Building Material Testing

Design Mix
Design mix test helps in determining the suitable ingredients of concrete and determining their relative amounts with the objective of producing a concrete of the required, strength, durability, and workability as economically as possible, is termed as concrete mix design. It involves studying properties of Aggregate, Cement, water & Admixture (if any) in use to determine the proper concrete mix.
Test Method : IS:10262

Chloride Content
Measuring the calcium chloride content of concrete is used to determine how dry the concrete is. This test is useful to tell if the concrete is ready for projects such as installing flooring on top of the concrete slab. Though some conditions can alter the results, such as the season of the year, the porosity of the concrete, or the mixture of the concrete, a calcium chloride test usually provides a good determination of the usability of concrete.
Test Method : IS:6925-1973

Chloride Permeability
The chloride permeability of normal weight concrete subjected to static and repeated compressive loading was evaluated by using this test method. The test results indicated that the chloride permeability of concrete subjected to static and repeated loading increased at an increasing rate with its residual strain. This test covers the determination of the electrical conductance of concrete to provide a rapid indication of its resistance to the penetration of chloride ions.

Test Method : AASHTO T277

Chloride Ponding
Chloride Ponding test helps in determining the depth to which chloride ions can ingress into concrete over a period of time in standard conditions. It can be used to assess a concrete for its resistance to chloride attack and thus protection of the reinforcement from corrosion.
Test Method

Cube Compressive Strength
The cube test is the test most commonly used for determining concrete strength. The value of compressive strength can then be used to assess whether the batch that the concrete cube represents meets the required compressive strength. A cube of concrete in cast is cured for the appropriate time and is then compressed between two parallel faces. The stress at failure is taken to be the compressive strength of the concrete.
Test Method : IS:456, IS:15658-2006, IS:516-1959

Ultrasonic Survey
Ultrasonic concrete testing is based on the pulse velocity method to provide information on the uniformity of concrete, cavities, cracks and defects. The pulse velocity in a material depends on its density and its elastic properties which in turn are related to the quality and the compressive strength of the concrete. It is therefore possible to obtain information about the properties of components by sonic investigations.
Test Method : IS 13311 (Part 1)

Depth of Carbonation
Carbon dioxide penetrates in the concrete pores. This penetration is more fast when concrete is more porous. It can then react with cement and form carbonates. This reaction decreases the concrete Ph. So, carbonation starts on concrete surface, and concerns some thickness (called carbonation depth) of this material.Carbonation is a particularly important form of deterioration. Enough carbonation gives concrete the immediate positive effects of increased; compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, surface hardness, resistance to frost, sulphate attack, internal stresses and the ultimate reduction of the structure's capacity.
Test Method

Drying Shrinkage/ wetting Expansion
A common saying is that there are two guarantees with concrete. One, it will get hard and two, it will not crack. Cracking is a frequent cause of complaints in the concrete industry. Cracking can be the result of one or a combination of factors such as drying shrinkage, thermal contraction, restraint (external or internal) to shortening, subgrade settlement, and applied loads. Values of drying shrinkage and wetting expansion of concrete are often useful to measure at the time of mix design trials to ensure the concrete will exhibit values that are within normal ranges for concrete.
Test Method : IS:1199-1959

Flexural Strength
Flexural strength is the ability of a beam or slab to resist failure in bending. It is measured by loading un-reinforced 6x6 inch concrete beams with a span three times the depth (usually 18 in.). The flexural strength is expressed as “Modulus of Rupture” (MR) in psi. Flexural MR is about 12 to 20 percent of compressive strength. However, the best correlation for specific materials is obtained by laboratory tests.
Test Method : IS:516-1959, ASTMC 494-2010

Porosity
Concrete durability is related to porosity, which determines the intensity of interactions of the material with aggressive agents. The pores and capillaries inside the structure facilitate the destructive processes that generally begin in the surface. Generally, concrete of a low porosity will afford better protection to reinforcement within it than concrete of high porosity. Porosity can be measured by vacuum saturation of a concrete specimen, measuring its weight gain and expressing this as a percentage of the mass of the sample.
Test Method

Sulphate Content
Measuring the Sulphate content of concrete is used to check that the Sulphate levels are low enough to avoid any later problems with deterioration of the concrete. This test can be used at concrete mix design stage to ensure low sulphate levels have been achieved, or on older concrete structures to measure the level of ingress of Sulphate. The test can be conducted in a variety of chemical means.
Test Method : BS:812(P-118)

Water Absorption
Water Absorption test helps in determining the rate of absorption of water by cement concrete by measuring the increase in the mass of a specimen resulting from absorption of water as a function of time when only one surface of the specimen is exposed to water. The exposed surface of the specimen is immersed in water and water ingress of unsaturated concrete dominated by capillary suction during initial contact with water.
Test Method : ASTM C 1084


Water penetration used to measure the surface hardness and hence the strength of the surface and near surface layers of the concrete. Water penetration causes the concrete reinforcement to rust and expand which in turn creates stresses on the surrounding concrete which can then spall (break away).
Test Method : ASTM C 1084

Pile Integrity Test (PIT)
Pile Integrity Test is done to measure Pile length, depth to anomalies, Pile head stiffness, Pile shaft mobility – which is dependent on pile section and concrete properties.
Test Method

