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Applied Metrology Laboratory


The Applied Metrology Laboratory (UMA) LNEC-EM is integrated in the Metrological Quality Unit NQM) of the Scientific Instrumentation Centre of LNEC.

The need to establish, in LNEC, a metrology infrastructure able to provide support to the laboratory activity developed on campus – particularly suited to LNEC accredited testing laboratories requirements – led to the creation of UMA in 1992.
This Laboratory (then called LCAM) was LNEC’s first body to be accredited by the Portuguese Institute for Quality, IPQ, in 1995.

This laboratory performs accredited metrological tests and calibrations, holding Certificates No. M0025 and No. L0257.

Additional information can be found at this laboratory's flyer.

Field of expertise

The activity of UMA is developed in three distinct areas:

  • Metrological traceability of measurement systems, equipment and standards;
  • Metrological characterization of measuring systems, equipment and standards;
  • Support to R&D& I activities within Applied Metrology field.

The metrological traceability aims to establish traceable calibration chains to international standards of the International System (SI) Metrological characterization consists of the study, analysis and evaluation of characteristics that determine the quality and performance of measurement systems and equipment. The activity in support to R&D&I developed at UMA consists of experimental activities of a metrological nature, associated with the planned research projects within Civil Engineering and Applied and Fundamental Metrology.

Calibration & Testing

As part of its accreditation activity UMA performs calibration and metrological testing of measurement systems, equipment and standards, particularly in the following fields:

Dimensional and geometrical quantities:

  • micrometres;
  • dial gauges;
  • displacement transducers;
  • sieves, callipers;
  • metallic moulds;
  • extensometers;
  • scales;
  • tape measures and geometry components.

Quantities of mass, force and pressure:

  • weighing instruments;
  • weights;
  • force testing machines;
  • force transducers;
  • dynamometers and dynamometer rings;
  • pressure gauges; and
  • transducers.

Quantities of temperature and humidity:

  • liquid-in-glass thermometers;
  • digital thermometers;
  • platinum resistance thermometers;
  • thermocouples;
  • thermistors;
  • stoves;
  • climatic chambers;
  • ovens and muffles;
  • thermoanemometers;
  • thermo-hygrometers and thermo-hygrographs.

Combined quantities:

  • Charpy impact tests machines;
  • Skid testers;
  • ultrasonic flow meters.

Other Services

In addition to calibration and metrological testing, the Applied Metrology Laboratory also provides other services that stand out for their complexity and innovation, in particular studies aiming the characterization of measuring systems and equipment used in Civil Engineering. The metrological infrastructure UMA provides support to R&D&I activities related with Civil Engineering, such as:

  • Research studies for the development of new standards, new measurement methods, as well as mathematical and computer models of measurement systems;
  • Cooperation in multidisciplinary teams, aiming to designing and developing new equipment and new methods of measurement;
  • Expert advice to research projects;
  • Support to construction sector activities, in particular, the metrological characterization of components and experimental setups.