The ATZ Laboratory focuses on insulation and Geofoam testing.

TESTING METHODS

Compressive resistance testing of Geofoam as specified by ASTM D6817, “Standard Specification for Rigid Cellular Polystyrene Geofoam”.

Overview
Determines the compressive resistance of EPS geofoam.

Test Method
Testing is conducted in accordance with ASTM C165 or D1621.

Samples
2 in. (50mm) cubes are required to be submitted. Ten samples are recommended.

Sample Selection
Samples are recommended to be selected in accordance with ASTM D7557.

Test Rate
The test rate is 0.2 in. (5mm) per minute which is equivalent to 10% strain per minute.

Results
Compressive resistance at 1%, 5%, and 10%.

Report Turnaround
Reports are normally available within 2-3 business days after receipt of samples.

Flexural strength testing of Geofoam as specified by ASTM D6817, “Standard Specification for Rigid Cellular Polystyrene Geofoam”.

Overview
Determines the flexural strength of EPS geofoam.

Test Method
Testing is conducted in accordance with ASTM C203, Method I, Procedure B.

Samples
1 in. x 3 in. x 12 in. (25mm x 75mm x 350mm) samples are required to be submitted. Ten samples are recommended.

Sample Selection
Samples are recommended to be selected in accordance with ASTM D7557.

Results
Flexural Strength.

Report Turnaround
Reports are normally available within 2-3 business days after receipt of samples.

Density of geofoam as specified by ASTM D6817, “Standard Specification for Rigid Cellular Polystyrene Geofoam”.

Overview
Determines the density of EPS geofoam.

Test Method
Testing is conducted in accordance with ASTM C303 or D1622.

Samples

Density is determined using samples from either:

  • Compression testing – 2 in. (50mm) cubes
  • Flexural strength testing – 1 in. x 3 in. x 12 in. (25mm x 75mm x 350mm) samples

Sample Selection
Samples are recommended to be selected in accordance with ASTM D7557.

Results
Density.

Report Turnaround
Reports are normally available within 2-3 business days after receipt of samples.

Thermal resistance testing of insulations in accordance with ASTM C518, “Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus”.

Overview
Determines the thermal resistance (R-value) of insulations.

Test Method
Testing is conducted in accordance with ASTM C518.

Samples
1 to 4 in. (25-100 mm) thick x 12 in. (300 mm) x 12 in. (300 mm) samples are required to be submitted. Three samples are recommended.

Mean Temperature
Standard testing is completed at a mean temperature of 75F (24C). Additional testing at mean temperatures between 25F (-4C) and 110F(43C) is available.

Results
Steady state thermal resistance or R-value.

Report Turnaround
Reports are normally available within 2-3 business days after receipt of samples.

The ATZ Laboratory focuses primarily on testing insulation and Geofoam in accordance with:

  • ASTM D1621  Standard Test Method for Compressive Properties Of Rigid Cellular Plastics
  • ASTM D1622  Standard Test Method for Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular Plastics
  • ASTM C203  Standard Test Methods for Breaking Load and Flexural Properties of Block-Type Thermal Insulation
  • ASTM C518  Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus

However, we also regularly conduct testing in accordance with the following methods:

  • ASTM C165  Standard Test Method for Measuring Compressive Properties of Thermal Insulations
  • ASTM C273  Standard Test Method for Shear Properties of Sandwich Core Materials
  • ASTM C297  Standard Test Method for Flatwise Tensile Strength of Sandwich Constructions
  • ASTM C303  Standard Test Method for Dimensions and Density of Preformed Block and Board-Type Thermal Insulation
  • ASTM C393  Standard Test Method for Core Shear Properties of Sandwich Constructions by Beam Flexure

If you have a testing need not covered by the above, please contact us.