Ad Mixture
Concrete Admixture is a chloride free, high range water-reducing admixture. It disperses the fine particles in the concrete, enabling water content in the concrete to perform more effectively and improving the consistency of the concrete.
Test Method : IS:9103 / 1999

Chemical Analysis
Chemical analysis of hardened concrete can provide a wealth of information about the mix constituents and possible causes of deterioration. Standard methods can be used to find the cement content and original water/cement ratio, but many other properties can also be established; Cement Content and Aggregate Cement Ratio, Cement Content and Pulverised fuel ash/fly ash (pfa) content, Cement Content and Slag content, Water/Cement Ratio, Aggregate Grading, Determination of the presence of High-Alumina Cement (HAC)
Test Method : IS:4032-1985

Compressive Strength
The most common strength test, compressive strength, is carried out on a 50 mm (2-inch) cement mortar test specimen. The test specimen is subjected to a compressive load (usually from a hydraulic machine) until failure.
Test Method : IS:4031 (P-6) 1988

Fineness
The fineness of cement has an important bearing on the rate of hydration and hence on the rate of gain of strength and also on the rate of evolution of heat. Greater fineness increases the surface available for hydration, causing greater early strength and more rapid generation of heat. Cement fineness play a major role in controlling concrete properties. Fineness of cement affects the place ability, workability, and water content of a concrete mixture much like the amount of cement used in concrete does.
Test Method : IS:4031 (P-2)1990

Heat of Hydration
When cement is mixed with water, heat is liberated. This heat is called the heat of hydration, the result of the exothermic chemical reaction between cement and water. The heat generated by the cement’s hydration raises the temperature of concrete.
Test Method : 4031 (P-9) 1988

Loss On Ignition
The loss on ignition is reported as part of an elemental or oxide analysis of a mineral. The volatile materials lost usually consist of "combined water" (hydrates and labile hydroxy-compounds) and carbon dioxide from carbonates. It may be used as a quality test, commonly carried out for minerals such as iron ore. For example, the loss on ignition of a fly ash consists of contaminant unburnt fuel.
Test Method : IS:4032-1985

Setting Time
Initial setting time is the time that elapsed from the instance of adding water until the paste ceases to behave as fluid or plastic. Whereas final setting time referred to the required for the cement paste to reach certain state of hardness to sustain some load.
Test Method : IS:4031 (P-5) 1996

Soundness
Soundness refers to the ability of a hardened cement paste to retain its volume after setting. Lack of soundness is observed in the cement samples containing excessive amount of hard burnt free lime or magnesia.
Test Method : IS:4031 (P-3) 1990

10% Fine Value
This test is not is not too dissimilar from the test to determine the aggregate crushing value. But instead of using a standard force of 400kn., the force at which 10% of fines is produced is noted as the Ten Percent Fines Value.This usually requires a number of tests and a graph to establish the exact figure. This test tends to be used for softer aggregate where a force of 400kn. would crush most or all of the aggregate.
Test Method : IS:2386 (P-4)1963.

Alkali Aggregate Reactivity
Alkali-aggregate reaction is a term mainly referring to a reaction which occurs over time in concrete between the highly alkaline cement paste and non-crystalline silicon dioxide, which is found in many common aggregates. This reaction can cause expansion of the altered aggregate, leading to spalling and loss of strength of the concrete.
Test Method : IS:2386 (P-7) 1963

Chloride Content
The total chloride content of aggregate is usually measured to assess whether the aggregate's contribution to the total chloride content of a concrete mix will be low enough to prevent the early onset of corrosion of any embedded steel reinforcement.
Test Method : IS:4032-1985

Clay Lumps and friable Particles
This test helps in determining the percentage of clay lumps and friable particles in aggregate. Clay lumps in aggregate shall be defined as any particles or aggregation of particles which when thoroughly wet can be distorted when squeezed between the thumb and forefinger, or will disintegrate into individual grain sizes when immersed for a short period in water. Friable particles are defined as particles which vary from the basic aggregate particles in that they may either readily disintegrate under normal handling and mixing pressures imposed upon them by construction procedures, or break down after being incorporated into the work.
Test Method : IS:2386 (P-2) 1963

Clay Slit and Dust passing/ Sieve
This test helps in determining the particle size distribution of a granular material. The size distribution is often of critical importance to the way the material performs in use. A sieve analysis can be performed on any type of non-organic or organic granular materials including sands, crushed rock, clays, granite, feldspars, coal and soil, a wide range of manufactured powders, grain and seeds, down to a minimum size depending on the exact method. Being such a simple technique of particle sizing, it is probably the most common.
Test Method : IS:2386 (P-2) 1963

Compaction Fraction
This test helps in determining the compaction percentage of an aggregate when loose compared to the same aggregate compacted in a standard manner. It is useful in assessing an aggregate’s when placed loosely, for example, as a pipe surround material. Aggregate suitable for use as pipe bedding would display a low compaction fraction, indicating it reaches a state of near full compaction under loose placement.
Test Method

