The modern civil engineer needs to deal with traditional construction materials as well as advanced materials. Traditional construction materials, such as timber, steel, asphalt and Portland cement concrete are often used in many construction projects. Modern materials, such as polymers and composites are making headway into the construction industry. Significant research on these materials has led to better understanding of these materials and improved their strength and durability performance. The traditional materials used today are far superior to those of the past, and new materials are being specially developed to satisfy the needs of civil engineering applications.
To a civil engineer the performance of materials in structures and their ability to resist various stresses are of prime importance. This laboratory experimental work is intended to help students in civil engineering to understand the physical and structural properties of common construction materials. This involves the study of Portland cement concrete and concrete making materials (cement, aggregates, etc.), asphalt concrete, steel and timber, with minor reference to other advanced materials.