Papworths Construction Testing Equipment

Measuring surface resistivity is crucial to determine the state of the concrete structure. Surface resistivity is known to be directly related to the chances of corrosion occurring and the rate of corrosion. Studies have shown a direct correlation between chloride diffusion rate and resistivity, too. For this reason, a ResiPod resistivity meter is used to measure concrete resistivity in a non-destructive manner. The ResiPod is a comprehensive four-point Wenner probe device. It is extremely fast, accurate and reliable device for conducting resistivity measurements. High-quality resistivity meters come with a waterproof and robust housing that can be used in the most demanding job environments. Resistivity is among the major factors that become present at the onset of corrosion, which requires a flow of ions between cathodic and anodic sites on the reinforcement in the concrete. Resistivity is the one responsible for controlling the rate of the flow of ions. Hence, it directly con

The soil often serves as the base of foundations of structures, support for roads, and other crucial infrastructure. For this reason, soil testing is one of the mandatory tests construction companies, and engineering firms conduct to predict the mechanical behaviour of soils. With the proper soil testing equipment, it is easier to determine the behaviour and quality of the soil before you begin building on it. The equipment is designed to be accurate in characterising soil samples on-site or in the laboratory. High-end systems come with tools for collecting samples, classifying soils, conducting mechanical property evaluation, and testing the completed sub base or road base on site. The triaxial shear test system is among the commonly used soil testing equipment. It measures the mechanical properties of soils and other deformable solids, like clay, sand, and granular materials. In this test, the effects of certain applications like excavations, tunnelling, and building constructi

Using an ultrasonic pulse velocity tester is a good way to check the quality of natural rocks and concrete. The device is designed for conducting an ultrasonic pulse velocity test, which assesses the quality and strength of rock or concrete by measuring the velocity of the ultrasonic pulse as it passes through the material being tested. The tester sends a pulse of the ultrasonic wave through the concrete and measures the time it takes for the pulse to get through the material. The pulse velocity will depend on the elastic properties and density of the material, and these are related to the material's strength and quality. High velocities prove the continuity and good quality of the material, and slower velocities may depict voids and cracks in the concrete. The most basic theory of ultrasonic testing is known as 'time of flight', which pertains to timing the arrival of the ultrasonic pulse from a transducer to another through a material, like concrete. In standard ope

Concrete is one of the commonly used structural materials in construction. It must be tested to make sure its quality meets the requirement—whether for building homes and commercial establishments or for building roads. One of the best ways to verify the quality of concrete is by using concrete compression testing equipment. The objective of a concrete compression test is to determine the quality and strength of concrete and its suitability for the application. Special equipment has been developed to make it easier and quicker to test the strength and quality of concrete while ensuring accurate results. Different types of equipment are available to suit the varying requirements of engineers and builders. The manual cement compression and flexure testing machine can have one or two testing chambers to perform reliable flexure and strength tests on mortar samples. Manual machines are ideal for on-site testing when electric power supply is not reliable in the area. They are a low-co

Triaxial test systems are designed to help you determine the mechanical properties of soils when you need to design embankments, foundations, and other structures. Excavations, building constructions, tunnelling, and other similar applications can affect subsoil structures in many different ways, and these effects can be simulated successfully with a triaxial test. In this test, a specially designed device is used to determine the relationship between stress and strain in undisturbed or recompacted soil samples, which are investigated by subjecting them to different drainage conditions and stress levels. A triaxial test will help make sure that the soil on your construction site can support the structure, which you want to build on it. It lets you identify soil properties on your site and measure the shear stress the soil can support and if it can support your structure. That way, you can make informed decisions and engineering predictions using valuable soil data, like dilatancy

Half-cell instruments are crucial for the inspection of corrosion in concrete structures. Corrosion inspection is important to determine and evaluate the quality of steel within structures. It is a key task in ensuring proper corrosion control and the integrity of a structure. Laboratory evaluations and field data are occasionally obtained to make sure that information is up-to-date and to help the management make informed decisions on what they can do to slow down the corrosion process or to predict how long the structure can last before it gives its way. Using half-cell instruments can reduce the time it takes to accomplish the inspection. The half-cell potential metre is one of the types of half-cell instruments that can test reinforcement steel, with the ability to analyse corrosion. Thus, it is considered one of the most advanced and comprehensive instruments for corrosion analysis. Reputable manufacturers have designed the half-cell potential metre to be durable, with a rob