Crushing Value
The aggregate crushing value is a value which indicates the ability of an aggregate to resist crushing. The lower the figure the stronger the aggregate, i.e. the greater its ability to resist crushing. The Aggregate Crushing Value offers a related measure of the resistance of an average to crushing under a compressive load that is gradually applied.
Test Method : IS:9376-1979, IS: 2386 (P-4)1963

Drying Shrinkage
Drying shrinkage is defined as the contracting of a hardened concrete mixture due to the loss of capillary water. This shrinkage causes an increase in tensile stress, which may lead to cracking, internal warping, and external deflection, before the concrete is subjected to any kind of loading.
Test Method

Flakiness and Elongation Index
Flakey is the term applied to aggregate or chippings that are flat and thin with respect to their length or width, Aggregate particles are said to be flakey when their thickness is less than 0.6 of their mean size. The flakiness index is found by expressing the weight of the flakey aggregate as a percentage of the aggregate tested.
Test Method : IS:2386 (P-1) 1963

Impact Value
The aggregate impact value is a strength value of an aggregate that is determined by performing the Aggregate Impact Test on a sample of the aggregate in question.
Test Method: IS:2386 (P-4) 1963, ASTMC 131-2006

Lightweight Pieces
This test helps in determining the approximate percentage of lightweight pieces in aggregate by means of sink-float separation in a heavy liquid of suitable specific gravity. This method may be used in identifying pourous aggregate particles in research activities or in petrographic analysis.
Test Method

Los Angle Abrasion
The Los Angeles (L.A.) abrasion test (Figure 1) is a common test method used to indicate aggregate toughness and abrasion characteristics. Aggregate abrasion characteristics are important because the constituent aggregate in HMA must resist crushing, degradation and disintegration in order to produce a high quality HMA.
Test Method : IS:2386 (P-4) 1963

Organic Impurities Effect on Mortar Strength
This test helps in determining the rapid assessment of organic impurities by indicates their presence. Comparison is made between compressive strengths of mortar made with washed and unwashed fine aggregate.
Test Method : ASTM C40

Organic Impurities
This test helps in determining the presence of organic compounds in fine aggregates to for use in cement mortar or concrete. The test provides a quick, relative measure to determine if further tests of the fine aggregate are necessary before approval for use.
Test Method: IS: 2386 (P-2)1963

Particle Size Distribution
This test helps in determining the percentile quantity of particles of known diameter within a sample. The specimen can be either passed through a set of standard sieves in its natural state, or if a significant amount of binding material is present, such as clay, then the sample can first be washed over a small aperture sieve to remove the binding material.
Test Method: IS: 2386 (P-1) 1963, ASTM C136-2006, IS: 383-1970

Sand Equivalent Value
The sand equivalent test is a rapid field test to show the relative proportions of fine dust or clay-like materials in fine aggregate (or granular soils). The term "sand equivalent" expresses the concept that most fine aggregates are mixtures of desirable coarse particles (e.g., sand) and generally undesirable clay or plastic fines and dust (ASTM, 2003).These materials can coat aggregate particles and prevent proper asphalt binder-aggregate bonding.
Test Method: MORTM, IS: 2720 (Pt-37)1976, ASTM D 2419-2009

Soundness
The soundness test determines an aggregate’s resistance to disintegration by weathering and, in particular, freeze-thaw cycles. Aggregates that are durable (resistant to weathering) are less likely to degrade in the field and cause premature HMA pavement distress and potentially, failure.
Test Method: IS: 2386 (P-5)1963

Specific gravity and water absorption
The specific gravity of an aggregate is considered to be a measure of strength or quality of the material. The specific gravity test helps in the identification of stone. Water absorption gives an idea of strength of aggregate. Aggregates having more water absorption are more porous in nature and are generally considered unsuitable unless they are found to be acceptable based on strength, impact and hardness tests.
Test Method: IS: 2386 (P-3)1963, ASTM C 127, 128-2007

Sulphate Content
The total sulphate content of aggregate is usually measured to assess whether the aggregate's contribution to the total sulphate content of a concrete mix will be low enough to prevent any deleterious effects.
Test Method: IS: 4032-1985

Apparent Porosity and Density
This test helps in determining the porosity and density of bricks to be used for construction of load bearing walls. The method involves dimensional measurement and mass to determine density, followed by measuring the increase in mass when soaked in water for a standard period.
Test Method: IS: 1528 (P-8,9)1974

Water Absorption
The amount of water that a brick can absorb is measured by the water absorption test. There is no distinct relationship between water absorption and the water-tightness of walls. The results of water absorption tests are used by the brick manufacturer for quality assurance.
Test Method: IS: 3495 (P-2)1992

Permanent Linear Change
This test helps in determining the permanent linear change of refractory brick when heated under prescribed conditions, which will measure any potential shrinking when used for load bearing walls.
Test Method: IS: 1528 (P-6)1974

Abrasion Resistance
Abrasion (wear) resistance is achieved by controlling a whole series of factors. It is not sufficient to specify just an appropriate concrete strength. This must be complemented by proper construction practices, e.g. placing, compaction, finishing and curing. Where very high abrasion resistance is required, special aggregates or dry shake may be needed, either added to the surface or as a topping.
Test Method: IS: 5688-1982

