Lab Tests on Bitumen to Check Quality Various tests are conducted on bitumen to assess its consistency, gradation, viscosity, temperature susceptibility, and safety. There are a number of tests to assess the properties of bituminous materials. The following tests are usually conducted to evaluate different properties of bituminous materials. Penetration test Ductility test Softening point … Read more
Causes of Stone Deterioration The various natural agents such as rain, heat, etc. and chemicals deteriorate the stones with time. 1.Rain Rain water acts both physically and chemically on stones. The physical action is due to the erosive and transportation powers and the latter due to the decomposition, oxidation and hydration of the minerals present … Read more
Defects in Paint Work The defects which are commonly found in paint work are as follow. 1. Blistering Formation of bubbles like shapes on the painted surface is known as blistering. The primary cause of this defect is water vapor. When water vapor trapped under the paint layer, it creates bubbles under the film of … Read more
Factors Affecting Selection of Floor Tiles There are so many alternative types of tiles for floors and we must choose the type of tile to be used with great care. The appearance of a finished building will be very much influenced by the flooring material used and at the same time, the floor material should … Read more
Causes of Paint Failure The failure of paint job on wall or wooden members or structural steelwork is not uncommon. The paint job, though an easy job, has peculiarities of its own. At the same time, a failed paint job involves substantial expenditure by way of scraping the old paint, repairing the surface and cost … Read more
Concrete Placing Precautions The concrete, as it comes out of the mixer or as it is ready for use on the platform, is to be transported and placed on the formwork. Following precautions should be taken during placing of concrete. The formwork or the surface which is to receive the fresh concrete should be properly … Read more
Types of Flooring Tiles Flooring Tiles in India have over the years gained popularity over the cemented and concrete flooring Tiles are available in different patterns, designs and utility options. Usually they are costlier than the cement concrete flooring and its cost depends upon the type of tile being used. Various types of flooring tiles … Read more
Bitumen is defined as “A viscous liquid, or a solid, consisting essentially of hydrocarbons and their derivatives, which is soluble in trichloro-ethyelene and is substantially nonvolatile and softens gradually when heated”. It is black or brown in colour & possesses waterproofing and adhesive properties. It is obtained by refinery processes from petroleum, and is also … Read more
Purpose Water retentivity of mortar is the ability of mortars to retain water against suction and evaporation in general. It is indirectly a measure of the workability of mortars. Apparatus The apparatus used for this test consists of a water aspirator or other source of vacuum controlled by way of a three way stopcock to … Read more
Objective Determination of water absorption and bulk density of all ceramic tiles Apparatus Oven – capable of maintaining temp of about 1100c Balance – accurate to 0.01% of the mass of test specimen Water bath Desiccators Chamois leather Wire basket Preparation of Test Sample A test sample consists of 10 numbers of whole tiles. If … Read more