Lab sessions in Civil Engineering

The mechanical and physical properties of the aggregate are crucial for the performance of the concrete. In the ballast lab, standardised tests are performed to determine particle size, shape, density, fragmentation, abrasion, frost resistance and reactivity.

Equipment

• Sieve column and coarse sieve for particle size distribution (SS-EN 933-1:2012)
• Chipping/flaking index for coarse and fine fractions (SS-EN 933-1:2012, SBUF 12270)
• Pycnometer for Water Absorption and Particle Density (SS-EN 1097-6:2022)
• Los Angeles shredding test machine (SS-EN 1097-2:2010)
• Micro-Deval Abrasion Test (SS-EN 1097-1:2024)
• Bulk Density According to ASTM C29/29M—17a
• Climate cabinets for frost resistance with and without salt (SS-EN 1367-6:2008, SS-EN 1367-1:2007)
• Petrography with Microscope for Alkali-Silicon Reaction (RILEM AAR-1, AAR-2)
• Thermal Resistivity Meter for Cable Sand (ASTM D5334-22)

Analysis

Primary analysis of particle properties, fragmentation, abrasion and chemical reactivity.

To enable the use of alternative binders and aggregates, careful preparation and activation are required. In the lab, mechanical and chemical treatment of residual materials is performed.

Equipment

• Jaw crushers and autogen mills for crushing and cubizing
• Ball mills for grinding fillers and binders
• Wet Sieving Column
• MPAES for oxide characterisation
• Vacuum and heating cabinets for drying and preparation

Analysis

Characterisation of binders, particle size, density, chemical composition and reactivity.

In the Concrete Lab, concrete is mixed at different scales and tested for fresh and hardened properties. The focus is on workability, strength, elasticity and durability.

Equipment

• Concrete mixer: 2 L, 10 L, 90 L
• Vibration table
• Equipment for settling dimensions and flow diameter (SS-EN 12350-5:2019)
• Air content meters (SS-EN 12350-7:2019)
• Compression tester (SS-EN 12390-3:2019)
• Modulus of elasticity (SS-EN 12390-13:2013)
• Tensile strength in case of splitting (SS-EN 12390-6:2023)
• Flexural strength (SS-EN 12390-5:2019)
• Climate cabinet for frost resistance (SIS-CEN/TS 12390-9:2016)

Analysis

Measurement of mechanical properties, air content, workability and resistance to frost and chemical influences.

In the Gunnar Ivarson Structural Mechanics Laboratory, tests are carried out on various building materials such as wood, steel and composites to determine their mechanical properties.

Equipment

• MTS Machine for Tensile Testing
• Printing machine for flexural and tensile strength
• Climate cabinets and heating cabinets for environmental impact

Analysis

Determination of tensile, flexural and compressive strength of different construction materials.

Building physics is a central area in sustainable construction, where the focus is on how buildings interact with their surroundings through heat, moisture and air flows. Through careful measurements and analyses, the research contributes to energy-efficient constructions and improved indoor environments.

The Civil Engineering research group works to understand and optimise the building envelope, airtightness and moisture transport. This is crucial for reducing energy consumption, preventing moisture damage, and creating healthy indoor environments.
In the Building Physics Laboratory, measurements and tests are carried out that form the basis for the development of energy-efficient buildings with good indoor comfort.

Equipment

Moisture meter for recording relative humidity and material moisture   
Temperature sensors for monitoring heat flow and thermal comfort
Airtightness testing equipment, such as pressurising buildings to identify leak points

Analysis

Measurement data is used to evaluate the energy performance of buildings, identify risks of moisture-related damage, and optimise ventilation strategies. The results contribute to improved building standards and sustainable solutions in new construction and renovation.