QED Independent Testing & Consultancy Ltd

We are an independent company involved with the chemical analysis of construction materials. We specialise in the investigation of failures and defects. We deliver a quality service, with speed, at competitive rates. We are UKAS accredited for some of our tests, to view our UKAS schedule click here.

Materials Tested

Adhesives, Sealants and Grouts
Most adhesives, sealants and grouts are based on mixtures of organic polymers, which include proteins, elastomers and resins. Although the formulation of these materials is subject to strict batch controls, there are occasions where problems with batching occur, resulting in product failure.

We can help with the following:

• Discoloration
• Disintegration of sealants
• Cracking or debonding of ceramic wall or floor tiles
• Disintegration of tile grout
• Leaking swimming pools or shower enclosures
• Softening or hardening
• Incorrect batching
• Contamination

Mortar
At QED we routinely analyse mortars and have over 30 years' experience in dealing mortar related problems. We can help with:

• On-site inspection and detailed investigation into the probable causes of failure
• Analysis and identification of deleterious components
• Identification of organic polymers
• Identification of generic type of admixtures
• Identification of binder and aggregate in the mix
• Determination of mix proportions
• Surface defects or discoloration
• Cracking
• De-bonding
• Examination and analysis of surface defects or discoloration

Concrete Testing
Most of the routine tests we perform on hardened concrete are carried out to BS1881:1988. These include:

• Aggregate Content of Concrete
• Aggregate Grading of Concrete
• Slag Content of Concrete
• Presence of HAC in Concrete
• Alkali Content of Concrete (Sodium and Potassium Ions)

PIR & PUR Identification
We can test and identify all types of insulation material including PIR and PUR. Visual identification of insulation as either PUR or PIR is often impossible; however, with the use of Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy we can identify insulation components and confirm if PUR or PIR are present. Rigid polyurethane (PUR) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation products are widely used in industries such as construction, automotive, furniture and footwear.

Render, Screed & Plaster Testing
The most frequent forms of failure encountered in the construction industry are related to mortar, render, screed and plaster. Often the failure is related to an inappropriate mix of cement and aggregate. These materials usually have organic polymers, such as water-proofers, and plasticizers incorporated to give improved workability and controlled setting times. However, incorrect use of these polymers could result in failure. Failures are also related to inadequate knowledge of the raw ingredients used and poor workmanship, the latter often being the most common cause.

If you have encountered any problems with these materials and require assistance, please contact us.

Paints and Surface Coatings
Paint is believed to be one of the oldest materials in existence. For centuries, man has adorned himself and his surroundings with colour using pigments and mediums which have not necessarily been safe. Thanks to modern science and technological advances, we are now using sophisticated paints and coatings manufactured in safer mediums. But even with all the recent advances in technology, we still face problems with failures and defects

The reasons for such failures and defects are varied, rarely related to a single cause and often need thorough investigation.

If you are currently facing any of the following problems or are concerned with potential problems in your project, please contact us.

Plastics, Polymers and Elastomers
Plastics, polymers and elastomers touch every aspect of our lives. We are surrounded by these materials, and, what’s more, they are here to stay. The plastics and polymer industry is the fastest-growing industry in the world. More and more new products appear on the market every year, promising better performance at low cost.

But these products can only live up to their expectations if they are produced correctly and validated for their end use. Failures of these materials manifest themselves in many ways, some resulting from the mixing of raw ingredients, whilst others may be due to the formulation or environmental factors.

If you have encountered some of these problems or require assistance, please contact us.

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Click here to view our UKAS schedule