Materials Testing Department
What is a concrete compressive strength test?
It is a lab test that measures the ability of a concrete cube or cylinder to withstand compressive force until failure. It helps determine the quality and strength of concrete compared to required standards.
What are the key tests conducted on building bricks?
Tests include compressive strength, water absorption, density, hardness, thermal resistance, and efflorescence — all essential to ensure brick quality for construction use.
Why is the absorption test performed on cement mortar?
This test measures the mortar’s ability to absorb water, helping evaluate its resistance to moisture and its performance in wet areas.
What’s the difference between bulk and true density?
Bulk density includes the voids between particles, while true density reflects the density of the material itself without air gaps.
Can concrete be tested on-site?
Yes, non-destructive tests such as the rebound hammer and penetration tests can be performed, or core samples can be extracted for lab testing.
What is the most common U.S. material testing standard?
ASTM standards are the most widely used, including ASTM C39 for compressive strength of concrete.
Do you provide on-site sampling services?
Yes, we have a mobile field team that collects samples from project sites and ensures safe delivery to the lab.
What tests are performed on structural steel?
Tests include tensile strength, torsion, chemical analysis, and corrosion resistance.
Can you provide test reports in Arabic or English?
Yes, reports can be issued in either Arabic or English upon request.
How long does it take to receive test results?
Reports are typically issued within 2 to 7 working days depending on the type of test.
Is your lab officially certified?
Yes, our lab is accredited by official bodies and authorized to issue reports for governmental and consultancy use.
Do you test natural materials like stone and sand?
Yes, we offer various tests for natural materials such as compressive strength, absorption, and chemical analysis.
Do you offer testing for insulation and paints?
Yes, we perform tests for thickness, adhesion, water resistance, and thermal endurance.
What is a bending test for concrete or steel?
It measures a material’s ability to resist bending forces without breaking.
Is there a specific test for corrosion resistance in steel?
Yes, using electrochemical analysis and rust resistance evaluations.
Do you test tiles and ceramics?
Yes, we test for compressive strength, slip resistance, water absorption, and surface quality.
What is an adhesion test for paints or insulation?
It evaluates how well a coating or material adheres to a concrete or wall surface.
Do you offer retesting if a sample fails?
Yes, a retest can be conducted using a replacement sample upon client request.
Can you collect samples from the client’s location?
Yes, we offer sample pickup or can dispatch a field team to the site.
Do you perform tests on aggregates (crusher material, gravel, sand)?
Yes, we test for gradation, density, impurities, and abrasion resistance.
Structural Assessment Department
What is structural assessment and why is it important?
It is a comprehensive technical evaluation of a building’s condition and structural integrity to identify any defects, risks, or safety concerns.
When should structural assessment be requested?
When cracks or settlement appear, before expansion or change of use, or after external events such as earthquakes or fire.
What are the main tools used in structural assessment?
Concrete testing equipment, rebar locators, slab load tests, thermal cameras, ultrasonic devices, and structural analysis software.
Does the assessment cover all structural elements?
Yes, all load-bearing elements such as columns, beams, foundations, and slabs are examined.
Can a structure be assessed without structural drawings?
Yes, through field inspection and data collection. However, having drawings improves accuracy
How long does structural assessment take?
It depends on the project size — typically 3 to 10 days for medium-sized buildings.
Do reports include repair or strengthening recommendations?
Yes, detailed technical reports include recommendations and repair or strengthening plans.
Are load tests performed on structural elements?
Yes, load tests can be conducted on slabs or beams when needed to verify performance.
What are the main signs of structural deterioration?
Cracks, corrosion, exposed rebar, settlement, water leakage, or moisture signs.
Can the structural safety of old buildings be assessed?
Yes, our experts are experienced in assessing old structures and recommending solutions.
What are considered serious cracks in buildings?
Wide or continuous cracks, diagonal cracks near columns or walls, and cracks with visible settlement or deformation.
Is a structural study required for expansions or load increases?
Yes, it’s essential to verify the existing structure’s ability to support added loads.
Do reports include seismic safety evaluation?
They can, upon request, and may include analysis of the building’s earthquake resistance.
Do you offer follow-up during repair implementation?
Yes, we can supervise and monitor repair or strengthening works until completion.
Is assessment required when changing a building’s function?
Yes, as load conditions and safety requirements may change.
What happens if a serious structural issue is found?
We coordinate with the client and issue an urgent report with immediate recommendations.
Are the reports officially certified?
Yes, all our reports are certified and accepted by regulatory and consulting bodies.
