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Concrete and Mortar Testing

Concrete and Mortar Testing

Concrete and mortar play a key role in the construction industry; they are widely used in large infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, dams, and in the housing sector in large and small multi-storey developments. Pre-cast concrete is used for small-scale individual components and in larger-scale construction projects such as load-bearing elements. Mortar is used in more traditional construction for smaller projects such as housing developments.

We provide testing and consultancy services throughout the concrete and mortar production process including materials selection, characterisation, in-situ use, failures, through to demolition and recycling at the end of its life.

Concrete Testing

Services include:

  • analysing the constituent materials that go into cements and concrete mixes to look for contaminants and to assess the suitability for use
  • testing additives for conformance which enables the manufacturer to CE mark and test the adequacy of the finished product
  • testing the physical characteristics of the finished component, i.e., bend, crush, and tensile strengths and environmental conditions, such as air tightness, water tightness, and durability
  • testing load bearing structural panels to destruction
  • on-site testing of simulated wind loadings and vertical loading tests
  • destructive and non-destructive testing of whole structures and components in-situ
  • sample analysis for chemical attack
  • forensically analyse concrete to establish failures because of contaminants, inadequate design, or durability factors
  • testing of concrete repair techniques and products to enable them to be CE marked or in-situ when applied to verify their performance

Concrete raw material evaluations

Concrete is formed by mixing cement with sand, water, and aggregate. Cement requires a tightly controlled combination of raw materials, including calcium, silicon, iron, and aluminium. We can evaluate the quality of the raw materials extracted from the quarry to be used during the manufacturing process.

During each stage of the manufacturing process, materials must be checked and analysed to ensure the quality of the finished product. Different mineral materials can be added to give specific properties such as educed permeability or greater resistance to sulphates. Lucideon can analyse the purity of the cement additives needs to be checked to ensure satisfactory performance.

Related Case Studies

Hammersmith Flyover
Lucideon Validates the Performance of the UHPFRC for Fryssinet and the Restoration of the Hammersmith Flyover

Testing provided evidence that the strength requirements of the UHPFRC were met at each stage of the flyover restoration process

Lucideon Proved Incorrect Materials were Sourced and Used for New Warehouse Floor

Analysis of concrete and screed identified that the flooring materials specified were not used and lower-cost alternatives were sourced

Concrete Panels
Major Concrete Manufacturer Extends Range to Include a Precast Concrete Modular Housing System

Testing and consultancy enabled third party insurance and building control sign-offs