Testing for Mechanical Properties of Cementious Products

The test results should be compared to the design mix to see if the standards set for the design were met by the Contractor in the field. There are a variety of reasons why the mix may not meet the standards. If it is found through testing that the concrete does not meet the requirements specified by the structural engineer, steps will then be taken to remediate the "problem".

It is tested to make sure it meets the design specifications that are based on the expected maximum load + safety factor.

Ther are also some minimum standards in building codes, depending on the location and usage.

Where could i find listings for cementious coatings (Thin laminates)?

It depends where you live, and what you are using it for. However here are a few links that may help

http://www.nastt.org/quickfacts/CoatingsLinings.pdf

http://www.neverpaintagain.co.uk/article/Acceptance-criteria-for-cementious-exterior-wallcoatings-tradeinfo

http://www.centurygrp.com/precast_detail.asp?id=1

http://www.arcat.com/divs/sec/sec09962.shtml

http://www.dryvit.com/fileshare/doc/us/specification/ds174.pdf

http://www.reedfirstsource.com/m7/documents/099723_10001146_01_SD_21534.pdf

Besides these, you will want to check your local building code (usually found at your municipal office where you get building permits) since there may be additional requirements due to your local environment.

Thank you for the information. You have been very helpful.

Fyi, one of my civil engineering professors told us (uncured?) undergraduates that there was a multistory concrete building that failed to meet the strength requirements during a part of the construction process. One set of cylinders was found to come up short of the desired level 4 weeks after being poured, while the subsequent floors did meet the required specs. Thus, the building had a relatively week level at a location where it was deemed inappropriate to take it out and repour it all, even in small portions. Subsequently, the building was only allowed to be completed up to several floor levels lower than the intended design height. Needless to say, many people were upset over this unanticipated restriction, especially the investors... So, the building was completed on time, on budget, but below contracted height, due to underperforming concrete test cylinders. But that was years ago... There really should be contract specs to address this very issue, as a matter of course, and managers, superintendents, and building officials committed to enforcing them openly...

One needs to be sure the company doing the test cylinders,produce and maintain them properly. I am involved in a project ;concrete slab on grade, cmu masonry walls up to 24' high, vertical #5 re bar every 4", extending 2 courses below the floor and grouted, where some of the test cylinders for the mortar were placed in a pick-up incorrectly and allowed to roll around. Others were incorrectly left in the sun on the job site the day they were taken. It would be very costly ,if the mortar has to be replaced now !

Requirements for concrete are usually set forth in contract documents, but there are also minimum requirements that must be met and are set forth in the various codes, by ACI, ASTM, ICBO, States, and local building officials. Even if a contract document does not explicit quote every requorement, the contractor should be expected to meet all applicable regulations, requirements and standards of practice.

Requirements are certainly nice to have, but they are meaningless without responsible enforcement...

Well an unenforced requirement or standard is essentially a non-existant requirement. This is something i have seen frequently with the California RWQCB, they do not enforce requirements they consider minor and not worth the trouble of a lawsuit. So the deeper the violators pockets and the degree of litigious nature determines the level of enforcement, unless the violation makes a new paper. Then it gets balanced against the level of public awareness (the Modesto Bee is a nonstarter, but if the story make SF Chronicle, the governor hears about it someones head needs to roll). Two examples of this are the wastewater plant that Los Oso CA has been mandated to install for 30 years now because they are polluting Morro Bay without any punitive action taken by RWQCB, and the 15 or so year that Hilmar Cheese was violating their Waste Discharge Requirements without any punitive action from RWQCB. Before the Hilmar thing hit the news in SF, RWQCB prety much allowed agricultural interest to violate WDRs without punishment because they tend to be very litigious, and have money. After it hit the newpaper, RWQCB started cracking down on everyone severely because the governors office and Sacramento were watching. so now you need police to watch the police...

www.belzona.com

Look for the 4000 and 5000 Series.

They have factory trained engineers all around the world ready to help select the best solution and train you how these products are made to work successfuly.

Great mechanical and chemical resistance properties (they use them in every major industry around the world), and they have been around for 55+ years.

The design codes and standards are mainly established for safety and to declare the standard figure limits to which compared with the tested samples to judge the degree of soundness.

In cemented products, the most important test is the compressive strength, because it must designed to resist more compression and min. tensile.