Volume 14 | June 2013 | Number 18 INTRON sgs b u lle t in

FORENSIC INVESTIGATION REVEALS CONCRETE SECRETS

COLLABORATION WITH zuyd UNIVERSITY

sgsintron bulletin 1 In these difficult economic times, companies which in the past invested in innovation are often in a better competitive position and are even showing growth despite the strong headwind. Over the past decade, the Netherlands only invested moderately in R&D – less than 2% of GDP. This is considerably less than countries such COLLABORATION WITH as Germany and the US which have devoted 3% or more of GDP in R&D. The differences are even greater in the construction industry. A typical example is nano concrete. This offers unprecedented Zuyd UNIVERSITY opportunities to give (far too) inexpensive concrete (only 3 eurocents per kg!) exceptional performance and wider applications, and there­ FOR MORE INFORMATION: gert van der wegen [email protected] fore added value. The US has been conducting a major strategic and practical programme in this area for several years, with several commercial applications as a result. With regard to nano concrete Europe has, as far as we know, only one significant activity: the Nanocem project, where scientific research is conducted on the usinesses benefit from For instance, SGS INTRON will nano structure and properties of hydrated cement. The Netherlands quality vocational training teach the subject of concrete tech­ only plays an indirect role in this. since it provides them with no­logy in the materials science part B future qualified employees. of the Chemistry and Chemical This is not self-evident. Businesses Engineering course. It is a surprise Austerity policies are currently still have a responsibility and therefore for most students to discover that threatening the leading positions (in an active role to play here. A good concrete technology contains so some areas) of our construction-related example from Limburg is the many chemical aspects and that so universities. There are still government Chemelot Innovation and Learn- much more development is possible (co-)funded programmes for some ing Labs (CHILL) initiative, where in this area. “Grey” concrete has specific topics and we must continue chemistry studies (MBO/HBO/WO) become much more colourful to them, to nurture these. However, this is are more practical, professional especially when the versatility of the too narrow a basis for maintaining and innovative. There is scope material and its special applications our international position and thus for the development of top talent are illustrated. our competitiveness. This type of (tailor-made), and research facilities research is often carried out by foreign are made easily available for start- A guest lecture of over an hour can students who, in many cases, return up companies/SMEs. This initiative be regarded as a “teaser”. A better to their homeland at the end of their will also contribute to achieving view of the world of concrete (tech­ training. This means that the present the ambitions of Brainport 2020. nology) can only be obtained through shortage of qualified researchers and an internship of several months at technicians will increase in coming SGS INTRON also benefits from a SGS INTRON. Each year our company years, a growing problem not only for vocational training that matches its takes on about 10 interns from differ- Dutch construction companies, but also need for qualified employees. That is ent disciplines (chemistry, construc- for attracting foreign investors. They why we have a seat on the Advisory tion, engineering, etc.) and different will favour companies in countries/ Board of Zuyd University, which has levels (MBO, HBO and WO). An intern- regions where there is a good supply the task of better aligning the various ship involves carrying out or partici- of researchers and technicians, as well courses at the university to the needs pating in a specific (internship) project as high-quality universities and other of businesses and further education. and gaining a detailed view of one of educational institutions. With regards This includes both regular education the activities of SGS INTRON (labora- INVESTING in THE F U T RE to the former aspect, the Netherlands and specific part-time training and tory research, inspection, consultancy, already had an average score but it is courses. quality assurance). These students now also losing its leading position learn how a company such as SGS with regards to the latter. Obviously, the One specific collaboration with Zuyd INTRON is organised and operates. parties involved, including SGS INTRON, University and other parties concerns Special attention is also given to the are trying to guide these developments BIHTS: Building Integrated High-Tech development of skills, the interpre- into a positive direction in various areas. Systems. It is a good example of tation of research results, the clear One (regional) example of this is the synergy in training, expertise and writing of reports and subsequently collaboration between SGS INTRON innovation. You can find additional the oral presentation before a larger and Zuyd University (see article in this information of this public/private audience. bulletin). However, if we are to regain collaboration in the previous issue our leading position, even more efforts of the SGS INTRON bulletin. Guest As shown, SGS INTRON is engaged in will be required. We must make this lectures will be given to bring specific a multifaceted collaboration with Zuyd commitment – after all, it is our own knowledge from a particular discipline University. We place great store in this future that is at stake. to the attention of students. collaboration and it contributes to an even better alignment of education Gert van der Wegen and market needs.

