10607149Aggregates and Concrete
Course Information
Description
Introduces the fundamental principles of aggregates, Portland cement concrete and bituminous concrete. Emphasizes standards-based sampling and testing in laboratory and field environments. Tests are performed according to standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Students communicate results in written reports. 
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies
  1. Summarize quality control, quality assurance, and independent assurance processes
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, written product (article summary)
    Criteria
    Distinguish between quality control and quality assurance
    Explain the purpose of independent assurance testing
    Summary includes at least one key point from the article
    Summary includes details that reflect the article content
    Summary length meets guidelines specified by the instructor
    Summary is written using industry-approved format and language (correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling)

  2. Examine the role and sources of standards for construction materials
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam
    Criteria
    Identify the primary national standards organizations for civil engineering materials
    Identify the local and regional standards creators
    Describe the development of full consensus standards
    Explain the purpose of construction specifications
    Distinguish between inspection and testing
    Identify methods that can be used to improve repeatability of tests
    Explain why test results on the same materials can be different

  3. Relate the geological history of Wisconsin to the availability of construction materials in different regions of the state
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam
    Criteria
    Identify major rock classifications found in Wisconsin
    Distinguish between Wisconsin’s bedrock sources (quarries) and glacial deposits (pits)
    Locate major aggregate sources on a Wisconsin geological map
    Explain the impact of glaciation on Wisconsin's sand and gravel resources
    Differentiate between common aggregate types based on physical properties
    Explain the rock cycle

  4. Examine the production and processing of aggregates
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam
    Criteria
    Outline common risks and safety protocols associated with aggregate processing equipment
    Break down the specific stages of production, including excavation, crushing, screening, washing, and conveying
    Explain the roles and enforcement responsibilities of agencies that monitor aggregate production sites
    Contrast crushed gravel and crushed stone
    Classify aggregates into natural, processed, recycled, and synthetic groups

  5. Perform random sampling techniques for aggregates
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, skill demonstration in lab
    Criteria
    Justify the purpose of random sampling
    Determine sampling locations and quantities using the random number method
    Demonstrate sampling from a stopped conveyor belt
    Demonstrate procedure for sampling from roadbed windrows
    Demonstrate procedure for sampling from roadbed
    Demonstrate procedure for sampling from stockpiles

  6. Perform common aggregate tests
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, skill demonstration in lab
    Criteria
    Laboratory calculations are accurate for the lab tests you perform on a given sample of aggregate
    Differentiate between dense, open, and gap graded aggregates
    Determine the fineness modulus for a given aggregate
    Plot the gradation curve given sieve analysis data
    Categorize the aggregate gradation based on a gradation curve, the fineness modulus, and the coefficient of uniformity
    Compute the moisture content of an aggregate sample given the laboratory test data
    Compute the coefficient of uniformity of an aggregate given the laboratory test data
    Compute the unit weight of an aggregate given the laboratory test data
    Reduce random samples to test size using a quartering procedure
    Reduce random samples to test size using a riffle splitter
    Perform washed and dry sieve analysis
    Perform specific gravity and absorption tests on fine aggregate
    Perform specific gravity and absorption tests on coarse aggregate

  7. Summarize portland cement concrete production and composition
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam
    Criteria
    Identify the five main components of portland cement concrete
    Describe the role each of the main components of portland cement concrete serves
    Identify properties of aggregates suitable for portland cement concrete
    Describe the purpose of chemical admixtures
    Describe the purpose of finely divided mineral admixtures
    Summary includes the portland cement concrete production process
    Distinguish between hydraulic and non-hydraulic cements
    Identify the raw materials that are used to produce portland cement
    Identify the five principal types of portland cement
    Identify applications for each of the five principal types of portland cement
    Examine the chemical composition of the five different types of portland cement

  8. Examine the hydration process
    Assessment Strategies
    Quix, exam
    Criteria
    Describe the chemical compounds formed during hydration
    Identify substances and factors that hamper the hydration process
    Explain how the chemical composition of the different types of portland cement impacts the hydration process
    Explain the significance of mixing and placement temperature

  9. Examine proportioning of concrete mixes
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam
    Criteria
    Explain the significance of the 7-day and 28-day compressive strengths
    Describe "slump"
    Summarize w/c ratio
    Detail how the w/c ratio impacts fresh and hardened concrete properties
    Compare difference between water for hydration and water of convenience
    Calculate the required proportions of materials for a concrete mix
    Explain how aggregate properties impact mix proportions
    Explain how specified concrete properties impact mix proportions
    Identify common chemical admixtures and their impacts on fresh and hardened portland cement concrete
    Identify common mineral admixtures
    Explain the difference between entrapped and entrained air

  10. Apply random sampling techniques for portland cement concrete
    Assessment Strategies
    Quix, exam, skill demonstration in lab
    Criteria
    Justify the purpose of random sampling
    Apply safety procedures when sampling portland cement concrete
    Determine random sampling locations by paving station
    Determine random sampling locations by quantity of material
    Determine the minimum sample size required for bridge and paving projects
    Explain techniques for sampling from a stationary mixer
    Explain techniques for sampling from subgrade
    Explain techniques for sampling from revolving truck mixers and agitators
    Explore the time frames within which composite samples must be obtained
    Identify sampling location for concrete pumped into bridge elements

  11. Perform fresh portland cement concrete tests
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, skill demonstration in lab
    Criteria
    Perform temperature testing techniques
    Identify typical temperature ranges
    Demonstrate effective slump testing techniques
    Identify common mistakes made when performing a slump test
    Demonstrate effective air testing techniques
    Identify common mistakes made when performing an air test
    Identify typical air content ranges for concrete
    Demonstrate effective procedures for fabricating strength cylinders
    Describe the procedure for handling cylinders after fabrication
    Identify problems associated with improperly fabricated strength cylinders
    Justify the purpose of the aggregate correction factor
    Determine the aggregate correction factor
    Calculate adjusted air content
    Describe the procedure for calibrating an air pressure meter
    Demonstrate the air meter calibration procedure
    Identify alternate methods for determining air content and slump of fresh concrete

  12. Analyze hardened portland cement concrete properties
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam
    Criteria
    Identify two different cylinder capping methods
    Correlate the cylinder break type with concrete condition
    Calculate the compressive strength of a cylinder
    Differentiate between destructive and non-destructive testing
    Identify non-destructive testing methods that are used to determine concrete compressive strength
    Correlate compressive strength and tensile strength of concrete
    Analyze the impact of the curing environment on concrete
    Describe the purpose of lab and field cured cylinders

  13. Interpret data on PCC quality control charts
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, exam, written product
    Criteria
    Differentiate between a warning limit and a control limit
    Calculate the moving average of four test results
    Identify the upper and lower control limits for concrete used in paving and bridge projects
    Identify the upper and lower warning limits for concrete used in paving and bridge projects
    Plot test results on the control charts using accurate symbology
    Identify corrective actions when a given test or moving average exceeds the warning limits