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ENTEC LIMITED
ENGINEERING & SCIENCE CONSULTANTS
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ENTEC LIMITED
ENGINEERING & SCIENCE CONSULTANTS
Lab Tests & Standards
Concrete Tests
1. Concrete Compression Testing Machine - AS 1012.9 (1999)This Standard sets out the method for determining the compressive strength of concrete test specimens prepared in accordance with the provisions of AS 1012.8, AS 1012.14 or AS 1012.19.
NOTE: This Standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. The Standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. The user of this Standard should establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Casting Cylinder and Slump Test- AS1012.3.1 (1998)This Standard sets out the method for determining the slump of concrete, when the nominal size of aggregate does not exceed 40 mm.
NOTE: This Standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This Standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this Standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE: This Standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This Standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this Standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Soils
1. Particle Size Distribution Coarse and Fine (Wet and Dry) – NZS 4402.2.8.1Determinations of the particle-size distribution in a soil down to the fine sand size
2. Particle Size Distribution (Hydrometer) – NZS 4402.2.8.4This method covers the quantitative determination of the particle size distribution in a soil from the coarse sand size down. This test is not normally carried out if less than 10% of the material passes the 63µm test sieve.
3. Particle density/ Soil density – NZS 4402.2.7.1,2.7.2Determine of solid density of soil particles. It is not suitable for soils containing stones retained on 37.5mm test sieve unless such stones are broken down
4. Moisture Content- NZS 4402.2.1/NZS 4407Determination of water content of soil as a percentage of its dry mass.
5. Plasticity Index (liquid and plastic limits) – NZS 4402.2,2.3,2.4,2.5Determination of liquid limit of soil which has not been dried below natural water content. The method may also be used in previously dried soil.
6. Linear Shrinkage – NZS 4402.2.6Determine linear shrinkage in soil after it has been oven dried. The test may also be used on samples of soil in their natural state.
7. Standard compaction – NZS 4402.4.1.1Determination of dry density when the soil passing 19.0mm test sieve , is compacted in specified manner over a range of water contents , including that which gives maximum dry density.
8. California Bearing Ratio- NZS 4402.6.1.1Determination of CBR of soil when compacted and tested in a laboratory. The method is applicable to fine, medium, and the fraction of coarse soil passing a 19mm test sieve.
9. Organic Content- NZS 4402.3.1.2Determination of the percentage by mass of the organic matter present in a soil by loss on ignition.
10. Unconfined Compressive Strength – NZS 4402.6.3.1Determination of an unconfined compressive strength of a specimen of a non-fissured cohesive soil, using laboratory compression testing machine. The test is limited to the specimens in the form of right cylinders of height approximately equal to twice the diameter. No specimen shall have diameter less than 30mm, or less than 6 times the size of the largest particles.
11. Point Load –ASTM C1245-06This test method is intended for testing roller-compacted concrete specimens and covers determination of the relative bond between layers of roller-compacted concrete or other hardened concrete in multiple-lift forms of construction. It is applicable to all types of layered concrete where the total depth is sufficient to meet the minimum specimen length and diameter requirements of this test method. This test method is not intended to provide tensile strength results of the material tested.
12. Allophane Detection – NZS 4402.3.4Field test to detect allophane in soils
Aggregate
1. Particle Size Distribution (Coarse/Fine Aggregate) – NZS 4407 3.8This test method is intended for testing roller-compacted concrete specimens and covers determination of the relative bond between layers of roller-compacted concrete or other hardened concrete in multiple-lift forms of construction. It is applicable to all types of layered concrete where the total depth is sufficient to meet the minimum specimen length and diameter requirements of this test method. This test method is not intended to provide tensile strength results of the material tested.
2. Los Angeles Abrasion – NZS4407 3.12Procedure of measuring the breakdown of an aggregate subjected to abrasion.
3. Flakiness Index – AS 1141.15(1999)Determination of flakiness index of coarse aggregate, where the size of the coarse aggregate are larger than 6.3mm.
4. Crushed/ Uncrushed Particles (Broken Faces) – NZS 4407.3.14Determination of the proportion of broken faces in an aggregate test sample, or a fraction of test sample.
5. Aggregate Crushing Value- AS 1141.22Test on coarse aggregates gives a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate crushing under gradually applied compressive load.
6. Aggregate Impact Value – BS812 Part 112Provides a relative measure of the resistance of an aggregate to sudden shock or impact.
7. Cleanliness Value- NZS 4407.3.9This test method is intended for testing roller-compacted concrete specimens and covers determination of the relative bond between layers of roller-compacted concrete or other hardened concrete in multiple-lift forms of construction. It is applicable to all types of layered concrete where the total depth is sufficient to meet the minimum specimen length and diameter requirements of this test method. This test method is not intended to provide tensile strength results of the material tested.
8. Plasticity Index ( liquid and plastics limits) – NZS 4407.3.2,3.3,3.4Determination of plasticity index of the fine fraction of an aggregate.
