Laboratory for the control of materials for construction sites
Specialists in quality analysis for building, infrastructure and civil works
SOCOTEC's Material Control Laboratory for construction sites offers a comprehensive service of analysis, testing and technical control to ensure quality and regulatory compliance in all types of construction projects. With a presence in multiple regions of Spain, we operate with state-of-the-art equipment and a highly qualified technical team.
Our tests range from raw materials to the most complex structural elements, guaranteeing technical reliability during all phases of work: design, execution and maintenance.
TESTING LABORATORY
What is material control on construction sites?
Quality control in construction through laboratory tests consists of verifying the behaviour of the materials used on site, ensuring their conformity with technical specifications, regulations and requirements for durability and resistance. This service is key to preventing structural pathologies and extending the useful life of any infrastructure.
We act as an independent, technical and reliable laboratory, with accreditation within the General Registry of the CTE (CAT-L-104 and CAT-L-114), guaranteeing certified tests in all its headquarters.
Main materials on which we carry out quality studies
- Concrete and precast concrete.
- Bituminous mixtures: SMA, AUTL, discontinuous, porous.
- Natural and recycled aggregates, cements, mortars and water.
- Ceramic materials.
- Natural stone and technical paints.
- Special elements such as prefabricated gutters or R+D+i tests.
Quality control in construction through laboratory tests consists of verifying the behaviour of the materials used on site, ensuring their conformity with technical specifications, regulations and requirements for durability and resistance. This service is key to preventing structural pathologies and extending the useful life of any infrastructure.
We act as an independent, technical and reliable laboratory, with accreditation within the General Registry of the CTE (CAT-L-104 and CAT-L-114), guaranteeing certified tests in all its headquarters.
Main materials on which we carry out quality studies
- Concrete and precast concrete.
- Bituminous mixtures: SMA, AUTL, discontinuous, porous.
- Natural and recycled aggregates, cements, mortars and water.
- Ceramic materials.
- Natural stone and technical paints.
- Special elements such as prefabricated gutters or R+D+i tests.
Laboratory and material control services for construction sites
At SOCOTEC we provide technical solutions adapted to the highest national and international standards. Our building materials control laboratory services are grouped into:
Sectores en los que operamos
Quarries and precast plants
Example of actions and study of materials for works: R+D+i research projects
At SOCOTEC we have extensive experience in the development of new methodologies and advanced tests through applied research projects in collaboration with public bodies and private companies. Below, we highlight some relevant actions carried out by our materials control laboratory for construction sites:
Research on SMA (Stone Mastic Asphalt) Bituminous Mixtures
- Development of a slip test: Design of an experimental procedure to predict in the laboratory the slip resistance of SMA mixtures, improving their safety and performance in pavements.
- Regulatory participation: Contribution to the drafting of a technical article with specifications for the standardized implementation of these mixtures on site.
- Analysis of international additives: Comparative study of the behavior of SMA mixtures used in Mexico with different additives, to evaluate their suitability in different climatic contexts.
Prefabricated gutters with recycled concrete for technical wiring
- Heavy traffic simulation: Development of a specific test that reproduces the passage of cranes and self-propelled machinery on prefabricated gutters, evaluating the strength and durability of elements made with recycled materials.
Evaluation of Photocatalytic Treatments
- Evolution of NOx activity: Longitudinal study of the behaviour of photocatalytic treatments applied to pavements, analysing their effectiveness in the degradation of nitrogen oxides over time.
Tests for the identification of structural pathologies
- Reactivity and durability of materials: Specific tests for the detection of reactivity phenomena in construction materials.
- Resistant characterization of masonry walls: On-site and laboratory evaluation of the mechanical behavior of traditional walls, in structural rehabilitation processes.
Application of the Phoenix Test in Bituminous Mixtures
- Evaluation of strength , toughness and breaking energy by means of the Phoenix test, in accordance with NT-01/22 and NLT 383/20 standards. This procedure allows to characterize the fracture behavior of asphalt mixtures with high reliability.
Machinery: advanced technology for quality control in construction materials
Our construction materials quality laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art automation systems, designed to optimize testing processes, minimize human error, and strengthen the traceability of each sample.
Among the most outstanding teams are:
Automatic Asphalt Analyzer
This system fully automates the analysis of bituminous mixtures, including the extraction and quantification of binders and aggregates. It allows high precision in the results, and also:
- It reduces the exposure of personnel to chlorinated solvent vapors, protecting occupational health.
- It minimizes polluting emissions into the environment, aligning with sustainability objectives.
- Optimizes test times, speeding up the delivery of results on site.
Automatic triaxial flooring
This equipment allows triaxial tests to be carried out on soil samples in a fully automated way. It is used to determine essential strength and deformability parameters in geotechnical studies. Its key advantages are:
- Precise execution of loading and consolidation cycles.
- Continuous and automatic capture of stress-strain data.
- Increased repeatability and reliability in complex soil mechanics analysis.
Automated strain and strength measurement system
We have integrated sensors and digital platforms to record, in real time, critical data during soil deformation and resistance tests of structural materials. This makes it possible to:
- Complete digital traceability of each test.
- Elimination of manual transcription errors.
- Immediate access to results through technical visualization platforms.
This combination of automation, precision and sustainability reinforces our commitment as a benchmark company in quality control in construction, offering technical solutions that not only meet, but anticipate the requirements of the sector.
Why choose SOCOTEC as a construction quality control company for your project?
- National coverage with its own laboratories in strategic areas.
- CTE accredited materials control laboratory for works (CAT-L-104 and CAT-L-114).
- Expert technical team and in continuous training.
- Innovative tailor-made solutions.
- High commitment to sustainability and safety.
Our material control laboratories for construction sites in Spain
National coverage with specialized technical response.
SOCOTEC has a network of laboratories strategically distributed throughout the national territory. Each centre is equipped with advanced technology and specialised equipment to meet the different needs of on-site quality control, from physical and mechanical tests to technical audits and on-site support.
Montcada i Reixac
Barcelona
Technical reference centre for bituminous mixtures, concrete and precast products. It stands out for its development capacity in R+D projects and its state-of-the-art automated equipment.
Cubelles
Barcelona
Laboratory with experience in the analysis of recycled materials, aggregates and ceramic products. It supports projects related to sustainability and circularity under construction.
San Sebastián de los Reyes
Madrid
Specialized in material control tests for building and civil works. It offers direct technical support on site and in the laboratory, including soils, concrete, asphalt and structural studies.
Carlet
Valencia
This laboratory managed by Intercontrol, A SOCOTEC Company, is responsible for carrying out all kinds of tests on construction materials, as well as environmental analyses.