Materials of Construction Laboratory introduces students to the essential experimental techniques and equipment used in evaluating the physical and mechanical properties of construction materials. This laboratory bridges theoretical instruction with hands-on experience, focusing on materials such as cement, mortar, and concrete. Through a series of structured experiments, students develop practical understanding of how materials behave under various conditions, as well as how to assess their compliance with engineering standards.
Key laboratory activities include consistency and setting time determination using the Vicat apparatus, mixing procedures with cement and concrete mixers, and specimen curing in controlled environments using curing tanks and cabinets. Students perform compaction and vibration procedures with vibratory and jolting tables, and assess material durability using the Los Angeles abrasion machine. Heating tanks and muffle furnaces are used for temperature-related studies and testing residual properties after high-temperature exposure.
Additionally, students conduct impermeability tests to evaluate concrete’s resistance to water penetration which is a critical aspect of durability. These experiments familiarize students with both fresh and hardened states of construction materials, including setting behavior, workability, strength development, and resistance to environmental factors.
The aim of this laboratory is to equip students with the knowledge to test, evaluate, and interpret the behavior of construction materials under realistic conditions. By preparing and testing their own samples, students gain insight into standard procedures, quality control practices, and the effects of varying material proportions and curing conditions. Each experiment reinforces classroom learning and culminates in a comprehensive lab report that strengthens the students’ analytical and technical communication skills.
The laboratory has a size of 100 m2 with a capacity of 30 students.
Responsible Person: Dr. Bekir Salih FIRINCIOĞLU
Location: Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ground Floor