Creep Test
Any one of a number of methods of measuring creep, for example, by subjecting a material to a constant stress or deforming it at a constant rate is called creep test. Creep in compression (CIC) refers to the percent of shrinkage of a refractory test piece under a constant load and exposed to a constant high temperature over a long period of time.
Test Method: IS: 1528 (P-18) 1993

Modulus of Rapture
The modulus of rupture (MOR) is the maximum surface stress in a bent beam at the instant of failure. One might expect this to be exactly the same as the strength measured in tension, but it is always larger because the volume subjected to this maximum stress is small, and the probability of a large flaw lying in the highly stressed region is also small.
Test Method: IS: 1528 (P-15)1991, IS: 1528 (P-5)1993

Fly ash / Lime Brick
Fly Ash Bricks are an environment friendly cost saving building product. These Fly ash bricks are three times stronger than conventional bricks with consistent strength. In presence of moisture, fly ash reacts with lime at ordinary temperature and forms a compound possessing cementitious properties. After reactions between lime and fly ash, calcium silicate hydrates are produced which are responsible for the high strength of the compound. Bricks made by mixing lime and fly ash are, therefore, chemically bonded bricks. These bricks are suitable for use in masonry just like common burnt clay bricks.
Test method: IS: 13757 / IS: 12894

Thermal Conductivity
Thermal conductivity depends upon the chemical and mineralogical compositions as well as the glassy phase contained in the refractory and the application temperature. The conductivity usually changes with rise in temperature. In cases where heat transfer is required though the brick work, for example in recuperators, regenerators, muffles, etc. the refractory should have high conductivity. Low thermal conductivity is desirable for conservation of heat by providing adequate insulation.
Test Method : IS:1528 (P-16)1991

Particle Size
Particle Size test helps in determining the percentile quantity of particles of known diameter within a sample. The specimen can be either passed through a set of standard sieves in its natural state, or if a significant amount of binding material is present, such as clay, then the sample can first be washed over a small aperture sieve to remove the binding material.
Test Method : IS:1528 (P-14) 1974

Water Absorption
The amount of water that a refractory can absorb is measured by the water absorption test. The results of water absorption tests are used for quality assurance.
Test Method : IS 3495 (P-2)1992

Apparent Porosity
Apparent porosity, water absorption, apparent specific gravity, and bulk density are primary properties of burned refractory brick and shapes. These properties are widely used in the evaluation and comparison of product quality and as part of the criteria for selection and use of refractory products in a variety of industrial applications.
Test Method : IS:1528 (P-8)1974

Cold Crushing Strength
Cold Crushing Strength test helps in determining the strength of a brick. It tells us how much load that refractory can bear in cold conditions. The concept of testing CCS of a refractory material has perhaps, come from metallurgy. This is because for any refractory brick it is rather; rare that it would fail simply due to load on it in cold condition and therefore, the determination of cold crushing strength does not appear to be important from that point of view.
Test Method : IS:1528 (P-4)1974

Bulk Density
A useful property of refractories is bulk density, which defines the material present in a given volume. An increase in bulk density of a given refractory increases its volume stability, its heat capacity, as well as resistance to slag penetration.
Test Method : IS:1528 (P-12)2009

Modulus of Rupture
The modulus of rupture (MOR) is the maximum surface stress in a bent beam at the instant of failure. One might expect this to be exactly the same as the strength measured in tension, but it is always larger because the volume subjected to this maximum stress is small, and the probability of a large flaw lying in the highly stressed region is also small.
Test Method : IS:1528 (P-5)1993, IS: 1528 (P-15)1991

Dimensional Check
Refractory materials must maintain dimensional stability under extreme temperatures (including repeated thermal cycling) and constant corrosion from very hot liquids and gases. The standard for refractory materials restricts compressive creep (deformation at a given time and temperature under stress) for normal working conditions to no more than 0.3 percent in the first 50 hours.
Test Method : IS:1077-1992, IS:10570-1983

Creep Test
Creep testing of materials at high temperatures is a very important field of study at many levels of industry.  Accurate high temperature creep data is absolutely essential for the proper design and construction of any structural element operating at elevated temperatures.  As such, ways of improving upon conventional creep testing methods at high temperature are highly sought after.
Test Method : IS:1528 (P-18)1993

Permanent Linear Change
Permanent Linear Change test helps in determining the critical linear markings and measurements in green condition, after drying and after firing. The permanent change in dimensions is measured as permanent linear change.
Test Method : IS:1528 (P-6)1974

Pyrometric Cone Equivalent
Pyrometric Cone Equivalent test helps in determining the fireclay variations, mining control, and developing raw material specifications.
Test Method

Refractories Under Load
Refractories Under Load test helps in determining the deformation behavior of refractory ceramic products subjected to a constant load and increasing temperature.
Test Method : ISO 1893

Abrasion Test
Abrasion test helps in determining the relative abrasion resistance of refractory brick at room temperature. This test method can also be applied to castable refractories.
Test Method

Air Permeability Test
Air permeability test helps in determining the measurement of the air permeability of textile fabrics. This test method applies to most fabrics including woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, air bag fabrics, blankets, napped fabrics, knitted fabrics, layered fabrics, and pile fabrics. The fabrics may be untreated, heavily sized, coated, resin-treated, or otherwise treated.
Test Method

