Concrete testing services
We offer a wide range of concrete testing and quality assurance services to help you verify the quality properties of your concrete.
We also carry out accredited concrete core sampling. Additionally, we offer a concrete mix design and manufacturing service, including solutions for concrete recipe optimisation or development.
Accredited concrete testing services that combine a customer-friendly approach with the expertise and flexibility
It is our priority to provide our customers with impartial and professionally executed services. This is why we are proud to be an accredited testing laboratory T197 / SFS-EN ISO/IEC 17025, accredited by FINAS Finnish Accreditation Service. Further information about our accredited areas of competence can be found on the FINAS website.
Our business is customer-focused and we aim to provide a high-quality, flexible service. For instance, our laboratory conducts approximately 2,000 accredited compressive strength tests annually.
We also have an emission measurement laboratory that provides comprehensive measurement and research services for power plants and the shipping industry. We also carry out noise measurements and type testing for multi-firing sauna stoves. For further information about our full range of services, as well as our research and development activities, please click here.
CONCRETE TESTING SERVICES
Concrete core sampling
Sampling of concrete cores for compressive strength analysis is available from KymiLabs with accreditation.
Our concrete sampling service allows you to leave the drilling or removal of samples from the site entirely to us. KymiLabs’ experienced professionals will identify and plan the drilling locations and the required quantities of samples in collaboration with the designer and site management.
The removal of concrete samples from the structure is usually carried out using diamond drilling. With KymiLabs’ versatile diamond drilling equipment, we can perform standard sampling for a wide range of tests such as:
- determination of compressive strength (accredited sampling)
- tensile strength test
- slab test
- determination of air void parameters
- microstructural analysis
- determination of chloride content in concrete
- determination of absolute humidity in concrete
TESTING OF CONCRETE AND RELATED PRODUCTS
Compressive strength is one of the most important properties of hardened concrete. KymiLabs’ experts perform compressive strength analysis using accredited methods:
- For cast specimens in accordance with SFS-EN 12390-3
- For drilled specimens in accordance with SFS-EN 12504-1 and SFS-EN 13791.
The test also includes the determination of density according to standard SFS-EN 12390-7.
The density (kg/m³) of concrete can be determined as follows:
- for fresh concrete according to standard SFS-EN 12350-6
- for hardened concrete according to standard SFS-EN 12390-1 and SFS-EN 12390-7 (accredited method)
The depth of penetration of water under pressure is determined accredited according to standard SFS-EN 12390-8.
The test also includes the determination of density according to standard SFS-EN 12390-7.
Determination of the air void parameters of hardened concrete is one of the methods of testing the frost resistance of concrete and can be carried out in accordance with the Concrete Association’s By72, Betonin laadunvarmistus, Osa 1, Ilmahuokosparametrien määritys ohuthieestä. The method consists of examining a concrete sample under a microscope.
The method provides the following parameters:
- Spacing factor (mm), which describes the distance from any point in the cement paste to the nearest air void
- Specific surface area (mm²/mm³), the surface area of the air voids divided by their volume (describes the size of the air voids)
- Air content of the air voids (entrained air) (%),
- Indicative entrapped air content in concrete (%),
- Indicative total air content in concrete (%).
At KymiLabs, we offer analysis of air void parameters as an accredited method, delivered with the highest standards of experience and professionalism. Please allow 1-3 weeks for the laboratory to process your sample and produce the results.
The analysis is conducted using accredited methods, either on thin sections or modified plane sections. The analysis itself is performed in the same way for both types of test specimen, but the preparation of the test specimens differs slightly. The preparation of a thin section sample requires a minimum of three working days, while a plane section sample can be prepared and analysed on the same day if necessary.
The frost resistance of concrete can be measured by a slab test. The slab test is a direct freeze-thaw test in which the test specimens are subjected to freeze-thaw cycles in either a salt solution or water on their surface. The test itself takes 56 days, with an additional 1-2 weeks required for the initial preparation of the test specimens.
We are accredited to perform slab testing in accordance with the technical specification CEN/TS 12390-9 and the technical report CEN/TR 15177.
Please be advised that four 150mm cubes or four 150mm x 300mm cylinders are required for the slab test. If it is possible to arrange casting dates for the test pieces, we would recommend scheduling them for Monday, Tuesday or Friday. This allows us to schedule the test in our laboratory more efficiently.
We will provide the customer with instructions on how to take cores from hardened concrete, or alternatively, we can undertake the sampling on their behalf. For further information, please contact our experts!
We are accredited to test the freeze-thaw resistance of concrete in accordance with the SFS 5447 standard.
The frost salt resistance of concrete can be determined by a test according to SFS 5449.
KymiLabs offers an accredited method for determining the tensile and bond strength of concrete in accordance with SFS 5445 and SFS 5446 standards.
We determine the wear resistance of concrete, concrete related products and coatings using the Böhme method based on standard SFS-EN 13892-3.
Standard EN 14630
Standard EN 13295 and SFS-EN 12390-12
Please contact our experts to discuss your requirements and we will create a customised test programme to meet your specific needs.
Prism specimens are typically used to test mortars, but they can also be used to test certain types of concrete mixes and geopolymer mixes.
Prism specimens are 40mm x 40mm x 160mm in size and can be utilised to assess a range of strength and weathering properties, including:
- flexural and compressive strength
- freeze-thaw resistance
KymiLabs performs testing of concrete related products according to the following standards:
- SFS-EN 1338
- SFS-EN 1339
- SFS-EN 1340
Design and manufacture of concrete mixes
At KymiLabs you can order the design and production of concrete mixes tailored to your specific requirements. We carry out concrete tests with a high level of professionalism.
The test programme may include the testing of fresh concrete and the preparation of test specimens for hardened concrete tests.
Furthermore, we have extensive experience in research and development services, investigating and promoting carbon-neutral solutions for concrete and developing concrete manufacturing recipes using circular economy materials.
Please contact our experts to discuss your requirements and we will design a test programme to meet your needs.
Feel free to contact our experts!
