Concrete
On site, fresh concrete is sampled and checked on delivery: slump, air content, temperature and density, in accordance with CSA A23.2. Test cylinders are cast and then crushed in the laboratory to measure compressive strength.
Construction materials testing
Roads, foundations, buildings or civil works: our team tests the materials on your construction sites so that every component meets standards and lasts.
What is materials testing?
Materials testing verifies the compliance, quality and performance of the materials used in a construction project.
It relies on laboratory or on-site tests, which confirm that concrete, asphalt, soils or aggregates meet technical requirements and current standards.
It is an essential step for the safety, durability and regulatory compliance of any infrastructure.
Materials and tests
Each material has its own tests. The project specifications set which ones and how often.
Soils and fills
On site, layer by layer, the dry density of compacted fills and base layers is measured and expressed as a percentage of the maximum dry density obtained in the laboratory by the modified Proctor test: this is the degree of compaction.
Aggregates
Aggregates are sampled and analyzed, including by grain size analysis, to check that they meet the requirements of the specifications before and during placement.
Asphalt mixes
Asphalt production and placement methods are checked against established standards, for a durable pavement.
Our materials testing expertise
Proven field expertise and up-to-date equipment, on site and in the laboratory.
- Analysis of materials on construction sites and in the laboratory to ensure they comply with current standards
- Quality control throughout the work
- Sampling and analysis of soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt and other construction materials
- Supervision and follow-up of the work to ensure compliance with technical and environmental requirements
- Verification of the production methods for concrete, asphalt mixes and other materials against established standards
- Health and safety interventions, with a proactive presence on construction sites
For which projects?
From municipal works to private buildings, throughout Quebec. See our projects
- Roads, municipal streets and pavement structures
- Foundations and residential, commercial or industrial buildings
- Retaining walls and stabilization works
- Pipes, utility networks and civil works
How testing works
Schedule a site visit or get a quote for testing your materials.
- Before the work
The project specifications usually set out the tests to be performed and their frequency.
- During the work
Our technicians are on site at key stages: sampling, on-site testing, checking placement and compaction.
- In the laboratory
The samples are analyzed and the results compared with the project requirements.
- The reports
The results are recorded in reports and compared with the requirements of the specifications.
The benefits of materials testing with Groupe LAFI
- Quality assurance
- Materials tested and validated for the durability and performance of your structures.
- Compliance with standards
- Rigorous analyses to meet building codes and current regulations.
- Fewer risks
- Fewer errors and less need for costly rework, thanks to constant monitoring in the field.
- Informed decisions
- Reliable data to optimize construction methods and technical choices.
- Personalized support
- A team that listens, whatever the nature and scale of the project.
Frequently asked questions about materials testing
Why test concrete on site?
Concrete that is too fluid, has an inadequate air content or is poured in very cold weather can lose some of its strength or frost durability. Fresh concrete tests catch these deviations on delivery, and the test cylinders then confirm the strength achieved.
What is the Proctor test?
It is a laboratory test that determines the maximum dry density of a soil and its optimum water content. On site, the measured dry density is expressed as a percentage of this value, then compared with the requirement in the specifications.
Who decides which tests to perform?
The project specifications usually set out the tests and their frequency, according to the materials and the stages of construction.
How much does materials testing cost?
The price depends on the number of tests, the length of the project and the number of site visits. It is set by quote, based on the plans and specifications.