Gilson Insights

A basic load frame offers flexibility to become a multi-functional testing apparatus simply by adding or removing individual components designed for specific soil tests – and your testing needs. This blog post explores what to consider in determining the right type of load frame, as well as components and fixtures to select from that, can adapt it for different tests and ensure efficiency in the materials testing lab.

When designing concrete mixes, fineness modulus of the fine aggregate alone is required for effective proportioning of mixes. This blog post explores the process of determining and calculating fineness modulus, and how to accordingly select proportions of coarse aggregate.

Reference materials for test sieves are used to evaluate and help ensure continued quality performance of sieves in compliance with ASTM or ISO standards. Sieve Verification Services provide further assurance of compliance through laboratory optical or microscopic examination.

The Gray Pages: the how and why of test methods and a guide to performing concrete and aggregate tests efficiently while complying with requirements within the standards.

Mercury or indicating fluid separations can occur in the columns of mercury-in-glass thermometers, as well as in non-mercury thermometers. With expertise, caution and strict adherence to safety measures, the separated fluid can often be rejoined in the column by following some specific methods developed by others.

The Asphalt Rice Test is commonly used in determining theoretical maximum or asphalt specific gravity in accordance with ASTM and AASHTO standards. This blog post covers what you should know about the test and equipment available to help ensure testing in compliance with ASTM D2041 and AASHTO T 209.

This 5-step guide is designed to help you select the specific standard concrete compression machine and adaptive accessories that best meet your laboratory concrete compressive testing needs.

Over the past several months, we have explored various materials testing technician certifications and what it takes to achieve them. This final summary blog in the series includes what’s new, schedules for 2018 programs and testing, and a downloadable PDF Resource List. As any additional information becomes available, we will update the blog series accordingly.

Ready to dig into what it takes to earn a soil technician certification? This blog post provides information on soil/geotechnical materials testing certifications and the resources that are available to help get you there.

Gilson continues its series of blog posts on what to know when preparing for and taking a technician certification exam. This third post covers aggregate technician certifications and includes information and resources designed to help you with the process.