Independent in testing, inspection and certification

Normec QS has specialized in providing independent, accredited services in testing, inspection and certification of plastic films and pipe systems for more than 20 years. The company acts as a one-stop-shop and operates completely independently under accreditation with ministerial recognition, such as most recently on the Roof of Drenthe which was very briefly the setting for the 2023 European Cycling Championships.

For foil structures, Normec QS usually acts as an accredited inspection body during construction and performs destructive tests on plastic welded joints in its own accredited laboratory for that purpose. "Under accreditation, we are also allowed to make a statement about the expected service life of foil structures," says director Iljo Fluit. A good example is the Dak van Drenthe project. The project is officially an 800-meter long embankment of bottom ash that was sealed with a foil construction earlier this year. That this effort is highly appreciated is also evident from a statement by Hans Boer of client Attero: "We choose Normec QS for an independent assessment of the quality of the work. This is very important to Attero for the acceptance of the seal's 100-year lifespan. In addition, Normec QS is practical and flexible to ensure the progress of the work."  

In addition to testing and inspection, Normec QS can also make a statement about the expected life of a structure or piping system. "The lifetime of the plastics used depends on various environmental factors. Think of chemical, physical and mechanical degradation processes. In our laboratory, long-life tests are performed from which a statement is made about a life expectancy," says Iljo. "We not only carry out lifespan research on geosynthetics, but also on geotextiles such as drainage mats or geogrids. In addition, we are increasingly being used to determine the residual life of plastic piping systems, for example."

Shear tests are also performed in the Normec QS laboratory under accreditation. "An embankment is increasingly subjected to a slope test. We simulate the situation outside in our lab using a similar setup, and are thus unique in the Netherlands. And so we as Normec QS continue to move with the times to offer our clients a one-stop shop for testing, inspection and certification."