Concrete Analysis

Geochempet are specialists in descriptive and predictive reporting on concrete samples, including assessment of degradation risk and damage. Our expert team has led many engineering investigations in product failures and preventative research for leading construction and supply companies.

Clients rely on Geochempet’s knowledge and experience in the identification of common types of concrete degradation such as alkaline silica reaction, sulphate attack and carbonation in concrete structures such as bridges, tunnels and roads, and other concrete based building products.

Geochempet also has expertise in evaluating fire-damaged concrete, identifying characteristic changes that reveal the maximum temperature the material has endured.

Petrographic Report Specifics

Petrographic reports of hardened concrete incorporates ASTM C856 Standard Recommended Practice for Petrographic Examination of Hardened Concrete. This practice involves a visual examination of the core or other samples submitted, and preparation of a polished slab cross-section, and one or more thin section for microscopic examination. Information is provided on the nature and proportions of coarse and fine aggregates, cement, voids, carbonation depth, fractures, ASR reaction and other alteration products, and comments on any specifically requested aspects.

Scanning Electron Microscopy may be used to image and provide chemical analysis of cement components, alteration products and fracture fills, and locate contaminants such as chloride by element mapping at the micron scale if requested.

Engineering Petrographic Report on a hardened concrete

This engineering petrographic report is a visual examination of concrete core, low-magnification microscopy of polished slab, and preparation of thin section for optical microscopy. The report comments on identity, proportions, distribution and texture of coarse and fine aggregate rock/mineral types, cement, voids, carbonation depth, fractures, evidence of alkali-silica reaction and other reaction products. Quantitative composition based on a 100-point count, distinguishing minerals and rock types present in coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and any identifiable cement additives or secondary products are considered, with the application of ASTM C856.

Air Content of Concrete

Visual examination and preparation of a polished concrete slab to estimate air content, taking into account C457.