Lab ServicesMortar Testing

This test provides a means for detecting the potential alkali-silica reaction of an aggregate intended for use in concrete.

Determination of expansion of mortar bars made with portland cement of which sulfate is an integral part. Expansion can become excessive when a cement contains too much calcium sulfate.

Determination of compressive strength of referenced materials using 2?-inch cubes

Specification limits in concrete are intended to minimize rebar corrosion. Penetration of deicer salt and seawater can be assessed by profiling chloride concentration at various positions in the sample.

Quantitative analysis of mortar to determine composition and proportions of constituents. Can be used to determine mortar type and as an aid in evaluating durability problems. Also used to determine condition and composition of historic mortar.

This test provides a means for evaluating the ability of supplemental cementitious materials (blended cements, fly ashes, slags, silica fume) ability to control or reduce expansions due to the alkali - silica reaction of an aggregate intended for use in concerete. This is a rapid method and the test takes 16 days to complete.

Determination of air content of cement mortars.

Determines compliance with specification of residual water soluble S03 after curing in a 22C water bath at 24 hours. ASTM C 265 allows the client to specify the curing age of 3 or 7 days in place of 24 hours to match the age of testing utilized in ASTM C 563. If other than 24 hours is required the client must specify the age required. This measurement is assumed to represent un-reacted, free calcium sulfate remaining in the mortar.

This test method covers the determination of tensile strength of cured chemical-resistant materials in the form of molded briquets. It is recognized that chemical-resistent mortars, grouts and monolithic surfaces are usually under tension when in service; however, such data are useful for determining rate of cure and other properties.

This test method will determine the length change of specimens due to causes other than externally applied forces and temperature change. It is especially useful in comparative evaluations. The specified exposure environment can be changed to meet your job specifications.

Compressive strength of mortar is determined using a portion of the ASTM C348 prism after it is broken in flexure.

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

This test method covers the determination of compressive strength of chemical resistant mortars, grouts, monolithic surfacing and polymer concretes. Test method A is for systems using less than 0.0625 in or 1.6 mm in size aggregate. Test Method B is for systems containing aggregate from 0.0625 to 0.4 in in size. Test Method C is for systems containing aggregate larger than 0.4 inches in size.

Determination of the change in length on drying of mortar bars containing hydraulic cement and graded standard sand.

Determination of the setting time of expansive cements.

Strength Activity Index (SAI) determination of slag.

Determination of compression strength of referenced materials using 2-in. cubes

Evaluate the water retention characteristics of a mortar mix.

Determination of expansion of mortar bars made with portland cement of which sulphate is an integral part. Expansion can become excessive when a cement contains too much calcium sulphate.

This test provides a means of assessing the potential for the thaumasite form of sulphate attack. Portland-limestone cement (PLC) and PLC-Supplementary cementing material combinations are used to evaluate the resistance of the combinations to the thaumasite form of sulphate attack The length change of mortar bars immersed in sulfate solution, stored at 5 oC ,is the indicator. Unless otherwise directed the exposure solution contains 352 moles of Na2SO4 per m3. (50 g/L). Portland cements may be evaluated by ASTM C 452, however C 452 is not suitable for evaluating blended cements or blends of supplementary cementitious materials with ordinary portland cement. The blended cement specifications, ASTM C595 and C1157 have sulfate expansion criteria.

This laboratory/field test method provides a procedure for determining mortar workability and boardlife on a continuous and automated basis.

Confirmation of the presence or absence of a polymer additive

Specification limits in concrete are intended to minimize rebar corrosion. Penetration of deicer salt and seawater can be assessed by profiling chloride concentration at various positions in the sample. Soxhlet extraction is performed on non-pulverized sample.