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The
Physical Testing Section is an AASHTO accredited lab with highly trained
and qualified testers utilizing certified and verified equipment in
following established WSDOT, AASHTO, and ASTM procedures to evaluate the
quality of materials related to Aggregates, Concrete, Cement, Steel, and
Geotextiles used in the construction of City, County, and State Roads
and Bridges.
Physical
Testing is divided into two areas, Roadway Materials and Structural
Materials. Roadway Materials has two laboratories and Structural
Materials has four.
Roadway Materials:
Aggregate
is prepared for and tested for quality characteristics in order to
approve gravel pits and quarry sites for use. It is also tested to
determine if the product produced by mining, crushing, washing, etc.
meets the Standard Specifications for that specific use. Typical tests
performed are the Los Angeles Abrasion, Fracture, Flat & Elongation, and
Sieve Analysis.
This lab
also separates aggregate submitted for HMA mix designs into individual
size fractions and prepares them for the Bituminous Mix Laboratory.
Aggregates
in this lab are tested for Degradation, Coarse and Fine Specific
Gravities, Sand Equivalent, Fracture, Uncompacted Void Content, pH, and
Resistivity characteristics.
Structural Materials:
Cement,
Grout, Curing Compounds, Form Release, and Latex are subjected to a
battery of tests to determine its adherence to Standard Specifications.
Aggregate for concrete are tested for Organic Impurities and
Alkali-Silica Reaction.
Concrete
Cylinders, Grout Cubes, are tested for strength according to the
requirements of the WSDOT Standard Specifications. Concrete is also
mixed in this lab and tested for Slump, Yield, Temperature, and Air
Content.
Geotextiles
are tested for strength, tear resistance, thickness, and its ability to
allow water to pass through while retaining fine soils.
Reinforcing
Steel Bars, Steel Cable, Strand, Bolts, Nuts, and Washers are tested for
conformance to various ASTM and AASHTO standards for yield and ultimate
strength, bending capabilities, hardness, and elongation.
For
more information regarding physical testing of construction materials
please contact:
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