Petrographic Analysis by Optical Microscopy
Petrographic analysis by Optical Microscopy test helps in determining the the microscopic analysis of materials using thin sections or polished surfaces.
Test Method

Acid Resistance Test
Acid Resistance test helps in determining the acid resistance capacity of the refractory material.
Test Method : IS:4860-1968

PVC Flooring Tile
PVC Flooring provides dust-free, noise absorbing, resilient, non-porous, decorative surface. It shall consist of a thoroughly blended composition of thermoplastic binder, filler and pigments.
Test Method : IS:3461

Frost Resistance
Ceramic tile frost resistance is defined as the ability of ceramic tile to withstand freeze/thaw conditions with minimal effect. The frost resistance of ceramic tile is dependent on the tile's porosity and water absorption levels. Frost damage can occur when the variety of ceramic tile absorbs moisture through its pores, causing the water to freeze internally when temperatures drop. Since water expands when it freezes, tension is then exerted inside the body of the ceramic tile. This internal pressure may become high enough to cause cracks in the ceramic tile.
Test Method : IS:13630 (P-10), BS EN 12371

Chemical Resistance Test
Chemical Resistance test is done to determine the ability of the grade of granite used by a1-safetech to resist chemical attack.
Test Method

Water Absorption
The amount of water that a refractory can absorb is measured by the water absorption test. The results of water absorption tests are used for quality assurance.
Test Method : IS: 1124-1974, IS:13030-1991, ASTM C 97-2009

Mohs Hardness
Mohs Hardness test helps in determining the hardness of rock. Because granite is a rock composed of multiple minerals, only crystals of specific minerals within the granite would be tested for hardness.
Test Method : IS:13630 (P-13) 2006

Modulus Rapture
The modulus of rupture (MOR) is the maximum surface stress in a bent beam at the instant of failure. One might expect this to be exactly the same as the strength measured in tension, but it is always larger because the volume subjected to this maximum stress is small, and the probability of a large flaw lying in the highly stressed region is also small.
Test Method : IS:ASTM C 99-2009, IS: 1578 (P-5)1993

Dimension Testing
Dimension test is done to check the dimensional stability of the rock. Test Method: IS: 1130-1969, IS: 3316-1974, IS: 14223 (P-1) 1995, IS: 3622-1977, ASTM
Test Method : IS:1130-1969, IS:3316-1974, IS:14223 (P-1) 1995, IS:3622-1977, ASTM C 625, 616, 629, 503

Thermal Shock Test
Thermal shock is the name given to cracking as a result of rapid temperature change. Glass and ceramic objects are particularly vulnerable to this form of failure, due to their low toughness, low thermal conductivity, and high thermal expansion coefficients. However, they are used in many high temperature applications due to their high melting point.
Test Method : IS:13630 (P-5)2006, EN-104, ISO 10545 (P-4)

Breaking Strength
Rocks are considerably weaker in tension than in compression. Characterizing tensile strength of rocks thus is of great importance in many engineering and geophysical applications. Tensile strength is defined as the failure of stress.
Test Method : IS:13630 (P-6)2006, IS:4457-2007

Bend Test
Bend Test helps in determining the ductility, but it cannot be considered as a quantitative means of predicting service performance in bending operations. The severity of the bend test is primarily a function of the angle of bend and inside diameter to which the specimen is bent, and of the cross-section of the specimen. These conditions are varied according to location and orientation of the test specimen and the chemical composition, tensile properties, hardness, type, and quality of the steel specified.
Test Method : IS:1599-1985, IS:2329-2005, IS:3600 (P-5,6)1983

0.2% Proof Stress / Yield Stress
Yield strength is the lowest stress that produces a permanent deformation in a material. In some materials, like aluminium alloys, the point of yielding is hard to define, thus it is usually given as the stress required causing 0.2% plastic strain. This is called a 0.2% proof stress.
Test Method : ASTM E8 M-09?

Rebend Test
The purpose of re-bend test is to measure the effect of strain ageing on steel. Strain ageing has embrittlement effect which takes place after cold deformation by diffusion of nitrogen in steel. Hence, there is limitation stated in some design codes to restrict the nitrogen content of steel to 0.012%.
Test Method : IS:W1786-1986

Elongation
The elongation is the increase in length of the gage length, expressed as a percentage of the original gage length. In reporting elongation values, give both the percentage increase and the original gage length.
Test Method : IS:3600 (P-3)1989, ASME 5EC-lX

Ultimate Tensile Strength
Ultimate Tensile Strength test helps in determining the maximum stress that a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before necking, which is when the specimen's cross-section starts to significantly contract.
Test Method : ASTM A36, IS:1608-2005

Compression Strength
The box compression test (bct) measures the compressive strength of boxes made of corrugated fiberboard as well as wooden boxes and crates. It provides a plot of deformation vs compressive force. Containers other than boxes can also be subjected to compression testing: drum, pail, etc.
Test Method

