Mortar testing and paver testing from Brick & Mortar Research Laboratory
Mortar testing is carried out by Brick & Mortar Research Laboratory to find the appropriate composition of a brickwork mortar. The Australian Standard AS3700 specifies the proportion of sand, lime and cement based on the location of the building and the relation of mortar with damp-proof course.
The mortar is placed below the damp-proof course and it should normally be of M3 grade, made of one part of lime, one part of cement and six parts of sand. This mortar should be durable and strong to resist the damaging effects of salt in ground water.
Brick & Mortar Research Laboratory also uses chemical analysis to determine the composition of sand, lime and cement. Recommendations are also provided if the mortar does not meet the required standards.
The various tests carried down in paver testing are breaking load, abrasion resistance, salt attack resistance, slip resistance, dimensions, potential to effloresce and water absorption.
Water absorption test is done to determine the porosity of pavers, which serves as an indicator to spot the problems related to penetration of salts. Breaking load test, also known as transverse strength test, measures the force that is needed to break a paver in half. The results of this test are expressed in kilonetowns.
22-Feb-2008