🧱 Materials Engineer Accreditation Exam Reviewer – Part 1

Topic Focus: Cement, Aggregates, and Concrete

(Based on DPWH Blue Book, Latest Edition)

🏗️ Introduction: Why This Topic Matters

If you're aiming to become a DPWH-accredited Materials Engineer in the Philippines, mastering the fundamentals of cement, aggregates, and concrete is essential. These materials form the backbone of all infrastructure projects — from roads to bridges to high-rise buildings.

This review guide is specifically created to help you pass the Contractors’/Consultants’ Materials Engineer Accreditation Exam, based on the latest edition of the DPWH Blue Book. Use this guide not just to memorize facts, but to understand principles that will help you on-site and during inspection tasks.

📚 Coverage Highlights:

• Properties and types of cement
• Classification and grading of aggregates
• Concrete mix design and curing standards
• Sampling and testing per DPWH guidelines

🧠 Review Questions: Cement, Aggregates, and Concrete

1. What property of concrete determines the time it sets and gains strength?
2. What type of cement is best suited for low heat of hydration applications?
3. What is the maximum allowable percentage of silt content in fine aggregates for concrete work?
4. What is the standard curing time for concrete to achieve 70% of its compressive strength?
5. What type of aggregate has the highest water absorption capacity?
6. Which cement type is used when high early strength is needed?
7. What testing method determines the workability of concrete?
8. What is the standard slump range for concrete used in road pavements?
9. Which test evaluates the abrasion resistance of coarse aggregates?
10. What is the minimum compressive strength requirement for Class A concrete at 28 days?

🧪 Real-World Application (Why It Matters)

• ✅ Incorrect silt content in sand can weaken structures.
• ✅ Wrong cement type in mass pours can lead to thermal cracking.
• ✅ Improper curing on site often leads to surface scaling or internal shrinkage cracks.

🎯 Tips for Exam Success

• Review DPWH Standard Specifications (Volume II), especially Sections 700 and 900.
• Memorize common slump ranges, water-cement ratios, and compressive strength classifications.
• Practice identifying material defects from actual project photos or videos.

📊 Answer Key

No.	Answer
1	Setting Time
2	Type IV Cement
3	8% Max
4	7 Days
5	Lightweight Aggregate
6	Type III Cement
7	Slump Test
8	25–75 mm
9	Los Angeles Abrasion Test
10	27.6 MPa (4000 psi)

🔗 Clickable References:

• 📘 DPWH Standard Specifications – Blue Book 2021 Edition (PDF)
• 📚 ASTM C150 – Standard Specification for Portland Cement
• 🔍 ACI 211 – Concrete Mix Proportioning Guide

📌 About the Author

👷 Engineer Cokie Rebz
A licensed civil engineer with expertise in quality assurance and DPWH materials standards, sharing exam guides and site-tested techniques for aspiring Filipino engineers. Learn more ➜