Wood-based Panels
Wood-based panels test helps in determining the structural panels of uniform properties within a panel. It is useful for evaluating plywood of clear, straight-grained veneers, and determining the effect of chemical or preservative treatments, construction, principal direction with respect to direction of stress, and other variables that are expected to uniformly influence the panel.
Test Method : IS:4020 (P-1 to 16)1998

Absorbability
Absorbability test helps in determining the quantity of water absorbed in a specified time through the surface of an overlaid wood-based panel. The test method measures the rate of water weight gain within a controlled surface area of the overlaid panel surface when exposed to standing water.
Test Method : ASTM D 5795

Swelling in Thickness
Swelling in thickness test helps in determining the effect of ambient environment, temperature and relative humidity, on the hygroscopic thickness swelling rate of wood fiberboard and wood fiber/polymer composites. A swelling model describing the thickness swelling process of composites exposed to water vapor conditions was developed, from which the parameter, KSR, can be used to quantify the swelling rate.
Test Method : IS:2380 (P-17)1977, RA-203

Modulus of Rupture
Modulus of rupture is the maximum load carrying capacity of a member. It is generally used in tests of bending strength to quantify the stress required to cause failure. It is reported in units of psi.
Test Method : IS:1734 (P-11)1983, RA-2003, IS:1708 (P-5) 1985

Modulus of Elasticity
Modulus of elasticity test helps in determining the flexural stiffness and modulus of elasticity properties of wood-based materials by nondestructive testing using transverse vibration in the vertical direction.
Test Method : IS:1734 (P-11)1983, RA-2003, IS:1708 (P-5)1985

Internal Bond Strength
The purpose of this test is to design a compression shear device for easy and fast measurement of the bonded shear strength of wood-based materials.
Test Method : IS:1734 (P-4) 1983, RA-2003

Moisture content
Moisture content test helps in determining the moisture content (MC) of solid wood, veneer, and other wood-base materials, including those that contain adhesives and chemical additives.
Test Method : IS:1734 (P-1) 1983, RA-2003

Density
Analyzing tree density can serve great ecological and scientific function. The tools used to accumulate this knowledge are generally uncomplicated and minimize any ensuing damage done to tree specimens.
Test Method : 1708 (P-2)1986, RA-2008

Bending Strength
In bending, it is assumed that wood is linearly elastic for low values of stress, i.e., the stress and strain are proportional to each other and produce an elastic or straight-line plot on the typical stress-strain curve.
Test Method : IS:1734 (P-11) 1983

Ability To Hold A Screw
The ability to hold screws in both face and edges is an important attribute of wood.
Test Method : IS:2380 (P-14)1977, RA-2003, IS:1708 (P-15)1986

Dimensions Stability
Dimensional stability is measured by noting the length, width and thickness of the test pieces after conditioning to constant mass at 35% rh, 25°C and after conditioning at 85% rh, 25°C. The dimensional stability is expressed as the sum of the percentage changes in each dimension between these limits.
Test Method : IS:4020 (P-3)1998

Wood Quality
Wood quality test helps in determining the quality of wood. The kind of wood that is used has a lot of bearing on how long your furniture will last. It can be made of hardwood, softwood, or engineered wood.
Test Method : IS:4020 (P-4)1998

Impact of A Soft Body
To ensure that cladding panels are not at undue risk of failure from typical impacts they should be tested for both hard and soft body impact resistance in accordance with the relevant British Standard.
Test Method : IS:4020 (P-8)1998

Resistance To Indentation
Indentation hardness tests are used to determine the hardness of a material to deformation.
Test Method : IS:4020 (P-5)1998

Flush Door Shutter
Flush Door Shutters means forming a continuous surface. As the name suggests, Flush door shutters ‘flushes’ or ‘blends’ with the wall & adds a look of continuity to the wall. Flush doors are the most economical choice for builders because of their durability, dimensional accuracy, as well as freedom from warps & de-lamination when subjected to atmospheric changes.
Test Method : IS:2202

Pre laminated Particle Board
Pre laminated particle board test helps in determining the resistance to steam, Dimension, Water absorption, Resistance to Crack ,Density, Swelling in water ,Adhesion of plies, Moisture, Resistance to stains, Resistance to water, Tensile strength, Screw withdrawal strength, Resistance to Cigarette burn, Modulus of rupture, Tensile strength perpendicular to surface, Tensile strength perpendicular to surface after ageing, Abrasion resistance ,Dimension, Density & density variation, Strength, Swelling due to surface absorption.
Test Method : IS:12823

MDF / MDP Board
MDF does not contain knots or rings, making it more uniform than natural woods during cutting and in service. Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is an engineered wood product formed by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers, often in a defibrator, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure. MDF is denser than plywood.
Test Method : IS:12406 & IS:3087

FRP / GRP Door Shutter
FRP / GRP door shutter test helps in determining the features like quality, design, weather resistant and durability.
Test Method : IS:4020 / 14856

Ply Wood
The plywood test helps in determining their usefulness and durability. They help in measuring the quantity of moisture in the wood.
Test Method : IS:303 / 1989

Scratch Resistance
The scratch resistance can be established e.g. in the Taber abrasion test, where the amount of haze is established after a number of abrasive cycles. The scratch resistance can also be determined quantitatively by measuring the weight loss after a number of sanding cycles. The pen test determines the indentation caused by a sharp pencil applied with a defined force.
Test Method : ISO 1518

