Engineering Materials Lab (Concrete Lab)

Common engineering materials in civil engineering include concrete, steel, wood, bricks, and asphalt, each serving unique roles in construction due to their distinct properties. Each material is chosen based on the structural needs, environmental conditions, and design requirements of the project, contributing to safe and efficient construction in civil engineering. Modern engineering also sees the use of advanced materials like carbon fiber and nanomaterials, which offer remarkable strength-to-weight ratios and enhanced properties, opening new possibilities in fields of Civil Engineering.

The Engineering Materials Lab in the Department of Civil Engineering at BAUST offers students valuable hands-on experience in testing various materials, including brick, stone aggregates, sand, cement, concrete, and soil. With a wide array of equipment available, the lab enables students to conduct undergraduate thesis work and pursue research projects under the guidance of experienced faculty within the department.

Performed Tests:

1. Determination of Normal Consistency of Cement with Vicat’s Apparatus
2. Determination of Initial Setting Time of Cement with Vicat’s Apparatus
3. Test for Direct Compressive Strength of Cement Mortar
4. Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregate
5. Specific Gravity (Relative Density) and Absorption Capacity of Fine Aggregate
6. Specific Gravity and Absorption Capacity of Coarse Aggregate
7. Unit Weight and Voids in Aggregate
8. Resistance to Degradation of Small Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact of the Los Angeles Machine
9. Determination of Slump, Air Content of Concrete and Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
10. Determination of Splitting Tensile Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
11. Sampling and Testing of Brick for Efflorescence, Compressive Strength and Absorption

Some Captures from Engineering Materials Lab