sgsintron bulletin 3 RADAR INVESTIGATION KNOWLEDGE IN TRANSITION

OF CONCRETE STRUCTURES by Jack de Leeuw GENERAL MANAGER SBRCURnet

We talk about the crisis every day plines we regarded as our network for – how long it has been going on years. We built a good name for our- and how long it will continue. After selves and plucked the fruits of appre- previous crises, you normally got ciation for traditional products such as back on track once the economy SBR reference details and CUR recom- picked up. But this time there mendations. Like everyone of us, we seems to be more to it. There called ourselves the research organi- is an increasing realisation that sation; not exactly very distinctive. things will never again be the way With the merger, we join together the they were. We just do not know B&U and civil engineering sectors, but In many cases, after a concrete structure is finished, it is advisable what will happen. We are in the we do not want to limit ourselves to assurance in the future? Just a little to check if the work has been performed as agreed. It may be neces- middle of a transition. It is obvious the simple arithmetic. We are looking teaser: would you organise the world sary to check whether the correct amount of reinforcement has been this will have consequences for for the real connection: how can we of certification as it is now if you could used at the correct location and whether there are any voids present everyone. solve questions of sustainability, how start over and, second question: do in the concrete. In older structures, it may be necessary to determine does climate change affect all levels, you know more than 50 people in the the concrete thickness, the amount of reinforcement or prestressing And that also applies to knowledge and what solutions can we come up construction industry who can ex- used and where it is located. institutes. SBR is 54 years old and with? How can we cooperate cleverly plain how the quality assurance world CUR(NET) 61. They have always ful- and start Bimming more efficiently? works? The answer to both questions Carried out using radar, these analyses result in minimal damage to the filled a function in a sector where a How can we improve developments is always the same: no! Shall we be structure. SGS INTRON has many years of experience in radar examination few things changed but much still re- in sectors technically and process- bold and have a debate about this? of built structures. The combination of radar experience and an extensive mained the same. Since 5 March 2013, wise while looking closely at adminis- Only with other people who think the knowledge of construction methods, constructions and structural damage SBR and CURNET have merged to tration and organisation and taking in glass is half full. And only by looking guarantees a good result. become SBRCURnet. The merger political discussions. There is so much at what is good for the end users of already meant a big change for every­ we can learn from each other and so our built environment. And not by say- SGS INTRON uses the latest radar equipment which provides the client with one concerned, and in these times much that is new to incorporate when ing it is the government that should do quick and easily understood images. In addition, we have radar antennae there seem to be even more risks we consider the bigger picture. things differently. No, we will address which display more details and allow for more complex situations to be involved. The glass is half empty from it in our own sector. SBRCURnet would assessed. this point of view. The other way of If you look at it this way, the link with like to have this conversation: to pro- looking at it is that a merger is the SGS INTRON can be seen as an extra mote major improvements and chang- The radar is often used in combination with reinforcement detectors and perfect time to change things around. thread (aside from what we already es, to develop and implement them. other non-destructive measurement methods. And to retain what was good in the do together in the areas of materials, Maybe we used to do this from time past, of course. We have both always guidelines and other traditional sub- to time, but the need for it is increas- Radar can be used for the following purposes: been working with and for the disci- jects). What will be the role of quality ing. It is logical if you are in transition. • Determining the presence of reinforcement • Determining concrete covering • Determining floor/wall thickness • Detecting voids • Detecting prestressing SGS INTRON LAB TO GO DIGITAL FOR • Preliminary investigation for drilling • To replace destructive testing DOCUMENTS AND FUNCTIONALITIES

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Louis Grannetia [email protected]

To better service its customers, the SGS INTRON Laboratory is currently developing a digital platform where customers can consult all the information relevant to them, for instance, commissioning forms, analysis reports, analysis history and calculation of inspection frequencies. The personal and substantive support by the dedicated account manager/project manager will remain one of the key pillars of SGS INTRON laboratory’s services. The account managers will therefore talk to their own customers and together they can align the environment for the customer’s organisation to be consistent with that of the customer. A start will be made with customers who use the lab for BRL 2506 services. The first customers will have access to their own environment at the end of May.

4 sgsintron bulletin 5 RUBBER GRANULATE ON GRASS TURF: FIELD STUDY

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Huub Creuwels [email protected] kunstgras

instrooirubber

GS INTRON recently conducted a verification of previous model a bit more expensive”, explains ad- calculations on the leaching of zinc from grass turf by means of viser Huub Creuwels of SGS INTRON. a field study of existing grass turf. It concerns potential environ- “That could be a reason not to choose S mental risks when using rubber granulate - recycled rubber from rubber infill again.” That is why SGS car tyres - as infill on synthetic turf. The verification study on 6- to 10-year- INTRON did not only investigate how old synthetic turf confirms the model calculations from previous labora- much zinc leaches and to what extent tory tests. The materials from the foundation of the synthetic turf can this increases as the rubber granulate be reused without environmental risks. Exactly at the right time: because gets older, but also when and to what many synthetic grass mats are about to require renovation as they reach extent the zinc ends up in and is ab- the end of their 15-year technical life span. sorbed by the different layers under- The study meets the social need for more transparency about the safety neath the field. Quality Decree. Due to adsorption of tests (no high emission of zinc from because such a construction may of this material. Apart from producers and research institutes, including zinc at the lava substrate (as a sport the artificial grass with lava and sand clearly increase the zinc content of SGS INTRON, the following were also involved in research in the previous MINI SYNTHETIC TURF FIELDS technical and drainage layer) under- package). the substrate. Nevertheless the zinc laboratory research: sports organisations KNVB and NOC*NSF, VWS, For good technical characteristics and neath the synthetic turf field (without concentrations in the sand layers of ISA Sport, the ministries of Infrastructure and Environment (VROM) and adequate drainage the substrate of the infilled rubber granulate) and at the FIELD SAMPLES all studied fields are still largely below Public Health Well-being and Sports (VWS), the National Institute for artificial grass field is essential. In gen- sand package in the substrate, it will, In the recent extension study, four the reference value of 59 mg/kg. Public Health (RIVM), the Association of Sports and Municipalities (VSG) eral, it consists of several layers: a ten- according to the model calculations, synthetic turf fields were selected with The lava and the upper sand layer and contractors. Key conclusions: both for the health of athletes and centimetre top layer made of lava or take more than 100 years for leaching an age between six and ten years. absorb the largest part of the zinc. for the environment (leaching to subsoil) the rubber infill does not entail lava with rubber infill and a forty-cen- to occur. After ten years, as appears Samples were taken from the infill Overall, the total foundation ensures significant risks. The field study was conducted by SGS INTRON by order timetre sand layer. Standard column from the mini-lysimeter tests, the rubber from every synthetic turf field a firm buffer. Huub Creuwels: of RecyBEM B.V. and the Vereniging VACO. tests in the SGS INTRON laboratory amount of zinc in the sand package and from the individual layers of the “The study confirms our previous have demonstrated that, in laboratory (0.6-8.6 mg/kg) is largely lower than subbase. “We wanted to know more conclusions from the model calcula- conditions, the zinc leaching of rubber the reference value for soil (59 mg/kg) about the actual zinc absorption of the tions: at the end of the synthetic turf granulate no longer increases after 1 from the Soil Quality Regulation. subbase materials and the possibility field’s life span, after fifteen years, year. The extension study, to study the The leaching of lava meets the leach- of reuse”, explains Huub Creuwels. no renovation of the foundation is long-term prediction of zinc leaching ing requirements for construction “After taking samples from the infill required from an environmental- on the substrate based on the model materials from this Regulation. This rubber, we removed part of the grass perspective. And if the substrate is calculation, was not really standard. allows for both materials to be reused mat in a number of places to sample removed, both sand and lava (with “In so-called ‘mini-lysimeter tests’ in all kinds of applications. If the syn- the subbase. The lava layer was maximum ten percent rubber infill) we imitated the practical situation thetic turf needs to be replaced after sampled at 1 depth due to its minor can be reused without restrictions.” at laboratory scale”, explains Huub fifteen years, the substrate can remain thickness. The total sand layer was Creuwels. “Mini synthetic turf fields in in place without any risks to the sampled at 4 depths (layer thickness RENOVATION PROTOCOL AND trays with different substrates, which environment for dozens of years. of 10 cm each time). This had to be RECYCLING-BRL we subjected to accelerated ageing by done accurately because if rubber infill In part based on the above study, (alternately) applying UV light, ozone, COMPARISON OF RAIN AND DRAINAGE accidentally ended up in the samples, a renovation protocol for synthetic temperature differences and rain.” WATER the measured zinc concentration could turf fields was prepared by the SGS INTRON has verified the results accidentally be increased.” Sports and Culture Branch Association LONG SUBSTRATE LIFE of the model calculation to the sub- (BSCN), which provides guidelines It appears from these model calcula- strate in practice. First of all, for a ABSORBING BUFFER for field managers. Huub Creuwels: tions on the basis of this mini-lysimeter number of years the drainage water Despite the accurate approach the zinc “In addition to that, we are also study that even if you applied rubber was collected underneath some fields concentrations in the lava samples preparing an assessment guideline, granulate on an artificial grass field (under the sand package) and the zinc seem to be quite different. Possibly by order of one of the processing STUDY ON ZINC LEACHING without substrate - which is actually content in this drainage water was because when one or more of the companies, on the basis of which It is important for sports clubs at the eve of the renovation of their synthetic turf never the case in practice - zinc leach- compared with collected rainwater. fields were built, rubber granulate synthetic turf fields, including the to know that rubber granulate is harmless. But also, to what extent the zinc from ing into the soil under the artificial The drainage water of all fields may have been mixed with the lava foundation, can be fully recycled. the granulate, dissolved in rainwater, penetrates in the bottom layer of the field. grass field would only occur after appears to have a lower zinc content to improve the technical sports prop- This will complete the cycle in an “More zinc in the subsoil than allowed by the Soil Quality Decree would mean forty years, which is higher than the than rainwater: a confirmation of erties (cushioning). This should be environmental respect.” that the entire construction has to be replaced, which makes the renovation quite reference value for soil from the Soil the conclusions from the laboratory taken into account when renovating

