Concrete Investigation: Concrete Inspections & Concrete Testing
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.
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.
RS offers the following:
- Visual inspection.
- Site sampling for laboratory analysis.
- Analysis to determine the Chloride content.
- Analysis to identify HAC.
- Site testing for long term durability purposes (depths of concrete cover and carbonation).
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.
For further information, contact RS Specialist Services Ltd
Services Overview
Materials
Building Envelope
RS provides a professional, innovative, reliable and competetive service drawing on many years experience in the investigation, inspection and remediation of buildings and structures.