Types Of Construction Materials Testing
Several types of construction materials testing verify material strength. They also verify performance before a particular product builders use in a construction project. In this post, you are going to learn about the material testing of construction.
Laboratory Testing
Construction materials testing is an important component of ensuring any project’s safety and long-term viability. It lets builders know that their project meets all applicable quality and safety requirements, allowing them to proceed with construction on schedule.
Laboratory tests on materials such as soil, asphalt, aggregate, concrete and masonry are reliable methods of determining the specific properties of these products. You can also use them to identify issues that may arise during construction.
A typical lab test may involve determining a material sample’s air and moisture content from a field site. It also includes assessing the structural and mechanical properties of various materials, such as the flex strength of brick, the density of a pile, or the compressive strength of the subgrade.
Getting certified to perform construction materials testing is a great way for professionals to prove their proficiency. However, the process can only be daunting with adequate preparation and guidance.
Field Testing
Field testing is when a product or component they test in the real world before being shipped to a construction site. It is a vital part of construction and ensures the use of quality materials compliant with building codes and regulations.
The process of field testing also highlights risks that might arise during a project. This allows immediate action to divert the project course in a different direction.
Another type of construction materials testing is laboratory testing. It involves taking samples from the field and then sending them back to a lab for further analysis. This can be a reliable way to provide detailed analysis of materials such as soil, asphalt, aggregate, concrete and masonry.
If you plan on becoming a construction materials testing technician, resources are available to help you get started. These include online, in-house courses, certifications and continuing education units.
Non-Destructive Testing
Non-destructive testing is an inspection that aims to evaluate materials without damaging them. It is an important way to ensure the safety and quality of products and systems.
During NDT, inspectors use various methods and techniques to detect flaws in a material or component. These tests you can use to inspect for cracks, voids, dents, and other problems that could lead to equipment failure.
One of the most common NDT methods is radiography. This method uses gamma or X-radiation on the material to detect imperfections that the naked eye cannot see
Other destructive testing methods include residual stress measurement and tensile testing. These tests determine the materials’ ability to withstand excessive loads, which can be useful for engineers and designers.
Mechanical Testing
Mechanical testing is a type of construction materials testing that determines the physical properties of a material under controlled conditions. These tests you can use to assess strength, hardness, flexibility, impact resistance and fracture toughness. In addition, tensile and fatigue testing determines the ability of a material to withstand multiple load cycles. These tests certify metal products that conform to standards and codes.
Final words
You can test construction materials to determine their corrosion or abrasion resistance. This information can help companies design and manufacture durable, reliable products that perform as they should.