6 sgsintron bulletin 7 When the current structural require- The Platform Structural Safety wishes ments are not met with this standard to collect the experience gained with mathematical test, measures are the protocol. If necessary, the proto- GALLERY FLATS required in the short term. The scope col may be adjusted after some time and nature of these measures depend based on these experiences. FOR MORE INFORMATION: martin de jonker [email protected] on the study results. When the Users of the protocol are invited requirements are met, we will be able to report their experiences on www. to conclude, based on the current in- platformconstructieveveiligheid.nl. sights, that the cantilevered concrete The protocol can also be downloaded n May 2011, a cantilevered concrete gallery slab at the Antillenflat In practice, a residual life span of floors are sufficiently safe. from this site. in Leeuwarden broke off. Its fall caused some of the slabs below to 30 years is often used in this respect collapse as well. In response to this accident the Platform Structural for existing buildings (this corresponds ISafety created a protocol for the investigation and assessment of to the renovation level according to the structural safety of the cantilevered concrete slabs of gallery flats. NEN 8700). On behalf of SGS INTRON, Martin de Jonker was one of the three rapporteurs contributing to the formulation of this protocol, now published The study which is described to eval- as CUR publication 248: Investigation and assessment of the structural uate the structural safety is summa- STEP-BY-STEP PLAN safety of the cantilevered slabs of gallery flats. rised in a step-by-step plan (see figure 2). The study starts by collecting the data and a visual inspection, combined Step 1. Exploratory study of floor with non-destructive study methods. Overview after the fall of the gallery construction and loads. Cantilevered slab on the 5th floor. concrete floors gallery flats. Screed Concrete floor Information about the structural Critical section Upper reinforcement design, the construction and mainte- Gutter Concrete base nance are an important starting point. If the first test is not sufficient, Sufficient information no Stap 2. Additional investigation The same applies for results of previ- measures must be taken to bring about the construction? of the reinforcement ously conducted inspections, concrete the structural safety up to standard. repairs and/or other maintenance In that case there are errors in the yes

in the usage phase. To this end the design and/or construction. If the Step 3a. Structural evaluation archive of the owner of the apartment requirements are met, destructive (exploratory) building and/or the archive of the study methods will be used to further yes municipality must be examined. look into the risks of pitting corrosion.

