Construction Laboratory
Services
Construction Laboratory Services
Contacts
Jarno Oravasaari, Laboratory Engineering
Tel. +358 50 3306914
E-mail: [email protected]
VTT Expert Services Ltd person certificates:
Structures humidity measurements VTT-C-7283-24-11
Structures thermal imaging H/lk 005/04
Structures air-sealing measurements VTT-C-7973-31-12
Marko Harjumäki, Project Engineering
Tel. +358 40 5710912
E-mail: [email protected]
VTT Expert Services Ltd person certificate:
Structures humidity measurement VTT-C-21267-24-15
Construction laboratory services offers building material testing to customers by
their need, in limits of testing apparatus.
Don’t hesitate to ask!
Our testing apparatuses:
Zwick/Roell 250 kN blocks bending arc, max measures of block that can be tested,
lenght 5m, width 1,6m and height: 0,9m.
Materfest FMT-MEC 225 kN pull, compression and bending machine.
ELE ADR-Auto 2000 kN concrete compression testing machine.
Amsler 25 000 kp pull, compression and bending machine.
Construction Laboratory Services
Location
Door I21
Address: Tampere University Of Applied Sciences
Construction Laboratory
Kuntokatu 3
FI33520 Tampere, Finland
Construction Laboratory Services
Concrete samples for condition researching
The measuring service carries out the samples and measures which are
related to the condition research of concrete facades and concrete balconies.
The condition of these concrete structures should be always cleared before
the measures.
Before taking samples, acquainted visit is made to the target and a research
plan is made. For the research plan the facade and structures cutting
drawings are needed. Next must be decide the number of the concrete
samples, number of the chloride samples, samples taken from the seams for
a PCB definition and lead definition and the taking of target samples for the
asbestos definition. If necessary, thin section analysis of concrete samples
can be ordered. The taking of samples usually takes place with diamond
drillings with the help of the mobile hoist. The mobile hoist is ordered from
outside company. In diamond drilling is used Ø 50 blade and with that is
obtained a sample for the definition of the tensile strength. The thickness of
the heat insulator is measured from the sampling spots from the sections of
the facade element. For the holes which are made by taking samples, will be
glued plastic plugs. In connection with the bores of samples the thickness of
concrete is measured to reinforcements from different locations.
Kuntokatu 3
33520 TAMPERE
Jarno Oravasaari, Laboratory Engineering,(Civil Eng.)
[email protected]
Tel. +358 50 330 6914
Construction Laboratory Services
The studies which are done in our laboratory to the drilled concrete samples
are:
Ocular evaluation, to which belongs measuring the carbonation of concrete,
pore size distribution, definition of maximum grain size and possible locations
of steels and their corrosion.
Definition of the tensile strength for examination of frost damage in
concrete.
Definition of the chloride content from the bore sample according to SFSEN 14629.
If necessary the thin section analysis, PCB-analysis, lead analysis and
asbestos analysis are ordered from other laboratories.
Kuntokatu 3
33520 TAMPERE
Jarno Oravasaari, Laboratory Engineering,(Civil Eng.)
[email protected]
Tel. +358 50 330 6914
Construction Laboratory Services
Structural humidity measurements
Structural humidity and temperatures can be investigated by ”drillhole”
sensors or programmable dataloggers, which are recorders for measurement
data. For results you get relative humidity rH%, temperature °C and absolute
humidity g/m³. With these methods you gain knowledge how concrete is
drying and its coatability.
Concrete floor
absolute humidity
1
20
19
18
17
16
[g/m3]15
14
13
12
11
10
3
5
14
12
16
1
2
3
4
19
25
Measurement
24
For “drillhole” sensors we need to drill 4 mm or 16 mm hole to the structure
for sensors. After stabilization time we can perform measurement in single
measure or in several time tracking measure. In connection of drying
moisture damage, measurements will ensure its effectiveness and time
needed for drying.
From wooden structure we can measure humidity with “spike meter”, when
results are often in weight percent. On request can structures humidity
determinate from sample piece in test tube method or weight and dry method.
VTT Expert Services person certificates for structural humidity measurement
No. VTT-C-7283-24-11 and VTT-C-21267-24-15.
Kuntokatu 3
33520 TAMPERE
Jarno Oravasaari, Laboratory Engineering,(Civil Eng.)
[email protected]
Tel. +358 50 330 6914
Construction Laboratory Services
Bond strength and paint film thickness measurement
Coatings main purpose is a good appearance, but often also to protect the
coated structure. By quality control test we can ensure the coatings wanted
features are reached, that are listed in specifications.
Bond strength tests are usually made to shotcrete, patch mortars, coatings
and other treatments that are made to surface of concrete. Standards for
bond strengths are defined in repair work specification.
Paint film thickness measurements are usually made to metal structures
corrosion and flameproof treatments. Standards for layer thickness are
notified in plan document.
Construction Laboratory Services of Tampere University of Applied Science
performs these bond strength and paint film thickness measurements.
