MATERIAL TESTING

Concrete constituents are tested to ensure conformance to project specifications:

• Physical properties of cement

• Chemical analysis of aggregates

• Organic impurities in fine aggregates for concrete

• Potential alkaline reactivity of aggregates

• Particle density [spec. Gravity] and water absorption of aggregates

• Aggregate moisture content

• Aggregate crushing value

• Particle size distribution of aggregates

• Soundness of aggregates

• Ten percent fines value

• Aggregate impact value

• Flakiness index

• Elongation index

• Los Angeles abrasion of aggregates

• Shell content

• Sulfate content of aggregates

• Chloride content

• Admixture test

• Chemical analysis of water

A trial mix is routinely made for testing purposes to ensure that proposed mix designs meet requirements. The following tests are conducted on ready mix concrete:

• Slump

• Temperature upon delivery

• 3 days’ compressive strength [depending on project requirements]

• 7 days’ compressive strength

• 28 days’ compressive strength

• Durability

  • Initial surface absorption

  • Water permeability

  • Water absorption

  • Rapid chloride permeability

In addition to supplying mill certificates for all deformed steel rebar to be used for the fabrication of reinforcement cage, batches are also tested for the following:

• Tensile strength

• Bending /re-bending

• Chemical analysis