Tutorial

on
Construction Materials
Prepared By: F.Mulatu Endale
June 2023
AMiT/Civil Engineering Faculty
Contents

I. Engineering Properties of Construction Materials

II. Significance of Environmental Factors on the Behavior and Durability of
Concrete and Steel
III. Engineering solutions to problems associated with the use of concrete,
steel and other materials
IV. Practical Exercises Relevant to the Manufacture and Properties of
Concrete
 I. Engineering Properties of Construction
Materials
CONCRETE:
Compressive strength:
• Concrete's ability to withstand compressive forces is crucial for structural
stability.
• The compressive strength of concrete is determined by its
• Mix design,
• Water-cement ratio,
• Curing conditions, and the
• Quality of ingredients used.
 …continued

Tensile strength:

• Concrete is weak in tension, so its tensile strength is relatively low.

• To address this weakness, reinforcement materials like steel bars

are embedded within the concrete to provide tensile strength.
 …continued
• Durability: Concrete should be resistant to various environmental factors,
such as moisture, chemical attacks, and freeze-thaw cycles.
• The durability of concrete is influenced by factors such as;
• Quality of ingredients,
• Water-cement ratio,
• Air entrainment, and
• Proper curing techniques.
 …continued
Workability:
• workability refers to the ease of handling and placing concrete during
construction.
• It depends on factors such as;
• Water content,
• Mix proportions, and
• Use of admixtures.
• Good workability ensures proper compaction and uniformity in the
concrete structure.
 …continued
Setting time:
• The setting time of concrete refers to the time required for it to
change from a plastic state to a solid state.
• Proper setting time is necessary to ensure adequate time for;
• Handling,
• Placing, and
• Finishing operations.
 …continued
STEEL:
Strength:
• Steel possesses high tensile and compressive strength,
making it an excellent material for structural applications.
• Its strength allows for the construction of large and tall
structures while minimizing the required material quantities.
 …continued

Ductility:

• Steel exhibits significant ductility, meaning it can deform under

stress before reaching failure.

• This property is essential for absorbing energy from dynamic loads,

such as earthquakes and wind, and preventing sudden failure.
 …continued

Weldability:
• Steel can be easily welded, allowing for efficient fabrication
and construction processes.
• It enables the creation of complex structural configurations
by joining steel components together.
 …continued

Corrosion resistance:

• Steel is susceptible to corrosion when exposed to moisture and

aggressive environments.

• To enhance corrosion resistance, steel is often coated with

protective coatings or incorporated into corrosion-resistant alloys.
 …continued

Fire resistance:

• Steel retains its strength at high temperatures, making it a

suitable material for fire-resistant structures.

• However, its load-carrying capacity may reduce significantly

under prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
 …Continued

OTHER MATERIALS USED IN CONSTRUCTION:

Timber:
• Timber possesses good strength-to-weight ratio, is readily
available, and has excellent thermal insulation properties.
• However, it is susceptible to moisture, decay, and fire,
requiring appropriate treatment and protection.
 …Continued

Brick:
• Bricks are durable, fire-resistant, and provide good thermal
insulation.
• Their strength varies depending on the manufacturing
process and composition.
• Mortar is used to bond bricks together in construction.
 …continued

Glass:
• Glass is a transparent material with high aesthetic appeal.
• It is often used for windows, facades, and decorative
purposes.
• Glass has limited structural strength but can be reinforced
with laminated or tempered configurations.
 …continued
Aluminum:
• Aluminum is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and possesses
good thermal conductivity.
• It finds extensive use in building facades, windows, and structural
elements.
• Aluminum structures require careful design to account for its
lower strength compared to steel.
 …continued

Composite materials:

• Composite materials, such as fiber-reinforced polymers, offer high

strength-to-weight ratios and corrosion resistance.

• They are commonly used in applications where weight reduction and

durability are essential, such as bridges and marine structures.
 II. Significance of Environmental Factors on the Behavior
and Durability of Concrete and Steel

