CIVE 2261: Materials Lab Lab Report Grading Ru
ic
CIVE 2261: Lab Report Grading Ru
ic
Following is the grade table appearing on the lab report cover sheet:
Grading:
Component of Report Points Score
Abstract 10
Introduction & Theory/Procedure/Methods 15
Results
Reasonable; analysis & discussion 20
Graphics and sample calculations 20
Reflection/Questions 20
Conclusion 10
Appendices 5
100
Grading Ru
ic:
Following is a detailed ru
ic indicating the
eakdown of points for each component of the lab
eport. All lab reports must be typed/computer generated. Handwritten work will not be
accepted. Documents should be well formatted. Format items to consider include fonts (heading
vs. body text), spacing (line, paragraph), text justification, and page numbering.
Abstract (10 pts total)
The abstract is a short summary of the report, consisting of a paragraph of about 8 to 10 lines of
text.
The abstract should include the following:
The importance of the laboratory test/experiment. (2 pts)
The purpose of the report. (4 pts)
o A declarative statement which summarizes the specific topic and goals of the
eport. Should be specific and precise, not general,
oad or obscure. Should be
concise (one or two sentences), clear and goal oriented (stated in terms of
desired outcomes).
The scope of the report. (2 pts)
CIVE 2261: Materials Lab Lab Report Grading Ru
ic
o A description of what you are going to describe/address in the report, and a
ief
summary of key components of the report. If there is a major issue that your
eport will not be addressing, that should be stated here with a reason why.
Key findings from the laboratory test. (2 pts)
Introduction & Theory/Procedure/Methods (15 pts total)
The introduction is the opening section of the body of the lab report. The introduction should
include the following:
Objectives of the lab. (4 pts)
o If applicable,
iefly explain the theory/principles used in the lab test here.
Description of test procedures. (8 pts total)
o Mention
eference the relevant test standard (e.g., ASTM C143 for concrete
slump) (2 pts)
o Summarize the procedure you followed in
ief, using your own words. Inform the
eader about the key apparatus used (you may include a picture here to help
explain!) (6 pts)
Discussion of expected results of the lab test. (3 pts)
Results/Analysis/Discussion (40 pts total)
The primary section of the lab report, where the results are communicating effectively using
words, tables, figures, images, etc. The results/analysis/discussion should include the following:
The lab test results, analysis and discussion. (20 pts total)
o Results make sense and are reasonable. (5 pts)
o Analysis and discussion addresses the meaning of the results, comparing actual
esults with expected results. Refer to the course textbook, lecture notes, and/or
lab manual as appropriate. (15 pts)
Graphics and sample calculations to present the results effectively. (20 pts total)
o Tables and figures have a number and a meaningful name (table captions are
placed above tables, figure captions are placed below figures).
o All equations are numbered.
o All plots have axis labels.
o Tables and figures are appropriately sized and legible.
o Fonts are consistent between writing/text, tables and figures.
o Sample calculations shown for each equation/formula used.
Reflection/Questions (20 pts total)
In these sections of the lab report, you critically evaluate the lab and your results, and respond
to questions posed in the lab manual. The reflection/questions should include the following:
Reflection. (5 pts)
o Critically evaluate your results, pointing out and discussing possible sources of
e
or. Describe your thoughts about what you learned or how the lab relates to
CIVE 2261: Materials Lab Lab Report Grading Ru
ic
the materials class. You may also include personal conclusion or thoughts here,
ut be specific to your group, do not speak in generalities. You may also offer
ecommendations for improving the lab test, or lab organization here.
Questions. (15 pts)
o Rewrite the questions posed in the lab manual, and then respond to them.
o Answer the questions completely and clearly. Use text, equations, tables or
figures as appropriate, following the same criteria as described for the
Results/Analysis/Discussion.
Conclusion (10 pts total)
The conclusion is the closing section of the body of the lab report, and should summarize the
eport and the key findings.
