Papworths Construction Testing Equipment

In the construction industry, it is important to ensure that structures are built properly using the highest-quality materials and construction methods. Hence, certain tests must be conducted to ensure the quality of certain materials. The ultrasonic pulse velocity test is one of the most essential tests designed to determine the quality of natural rock and concrete. This testing method is preferred because it is non-destructive and it is conducted on site, saving builders a lot of time and money. In an ultrasonic pulse velocity test, the quality and strength of rock or concrete is determined by measuring the velocity of the ultrasonic pulse, which passes through the natural rock formation or concrete structure. The test is conducted using specialised equipment that generates a pulse of ultrasonic wave and measuring the time it takes for that pulse to go through the concrete. A high velocity indicates that the material is continuous and high-quality, and a slower velocity may ...

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...

Concrete corrosion pertains to the degradation that occurs within and outside the material. Concrete can degrade due to various reasons, usually due to material limitations, construction methods, the design, and constant exposure to severe conditions. Structural, functional, and aesthetic problems may occur due to fire damage, effects of sea water, aggregate expansion, calcium leaching, bacterial corrosion, chemical damage, and physical damage. Corrosion of concrete can lead to widespread damage to critical assets and structures, like bridges and sewage pipelines. Preventative measures like coatings (i.e. lacquer or oil-based paint and varnish), surface treatment, and better construction methods are utilised to help prevent and combat these types of corrosion. The production technique of cements can be improved to prevent damage, too. Corrosion would usually be too late to remedy the problem once signs of damage occur on the surface. Hence, specialists rely on advanced testin...

Using a crack measuring device is one way to determine the overall integrity of a material like concrete. There different crack measuring devices are available to ensure proper measurement and accurate data collection. A good crack measuring device should be able to help you diagnose problems with concrete, so you can think of the most appropriate ways to remedy them. Here are ways to use some commonly used crack measuring devices : Digital position strain gauge deformation meter This device has a digital dial gauge attached to a bar. A conical point is fixed and mounted at one end of the bar, while the moving conical point is on a knife edge pivot on the other side. Pre-drilled stainless steel discs, are attached to the structure with an appropriate adhesive, are positioned using the setting bar. The gauge's conical points are inserted into holes in the discs when a reading is required, and the dial gauge's strain measurement is noted. This way, strain changes occu...

Concrete compression testing is performed to determine the compressive strength of concrete. It is probably the most performed and most widely used and known concrete testing methods . The test involves crushing a test cylinder in a compression testing machines and recording the ultimate strength at failure. AS1012.8.1 Chapter 7 gives guidance on the moulding of lab specimens. Rodding or tamping cannot be used on samples with slump less than 40mm. In those circumstances vibration must be used.  Care must be taken with specimens of concrete with slump greater than 100mm to ensure segregation does not occur. The procedure for the compaction by vibration of specimens shall be as follows: (a) Fill the moulds in two approximately equal layers. (b) Vibrate each layer until the surface becomes relatively smooth in appearance. Vibration should not be prolonged beyond the point at which mortar commences to collect on the surface. (c) Place sufficient concrete in the top layer, to ov...

Ultrasonic pulse velocity testing is a revolutionised non-destructive testing which can be applied on various structures. Concrete testing equipment that uses ultrasonic pulses provides faster and more accurate result. Moreover, the test can be conducted without causing any destruction or damages to the concrete element. Using an ultrasonic pulse velocity test may help save money and time at the same time because it eliminates the need to test, break, and throw away hundreds of cylinders and cubes. In an ultrasonic pulse velocity test, the material's pulse velocity is determined by the material's density and elastic properties, both of which are related to the material's strength and quality. High-quality ultrasonic pulse equipment enables a reliable and more accurate way to determine the internal properties of materials. Hence, it is useful for determining a material's homogeneity and for detecting the presence of cracks, defects, voids, and other imperfectio...