Search
Filters
Close
RSS

Gilson Insights

Have questions about your materials testing equipment?  We have the answers to these questions and much more right here! Check back monthly for long-form blog posts, how-to guides and infographics. We’ll address industry insights, the operation and maintenance of specific equipment, and our product line recommendations, all designed to better serve you.

Bookmark this page, add it to your RSS reader, or subscribe to our newsletter, so you never miss a hot topic.

Wet Sieving: A Practical Guide
Wet Sieving: A Practical Guide

When dry sieving isn’t sufficient for producing an acceptable degree of separation between individual fractions of a sample, it’s time to try wet sieving. This blog post covers the importance of wet sieving, when it is best used, and recommended equipment for various procedures.

Non-Destructive Testing of Concrete: An Equipment Guide
Non-Destructive Testing of Concrete: An Equipment Guide

With so many non-destructive testing methods to choose from, how do you know which method and equipment is right for you? This blog post will outline the importance of non-destructive testing of concrete, top methods, when you should use them, and what equipment you need.

Atterberg Limits: A Quick Reference Guide
Atterberg Limits: A Quick Reference Guide

This blog post outlines the three main components that encompass Atterberg Limits, explains why these tests are important, and covers basic equipment used in these procedures.

Sieve Analysis of Coarse Aggregate: Tips on Sample Collecting
Sieve Analysis of Coarse Aggregate: From the Field to the Lab (Part 1)

In Part 1 of this thee-part series, we’ll cover sieve analysis of coarse aggregate, beginning from gathering samples at a job site, including tips and necessary equipment.

Rebound Hammer Test: What You May Not Know
What You May Not Know About Using a Concrete Test Hammer

The Concrete Test Hammer is a critical part of your tool kit when assessing potential problems in concrete structures, but it can also create problems if expected to perform beyond its capabilities. This blog post outlines the proper way to use this tool for establishing strength estimates and relationships by comparison.

Sieve Reverification FAQ’s

Ongoing verification of working sieves is an important part of your QC/QA program to ensure that your sieves are in working order and meet their minimum requirements. In this post, we’ll answer all your questions regarding reverification of your used sieves.

Why Complete Testing of Fresh Concrete Matters

It's important to run a complete set of tests, including air content and unit weight, on all fresh concrete batches, whatever the mix design. This is the best method to secure accurate and complete data that is very difficult to obtain later, and assures adherence to QC/QA requirements.

Asphalt Oxidation and Aging: Sample Prep with the Pressure Aging Vessel
Why a Pressure Aging Vessel is Valuable

A method to simulate long-term, oxidative aged asphalt binder is important for predicting distress in asphalt as it ages. A Pressure Aging Vessel is a great solution and this blog post will highlight the background and benefits of these powerful machines.

Aggregate Abrasion Testing (Part 2): The L.A. Abrasion Test
Aggregate Abrasion Testing (Part 2): The L.A. Abrasion Test

Abrasion testing is an important component to your quality control process. This follow-up post presents the benefits of the widely-used L.A. Abrasion Test.

Rolling Thin Film Oven Test Method for Evaluating Asphalt Binder Performance
All You Need to Know About RTFO

If you need to accurately measure the effect of heat and air on asphalt binder, a good option to consider is a Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO). This blog post outlines everything you need to know from the procedure to benefits and equipment recommendations.