The Schmidt hammer is a device that measures the strength and elastic properties of rock or concrete using the rebound technique, which correlates the surface hardness with the strength of concrete. The device was invented by a Swiss engineer, Ernst Schmidt, and the hammer is widely used around the world by engineers and construction specialists for quality assurance. The Schmidt hammer is also known as a 'rebound hammer' and 'concrete test hammer', and it comes in different types. Here is an overview of some of them: Original Schmidt hammer - The commonly used model is the original or classic Schmidt concrete test hammer , which is equipped with a mechanical gauge to measure the rebound value of the test impact. Correlation of this rebound value R is an effective non-destructive estimate of concrete's compressive strength (within 25%) and also a very good measure of the uniformity of concrete quality.   Silver Schmi

GPR (ground penetrating radar) is an advanced imaging technology for exploring the subsurface of the earth. It uses electromagnetic wave propagation to generate images and identify the changes in the ground's magnetic and electrical properties. With GPR systems, you can find post tensioning and reinforcing in concrete, underground utility lines, conduct groundwater studies, and monitor the structural integrity of aeroplane runways. They may be used to detect land mines, survey the land for construction, and in forensic research, too. Standard GPR equipment is composed of three parts: the control unit, power supply, and the antenna. It can run on a range of power supply types, such as small rechargeable batteries to normal 110/120-volt and vehicle batteries. Adapters and connectors can be used for every type of power source. The control unit houses the electronics, which supply the radar energy's pulse so the antenna can pick it up and deliver it to the ground. It contains

The slump test is the empirical evaluation to determine the quality of fresh concrete. The test lets you check and measure the consistency of concrete from a specific batch relative to the original mix design, and it is necessary to make sure that you are using concrete that is workable and suitable for certain applications. This method of testing fresh concrete is popular because it is easy, with simple equipment and an easy-to-follow procedure. However, the simplicity of the test may result in a wide variability in the ways a test is performed. Using the right equipment should help ensure a more accurate and repeatable way to measure and understand the nature of concrete. With a slump test, you can be sure that different batches of concrete have a uniform quality under field conditions. It can be used to determine the effects of certain plasticisers in the concrete, too. The slump test typically uses a metal mould, which is shaped like a cone's frustum, but open at both end

Soil testing lets engineering companies and construction firms determine the mechanical behaviour of soils before they build foundations, roads, and other infrastructure. There are different kinds of soil testing equipment that can be used to characterise samples of soil in the laboratory or on-site. A soil testing kit may be handy for various building projects, whether your goal is to construct a road or a new building. The most comprehensive kits come with all the necessary tools and accessories to conduct soil testing on-site or in the laboratory. The Importance of Soil Testing Kits Soil is a crucial element when building a strong foundation in any construction project. The majority structures from roads to buildings, dams, and bridges are based on soil, which is the natural foundation acting as the support for all infrastructure and forms of construction. Soil investigation and testing is a small investment of time and money that can ensure the integrity of your structur

The half-cell potential test is conducted to determine and estimate the possibility of corrosion in reinforced concrete structures. Corrosion of the reinforcing steel is considered an electro-chemical process, so the steel's behaviour can be determined by measuring the electrical potential field within the concrete with a reference electrode A more negative potential in concrete that is not oxygen starved generally depicts a higher corrosion risk. The test is usually performed on a grid with varied spacing depending on the type of structure and the concrete properties. High-end equipment and devices are used when measuring both resistivity and half-cell potential, and they typically consist of a reference half-cell electrode, internal voltmeter, connecting wires, and copper/copper sulphate or silver/silver chloride electrode. Copper-copper sulphate is the preferred electrode in high-end half-cell potential testing metres for easy of serviceability and its use in standards, bu