Figure 1. Diagrammatic representation of cantilevered concrete floors The more data that can be obtained The destructive study methods Does the construction no from the archives, the more efficient include in this respect: meet the existing construction Take measures requirements? the study can be planned and conduct- • Clearing away the concrete from The protocol aims to provide a uni- only reduce the bearing capacity, ed. When information is lacking, it will the reinforcement to measure the yes form procedure for owners/managers, but also results in brittle breaking have to be found during the study in diameter of the reinforcement engineers and local authorities for behaviour of the steel; the construction. which was used; Step 3b. Structural evaluation assessing the structural safety of • A lower position of the reinforce- • Removing a part of a reinforcement this type of floor (Fig. 1). ment than what was intended in the The non-destructive study methods bar to determine the stress-strain In order to avoid unnecessary ex- design; a smaller lever arm results include in this respect: diagram by means of a tension test; Step 4a. Destructive study to Does the construction no pense, it was decided to take a risk- in a lower failure moment (larger • Survey of the construction and the • Drilling the concrete cores to verify meet the existing construction collect information about the chance of pitting corrosion based approach and guidelines were chance of collapse). engineering finishing to determine the covering, investigate the pres- requirements? adopted for a justified number of slabs • A higher load (own weight and static the own weight, static load and ence of any bending cracks and/or yes to be tested. load) on the slabs, than what was construction dimensions; to determine the chloride profile yes Chloride< 0,4% The purpose is to determine whether assumed in the design; therefore • Electromagnetic measurements by means of tests performed on Construction meets requirements at reinforcement and the floors meet the requirements set the safety margin between the actual and radar to determine the samples of the concrete covering; no crack out in the House Act for existing build- bending moment and the maximum reinforcement configuration and • Potential measurements to detect nee ings; further provisions are included in moment at failure is reduced. position of the reinforcement in the the corrosion activity in the Step 5. Additional structural Step 4b. Destructive study to collect information about construction and to estimate the reinforcement at the place of the evaluation Building Decree 2012 and NEN 8700. the existing corrosion In principle, the protocol is written reinforcement diameter. restraint; in places where the The protocol is based on three specific to evaluate the structural safety and chance of corrosion is highest bars risks with regard to the structural to compare the results with the mini- If sufficient information is available, are laid bare to determine whether Does the construction no meet the existing construction safety of cantilevered floors, which mum requirements corresponding a first mathematical test of the bearing corrosion is taking place and, if so, requirements? were derived from similar apartment to a residual life of 1 year. In addition capacity will follow. If not enough data to what extent. buildings in Leeuwarden: to that, it also provides sufficient are available about the reinforcement yes • Pitting corrosion of the reinforce- information to say something about (diameter and material properties), With the collected additional data Construction meets requirements Take measures ment, as a result of chlorides in the the structural safety for a longer prior to this first test, additional a final mathematical test will be concrete; this corrosion does not time horizon. destructive study will be required. conducted.

8 sgsintron bulletin 9 A CONCRETE SLAB THINNER THAN section below has a dimension of louder than a written report. The A HUMAN HAIR 35 mm x 45 mm and a thickness of SGS INTRON laboratory knows lots FORENSIC INVESTIGATION If we want to look at concrete in 0.020 mm. This piece of concrete is of methods to reveal the ‘secrets’ of even more detail, we can cut a thin stuck between two glass slides. concrete - and many other materials section. We then impregnate the piece - which tell our advisers what caused of concrete again with fluorescent IMAGES THAT SPEAK VOLUMES the damage and how it can best REVEALS CONCRETE resin under UV light and polish it to The advantage of the techniques be handled. Below you will find a thickness of about 0.020 mm. In shown here is that they can quickly a practical example, in which the comparison: a human hair is four and easily be understood by aforementioned techniques are used times as tick, about 80 µm. Because customers. One image often speaks to reveal the cause of the damage. SECRETS the concrete slab is so thin, it becomes transparent. Then we examine this FOR MORE INFORMATION: Maarten Swinkels en Bert Creemers [email protected] [email protected] piece of concrete under a microscope with normal, polarised and UV light. Thin sections are an excellent resource in the assessment of fire damage and for confirming ASR. In addition, a thin section provides information about many other things, such as the cause of cracks, the water/cement Photo f.l.t.r. Bert Creemers factor, sulphate corrosion, ettringite (Laboratory Account Manager) formation, the quality of the micro Stefan Benders (Lab Technician) structure, leaching, the type of cement, and Maarten Swinkels (Advisor) applied aggregates, etc. The thin

The SGS INTRON Laboratory is well-equipped for this investigation. Our equipment ranges from a simple optical microscope to an advanced electron microscope. However, the most important tool to examine concrete is a resin which is fluorescent under UV light, with which concrete samples are impregnated. From left to right and from top to bottom: 1. A lock whose condition must be determined. 2. During the inspection it turns out that white bloom and cracks hanks to advanced study methods and techniques, concrete GREEN RESIN REVEALS SECRETS are visible in the concrete. 3. A concrete core of the same lock treated with resin: cannot keep many secrets from the SGS INTRON staff. In the Under vacuum a concrete drilling the cracks are not only present at the surface, but in the entire core. 4. The thin article below we give you a fascinating look behind the scenes core can be impregnated with resin section shows that the cracks are filled with gel. ASR is the cause of the damage. T in the SGS INTRON Laboratory, where we analyse drilling cores which is fluorescent under UV light. and thin sections. This is done by means of microscopes and fluorescent The resin fills cracks and gaps in the resin. Concrete shows its most colourful side. concrete. After curing we saw the core in two halves and look at the sawn surfaces under UV light. Due to the ATHE TRAINED EYE OF THE INSPECTOR (drilling cores) at the SGS INTRON UV light, cracks and other defects light If a customer calls on SGS INTRON Laboratory what the right hypothesis up in green, the resin makes them to study concrete damage, one of is, and confirm it. extremely visible. By means of this our advisers/inspectors goes on-site resin, continuous cracks and/or larger to look at the damage. His eyes are SGS LABORATORY: INVESTIGATION DEEP defects can easily be detected. The the inspector’s most important tools. INTO THE CONCRETE CORE image of the impregnated concrete With his knowledge and experience The questions an adviser may ask core below, for example, shows that and based on the observations and the laboratory can be quite varied. For the concrete covering positioned information provided by the customer, example: how much has the concrete before the reinforcement absorbed a he will determine what the possible been affected by fire or by ASR (alkali- lot of the fluorescent resin. This also causes of the damage can be. silica reaction)? How high-quality is means that the reinforcement can the top layer? Do the cracks penetrate easily be penetrated by water, oxygen Then we try to discover, through spe- to the reinforcements? What is the and chlorides, which negatively cific tests on-site and sample analyses concrete’s water/cement factor? affects its life span.

