Abstract
The laboratory testing of the construction materials and elements is a subset of activities inherent in sustainable building materials engineering. Two questions arise regarding test methods used: the relation between test results and material behavior in actual conditions on the one hand, and the variability of results related to uncertainty on the other. The paper presents the analysis of the results and uncertainties of the simple two independent test examples (bond strength and tensile strength) in order to demonstrate discrepancies related to the ambiguous methods of estimating uncertainty and the consequences of using test methods when method suitability for conformity assessment has not been properly verified. Examples are the basis for opening discussion on the test methods development direction, which makes possible to consider them as ‘sustainable’. The authors address the negative impact of the lack of a complete test models taking into account proceeding with an uncertainty on erroneous assessment risks. Adverse effects can be minimized by creating test methods appropriate for the test’s purpose (e.g., initial or routine tests) and handling with uncontrolled uncertainty components. Sustainable test methods should ensure a balance between widely defined tests and evaluation costs and the material’s or building’s safety, reliability, and stability.
Highlights
The construction sector operates a huge number of test methods
The matrix of building science, shown by Czarnecki and van Gembert [1], its multi-faceted nature and complexity in defining building properties implies a colossal number of research and laboratory test methods used in this field including tests of physical and mechanical properties of building materials, chemical, biological, electromagnetic, electric and electronic tests, acoustic and fire tests of buildings and building elements, tests concerning environmental engineering, tests of radiation of building materials, structural tests of materials and others
The aim of the paper is to show that, when developing test methods, it is not always appropriate to combine the purpose of revealing the truth with the purpose of conformity assessment
Summary
The construction sector operates a huge number of test methods. Some of them are used to reveal the truth (in a technical sense) about a material, element, or building, while others are simple conformity assessments of products placed on the market. Single laboratory test may give the impression of an irrelevant issue against the complexity of civil engineering. This makes it hard to consider test result uncertainty in this context. The matrix of building science, shown by Czarnecki and van Gembert [1], its multi-faceted nature and complexity in defining building properties implies a colossal number of research and laboratory test methods used in this field including tests of physical and mechanical properties of building materials, chemical, biological, electromagnetic, electric and electronic tests, acoustic and fire tests of buildings and building elements, tests concerning environmental engineering, tests of radiation of building materials, structural tests of materials and others.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