A universal testing machine is used for measuring the force applied to various materials and the resultant reformation that occurs to them. One common use for this type of machine is the testing the strength of reinforcing steel bars under tension. Investing in a high-quality equipment should provide you with a solution that can address your requirements in different testing applications. Here are some important factors to consider while buying a universal testing machine: Buy from the right retailer – Make sure the store specialises in supplying hydraulic and electromechanical testing equipment that conform to local standards. Look for a retailer who can provide accessories for the universal testing machine, too, such as the grips, fixtures, load cells, and platens.   Consider a customised machine – Some retailers understand that every business will have a different set of requirements, so they have a team of engineers who can create

Coating thickness is a crucial factor in process and cost control, product quality and evaluating onsite finishes. Determining the thickness of various layers of paint in a structure can be easier with a coating thickness metre which can get measurements by analysing the eddy current or via magnetic induction for coatings over steel. The coating thickness metre can be one of the most versatile tools to have. It can be used on surfaces, which are made of metallic material like metal, non-ferrous metal alloys, and iron. It can be used to ensure quality control while galvanising or anodising, as well as for measuring coatings on automotive applications. Using the right coating thickness metre is essential to ensure accurate and reliable results. Moreover, you need to make sure that you know how to properly use the device. For this reason, manufacturers of high-end coating thickness metres offer user-friendly gauges that are easy to operate and read. Issues that determine the method

A universal testing machine can measure both the force applied to various materials and the resulting deformation to determine the compressive and tensile strength of the sample. One of the common applications of universal testing machines is testing the compressive and tensile strength of steel reinforcing bars under tension. Hydraulic and electromechanical testing equipment is an example of a universal testing machines that conform to different standards. The functions of a universal testing machine can be modified according to the type of material that needs to be tested and this is possible with the addition of accessories like load cells, fixtures, grips, and platens. A universal testing machine is a big investment for a business that deals with construction and engineering. Hence, you need to make sure that you are investing in a high-tech and user-friendly machine that comes with the following features: • Dual test spaces or versatile accessories to allow for tension and co

Ground penetrating radar uses imaging technology to explore the subsurface of the earth. Also known as 'GPR', it uses electromagnetic wave propagation to create images and identify the changes in the ground's magnetic and electrical properties. GPR systems can be used to monitor the structural integrity of airport runways, find underground utility lines, for forensic research, land surveying for construction purposes, and detection of land mines. Advanced ground penetrating radars are versatile and can locate a large range of metallic and non-metallic materials. GPR control equipment ranges from small and compact systems for short-range depth and basic data processing, to larger systems designed with 3D scanning and built in geolocation capabilities. High antenna frequency ground penetrating radar is a non-destructive tool to evaluate the location of steel and other embedments in concrete. The scanner allows fast on-site imaging before drilling, cutting, inspection, a

Soil testing is conducted to determine a particular soil's suitability for a construction project. Testing can be used to classify the soil and provide crucial information whether the soil possesses the integrity and the properties that are necessary to keep a structure stable. Soil testing is used in most construction projects including roadwork. Here are five soil testing-related trends you should consider for the most common applications: Plate load test – This test is commonly done at the foundation level of the soil. It is usually done according to local standards and specification to determine the soil's bearing capacity. The use of CBR test machines – The California bearing ratio test measures the strength of re-compacted sample of highway sub base, subgrade soil, and the subgrade using a penetration test. It is usually ideal for testing cohesive materials that have a particle size of less than 19mm. Soil triaxial

The universal testing machine is ideal for multiple testing applications where compressive and tensile tests must be conducted. Accessories for universal testing machines allow for a greater range of applications with one machine, such as flexural and CBR tests. Investing in a high-quality machine and the right accessories can help you save time and money in the long run, resulting in higher productivity and minimal downtime. All systems are automatic and come with suitable motor or hydraulic stages and control systems. A universal testing machine typically comes with platens that can be used for the compressive testing of specimens necessary for the machine's maximum load and a set of jaws for handling samples for tensile testing. Different kinds of universal testing machines offer unique features that may help you with multiple testing applications. A servo hydraulic machine for instance is ideal for testing different non-metallic and metallic materials. It can perform bend

