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