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 Testing Services Available
| Test | Method | What it shows |
| Sampling Fresh Concrete | BS EN 12350-1 | To ensure a representative sample of the fresh concrete is obtained |
| Concrete Slump Test | BS EN 12350-2 | To check the consistence of the concrete meets the clients specification |
| Determination of Air Content | BS EN 12350-7 | Where air-entrained concrete is specified its air content must be checked |
| Temperature of Fresh Concrete | Documented In-House Method | To confirm the temperature of concrete meets any minimum or maximum specification requirements |
| Concrete Cube Testing – including curing | BS EN 12390-3
BS EN 12390-2 |
Determines the strength of hardened concrete cubes (100-150mm). Commonly tested at 7 and 28 days after casting. |
| Flexural Strength | BS EN 12390-5 | Prismatic specimens subjected to a bending moment. |
| Density | BS EN 12390-7 | To determine the density (as-received, water saturated or oven-dried) of concrete |
| Compressive Strength of Concrete Cores | BS EN 12504-1 | Determines the strength of hardened concrete in existing structures. |
| Cement Content | BS 1881-124 | Determines the Cement content of hardened concrete. |
| Hi-Alumina Cement (HAC) | BRE Rapid | Determines the presence of HAC within the concrete. |
| Chloride Content | BS 1881-124 | Determines the Chloride content of hardened concrete. |
| Concrete Trial Mixes | Documented In-House Method | Full trial mixes for determination of strength and fresh concrete properties |
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a slump test performed on concrete?
The concrete slump test is a type of concrete testing method that should be completed at every 1000m3 of concrete produced per grade. First, one-third of a clean cone is filled with concrete and compacted using a tamping rod. Then the same again for the following third, and again for the final third – all from the original concrete sample.
After cleaning the excess from the outside of the cone, the cone is removed as vertically as possible. The concrete will then slump or subside, and the distance from the top of the new pile can be compared to the top of the cone.
What is the acceptable slump for concrete?
Results from this method of concrete testing are either zero slump, true slump, shear slump, or collapse slump. Zero means the mix hasn’t moved at all and is too dry for construction, while collapse slump means the opposite. True slump is the ideal mixture as it sinks slightly but maintains its shape; this slump should range between 4 and 5 inches.
What is the purpose of concrete cube testing?
Concrete testing often includes a concrete cube test, which is carried out to ensure that a concrete mix will meet its intended compressive strength. This test involves extracting a cubed sample of fresh concrete, allowing it to cure, and then applying an increasing load until it fails. The results can then be compared to the compressive strength required for the proposed design.
When should you test the compressive strength of concrete?
The compressive strength test is a type of concrete testing method used to determine if the mix can reliably withstand the weight it will face when in use. Samples should be taken as soon as the mix is first poured. After 28 days, they will be placed into a compression machine and subjected to increasing load until they crack, crumble, or collapse.
Please see below for a list of the services provided by ACS:
Geo-Environmental Consultancy
The ACS Geo-Environmental Consultancy Department has been operating as part of ACS for over 10 years.
On-Site Testing Services
ACS offers a comprehensive range of professional on-site testing, all carried out by our fully trained site technicians.
Aggregates and Soils Testing
From our main laboratory in Poole, Dorset, ACS provide quality testing and material consultancy for the construction and civil engineering industry.
Bituminous Testing
ACS carries out testing on new bituminous binder material and testing on hardened material for physical and chemical properties. Circa pre 1980’s Tar (Carcinogenic effects) was also used as a binder, ACS staff can sample and test materials to assess if Tar was used.
Concrete Testing
Concrete was the first service to be offered by ACS back in 1987. Since then, we have increased our scope to cover a wide range of UKAS Accredited testing methods on fresh and hardened concrete.
Mortar and Screed Testing
ACS can sample and test new and hardened mortar. Hardened mortar for mix proportions and constituents, new mortar for compressive and flexural strength.
Contamination and WAC Testing
At ACS we offer an efficient and reliable chemical analysis service for waste soils and construction materials using various test solids and leaching procedures specified by the Environment Agency.
Chemical Testing
The ACS chemical laboratory was established in 2007. It complements the physical materials testing service provided by ACS by offering a range of chemical analytical services.
Leachate and Water Analysis
Our purpose-built analytical laboratory enables ACS to provide a comprehensive sampling, monitoring and analysis service on a wide range of leachate and water samples.
Natural Stone Testing
Our newly refurbished stone testing laboratory has given us the opportunity to expand our testing scope. In addition, we have increased production and improved on our turnaround of samples.
Site Laboratory Services
Over the last 35 years, ACS have supplied custom fitted site laboratories with technicians to many construction sites and projects worldwide.
Persistent Organic Pollutants
Our experienced lab technicians can provide detailed and accurate analysis of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in almost any sample matrix in line with the Stockholm Convention.
Energy From Waste
Experts in Energy from Waste residues, ACS offers a full range of services, including gasification, pyrolysis, syngas and tar sampling, and analysis and interpretation of analytical results for IBA and APCr.
RoHS Compliance Testing
At ACS, we undertake rigorous RoHS compliance testing to identify and quantify any contaminants in your shredded waste, ensuring your product meets strict RoHS requirements.
Energy Supply, Generation & Regulation
Our highly skilled team provide industry-leading waste fuel testing services for RDF, SRF, MSW, and Solid Biomass, helping you save costs and meet compliance standards for total peace of mind.
CONTACT ONE OF THE TEAM
If you require a collection that is outside of our usual range, please feel free to call us on 01202 622858.
Or contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.