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 .......................................................................................................................... XXXXXXXXXXi
Table of Contents ......................................................................................................... XXXXXXXXXXiii
Laboratory Safety and Safety Training Assignment ..................................................... XXXXXXXXXX1
1. Laboratory #1: Uniaxial Tension ........................................................................... XXXXXXXXXX9
2. Laboratory #2: Concrete Mix .............................................................................. XXXXXXXXXX17
3. Laboratory #3: Fracture Analysis ........................................................................ XXXXXXXXXX33
4. Laboratory #4: Flaw Tolerance ........................................................................... XXXXXXXXXX39
5. Laboratory #5: Concrete Testing ........................................................................ XXXXXXXXXX44
Appendix A: Lab Report Requirements ..................................................................... XXXXXXXXXX52
Appendix B: Lab Report Coversheet and Grading Ru
ic .......................................... XXXXXXXXXX58
CIVE 2261 Lab Manual Laboratory Safety
1 | L A B S A F E T Y
Laboratory Safety and Safety Training Assignment
CIVE 2261 Lab Manual Laboratory Safety
2 | L A B S A F E T Y
Laboratory Safety and Safety Training Assignment
All Safety Information Must be Reviewed and Trainings Completed Before
Participating in Lab Activities
Introduction
Safety is a collective responsibility that requires the full cooperation of everyone in the laboratory.
However, the ultimate responsibility for safety rests with the person ca
ying out a given procedure.
Accidents often result from an indifferent attitude, failure to use common sense, or failure to follow
instructions. Each student should be aware of what the other students are doing because all can be victims
of one