A primary function at Qualitest is to provide our clients with the data needed to transition from research and development to successful commercial application.
We recently applied this principle in our work with Circle Concrete Tech, a specialized and forward-thinking firm dedicated to creating next-generation sustainable construction materials from recycled sources. As an emerging enterprise with close affiliations to Texas A&M University, Texas State University, and a recent EPA grant recipient, they were at a critical stage in preparing their innovative Plient recycled steel fibers for market.
A Real-World Test of Innovation: The Circle Concrete Tech Story
Their product, Plient recycled steel fibers, represents a highly effective method for reinforcing concrete. A critical obstacle emerged, however, as a significant portion of their target market required the conveyance of this new mixture through a pump system.
Image by Circle Concrete Tech
The unique composition of the fibers created a specific operational concern: would the material flow consistently, or would it lead to a significant and costly project failure?
The Circle Concrete Tech team possessed strong professional intuition regarding the material's viability. As they stated, “Our team was confident it would work based on our experience mixing and placing Plient-reinforced concrete.”
However, professional intuition requires empirical validation to justify capital expenditure. Mitigating this type of operational and financial risk is a foundational element of our advisory process at Qualitest.
Upon reviewing the parameters of their challenge, our recommendation was therefore not merely an instrument, but a comprehensive testing methodology centered on the QT-B0200 SLIPER. We identified this rheometer as the correct solution because it is specifically engineered to provide definitive data on pumpability within a controlled laboratory setting, thereby eliminating the immense cost and variables of a full-scale field trial.
Image by Circle Concrete Tech
The Circle Concrete Tech group immediately recognized the strategic value of this approach. “We became interested in the SLIPER for two main reasons,” they noted. “First, small-scale laboratory testing allowed us to test a range of mixture designs and Plient fiber dosages at a reasonable cost and effort. Second, the results from the laboratory testing would give our team the confidence to make the leap to a large test slab.”
Image by Circle Concrete Tech
The subsequent data provided the precise validation they required. Delivering this level of actionable intelligence is a key performance indicator for all Qualitest solutions.
First, they obtained quantitative proof defining the relationship between their mix design and its flow characteristics. “The key insight we gained from the test was the relationship between concrete mixture design (paste content, fiber dosage) and pumpability,” they informed us. “Prior to this testing, we had no way to test this in the lab.”
This information also proved instrumental for their EPA project obligations. “The SLIPER test enabled us to satisfy a key objective in our EPA SBIR Phase I project.”
Finally, equipped with the assurance provided by the Qualitest equipment, they proceeded with the full-scale application with predictable, positive results. “It allowed us to confidently construct a prototype floor slab using a pump truck, demonstrating the constructability of Plient reinforced concrete.”
Image by Circle Concrete Tech
The team’s final summary articulated the clear return on investment and risk mitigation that our partnership provided:
“SLIPER allowed us to test the pumpability of a range of mixtures with our product, Plient fibers, with a significant reduction in risk, effort, and cost compared to full-scale testing with a pump truck.”
This outcome exemplifies the core value proposition of Qualitest: we provide the instrumentation and expert support necessary to convert material uncertainty into market-ready assurance.
Ensure the Viability of Your Material Application
Ensuring the successful field performance of a new material is critical for project timelines and budgets. Qualitest provides the means to secure this outcome by replacing speculation with empirical data. Our team possesses the deep industry background to guide you to the correct testing protocol for your specific application.
We invite you to contact our specialists to initiate a technical discussion. We are prepared to provide further documentation on the SLIPER or assemble a formal quotation tailored to your project's requirements.
