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As we all know that it is essential to use quality building materials for sustainable structure. Testing for
knowing quality of materials is done in laboratory. But most of the time it is not possible to do laboratory test
physically on site. Then, when we receive materials on project how we test the quality of materials. In this
situation we depend on our experience to visually justify the quality of materials. Below are some processes
for justifying quality of some basic building materials on site-
Mild Steel:
Cement:
It should be free from any hardened lump, dust or other foreign materials.
If hand inserted into cement bag, quality cement should give a cool feeling.
If small quantity of cement thrown into a bucket of water, it should float for few minutes before immerse.
Immediate sinking indicates the impurities of cement.
When a pinch of cement rubbed between fingers it should give a smooth finish.
However, Weight of good quality cement not less than 1440 kg/cum.
Initial setting time of quality cement not less than 45 minutes and final setting time not more than 10
hours.
Stone Chips:
Sand:
Good quality sand must be free from organic materials and other dirt particles. There are some ways to
know the quality of sand on site
Rub small quantity of sand between damp hands, if the hands become dirty then it is the low quality sand
or contains impurities.
Another way can also be done on site. Putting some quantity of sand into a glass of water. Shake it and
then allow it to settle for some time. If a layer of impurities or clay is formed on the top of the sand then it
is the low quality sand.
When it is scratched with finger nail, no impression should be left on brick surface.
Good Bricks should be sufficiently hard. Quality Bricks should not break when dropped flat on hard
ground from a height of about one meter.
If soaked in water for 24hours, it should not show deposits of white salts when allowed to dry in shade.
Stone:
Water absorption of a good building stone after 24 hours should not exceed 0.60 by weight.