Conformance Testing

We use conformance testing to determine whether a product or system complies with the requirements of a specification, contract or regulation. Petrography, fatigue tests or corrosion techniques are applied to a variety of different materials, including metals, stone and concrete.

Structural & Integrity Testing

We conduct destructive tests until the specimen fails. This type of testing provides an understanding of the performance or material behaviour under different loads and testing conditions, and is used across a wide range of materials and products, from ancillary components and flooring through to cladding and roofing systems.

Wind Serviceability

Using instrumented wind tunnels, we are able to study the effects of air moving past solid objects. Air-tightness, displacements under wind pressure and rain penetration are parameters that we measure before the structure is forced above its breaking point.

On-site Testing

In addition to laboratory testing, which shows that a system or solution can satisfy the design criteria, we also perform on-site testing. This is critical to verify installation workmanship and prove on-site performance in unknown construction types, particularly in relation to change of use.

Weather Resistance & Durability

Stone, brick, concrete or other building materials are exposed to the elements. We provide aging techniques, including: thermal stress, frost weathering, air pressure, salt crystallization and chemical weathering.

Validation by Testing

Performance can be calculated from codes; however, the answers given are often conservative. Testing generally gives a higher value or proves that the system is inadequate, protecting against future liabilities. We can build and test mock-ups in our laboratories or carry out testing on-site.

Sampling & Laboratory Testing

All materials can be sampled on-site; these can be structural elements or facing materials. Different materials require different sampling techniques, and care must be taken not to affect the structural integrity of any element. We test the samples for physical, material and structural properties which establishes their suitability for use in their current environment.

Stress Analysis

Digital Imaging Correlation (DIC) provides real time stress analysis of loaded elements within the laboratory or on-site. This technique traces the load distribution within a product or building to produce a visual image of the performance, enabling any areas of weakness or future problems to be predicted.