Geophysical Studies Department
What is the purpose of geophysical surveys?
They aim to explore subsurface layers and detect voids, cavities, or weak zones — all without drilling or excavation.
What geophysical techniques do you use?
We use Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), electrical resistivity, seismic surveys, and electromagnetic imaging.
What is a GPR device?
It’s a radar tool used to detect subsurface changes such as pipes, rebar, voids, or cavities at specific depths.
Can GPR detect rebar locations?
Yes, the device can accurately locate and measure the depth of steel reinforcement.
What is the typical depth range for geophysical testing?
Depths range from 3 to 30 meters depending on the technique and soil type.
Is site preparation required before testing?
Yes, cleaning the surface and marking open areas helps ensure accurate results.
Can underground cavities be detected?
Yes, geophysical surveys can identify subsurface voids, gaps, or caverns.
Are geophysical techniques environmentally safe?
Yes, they are non-destructive and eco-friendly, causing no harm to soil or structures.
Can you locate buried utility lines?
Yes, our equipment can detect underground cables and pipelines.
What’s the difference between seismic and resistivity surveys?
Seismic surveys use vibration waves, while resistivity measures soil’s resistance to electrical current.
How long does on-site geophysical testing take?
Usually between half a day to one full day, depending on site size.
Do you provide technical reports with maps?
Yes, we provide detailed reports with graphs and illustrative maps
Is geophysical testing needed before excavation?
It is recommended to reduce risk and detect underground voids or obstructions.
Can existing infrastructure sites be tested?
Yes, all types of structures and facilities can be examined using geophysical methods.
Are your field teams regularly trained?
Yes, our teams undergo regular training on the latest tools and techniques.
Are results immediate or require processing?
Some results are instant, while others require analysis and office-based processing.
Geotechnical Studies Department
What is the Standard Penetration Test (SPT)?
It's a field test performed in boreholes to measure soil resistance to penetration, giving an accurate indication of soil strength and bearing capacity.
When should soil testing be conducted for a new project site?
Preferably before structural design, to identify soil properties and determine suitable foundation recommendations.
Why is the direct shear test important?
It determines the soil's internal friction angle and cohesion — key parameters in geotechnical design.
What is soil bearing capacity?
It's the maximum load the soil can support without failure or excessive settlement.
What is a grain size (particle size) analysis?
A test that classifies the soil based on particle distribution (clay, sand, gravel).
Do you provide foundation design recommendations?
Yes, we analyze test results and recommend suitable foundation types, depths, and allowable bearing pressures.
Can soil tests be done for existing buildings?
Yes, tests can be conducted carefully below or beside existing structures.
Do you investigate ground settlement problems?
Yes, we assess causes of settlement and recommend suitable remedial solutions.
Do you test for salinity or sulfates in soil?
Yes, we perform chemical tests to measure salinity, sulfates, and other harmful elements in soil.
Do you test for salinity or sulfates in soil?
Yes, we perform chemical tests to measure salinity, sulfates, and other harmful elements in soil.
Do your studies include weak soil treatment recommendations?
Yes, we recommend solutions such as compaction, soil replacement, or chemical stabilization.
What are common lab tests for soil?
Shear strength, Atterberg limits, plasticity, relative density, and grain size analysis.
Are your soil reports approved by municipalities?
Yes, our reports are certified and accepted for official licensing.
Do you test soil permeability?
Yes, we conduct permeability tests to determine groundwater drainage capacity.
Do you provide exploratory drilling for projects?
Yes, we have specialized equipment for deep borehole drilling and soil exploration.
What’s the minimum number of boreholes for a small site?
Usually 2–3 boreholes, depending on project area and requirements.
Can you perform urgent soil tests?
Yes, we offer expedited testing services upon client request.
Do you conduct soil testing for roads and infrastructure?
Yes, we perform full soil testing for roads, utilities, and infrastructure projects.
Quality Control Department
What is the role of the Quality Control Department in projects?
The QC department ensures that all work and materials used in the project comply with local and international standards.
Are test results verified?
Yes, results are reviewed and analyzed by specialized engineers to ensure accuracy and reliability.
What are the steps for concrete quality control on-site?
They include inspecting raw materials, verifying mix ratios, monitoring casting, and sampling for lab testing.
Do you inspect construction sites during execution?
Yes, our team conducts regular site visits to collect samples and verify compliance with specifications.
What quality standards do you follow in the lab?
We follow ASTM, ACI, BS, and Saudi Building Code (SBC) standards.
Is every quality inspection step documented?
Yes, each step is officially recorded in traceable documents.
