Construction Materials And Testing Simulations
A collection of interactive 3D visualizations and simulations to help you master concepts in construction materials and testing.
Properties of Materials - Theory & Concepts
Fundamental physical, mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties of construction materials.
Soil Phase Relationship Simulator
Adjust the volumes of voids and water to see how it affects the fundamental physical properties of the soil sample (Total Volume = 1.0 m³).
Changes the ratio of solid particles to empty space.
Changes how much of the void space is filled with water.
Calculated Soil Properties
Aggregates - Theory & Concepts
Classification, sources, and testing of aggregates for concrete and asphalt.
Aggregate Gradation Curve
Interpretation:
A well-graded soil has a good representation of particle sizes over a wide range. This leads to high density and stability as smaller particles fill the voids between larger ones. Best for structural fill and base courses.
Cement and Admixtures - Theory & Concepts
Types of Portland cement, their uses, and the role of chemical admixtures.
Cement Hydration & Strength Development
Observe the rapid early hydration of and compared to the slow, long-term hydration of .
Concrete Technology - Theory & Concepts
Properties of fresh and hardened concrete, mix design, and testing methods.
Concrete Slump Test Simulator
Adjust the water and admixture content, then perform the slump test to see how workability is affected.
More water increases slump but decreases strength.
Increases slump without adding water (maintains strength).
Masonry Systems - Theory & Concepts
Concrete Hollow Blocks (CHB), mortar, grout, and structural masonry design.
Masonry System Strength Simulator
Adjust the block and mortar properties to see how they affect the composite masonry compressive strength ($f'_m$).
System Output
*The composite strength is heavily influenced by the block strength, but weak mortar limits the overall assembly.
Structural Steel - Theory & Concepts
Grades, mechanical properties, and testing of structural steel.
Steel Tension Test Simulator
Observe the stress-strain behavior of different steel grades.
Test Controls
Live Sensor Data
Material Specs
- Yield (F_y): 36 ksi
- Ultimate (F_u): 58 ksi
- Modulus (E): 29000 ksi
Reinforcing Steel - Theory & Concepts
Types, grades, sizes, and properties of reinforcing steel bars (Rebars) used in concrete.
Rebar Tensile Test Simulation
Compare the stress-strain behavior of different rebar grades. Notice how higher grades offer higher yield strength ($F_y$) but generally exhibit slightly less ductility (percent elongation) before fracture.
Wood and Timber - Theory & Concepts
Structure, properties, defects, and preservation of wood as a construction material.
Cellular Moisture & Shrinkage Simulator
Adjust the moisture content to see how water leaves the wood cells. Notice that dimensional shrinkage only occurs when the bound water leaves the cell walls (below the Fiber Saturation Point).
Current State
- Phase:Green Wood (Losing Free Water)
- Free Water (Cavity):10.0% MC
- Bound Water (Walls):30.0% MC
- Tangential Shrinkage:0.00%
Bituminous Materials - Theory & Concepts
Properties of asphalt, emulsions, and cutbacks, and asphalt concrete mix design.
Marshall Mix Design Simulator
Adjust the Asphalt Binder Content (%) to see its effect on Stability and Flow.
Current Properties at 5.0% AC
*Optimal AC typically maximizes stability while keeping flow within specified limits (e.g., 8-14).
Glass, Plastics, and Non-ferrous Metals - Theory & Concepts
Properties, applications, and behavior of glass, polymers, and non-ferrous metals in civil engineering.
Polymer Thermal Behavior
Material Description
The polymer chains are frozen in place. The material is hard and brittle like glass.