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AGG is currently equipped with several specialized equipment and instrumentations to determine and evaluate subsurface in-situ conditions and surface physical conditions for tunneling projects. This equipment is currently being used on a daily basis on local tunnel projects. AGG’s engineering staff is highly experienced with these subsurfaced instrumentations such as with the installation and monitoring of piezometers, inclinometers, sondex, level troll, water level meter, zip level, etc. AGG’s staff is currently performing these monitoring services on 2 tunneling projects. AGG uses the inclinometer to record and evaluate lateral movements of subsurface soil. In addition to inclinometer, AGG uses tiltmeters in adjacent open cut walls and retaining walls to monitor its rotational movement. In regards to vertical movement, AGG uses the sondex system to observe the settlement of the overburden soil above the crown of the tunnel during the tunneling operations. Movements within open cut walls or retaining walls can sometimes be attributed to the changes in the water table within the abutted soil stratum. AGG has experience in installing and monitoring piezometers and AGG’s capability to retrieve continuous water reading with the installation of level trolls for critical projects such as vertical cut walls for tunnel shafts, below grade pump stations and levee embankments. In the event, continuous water reading is not necessary, AGG is equipped with an electronic water level meter to perform the readings manually when required.
In evaluating surface physical conditions of rock, concrete or floor slabs, AGG uses VW crackmeters, tape extensometers, embedded strain gauge and Zip Level to evaluate cracks, wall convergence with tunnels, and changes in elevation for various projects. The VW crackmeters can be install to monitor the movement of cracks along exposed rock surfaces such as within tunnel surfaces or along hills adjacent to major highways. The tape extensometer is used to monitor the distance between two points such as the opposite ends of open cut walls to evaluate the deformation. It can also be used to evaluate the convergence of tunnel walls at specified station numbers along its alignment. In addition, weldable strain gauges can be placed onto steel structural member to evaluate its respective strain property. Embedded strain gauge can be placed within concrete such as for tunnel lining and supports to measure the strain of the respective structural members. AGG is also equipped with a Zip Level to measure relative elevations of area of interest. AGG has a group of highly experienced engineering staff that is familiar with a variety of forensic instrumentation to accommodate each project needs accordingly.
AGG is one of the few laboratories in the United States that performs the Abrasion Resistance of Concrete (Underwater Method) (ASTM C-1138M).
Sonic Echo Impulse Response and Crosshole Sonic Logging AGG can evaluate the structural integrity of existing and new drilled shafts, driven or auger-cast piles and determine the length of existing deep foundations with Sonic Echo/Impulse Response test and Crosshole Sonic Logging (CSL). The Sonic Echo/Impulse Response test is a nondestructive test that measures the reflection of compressive waves sent through a medium, such as concrete and/or wood, that can be analyzed to determine structural defects along the shaft (such as bulging, necking, cracks, soil intrusions, etc.). This test can also be used to determine if a “soft bottom” is present at the bottom of the member caused by cave in or loose materials that were not removed during the drilling operations. CSL is a more accurate method to determine defects within drilled shafts or other concrete structural members such as slurry walls, mat foundations, etc. CSL is utilized in new construction and consists of installing access tubes, (PVC or Steel tubes) to the reinforced steel cage prior to concrete placement operation for a transmitter and a receiver to be lowered into the tubes after the concrete is placed. The transmitter, lowered in one tube, pulsates ultrasonic waves to the receiver, lowered in another tube, and readings can be recorded every 2 inches for the full length of the access tubes. These tests are beneficial and can minimize doubts on the structural integrity of slurry drilled piers, cased piers or driven piles. Pavement Testing AGG has pavement testing equipment that includes the Dynatest Portable Road Surface Profiler Mark IV (RSP), the SuperPave™ Machine, Pavement Quality Indicator 301 and the PMW Hamburg Machine. AGG is the only local Construction Materials Testing Firm that has the Dynatest Portable Road Surface Profiler and the PMW Hamburg Machine. AGG also utilizes a maturity meter, as necessary, to facilitate adherence to project schedule. The PMW Hamburg Machine performs rut resistance testing of lab molded specimens or roadway compacted cores. AGG is currently accredited to perform this test according to TEX-242F & AASHTO T324. The SuperPave™ Machine is a Gyratory Compactor that produces specimens for Mix Design Testing, HMAC Production Testing and the Hamburg Wheel Track Rut Tester. Ground Penetrating Radar AGG performs radar detection scans of concrete to provide clear 2D and 3D images of objects concealed within concrete structures. Using our PS 1000 X-Scan Radar Detection System, AGG is able to take non-destructive inspection of concrete to a higher level.
Maturity Meters Maturity Meters are temperature measurement and recording devices designed specifically for embedding in concrete placements and test specimens. Loggers measure and record temperature data at predetermined intervals and durations. Maturity loggers process time-temperature information to calculate and store concrete maturity.
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Speciaty Testing