Publications
This catalogue presents test facilities as follows:
The section "Fields of application” specifies the kind of tasks for which the facility is available at BAM.
Note: Some of the unique facilities refer to standard test methods. These are cases of internationally standardised tests which no other institute in Germany is currently offering. Often BAM was involved in the development of the test standards concerned, but due to expected costs remained to be the only provider in Germany.
The section “Methodology and instrumentation” specifies the functional principle and technical essentials of the test facility.
The section “Items tested" specifies the kind of objects which can be investigated and important testing conditions.
Specifications in the section “Quantities / characteristics tested” are depending on whether test results are quantitative data or qualitative characteristics or findings. For quantitative test results these are the relevant quantities including the applicable range of values (i.e. the operating range of the test facility). For qualitative test results these are the respective characteristics or test criteria which are material to the assessment. In case of qualitative results based on quantitative data (e.g. in conformity assessment) the quantities concerned and the applicable criteria are specified.
Specifications in the section "Uncertainty / reliability of results" also depend on the type of test result. For quantitative test results the uncertainty of measurement is specified as an expanded uncertainty for an approximate confidence level of 0,95 (coverage factor k = 2), expressed as a relative uncertainty in % or as an absolute uncertainty in units of the quantity tested. For qualitative test results supportive actions for assuring the reliability of test results are specified. Quantitative reliability data, e.g. estimated probabilities of erroneous results, are not usually available.
The section “Qualification and quality assurance” provides additional information on particular quality characteristics of the facility and its operation at BAM such as: significant participation in the development of instrumentation and test methods, longtime experience, relevant publications, good results in interlaboratory comparisons, particular qualification of test personnel. Also included are particular provisions for assuring the quality of test results.
Note: For its various testing activities BAM operates a comprehensive management system complying with the requirements of DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 “General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories”. In many areas this competence is attestated and monitored through an accreditation by external bodies.
Further information: www.bam.de > English > Expertise > Attestations of competence
(http://www.bam.de/en/kompetenzen/kompetenzbestaetigungen/index.htm)
For a convenient overview the test facilities are grouped according to the subject fields of the departments concerned:
Due to overlapping of subject fields this allocation may sometimes be misleading. When searching for a specific test facility, users of this catalogue should therefore not restrict their attention to the most obvious subject field.
The designated contact persons will be at customers' service for additional information about technical details of test facilities or test procedures and for inquiries concerning tests or co-operative use of test facilities.
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