Our services for testing are:
- Bond strength tests
- Patch mortars
- Floor coatings
- Film thickness measurements
- Anti-corrosive paints
- Flameproof pastes
Principle of Bond strength measurement
Kuntokatu 3
33520 TAMPERE
Jarno Oravasaari, Laboratory Engineering,(Civil Eng.)
[email protected]
Tel. +358 50 330 6914
Construction Laboratory Services
Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging is used when one wants to study factors which affect the
heat economy of real estates. The thermographic survey can be used as help
when studying the moisture damage of buildings, for example in connection
with the moisture measures. Furthermore, thermal imaging can be used as
help in HPAC as for example in locating of heating pipes and in electricity
looking for the circuits which have heated and the fuses.
Thermal imaging / (thermographic survey), in other words the infrared
imaging is based on the heat radiation sent by the parts. The heat radiation is
longer wavelength electromagnetic radiation than visible light. They are 3-5
micrometres of wavelengths which are used in the thermographic surveys
(SW, short wave) and 8-12 micrometres (LW, long wave).
In the thermographic surveys of real estates are investigated structures
possible heat leaks and cold spots (cold bridges). Thermal imaging will
succeed best during a cold season, during the heating season. The defective
compaction and the thermal insulators which have been shrunk and have
become wet are perceived in the location straight away.
Kuntokatu 3
33520 TAMPERE
Jarno Oravasaari, Laboratory Engineering,(Civil Eng.)
[email protected]
Tel. +358 50 330 6914
Construction Laboratory Services
16,5 °C
A R01
S P 01
6,7°C
Tunniste
L.kuva : maks
L.kuva : min
SP01
AR01 : maks
AR01 : min
Arvo
18,4°C
1,1°C
12,9°C
15,3°C
1,1°C
Example of the heat picture, connector of the water pipe on the exterior wall
of the kitchen in the apartment, minimum temperature 1,1 °C.
To subscriber we deliver a written report which is in accordance with the
person certificate of the VTT Expert Services. In our use is modern FLIR
E60bx heat camera which is equipped with versatile technical properties and
it’s resolution is 320 x 240,
VTT Expert Services person certificate for thermal imaging of buildings
H/lk 005/04.
Kuntokatu 3
33520 TAMPERE
Jarno Oravasaari, Laboratory Engineering,(Civil Eng.)
[email protected]
Tel. +358 50 330 6914
Rak
Construction Laboratory Services
Building air tightness measurement
Principle of building air pressure test:
In building air pressure test we make positive pressure or vacuum in the
building with air blower (50Pa pressure difference) and then measure the air
currents amount that goes through blower, which is as big as the air amount
that leaks out from building.
Method is described in EN 13829:2000 and ASTM E779-87 standards.
Pressure test equipment can be used on following purposes:
1.
Measuring the air tightness of buildings
2.
Finding the leaking spots of buildings housing
3.
Measuring the fire compartments
Before measuring, buildings chimney and air conditioning duct has to be
sealed. Then air only leaks from housing.
VTT Expert Services person certificate for building air tightness measurement
VTT-C-7973-31-12.
Kuntokatu 3
33520 TAMPERE
Jarno Oravasaari, Laboratory Engineering,(Civil Eng.)
[email protected]
Tel. +358 50 330 6914
Construction Laboratory Services
Ventilations measurements
Ventilators that are adjustmented right, has huge impact on homeliness.
Air amount that goes through ventilators can be measured with SwemaAir
300. Air amounts are possible to measure from vents for example by
differential pressure method by so called Pitot-pipe (dPf i.e. differential
Pressure Mode) or by SwemaFlow 125 measure funnel, which measures
amount and temperature from air that passes through it.
The draughtiness of room can be measured with condition sensor, which
measures airflows speed and temperature from room.
Results are compared to given values by different room types in instructions
RakMK D2 (Rakennusten sisäilmasto ja ilmanvaihtomääräykset) Buildings
indoor air and ventilation regulation.
Kuntokatu 3
33520 TAMPERE
Jarno Oravasaari, Laboratory Engineering,(Civil Eng.)
[email protected]
Tel. +358 50 330 6914
Construction Laboratory Services
Mold samples
Moisture damage is usually the reason for apartments mold problems, which
is caused by i.e. broken water pipe, structures failure at physical moisture,
lack of ventilation, water insulation’s poor condition, ground- and surface
waters that can get to the buildings structures. Continuous exposure to the
excessive air spore concentration in room can cause allergic and respiratory
symptoms.
Microbe sample is taken from structure, as a material, “tape” or “brush”
sample straight from the area which is suspected to be damaged. In addition
to investigated sample, reference sample from healthy structure area is
needed. In connection with the collecting of microbe samples, moisture
measurements or surveys are often made to determine the location and
extent of the damage.
When repairing mold damage in the building, the section which has been
damaged has to be always totally removed and even part from a healthy area
and has to be repaired with new materials.
