A "Concrete and Highway Laboratory" is outfitted to perform numerous tests on concrete and pavement-making materials. Additionally, it maintains the quality of pavement and construction materials. All of the equipment complies with Indian standards and quality requirements. Research-based equipment like the accelerated corrosion test, the Rapid chloride penetration test, the constant water bath, and the accelerated curing tank are installed in the lab. Additionally, we have field testing equipment’s including a Benkelman beam (to measure the deflection of the pavement), a core cutting machine, a rebound hammer, a rebar detector, and a corrosion predictor.
An accelerated curing tank is a specialized piece of equipment used in the construction industry to speed up the curing process of concrete specimens. This tank provides a controlled environment of high temperature and humidity, which promotes rapid hydration of the concrete and accelerates the strength gain. The accelerated curing tank is commonly used in quality control testing to determine the compressive strength of concrete, and it is an essential tool for ensuring the durability and reliability of concrete structures.
The Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT) tank is a specialized apparatus used to determine the permeability of concrete to chloride ions. This test is commonly used in the construction industry to assess the durability of concrete structures and to ensure they can withstand harsh environmental conditions. The RCPT tank works by subjecting concrete samples to a voltage gradient, which causes chloride ions to penetrate the concrete. The amount of chloride that passes through the concrete is measured and compared to industry standards to determine the durability of the concrete. This test is essential for ensuring the longevity and safety of concrete structures.
Accelerated corrosion penetration test is a commonly used method in concrete laboratories to evaluate the corrosion resistance of reinforced concrete structures. This test involves the application of a direct electrical current to the reinforcing steel, which accelerates the corrosion process. The rate of corrosion is then measured over a period of time, and the results are used to estimate the expected service life of the structure. This test provides valuable information for engineers and designers to make informed decisions regarding the design and maintenance of concrete structures.
The Constant Water Bath test is a common practice in concrete laboratories to determine the heat of hydration of cementitious materials. The test involves immersing a cylindrical concrete sample in a water bath that is maintained at a constant temperature. The temperature is usually set to 23°C, which represents the standard laboratory temperature. The temperature of the concrete sample is continuously monitored using thermocouples, and the data is used to calculate the heat of hydration of the concrete. This test helps to determine the potential for thermal cracking and the long-term durability of the concrete.
The Benkelman beam test is a commonly used method to measure the deflection of flexible pavements under a moving wheel load. The test involves placing a beam with a known stiffness on the pavement surface and applying a load to it using a truck or other heavy vehicle. The resulting deflection of the pavement surface is measured and used to calculate the pavement's structural capacity. The Benkelman beam test is a relatively simple and cost-effective way to assess the condition of flexible pavements and is widely used by transportation agencies and pavement engineers.
A core cutting machine is an essential tool in a concrete laboratory used for extracting cylindrical samples from hardened concrete structures for testing purposes. The machine has a motor-driven cutting wheel with diamond blades that rotate at high speeds to cut through the concrete. The samples extracted are then used for various tests such as compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity. Core cutting machines come in different sizes and capacities, and they are designed to provide accurate and reliable results. Proper maintenance and calibration of the machine are crucial to ensure accurate test results.
A rebound hammer is a device used in a concrete laboratory to assess the strength and consistency of concrete. It works by striking the surface of the concrete with a spring-loaded hammer and measuring the rebound of the hammer off the surface. This rebound is then used to calculate the surface hardness and, subsequently, the compressive strength of the concrete. The rebound hammer test is non-destructive and can be performed quickly, making it a popular method for quality control and testing in the construction industry.
A rebar corrosion detector is a device used in concrete laboratories to assess the corrosion resistance of reinforced steel in concrete structures. The detector works by measuring the electrical resistance of the steel reinforcement in the concrete, which can indicate the level of corrosion present. This information can be used to evaluate the condition of existing structures or to test the effectiveness of new corrosion-resistant materials. The rebar corrosion detector is an important tool for ensuring the safety and longevity of concrete structures, particularly in areas where corrosion is a significant concern.
