Laboratory · Cement
Cement is the reactive heart of concrete and mortar. A bag labelled 42.5 should deliver 42.5 MPa at 28 days, set within the declared time and stay sound. Our tests to BS EN 196 check exactly that.
All four tests are accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 (DPA certificate LT 069).
4accredited tests on this page
ISO/IEC 17025DPA certificate LT 069, valid to 07.06.2029
EN · ISO · ASTMcurrent editions of the referenced standards
In our laboratoryVrrin, Durrës–Tirana motorway, km 29
When you need these tests
- Verifying the strength class of a new supplier or import batch.
- Concrete plants checking incoming cement as part of production control.
- Investigating slow setting, low early strength or cracking.
Accredited tests and standards
Cement tests
| Test | What it tells you | Range | Standard | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compressive and flexural strength | Strength class of the cement (32.5, 42.5, 52.5) at 2, 7 and 28 days | flexural 0.5–15 MPa; compressive 1–88 MPa | BS EN 196-1:2016 | Laboratory |
| Standard consistence and setting time | Water for standard paste and initial/final setting time | consistence 0.1–35%; setting ≥ 45 min | BS EN 196-3:2016 | Laboratory |
| Fineness (specific surface) and density | Blaine fineness and density, which govern reactivity and strength gain | ≤ 5000 cm²/g; 3–3.5 g/cm³ | BS EN 196-6:2018; ASTM C204-23 | Laboratory |
| Soundness (expansion) | Le Chatelier expansion: detects unsound cement | ≤ 10 mm | BS EN 196-3:2016 | Laboratory |
Sampling and what to send us
- At least 5 kg per sample, in a sealed, airtight bag.
- Note the cement type, class and production or delivery date.
What your test report contains
- A unique report number, the accredited laboratory’s details and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation mark for accredited tests.
- Sample identification, sampling details and the condition of the sample on receipt.
- The standard and method used for every test, with any deviation stated.
- Results with units, and comparison with the specified limits when you give them to us.
- Signature of the authorised laboratory staff.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a cement strength test take?
Prisms are tested at the ages the class requires, typically 2 or 7 days for early strength and 28 days for the standard strength.
Related testing
Need these tests for your project?
Tell us the material, the quantity of samples and the specification you are working to. We’ll confirm the tests, the sampling and the price.