9. Sand Equivalent- NZS 4407.3.6This test method is intended for testing roller-compacted concrete specimens and covers determination of the relative bond between layers of roller-compacted concrete or other hardened concrete in multiple-lift forms of construction. It is applicable to all types of layered concrete where the total depth is sufficient to meet the minimum specimen length and diameter requirements of this test method. This test method is not intended to provide tensile strength results of the material tested.
10. Crushing Resistance- NZS 4407.3.10This test method is intended for testing roller-compacted concrete specimens and covers determination of the relative bond between layers of roller-compacted concrete or other hardened concrete in multiple-lift forms of construction. It is applicable to all types of layered concrete where the total depth is sufficient to meet the minimum specimen length and diameter requirements of this test method. This test method is not intended to provide tensile strength results of the material tested.
11. Wet and Dry Variation Test- AS 1141.22(2002)Determining the variation in the strength of aggregate tested in both oven dry and saturated surface dry condition.
12. Average Least/Greatest Dimension- AS 1141.20.3 (2000)Method for calculating the median size and average least dimension (ALD),or average greatest dimension (AGD) of an aggregate using the nomograph method.
13. Clay Index- NZS 4407.3.14This method outlines the method of test for a methylene blue titration test used to estimate the percentage of expansive clay minerals in natural fines or rock powder.
14. Weak Particles – AS 1141.32(2008)Low density porous aggregate which cause a high degree of water absorption and loss of strength.
15. Specific Gravity, Particle Density & Water Absorption –ASTM C127,C128Measure of the actual particles which make up the soil mass and is defined as the ratio of the mass of the particles to the mass of the water they displace.
16. Modified Compaction – NZS 4402.4.1.2This method covers the determination of the dry density when the soil passing a 19.0mm test sieve is compacted in a specified manner, over a range of water contents, including that which gives the maximum dry density.
17. Vibration Compaction – NZS 4402.4.3.1Determination of dry density of soil base when compacted by an electrically operated vibrating hammer compactor, over a range of water contents.
18. California Bearing Ration – NZS 4407.3.15This method covers the determination of the CBR of an aggregate when compacted and tested in a laboratory. The method is applicable to aggregates passing a 19.0mm test sieve.
19. Indirect Tensile Strength- NZTA T/19Capacity of a material or structure to withstand loads tending to elongate.
20. Bulk Density – AS 1141.4(2000)Weight of soil for a given volume. It is used to measure compaction.
21. Weathering Quality Index- NZS 4407 3.11Procedure to assess the resistance of aggregate to the effects of wetting, drying, heating, and cooling.
22. Degradation Factor – AS 1141.25.1(2003)Determination of the degradation factor of fine aggregate or the fine portion of a mixed aggregate.
Bitumen
1. Determination of Kinematic/Dynamic viscosity by flow through a capillary tube- AS 2341.3/AS 2341.2This standard sets out procedures for the determination of kinematic viscosity of bituminous materials having kinematic viscosities in the range 2mm²/s to 300 000mm²/s (approximate dynamic viscosities 0.002 Pa.s to 300 Pa.s) using two different types of reverse flow capillary tube viscometers. In particular the method is applicable to residual bitumen for pavements (as specified in AS 2008), cutback bitumen (as specified in AS 2157) and road tear for pavements (as specified in AS 1507).
2. Penetration of Bituminous Materials – ASTM D5This test method covers determination of the penetration of semi-solid and solid bituminous materials. The sample is melted and cooled under controlled conditions. The penetration is measured with a penetrometer by means of which a standard needle is applied to the sample under specific conditions.
3. Flashpoint and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Tester – ASTM D92This test method describes the determination of flashpoint of petroleum products. Approximately 70ml of test specimen is filled into a test cup. The temperature of the test specimen is increased rapidly at first and then at a slower constant rate as the flash point is approached. At specified intervals a test flame is passed across the cup. The flash point is the lowest liquid temperature at which application of the test flame causes the vapors of the test specimen of the sample to ignite. To determine the fire point, the test is continued until the application of the test flame causes the test specimen to ignite and sustain burning for a minimum of 5s.
4. Softening Point – ASTM D36This test method covers the determination of softening point of bitumen in the range from 30 to 157 ֯ C using the ring and ball apparatus immersed in distilled water or glycerine. Two horizontal disks of bitumen, cast in shouldered brass rings, are heated at a controlled rate in a liquid bath while each supports a steel ball. The softening point is reported as the mean of the temperatures at which the two disks soften enough to allow each ball, enveloped in bitumen, to fall a distance of 25mm.
5. Solubility of Asphalt Materials in Trichloroethylene- ASTM D2042This test method covers the determination of degree insolubility in trichloroethylene of asphalt materials having little or no mineral matter. The sample is dissolved in trichloroethylene and filtered through a glass fiber pad. The insoluble material is washed, dried, and weighed.
