Laboratories

The Geotechnics and Pile Testing Laboratory team performs specialised testing in the field of road and railway geotechnics, prepares expert reports and technical opinions, and provides supervision over specialised engineering projects. Numerous innovative technical solutions for ground improvement and reinforcement using geotextile materials (geotextiles, geofabrics, foils, grids) and soil stabilisation with hydraulic binders have been applied in projects carried out with the participation of the Geotechnics Laboratory, resulting in significant cost reductions while maintaining the required technical and performance parameters.

The continuous improvement of testing methods enables the Geotechnics Laboratory to ensure the highest quality of services and research programmes. The highest form of recognition of its activities is third-party assessment by the Polish Centre for Accreditation through the granting of an accreditation certificate.

Ensuring the highest quality of the Geotechnics Laboratory’s activities is possible thanks to a professionally trained staff, possessing not only extensive experience in developing, implementing and auditing Quality Management Systems, but also holding the highest level of certification both nationally and internationally.

PILE TESTING:

• static load tests of piles subjected to compressive, tensile or horizontal forces,
• static load tests of piles using extensometric instrumentation to measure force distribution along the pile shaft,
• dynamic load tests of piles,
• integrity testing of pile shafts.

The Geotechnics and Pile Testing Laboratory team performs specialised testing in the field of road and railway geotechnics, prepares expert reports and technical opinions, and provides supervision over specialised engineering projects. Numerous innovative technical solutions for soil reinforcement and improvement using geotextile materials (geotextiles, geofabrics, foils, grids) as well as soil stabilisation with hydraulic binders have been applied in projects carried out with the participation of the Geotechnics Laboratory, resulting in significant cost reductions while maintaining the required technical and performance parameters.

The continuous improvement of testing methods enables the Geotechnics Laboratory to ensure the highest quality of services and research programmes. The highest form of validation of its activities is third-party assessment by the Polish Centre for Accreditation through the granting of an accreditation certificate.

Ensuring the highest quality of the Geotechnics Laboratory’s activities is possible thanks to a professionally trained staff, possessing not only extensive experience in the development, implementation and auditing of Quality Management Systems, but also holding the highest certifications both nationally and internationally.

PILE TESTING:

• static load tests of piles subjected to compressive, tensile or horizontal forces,
• static load tests of piles using extensometric instrumentation to measure force distribution along the pile shaft,
• dynamic load tests of piles,
• integrity testing of pile shafts.

Scope of Activities:

• acceptance testing of bridge structures under static and dynamic load tests,
• diagnostic testing of bridge structures under static and dynamic load tests,
• diagnostic testing of bridge structures under operational loads,
• internal metrological control of measuring equipment – calibration and verification,
• interlaboratory and intralaboratory comparative testing,
• development of testing methods and testing of bridge structures using innovative methods,
• field testing during the construction of bridge structures,
• continuous monitoring of bridge structure performance,
• diagnostic testing of non-bridge structures.

Scope of Activities:

• technical consultancy in the design, construction and technology of engineering structures, including their equipment,
• detailed inspections and examinations of engineering structures, expert reports and technical opinions, assessment of the technical condition of engineering structures,
• assessment of structural failures/damage together with comprehensive analysis of causes and repair methods,
• assessment of performance properties of construction products used in bridge construction within the process of issuing National and European Technical Assessments,
• preparation/technical consultancy and verification of all documentation within the process of design and execution of engineering structures, performance of author’s/scientific supervision,
• monitoring of structural condition and damage (design and on-site implementation),
• analyses and assessment of load-bearing capacity, analyses and verification of static and strength calculations,
• participation in national and international research and scientific programmes and projects in the field of bridge engineering,
• execution and evaluation of field and laboratory testing of structural materials, repair and concrete protection materials, insulation materials, and equipment of road engineering structures,
• supervision over the construction, replacement and installation of noise barrier elements,
• assessment and verification of technical issues related to equipment of engineering structures,
• specialised assessment and testing of construction products in the field of transport infrastructure construction,
• performance of works for contractors, manufacturers, government administration and local authorities,
• development of national road and railway guidelines, requirements and standards, including requirements related to structural and material issues in bridge engineering.

