Purchasing equipment for a civil engineering laboratory is a strategic investment. Whether you are setting up a quality control structure in a quarry or renewing the equipment in a road laboratory, the choice of equipment has a direct impact on the reliability of your results and the compliance of your construction sites.
At CTRMAT, we have identified four fundamental criteria for securing your investments.
1. Regulatory compliance: The non-negotiable criterion
In the construction industry, a test is only valid if it strictly complies with a standard (NF, EN, ASTM). Before purchasing, always check:
- The standard reference: For example, a Vicat apparatus must comply with standard NF EN 196-3.
- Instrument accuracy: Ensure that the device tolerances (mold dimensions, weight of weights) comply with regulatory requirements.
CTRMAT advice: Equipment that is “close to the standard” but not certified may result in the rejection of all your batches of materials.
2. Robustness and usage environment
Construction laboratory equipment is subject to severe conditions: constant humidity, abrasive dust, and repeated impacts.
- Manufacturing materials: Choose stainless steel or protected steel for containers and sieves.
- Maintenance: Choose equipment with easily replaceable wear parts (sifter motors, triaxial cell seals).
- Field use vs. fixed laboratory: For field use, choose compact and robust versions (e.g., lightweight dynamic penetrometers or reinforced Abrams cones).
3. Precision and Metrology: The essence of your work
The value of your laboratory lies in its ability to produce reproducible data.
- Scales: Do not underestimate the capacity. For aggregates, a high-capacity scale (30-60 kg) with an accuracy of 0.1 g is often necessary.
- Sensors: For concrete presses or shear tests, check the accuracy class of the load cells or force sensors.
4. Availability and Customer Service
The cost of a device that is out of service is often higher than its purchase price.
- Delivery times: At CTRMAT, we indicate availability to prevent stock shortages during the testing campaign.
- Access to consumables: Ensure that your supplier can quickly provide you with essential accessories (filter paper, chemical solutions, Micro-Deval steel beads).
Why order from the CTRMAT platform?
CTRMAT is not just a catalog; it is the leading French web platform designed for civil engineering professionals.
- Simplicity: A super-fast online quotation system for your projected budgets.
- Expertise: A selection of products tested for reliability in the field.
- Clarity: Detailed technical data sheets including normative references for each tool.
🏗️ Ready to equip your laboratory?
Explore our top categories to find the equipment you need:
- Equipment for Soil & Geotechnical Engineering
- Equipment for Concrete & Mortar
- Equipment for Aggregates & Quarries