If you’re looking to set up a new civil engineering lab, there’s a lot that goes into the whole process. From setting a budget to ordering equipment to ensuring you have all the right certifications, it can feel overwhelming if you’re doing it from scratch.
Don’t worry though–in this first part of a two part series, we’ll make this easier for you by walking you through the whole process lab step-by-step.
Tips for Setting Up Your Civil Engineering Lab Part 1 | The Hot Mix Podcast S02EP10
What you’ll need to start a new lab
To begin, you’ll want to determine how much available space you have to work with, and assess the specific needs of your lab. For example, will this be a brand-new lab? Or will it function more like an add-on to an existing one? What kind of certifications will you need, if any? This assessment will inform decisions regarding space allocation, equipment selection, and workflow optimization.
A well-thought-out design ensures that the lab can accommodate current requirements and allows for future expansion or modifications. InstroTek, along with our sister company, HMA Lab Supply, can help you determine the right equipment for your lab. Be sure to check out both InstroTek and HMA websites for our vast selection of lab products and consumables.
General Lab vs. Mixed Design Lab
Another thing you’ll want to consider in your planning phase is what type of lab this will be. In a general lab, you’ll most likely be doing QC testing of materials, whereas a mixed design lab will involve the actual design of asphalt mixtures. Determining the purpose of your new lab will help inform you on what equipment you should be purchasing.
Plan out your budget
Before you start shopping around for new equipment, you’ll want to sit down and determine what the budget for your new lab will be. At InstroTek, we can help you decide what your budget should be based on your goals and parameters, as well as help you find the right tools and equipment necessary to get your lab up and running.
What will your delivery time be?
Now that you’ve determined your budget, it’s time to start purchasing the equipment you’ve chosen. You’ll want to consider when you want to actually open your lab for testing, so give yourself enough lead time when scheduling delivery of equipment. You’ll want enough of a buffer to allow for delivery, but also testing and calibration of the equipment once it arrives.
Also, you’ll want to make sure your equipment is ready for paving season. Most labs are typically looking at the fall season to purchase new lab equipment, to give them enough time for set up and calibration before the start of the busy construction season.
What to do after ordering equipment
Once you’ve ordered the equipment you want for your new lab, you’ll want to make sure you have the proper personnel to receive and operate the equipment once it’s shipped. Forklifts and skid steers will also likely be necessary to get the equipment inside your lab (depending on the size of the equipment you ordered).
After you’ve received any equipment, be sure to open up the boxes and physically inspect the machines for damage. Doing this as soon as possible will save you lots of time in the long run, as you’ll have plenty of time to order a replacement or get a refund before you open your lab.
The longer you wait to do this, the less likely you’ll be able to get a refund or a replacement.
This is part one of a two part series on setting up a civil engineering lab. In part 2, we’ll cover how to set up your new lab once you’ve ordered your equipment and what next steps you’ll need to take to get everything operational.
Get more content like this by subscribing to The Hot Mix on YouTube, where we interview experts, unbox new asphalt testing products, and share industry knowledge.
You can also check out the Hot Mix on Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
Leave a comment: