Field and Laboratory Testing and Analysis
Virtually all of Terracon’s nearly 100 offices have construction materials laboratories. These laboratories have state-of-the-art equipment for testing soils, concrete, masonry, asphalt and aggregates. Each office follows strict quality assurance guidelines for equipment usage and calibration.
Soils
Laboratory tests are performed to define soil properties and identify those soils that do not conform to project specifications. For moisture content, strength and stability, the early identification of issues helps avoid future problems and allows for the correction of problems during construction. Tests include laboratory compaction characteristics of soil, plasticity index, gradation, organic content, classification, swell pressure unconfined compressive strength and corrosion index.
Concrete & Masonry
New criteria for concrete and masonry construction are evolving on a continual basis. We can design mixes for concrete, mortar and grout to satisfy the project specifications. Compression and flexural tests are typically performed on hardened concrete cylinders and beams, mortar and grout cubes, and block and brick units. Drying shrinkage of Portland cement concrete mixes, chloride ion content, rapid chloride ion permeability, freeze-thaw durability and efflorescence tests can also be performed, sometimes in conjunction with casting strength specimens.
Asphalt
Modern construction practices involving asphalt require consideration of such factors as durability, adaptability to fast track construction and proper performance under specialized applications. Asphalt concrete mixes can be designed using local materials that best fit roadway and airport needs. The optimum mix design is determined through Superpave,
Marshall or Hveem test methods, as well as laboratory testing of aggregate properties, extraction and gradation.
We are familiar with specifications from various agencies such as state and federal highway departments, ASTM, FAA, FHWA, AASHTO and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Many of Terracon’s staff and laboratories are inspected by CCRL and AMRL, and then certified by AASHTO and the respective state departments of transportation.
Aggregates
Aggregate quality is established and monitored by performing such laboratory tests as gradation analysis, specific gravity, absorption, soundness, freeze-thaw, abrasion, deleterious substances and acid solubility.
Contact Us today to learn more.
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