Accelerated Testing for Frost Resistance

Lucideon has been developing and operating accelerated freeze / thaw tests for over 45 years.  These have been accepted as industry standards, for clay based products, and have proved to be equally useful for testing other materials, and assessing their performance in severe freeze/thaw conditions.

The current tests for masonry walling, roof tiles and pavers are UKAS accredited (UKAS accredited testing laboratory No. 0013), and have been validated against natural conditions.
The tests are accepted by BSI, and form the basis for the European Standards for frost resistance of masonry units, pavers and roofing tiles made from clay, concrete, natural stone or reconstituted stone.

Severe Exposure

The essential feature of the masonry unit tests is that they are unidirectional.  The freezing and thawing cycles attack only one side or face of the samples, which, together with the high level of saturation and rapid rate of freezing, simulates as far as possible conditions in the most severe environments likely to be encountered in the British Isles.  Consequently, if any failure occurs during a test, it is of the same type as that seen in real situations.
The test method for natural stone and clay or concrete roofing tiles is omnidirectional, resulting in freezing action on all surfaces of the samples being tested.

Site Consultancy

When frost related problems do occur on site we have the experience and back up to investigate and provide authoritative reports and opinions.  Should a dispute result in court action we are able to offer an expert witness service to provide an impartial, independent expert opinion.

Lucideon is a UK Approved Body (1289) under the Construction Products Regulation (EU) 305/2011 for the assessment and verification of construction products. Lucideon maintains impartial procedures for all work performed as a UK Approved Body to safeguard its independence.