AECI Much Asphalt’s Central Lab in a class of its own

AECI Much Asphalt’s Central

Lab in a class of its own

In 2006, AECI Much Asphalt’s Central Laboratory in Cape Town became the first asphalt testing laboratory in South Africa to achieve accreditation from the South African National Accreditation System (Sanas).

Cenlab, as it is known, has now taken a significant further step to become the only fully accredited bitumen and asphalt laboratory in South Africa, reports Bennie Greyling, managing director, AECI Much Asphalt.

Firyaal Moos, manager: Cenlab, elaborates that all the current specialised testing carried out at the laboratory has been audited and accredited in a step that ensures the facility is 100% covered by Sanas. This includes dynamic modulus and flow, Hamburg wheel tracker, fatigue life and dynamic creep, performance grade (PG) bitumen testing, as well as rubber testing techniques encompassing dynamic viscosity, flow, compression recovery, and ball penetration and resilience.

Extension of scope

“Cenlab has been Sanas accredited for a large number of test methods for the past 16 years and we have been audited every 18 months since then,” Moos explains. “However, testing methods have developed and changed over the years, and we recently applied for an ‘extension of scope’ to include the most recent test methods, as well as others for which we have not previously been accredited. These advanced asphalt and bitumen rubber test methods were the focus of the latest audit.”

Sanas accreditation begins with assessment of the laboratory systems, including staff, equipment maintenance, calibrations and verifications, followed by the test methods. Additional test methods can then be included through the extension of scope process.

“Since August 2006, Cenlab has been accredited for Marshall testing, SANS bitumen test methods and SANS aggregate test methods. We included six additional PG bitumen test methods in April 2022, and the final eight test methods in October 2022,” Moos expands.

Correlation testing programmes

While the Sanas accreditation applies to an AECI Much Asphalt facility, subsidiary AECI SprayPave participates in its correlation testing programmes and Cenlab plays a major role in AECI SprayPave’s binder testing and product development.

“Our daily activities incorporate equipment calibrations and verifications, regular updating of test methods, and continuous staff training. It is essential for us to keep up to date with the latest developments in specifications and testing regimes. Our Sanas accreditation also requires our involvement in both inter- and intralaboratory comparative testing programmes for all our accredited test methods,” Moos continues.

She points out that AECI Much Asphalt aims to provide its clients with world-class service and the peace of mind of knowing that test results are supported by stringent management systems to ensure quality and conformity.

“What Firyaal Moos and her team have achieved is truly remarkable and we are very proud of our flagship laboratory,” says Greyling. “AECI Much Asphalt has built strong, lasting industry relationships in the past 50 years and I believe Cenlab’s latest success will help to sustain these relationships.” Moos attributes Cenlab’s longterm success as a Sanas-accredited facility to hard work and dedication, together with the best efforts of her team to keep pace with changes and developments in the industry. “Teamwork is key, and every team member plays a very important part in ensuring overall success.”

Firyaal Moos performing a DSR test. Cenlab received accreditations for all DSR tests in April 2022

Demonstration of a Hamburg wheel tracker test

Cenlab team members involved in the Sanas accreditation ‘extension of scope’ at AECI Much Asphalt’s Eerste River facility in Cape Town. L-R: Jonathan September, Siya Sidinile, Firyaal Moos, David de Wet and Craig Cupido

Benoni Laboratory

The Benoni Laboratory in Gauteng has also been upgraded significantly in recent years to offer all of the most up-to-date testing equipment and techniques, and is well on the road to its first Sanas audit.

Adds Joanne Muller, technical manager: Inner Region, AECI Much Asphalt: “We are learning from the Cenlab team and will try to emulate their outstanding achievement in the near future.”