6. Density of Semi-Solid Bituminous Materials (Pycnometer Method)-ASTM D70This test method covers the determination of the density of semi-solid bituminous materials by use of a Pycnometer. The sample is placed in a calibrated pycnometer. The pycnometer and sample are weighed, then the remaining volume is filled with water. The filled pycnometer is brought to the test temperature, and weighed. The density of the sample is calculated from its mass and the mass of water displaced by the sample in the filled pycnometer.
Asphalt
1. Percent Air Voids in Compacted Dense and Open Bituminous Paving Mixtures- ASTM D3203This test method covers determination of the percent air voids in compacted dense and open bituminous paving mixtures. Simply it’s calculated from the bulk specific gravity and maximum specific gravity by test method ASTM D2726 and ASTM D2041.
2. Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of Bituminous Paving Mixtures – ASTM D2041This test method covers the determination of the maximum specific gravity and density of uncompacted bituminous paving mixtures at 25°C. A weighed sample of oven-dry paving mixture in the loose condition is placed in a tared vacuum vessel. Sufficient water at a temperature of 25 ֯ C is added to completely submerge the sample Vacuum is gradually applied to reduce the residual pressure in the vacuum vessel to 4kPa (30mm of Hg) or less and then held for 15±2min. At the end of the vacuum period, the vacuum is gradually released. The volume of the sample of paving mixture is obtained by immersing the vacuum container with the sample in a water bath and weighing or by filling the vacuum container level full of water and weighing in air. Both the temperature and mass are measured at this time. From these mass and volume measurements, the specific or density at 25 ֯ C is calculated.
3. Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Non-Absorptive Compacted Bituminous Mixtures – ASTM D2726 This test method covers the determination of bulk specific gravity and density of specimen of compacted bituminous mixtures. The specimen is immersed in a water bath at 25 ֯ C. The mass under water is recorded, and the specimen is taken out of the water, blotted quickly with a damp cloth towel, and weighed in air. The difference between the two masses is used to measure the mass of an equal volume of water at 25֯ C. This test method provides guidance for determination of the oven dry or thoroughly dry mass of the specimen. The bulk specific gravity is calculated from these masses. Then the density is obtained by multiplying the specific gravity of the specimen by the density of the water.
4. Method Of Test For Quantitative Extraction Of Bitumen From Bituminous Paving Mixtures - WCS ADL4.02 This method covers procedure for the determination of bitumen content of bituminous mixtures employing the Auckland Laboratory method. The method is to remove the bitumen from the sample using a suitable solvent (trichloroethylene). A small sample of the bitumen solvent mixture is then centrifuged tested for bitumen content, and the bitumen content for the whole sample determined by proportion. The aggregate is washed and decanted through a 75 micron sieve, dried, and sieved in accordance with ASTM C136.
5. Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates – ASTM C136This test method covers the determination of the particle size distribution of fine and coarse aggregates by sieving. A sample of dry aggregate of known mass is separated through a series of sieves of progressively smaller openings for determination of particle size distribution.
6. Marshall Stability and Flow of Asphalt Mixtures – ASTM D6927This test method covers measurement of resistance to plastic flow of cylindrical specimens of asphalt paving mixture loaded in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical axis by means of the Marshall apparatus. The minimum of three specimens shall be cool at room temperature after compaction. Bulk specific gravity of each specimen shall be determined by test method ASTM D2726, Measure specimen thickness according to test method ASTM D3549. Bring specimens to the specified temperature by immersion in the water bath. Remove specimen from the water bath and place the complete assembly in position in the loading machine with the testing head segments. Place the flow meter in position over one of the guide rods. Hold the flowmeter sleeve firmly against the upper segment of the testing head while test load is being applied. Record the load and flow readings.
7. Five Point Marshall Mix Design – MS2The Hot Mix Asphalt mix design is to determine the combination of asphalt, cement and aggregate that will give long lasting performance as part of the pavement structure. Mix design involves laboratory procedures developed to establish the necessary proportion of materials for use in Hot Mix Asphalt. These procedures include determining an appropriate blend of aggregate sources to produce a proper gradation of mineral aggregate, and selecting the type and amount of asphalt cement to be used as the binder for that gradation.
Field
1. Nuclear Densometer (NDM) – NZS 4407 4.1 TO 4.3
A nuclear densometer is a field instrument used to determine the density and moisture content of a compacted material.
2. Benkelman Beam Test – TNZ T/1
Used to measure the pavement surface rebound. The deflection measurements can be used in back calculation methods to determine pavement structural layer stiffness and the subgrade resilient modulus. Many characteristics of a flexible pavement can be determined by measuring its deflection in response to load. Pavement deflection measurements are non-destructive.
3. Dynamic Cone Penetration (DCP) testing - NZS 4402.6.5.2
Used to measure the strength of in-situ soil and the thickness and location of subsurface soil layers.
4. Pavement testing – NZS 4407 2.48
This is a vital element in road construction and maintenance, ensuring the final results of your highways project is one of quality and substance. Testing should be used to limit potential damage to road surfaces, which can lead to cracks, potholes and costly repairs.