Concrete and Cement Laboratory - Physical Testing
The Concrete and Cement Laboratory - Physical Testing n (UBC - AEF) is included in the Concrete, Stone and Ceramics Unit of the Materials Department of LNEC.
This laboratory was set up in 1995 aimed to endorse building construction sector, as well as to support the LNEC strategy for planned research, experimental development and innovation in its domains of expertise.
Activity areas
The activity developed by UBC - AEF involves characterization and assessment of concrete/mortar/pastes and its constituents, in the laboratory or on the construction site.
This activity consists, apart from laboratorial characterization, in carrying out in situ works such as cores extraction, non-destructive testing, inspection of reinforced concrete structures and other actions that fundament the issue of expert reports, creation of guidelines and monitoring quality control.
Testing
UBC - AEF carries out more than 100 laboratorial tests, of which 31 are accredited by the Portuguese Institute for Accreditation (IPAC), and holds Certificate No. L0127. The tests performed include the following:
Concrete/mortar
- slump;
- compressive and flexural strengths;
- modulus of elasticity in compression;
- diffusion coefficient of chlorides;
- permeability to oxygen;
- carbonation resistance;
- testing cored specimens;
Aggregate
- density and water absorption;
Cement
- soundness;
- setting times;
- strength;
Cement and Fly ash
- density;
Fly ash
- soundness;
- fineness;
- activity index.
Other services
In addition to experimental evaluation, in support to the industry, owners, importers, etc., UBC - AEF develops activity in several other areas, for instance:
- concrete/mortars composition studies;
- consultancy services and support to the elaboration of framework agreement for new construction and rehabilitation;
- studies on quality control and evaluation of conformity of concrete during its in situ application, service life and during repair operations;
- deterioration of concrete by internal expansive reactions;
- estimation of durability and life cycle forecast of concrete;
- collaboration in research, development and innovation projects.