Concrete and Cement Laboratory - Physical Testing
The Concrete and Cement Laboratory / Physical Testing Section (UBC/AEF) is part of the Materials Department, in the Cementitious Materials Unit, and is one of LNEC’s first accredited laboratories.
This laboratory was set up in 1995, aimed to endorse the building construction sector, as well as to support the LNEC strategy for planned research, experimental development, and innovation in its domains of expertise.
Additional information can be found in this laboratory's flyer.
Activity areas
The activity developed by UBC/AEF involves physical and mechanical characterization of aggregates, cements, and concretes/mortars/grouts, and the like, and their assessment in the laboratory or on the construction site.
This activity encompasses laboratory characterization, issuance of technical reports, repair recommendations, and monitoring of quality control for concrete and its constituents, based on the execution of in-situ work, including sample collection, non-destructive testing, and inspections.
This activity supports the construction sector and promotes LNEC’s strategy for Research, Development, and Innovation.
Testing
UBC - AEF carries out more than 100 laboratorial tests, of which 31 are accredited by the Portuguese Institute for Accreditation (IPAC), and holds Certificate No. L0127. The tests performed include the following:
Concrete/mortar
- slump;
- compressive and flexural strengths;
- modulus of elasticity in compression;
- diffusion coefficient of chlorides;
- permeability to oxygen;
- carbonation resistance;
- testing cored specimens;
Aggregate
- density and water absorption;
Cement
- soundness;
- setting times;
- strength;
Cement and Fly ash
- density;
Fly ash
- soundness;
- fineness;
- activity index.
Other services
In addition to experimental evaluation, in support to the industry, owners, importers, etc., UBC - AEF develops activity in several other areas, for instance:
- concrete/mortars composition studies;
- consultancy services and support to the elaboration of framework agreement for new construction and rehabilitation;
- studies on quality control and evaluation of conformity of concrete during its in situ application, service life and during repair operations;
- deterioration of concrete by internal expansive reactions;
- estimation of durability and life cycle forecast of concrete;
- collaboration in research, development and innovation projects.