The What, Why & How of Construction Materials Testing
What is Construction Materials Testing?
As its name implies, Construction Materials Testing (CMT) involves testing or analyzing the structural materials used for the erection of a new project or renovation/rehabilitation of an existing project. CMT is imperative to both — durability of the structure and the safety of its beneficiaries.
CMT helps provide quality & performance assurance to the manufacturers of these products/materials. It also helps ensure compliance with regulatory standards & specifications concerning the development of various large-scale construction and significant infrastructure projects.
Why Construction Materials Testing?
Material Testing has solidified its place in the Construction & Infrastructure industry by offering efficient quality control & quality assurance for the products being used. Here is why CMT is essential & shouldn’t be disregarded:
● CMT ensures a strong foundation for any construction project. It carefully examines the construction materials for their physical & mechanical properties, thus estimating their stability & durability.
● Testing of construction materials for their specifications contributes significantly to a project’s design & engineering plan. A project is developed to be mindful of its future performance and life expectancy, which is primarily dependent on the quality of its construction materials.
● CMT certifies the products & materials for their quality & safety at the initial stages of construction. This timely & accurate analysis helps the project managers minimize delays and supports the on-time completion of construction projects.
● Materials that are not subjected to the examination may lead to severe & unexpected construction disasters. CMT helps prevent huge losses and defamation by providing early detection of any flaws or imperfections in the products being used.
● Partnering with certified CMT firms/professionals helps project managers meet industry-specific regulatory compliance & standard requirements.
How is CMT performed?
Construction Materials Testing services cater to a broad range of industries, including Real Estate, Highways, Airports, Metros & Railways and Water Resources, among many others. CMT generally involves a two-step approach — Field Testing Services & Laboratory Testing Services.
Field Testing
Field testing under CMT is performed at the site. Construction Materials like Soils, Steel, Concrete, Masonry, Timber, etc., are examined by qualified & certified CMT professionals, primarily through visual inspection and non-destructive testing methods. This testing approach focuses on determining the density, permeability, air & moisture content, temperatures, etc., of the analyzed materials.
Laboratory Testing
Construction Material samples are further subjected to laboratory testing when the field results are found to be inconclusive, exploratory or unsatisfactory.
These certified laboratories are equipped with advanced testing facilities and engage well-qualified & skilled professionals to perform controlled environment testing on various construction materials, including Soil, Asphalt, Masonry, etc.
CEG Test House And Research Centre Pvt. Ltd (CEGTH) is one of the country’s largest independent quality control testing facilities, offering state-of-the-art CMT services across multiple industries. Our laboratory is certified by authorized accreditation bodies and is equipped with best-in-class analytical instruments for conducting comprehensive physical and chemical tests on all types of materials used for construction.