• Environmental factors can have short-term and long-term effects on the

performance and service life of structures.
• Here's an assessment of the significance of environmental factors on
concrete and steel:
CONCRETE:
• Moisture and Water: Excessive moisture can lead to the deterioration of
concrete through processes like freeze-thaw cycles, alkali-aggregate
reaction, and corrosion of embedded steel. Water penetration can also
cause swelling, cracking, and weakening of the concrete matrix.
 …continued
Temperature Variations:
• Concrete is sensitive to temperature changes.
• High temperatures can accelerate the hydration process, leading to
faster drying and reduced strength development.
• On the other hand, low temperatures can impede proper curing,
decrease strength, and increase the likelihood of cracking.
 …continued
Chemical Exposure:
• Concrete can be exposed to various chemicals, such as chlorides,
sulfates, acids, and alkalis.
• Chemical attack can cause concrete deterioration, including corrosion
of embedded steel, loss of strength, and degradation of the concrete
matrix.
Carbonation:
• Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere can penetrate concrete and react
with calcium hydroxide, leading to carbonation.
• Carbonation reduces the alkalinity of the concrete, which can result
in the corrosion of embedded steel and decreased durability.
 …continued
STEEL:
Corrosion:
• Steel is prone to corrosion when exposed to moisture, oxygen, and
chloride ions.
• Corrosion can lead to a loss of material, reduction in strength, and
ultimately structural failure.
• Environmental factors like high humidity, saltwater exposure, and
acidic conditions accelerate the corrosion process.
 …continued
Temperature and Fire:
• Elevated temperatures can significantly affect the mechanical
properties of steel.
• High temperatures can cause steel to lose its strength and
stiffness, leading to structural deformations and potential
collapse.
• Fire exposure can compromise the integrity of steel structures if
not adequately protected.
 …continued
Atmospheric Conditions:
• Air pollutants, particularly sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, can
contribute to the corrosion of steel.
• Industrial environments with high levels of pollutants and aggressive
chemicals can accelerate the corrosion process and decrease the
service life of steel structures.
 …continued

Seismic Activity:
• Regions prone to earthquakes impose dynamic loads on structures.
• Steel structures need to be designed and constructed to withstand
seismic forces.
• Environmental factors such as geological conditions and proximity
to fault lines influence the seismic behavior and performance of
steel buildings.
 …continued
• In summary, environmental factors significantly impact the
behavior and durability of both concrete and steel structures.

• Proper design, Material selection, and Preventive measures like

adequate coatings, waterproofing, and corrosion protection are
crucial to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental
conditions and ensure the long-term performance of
constructions.
III. Engineering solutions to problems associated with the
use of concrete, steel and other materials
• Engineering solutions to problems associated with the use of concrete,
steel, and other construction materials can vary depending on the
specific issues encountered.
• However, here are some general engineering solutions for common
problems:
CONCRETE:
Problem: Cracking due to shrinkage or thermal expansion.
Solution: Use of shrinkage-reducing admixtures, proper curing techniques, joint
design to accommodate movement, and incorporation of reinforcing
materials like steel bars to control cracks.
 …continued
Problem: Poor durability and chemical attack.
Solution: Proper selection of materials, use of high-quality ingredients, addition of
chemical admixtures (such as air entrainers and corrosion inhibitors), and
application of protective coatings or sealants to enhance durability and
resistance to chemical attacks.
Problem: Insufficient strength or load-bearing capacity.
Solution: Adjust the concrete mix design to achieve the desired strength, optimize
the water-cement ratio, use appropriate curing techniques, and consider
the incorporation of supplementary cementitious materials (e.g., fly ash,
silica fume) to enhance strength.
 …continued
STEEL:

Problem: Corrosion and rust formation.

Solution: Apply corrosion-resistant coatings, galvanization, or epoxy coatings to
protect the steel surface. Implement proper drainage systems and
waterproofing to prevent moisture accumulation.
Problem: Structural instability or excessive deflection.
Solution: Conduct a structural analysis to identify the cause of instability or
excessive deflection. Strengthen the structure by adding additional steel
members, reinforcing existing members, or implementing bracing and
stiffening elements.
 …continued

Problem: Fire susceptibility.

Solution: Apply fire-resistant coatings or intumescent paints to protect
the steel from high temperatures.
Implement fireproofing measures such as fire-resistant
insulation and compartmentalization to minimize heat
transfer.
 …continued
Other Construction Materials:

Problem: Moisture absorption or decay in timber.

Solution: Apply appropriate wood preservatives, sealants, or coatings to protect
against moisture and decay. Regular maintenance and inspections are
crucial to identify and address potential issues.
Problem: Brittle behavior or low impact resistance in glass.

Solution: Utilize laminated or tempered glass to improve impact resistance.

Employ proper framing and installation techniques to enhance structural
integrity and safety.
 IV. Practical Exercises Relevant to The
Manufacture and Properties of Concrete
Concrete Mix Design:

• Determine the water-cement ratio for different concrete mixes.