Kuntokatu 3
33520 TAMPERE
Jarno Oravasaari, Laboratory Engineering,(Civil Eng.)
[email protected]
Tel. +358 50 330 6914
Construction Laboratory Services
The indoor sample will be taken in the winter when the ground will be covered
with snow because, then it is supposed that the microbes are totally from the
building. Also the limit values have been given for indoor samples that have
been taken in the winter time. When studying the spore content of indoor air,
so-called Andersen’s collector is used. 10 Minutes of indoor air are pumped
through the sieve series in which there are growing bases. There are growing
bases separately for molds and bacteria. Fungus-spore and bacterium
definitions are made for the samples in the external laboratory. The laboratory
to be used is agreed on with the subscriber. Usually three dominant species
are identified from the samples.
Species:
Penicillium, Aspergillus,
Acremonium, Aspergillus versicolor,
Cladosporium, Stachybotrys,
Chaetonium, hiivat etc.
Kuntokatu 3
33520 TAMPERE
Jarno Oravasaari, Laboratory Engineering,(Civil Eng.)
[email protected]
Tel. +358 50 330 6914
Construction Laboratory Services
Acoustic measurements
Working places and homes acoustic features are important for they usability,
cosiness and safeness. Acoustics that is appropriate for the intended,
structures sound proofing properties and the level of environmental noise are
the most significant things for the spaces.
Clarifying the properties with measuring is usually justified when planning on
repair work or monitoring required specification.
Regulations about structural sound proofing and noise abatement for new
construction production are in RakMK C1 (The national building code of
Finland). In C1 there is defined allowed levels for structures airborne sound
insulation R’w and steps impact sound L’n,w in decibel.
The decibel levels that affect the cosiness are measured with modern
NorSonic N-121 sound measurement device. Measurements are made
according to ISO 140-4:1998, ISO 140-7:1998, ISO 717-1:1996 and ISO
717-2:1996 standards.
Reverberation time can be measured separately from i.e. auditoriums,
concert halls, hallways, stairwells and swimming pools with the measuring
equipment.
Kuntokatu 3
33520 TAMPERE
Jarno Oravasaari, Laboratory Engineering,(Civil Eng.)
[email protected]
Tel. +358 50 330 6914
Construction Laboratory Services
: R'
90
: Reference curve acc. to ISO 717
dB
80
Apparent sound reduction R'

70
60
50
40
30
63
125
250
500
Frequency f
1000
2000
Hz 4000

In picture: structures airborne sound insulation level R’w with relation to
comparison diagram.
Sound levels caused by ambient noise i.e. traffic noise, can be measured if
needed. This sound level is most commonly reported as LA,max which is
maximum sound level (dB) and LA,eq which is equivalent continuous sound
level (dB).
Kuntokatu 3
33520 TAMPERE
Jarno Oravasaari, Laboratory Engineering,(Civil Eng.)
[email protected]
Tel. +358 50 330 6914
Construction Laboratory Services
Screening soil samples
Siev series (sizes 0,063 – 31,5 mm) are used to terminate soil types grading
curve. By soils graininess we can estimate rock materials suitability for its
purpose of use, rock material that is suitability for underdrain gravel can be
terminated by this method. Rock materials graininess that is used to make
concrete and so called ”sievs penetration value” gives valuable and essential
information for calculating proportions for the concrete mass.
Siev series that we use is approved in European aggregates for concrete EN
12620 and by all testing standards that links to it.
Evaluation of soils frosting. Soil types in area 1 are
frosting and in area 2,3, and 4 frost resistant.
Kuntokatu 3
33520 TAMPERE
Jarno Oravasaari, Laboratory Engineering,(Civil Eng.)
[email protected]
Tel. +358 50 330 6914
Physics laboratory
Radon survey at workplace
It’s every employers obligation to find out workplaces radon concentration, if there’s any
reason to suspect that radon’s maximum value is exceeded. In instructions ST 12.1 by
Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (Säteilyturvakeskus) (www.stuk.fi) is better details
about employers obligations to perform radon survey in workplace. In some cities, radon
survey is necessary in workplaces.
Workplace radon amounts are measured by using ”radon measure tub”, which is kept in
workplace for two months in heating season. “Radon measure tubes” can be ordered from
Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (Säteilyturvakeskus). After this we can find out
daily radon amounts by measuring equipment which is approved by Radiation and
Nuclear Safety Authority.
Measuring equipment that we use, are capable for measuring daily radon amounts that
was presented above. Measuring radon amounts takes at least seven days and results are
registered every hour. Measure value for radon in breathing air is 400 Bq·m³ (becquerell in
cubic metre) in workplace, where people are working on a regular basis.
Radon content (Bq/m3)
One example of radon content variation in air at one week
Time
Kuntokatu 3
33520 TAMPERE
Pasi Arvela, Laboratory Engineering
[email protected]
Tel. +358 50 372 7906