What is Concrete Testing?
When using fresh concrete, understanding the mechanical and physical properties helps to determine its workability, stability, and hardened state strength, along with testing for durability and long-term properties.
Alongside concrete testing, CTS also carry out testing of the individual components of cement, aggregates, and water. Understanding the components and the quality of concrete delivered to a site, and through structural engineering, ensures concrete that is often used to support heavy loads is tested to make sure its strength and durability are sufficient.
Importance of Concrete Testing
The main criteria of concrete testing is to check the strength compliance of concrete cubes, beams, or cylinders. It is imperative that the production of test samples is carried out correctly in accordance with British Standards and by trained personnel. By utilising CTS’s skilled technicians and carrying out reliable concrete testing, you can be assured that the concrete used is fully compliant with industry standards and that the results obtained are delivered in accordance with accredited quality standards.
Alongside strength testing of cubes, beams and cylinders, during the concrete testing process CTS utilises temperature maturity and equivalent age comparisons to determine the early-age strength of concrete through the monitoring of early-age temperature gain. This allows the early age strength of in-situ concrete to be monitored and allows the progression of the project at the earliest possible time while ensuring safety and quality is maintained.
At CTS our multi-accredited team carries out all concrete testing services to meet specific standards and requirements ensuring that your projects are fully compliant.
Fresh Concrete Testing |
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Determination Of Slump |
BS EN 12350-2 |
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Determination Of Flow |
BS EN 12350-5 |
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Determination Of Compacting Factor |
BS EN 1881-103 |
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Determination Of Air Content |
BS EN 12350-7 |
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Degree Of Compactibility |
BS EN 12350-4 |
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Bauer Filtration Test |
In-house method |
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Determination Of Bleeding Rate Of Concrete |
ASTM C232 |
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Column Segregation Resistance |
ASTM C1610 |
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Fibre Content (Fresh Sample) |
BS EN 14488-7 & BS EN 14721 |
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V Funnel |
BS EN 12350-9 |
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L-Box Testing |
BS EN 12350-10 |
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Sieve Segregation |
BS EN 12350-11 |
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J Ring Testing |
BS EN 12350-12 |
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Slump Flow, T500 And Visibility Stability Index (VSI) |
BS EN 12350-8 |
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Static Segregation Using Column Technique |
ASTM C1610 |
Physical, mechanical, and chemical tests on hardened concrete help to prove compliance with contract specifications of final products, as well as to gain assurance for the quality of materials used.
Hardened Concrete Testing |
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| Compressive Strength Of Concrete Cubes | BS EN 12390-3 |
| Compressive Strength Of Concrete Cylinders | BS EN 12390-3 |
| Flexural Strength Of Concrete Beams | BS EN 12390-5 |
| Tensile Strength Of Concrete Cylinders | BS EN 12390-6 |
| Compressive Strength Of Concrete Cores | BS EN 12504-1 |
| Residual Flexural Strength Of Concrete Beams | BS EN 14651 & BS EN 14488 |
| Barcelona Test | In-house method |
| Fibre Content (Hardened Sample) | BS EN 14488-7 |
| Hardened Specimen Visual Stability Index (Hvsi) | In-house method |
| Abrasion Resistance | BS EN 13892-4 |
Other Concrete Testing Services
Our expert team of technicians and engineers carry out a range of concrete testing including:-
- Concrete maturity (early age strength determination)
- 3m beam concrete pavements (MOT Straight Edge Assessment)
- Macro texture (concrete)
- Water penetration in concrete
- Water absorption in concrete
- Crack monitoring
- Freeze thaw – hardened concrete
- Determination of secant modulus of elasticity
- Drying shrinkage
- Collection of sprayed concrete panels and beam cutting
- Determination of mix proportions and cement content
- Pendulum test (slip/skid)
- Pull-out testing
- Rebar scanning
- Schmidt hammer surveys
- Structural investigation surveys
- Pavement investigation surveys
- Supply data logging temperature equipment
CTS helps to assure compliance with all technical and quality aspects throughout a structure’s life.
- Pre-construction – to understand the concrete composition and its ability to deliver the requirements of the design and comply with specifications.
- During construction – to assess the acceptability of the fresh state of concrete and ensure compliance with the hardened state strength requirements.
- Post-construction – to investigate potential failure in concrete, including non-destructive testing, surveying and routine checking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a concrete cube test?
A concrete cube test is where a hardened concrete cube sample, generally 100mm square, is crushed in a hydraulic machine. An increasing load is applied to the cube until it is destroyed, providing a compressive strength value measured in Newtons per mm squared. (N/mm2)
Why is a cube test important?
Concrete cube tests are essential as they verify the strength of a structure and ensure it meets design load requirements.
How do you test a concrete core?
A concrete core is prepared in a laboratory by preparing each end of the core, the ends are flat and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core. The core is then placed in a hydraulic crushing machine and crushed at a steady rate until ultimate compressive strength is reached.
Why Choose CTS for Concrete Testing?
Whether evaluating new mix designs, testing for compliance, assessing the condition of in-situ concrete, or investigating reasons for failure, CTS offers a full range of on-site and off-site tests.
Our continued investment in process and technology means we are able to offer a rapid turnaround for some of our laboratory tests.
To find out more about our concrete testing services, please get in touch with a member of the CTS team today, and we’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services and how we can help you.