Engineers News: July 2008
Time to visit the lab
by Abraham Fontanilla, business representative
Monday through Friday just like clock work, Local 3 member Don Ensley starts his shift at the Signet Laboratory located in Cotati, Calif. Don developed a routine that has become second nature to him. As he steps through the front door leading directly into the lab, one of the first things on his list of daily tasks is to check the cure room.
“The ambient temperature should be 73°F±3°,” he says as he points to the external temperature gauge located on the side of the rectangular storage container the size of a school bus. He then opens the container to make sure the gauge within the container matches. This box is used to hold cylindrical test specimens made of concrete.
The concrete samples are tested using the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard C 39-Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens. Since concrete is used for critical structural members during construction of a building, it is important to monitor its strength in every way possible. Compression is a main factor when assessing concrete strength, and compressive load is a constant presence within concrete after the building is complete. A structural engineer may require concrete placed at column footings to be a certain strength using measurement in Pound per Square Inch (PSI). If the concrete fails to meet the specification, this structural member will not perform the way it is intended, leading to reductions of the structural soundness of the building. It is imperative to ensure all materials concerning building structures meet the design specifications.
Throughout the day, Don administers testing for steel, masonry, grout, mortar and fire-proofing using various testing methods developed to find specific characteristics required of the material when it is applied during construction. He also performs many tests concerning soil analysis. With his extensive knowledge of the stringent testing standards, Don can provide a concise report stating passing or failing results.
Don is in his fourth year at the lab and is continually expanding his abilities to perform more tests by attaining certifications in constructionmaterial testing. When asked why he chose this line of work he said: “I have a knack for science. This kind of work allows me to exercise just that.”
Don is one of many highly qualified laboratory technicians who helps ensure safety and quality during construction.
