A proper determination of the chemical and mineral composition is a fixed component of quality control. Next to hydraulic binders testing, we provide analyses with X-ray and plasma techniques.
Hydraulic binders are ingredients that harden after the addition of water.
The most important examples in the construction sector are:
- cement
- fly ash
- blast furnace slag
- chalk
- cast
They provide strength to concrete, mortar or soil stabilization.
Hydraulic bonding is a chemical process in which the mineral structure of the binder changes. A correct determination of the chemical and mineral composition is, therefore, an integral part of quality control.
GEOS is strongly specialized in this and provides accurate analyzes with X-ray and plasma techniques.
In addition to the composition, physical characteristics such as binding time, compressive strength, and heat of hydration are also crucial for the quality and processability of the binder. All of these values are determined by your material in our cement lab.
Cement
GEOS has three decades of experience in controlling all quality aspects of cement. In addition to accreditations for all relevant tests, GEOS has a CE notification as a test laboratory according to EN 197-1.
Portland cement is the standard hydraulic binder for concrete and mortar. It is produced as clinker in cement factories with spectacular furnaces and then ground and mixed with many components into a fine powder.
By mixing portland cement with other hydraulic binders, such as fly ash and blast furnace slag, CEM II and CEM III (blast furnace cement) are obtained.
Fly ash
GEOS is a permanent partner in the analysis of fly ash for various European producers.
Fly ash is a by-product of coal-fired plants and is a latent hydraulic resource, which means that it has hydraulic properties when it is properly activated. Due to the chemical composition and the fineness of the material, it is very suitable as a filler with hydraulic action in concrete. It is used as a component of cement type CEM II, which is often used in masonry mortar.
Fly ash can replace a part of cement in concrete. The extent to which this is possible is laid down in standards or certificates.
GEOS determines the standard quality aspects according to EN 450 and provides attestation studies for cement/fly ash combinations.
Blast furnace slag GGBS
GEOS is a permanent partner in the analysis for various European producers of blast furnace slag.
Granulated Ground Blast furnace Slag (GGBS) or blast furnace slag is a by-product of the steel industry. It is also a latent hydraulic resource. According to a specific process, steel slag is vitrified and ground into a fine, white powder. Because of the chemical composition and the fineness of the material it is very suitable as a filler with hydraulic action in concrete.
Blast furnace slag can replace a part of cement in concrete. The extent to which this is possible is laid down in standards or certificates.
GEOS determines the standard quality aspects according to EN 15167 and provides attestation studies for cement/blast furnace slag combinations.
Chalk
Limestone is found in the soil in almost all European countries.
Burnt and hydrated lime is used as a binder in soil improvement and road construction.
Soils with a low bearing capacity are immediately firmer with the addition of lime. In road building, hydrated lime is used to improve the bond between bitumen and aggregate.
In addition to chemical analysis, GEOS determines the hydration heat and the optimal calcium dosage for various soils.
Cast
Plaster is mainly used as a finisher and in plasterboard in the construction industry.
Gypsum is obtained by extraction (natural gypsum), as a residual product in the production of phosphates (phospho-gypsum) and from industrial treatment processes.
Nowadays, almost all gypsum comes from desulphurization plants of, for example, coal-fired power plants (Flue Gas Desulphurization plaster). With a constant production, a very good quality plaster is obtained.
GEOS monitors the production of various plants with chemical and thermal analyzes.
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