NARRATIVE REPORT

in
CE221
(Construction Materials &
Testing)

Submitted by:
BSCE – 2C Group 1
 INTRODUCTION

The Field Density Testing (FDT) is a crucial aspect of Construction Materials

Testing (CMT) in the construction industry. It primarily involves measuring the density of
compacted soil or asphalt in the field to ensure that it meets the specified engineering and design
requirements. Field density testing can be conducted using a variety of methods, but two notable
options are manual methods and Soil Density Gauges.

Field density tests are essential for assessing the compaction and quality of soil or
aggregate materials on construction sites. They help to ensure that the foundation, pavement,
embankment, or fill layers meet the design specifications and performance criteria. It safeguards
public safety, ensures quality construction, optimizes costs, protects the environment, and has
applications beyond just foundations. With advancements in technology, field density testing
remains a powerful tool for guaranteeing the success and sustainability of construction projects for
years to come.

Beyond safeguarding against immediate collapse, FDT also ensures the longevity
of structures. Insufficiently compacted materials are like brittle bones, susceptible to premature
wear and tear. Cracks appear, foundations weaken, and the once-proud edifice begins to crumble.
FDT, through its meticulous density measurements, ensures these materials achieve their optimal
strength, extending the lifespan of buildings, roads, and bridges, thereby protecting not just
investments but also lives.

On December 13-14, 2023, the BSCE – 2C Group 1 went to Qualitest Solutions &
Technologies, Inc. (QSTI) in Davao City in partial fulfillment of the Laboratory Requirement as
part of their academic coursework under the class and supervision of Engr. Rodolfo Solomon for
the subject CE221–Construction Materials and Testing.

Typically, laboratory activities such as Field Density Testing aim to provide hands-
on experience and reinforce theoretical concepts. Some activities that were meant for the students
to observe included:

1. Field Density Test (FDT) by manual operation

2. Field Density Test (FDT) by Soil Density Gauge (digital)

This narrative report provides an overview of the construction materials and testing
laboratory activities conducted by students. These activities were designed to provide students
with experience in testing various construction materials and gaining practical insights into the
quality control and assurance processes crucial in the construction industry.
 TECHNICAL REPORT

A. Briefing

I. First Orientation

On December 9th, Engr. Rodolfo Solomon scheduled a first meeting for the out-of-
campus laboratory under CMO No. 17, S. of third-year Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
students formally enrolled in CE 221 in their (Construction Materials and Testing) in 2012, for the
forthcoming second leg of the Davao trip. Before the main brief, Engr. Rodolfo Solomon explained
how to move the paperwork in order to obtain complete school permission and support.
Furthermore, he told us and clarified how the testing would proceed, given that it was slightly
different from the prior trip.

The learners were also taken aback when they learned that our trip would be
especially unique since we would be able to use one of the most recent testing machines from
QSTI in Davao City. Eng. Solomon stated that this equipment is only available in some sections
of Mindanao. The delights and excitement overwhelmed the students.

II. Final Orientation

The most recent briefing was held on December 12, 2023, at approximately 3:00
pm in the afternoon, for the purpose of conducting precautionary measures and risk assessment.
The Construction Materials and Testing Final Term Laboratory will be conducted regarding the
field density test, utilizing both manual and digital devices hosted by QSTI in Davao City. Students
from the BSCE 3rd year, Groups 1, 2, and 3, attended the final briefing. Important themes were
covered throughout the chat and during the laboratory experiment. Engineer Rudy Solomon
instructed the BSCE 3rd year students once more.

During the orientation, Engr. Rodolfo Solomon then outlined the activities and
tasks that the students will be performing in the laboratory. He also cautioned the children that they
would be spending a lot of time outside, and that the temperature was projected to hit an all-time
high. He warned them that the heat may be intense and advised them to bring umbrellas and
sweaters. Engineer Solomon concluded the discussion by asking for explanations and addressing
their concerns.

B. Departure from Station

On the 13th day of December, as the sun rose and the day started to get warmer, the
first batch of BSCE 3rd year students from Isulan gathered within the welcoming embrace of the
main gate of the SKSU Isulan Campus. Meanwhile, the students from Tacurong City organized a
separate meeting place in the Metrobank, which is located next to Fitmart Tacurong, at the expected
time of around 5:00 a.m. The van arrived at its first route at the SKSU Isulan Campus at 5:30 a.m.
to pick up the students, and started its way to the city of Tacurong to fetch others at the Metrobank.

As the vans departed from the location, students observed their familiar
surroundings, and the vehicle suddenly stopped at the gas station to refuel before moving on to the
landscape of Makilala, where the first stop was made at the Petron Gas Station around 7:22 a.m.
While others savored their first meal of the day, some students were busy making themselves ready
for another trip, yet almost everyone grabbed their cameras, eager to capture the moment.

