Concrete Carbonation and Chloride Resistance Testing in the Accredited VÚMO Laboratory Using the Memmert ICH C Climate Chamber
Precise Concrete Testing According to the Latest Standards
The Research Institute of Building Materials Prague (VÚMO) has obtained a new accreditation certificate from the Czech Accreditation Institute No. 476/2025 according to ČSN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018. As the first accredited laboratory in the Czech Republic, it offers concrete resistance testing against carbonation and chloride migration according to ČSN EN 12390-12 and ČSN EN 12390-18.
These tests enable verification of blended cement suitability for specific environmental exposure classes according to ČSN P 73 2404 and are essential for assessing the service life of concrete structures exposed to aggressive conditions.
Importance of Environmental Control During Concrete Testing
Corrosion of steel reinforcement caused by carbonation (CO₂ exposure) or chloride ion penetration can significantly reduce the lifespan of reinforced concrete structures. DIN EN 206 assumes a minimum service life of 50 years, making precise control of temperature, humidity, and CO₂ concentration essential for reliable material durability assessments.
Memmert ICH C Climate Chamber – The Heart of the Testing System
For these tests, VÚMO uses the Memmert ICH 750 climate chamber, one of the most precise systems of its kind.
Key Technical Parameters:
• Temperature range: +10 °C to +60 °C
• Humidity range: 10–80% RH
• CO₂ control: 0–20%, resolution 0.1%
• Volume: 749 l
• Excellent environmental stability and homogeneity
• No icing, no moisture loss, no sample drying
The chamber provides long-term temperature and humidity stability required for testing according to ICH, WHO, EMA, and GMP guidelines. Two platinum sensors ensure continuous operation even if one sensor fails.
Dry Compressed Air Purge Extension
During concrete testing, high moisture levels are generated inside the chamber. To address this, the Memmert ICH C has been equipped with a dry compressed-air purge supplied from an external compressor.
This original Memmert accessory reduces humidity beyond the capabilities of the standard dehumidification system and ensures stable chamber conditions even during tests involving highly moist concrete samples.
Accredited VÚMO Laboratory – Reliability and Confidence
The accreditation confirms VÚMO’s competence to perform:
• Chloride migration coefficient determination (ČSN EN 12390-18)
• Carbonation resistance testing (ČSN EN 12390-12)
• Additional analyses of cements, concrete, and aqueous extracts
Applications for Industry and Research
The testing is used for:
• Cement and concrete production
• Durability and service-life testing
• Research and development projects
• Verification of cement compliance for various exposure classes
Thanks to precise CO₂ and temperature control, the Memmert climate chamber is ideally suited for long-term construction material testing requiring maximum stability and repeatability.
Contact
Ing. Šárka Klimešová – Head of Accredited Laboratory
+420 606 504 315
Ing. Tomáš Doležal
+420 606 110 450