Concrete Investigation: Concrete Inspections & Concrete Testing

Concrete Testing

HAC Testing

A concrete survey, concrete sampling and concrete testing is required to establish the condition of a concrete structure. The durability and condition of reinforced concrete depends on the relationship between the cover to the reinforcement, the carbonation depth, the chloride ion content, the exposure conditions and quality of the concrete.

For example, elevated levels of chloride within the concrete can lead to accelerated deterioration of concrete under damp conditions.

elevated levels of chloride within the concrete can lead to accelerated deterioration of concrete under damp conditions

Chloride may have been used in the original concrete mix or may have ingressed as sea spray or de-icing salts.

In addition, the use of High Alumina Cement (HAC) was found to have caused a number of well publicised structural failures during the 1970's. The use of HAC was subsequently banned.

Hence, particularly during property acquisition surveys, it is imperative that a condition and durability assessment of the structural concrete is undertaken.

it is imperative that a condition and durability assessment of the structural concrete is undertaken

Typically this involves detailed concrete surveys, concrete sampling and concrete testing.

A concrete survey, incorporating concrete sampling and concrete testing, will confirm the condition of a concrete structure or individual element.

RS offers the following concrete survey services:

Visual inspection.
Site concrete sampling for laboratory analysis.
Analysis to determine the Chloride content (through laboratory concrete testing).
Analysis to identify HAC (through laboratory concrete testing).
Site concrete testing for long term durability purposes (depths of concrete cover and carbonation).

Following a concrete survey and concrete sampling exercise RS produces detailed interpretative reports that confirm the condition of the concrete investigated, whether deleterious materials are present and also makes comment on the long term durability of the concrete

RS provides technical advice with regard to any required remedial works, produces budgets for such work and can also supervise the works if required.

RS uses the results of the concrete surveys, concrete sampling and concrete testing to estimate the likely lifespan of a structure and advise what maintenance will be required during that period.

Concrete surveys can generally be carried out whilst a building remains in use.

Concrete surveys are carried out by experienced and qualified staff.

For further information about concrete testing and surveys, contact RS Specialist Services Ltd

Services Overview

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Materials

Building Envelope