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Durability

 

Estimation of the expected working life of construction products has long been an integral part of the BBA Approvals process and every Agrément Certificate contains an estimate of durability. Consequently BBA Testing Services has gained experience of a wide range of durability testing, simulating ageing to represent exposure to the aggressive elements that a material will see during its lifetime.

 

The ageing regimes are designed to give an insight into the long-term performance of materials by exposure to aggressive agents such as UV light, water, heat, low temperatures, alkalis or other agents, such as salt fog, and following the changes in critical parameters. The nature of the exposure and the test regime is determined by the product or system type and the nature and location of its use. The results provide information on which the long-term performance of the product can be judged.

 

The BBA Testing Services can offer dedicated tests on many products and systems to provide information that can be used to assess their likely long-term performance in service. Where no criteria are in place (possibly for an innovative product or system) BBA Testing Services, in collaboration with the client, can produce a bespoke test regime and dedicated equipment if required.

 

BBA Testing Services has at it's disposal a wide range of equipment including a Xenon arc weatherometer, five fluorescent UV/Spray chambers, seven fluorescent UV/Condensation chambers, a range of heat ageing ovens and a salt spray chamber.

 

Product areas in which we regularly carrying out durability tests are:

 

Test Rig

  • Windows, doors and roof lights (including hardware and profiles)
  • Roofing membranes and Roof systems
  • Paints and coatings
  • Cladding systems
  • Thermal insulation
  • Pipes, joints and tanking
  • Specials (for example plastic tags for cattle)
  • Road surfacing and bridge deck waterproofing.

Durability testing that can be undertaken includes the following:

  • Heat ageing (from 40 to 1500C)
  • UV radiation [Xenon and fluorescent lamp]
  • Water soak
  • Freeze thaw
  • Hygrothermal [Heat, water spay, thermal shock etc]
  • Salt spray
  • Cyclic fatigue and endurance (above and below ambient)

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