• Vary the proportions of aggregates (coarse and fine) to understand
their influence on the concrete's workability and strength.
• Perform slump tests to evaluate the consistency and workability of
different concrete mixtures.
 …continued
Concrete Mixing and Batching:
• Conduct a batch mixing exercise to understand the process of combining
cement, aggregates, water, and admixtures to produce concrete.
• Explore the effects of mixing time and speed on the homogeneity and
workability of concrete.
• Measure and adjust the water content to achieve specific slump values for
different mixtures.
 …continued
Concrete Casting and Testing:
• Prepare concrete specimens, such as cubes or cylinders, using different mix
designs.
• Conduct compression tests to determine the concrete's compressive strength.
• Perform flexural tests to assess the concrete's tensile strength and bending
behavior.
• Conduct durability tests, such as chloride penetration or water absorption tests,
to evaluate the concrete's resistance to specific environmental factors.
 …continued
Concrete Curing:
• Explore different curing techniques, such as water curing,
membrane curing, or use of curing compounds.
• Monitor the curing conditions (temperature, humidity) and
measure the impact on the concrete's strength development
and durability.
 …continued
Concrete Reinforcement:

• Embed steel reinforcement bars within concrete specimens to

simulate reinforced concrete structures.
• Investigate the effects of reinforcement on the concrete's strength,
ductility, and crack control.
• Conduct pull-out tests or bond strength tests to assess the adhesion
between concrete and steel reinforcement.
 …continued

Concrete Repair and Rehabilitation:

• Simulate concrete repair scenarios, such as crack filling or

patching, using various repair materials and techniques.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of repair methods in restoring structural
integrity and durability.
Thank You!
 MODEL QUESTIONS
1. Which property of concrete refers to its ability to withstand compressive forces?
a) Tensile strength
b) Durability
c) Workability
d) Compressive strength
2. What is the primary material used to provide tensile strength in reinforced concrete?
a) Steel
b) Timber
c) Aluminum
d) Glass
3. Which environmental factor can lead to corrosion of steel in construction?
a) Moisture and water
b) High temperatures
c) Carbonation
d) Chemical exposure
 MODEL QUESTIONS
4. Which property of steel allows it to deform under stress before reaching failure?
a) Corrosion resistance
b) Ductility
c) Weldability
d) Strength
5. Which material is commonly used for its high thermal insulation properties in construction?
a) Concrete
b) Steel
c) Timber
d) Glass
6. Which environmental factor can cause concrete to undergo freeze-thaw damage?
a) High temperatures
b) Moisture and water
c) Chemical exposure
d) Seismic activity
 MODEL QUESTIONS
7. What effect does exposure to carbon dioxide have on the durability of concrete?
a) Increased strength
b) Reduced workability
c) Improved fire resistance
d) Carbonation and decreased alkalinity
8. Which environmental factor is known to accelerate the corrosion of steel in construction?
a) Moisture and water
b) High temperatures
c) Carbonation
d) Chemical exposure
9. How does excessive moisture affect the durability of concrete?
a) Increases strength
b) Enhances workability
c) Causes swelling and cracking
d) Improves resistance to chemical attack
 MODEL QUESTIONS
10. What impact does high humidity have on the behavior of steel structures?
a) Decreases fire resistance
b) Increases corrosion resistance
c) Enhances ductility
d) Promotes thermal conductivity
11. What is a common engineering solution to address the problem of cracking in concrete
structures?
a) Increasing the water-cement ratio
b) Reducing the curing time
c) Incorporating reinforcing materials like steel bars
d) Applying a thin layer of protective coating
12. Which engineering solution can help mitigate the problem of corrosion in steel structures?
a) Adding more water during the mixing process
b) Applying a fire-resistant coating
c) Implementing proper drainage systems
d) Using larger steel members for construction
 MODEL QUESTIONS
13. What is an effective engineering solution to improve the fire resistance of steel structures?
a) Increasing the steel's carbon content
b) Applying a waterproofing sealant
c) Implementing fireproof insulation materials
d) Reducing the steel's tensile strength
14. What engineering solution can enhance the durability of timber in construction?
a) Applying a corrosion-resistant coating
b) Using larger timber sections
c) Implementing proper waterproofing techniques
d) Adding more water during the mixing process
15. Which engineering solution can address the weight and size limitations of composite
materials?
a) Increasing the fiber content in the composite
b) Using higher water-cement ratios
c) Optimizing the composite design and fabrication techniques
d) Applying a corrosion-resistant coating
 MODEL QUESTIONS
16. Which practical exercise helps determine the workability and consistency of concrete?
a) Slump test
b) Compression test
c) Flexural test
d) Bond strength test
17. Which practical exercise allows for the assessment of concrete's compressive strength?
a) Slump test
b) Tensile strength test
c) Abrasion resistance test
d) Compression test
18. What practical exercise can be conducted to evaluate the durability of concrete in terms of
chloride penetration?
a) Slump test
b) Carbonation test
c) Water absorption test
d) Rapid chloride permeability test
 MODEL QUESTIONS
19. Which practical exercise is used to measure the adhesion strength between concrete and steel
reinforcement?
a) Slump test
b) Pull-out test
c) Flexural test
d) Water absorption test
20. Which practical exercise allows for the evaluation of concrete's resistance to freezing and
thawing cycles?
a) Slump test
b) Carbonation test
c) Freeze-thaw test
d) Rapid chloride permeability test

Best Wishes..!