Why is Construction Materials Testing Important?

When it comes to any major construction project, there is so much more to the process that meets the eye. These include the consideration of the hours required to complete the project, assessing the projects safety, and the consideration of specific materials used, ensuring that they are of a standard quality, in order for the project to withstand the testing of time.

What is Construction Materials Testing (CMT)?

Construction Materials Testing (CMT) is a form of quality control testing that occurs on the field and within a laboratory, that tests materials for compaction, strength and stability. This will then determine the viability of the materials and their suitability for a certain project.

Why is Construction Materials Testing Important?

Construction Materials Testing looks at the assessment of materials to save time and money in the long run.

At Coffey Testing, we take great pride in testing and delivering results to our clients, to help them make more informed decisions about the materials used.

With the testing and evaluation of materials in projects being such an integral piece of the puzzle, it can also affect the following factors:

• Quality Assurance: Project Managers are reassured that the materials they are using meet NATA specifications and requirements.
• Quality Control: This also heavily ties back into the overall quality and reliability of construction materials used.
• Safety Assurance: Ensuring that construction materials possess the required strength and durability is critical in preventing structural failures and WHS issues, such as accidents, injuries, and in some cases, loss of life. By conducted accurate and ethical construction materials testing, construction managers can have confidence in the safety of their projects.
• Compliance with Regulations: Coffey Testing is NATA accredited and regularly audited, meaning that we are compliant with Australian Standards across the country.
• Cost Savings: Materials testing leads to significant cost savings, as the structural integrity of the project is confirmed by the pre-construction testing of materials, preventing errors that could be costly.
• Efficiency and Performance: Material testing provides critical data for project managers and allows them to determine the best practice and solutions for the project’s longevity. Overall, projects that have had their materials testing in the pre-construction phase are proven to operate and perform more efficiently.

Types of Materials Testing

Construction Materials Testing can be conducted either on the field, or within a laboratory. Whilst on the field testing focuses more on non-destructive test methods, laboratory testing is placed in a controlled environment, meaning that they gather a deeper understanding of the materials’ physical and mechanical properties through a more intense, destructive method of testing.

Testing in the field processes can include:

• Soil density testing
• Various aggregate testing
• Concrete slump testing, and
• Asphalt testing methods.

Laboratory testing processes usually look at:

• Testing the strength and durability of soils to see if they will be able to uphold structures and pavements for major projects across Australia
• Material strength testing, as well as,
• Material resistance against compressive strength.

Benefits of Construction Materials Testing with Coffey Testing

Geotechnical conditions vary considerably and can have a big impact on the structural assets that we build on top of. From geotechnical engineers, quarries, concrete producers, residential developers to contractors and constructors, all can face a range of challenges – especially when it comes to existing material conditions and the suitability or otherwise of the materials being used in the construction of their products or projects.

With over 65 years of experience in the delivery of soil, concrete and aggregate testing, our technicians don’t only deliver a wealth of knowledge to our clients, but they also provide a high-quality customer service within the desired timeframe.

If you are looking for a construction materials testing organisation that you can TRUST, look no further than Coffey Testing. Get in touch with our sales team today, to find out how we can support you with your next project.