10 sgsintron bulletin 11 BRL 2506: MORE TRANSPARENCY CE-marking: what CHANGES manufacturer is responsible for the ABOUT RECYCLING product’s compliance with the rules. Importers (from products outside the EU) and distributors must also be AGGREGATES ON 1 JULY? able to justify the compliance of their FOR MORE INFORMATION: peter crucq [email protected] products with the CE regulations. This is how the entire chain of every FOR MORE INFORMATION: Erik Hoven [email protected] relevant product is covered. To date CE marking is the ultimate tool of the European Union to remove trade products without CE marking, mainly On 1 July 2013 national guideline BRL 2506 was added to the Soil Furthermore the acceptance of asphalt obstacles for many products in the European area. If CE marking is produced outside Europe, could still Quality Regulation. From then on certification of recycling aggregates is stricter in the new BRL, in line with required for a certain product, it may not be marketed without this mark be marketed. The makers of these takes place on the basis of this new BRL. It took a couple of years to the CROW regulation. It also states that in the EU. The other way around, a product meeting CE requirements products are often unfamiliar with prepare the guideline, and SGS INTRON was closely involved in the employees who accept debris - just may not be rejected on the European market. the European rules. By involving process. “In a work group with branch organisations Branchevereniging like SGS INTRON auditors - must have importers in the CE marking procedure, Mobiele Recycling and BRBS Recycling, we formulated demands and attended the SC-580 training to make this problem should be reduced. rules which ensure a better alignment with European standards and more sure they can recognise asbestos and In the long term the content of transparency”, says Erik Hoven, from SGS INTRON Certification. exclude it from acceptance. Finally, the CE marking will also change. prior sifting of debris is no longer The performances which have so GPS ON CRUSHERS required because the study indicated far been set out in the CE marking More transparency is important to increase confidence in the product - that it does not significantly contribute refer to health and safety. According i.e. aggregates from construction and demolition waste. To this end a GPS to the quality of the granulates. to the CPR the sustainability of the system is installed on every crusher, fixed or mobile. That system does not construction products will also be only provide information about the location of the crusher, but also mentions FLEXIBLE TRANSITION included in the CE marking. European whether the crusher is operating, what is being crushed and what the volume By performing evaluations based methods will also be introduced is. All this information is published on a website, to make sure that certification on the new BRL even before 1 July, to determine the environmental organisations like SGS INTRON, have an insight into the crushing process SGS INTRON makes sure that the performance, like leaching and of the aggregates (delivered under certificate) at all times. “Instead of paper transition to the new regulation takes emissions of hazardous substances. notifications we can now base ourselves on the actual GPS messages, with place smoothly for its own certificate In practice it will take a couple of years the option to conduct very specific inspections on-site.” holders. “We will be able to issue the before these content-related changes new certificates as of 1 July”, expects will have been implemented, because ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY PER PRODUCT GROUP Erik Hoven. “During inspections we the corresponding procedures still Another major change caused by the new BRL is the product group regulation. look at the entire process of debris have to be developed and added “According to the old BRL you needed to conduct separate environmental acceptance until the delivery. The to the relevant product standards. measurements for every product”, explains Erik Hoven. “Now, similar products frequency of the visits will depend By holding seminars, for example, are joined in product groups and BRL prescribes the environmental analyses per on the production volume and the SGS INTRON is investing in informing product group. This makes it cheaper and easier for companies to have several number of products. In the future, the market about the upcoming products certified. Because the most commonly used products, mixed aggregates, crushers handling large volumes of changes. Since November we have concrete aggregates, masonry aggregates and their hydraulic version are all debris can expect more inspections organised seven such seminars, contained in one product group.” No asbestos, no more mandatory prior sifting. than smaller companies.” which were largely attended. The rules for CE marking are set out the UK, Denmark, Sweden and Ireland. in separate laws per product category. The most important administrative At the same time all certification For building products this is the change is the obligation that a decla­ organisations and laboratories must Construction Products Directive or, ration of performance will be issued update their own qualifications in abbreviated, CPD. This directive will by the manufacturer for every product order to continue to perform their change on 1 July. The CPD will be subject to CE regulations, a so-called certification and lab activities under replaced by a regulation, the Con­ Declaration of Performance (DoP). the CPR to inspect products subject struction Products Regulation, or CPR. This declaration is required both for to CE marking. SGS INTRON is doing By implementing the CPR several new products and for products already what is needed to get these novel rules on CE marking will also change. bearing the CE marking. The decla­ qualifications. To do so we are also There will be no more member states ration must be made available for seeking to cooperate with our SGS UK to which exceptions apply, like is the every delivery to a customer, either subsidiary. This cooperation confirms case now. on paper or in digital format. once again the international European From 1 July the CE marking will be Another major change is that, character of the CE marking. compulsory in the entire EU, including according to the CPR, not only the

sgsintron bulletin 13 Fann Viscometer 35 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Rudy van der Blom [email protected] CE MARKING ALSO FOR

SGS INTRON recently bought a Fann Viscometer 35, a couette coaxial rotational viscometer, which accurately measures the viscosity of fluids and slurries. STEEL AND ALUMINIUM Viscosity is the resistance of a fluid or slurry during deformation (for example, stirring). If we compare water to toothpaste, this can be expressed in terms of thin, low viscosity and thick, high viscosity, while the extent of deformation CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS (e.g. stirring) is kept equal. In other words, the less viscous, the easier a fluid ‘flows’ (this is usually also called fluidity). Viscosity is nothing more than the FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jo van Montfort of Peter Crucq [email protected] of [email protected] shear stress ratio (the amount of torque exercised on a fluid divided by a contact surface) and shear rate (difference of, in case of a stirrer, the speed on the outside and inside of the fluid in a defined set-up). The study of fluidity is sometimes called rheology.

