Soil is the mixture of minerals, organic matter, gases, liquids and a myriad of organisms. Soil performs several functions such as it is a medium for plant growth, it is a means of water storage, supply and purification as it is a modifier of the atmosphere and it is a habitat for organisms that take part in decomposition and creation of a habitat for other organisms.

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The analysis of a soil sample would determine the nutrients and contaminated minerals or organisms within the said soil. it would also determine the exact composition of the soil such as its acidity or PH level. The testing of soil can also determine the possible toxicities, fertility and nutrient deficiencies.

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List of Soil Tests

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1. CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of Laboratory-Compacted soils

2. Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of soil using Standard Effort (12400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600kN-m/m3))

3. Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of soil using Modified Effort (56000 ft-lbf/ft3 (2700kN-m/m3))

4. Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass

5. Specific Gravity of soil Solids by Water Pycnometer

6. In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)

7. Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils

8. Particle-Size Analysis of Soils (Hydrometer)

9. Materials in Soils Finer Than # 200 Sieve

Concrete is a composite material comprised of fine or coarse aggregate, water, and the cement which acts as an adhesive substance that fills any space among the aggregate and joins the materials together. Concrete is used in the construction of foundations, pavements, block walls, pools, pipes and any other architectural structure. It is sometimes even used in the construction and repair of boats. 

Other than gaining strength over time, concrete also provides superior resistance compared to wooden structures.

 

Concrete, even though one of the most durable building materials can be damaged by many processes such as expansion of corrosion products of the steel reinforcement bars, freezing of trapped water, fire or radiant heat, aggregate expansion and seawater effects which is why it is important to test the strength and quality of the concrete and compare it to the required standard or specifications.

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List of Concrete Tests

 

1. Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete

2. Slump of Hydraulic-Cement Concrete

3. Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field

4. Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Lab

5. Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens 

6. Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete

7. Measuring Length of Concrete Cores

8. Rebound Number of Hardened Concrete 

9. Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Pressure Method 

10. Density (Unit Weight), Yield, and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete

Aggregate refers to a broad category of coarse or fine material used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, recycled concrete, and geosynthetic material.  It is also the most mined materials in the world.

 

One of the main applications of aggregate is to provide stability as the base material in or under foundations, roads, and railroads. It is usually used in this capacity based on the strength required and construction cost. Aggregates are also applied in drainage, for eg. foundations, septic drain fields, and road side edge drains. Aggregate is an essential component of composite materials such as concrete and asphalt concrete. The aggregate material serves as reinforcement to add strength to the overall composite material. 

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List of Aggregate Test

 

1. Practice for Sampling Aggregates   

2. Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size

3. Bulk Density (Unit Weight) and Voids in Aggregate

4. Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregates for Concrete

5. Soundness of Aggregates by use of Sodium Sulfate or  Magnesium Sulfate

6. Materials Finer Than 75-μm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing 

7. Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine

8. Resistance to Degradation of Large-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine

9. Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates 

10. Lightweight Particles in Aggregate

11. Clay Lumps and Friable Particles in Aggregates

12. Sand Equivalent Value of Soils and Fine Aggregate

13. Flat Particles, Elongated Particles, or Flat and Elongated Particles in Coarse Aggregate

14. Determining the Percentage of Fractured Particles in Coarse Aggregate

15. Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate                                           

16. Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Fine Aggregate                                                            

Asphalt refers to a sticky, black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum. It may be found in natural deposits or may be a refined product.

The primary function of asphalt is in road construction, where it is used as the glue or binder mixed with aggregate particles to create asphalt concrete. Its other main uses are for bituminous waterproofing products such as the manufacturer of roofing felt and for sealing flat roofs

 

Asphalt testing and inspections serve as an evaluation of the asphalt binders, mixtures and other derivatives of the asphalt which would be specified or stated to be at a required standard. This evaluation will expound on the performance grade, aggregate content, emulsions and cutbacks, and placement of the asphalt. The accuracy and reliability of an asphalt sample may determine the use and life-span on a structure.

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List of Asphalt Tests

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1. Asphalt Content of Hot-Mix Asphalt by Ignition Method

2. Marshall Stability and Flow of Bituminous Mixtures

3. Preparation of Bituminous Specimens using Marshall Apparatus

4. The density of Bituminous Concrete in Place by Nuclear Methods

5. Thickness or Height of Compacted Bituminous Paving Mixture Specimens

6. Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of Bituminous Paving Mixtures

7. Penetration of Bituminous Materials

8. Softening Point of Bitumen

9. Determining the Transverse-Aggregate Spread Rate for Surface Treatment Applications

10. Binder Spray Rate for S.T.A.

11. Flash Point

12. Ductility