The testing laboratory designated with accreditation number AB 1025 conducts crash tests at the proving ground in Inowrocław.

The proving ground is located on an area of over 3 hectares and is equipped with:

• a 350 m long test track,
• a remote vehicle propulsion system for accelerating test vehicles,
• measurement and research infrastructure (internal fibre-optic network, power backup system, synchronisation system for remote triggering of measurement equipment),
• a facility for recording rapidly changing physical phenomena occurring during vehicle impact with tested objects,
• a system for recording overloads (accelerations/decelerations) acting on the driver during impact, including the use of an ATD (Anthropomorphic Test Device) in the form of a Hybrid III dummy,
• a facility for determining technical parameters of the test vehicle, i.e. curb weight, centre of mass position, geometric dimensions and cabin deformations,
• specialised laboratory and technical rooms.

The testing laboratory is equipped with measurement and testing devices necessary to conduct crash tests. It is subject to continuous supervision of verification and calibration, in accordance with the requirements arising from laboratory accreditation.

As part of its equipment, the laboratory has testing devices and measuring instruments at its disposal.

The Bridges and Drainage Devices Laboratory conducts testing and development work on drainage devices used for stormwater management and retention, as well as work in the field of strength and durability of concrete, materials for surface protection of engineering structures, and assessment of structural technical condition. The Bridges and Drainage Devices Laboratory holds a Testing Laboratory Accreditation Certificate issued by the Polish Centre for Accreditation.

Scope of Activities:

Testing of concrete and reinforced concrete prefabricated elements:
• strength testing of concrete and reinforced concrete prefabricated elements according to PN-EN 1917, PN-EN 1916, PN-EN 14844,
• watertightness testing of pipes, manholes, sealed connections, channels, etc. according to PN-EN ISO 13259, PN-EN 1277, PN-EN 1916, PN-EN 1917, PN-EN 1433,
• strength testing of drainage channels according to PN-EN 1433 and cable conduit systems,
• model testing of culverts, manholes, pipes and underground structures installed in a model embankment,
• strength testing of cable chambers according to industry standards,

Testing of plastic pipes, fittings and manholes:
• impact resistance testing of pipes, fittings and manhole components according to PN-EN ISO 3127, PN-EN 61386-1, PN-EN 61386-24, PN-EN 13263,
• model testing of culverts, manholes, pipes and underground structures installed in a model embankment,
• ring stiffness testing of thermoplastic pipes according to PN-EN ISO 9969 and creep ratio according to PN-EN ISO 9967,
• ring flexibility testing of thermoplastic pipes according to PN-EN ISO 13968,
• ring stiffness testing of thermosetting plastic pipes according to ISO 7685 and testing up to crack initiation and failure according to ISO 10466,
• ring stiffness testing of manhole shafts according to ISO 13268, PN-EN 14982,
• load resistance testing of manholes according to ISO 13266 and PN-EN 14802,
• flexibility and mechanical strength testing of sockets and welded fittings according to PN-EN ISO 13264,

Testing of concrete material properties:
• water absorption testing of concrete according to PN-EN 1917, PN-EN 1916, PN-EN 13369, PN-B-06250,
• frost resistance testing of concrete according to PN-B-06250, PN-B-06265, PN-EN 1338, PN-EN 1339, PN-EN 1340,
• abrasion resistance testing of concrete according to PN-EN 1338, PN-EN 1339,
• water permeability testing of concrete according to PN-B-06250 and depth of water penetration under pressure according to PN-EN 12390-8,
• compressive strength testing of concrete according to PN-EN 12390-3,