Rotational viscometers, like the Fann Viscometer 35, use the idea that the amount of torque, required to move an object in a fluid, depends on the viscosity With the Fann Viscometer 35 SGS bout 608 harmonised of that fluid. A rotational viscometer measures the amount of torque required INTRON can accurately survey the standards are currently to rotate a small cylinder in a fluid depending on a rotation speed of that fluid, viscosity of viscous fluids and slurries governed by the new which can be set. By using the resulting data SGS INTRON can measure and over a wide measuring range. With A Construction Product predict the flow behaviour of fluids and slurries. Knowledge about the flow these data SGS INTRON can then Regulation, the CPR, including behaviour of a material is very valuable for, for example, anticipating the pump determine the flow behaviour and, the EN 1090-1:2009 + A1:2011 rate or several other production processes (for example, filling moulds). Fluids in consultation with the customer, “Execution of steel structures with a constant viscosity (shear stress divide by shear rate is constant) are also give advice to improve it. Measure- and aluminium structures” – Part called Newtonian fluids. Fluids with no constant viscosity (for example, the ments are in accordance with API 1: Requirements for conformity viscosity increases or decreases when the shear rate increases) are also called Recommended Practice 10B and assessment of structural compo- Non-Newtonian fluids and these can display fluid behaviour like shear thickening viscosity levels up to 2500000 cP nents. This standard describes the (viscosity increases) or shear thinning (viscosity decreases). (centipoise) can be determined. requirements for the CE Marking of steel components.

The EN 1090-1 took effect on 01/09/2012. Because a large part of CE MARKINGMARKER ingOF Y vOAUnR CONSTRuw bouwpUCTIONRodu PROCDUtECTSn the steel market is not yet prepared for this step, the EU decided to extend AREbEnt YO uU ERR REA KlAARDY? vooR? the co-existence with a period of 2 years. In this period the steel market AccordingProducenten to zijnConstruction volgens de Product Bouwproductenrichtlijn Directive 89/106/EEC 89/106/EEC producers verplicht are requiredom CE markering to affix still has the time to demonstrate that CEaan markingte brengen to eachop elk of van their hun products producten governed die onder by eena harmonised geharmoniseerde European Europese standard or the products meet the requirements astandaard European of Technical een Europese Assessment. Technische This Beoordeling Directive willvallen. be Dezereplaced richtlijn by Construction wordt op 1 juli Product 2013 of CE Marking. If after 01/07/2014 The most important change for the in the company. If the requirements Regulationvervangen door305/2011/EU de Bouwproductenverordening on 1 July 2013. This causes 305/2011/EU. several Hierdoor obligations veranderen for CE marking diverse no CE declaration has been achieved, steel market is the welding section, are met, the steel company may issue toverplichtingen change compared voor CE to markering the current ten construction opzichte van productde huidige directive. bouwproductenrichtlijn. Are you ready? the steel product may not be sold on requiring processes, methods and a CE – Declaration of Performance Bent u er klaar voor? the European market. staff to be written down. For instance, and apply a CE – label. WHY SGS? a welding coordinator must be SGSwAAR iso worldM SgS leader? in the field of inspection, verification, analysis and certification. The EN 1090-1 regularly refers to the appointed and the welding method SGS INTRON offers the entire SGS is wereldleiderknown as the op global het gebied benchmark van inspectie, for quality controle, and integrity. analyse SGS en certificering. maintains a global EN 1090-21 standard. The EN 1090-21 description, welding method and weld- package for customers. SGS INTRON networkSGS staat of bekend about 1,500als de branchesglobal benchmark and laboratories voor kwaliteit with moreen integriteit. than 75,000 SGS employees.onderhoudt contains technical requirements for er qualifications must be compliant. Consultancy advises about the rules Withwereldwijd local knowledge een netwerk and van worldwide ca. 1.500 kantorenpresence en we laboratoria can assist met you meer in complying dan 75.000 with steel constructions like dimension and necessary qualifications to meet thewerknemers. Construction Met Productlokale kennis Regulation en wereldwijde as a producer, aanwezigheid importer kunnen or distributor wij u assisteren of met tolerances, welding and staff. In addi- Furthermore, the operations of the the legislation. SGS INTRON prepared constructionhet voldoen aan materials. de Bouwproductenverordening als producent, importeur of distributeur van tion, the EN 1090-2 mentions 4 manu- company must be documented in a 10-step plan for the manufacturers bouwmaterialen. facturing classes: EXC 1 through EXC a quality manual. To make sure that of steel and aluminium products. This IFw iltYO Uu WANTwEtEn TO ho KNOWE SgS uHOW KAn SGS hElp CANEn, nHELPEEM Y dOAUn, PLEASEContAC CONTACTt op MEt pEPETERtER CCRRuUCCQq 4. Steel companies that want to be the quality can be assured in every can be requested by mailing or calling (E-MAIL(E-MAil [email protected])[email protected]) of OR b VISITEzoEK WWW.SGS.COM/INTRON www.SgS.CoM/intRon certified first have to make a choice of process during the manufacturing. SGS INTRON, contact Jo van Montfort the manufacturing class their product During the audit by the certified or Peter Crucq. must meet. The higher the selected organisation, the quality manual will manufacturing class, the stricter the be assessed. In addition, the auditor 1 EN 1090-2 + A1: “Execution of steel structures and aluminium structures” – requirements for staff, dimension visits the workplace to assess whether Part 2: Technical requirements for tolerances and welding. the quality manual is implemented steel structures

