In the construction sector, the materials used play a vital role in every project. Poor materials will lead to unreliable structures, loss of revenue and can also result in injuries if they crumble or collapse. To guarantee long lasting structures, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) encourages the use of construction materials that are tested and certified for quality.
For over fifteen years, the GNBS has been providing testing of various products including concrete hollow blocks and recently, cubes and concrete structures. The Industrial Metrology and Testing (IMT) Department provides testing of products for manufacturers, homeowners, and other stakeholders in Guyana, to ensure products meet the requirements of National Standards.
Recently, concerns have been raised about the quality of concrete hollow blocks being sold by some local manufacturers. The GNBS offers testing for concrete hollow blocks measuring four, six and eight inches in accordance with the National Standard – GYS 215:2018 – “Specification for Load Bearing Masonry Concrete Units”. These products are tested for Compressive strength, moisture content and absorption over the course of three days to guarantee a robust end product, and this service can be accessed by manufacturers, contractors and homeowners.
Manufacturers are liable for the quality and performance of their products over the short and long term. Therefore, they need to ensure their products can withstand certain conditions and comply with National and International Standards. If they are unable to do so, projects can be delayed, and quality can be compromised. To promote long term compliance with the National Standard, block makers can get their products certified by the GNBS and join the four certified companies: Gafsons Industries Limited, Dura Blocks, Robin Hollow Blocks and KSM Investments Inc.
As it relates to concrete cubes, these are tested in accordance with the British Standard -BS EN 12390 – Testing of hardened concrete. The testing of cubes guarantees stronger foundations, beams and other components.
This year, the Bureau also began offering Non-Destructive Testing for concrete structures. This test assesses strength, durability, and susceptibility to deterioration, removing doubts about substandard residential and commercial concrete structures. It determines compressive strength of the existing structures with a range of 0 – 8,400 Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) in accordance with the ASTM Standard (C805) Standard Test Method for Rebound Number of Hardened Concrete
The promotion of quality construction materials has led to several stakeholders becoming aware of the quality of the blocks they manufacture, and at the same time increased the quality consciousness of consumers regarding this widely used building material.
Meanwhile, the GNBS offers certification for PVC pipes, Bathtubs and shower units under its Product Certification programme. Under the Permit to use the Made in Guyana Standards Mark, there are also several certified construction materials including Plywood, Slabs and piles, Bitumen, Taper sawn wallaba shingles, Wooden flooring, molding & decking, Aluminum manhole covers and Fire hydrants among others.
To learn more about these and other related services provided by the GNBS, be sure to visit our booth at the upcoming International Building Expo on August 24-27 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara. Our team of experts is prepared to have meaningful engagements with you throughout the four-day event as we strive to create a culture of quality in Guyana.
For further information contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064-66 or WhatsApp 692-4627. You can also visit our website: www.gnbsgy.org and our Facebook page: gnbsgy.
