Stone & Masonry Testing

Masonry is generally a highly durable form of construction. However, the materials used, the quality of the mortar and workmanship, and the pattern the units are put in can strongly affect the durability of the overall masonry construction. The most common materials of masonry construction are stone, brick and concrete block.

We carry out in situ and laboratory testing of mortar, screed, pre-cast concrete units, and natural stone.

Type of test / Properties measured / Range of measurement	Standard Specifications
Rock and Natural Stone
Point load strength	ISRM suggested method
Density	CIRIA/CUR
Water absorption	CIRIA/CUR
Magnesium sulphate soundness	CIRIA/CUR
Masonry
Capillary absorption	BS 1217
Initial surface absorption	BS 1217
Compressive strength of bricks	BS 3921/BS EN 772
Mix proportions of mortar & render	BS 4551
Screeds
In-situ crushing resistance	BS 8204
Mix proportions	BS 4551
Moisture content/relative humidity	BS 8203