sgsintron bulletin 15 rosion rates than normal. In that case, thinner sheet piles could be used. sgs INTRODUCES CEMENT-BENTONITE WALLS IN On the basis of our risk analysis we advised the contractor not to do this. ON 1 FEBRUARY 2013 LUUT DE JONG JOINED SGS INTRON CERTIFICATION AS SOIL AND With the currently selected construc- GROUND AUDITOR. Luut got his degree Higher Laboratory Training at the Noordelijke A SPECIAL APPLICATION tion and retaining wall slabs a life span Hogeschool Leeuwarden, followed by a 1-year study of Environmental Technique of one hundred years can certainly be in Enschede. In his job career so far he has been Environmental Technique project FOR MORE INFORMATION: Michel Boutz [email protected] achieved.” leader at a medium-sized road and waterways company in Friesland. The past 11 years Luut has worked as Head of Environment for a medium-sized contractor in On the basis of the study of SGS Friesland. SGS INTRON recently crossed his path. The company offers him a unique etween Delft and Schiedam, consortium A4all is currently INTRON, among others, VSF decided opportunity for personal growth. With his current work experience in the field Luut building a sunken motorway section. For the sunken section to use concrete slurry walls for the definitely expects to be an asset to the organisation. With special thanks to his col- the consortium selected a construction with cement-bentonite foundation of the bridge decks, league auditors at SGS INTRON who are showing him the tricks of the auditing trade. B(CB) walls. Volker Staal en Funderingen (VSF) is a member of because they are more rigid and the consortium and responsible for the construction of these walls. have more bearing capacity. Vibration-free sheet piles are hung in a trench filled with cement- WRAPPING TO PREVENT DRYING bentonite slurry. The length of the function excavation is restricted to When applying it as a foundation for what is required for the earth-retaining. The CB walls continue deeper bridge roads the adhesion between the the sealing clay layer. Therefore, after an open tunnel is created which retaining wall and the cement-bento- effectively keeps the groundwater out on all sides. A smart solution nite is important. In order to determine which makes an expensive concrete floor with tension piles unnecessary. the adhesion SGS INTRON performed SGS INTRON IN BUILDING With minimal pumping the entire section remains dry. But what about the tension tests on retaining wall strips durability of this construction? And can the retaining walls also be used poured into cement-betonite cubes. FOR MORE INFORMATION: robert haverkort as the foundation for the overpasses and eco-fly-overs to be erected? In addition, the compressive strength PROJECTS ABROAD [email protected] This calls for a special investigation, conducted by SGS INTRON. of the CB walls is investigated, with and without soil pressure, and the creep. “If a bridge deck rests on the retaining wall, a vertical load is generated un- derneath the retaining wall - at about 20 meters depth - on the cement- betonite”, explains Michel Boutz. “The sagging due to the creep of the CB which occurs should not be too large. To investigate this we have loa- ded large cement-betonite cylinders with a strength corresponding to the load of a retaining wall supporting a bridge road. No simple tests, because cement-betonite quickly dries out when exposed to the air, resulting in cracks and loss of strength. Therefore, every cylinder had to be packed in three layers of foil.” Other countries are calling, that is where we have to get our growth. DURABLE SOLUTION That is the target SGS INTRON has The third Bosporus Bridge will be built north of Istanbul, just underneath the The risk of drying and subsequent set for itself. We have worked on it for Black Sea. One of the largest projects within SGS INTRON at the moment is the cracking has been adequately covered about three years. But how is it going? Waaslandhaven project. SGS conducts all external quality controls on the large STUDY OF THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES in the construction project. Besides the The answer is short and simple: good! gates of this new sealock in Belgium. The gates are produced in Shanghai, China. “CB walls are usually used to make sure that groundwater cannot flow into or high groundwater level a waterway On-site inspections were a demand from the client, as a part of SGS this is no out of a certain area”, explains senior consultant Michel Boutz of SGS INTRON. and extra clay dam ensure that the The turnover we get from abroad is longer a problem for SGS INTRON. SGS INTRON’s role in this project is project “Not much research has been conducted on specific mechanical properties of CB walls cannot significantly dry out. growing. A selection of currently on­ management. This involves regular visits. this material. To date, mainly the compressive strength has been investigated. Wet and in contact with the steel of going projects. The Izmit bay bridge in In order to answer the question whether CB walls are suitable as a foundation for the sheet piles they provide optimal Turkey is being built and our advisers Last but not least a nice project close to home: Femern Sund Baelt between the bridge decks, we have to investigate other mechanical properties like creep protection against corrosion, conclu- regularly visit the building site. Or they Germany and Denmark. This project is still in an early phase: the pre-qualification. and adhesion to the retaining walls. To this end we developed a test programme des SGS INTRON in the durability fly out for (emergency) consultations SGS INTRON was asked by two consortia to form part of the consortium. Finally, in consultation with VSF. We conducted tests on three different CB mixtures, to study. “When looking at the life span with the customer. we have had to choose one of them. Of course this was, in our eyes, the strongest which zero to fifteen percent of sand was added. After all, it is possible that, when we considered the risk of corrosion The design phase for the 3rd Bosporus one, a German combination. excavating the wall, sand from the slot wall ends up in the mixture. We wanted and whether the consortium, due to Bridge, also in Turkey, has just been fi- to know what the effect of this would be. The sand appears to affect all properties: the protection by CB walls, would be nalised. Together with a Swiss designer These projects are ensuring a nice turnover generated abroad and are only a part it increases the strength and adhesion and reduces the creep.” allowed to calculate with lower cor- SGS INTRON worked on finding a solu- of our international turnover. Conclusion: SGS INTRON’s international ambition tion for a number of concrete problems. is right on track.