Testing of repair and filling mortars:
• flexural strength testing of paving slabs and kerbs according to PN-EN 1338 and PN-EN 1339,
• strength testing of manhole covers and gully tops according to PN-EN 124-1 to PN-EN 124-6, made of cast iron, steel, reinforced concrete, composite materials and plastics,
• testing of steps installed in manholes according to PN-EN 1917 and PN-EN 13101,
• flexural strength testing of pile foundations according to industry standards,
• strength testing of bolted sheet metal connections according to BD 12/01,

Testing of systems for concrete hydrophobisation and impregnation, protective coatings and waterproofing pavement systems:
• bulk density testing according to PN-EN 12190, PN-EN 1015-10, PB-B-04500,
• flexural strength testing according to PN-EN 1015-11, PN-EN 196-1, PN-B-04500,
• compressive strength testing according to PN-EN 1015-11, PN-EN 196-1, PN-B-04500, PN-EN 12190,
• shrinkage testing according to PN-EN 12617-4, PN-B-04500,
• capillary absorption testing according to PN-EN 13057,
• pull-off adhesion testing to concrete according to IBDiM Testing Procedure PB/TM-1/6 (PN-EN 1542:2000),
• frost resistance testing after 200 freeze–thaw cycles in water according to IBDiM Procedure PB/TM-1/12,
• pull-off adhesion testing to concrete after 200 freeze–thaw cycles in water according to IBDiM Testing Procedure PB/TM-1/6 (PN-EN 1542:2000),

Other testing of construction products and materials:
• pull-off adhesion testing to concrete according to IBDiM Testing Procedure PB/TM-1/6 (PN-EN 1542:2000),
• assessment of the condition of coated surfaces after 200 freeze–thaw cycles in water according to IBDiM Testing Procedure PB/TM-1/13,
• pull-off adhesion testing to concrete after 200 freeze–thaw cycles in water according to IBDiM Testing Procedure PB/TM-1/6 (PN-EN 1542:2000),
• capillary absorption testing according to PN-EN 1062-3,
• testing of water absorption reduction index according to IBDiM Testing Procedure PB-TM-X5,
• abrasion resistance testing according to PN-EN 1338, PN-EN 1339, PN-EN 1340, PN-EN 14157.

The Concrete and Aggregates Laboratory performs a wide range of tests related to the improvement or reinforcement of weak-bearing, frost-susceptible or doubtful natural subgrades, as well as the improvement of mechanically stabilised subbases or subbases stabilised with binders (e.g. obtained from industrial and post-production waste such as burnt coal shale, waste clinker, fly ash and desulphurisation ash). The Laboratory also prepares technical opinions mainly concerning the possibility of using specific materials in transport infrastructure construction and the interpretation of obtained test results.

An unquestionable success of the Laboratory is the intensive development of its research activity and, through National Technical Assessments, the introduction into use of aggregates made from slag and post-production waste for road construction. These include blast furnace slag, steelmaking slag, zinc slag, furnace slag, as well as aggregates from recycled concrete and masonry rubble and aggregates from crushed glass.

The Concrete and Aggregates Laboratory holds a Testing Laboratory Accreditation Certificate issued by the Polish Centre for Accreditation.

Scope of Activities:

• comprehensive testing of natural aggregates in accordance with PN and PN-EN standards for road construction (for mineral-asphalt mixtures, subbases and earthworks), bridge construction (concrete) and railway construction (railway ballast),
• testing of artificial and recycled aggregates as well as binders to assess their suitability for use in transport infrastructure construction,
• testing of plastic grids to assess their suitability for use in transport infrastructure construction,
• preparation of National Technical Assessments for artificial and recycled aggregates, binders and plastic grids,
• durability and strength testing of natural stone products (kerbs, slabs and paving stones),
• organisation of training courses for personnel (at various levels) from aggregate production plants,
• specialised testing including alkali reactivity of aggregates according to PN, ASTM and GDDKiA Testing Procedures, polishing resistance (PSV), abrasion resistance (AAV), and petrographic description.