Cracks are likely to occur on concrete structures over time, and they could indicate underlying damage that must be addressed as soon as possible. For this reason, civil engineers rely on crack measuring devices to determine the size and the depth of cracks. There are many different crack measuring devices that are used for different applications. Here are some of them: Digital Position Strain Gauge Deformation Meter: This device is one of the most precise options for crack measuring equipment. It comes with a digital dial gauge, which is attached to a bar. A conical point is fixed and mounted at one end of that bar, and a moving conical point at the other end. There is a setting out bar to position pre-drilled stainless steel discs, which are then attached to a structure with an adhesive. The conical points are inserted into holes in the discs when a reading must be made. This way, any strain changes in the structure are translated into a change on the dial gauge's read

Universal testing machine or UTM is aptly named as it can perform various types of tensile and compression tests on different materials. There are also many different terms used to refer to a UTM that you will commonly hear in the industry, among the most popular of which are a tensile tester, bend tester, and compression tester. Some types of UTMs are stripped of some capabilities and/or are marketed to specific sectors, like texture analyzers for food, peel tester for adhesives, labels, and tapes, and top load compression tester for pipes and packaging. True UTMs can perform all of these and more. They are great multi-purpose instruments for any QC or R&D laboratory. The following are only a few common uses for UTMs: Tensile testing – One of the most common applications for UTM, a tensile test measure how strong a material is, how long it can stretch, and how stiff it is as the material is pulled apart until breaking point. Compression testing – Compr

CBR stands for 'California bearing ratio' and it is a test that measures the strength of highway subgrades and base courses through penetration. It can test cohesive materials that have a less than 19mm particle size. There are different kinds of CBR test machines you can use for various applications. You must ensure their quality and the right equipment before you perform the test. A CBR test machine that comes with a dial gauge and load ring can measure the force and piston travel. It has a 50kN capacity and two travel speeds, which are 1mm/min and 1.27mm/min. There are CBR test machines that come with a digital readout to determine digital force and travel, too. Both are laboratory machines that can provide an accurate measurement of the strength of the structure or material. Automatic CBR test machines are among the most advanced, with varied ram speeds between 0.5 and 5mm/min. They are compatible with testing and data acquisition software. In an automatic CBR

Concrete testing is performed in order to evaluate the properties of concrete. There are several different tests that can be done to study concrete's strength, structural integrity, and suitability for various applications and these tests can be done either in a laboratory or right on the job site. Concrete is one of the most common and arguably the most important structural element for most building projects. Because of this, testing of its quality is mandatory in many jurisdictions. However, apart from due diligence, concrete testing, particularly compression testing, also ensures the consistency and the safety of the material, allowing manufacturers, builders, and contractors to ensure end clients that their finished products are of the highest quality and are fit for purpose. Other benefits of concrete compression testing include : Determining batch quality Determining consistency in production or manufacture Aiding in the design process Reducing ma

Concrete electrical resistivity is obtained by applying current into the concrete surface and measuring the resulting response voltage. Different methods for measuring concrete resistivity exist, ranging from laboratory two-electrode, four electrode and transformer methods to onsite four probe and rebar methods. The electrical properties of concrete depend largely on its moisture content. Concrete may, therefore, exhibit insulated or conductive characteristics depending on its moisture levels. For instance, a concrete sample could exhibit high electrical resistance when dry and at the same time have lower a resistance when it is saturated. Concrete also has capacitive properties, meaning it can hold an electrical charge, making it difficult to measure electrical resistance. Nevertheless, several methods and approaches for measuring the electrical resistivity of concrete are available, and of those, the four-probe method is considered the most suitable for onsite investigatio

Half cell potential in general and technical terms, corresponds to a steady state of electrical current between metal dissolution and the equivalent reduction reaction, leading to the formation of OH- or ions hydroxyls from oxygen gas. In concrete, the dissolution zones are usually rather large (often a centimeter or more) and fixed. A current line or electric field connects the zones to areas where oxygen is reduced. For a given value of the potential, these electric fields are normal on equipotential surfaces, and can then be intersected by the concrete surface. The potential value can then be measured using a reference electrode on the surface of the concrete. Half cell potential is the parameter used or evaluating the steel reinforcement condition of the concrete. The corrosion of reinforcing steel is primarily an electro chemical process and the resulting behavior of the metal can be characterized and analyzed by determining and measuring its half cell potential. The gre