Wall Coverings Unit
The Wall Coverings Unit (URPa) is part of the Construction Behavior and Technology Unit (NCTC) within the Buildings Department of LNEC.
The creation of this Unit has resulted from the need to support studies about performance studies of wall covering materials and systems.
Additional information can be found in this laboratory's flyer.
URPa has the facilities and equipment capable of performing the most recent tests within its area of activity, along with highly skilled staff with more than 20 years of experience.
Activity areas
URPa carries out laboratory activities focused on the characterization and performance evaluation of the following types of materials and construction systems:
- Traditional mortars with aerial or hydraulic binders;
- Mortars incorporating Construction and Demolishing Waste and Industrial Waste in general;
- Pre-dosed gypsum plasters;
- Pre-dosed mineral-based coverings (cement-based or lime-based);
- Pre-mixed synthetic or hybrid binder coatings;
- Thermal insulation systems or mortars (e.g., ETICS, thermal insulating mortars);
- Discontinuous claddings (e.g., ceramic tiles);
- Other materials used in wall cladding and finishings (e.g., mortar reinforcement meshes);
Testing
URPa performs several tests on wall coverings, including the following:
- Characterization of powder products (e.g., bulk density, particle size distribution);
- Characterization of fresh mortars (e.g., bulk density, consistence by flow table method, determination of setting time, determination of the water / binder ratio, air content);
- Characterization and performance evaluation of hardened mortar and wall covering systems (e.g., dry bulk density, dynamic modulus of elasticity, ultrassonic tests, flexural strength, compressive strength, dimensional stability, porosity);
- Performance tests on mortars or covering systems after application (e.g., water vapour permeability, water permeability under pressure, water-absorption by capillary action, adhesive strength in dry and wet conditions, durometer, sclerometer, and humidimeter tests);
- Wear resistance tests (sphere shock, grid shock, punching, scratching, abrasion);
- Accelerated ageing tests.
Other services
In addition to the studies referred to above, which are usually associated with research under contract, and within NCTC’s framework, URPa also supports the sector activity in more comprehensive intervention domains, such as:
- Support for human resources development (Master's and PhD theses);
- Research studies for the development of construction materials and systems, and of assessment methods;
- Support to the construction industry activities, by performing tests of characterization, behaviour and performance of wall coverings (in situ, or on samples collected from construction sites, or simulated in the laboratory).
- Consultancy activities to the construction sector for the conservation and rehabilitation;
- Advisory and support to design;
- Studies for the issuing of European Technical Assessments (ETA), Approval Documents (DH), and Application Documents (DA).