ECLAB extends its scope of Accreditation | NOV Group

ECLAB, a laboratory dedicated to the analysis and execution of construction materials tests, follows the strategic orientation of increasing the response to its partners, contributing to add value inside and outside the NOV Group. In this sense, it guaranteed the extension of the scope of the Accreditation for soil testing on November 15th.

With the accredited concrete strength test - Compressive strength of cubic test specimens according to EN 12390-3:2019 (Except Annex A), ECLAB decided to increase its scope of accreditation for the soil test from - Determination of barity and humidity in situ – gamma densimeter method, according to ASTM D 6938-17a.​

Compaction control in ECLAB

During the execution of landfill work, constant monitoring is essential. The best way to control compaction is through a visual/face-to-face action, that is, constantly checking whether:

• The materials that make up the layers are in accordance with those approved;
• The thickness of the layers is in accordance with those defined in the execution of the experimental landfill;
• Cylinder passing speed is adequate;
• The number of cylinder passes is defined;
• The entire landfill area is compacted.

In short, the compaction check is carried out by comparing the result obtained in the field with the results determined in the laboratory through the Proctor test. This test consists of determining the laboratory compaction of a soil sample, with certain water contents, which allows obtaining the compaction curve of the sample. The minimum degree of compaction required must be included in the specification to be provided to the contractor.

It is very common for the following specifications to exist: «the layer must be compacted with a minimum degree of compaction of 95%, in relation to the modified Proctor test, and the water content of the material before and during compaction must be controlled in order to situate between optimal and minus 2%».

The tests most used to determine “in situ” the dry weight are, firstly, the sand bottle test and, secondly, the radioactive nuclear method (gamma-density meter). It was on the basis of this second test that the ECLAB was accredited on November 15th.

This test is used to determine the barity and moisture content in the field and to control the state of compaction in landfills and can be carried out on the surface or in depth.

The ECLAB team remains convinced that accreditation by the NP EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 standard will result in a more effective response to the needs and expectations of its customers. In addition, accreditation contributes to increasing safety, improving overall quality, reducing operating costs, improving the laboratory's image in the market, conquering new markets and new customers and recognizing its activities.

Using a Gamma Density Meter in ECLAB

Exposure to ionizing radiation can cause harmful effects on health, so it is essential to monitor the radiation to which workers are subject. Decreased radiation exposure and, consequently, absorbed dose. it is related to the three basic principles of protection: exposure time, distance from the radioactive source and the interposition of protection barriers between the worker and the source.

ECLAB has implemented all the measures that ensure the reduction of the risk of ionizing radiation from sealed sources, as is the case with gamma densimeters used to determine soil compaction. Some of the measures have involved training analysts who use the equipment, ensuring that the equipment is only used by operators with adequate training, organization and supervision of the use of individual dosimeters that guarantee the recording of the dose and the respective monitoring by the occupational physician, delimitation of zones, placement of safety signs, definition of measures for the abandonment of equipment and existence of emergency plans for foreseeable accidents and incidents. The equipment is stored in a closed bunker, to ensure that it is not exposed to radiation when the equipment is not being used.

The damage that radioactivity can cause to human health justifies the safety standards adopted in the use of equipment, ensuring that no worker is exposed to radiation doses above established limits.