Do you provide recommendations to improve construction quality?
Yes, our reports include observations and recommendations to enhance site quality and performance.
Can imported materials be quality tested?
Yes, we can test all imported materials to verify compliance with specifications.
Do quality reports include tester names and dates?
Yes, we fully document test executors, dates, and all related details.
Do you test the quality of paints and waterproofing materials?
Yes, we test materials and application methods to ensure they meet required standards.
What’s the minimum frequency of QC testing for large projects?
It depends on project size and consultant or code requirements.
Does each project require a separate QC plan?
Yes, a custom QC plan is prepared for each project based on its nature.
Do you offer training programs for project teams on quality control?
Yes, we offer training and awareness programs tailored to site teams upon request.
Are QC results confidential between the lab and the client?
Yes, all results are confidential and shared only with the client or authorized parties.
Do you monitor quality throughout all construction phases?c
Yes, we oversee quality from site preparation through to final delivery.
Acoustic Testing Department
What is sound insulation testing in buildings?
Sound insulation testing measures how well materials or structural systems reduce noise transmission between spaces in a building to ensure acoustic comfort for occupants.
Why is sound insulation important in construction projects?
It enhances quality of life and prevents unwanted noise transfer between rooms, units, or floors — crucial in residences, hotels, schools, hospitals, and offices.
What types of sound insulation tests are provided?
Airborne Sound Insulation (between rooms or partitions)
Structure-borne/Impact Sound Insulation (e.g., footsteps, knocks)
Environmental Noise Measurements (surrounding noise levels)
What equipment and techniques are used?
We use certified equipment like sound level meters, calibrated loudspeakers, tapping machines, and frequency analyzers.
Can tests be conducted in occupied buildings?
Yes, tests can be scheduled to minimize disturbance, and equipment used is safe for both buildings and occupants.
Which standards or codes are followed?
We comply with global standards:
ASTM E336 / E90 (USA)
ISO 140 / ISO 16283 (International)
BS EN ISO 717 (UK)
What’s the difference between wall and floor sound insulation?
Wall insulation blocks sound between rooms.
Floor insulation reduces sound transmission between floors (e.g., footsteps, impacts).
How are test results evaluated?
Results are compared against relevant codes. Performance is rated in decibels (dB) and must meet or exceed the required threshold.
Do you offer solutions if test results are unsatisfactory?
Yes, we recommend improvements such as adding insulation layers, sealing gaps, enhancing finishes, or using sound-absorbing materials.
How long does a sound insulation test take?
Typically, 1 to 3 hours per partition or element, depending on the number of tests and project size.
Can you test the acoustic insulation of doors and windows?
Yes, we test the sound insulation performance of doors and windows to ensure compliance with specifications.
Can sound insulation be retested after improvements?
Yes, we recommend retesting after upgrades to confirm results meet required standards.
Are your technical reports certified?
Yes, our reports are certified and can be submitted to consultants or official authorities.
Can buildings under construction be tested?
Preferably after internal finishes, but consultations and preliminary tests can be done during construction.
Do you offer acoustic design consultations for new projects?
Yes, we provide expert consultancy to design effective acoustic systems before, during, or after construction.
Can you assess external noise levels and their impact?
Yes, we measure environmental noise and provide reports assessing compliance with health and local regulations.
What factors affect acoustic insulation results in buildings?
Execution quality, material type, finishing details, unsealed gaps, and wall/floor thickness all influence results.
Do you offer tailored solutions for industrial or commercial buildings?
Yes, we specialize in addressing noise issues in factories, meeting rooms, theaters, hotels, and hospitals.
Can you provide samples of suitable sound insulation materials?
Yes, we offer catalogs and samples in collaboration with certified suppliers.
NDT Department
What are the non-destructive tests (NDT) for concrete?
They include the rebound hammer test, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test, and rebar location using reinforcement detectors.
Why are these tests important?
They allow evaluation of concrete quality and structural integrity without breaking or damaging the element.
What is the rebound hammer test?
It’s a handheld device used to quickly estimate the surface compressive strength of concrete without any damage.
What is the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test?
This test sends ultrasonic waves through the concrete to measure their speed, helping detect internal defects like voids or cracks.
Can the position and depth of reinforcement be detected?
Yes, specialized devices can accurately detect the location, diameter, and depth of embedded rebar.
Do NDT methods affect the structure or its safety?
No, all NDT methods are safe and do not cause any damage to the structure.
Can NDT detect honeycombing or internal voids?
Yes, advanced techniques can identify poorly cast areas or internal voids within concrete elements.