Looking to change use, increase loading, determine condition for maintenance or even demolition, your Structural Engineer will need to know what the building is made of in order to complete calculations. Accurate building material testing ensured by building surveyor are critical for project success.
Using state-of-the-art Proceq GPR Live and Hilti Ferroscan equipment, quickly determine the configuration of embedded reinforcement in structural elements. We have provided NDT scanning services to consulting engineers and their clients for many years
Using the latest hydrostatic diamond coring technology, quickly and cleanly determine the thickness and type of walls and slabs. Samples suitable for compressive strength testing, building material testing and/ or petrographic analysis.
Focussed breakouts and building material testing following scanning ensures maximum data retrieval with minimal impact on the structural concrete. Breakouts typically reinstated with fibre reinforced mortar achieving >30N at 28 days.
Accurate measurement and identification of iron/ steel and concrete sections is critical in determining residual load capacity.
Determine the material type, strength, density, other material property or presence of deleterious materials by on site building material testing and subsequent laboratory analysis in accordance with British Standards and best practice, in a safe, controlled manner.
Drilled samples collected into sealable bags via a collection tube. Carbonation and cover depth measured before reinstatement. Samples typically analysed for mix detail, chloride Ion concentration, alkali, pH and sulphate content.
small sample cut from metal section for chemical analysis to determine material type by XRF. Plate sample 150mm x 25mm cut from mid web (stress neutral zone) for tensile strength testing. In-situ testing using Equotip hardness test metres may prevent the need for sample cutting. Just a small part of the building material testing services offered by Excel
Timber analysis may require plug or strip samples from structural timbers to determine species. Reference to standard published tables is used to determine likely residual strength. we have completed building material testing and consulting services regarding the condition of timber roofs and structures for many satisfied clients
Pull-out, pull off, internal fracture, surface hardness, ultrasonic pulse velocity, radar, initial surface absorption, resistivity, half-cell potential, strain and thermography are all offered as part of a comprehensive suite of building material testing to determine the quality of structural materials (predominantly but not limited to concrete)
Complete site sampling safely to ensure compliance with current legislation. Laboratory analysis is used to confirm the presence of lead and other heavy metals which are usually missed by X-ray fluorescent isotope (XRF-i) test equipment.
Excel Building Surveying use Hydrajaws model 2000 and 2008 pull test equipment to impart loads from 0.1 to 145kN to fixings. We also complete testing of renders and surface coatings including tiles to test for compliance with relevant specifications.
Practical, pragmatic, experienced, knowledgeable, scientific inspection, testing and diagnosis of building defects and potential may reduce the need for building material testing
Landlord, tenant, estate agent or new acquisition. The status and cause of detrimental relative humidity moisture condition may be a critical factor in decision making. We have been consulting on damp issues and completing building material testing for many years for numerous satisfied blue chip clients.
Knowledge of typical defects within many building types is useful in focussing condition surveys to provide optimum data in minimal time to assist client decisions and to confirm the need for building material testing prior to potential purchase.
Efficiently determine the presence of cavity trays, wall-tie and lintel condition, timber joists, etc. Further opening-up may be required following the initial inspection.
Complete in-situ testing and material sampling to determine the extent of structural defects in accordance with CS TR68 including building material testing (concrete and steel) to enable consulting structural engineers to complete structural calculations regarding residual load capacity
Spatial and element dimensions, verticality, flatness, hardness, density, sound, fire proofing, opacity, strength, flexibility, vibration, load capacity, movement, fitness for purpose. All typical of building material testing requirements completed by Excel
Measurement of levels and surface regularity to check compliance with properties E & F for FM2, FM3 and FM4 floor classes are critical for the safe operation of plant and personnel. Excel Building Surveying have completed these level surveys for some of the most safety critical sites.
Load testing balcony handrail and infill panels to BS 6180 is critical for both new-build and refurbishments. Excel Building Surveying have undertaken numerous balcony load tests using bespoke test frames and movement recording equipment.
Slip resistance testing may be a critical factor for the safe use of floors. Excel Building Surveying use calibrated BRE pendulum test equipment to test floor and road surfaces for compliance with BS7976 in accordance with HSE GEIS2.
The above is not exhaustive. Please call 07850 494947 to discuss any of your surveying and testing needs