Laboratory Testing of Construction Materials

Aggregate Testing

concrete aggregate All aggregate testing is undertaken by Sandberg's experienced technical staff operating from our well equipped UKAS accredited Laboratories. Sandberg offers a comprehensive package of physical, mechanical and chemical aggregate testing to determine the properties of aggregates. Testing can be carried out to the new BS EN Standards as well as ASTM Standards and superseded BS methods.

AAR Risk Assessment and Diagnosis

silica gel growths on reactive aggregate particles Sandberg have been continuously involved with the diagnosis of AAR since before the earliest UK mainland example was publicised more than twenty years ago. This experience embraces alkali-silica, alkali-silicate and alkali-carbonate reactivity and extends to over thirty countries.

Concrete Durability

concrete durability - fire damage Concrete durability is one of the most important considerations in the design of new structures and when assessing the condition of existing structures. Concrete construction is becoming increasingly complex and the importance of producing structures that are both cost effective and durable has never been higher.

Concrete Testing

Concrete testing is one of Sandberg’s core activities but it encompasses so much more than simple cube testing. It is loosely covered by four main headings: Physical/Mechanical, Chemical, Visual and Microscopical Examination and Durability

Testing of Fresh Concrete

From Quality Control and Mix Design assessment to Admixture testing, Sandberg are able to carry out a comprehensive range of fresh concrete tests.

Testing of Hardened Concrete

Once concrete has hardened it can be subjected to a wide range of tests to prove its ability to perform as planned or to discover its characteristics if its history is unknown.

Sulphate Attack

Photomicrograph of concrete affected by thaumasite type sulphate attack. Sulphate attack in concrete has been known to occur when sulphate solutions, derived either from a constituent in the concrete such as aggregate or from external sources such as groundwater, react with the calcium aluminate hydrates present in the hardened cement to form the hydrated calcium sulfoaluminate known as ettringite which can occupy over twice the volume.