Lab ServicesPhysical Testing

Used to evaluate concretes or products ability to reduce the ingress of chlorides into concrete.

This test method uses electrical migration to accelerate the movement of chloride ions into a concrete specimen, and a colorimetric indicator to measure the extent of chloride penetration. An external potential is applied axially across the specimen to force the chloride ions to migrate into the specimen. After a defined test duration, the specimen is axially split and a silver nitrate solution (colorimetric indicator for chloride) is sprayed on one the fresh split surfaces. The chloride penetration depth is measured from the extent of the visible white silver chloride precipitate. Results produced: From this penetration depth, the rate of chloride ion penetration is determined and used to rate the concrete. The results for this test can be used to rate concrete according to the relative ease with which chloride ions can penetrate into the concrete. This in turn gives an indication of the potential for corrosion of reinforcing steel due to chloride intrusion.

Determination of the bond strength of latex bonding systems with portland cement concrete. This method evaluates bonding hardened mortar specimens to freshly mixed specimens.

Compressive strength of concrete is used as a structural design criterion and as a general indicator of concrete quality.

A rapid test to determine concretes relative resistance to penetration by chloride ion.

Testing of silica fume for use in concrete, mortar and grout.

Mix design calculations

Concrete prisms are fabricated and monitored to evaluate the susceptibility of an aggregate for participation in the expansive alkali-silica reaction.

Provides graduation of the material

Used to determine the approximate amount of clay lumps and friable particles in aggregates. This test is a requirement of ASTM C33.

Determination of length change of mortar or concrete mixtures cast in laboratory and exposed to controlled temperature and humidity conditions in the laboratory.

This method is intended to determine the susceptibility of an unsaturated concrete to the penetration of water. In general, the rate of absorption of concrete at the surface differs from the rate of absorption of a sample taken from the interior. The exterior surface is often subjected to less than intended curing and is exposed to the most potentially adverse conditions.This test method is used to measure the water absorption rate of both the concrete surface and interior concrete. By drilling a core and cutting it transversely at selected depths, the absorption can be evaluated at different distances from the exposed surface. The core is drilled vertically or horizontally.

Concrete mix prepared under laboratory conditions in order to examine fresh concrete properties and/or cast specimen for hardened concrete testing.

Evaluates the difference in weather resistance between various slates.

Measurement of accumulation of concrete bleed water.

Determination of bulk density (unit weight) of aggregate in a compacted or loose condition. Used for concrete mix design calculations.

This group of test methods offer a means of determining the working time, initial setting time and service strength setting time of chemical-resistant resin mortars. The results obtained should be used as a guide, not the sole basis for, selection of a chemical-resistant mortar for a particular application.

Defines quality and grading of coarse aggregate, for use in concrete.

Evaluate lightweight aggregates targeted for use in structural concrete.

Evaluation of lightweight materials whose intended use is for thermal insulating of concrete.

Determination of the flexural strength of cement-mortars. (Center Point Loading)

This method covers production, properties, packaging and testing requirements for dry combined materials for concrete and mortars.

Determines the presence of injurious organic compounds in fine aggregates for use in mortar/concrete.

Specification for material characteristics, physical requirements and sampling of slate for use as roofing shingles.

Products are evaluated by comparing two identical cements from the same source; one with the addition and one without.

Determination of splitting tensile strength of concrete.

Determines long-term deformation of material due to sustained load.

Measures degradation of aggregates resulting from a combination of abrasion, attrition, impact and grinding in rotating steel drum.

Determines the material characteristics, physical requirements and sampling appropriate for the selection of quartz based dimension stone.

This test method is generally applicable to rigid and semi-rigid materials. Flexural strength cannot be determined for those materials that do not break, however tangent modulus of elasticity can be determined. The results obtained by this test method should be used as a guide only in selection of a chemical-resistant material for a particular application. The results should not be used as the sole basis for such selection. In addition to the tangent modulus of elasticity, a secant modulus is calculated at the point on the stress-strain (load-deflection) graph were the strain is 50% of the maximum strain.

This test is used to asses the uniformity and quality of concrete. It can indicate the presence of voids and cracks and estimate the depth of cracks.

Determines the material characteristics, physical requirements and sampling appropriate for the selection of quartz based dimension stone.

Standard specification for Slate Dimension Stone physical testing to meet requirements of Table 1.

Useful for performance troubleshooting and to assess adherence to mix design.

Tests to characterize physical properties of brick and structural clay tile.

Flexural strength of concrete is used as a structural design criterion and as a general indicator of concrete strength.

Determination of the setting time of expansive cements.

Determining the corrosion activity of the reinforcing steel in concrete. usually done in conjunction with a field evaluation of existing slabs, flat work or structures. Can also be performed in lab.

Indication of resistance to weathering action.

Determination of the bond strength of epoxy-resin-base bonding systems with Portland cement concrete. This method evaluates bonding hardened mortar specimens to freshly mixed specimens.

Determines the efflux time using the standardized flow cone, or mortar flow table.

Provides absorption and bulk specific gravity of various stone. Most helpful when evaluating properties of many types of different stones.

Determination of compressive strength of stone. Useful in evaluating the differences in various dimension stone.

Determination of the Modulus of Rupture of stone.

Measures water vapor transmission using the desiccant method (dry cup) or water method (wet cup).

This test method can be used to evaluate the effects of chemical admixtures on the corrosion of metal in concrete. It can also be used to evaluate materials intended to prevent or reduce chloride induced corrosion of steel.

Blending together of several powder components. Homogenizing large lots or several lots of dry powders.

Evaluate concrete cores resistance to freezing & thawing when exposed to 10% NaCL solution.