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Main focus of our services

We can offer the following reference materials:

a) Reference cements VDZ100a, VDZ200a and VDZ300a

The reference cements VDZ100a (CEM I), VDZ200a (CEM II/B-M (S-LL) and VDZ300a (CEM III/B) were characterised in a round robin test. Each of these cements can be obtained in units of approx. 200 g. This quantity is divided into four containers, each containing approx. 50 g of material. They are supplied together with the mean values of the round robin test, the reproducibility standard deviations as well as the uncertainties derived from these. The materials can be used in the laboratory for calibration or quality control purposes for example. Reference values are available for the following methods:

  • X-ray fluorescence analysis in accordance with DIN EN 196-2
  • Wet chemical analyses in accordance with DIN EN 196-2 (alkalis, sulphide, sulphate, chloride)
  • Free lime content
  • Mineral phases based on X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement
  • Cement composition in accordance with CEN/TR 196-4
  • Trace elements
  • Particle size distribution
  • Surface area (Blaine)
  • Density
  • Heat of hydration (7d) in accordance with DIN EN 196-11

Some data sheets containing detailed information can be found here.

b) Reference and test cements for the determination of water-soluble chromate

Reference cement VDZ400
The reference cement VDZ400 was characterised in a round robin test. This is a Portland cement CEM I 42,5 R with no addition of chromate reducing agent. The packaging of such a cement is particularly important for the assurance of the stability of the reference value. For this reason, the material is sealed air-tight in separate units of 500 g in vacuum bags so that each unit provides sufficient material for testing on standard mortar in accordance with DIN EN 196-10.

  • Approx. 0,3 ppm water-soluble chromate in accordance with DIN EN 196-10
  • Packing unit: 10 x 500 g (separate air-tight sealed units)

Reference cement VDZ410
The reference cement VDZ410 was characterised in a round robin test. This is a Portland cement CEM I 52,5 N with no addition of chromate reducing agent. The packaging of such a cement is particularly important for the assurance of the stability of the reference value. For this reason, the material is sealed air-tight in separate units of 500 g in vacuum bags so that each unit provides sufficient material for testing on standard mortar in accordance with DIN EN 196-10.

  • Approx. 6 ppm water-soluble chromate in accordance with DIN EN 196-10
  • Packing unit: 10 x 500 g (separate air-tight sealed units)

Test cement "Chromate" VDZ430 (e.g. for approval of chromate reducers)
The test cement VDZ430 ("Chromate") is a Portland cement CEM I 52,5 N with no addition of chromate reducing agent. The water-soluble chromate content is well above 10 ppm to also permit the use of this cement for approval of chromate reducers.

  • Packing unit: 1 x 5 kg (sealed air-tight in vacuum bag)

c) Reference material for determination of chlorine and calorific value

The reference material for determination of chlorine and calorific value was characterised in a joint round robin test together with the Gütegemeinschaft Sekundärbrennstoffe und Recyclingholz e.V. (BGS) by 43 test laboratories. The material is a polymer granulate, to which a defined quantity of chlorine was homogeneously added through the specific addition of PVC.

  • Chlorine content approx. 8,200 mg/kg in accordance with DIN EN 14582, DIN EN 15408
  • Gross calorific value: approx. 39,200 kJ/kg (in accordance with DIN 51900, DIN EN 15400)
  • Packing unit: approx. 180 g

d) ASR test cement in accordance with Alkali Guidelines

In accordance with the Alkali Guidelines of the German Committee for Structural Concrete (DAfStb), testing bodies have to make use of a standard ASR test cement for determining the alkali reactivity of aggregates. We can provide you with this cement with a high alkali content along with essential information on its properties. This reduces the variation between different testing bodies.

e) Reference aggregate for use in the accelerated mortar bar test

For the determination of the alkali reactivity of aggregates, many testing laboratories perform the accelerated mortar bar test (AMBT) according to RILEM AAR-2.2. In Germany, the method is described in the Alkali Guidelines of the German Committee for Structural Concrete (DAfStb) and in TP B-StB. The specifically formulated sand exhibits a high degree of homogeneity and can be used as a monitoring sample for these procedures. The sand is packed in portion bags of 1250 g, which can be used directly for the production of mortar. In the VDZ laboratory the average expansion of mortar bars with the material is 0.144 % (1.44 mm/m) after 13 days and 0.158 % (1.58 mm/m) after 14 days.

Your benefits

  • Provision of reference materials from the areas of cements and alternative fuels which have been extensively characterised in round robin tests.
  • Materials which can be used in particular for regular quality control to provide ongoing verification of your laboratory quality.
  • The materials are supplied in practical quantities.
  • Standard test cements provide greater comparability of the results from various testing institutes

Material testing and analysis

Our interdisciplinary team can provide answers to questions relating to the manufacture and application of cement and concrete in line with the latest state-of-the-art. At the same time we can offer our customers a range of services encompassing all important testing activities and consultation work, right through to complex expert reports. Up-to-the-minute research and a professional attitude towards service combine to produce synergies which are reflected by the high quality and practical relevance of our work.

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Environmental analysis

The VDZ laboratories are equipped with high-performance analytical devices for the examination of environmental sam-ples (solids or solutions) to establish the amount of environ-mentally relevant components or the release of environmentally relevant substances. We analyse samples from our own projects with regard to environmental relevance and also offer the same service for samples from external customers.

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Damage analysis

Do you have a problem with a damaged concrete structure? We will analyse the damage and assess the actual state of your structure. On the basis of the results obtained we can plan the protection and maintenance work required for your structure.

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Laboratory reviews and laboratory training

A plant laboratory has to perform analyses which are both precise and efficient to be able to guarantee a consistently high level of quality in production. With their experience of research and practical work, our experts can carry out regular checking of your laboratory procedures and test methods as a means of identifying further potential for optimisation.

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Performance of cement

We can offer you various comprehensive services for the purpose of optimising the performance of cement. In doing so we provide you with full support throughout the entire process. Our interdisciplinary teams of experts have many years of experience gained from customer projects around the world and also further their knowledge by working on practical research projects.

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Concrete technology

Our experienced team of experts provides answers to all questions relating to the production and processing of concrete. We can offer the full spectrum of important testing and consultation services, together with complex expert reports, ranging from structure management and material and durability tests right through to sustainability assessments and approval inspections.

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Person to contact

Do you have questions regarding this service?

Dr Jörg Rickert
Chemistry and mineralogy

+49-211-45 78-283
zch@vdz-online.de

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