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Achieving quality standards is one of the most important issues in the
construction industry and the management of quality is an important factor in determining the competitive edge of any business, but more so, for construction companies. Always a point of consternation, it is vital that companies in this sector recognize and understand the importance of a proper quality system since it begins with selection, sampling and storage of materials.
After being in this sector for a number of years and working with an assortment of companies, the Civil Engineering Unit of the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) has seen the need to further educate companies on the importance of quality in construction from the beginning of the project to the completion of the final structure. This remains one of the most important ways in which CARIRI is seeking to enhance industrial capability and competitiveness in the construction sector. As a certified and accredited testing facility, it is vital that we take the lead in bringing these key quality issues to the forefront.
The Industrial Materials Unit – Civil (IMU-Civil) has developed specialized capabilities in Civil Engineering issues with respect to the Construction industry and a wide range of construction materials.
We provide testing and consultancy services primarily to the Building and Construction industry. However, our reputation for problem solving and accurate, independent analysis has also brought clients from the Energy sector, the Manufacturing sector, local and regional standards organizations, other government agencies, and homeowners. The Laboratory and Field Tests commonly requested for Concrete, Aggregate and Concrete Products are listed below as well as the field services we provide.
Laboratory Tests on Aggregate
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Laboratory Tests on Asphalt
- Marshall Stability and Flow
- Asphalt content
- Maximum theoretical specific gravity
- Bulk specific gravity
- Air voids
Laboratory Tests on Concrete
- Compressive strength of cubes, cylinders, cores, blocks, slabs, pavers, etc.
- Asphalt and Concrete mix designs
- Non destructive testing of concrete
Field Services
- Nuclear density testing
- Aggregate sampling
- Concrete sampling – preparation of test specimens, temperature and slump
- Asphalt and concrete coring
Load testing of cables trays
Major Equipment:
- 2000kN and 3000kN compression machines for compressive strength testing.
- Marshall tester for asphalt
- CBR tester for aggregates
- Nuclear density gauges for determining site compaction
- Non Destructive Testing (NDT) equipment
- PUNDIT (Ultrasound testing)
- Covermeter (locating and sizing rebars in concrete)
- Schmidt hammers (rebound hammer testing)
- Half cell (corrosion of rebars in concrete)
Slip Resistance Assessment
On Monday 12th December, 2016, The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) launched its newest service, Slip Resistance Assessment, to a full house at the Centre for Enterprise Development, Innovation Avenue, Freeport.
Downloads:
Procedure for making concrete specimens for compressive strength and conduct of slump test
Quality in Construction
The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute’s (CARIRI’s) Industrial Materials – Civil Unit held their first session for the year on Tuesday 12th April, 2016 and was aptly named “Quality in Construction”. The session was held at the Centre for Enterprise Development in Freeport and was attended by a wide cross section of persons who actively work in the Construction sector.
The Minister of Works and Transport, the Honourable Fitzgerald Hinds delivered the feature address at the session. The Honourable Minister stated his enthusiasm for accepting CARIRI’s invitation to the seminar since he thought that this discussion was very important to the nation and he commended CARIRI for taking the initiative to commence it. He stated that in adversity, we become strong and can find the opportunities for growth.
Quality Assurance in Infrastructure Projects
On Tuesday 9th August 2016, the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) hosted a seminar for the technical and administrative professionals of the Regional Corporations and Borough Councils across the country entitled ‘Quality Assurance in Infrastructure Projects” at the Centre for Enterprise Development, Innovation Avenue, Freeport. The session was the initiative of CARIRI’s Industrial Materials Unit – Civil Unit.
Construction Management and Planning
The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute's (CARIRI's) Industrial Materials Unit (IMU) – Civil held its first workshop for the year on Wednesday 24th January, 2018 at the Centre for Enterprise Development, Freeport. With over 40 attendees, the workshop delved into the dynamics of Construction Management and Planning.
Workshop Pictures
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A cross section of the audience at the launch of the Slip Resistance Assessment service 2017
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Minister of Works and Transport, the Honorable Franklin Khan
speaking at IMU Civil's Quality Assurance in Infrastructure Projects 2016 |
Our Constrcution Management and Planning
Workshop 2018 |
Contact us today at:
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 285-5050 ext 3190
Location: Trincity West Industrial Estate, Macoya