Brief summary. (5 pts)
Highlight key findings. (5 pts)
Appendices (5 pts)
CIVE 2261: Materials Lab Lab Report Cover Sheet
CIVE 2261: Lab Report Cover Sheet
Lab Day & Time: _________________________________________
Lab Group No.: __________________________________________
Group Member Names & Contribution:
Member Name Contribution/Section(s)
1
2
3
4
Instructions:
1. Fill out the lab day and time and lab group number at the top of the submission cover sheet.
2. Enter all group members’ names in the contribution table.
3. Enter each group member’s contribution in the contribution table (e.g., Results and
Discussion, Abstract and Introduction).
4. Attach this cover sheet to your lab report for submission.
Grading:
Component of Report Points Score
Abstract 10
Introduction & Theory/Procedure/Methods 15
Results
Reasonable; analysis & discussion 20
Graphics and sample calculations 20
Reflection/Questions 20
Conclusion 10
Appendices 5
100
CIVE 2261
Materials for the Built Environment
Laboratory Manual
Revised 2019
Revised by Prof. C. M. Shillaber
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
College of Engineering, Northeastern University
Companion Labs to CIVE 2261: Materials for the Built Environment
Copyright © 2019 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
For edits, questions, comments, contact:
Craig M. Shillaber, Ph.D.
Assistant Teaching Professor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
College of Engineering
Northeastern University
400 Snell Engineering Center
360 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
XXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXX
Acknowledgements:
J. Hajjar
T. Sheahan
S. Cranford
K. Schulte-Graham
C. Venegas-Martinez
M. MacNeil
ADMET, Inc.
Rich Gedney
mailto: XXXXXXXXXX
CIVE 2261 Lab Manual
i | F r o n t M a t t e r
Preface
“In the spirit of science, there really is no such thing as a 'failed experiment.' Any test that yields
valid data is a valid test.”
Adam Savage, Mythbuster
Intended Laboratory Manual Use
This laboratory manual is intended to be used across one semester in the course CIVE 2261: Lab for CIVE
2260 offered by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Northeastern University in
Boston, Massachusetts. This course is intended to be taken concu
ently with CIVE 2260: Materials for
the Built Environment. The laboratory exercises provide hands-on, experiential understanding to
complement the theory and concepts discussed in CIVE 2260.
Details neglected herein are assumed to be presented either in class or in lab via lecture.
Note also that the labs listed herein are subject to revision at the behest of the instructo
professor.
Laboratory Overview
In this class, you will be introduced to standard laboratory procedures for materials testing, data reduction
and data analysis methods.
This manual is comprised of five laboratories; however, the instructo
professor may adjust this number.
Laboratory methods and determinations covered in this manual include: uniaxial tension, concrete mixing
and testing, fracture analysis, and flaw tolerance. The operation and use of computer-based test control
and data acquisition systems are also covered.
Each lab will consist of a short lecture/introduction, conducting a lab test (or tests), and clean-up. The labs
should be readily completed within the allotted time period.
Cu
ently, the labs are designed for group work and group lab reports. Confirm with your
instructo
professor.
By participating in this laboratory and completing the assignments, you will gain experience preparing
laboratory reports using effective technical writing skills, including graphic presentation of data.
Laboratory Objectives
The primary objectives of the Materials for the Built Environment Laboratory are as follows:
1. Apply accepted standards (i.e., ASTM Standards) related to laboratory testing of materials to
determine mechanical properties.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of stress and strain and how they relate to test
esults and overall material performance.
3. Explain different failure modes (e.g.,
ittle vs. ductile, fracture), flaw tolerance and material
toughness.
CIVE 2261 Lab Manual
ii | F r o n t M a t t e r
4. Explain how to design concrete mixes for particular applications, including the effect of water
content.
5. Explain how to mix concrete and prepare specimens for strength testing.
6. Write effective technical reports to communicate the results of their laboratory testing,
including preparing effective graphics.
CIVE 2261 Lab Manual
iii | F r o n t M a t t e r
Table of Contents
Preface .........................................................................................................................