Concrete Testing and Concrete Investigations

Concrete Testing was the first service to be offered by ACS Testing back in 1987. Since then, we have expanded our services. Our scope now covers a wide range of UKAS-accredited testing on both fresh and hardened concrete. This can be conducted in our laboratories or on site. Our tests are conducted to British or European standards.

ACS offer the most requested tests for physical and mechanical properties and bespoke testing per our client’s requirements. Our experienced team would be happy to discuss any concrete testing projects you may need assistance with.

ACS Testing provides technicians who have high skills and current CSCS cards. They are also thoroughly trained in safety procedures. This training is based on method statements and risk assessments.

Concrete is the most common building material in the world. It is made up of Portland cement, fly ash, slag cements, crushed rock or gravel, sand, and water. Chemical admixtures and other materials are often added to the mix to enhance the performance characteristics. It is commonly reinforced with steel rods (rebar) or wire screening (mesh).

In addition to our Main Testing Laboratory, we also have a purpose-built Concrete Testing Laboratory. This facility is equipped with several compressive strength machines, concrete grinding apparatus, and purpose-built curing tanks with heat exchangers. These tanks maintain the required curing temperatures. An overhead gantry crane facilitates the handling of large numbers of test specimens. It also has a specific database with printing facilities that can be used to print directly onto hardened concrete test samples.

CONCRETE INVESTIGATION

Well-designed reinforced concrete structures are usually very durable. However, corrosion of the reinforcing steel can be an issue in aggressive environments. Examples include motorway bridges, car parks and marine installations.

Construction practice over the past few decades has left a legacy of existing structures. These structures have a range of defects, which contribute to reinforcement corrosion. These are likely to require repair and remediation, or even replacement. Before undertaking any repairs to a reinforced concrete structure, it is essential to discover the causes of distress or deterioration.

IN-SITU & LABORATORY CONCRETE TESTS

Investigation and assessment are essential for preserving and increasing the service life of the structure. The right strategy is key to this process. Our experienced team would be happy to discuss and assist with any concrete investigation projects you may need assistance with. Please see below for examples of projects we have completed:

• West Park Multi-Story Car Park – Southampton
• Kelda Water Tower – St Athan
• Dell Quay – Chichester Harbour
• Seafront Holiday Inn – Brighton

In-Situ Sampling & Testing includes:

• Cover meter (Hilti Ferroscan)
• Hilti PS 1000 x-scan
• Half Cell Potential Survey
• Resistivity Survey
• Dust Sampling
• Carbonation Depth
• Delaminatinon Survey
• Surface Hardness
• Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity
• Pull-Off Tests
• Crack Measurement

Laboratory Testing includes:

• Alkali Content
• Cement Content
• Chloride Content
• Sulphate Content
• Core Compressive Strength
• Determination of Presence of HAC (High Alumina Cement)
• Petrographic Analysis
• Air Content
• Water Absorption