CIVIL
LABORATORY

in particular...

The Material Testing Laboratory of P&P LMC srl is an Official Laboratory pursuant to Law 1086/71 art. 20 and Presidential Decree 380/01 art. 59, authorized by the Higher Council of Public Works to perform tests on construction materials (concrete cubes, reinforcing bars, carpentry, etc.) for the issue of the Official Certificates necessary for the testing of structures pursuant to the Presidential Decree 380/01 art. 67.

According to the Technical Standards for Construction referred to in the D.M. 17.01.2018, also the taking of samples from the structures (core drilling and extraction of bars) and the relative compression and traction tests, for the purpose of evaluating existing buildings, must be carried out by an Official Laboratory.

The Materials Testing Laboratory carries out the necessary tests for the CE marking of construction materials (CPR regulation 305/11), in accordance with the relevant harmonized product standards.

The main tests for the characterization of the aggregates for the purposes of CE marking are carried out in accordance with the provisions of the standards: UNI EN 12620, UNI EN 13043 and UNI EN 13242.

In addition, the P&P LMC Srl Laboratory performs the determination of the performance characteristics of the recycled aggregates (MPS) pursuant to Annex C of circular no. 5205 of 15.07.2005

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OUR LABORATORIES

CHEMICAL LABORATORY

The main laboratory activities are: sem, earth and rocks, waste, water analysis, emissions and work environments, airborne sampling.

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MECHANICAL TESTS LABORATORY

The mechanical testing laboratory carries out activities aimed at the verification, control, approval and qualification of materials.

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EXISTING BUILDINGS LABORATORY

The existing buildings laboratory supports the professional in drawing up the investigation plan, carrying out tests compliant with regulations and carrying out the restoration of the test points.

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INSTRUMENT CALIBRATION

P&P provides a calibration and certification service for mechanical, electromechanical, electronic, chemical measuring instruments.

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THE ACTIVITIES OF THE LABORATORY 

The activities of the Laboratory are aimed at:

  • Companies
  • Manufacturers of building materials and products
  • Building planners and construction supervisors
  • Sector technicians and consultants
  • Certification entities

An integral service of support and assistance is offered in the fields of civil and infrastructural engineering, thanks to the execution of a wide range of tests, both in the laboratory and in the field, which mainly concern: concrete, reinforcement for reinforced concrete, strands and wires. for reinforced concrete, electro-welded meshes and lattices, structural steel, bricks and elements for masonry, aggregates, bituminous conglomerates, cements and mortars, additives and mixing water, additives (fly ash, silica fume, etc.), natural stone, concrete blocks for flooring, diagnostics of cultural heritage, coring and on-site checks, plate and lift tests, on-site density, geotechnical characterizations.

We also perform petrographic investigations with observation under the stereomicroscope and polarizing optical microscope and thermogravimetric analyzes of mortars and concrete.

 

TGA TESTS AND PETROGRAPHIC ANALYSIS

Petrography allows to know the mineralogical / petrographic composition of mortars and plasters.
Thermogravimetric analyzes are aimed at analyzing the hydraulic compounds present in the binder fraction.
Thermogravimetric analyzes (TGA) and optical microscope observations of polished sections (thin sections or polished sections) have the objective of investigating concretes, mortars and plasters, of historic buildings and new constructions. By combining the two methods it is possible to recognize events such as chemical and structural changes, as well as the observation of exothermic and endothermic reactions that develop in the sample. It is therefore possible to obtain a reliable definition of the composition of the cement conglomerates analysed: lime mortar, mortar of lime and cement or cement only, of silicate or carbonate composition, indicative content of the primer and binder mass.

 

 

 

TESTS ON BITUMEN CONGLOMERATES

             PROVE CONGLOMERATI BITUMINOSI

The Laboratory is equipped with instruments for qualification and control during the laying phase on various bituminous conglomerates, with determination of the binder content and granulometry of the extracted aggregate. P&P also takes care of the checks after the installation by means of on-site coring of the conglomerate and subsequent laboratory determinations on the extracted specimens.

In addition, P&P offers the test specimen packaging service in the laboratory with a turntable press or Marshall compactor, on which to perform the necessary characterizations:

  • Compactability;
  • Density;
  • Void content (void index);
  • Marshall test;
  • Indirect tensile strength;
  • Sensitivity to water;

 

 

FRP AND FRCM TESTING

             PROVE CONGLOMERATI BITUMINOSI

FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymers) - and FRCM (Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix) testing plays a crucial role in assessing the strength and durability of reinforced or repaired structures. These advanced materials are widely used in civil engineering to improve mechanical performance and extend the lifespan of existing buildings and infrastructures.

FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymers)

FRP consists of high-strength fibers (such as carbon, glass, or aramid) embedded in a polymer matrix. They are used to reinforce structural elements such as beams, columns, and walls. The key advantages of FRP are:

  • Lightweight:they reduce the additional load on the structure.
  • High tensile strength:Carbon fibers, for example, have a much higher strength-to-weight ratio than steel
  • Corrosion resistance: unlike steel, FRP does not corrode, making them ideal for aggressive environments.

Testing on FRP materials includes:

  • Tensile testing to determine tensile strength and elastic modulus.
  • Adhesion testing to evaluate the bond quality between FRP reinforcement and the substrate (concrete, masonry, etc.).

FRCM (Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix)

FRCM is an innovative system that combines fiber meshes (carbon, glass, PBO) with a cementitious matrix. Compared to FRP, it offers greater compatibility with traditional materials (such as historical masonry and concrete) and better resistance to high temperatures.

The advantages of FRCM include:

  • Compatibility with mineral substrates: the FRCM system is more similar to traditional construction materials like concrete and masonry.
  • Fire resistance:the cementitious matrix performs better in high-heat environments.
  • Ease of application: it can be used on irregular surfaces or historic structures without altering their appearance.

FRCM testing includes:

  • Compression testing to determine the compressive strength.
  • Flexural and shear testing to evaluate performance under different stresses.
  • Adhesion and durability testing to assess resistance to aging and environmental load cycles.

 

The civil laboratory of P&P LMC conducts a wide range of tests to verify the mechanical properties and durability of these materials, contributing to improving the safety and reliability of reinforced structures.

 

Reference Standards for FRP and FRCM Testing

The use of FRP and FRCM for structural reinforcement is governed by specific standards to ensure proper testing and safe application of the materials. Below are the main reference standards:

For FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymers):

  1. CNR-DT 200 R1/2013 – "Guidelines for the design, execution, and control of static consolidation interventions using fiber-reinforced composites" (Italian standard).
    • EN 13706 – European standards for fiber-reinforced composite materials.
      • ISO 10406-1 – "Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement of concrete".

        For FRCM (Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix):

        1. CNR-DT 215/2018 Guidelines for the design, execution, and testing of static consolidation interventions using fiber-reinforced composites with inorganic matrix".
          • EN 1504-4 – “Products and systems for the protection and repair of concrete structures”

             

             

            ACTIVITIES OF THE MATERIAL TEST LABORATORY