Selecting the Right Aggregates for Concrete

All categories of concrete are prone to shrink. Shrinkage potential of a concrete mixture is perhaps one of the most crucial topics to consider while executing a construction project. Concrete shrinkage results in loss in volume, which in turn may facilitate cracking. The feature of concrete may also result in developing curling or warping issue. These problems diminish the load-carrying capacity of a structure and even lead to the problem of joint stability such as spalling. These unwanted factors usher in a potential health and safety issue. In order to overcome all these potential hazards, it is crucial to understand concrete shrinkage.

Concrete aggregates experience a change of volume because of factors like loss of moisture or decrease in temperature. Similar to most substances on earth, concrete has the tendency to expand and contract with change of temperature. If the surface of a concrete slab is cooler than the bottom, the concrete structure contracts resulting the slab edges to curl upward. Likewise, if the surface is allowed to dry and the bottom is kept moist, then the concrete slab warps upward.

However, to avoid this discrepancy, cement aggregate concrete test proves to be helpful. As such, the necessity of using the right type and quality of aggregates in construction projects is paramount. The fine and coarse aggregates usually occupy 60 to 75 per cent of the concrete volume. Moreover, these ingredients strongly influence the concrete’s hardened properties. Fine aggregates usually consist of naturally found sand or crushed stone.

Some natural aggregate deposits also consist of gravel and sand that can be readily used in concrete after conducting a minimal processing. This variety of aggregate deposits is known as pit-run gravel. Natural gravel and sand is scoured from river or seabed. Chips of stone are produced by crushing quarry rock, boulders, cobbles or even large-size gravels. There is no second opinion about maintaining certain standards for aggregates. Apart from being clean, these must be hard and strong and should not contain any absorbed chemical. Moreover, these particles should contain adequate amount of clay or other fine material to facilitate hydration and bond of the cement paste.

Determining Various Physical Properties of Materials Now Easier

Understanding the elastic and inelastic behavior of a material is necessary for various reasons. Mechanical testing is a popular procedure to understand the elastic and inelastic properties of any material when force is applied to it. The test measures physical properties like elasticity, tensile strength, elongation, hardness, fracture toughness, impact resistance, stress rupture, and fatigue limit, etc.  The effort helps to denote whether a material is suitable for intended mechanical applications. Mechanical testing not only subscribes to the cause of intellect of the mind and is relevant across the academic world. But it is equally necessary for world of industry and commerce.

Steady progress of human technology is making the commercial world increasingly competitive. In this circumstance, the aspect of mechanical testing is gaining more and more prominence. There are many reputed and dependable mechanicaltesting services in Malaysia that are catering to an impressively long list of customers. These businesses provide prompt and quality service at affordable cost. In order to provide impeccable results these businesses depend on latest version of technology and spend lavishly on maintaining state-of-the-art laboratories.

Some of the sophisticated range of tools that is widely used in this sector include universal test machines, micro hardness testing, hardness testing machines, bend and fatigue machines. In addition to that a host of high-end application software is also used to ensure flawless testing procedures. The workforce across the sector includes highly trained and qualified professionals including scientists, engineers and expert technicians.

Any proficient agency that deals with building materialstest usually maintains an extensive network with an array of laboratories. This ensures apt delivery of customers’ requirements. The usual demands for mechanical testing include materials like steel, metals, timber and polymer, etc. Apart from providing testing services, the category of businesses provides certification and consultancy services as well. In this context it is relevant to mention about the RMC (Ready to Mix Concrete) certification course, which draws huge number of clients from various industrial sectors.