Laboratory Equipment for Testing Concrete: A Comprehensive Overview, Study notes of Construction

Download Laboratory Equipment for Testing Concrete: A Comprehensive Overview and more Study notes Construction in PDF only on Docsity! 1, Introduction Materials for construction need to satisfy standard quality criteria set from practical experience and recommended by code of practice. The availability of suitable laboratory testing facilities and trained laboratory personnel is this crucially important in assessing the quality of construction materials such as concrete, ingredients of concrete etc. and evaluating their test results. As soon as water is brought in contact with other ingredients of concrete, freshly mixed concrete gradually under goes changes until it becomes hard. In its plastic state one of the properties of concrete is workability which should be tested in the laboratory. 2. COMMON LABORATORY APPARATUS/EQUIPMENTS LABORATORY APPARATUS/EQUIPMENTS FUNCTIONS 1.GRAGUATED CYLINDER  used to accurately measure the volume of a liquid. Water displacement can be used to find out the volume of a solid. Graduated cylinders are generally more accurate and precise for this purpose than flasks  used for accurate measurement of liquids or to calibrate other science glassware; large solid Hex base prevents tipping. 3. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH MACHINE  a material or structure to withstand axially directed pushing forces. When the limit of compressive strength is reached, materials are crushed.  are usually reported in relationship to a specific technical standard that may, or may not, relate to end-use performance.  reached when the material fails completely. The compressive strength is usually obtained experimentally by means of a compressive test. 4. CONCRETE MIXER  Is used to combine cement with sand or gravel & water to form concrete  a device that homogeneously combines cement, aggregate such as sand or gravel, and water to form concrete. A typical concrete mixer uses a revolving drum to mix the components.  For smaller volume works portable concrete mixers are often used so that the concrete can be made at the construction site, giving the workers ample time to use the concrete before it hardens 9. caliper opposite side of an object.  Can be used as simple as a compass with forward or outward facing posts.  removed and the distance read by measuring between the tips with a measuring tool, such as a ruler.  applied against the part in order to take the desired measurement.  For example, when measuring the thickness of a plate a caliper must be held at right angles to the piece. Some practice may be needed to measure round or irregular objects correctly. 10. steel tape 11. weighing scale  measuring tool. Its flexibility allows for a measure of great length to be easily carried in pocket or toolkit and permits one to measure around curves or corners.  Measuring tapes designed for carpentry or construction often use a stiff, curved metallic ribbon that can remain stiff and straight when extended, but retracts into a coil for convenient storage.  to provide both inside and outside measurements that are accurate  used for the weight of solid materials, such as wood-based panels. Depending on projection of a production system the panels can be weighing both in standstill and during running production  measured by specially developed radial supports with integrated weighing cells. Depending on the measuring task and the mechanical construction of the weighing table, the measuring range and the number of weighing cells are poised. 12.california bearing ratio machine  supplier of soil testing equipment, asphalt testing equipment, and concrete testing equipment - for measuring density, permeability  for testing a simple strength test that compares the bearing capacity of a material with that of a well-graded crushed stone 3. Common Safety for laboratory test. Personal and General laboratory safety 1. Never eat, drink, or smoke while working in the laboratory. 2. Read labels carefully. 3. Do not use any equipment unless you are trained and approved as a user by your supervisor. 4. Wear safety glasses or face shields when working with hazardous materials and/or equipment. 5. Wear gloves when using any hazardous or toxic agent. 6. Clothing: When handling dangerous substances, wear gloves, laboratory coats, and safety shield or glasses. Shorts and sandals should not be worn in the lab at any time. Shoes are required when working in the machine shops. 7. If you have long hair or loose clothes, make sure it is tied back or confined. 8. Keep the work area clear of all materials except those needed for your work. Coats should be hung in the hall or placed in a locker. Extra books, purses, etc. should be kept away from equipment that requires air flow or ventilation to prevent overheating. 9. Disposal - Students are responsible for the proper disposal of used material if any in appropriate containers. 10. Equipment Failure - If a piece of equipment fails while being used, report it immediately to your lab assistant or tutor. Never try to fix the problem yourself because you could harm yourself and others. 11. If leaving a lab unattended, turn off all ignition sources and lock the doors. 12. Never pipette anything by mouth. 13. Clean up your work area before leaving. 14. Wash hands before leaving the lab and before eating. GUIDE QUESTIONS FOR ANALYSIS 1. Which of the following apparatuses on the list are you familiar with? where have you encountered them before? - Graduated cylinder, - in chemistry laboratory - steel tape, - in wood workshop for measuring length thickness, width of lumber. - caliper, - in wood workshop for measuring thickness of piece of lumber.