16 sgsintron bulletin 17 the Advice sector. As far as attention dedication. But we are heading in the to succeed. Our certificate holders BUSINESS UNIT MANAGER for customers is concerned, I think right direction. The new organisation choose us because of our professional we can be more proactive. Surprise structure is a clear improvement know-how. The trinity we are, Advice, ADVICE AND CERTIFICATION the customer every now and then by and we have also made great leaps Certification and Laboratory, is also calling him on the phone, by actively forward in terms of process content. our strength and must remain our RON LEPPERS: thinking with him. Studies in recent My responsibility lies in improving strength. That is also what SGS wants. years have indicated that customers the process efficiency and ensuring We are lucky to have been taken over “IMPORTANT DECISIONS praise our expertise time and again. adequate staffing and peace.” by a company with lots of similarities But sometimes we communicate with INTRON. The cooperation within COME FROM THE GUT” and deliver too late. As far as I am WHICH SHOULD RESULT IN A BETTER, SGS will only increase in the future. concerned ‘a promise is a promise’ FUTURE-PROOF ORGANISATION? If we succeed in combining our FOR MORE INFORMATION: ron leppers [email protected] can become our mission again.” “That I am sure of. I get my joy as a expertise with pro-activity and speed manager from the visible progress of delivery, we will be unique as an SHORTLY AFTER YOU GRADUATED AS A BUILDING PHYSICIST WHY DO YOU INVEST MOST OF YOUR we are making, the atmosphere and organisation and definitely future- YOU STARTED WORKING FOR INTRON. A COINCIDENCE? WORKING HOURS IN THE CERTIFICATION the deep belief that we are going proof.” “No, I knew INTRON from a report about frost damage SECTOR NOW? in brickwork which I came across during my graduation Because I want to devote extra research. Construction materials are my specialisation: attention to the employees and the (transport of) heat and moisture in construction materials. process. The suspension on a number That background is a perfect match for INTRON. Partly due of systems, which was related to to this report I identified more with INTRON than with TNO, the Certification in 2012, had a big where many of my fellow students wanted to go. I applied impact. It also means a lot of work: a SGS INTRON INVESTS IN THE for a job at INTRON immediately, though the position in sizeable plan of approach was written question was not really my thing. A few months later, which requires a lot of time and MEASUREMENT OF THE HEAT I had just been offered a permanent contract, a new position opened up. I was invited for an interview. I followed my gut and immediately went for INTRON. Without the security that I have experienced that sustainable CONDUCTION COEFFICIENT OF I was going to get the job. Seventeen years later I can still say: products in a system often do not it was the right decision.” work together well. That experience CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS was the drive for me to adopt and CREDITS DO YOU OFTEN TAKE DECISIONS BASED ON GUT FEELING? further develop the idea of a colleague FOR MORE INFORMATION: Louis Grannetia [email protected] “I am a quite rational person, but for important decisions for a new energy research and test SGS INTRON Bulletin is a I do listen to my gut feeling. SGS INTRON suits me very centre. Now that the Sustainability publication of SGS INTRON BV well. In addition to a high knowledge level, in a wide area, Test Centre is up and running, I have [email protected] The development of sustainable and, hence, energy-efficient products the enthusiasm in the company is unique: people want to to let it go. No matter how much www.sgs.com/intron and processes in the building trade is a hot topic. Not so strange, because make things happen. We do not do tricks, but always try to I like it there.” at least 35% of our energy consumption, and therefore CO2 emission, find the best solution. In doing so, we deliver what others Dr. Nolenslaan 126 can be ascribed to the energy consumption of our built environment and cannot come up with. We know what the customer will need BECAUSE AS A SECTOR MANAGER YOU 6136 GV Sittard another 15% to the manufacturing of the required building materials. tomorrow.” HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH TO DO WITH POB 5187 6130 PD Sittard A material property which directly affects the energy consumption of the MANAGEMENT TASKS? The Netherlands built environment is the heat conduction coefficient. That is why SGS WHAT ROLE WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY? “Certainly since I started managing T 046 420 42 04 / F 046 452 90 60 INTRON laboratory is currently investing in the technique and know-how “If someone comes up with something at SGS INTRON, I am two sectors: Advice and Certification. to measure the heat conduction coefficient with the highest possible often one of the first ones to find it an interesting idea, adopt Before I became Sector Manager Venusstraat 2 qualification (CEN Keymark). it and further develop it. I am a so-called ‘early adopter’. Right Advice in 2008 I was the chairman 4105 JH Culemborg from the start I made my focus wide. I have done projects for of the works council. I loved and POB 267 4100 AG Culemborg Measuring the heat conduction coefficient is closely related to many existing the construction, environment, laboratory and certification found it important to talk with the The Netherlands laboratory services of SGS INTRON. For example, the testing of insulation departments. It often involved guiding innovations into management about strategy and T 0345 58 51 70 / F 0345 58 51 71 materials will be further expanded and a measuring set-up was chosen routine operations. That is what I like and what I am good policy. The partner model, where which allows for the study of other insulation materials on this parameter. at. I know how to distinguish main issues from side issues. employees and management look FINAL EDITING Ulbert Hofstra And because I also know my weaknesses, I have handled for solutions together, works really and Gert van der Wegen Due to our extensive options to imitate atmospheric influences and many projects together with colleagues - people with well at SGS INTRON.” EDITORS Martine Boutz (Piek stimulate ageing cycles in the laboratory, the heat conduction coefficient additional knowledge.” tekst & PR), Saskia Kerckhoffs, can also be determined under special conditions. As was mentioned in WHAT DO YOU MAINLY USE YOUR Suzanne Sideris the previous edition of this bulletin, SGS is a participant to a cross-border IS YOUR EXPERTISE A PERFECT MATCH FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR AS SECTOR MANAGER? DESIGN Basement Graphics initiative called BIHTS (Building Integrated High Tech Systems) which is CONSTRUCTION? What I find really important is PHOTOGRAPHY Bert Creemers aimed at open innovation and contract research for the application of new “Yes, that’s right. I know a lot about heat and moisture personal attention for employees energy in a built environment. Within this context the measurement of the transport through materials and how materials affect and customers. To make sure that SGS INTRON BV IS PART OF SGS heat conduction coefficient will also take in an important place. the energy consumption of buildings. I have applied that employees continue to get the knowledge in projects now and then, but also, for example, attention they deserve, I delegated © 2010 SGS Société Générale de in the construction of my own house. part of my management tasks within Surveillance SA – All rights reserved IN THE SPOTLIGHT

sgsintron bulletin 19 WWW.SGS.COM

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