SAB 2112 / SAM 3123 1

FINAL EXAMINATION
SEMESTER I, SESSION 2010/2011
COURSE CODE : SAB 2112 / SAM 3123

COURSE : CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIALS

PROGRAMME : SAW

DURATION : 2 HOURS

DATE : NOVEMBER 2010

INSTRUCTION TO CANDIDATES:
1. ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS IN ENGLISH

WARNING!
Students caught copying/cheating during the examination will be liable for
disciplinary actions and the faculty may recommend the student to be expelled from
the study.

This examination question consists of (3) printed pages only.

 SAB 2112 / SAM 3123 2

Q1. (a) What are the functions of cement in concrete mix? Describe the raw
materials used in the manufacture of Portland cement.
(6 marks)

(b) Define the workability of fresh concrete. Explain with sketches the
type of workability tests that can be conducted in the laboratory.
(9 marks)

(c) Discuss with illustration one destructive and one nondestructive test of
hardened concrete.
(10 marks)
(25 marks)

Q2. (a) Explain the differences between chemical and mineral or pozzolanic
admixtures used in concrete.
(6 marks)

(b) What is sieve analysis? Discuss how gap graded and continuous
aggregates affect workability and strength of concrete.
(9 marks)

(c) Determine and justify the right type of cement to be used for reinforced
concrete structure built near seaside and elaborate the steps to be taken
to ensure the quality of hardened concrete is achieved.
(10 marks)
(25 marks)
 SAB 2112 / SAM 3123 3

Q3. (a) Sketch three different types of wood grains. Explain how the slope of
wood grain affects the strength of timber.
(6 marks)

(b) Explain with examples how moisture content and density affect the
strength and durability of timber. Describe one method of timber
preservation.
(9 marks)

(c) List five important engineering properties of steel and discuss two of
them. Explain with examples its applications in civil engineering
construction.
(10 marks)
(25 marks)

Q4. (a) Differentiate between brick and block and explain with sketches their
use in masonry works.
(6 marks)

(b) Describe the properties and uses of common, engineering and facing
bricks in construction.
(9 marks)

(c) Discuss the use of glass, polymer composite and non-ferrous metals in
construction industry.
(10 marks)
(25 marks)
SAB 2112 / SAM 3123 4