Water testing in the context of concrete manufacturing is a crucial quality control procedure within the construction industry. This process focuses on evaluating the properties and quality of water that will be used in mixing concrete. As water is a fundamental component in the production of concrete, the nature of the water used has a significant impact on the quality, strength, and durability of the final product.

The primary purpose of water testing for concrete is to ensure that the water meets required standards and does not contain impurities that could adversely affect the concrete’s properties or lead to detrimental chemical reactions. It involves the assessment of several characteristics, such as pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), chloride content, sulphate content, alkalis, and organic matter. These elements can greatly influence the workability, setting time, strength, and durability of the concrete.

There are several benefits of water testing for concrete. Firstly, it confirms the suitability of the water for use in concrete, thereby aiding the production of durable and high-performance concrete. Secondly, it assists in avoiding potential problems that could occur due to the use of impure or unsuitable water, such as reduced strength, delayed setting, and corrosive damage to the reinforcement. Lastly, it can lead to cost savings by reducing the likelihood of concrete failure or the need for costly repairs or reconstruction.

Water testing for concrete should ideally be carried out before its use in concrete production, and especially when a new source of water is being considered for use. Regular testing is also beneficial if the water source is subject to potential contamination or changes in quality.

Below is the list of the most common cement tests that we undertake for our clients. All our tests are undertaken in accordance with either the British Standard of ASTM:

 

  1. pH Test: Measures the acidity or alkalinity of the water.
  2. Total Dissolved Solids Test: Assesses the amount of dissolved substances in the water.
  3. Chloride Content Test: Determines the chloride ion concentration in the water, which can cause corrosion in reinforcement.
  4. Sulphate Content Test: Checks for sulphate ions in the water, which can lead to detrimental chemical reactions.
  5. Alkalis Test: Measures the concentrations of alkalis (sodium and potassium), which can contribute to alkali-silica reaction.
  6. Organic Matter Test: Detects the presence of organic impurities that could affect the setting time and strength of the concrete.
  7. Silt and Clay Content Test: Assesses the quantity of fine particles in the water, which could affect the workability and strength of the concrete.
  8. Hardness Test: Measures the concentration of calcium and magnesium salts, which can affect the setting time of concrete.
  9. Oil Content Test: Checks for the presence of oils that could impact the bonding in concrete.
  10. Permissible Limits Test: Compares the overall characteristics of the water against the permissible limits for mixing water in concrete.

Please contact us for further details