The Corrosion and Chemistry Division operates a highly specialised corrosion and chemical laboratory where tests are carried out on mortars, adhesives, paints, varnishes and coatings designed to protect metals and reinforced concrete against corrosion. The laboratory holds accreditation from the Polish Centre for Accreditation (PCA) No. AB 1424.

At the request of our clients, we perform corrosion testing, including accelerated corrosion tests, testing of corrosion resistance of products, testing of coating resistance to environmental conditions, as well as tests required for issuing National Technical Assessments, PSE Technical Recommendations, or tests compliant with NORSOK requirements (Coating Procedure Test – CPT), PKP and others.

In addition to laboratory testing, we also perform field tests and provide coating inspection supervision services, technical consultancy in the design of anticorrosion protection systems, preparation of technical specifications, and quality assurance programmes (PZJ).

We solve complex corrosion problems through expert studies and technical opinions for both engineering structures and buildings, tanks, equipment, poles, chimneys, etc.

For more than 20 years we have been providing training in the proper design, supervision and execution of anticorrosion protection for steel and reinforced concrete structures.

Scope of Activities:

• technical consultancy in all corrosion-related issues and anticorrosion protection,
• preparation of designs and specifications for anticorrosion protection systems as well as quality assurance programmes, technical warranty conditions, recommendations and industry guidelines,
• preparation of expert reports (including court expert reports) and inspections of anticorrosion protection systems,
• provision of training services in the field of corrosion protection of steel and concrete,
• testing of properties of materials used for anticorrosion protection (identification of paints by infrared spectroscopy, density, viscosity, solids content, content of active components, phase separation, presence of foreign substances, consistency, sedimentation),
• laboratory testing of anticorrosion coatings (chemical and water resistance, water vapour and CO₂ permeability, water penetration, crack-bridging ability of coatings applied to concrete) using equipment such as a scanning microscope with EDS attachment, field microscope, metallographic microscope, spectrophotometer, variable temperature chamber, UV chamber and salt spray chamber,
• accelerated ageing testing of anticorrosion coatings in salt spray, UV, humidity and variable temperature chambers (including cyclic tests), as well as in a sulphur dioxide chamber; combined tests may be performed at the client’s request,
• assessment of steel and concrete surfaces before coating application (determination of steel preparation grade, cleanliness level, ionic contamination level, dust contamination level, grease contamination level, surface roughness profile, chloride content in concrete, carbonation degree of concrete and moisture level of concrete),
• assessment of anticorrosion coatings after application to structural elements (workmanship class, thickness, adhesion, tightness, gloss, colour, hardness),
• testing of coatings on structural elements (gloss of painted coatings, colour, degree of rusting, thickness, adhesion, blistering, cracking, flaking, presence of ionic contamination, chemical composition and morphology of samples using a scanning microscope with EDS attachment).

Scope of Activities:

• strength testing of elements and structures at full scale,
• strength testing of tension elements,
• strength testing of bridge bearings,
• testing of bridge expansion joints,
• testing of materials and products under static and dynamic loads,
• within the available resources, it is possible to configure customised test setups for individual applications according to the client’s specifications.

Details of Activities

A testing stand with a capacity of 4,000 kN enables testing of elements up to 36 m in length and 4 m in width.

A testing stand with a capacity of 10,000 kN enables testing of tension elements with lengths from 5 m to 6 m. It is used for testing prestressing cables and bars, various types of stay cables, as well as anchor systems, micropiles and soil nails used in geotechnics.

A testing stand with a capacity of 6,000 kN enables testing of compressive load capacity, rotational moment and resistance of bridge bearings, as well as other elements requiring the application of high compressive forces.

Possible load range for static and dynamic tests up to 200 kN.

Strength testing with static load ranges up to 2,000 kN in compression and up to 1,000 kN in tension, and up to 600 kN for dynamic loads.