Scrubbing Resistance
Scrubbing Resistance test helps in determining the resistance of paints to erosion caused by scrubbing. Although scrub resistance tests are intended primarily for interior coatings, they are sometimes used with exterior coatings as an additional measure of film performance.
Test Method

Spark Testing
One of the most important properties of a thin film coating is the adhesion (interfacial forces between two surfaces) between the coating and the substrate. The most common method of accurate measurement of thin film coating adhesion is the scratch tester.
Test Method

XENON Arc
XENON Arc test helps in determining the ability of a paint or coating to resist deterioration of its physical and optical properties caused by exposure to light, heat, and water can be very significant for many applications. This practice is intended to induce property changes associated with end use conditions, including the effects of sunlight, moisture, and heat. The exposure used in this practice is not intended to simulate the deterioration caused by localized weather phenomena such as atmospheric pollution, biological attack, and salt water exposure.
Test Method : ASTM D6695 - 08

Volatile Content
Volatile Content test helps in determining the weight percent volatile content of solvent-reducible and water-reducible coatings.
Test Method : ASTM D2369, IS:101 (P-2) (SEC-2)1986

Water Content
The amount of water that paint coat could absorb is measured by the water content test. Water content or moisture content is the quantity of water contained in a material, such as soil (called soil moisture), rock, ceramics, fruit, paint or wood. Water content is used in a wide range of scientific and technical areas, and is expressed as a ratio, which can range from 0 (completely dry) to the value of the materials' porosity at saturation. It can be given on a volumetric or mass (gravimetric) basis.
Test Method : IS:101 (P-2) (SEC-1)1988

Water Resistance
Water can cause the degradation of coatings, so knowledge of how a coating resists water is helpful for assessing how it will perform in actual service.
Test Method : IS:101 (P7SC-1)1989, IS:13183-1991, IS:5691-1970

Abrasion Resistance
Abrasion Resistance test helps in determining the ability of a coating to resist degradation due to mechanical wear by hard and rough objects. Abrasion resistance can be enhanced by incorporation of surface modifying additives.
Test Method

Adhesion
Adhesion testing in the paint and coating industries is necessary to ensure the paint or coating will adhere properly to the substrates to which they are applied. There are three different tests to measure the resistance of paints and coatings from substrates: cross-cut test, scrape adhesion, and pull-off test.
Test Method : IS:101 (P-5)(SEC-2)1988

Alkali Resistance of Paint
Alkali Resistance test helps in determining the degree to which a paint resists reaction with alkaline materials such as lime, cement, plaster, soap, etc.; a necessary property for paints in bathrooms, kitchens, laundries.
Test Method : IS:427-2005, IS:428-2006

Cass Test
Cass test helps in determining the corrosive performance of decorative copper/nickel/chromium or nickel/chromium coatings on steel, zinc alloys, aluminum alloys, and plastics designed for severe service. It is also applicable to the testing of anodized aluminum.
Test Method

Chemical Resistance
Chemical Resistance test helps in determining the ability of a coat to resist chemical deterioration or staining. Test Method: IS: 13630 (P-8) 2006, EN 105-106

Chip Resistance
Chip Resistance test helps in determining the resistance of surface coatings (paint, clear coats, metallic plating, etc.) to chipping caused by the impacts of gravel or other flying objects.
Test Method


The proper and effective preparation of a surface prior to coating is essential. Making sure that the correct roughness – or profile – has been generated is essential. If the profile is too low, the adhesion of the coating to the surface will be reduced. Too high and there is the danger that the profile peaks will remain uncoated.
Test Method

Coating Thickness
Coating Thickness test helps in determining the thickness of paint plating, coatings and galvanizing on iron steel.
Test Method : IS:6745-1972

Condensing Humidity
Condensing Humidity test helps in determining the resistance of organic coatings by controlled condensation. Condensation is produced by exposing the test surface of the sample to a heated, saturated mixture of air and water vapor, while the reverse side of the sample is cooled to room temperature air.
Test Method : IS:101 (P-6) (SEC-1)1988

Crosshatch Adherence
Crosshatch Adherence test helps in determining the adhesion of a large variety of coatings.
Test Method

Cyclic Corrosion
Cyclic Corrosion test helps in determining the corrosion degradation of coating systems for steel bridges.
Test Method

Drying Time
Drying Time test is done to know when a coating is totally dry. When developing a process, it is often important to know the exact time it takes for the coating to dry or cure. There are many stages to the coating drying time. Once a coating has been applied, the first stage is that the coating levels off under gravity. Once a coating begins to cure, a thin dry film appears on the surface. The coating then continues to dry and finally after a period of time, the coating is totally cured.
Test Method : IS:101 (P-3) (SEC-4)1986

Failure Analysis
Failure Analysis test helps in determining when, where, and how the paint or coating failure occurred.
Test Method

Falling Weight
The ability of a pipe coating to resist mechanical damage during shipping, handling, and installation will depend upon its impact resistance. This test method provides a systematic means for screening coating materials with regard to this property.
Test Method

