MATERIALS TESTING SERVICES
Aggregates
MTS offer an extensive range of physical, mechanical and chemical testing for all aggregates types.
The scope of our testing compliments requirements from the European aggregate product specifications and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII publications.
Our laboratory-based testing facility is located in Carlow; fully accredited by INAB to IS EN 17025, Testing and Calibration Laboratories.
The use of aggregates in construction plays a fundamental role in providing strength and stability to various structures, including roads, buildings, and infrastructure. In Ireland, the utilization of general fill aggregates is regulated and guided by industry standards and specifications such as SR 21, IS EN 13242, and the guidelines set forth by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). These standards and regulations ensure the quality, performance, and sustainability of aggregates used in construction projects, contributing to the safety and longevity of built environments.
IS EN 13242, the European Standard for Aggregates for Unbound and Hydraulically Bound Materials provides comprehensive guidelines for the selection, testing, and use of aggregates in various construction applications, including road construction, concrete production, and drainage systems.
Compliance with IS EN 13242 ensures that aggregates meet the required technical specifications, environmental standards, and performance criteria, enhancing the quality and sustainability of construction materials used in Ireland. SR 21, a Standard Recommendation, provides guidance on the use and implementation of the IS EN 13242 standards. It is a critical document detailing the requirements for unbound and hydraulically bound aggregates used in construction and particularly as build up to concrete works
The guidelines established by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) play a crucial role in shaping the use of aggregates in the development and maintenance of transport infrastructure, including roads and bridges.
TII sets out specific requirements for aggregates used in road construction, emphasizing factors such as particle shape, strength, chemical properties, and performance characteristics. These requirements are designed to ensure that the aggregates contribute to the durability, safety, and smooth operation of the transport infrastructure in Ireland.
Aggregates are also used as fill materials for the manufacturing of concrete and asphalt products. There are several other standards and regulations for the use of aggregates in Ireland and these reflect the country’s commitment to promoting sustainable construction practices and ensuring the safety and reliability of built environments.
SR 16 complements IS EN 12620 – Aggregates for Concrete.
SR 17 complements IS EN 13043 – Aggregates for Bituminous Mixtures and surface Treatments for Roads, Airfields, and other Trafficked Areas
SR 18 complements IS EN 13139 – Aggregates for mortar.
Aggregates offer a wide range of properties that enhance the performance of concrete, mortar, and asphalt products.
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In concrete, aggregate provides strength, stability, and bulk, enhancing the overall performance and durability of the mixture.
- In asphalt, it contributes to the structural integrity and skid resistance of road surfaces.
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In mortar a well graded sand can helps to fill voids and create a more cohesive mortar mix, leading to improved workability and a better bond with the substrate.
The use of aggregate in these applications underscores its significance as a fundamental component in construction and infrastructure development.
MTS LTD provide aggregate testing services for all the standards and Standard Recommendations listed, covering physical, chemical, and geometrical requirements.
|
Test Description |
Abbreviation |
Testing standard
|
|
Resistance To Fragmentation |
LAA |
IS EN 1097-2 |
|
Micro Deval co-efficient |
MD |
IS EN 1097-1 |
|
Determination of Water Content |
WC |
IS EN 1097-5 |
|
Determination of Particle Density & Water Absorption |
PDWA |
IS EN 1097-6 |
|
Determination of Polished Sonte Value |
PSV |
IS EN 1097-8 |
|
Magnesium Sulfate Soundness |
MSS |
IS EN 1367-2 |
|
Optimum Moisture Content |
OMC |
IS EN 13286-6 |
|
Determination of Particle Size Distribution |
PSD |
IS EN 12697-2 + A1 |
|
Determination of Flakiness Index |
FI |
IS EN 933 |
|
Determination of % of crushed & broken surfaces |
|
IS EN 933-5 |
|
Methylene Blue |
MB |
SI EN 933-9 + A1 |
|
Determination of Maximum Density |
|
IS EN 13697-5 |
|
Determination of Skid/Slip Resistance |
|
IS EN 13036-4 IS EN 14231
|
|
Determination of Liquid Limit, Plastic Limits |
LL |
BS 1377 Part Clause 4.3 & 4.4 IS EN 17892+A1 |
|
Determination o CBR |
CBR |
BS 1377 |
MTS also work with close partners to ensure the full testing scope of the outlined standards are facilitated for.
|
Test Description |
Abbreviation |
Testing standard
|
|
Acid & Water-Soluble Sulfates |
ASS & WSS |
EN 1744-1 |
|
Total Sulphur |
TSS |
EN 1744-1 |
|
Dangerous substances |
|
|
|
Release of heavy metals |
|
|
|
Constituents which alter the rate of setting and hardening of hydraulically bound mixtures |
|
EN 1744-1 |
|
Petrographic Examinations |
Petro |
|
FPC IS EN 13242
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Particle Size Distribution
- Flakiness Index
- Shape Index
-
Percentage Crushed and Broken Surfaces
-
Methylene Blue
- Resistance of fragmentation – LA Abrasion
- Resistance to Wear – Micro-Deval
-
Particle Density & Water Absorption
-
Acid Soluble Sulphates
-
Total Soluble Sulphates
-
Magnesium Sulfate Soundness
FPC – IS EN 12620
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Particle Size Distribution
-
Shell Content
-
Flakiness Index
- Resistance to fragmentation – LA Abrasion
- Resistance to Wear – Micro-Deval
- Resistance to polishing
- Resistance to Surface Abrasion
- Magnesium Sulfate Soundness
- Volume Stability – drying shrinkage
- Particle Density & Water Absorption
- Water Soluble Chlorides
- Acid Soluble Sulphates
- Water Soluble Sulphates
- Total Soluble Sulphates
FPC – IS EN 13139
- Aggregate Crushing Value
- Particle Size Distribution
- Particle Density & Water Absorption
- Methylene Blue
- Liquid Limit
- Magnesium Sulfate Soundness
- Water Soluble Chlorides
- Acid Soluble Sulphates
- Water Soluble Sulphates
- Total Soluble Sulphates
- Humas
- Flulvo Acids
- Volume Stability – drying shrinkage
Destructive Weld Testing
Water Sampling
19 Kernanstown Ind. Estate
Carlow
R93 PY67
Ireland
+353 59 913 0044
info@mtsltd.ie