Blog posts tagged with 'Testing Insights'

Does the particle size analysis of coarse aggregates always require a testing screen with large screen trays? In a situation where larger testing equipment is not available, there may still be ways to get the job done. Using conventional round test sieves for large particle sizes is less efficient, but still acceptable if done properly. We discuss test requirements, sieve capacities, and tips to help with equipment selection.

Fines and dust in asphalt and concrete aggregates have always been a problem. Whether naturally occurring or resulting from degradation during handling and transport, undesirable or unknown amounts of fines can impact the performance and cost of composite materials. This blog post discusses the importance, process, and procedure.

Advances in technology continue to refine concrete cover meters and rebar locators, which have been around for decades and used to locate and identify concrete reinforcing steel accurately. They are integral to non-destructive evaluations of reinforced concrete structures and pavements to prevent damage to the reinforcing steel within the structure when drilling or cutting reinforced concrete. This blog post explores the features and capabilities of some of these popular instruments.

This blog provides an informative guide on why direct shear testing is essential, and we guide you on what equipment you need to perform the test based on ASTM D3080 and AASHTO T 236.

In this blog post we discuss why it is important to perform strength tests of soil subgrades for pavement design, and also review what is needed for each type of test method whether it be in the lab or out in the field including the DCP test.

Measuring the particle size distribution of fine-grained soils like clay and silt is best performed using the soil hydrometer test. In this blog post, we provide some guidance from sample prepping to performing the test procedure by following the ASTM D7928 standard test method.

 

Test sieves are an efficient, productive, and economical means of characterizing the gradation of dry granular materials. However, the sieving method is not without limitations. If obstacles seem to be making it difficult to produce accurate, repeatable results for finer sizes, Sonic Sieving may be the answer.

Testing for air content is always recommended to profile characteristics of the admixtures in concrete. In this blog, we discuss what, why, and how to perform such test methods for concrete air testing.

Maximum strength with minimum deformation. Get an in-depth look at how the Marshall method is used to attain optimum asphalt content.

Superpave’s origins came from simple questions that ballooned into complex, numerous offshoots as time passed and funding permitted. In this blog post, we discuss the impact of Superpave from the perspective of mix design, construction materials testing, and equipment for the lab.