Flexibility
Flexibility test helps in determining the ability of a coating system to withstand the stresses of fabrication. Organic coatings on precoated sheet are subjected to stresses when fabricated into products by roll forming, brake bending, or other deformation processes. These stresses can exceed the flexibility or adhesive strength of the coating, resulting in fracture of the coating which exposes the substrate, or in the loss of adhesion of the coating to the substrate.
Test Method

Free Falling Sand Abrasion
The abrasive is allowed to fall from a specified height through a guide tube onto the coated panel until the substrate becomes visible. The amount of abrasive per unit film thickness is reported as the abrasion resistance of the coating on the panel. Both silica sand or silicon carbide can be used.
Test Method : ASTM D968

FTIR
FTIR, which can serve as an important “first-line” analysis tool for the identification of coating types and drying mechanisms via monitoring of the functional groups on the chemical compounds inherent in the formulation.
Test Method

Gloss (60deg.C)
Gloss measurement is essential instrument where a cosmetic appearance of the coating finish is required. It measures, guide to control and test right from matt to mirror finish accurately. Multi directing a beam light at a specific angle to the test surface and measuring the amount of reflection determine gloss. For general gloss measurement the 60º angle is recommended.
Test Method : IS:13607-1992, IS:5691-1970

Hardness
Hardness test helps in determining the film hardness of an organic coating on a substrate in terms of drawing leads or pencil leads of known hardness. This test covers the determination of the indentation hardness of organic materials such as dried paint, varnish and lacquer coatings, when applied to an acceptable plane rigid surface, for example, metal or glass.
Test Method : ASTM D3363 / ASTM D1474

Impact Resistance
Impact performance after painting/printing can be tested with several impact tests, like a puncture test or a falling dart test.
Test Method : IS:101 (P-5)(SEC-3)1999

Moisture Content
Moisture Content test helps in determining the total water content of paints using a calcium hydride reaction test kit, or water content between 2 and 85 % water.
Test Method

Peel
Peel test helps in determining the resistance to cracking (flexibility) and adhesion of attached organic coatings on substrates of sheet metal or rubber-type materials.
Test Method

Penetration Resistance
The penetration resistance is of special importance to architectural finshes. The ability to maintain a uniform appearance (color and gloss) on substrates with varying porosity can be evaluated by applying the paint over a test chart which has a coated and uncoated area. Thus, the penetration resistance is tested under severe conditions. The penetration resistance is visually evaluated and can also be objectively evaluated by measuring color and gloss.
Test Method

Salt Spray
Salt Spray test helps in determining the corrosion resistance of coated samples.
Test Method : IS:2074-1992, IS:13183-1991, IS:13607-1992

Bitumen Content
This test helps in determining the bitumen content. The apparatus needed to determine bitumen content are - Centrifuge extractor and Miscellaneous – bowl, filter paper, balance and commercial benzene.
Test Method : ASTM 2172, IS: 1202-1220

Bitumen Penetration
This test helps in determining the consistency of bituminous material & to assess the suitability of bitumen for use under different climatic conditions and various types of construction.
Test Method : IS:1203-1978

Flash Point
This test helps in determining the flash point and the fire point of asphaltic bitumen and fluxed native asphalt, cutback bitumen and blown type bitumen. The fire point is the lowest temperature at which the application of test flame causes the material to ignite and burn at least for 5 seconds under specified conditions of the test.
Test Method : IS:1209 – 1978

Specific Gravity
This test helps in determining the specific gravity of semi-solid bitumen road tars, creosote and anthracene oil. The principle is that it is the ratio of mass of a given volume of bitumen to the mass of an equal volume of water, both taken at a recorded/specified temperature.
Test Method : IS:1202 – 1978

Paraffin Wax
This test mainly used for food and other commodities (such as wax paper, crayons, candles, carbon paper) components and packaging materials, baking container coating materials, cosmetic raw materials, used in fruit preservation, and improve the rubber anti - aging and increased flexibility, electrical components, insulation, precision casting, etc., also can be used for synthesis of fatty acid oxidation. Crude paraffin oil content of more due mainly used in the manufacture of matches, etc. Adding polyolefin wax additive, its melting point is increased, adhesion and flexibility increase, widely used in moisture-proof, waterproof wrapping paper, cardboard, certain textiles, surface coating and candles production.
Test Method : IS:4654-1993

Loss on Heating
This test helps in determining the effects of heat & air during conventional hot-mixing on a thin film of semi-solid bitumen. The determination of the loss in mass is used to determine the volatility upon heating.
Test Method : IS:122-1978

Water Content
This test helps in determining the water in petroleum products, tars, and other bituminous materials by the distillation method.
Test Method : IS:1211-1978

Ductility Test
This test helps in determining the ductility of distillation residue of cutback bitumen, blown type bitumen and other bituminous products. The principle is: The ductility of a bituminous material is measured by the distance in cm to which it will elongate before breaking when a standard briquette specimen of the material is pulled apart at a specified speed and a specified temperature.
Test Method : IS:1208 – 1978

Bitumen Emulsion
This test helps in determining the dispersion of bitumen in water. However, in the same way as water and oil do not mix easily, water and bitumen together do not get on. Test Method: