Over 20 years of structural investigation and testing expertise

One of the fastest-growing and most respected firms of its type, the team at Perry Testing has been providing structural investigation and testing services for over 20 years. From pile integrity testing, pull off testing and load testing to slip resistance testing and diamond drilling, our seasoned experts provide the time-sensitive, project-critical data you demand.

Using cutting-edge techniques and technology, we measure, investigate and analyse your structures, locating defects and providing detailed reports on areas of concern. Where possible, we also provide guidance and recommendations as to potential solutions.

Operating throughout the UK, we work for a truly diverse range of clients. From large multi-nationals and developers to architects and structural engineers, our clients benefit greatly from the experience, speed and flexibility of our structural investigation team.

So, whether you’re looking to alter an existing structure or assess the strength or performance of a particular component, our team of highly-qualified structural investigation engineers should be your first port of call.

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    FAQs

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    • We're based in Watford in Hertfordshire, not far from London, but we regularly travel throughout the UK including Bedfordshire, Middlesex, Buckinghamshire and Surrey to support our clients.

    • Whilst every project is different, we charge based on a competitive day rate. Simply get in touch for a tailored quotation.

    • Many of our clients are initially unsure as to exactly what type of testing is needed to capture the information their projects require. If that sounds like you, just get in touch and a member of our team will advise on the most appropriate and cost-effective approach to take.

    • Absolutely. Whilst the majority of our works are carried out during normal working hours between Monday and Friday, we understand that this won't be possible for every client. That's why we offer an out of hours and weekend working service available upon request.

    • On the whole, our lead time for site work is between 1-2 weeks from receipt of an instruction. That said, we completely understand that some projects require a more immediate response and will always do our best to accommodate urgent requests.

    • Yes. All of our engineers are trained to work at height with PASMA and IPAF certification. We can also bring any necessary access equipment with us - such as a tower or MEWP - as necessary.

    • Yes. We have a number of highly experienced engineers who have confined space training.

    • Whilst this can vary due to nature of each individual project, we typically aim to deliver our reports within 10 working days of the site work having been completed.

    Why choose Perry Testing?

    Time served professionals

    Every one of our engineers and technicians has at least 10 years' experience in structural investigation, scanning and materials testing.

    Easy-to-read, concise reports

    Our beautifully formatted reports are delivered promptly whilst getting straight to the point, providing the data you need direct to your inbox.

    Professional, friendly staff

    We take pride in the professionalism and attitude of our staff. From first contact to reporting, we'll treat you as we'd like to be treated ourselves.

    Proven track record

    Every year, we complete hundreds of projects for a truly loyal client base, firms that return time after time, confident in the service they'll receive.

    Nationwide service

    Our teams travel the length and breadth of the UK, delivering structural investigation and testing services on a truly diverse range of sites.

    Reduced risk and costs

    Using the very latest technology and techniques, we help reduce unexpected costs, keeping your team, project and organisation safe in the process.

    Concrete Assessment Surveys

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    The suitability of reinforced concrete for construction or other purposes depends upon a combination of factors including – but not limited to – the quality of the mix, chloride ion content, cover depth and more.

    Over and above the tests discussed above, therefore, our specialists can carry out a wide selection of in-situ testing on concrete structures. Vital for accurately assessing both the durability and condition of structural concrete, these tests can be the difference between a project being viable and not.

    • Carbonation testing
    • Cement content testing
    • Chloride testing
    • Alkali-silica reaction testing (ASR)
    • Sulphate testing
    • Testing for the presence of HAC
    • Concrete resistivity testing

    Pendulum Slip Resistance Testing

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    Often overlooked by developers and property owners alike, the friction of your floor (or how slippery it is) is absolutely critical, especially when it comes to public or commercial buildings.

    In the words of the Health and Safety Executive, “there is a level of friction below which people tend to slip over”. Fall below this level and you could be inadvertently encouraging people to fall, potentially leading to injuries, financial/insurance claims and even investigation by the relevant authorities.

    The Pendulum Slip Resistance Test is the HSE’s preferred method of assessing the slip resistance of flooring. This is thanks to its portability and thus its ability to be used in the exact conditions that could result in slip accidents.

    It measures the dynamic coefficient of friction (CoF) and, in simple terms, simulates the effect of a member of the public placing their heel on the ground whilst walking.

    Screed Soundness Testing

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    First developed by the British Research Establishment – or BRE – in the 1970s, the BRE Screed Test is now widely accepted as being the default, ‘go to’ test for measuring the soundness of a sand and cement floor screed. To put things simply, however, it’s designed to calculate whether a screed is capable of taking the loads and level of traffic for which it was intended.

    Able to be used just 14 days after the screed has been laid, this test can help advise as to whether any remedial measures may be required due to issues with the mix or compaction etc.

    The BRE screed testing offered by Perry Testing is carried out in accordance with British Standard BS8204 with the BRE screed test itself now forming part of the BS Code of Practices for the measurement of screed soundness.

    In terms of methodology, either a 2Kg or 4Kg weight (attached to a 1m long guide) is dropped four times onto the screed with the indentation made in the concrete then being measured. We can interpret the results, considering the class of screed, whilst highlighting any suspect areas. Any problematic areas found following the BRE screed test may either be remediated or prompt further testing to be carried out.

    Pile Integrity Testing

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    Discover the benefits of pile integrity testing for assessing the condition of piles: a cost-effective and extremely efficient method that eliminates the need for expensive excavations, physical exposure or ground disturbance.

    Relative Humidity Testing

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    Whilst your concrete slab may appear completely dry, that may not always be the case with significant amounts of water potentially still being present within the concrete (relative humidity). There are a variety of factors the can affect the level of relative humidity within concrete with RH sometimes remaining an issue for many months after pouring.

    What’s more, recently laid concrete slabs typically contain higher levels of relative humidity the further down you go. It’s essential, therefore, that testing is carried out throughout the slab, not merely towards the surface.

    Lay flooring on top of the slab before it’s had chance to properly dry out, however, and that water will try to escape, having potentially disastrous effects upon your chosen flooring.

    Our team of concrete specialists will assess your slab, measuring the level of relative humidity within and determining whether it has reached a safe and acceptable level. In doing so, we can save you significant amounts of both time and money that may otherwise have been spent on the installation of a damp proof membrane.

    Load Testing

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    With over 20 years’ experience, our team of structural investigation engineers are ideally placed to carry out in-depth load testing on a variety of structural elements.

    Structural load testing could be required for a number of reasons. A change of use could be proposed for the building, requiring the addition of supplementary floor or perhaps heavy plant. Alternatively, there could be a need to prove performance for verification reasons or even strength following a fire.

    Such testing is a widely accepted method of proving a building’s (or an individual component’s) ability to take a specific load. Such components could include…

    • Slabs
    • Balconies
    • Balustrades
    • Lifts
    • Lifting beams and more.

    Perry Testing will apply the test load your projects demand using hydraulic rams or test weights, continuously monitoring deflection over a specified time period before issuing a report containing our findings.

    Pull Out and Pull Off Testing

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    Backed up by more than two decades of experience, our specialist engineers carry out tensile and sheer tests – or pull out and pull off testing – on a range of structural fixings connected to or embedded within beams, walls and so on. Carried out in accordance with BS 8539, these tests can provide the information needed to identify potentially dangerous and expensive issues within fixings or structures.

    Schmidt Hammer Surveys

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    The Schmidt hammer – or rebound hammer – is a mechanical, spring-loaded tool that, when used on concrete, provides a value that can be compared against a table, this value corresponding to a known compressive strength figure.

    Widely believed to be one of the best methods of accurately assessing the compressive strength of concrete, a Schmidt hammer survey helps us identify known areas of high quality concrete. Comparing other areas against these, we can then pinpoint potentially problematic areas of concrete.

    By using a Schmidt hammer, our expert team can quickly and accurately identify areas of poor quality concrete, giving you the information you need to make a properly informed decision.

    Diamond Drilling and Dust Sampling

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    Diamond drilling or coring is ideal for creating super clean, precision holes in concrete in order to extract cores for testing at one of our UKAS accredited laboratories.

    Not only is the structural integrity of the material preserved throughout due to its non-percussive nature, thanks to the water used during coring, the entire process is dust-free.

    Being quiet, light and easily transportable, the diamond drilling of concrete and other materials can take place almost anywhere, even in particularly tight spaces or those still occupied by the public.

    RAAC Concrete Surveys

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    A light weight, aerated type of concrete that was used extensively in the second part of the 20th century, RAAC concrete is regularly present within public buildings and beyond, and in roofs and walls in particular.

    Over recent years, however, a number of structural failures have led to significant concerns arising over a tendency for cracking, rebar corrosion, and even collapse.

    Perry Testing provides an in-depth RAAC concrete surveys in line with both Government guidance and BRE IP 7/02.

    "Perry Testing are more than just another surveying company, they provide modern solutions to real problems. Always a pleasure to work with them."

    — Ben Joshua, Senior Engineer, Keltbray

    "We have engaged Perry Testing on a range and number of projects to provide scanning, sampling, and testing and always found them responsive and their reports to be high quality and informative. I would highly recommend them."

    — Malcolm Brady, Director, MBP

    "I have worked with Perry Testing Limited on several projects over the past 3 or 4 years, and they have always responded to our requests at very short notice, providing a professional, expert service every time."

    — Ben White, Managing Quantity Surveyor, United Living

    Looking for advice on structural investigation?

    Want to learn more about structural investigation? Need a quotation? Get in touch! A member of our team will be only too happy to help!

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