After a short time that left everyone pleased, the group settled into their seats and
prepared to move on to the next location. As the van drove away from the said place, others took
the opportunity to nap, and some enjoyed the view. Upon traveling for almost half an hour, they
reached the Digos City area, and the van pulled up at the famous Mers Foods and Delicacies at
8:59 a.m. There are students who went to the restrooms to make themselves at ease, some stayed
in their respective vans, and a few took a peek inside the store. Afterwards, the group engaged in
a creative photography session, capturing unique poses guided by their instructor. The quick stop
of the day preceding their arrival at the intended destination became a canvas of joyous moments,
filled with laughter that is truly worth remembering.
C. Arrival at QSTI/ Preparation of Documents and Field Density Test Worksheet

At around ten in the morning, December 13, 2023, the BSCE 2C Group 1 students,
arrived at Qualitest Solutions and Technologies, Inc. (QSTI), Diversion Road, Ma-a, Davao City,
to conduct their final laboratory requirement which is the Field Density Test (FDT).

Walking through the doorway, the students were greeted by a warm and welcoming
reception area, same as last time. The students find their own places to settle comfortably as they
wait for their instructor to sort out the things that needed in their laboratory requirement. After a
short while, Engr. Rodolfo Solomon gave a short briefing about the Field Density Test (FDT). As
everything settled, the students took group photos for the documentation and made their way out
the testing center.
D. Lunch Break

Following the completion of paperwork at QSTI, the group figured out it was
lunchtime. They paused their work to grab a quick meal before starting the tests. Around noon,
they arrived at SM Lanang and opted for fast food options to expedite the process.

The team split up, with some choosing KFC while others patronized different fast-
food spots in the mall. After eating, they spent some time browsing and shopping in the mall before
returning to the testing center.

Finally, they regrouped in the parking lot and headed back to QSTI, arriving around
2:00 PM. This timing allowed them to witness and try the soil density tests in action and document
the proceedings.

E. Testing Proper: Actual Field Density Test

Upon the arrival of the students at QSTI led by Engr. Rodolfo Solomon, a briefing
was conducted for the students on the components of the item 201 (Aggregate Base Course) which
has an allowable compaction of 100% above. The actual demonstration of the Field Density Test
was conducted by Engr. Eda Lagradilla and was performed by the technician of the testing center.

The actual Field Density Test (FDT) conducted are the following:

3. Field Density Test (FDT) by manual operation

4. Field Density Test (FDT) by Soil Density Gauge (digital)

Materials used for FDT manual operation:

• Steel Hammer
• Pointed Steel Bar
• 7 Diameter Circular Steel Plate
• ¾ Sieve
• Digital Weighing Scale
 • Sand Cone Jag
• Calcium Carbide
• Moisture Tester

Material used for FDT digital operation:

1. Soil Density Gauge

The technician began to demonstrate the manual operation of the Field Density Test. The process
are as follows:

First, the sand cone jag was weighed then, the 7 diagram steel plate was placed on
the ground that will serve as a guide in digging a hole with a 6-inch depth using the steel hammer
and the pointed steel bar. The soil that was excavated from the hole was filtered using the ¾ sieve,
the pebbles that did not pass through the sieve were returned to the hole.

Then, the soil that passed through the sieve was weighed. The sand cone jag was
then poured to fill the hole. Using a visual inspection when the sand inside the jag ceased to move,
the jag was weighed again to identify how much sand was poured into the hole.

A 6-gram sample from the sieved soil was placed in the Moisture Tester along with
3 scoops of Calcium Carbide. It was then sealed and shaken for 60 seconds, afterwards the moisture
tester was placed horizontally in a flat surface to get the moisture content of the soil.

All the data that was taken during the demonstration were taken and incorporated
in the formula with the table of moisture level, to test the compaction of the soil.

After the demonstration, the students were tasked to conduct the test on their own
using the same materials and procedure that was presented. The students took turns in digging the
6-inch depth hole and with the collaborative effort of the students, the test as well as the solving
were finished in no time.

2. Using Digital Soil Density Gauge (SDG)

The tip of the source rod contains a small radioactive source (Cesium–137) which
emits gamma rays. Detectors in the base of the gauge measure this radiation and calculate the
density of the material. The gauge has two modes to measure density, the direct transmission mode
and backscatter mode.

The first step is to put the D-SDG on the part of a field area or the ground where
the soil testing is to be conducted.
 Afterwards, go to the main menu of the instrument, and there are options where the
MATERIAL DETAILS option will be selected. From the details of the material to be tested, the
copy details from the paper will be input on the machine.

