Physical, mechanical, chemical and thermal tests on construction materials.

Many characteristics of construction materials can and must be checked and tested. This includes:

• sizes and geometric properties
• water suction
• water absorption
• water permeability
• mechanical properties
• aspects of durability (resistance to active salts and freeze-thaw)

There are different tests methods that are customary and prescribed for each type of material. We perform investigations being part of the manufacturers own production control system, commissioned by certification bodies, for trading agency’s and for individuals.

Construction materials must meet all the requirements.

For a current list of ISO 17025 accredited activities, follow this link.

Of course we can also conduct tests and checks according to customer specifications if required. In addition to ceramic products, we also tests units from natural stone, (aerated autoclaved) concrete or calcium silicate bricks, mortars, glues and composite systems.

Please download our laboratory prospectus if you wish to obtain more information about the possibilities in our laboratory.

Clay bricks must meet the requirements of EN 771-1.

Clay bricks must meet the requirements of EN 771-. Various characteristics are periodically checked for the purposes of verification.
These include:

• damages
• the average dimensions
• range in dimensions
• water absorption
• initial rate of water absorption
• density and pore size distribution
• compressive strength
• soluble salts
• freeze-thaw resistance

Strength and durability.

In addition, (prefab) masonry must also meet certain aspects of strength and durability. A construction system is often examined for the bending strength, frost-resistance and bond strength in case of prefabricated brick slip masonry systems.

TCKI has a broad range of testing methods for bricks and masonry. Please download our laboratory prospectus if you wish to obtain more information about the possibilities in our laboratory.

Clay pavers must meet the requirements of EN 1344.

Clay pavers must meet the requirements of EN 1344. Various characteristics are periodically checked for the purposes of verification.

These include:

• damages
• the average dimensions
• range in dimensions
• water absorption
• breaking strength
• modulus of rupture
• abrasion resistance
• slip/skid restistance
• freeze-thaw resistance

TCKI has a broad range of measurement options and testing methods. Please download our laboratory prospectus if you wish to obtain more information about the possibilities in our laboratory.

In addition to products fired from clay, we can also test pavers and tiles made from other materials, for example concrete products and products made of natural stone.

Roof tiles must meet the requirements of EN 1304.

Ceramic roof tiles must meet the requirements of EN 1304. Various characteristics are periodically checked for the purposes of verification.

These include:

• damages
• dimensions and cover dimensions
• shape characteristics (camber and twist)
• water permeability
• breaking strength
• frost resistance

In addition to ceramic roof tiles, we can also test roof tiles from concrete or tiles form other materials.

TCKI has a broad range of measurement options and testing methods. Please download our laboratory prospectus if you wish to obtain more information about the possibilities in our laboratory.

Wall and floor tiles must meet the requirements of EN 14411.

Wall and floor tiles must meet the requirements of EN 14411. Various characteristics are periodically checked for the purposes of verification.

These include:

• visual aspects
• geometric characteristics and dimensions
• water absorption
• density
• breaking strength
• abrasion resistance
• impact resistance
• glaze hardness
• glaze crazing resistance
• frost resistance
• anti slip properties

TCKI has a broad range of measurement options and testing methods. Please download our laboratory prospectus if you wish to obtain more information about the possibilities in our laboratory.

The examination of refractory products at TCKI is generally limited to the determination of the chemical composition, density, cold crushing strength and chipping resistance of the products.

Tests on refractories.

This information can be used to determine whether or not a product is suitable for the intended application.

Tests on vitrified clay pipes.

Clay pipes for sewage systems can be tested for:

• water absorption
• crushing strength
• dimensions and shape
• smoothness of the inner surface.

In addition to products fired from clay, we can also test pipes made from other raw materials.

TCKI has a broad range of measurement options and testing methods.

We would be happy to further support you.