Characteristics of Good Mortar The chief properties of hardened mortar are strength, development of good bond with building units, resistance to weathering and those of green mortar mixes are mobility, placability and water retention. In addition, the mortar should be cheap and durable and should not affect the durability of building units in contact. The … Read more
Processing of Borrow Area Soils / Backfill Materials The construction of subsurface structures often requires the construction of elements of the structure within or upon large masses of backfill. The proper functioning of these elements are often critically affected by adverse behavioral characteristics of the backfill. Behavioral characteristics are related to material type, water content … Read more
What is Corrosion of Steel? The term corrosion is defined as an act or process of gradual wearing away of a metal due to chemical or electro-chemical reaction by its surroundings such that the metal is converted into an oxide, salt or some other compound. A substance known as rust results from such a process. … Read more
Impurities in Sand Clay, silt, salts, mica and organic matter are a source of impurities in sand. All sands are generally found to contain some percentage of silt and clay. Mica is easily discernible from its shining surface. A certain percentage of impurities are inevitable in sand; a maximum of 6 % of silt and … Read more
Quality Control for Brickwork Bricks should be soaked in water for at least one hour before use for brickwork in cement and lime mortars. The bricks should be sufficiently soaked before use but not excessively so. The absence of bubbling when the soaked brick is immersed in water is the test for through soaking. Also … Read more
Aggregates for Asphalt Concrete The amount of aggregates for asphalt concrete mixtures is generally 90 to 95 percent by weight and 75 to 85 percent by volume. Aggregates are primarily responsible for the load supporting capacity of a pavement. Aggregate has been defined as any inert mineral material used for mixing in graduated particles or … Read more
Joints in Rigid Pavement Provisions of joints are necessitated due to: 1) Expansion, contraction and warping of concrete slabs resulting from temperature and moisture changes; 2) Facilitate a break in the construction at the end of day’s work or for any unexpected interruption to work progress; and 3) Construction of pavements in lanes of convenient … Read more
Quality Requirements of Drinking Water Parameter Requirements (Desirable Limits) Undesirable effect when outside permissible limit Permissible limit in the absence of alternate source ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTIC pH 6.5 – 8.5 Beyond this range the water will affect the mucous membrane and/or water supply system No relaxation Colour (Hazen units), maximum 6.5 – 8.5 Above 5, consumer … Read more
ABSOLUTE VISCOSITY TEST OF BITUMEN Reference IS: 1206 (Part 2) – Method for Testing Tar and Bitumen Materials: Determination of Absolute Viscosity Test Equipment The following testing equipment is needed to measure absolute viscosity of viscosity graded paving bitumen (IS:73-2006) at 60 C in accordance with IS:1206 (Part 2) (similar to ASTM D 2171), which … Read more
Recommended Procedures for Concrete Inspection The following procedures have been found worthwhile, to enhance the probability of carrying out the intent of the designs and specifications on a large variety of projects. This results in a completed facility that will properly ensure the purpose for which it is intended, at minimum maintenance cost. The purpose … Read more
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