Then, after inputting the details, proceed to the SOIL READING option to begin
the proper testing of the material. It has a pattern from 1 to 5. Just follow the pattern to enable it to
read properly and get the exact result. Note that it needs to reach 100% compaction or above to
pass.

During the testing proper using the D-SDG, the first soil test result was 101.07%
compaction, 12.9% moisture, 2307.3 kg/m2, wet density, 2043.9 kg/m³, where we got 101.07% of
compaction. Therefore, it is accepted and passed.

On the second testing of the soil, the test result was 92% compaction, 11.3%
moisture, 2059.9 kg/m³ wet density, and 1850.2 kg/m³, where we got 92% compaction but did not
reach the required soil compact. Therefore, it was rejected and failed.

I. Materials and Equipment (Manual and Digital)

II. Actual Field Density Test (Manual and Digital)
III. Hands-On Experience
F. Departure from QSTI

On October 2, 2023, around 4 p.m., the test was completed by the testing facility
staff. Afterwards, Engr. Solomon went over the test results with the students. Following the
discussion of the results, the students, together with Engr. Solomon took pictures with the staff to
show their gratitude to everyone.

Outside of Testing Center, everyone took a photo of their last solo pictures where
the background was QSTI Building. Then everyone was gathered and given instructions by Engr.
Solomon, everyone was listening to him and at the same time very excited about what will going
to happen. And even though everyone was tired from the Trip, everyone still managed to laugh
and smile. We were happy to leave that place having learned something.
G. Arrival at the Temporary Residence While in Davao City

After finishing the soil compaction tests at QSTI, the students came at the Green
Windows Hotel at four o'clock in the afternoon. Engr. Rodolfo Solomon was the one who allocated
them their accommodations which were segregated into men's and women's quarters. In addition,
Engr. Rodolfo Solomon also reminded the children of the area's limitations and the proper use of
the infrastructure's products.

Some students go to China Town, Roxas Night Market, and other locations to enjoy
the night, while the rest of the students rush to their rooms to begin their relaxing time and simply
enjoy the city and rest. Each student took a night bath and used the hot and cold showers
individually. Long later, all of the students agreed to have dinner together in order to embrace the
moment. After all of the planning for where and what to eat, several students left the hotel at 8:30
p.m.

H. “Get together”, Dinner and Party

Upon the arrival of the students at their temporary residence, the students went out
for dinner and stroll around the city. Separated into groups, some students went to Torres Night
Market, others went to China Town to stroll. After dinner, the group decided to walk to People
Parks Davao. Later on, some students decided to go to the bar and chill, whereas others went back
to the hotel to take a rest and enjoyed their delighted time together.
I. Departure from Davao/ Malling

Our departure from the Green Windows Dormitel Davao was a flurry of activity
and anticipation as we readied ourselves to embark on the journey back home. The morning air
was filled with the bustle of last-minute preparations and the gentle hum of conversations among
our group. As the day broke, we roused ourselves early, mindful that the hotel staff would soon
conduct their routine room check. A sense of urgency lingered in the air as we meticulously ensured
nothing was left behind. By 8:30 am, we gathered at the lobby, awaiting instructions from our
esteemed professor, Engr. Solomon, who provided us with essential guidance for the day ahead.
The awaited moment arrived around 9 am when our designated van pulled up, signaling the
commencement of our trip.

Our first stop was Lola Abon, a place adorned with tokens of affection perfect for
our families back in the province. The clock neared 10 am as we navigated through our gift
selections, each item carrying heartfelt sentiments destined for our loved ones. Next on our
itinerary was SM Ecoland, a bustling hub where we indulged in a hearty lunch and seized the
opportunity to procure essentials and delectable treats for the journey ahead. Time flew by swiftly,
and by 12:30 pm, we found ourselves back at our respective vans, geared up for the homeward
bound expedition.

The road stretched ahead, marking our departure from the cityscape of Davao. As
the hours ticked by, the landscapes shifted outside our windows, painting a tapestry of diverse
terrains. By 4 pm, the familiar sights of Isulan came into view, signaling our arrival at our midway
point. With Isulan as our crossroads, we bid adieu to fellow travelers, each branching off on
separate paths leading to our respective homes.

The shared experiences of the journey lingered in our minds, fostering a sense of
camaraderie that transcended the miles travelled together. Our departure from Green Windows
Dormitel Davao wasn’t merely a physical journey; it was a tapestry woven with moments of
camaraderie, exploration, and the anticipation of reuniting with our cherished families. As we
dispersed to our homes, the memories of this journey remained etched in our hearts, a testament
to the bonds forged through shared experiences.
DOCUMENTS
and
RESULTS