. No. : 1976-06 (Paid under OR # 2596013)
TESTS REQUIREMENTS RESULTS
Magne s ium Oxide (MgO), % 6.0 Max. 1.66
Sulfur Trioxide (SO 3), % 3.0 Max. 2.37
Los s on Ignition, % 3.0 Max. 3.50*
Ins oluble Re s idue , % 0.75 Max. 0.90*
Air Conte nt of Mortar, % 12.0 Max. -
Fine ne s s : Amount Pas s ing
No. 0.075 mm Sie ve , % - 98
Autoclave Expans ion, % 0.8 Max. 0.03
Time of Se tting : Gilmore Te s t
Initial s e t, min. 60 Min. 134
Final s e t, min. 600 Max. 254
Compre s s ive Stre ngth, Avg. mortar
cube s , Mpa:
3 days 12.0 Min. 20.5
7 days 19.0 Min. 21.7
28 days 28.0 Min. -
Spe cific Gravity - 3.12
Strength of mortar samples tested at 3 days and 7 days can be considered for acceptance,
provided that the strength of sample at 7 days is not less than 23.46 MPA w/c is 85%
of the compressive strength requirement for 28 days (27.6 MPA) D.O. No.57
REMARKS: * Sample fails to meet Loss on Ignition & Insoluble residue requirement.
 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 for concreting per source 2 liters

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.
 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.