Concrete Petrography

Sandberg offer UKAS accredited concrete petrography to British (BS EN) and American (ASTM) concrete petrography and examination methods. Mortar petrography is also carried out by these methods.

Large area thin sections (75 x 110 mm) for concrete petrography are prepared in-house and examined under petrological microscopes employing plane polarised, cross-polarised and ultra violet light at magnifications up to x800.

Concrete petrography can be used to investigate the following parameters.

• Aggregate type (coarse / fine)
• Aggregate characteristics, size & distribution
• Aggregate coatings & contamination
• Matrix characteristics and features
• Mineral additives (ggbfs, pfa, microsilica, limestone powder, etc.)
• Cement type
• Hydration state
• Air void content
• Water cement ratio
• Compaction
• Microporosity
• Bleeding & segregation
• Carbonation depth
• Secondary deposits
• Contamination
• Microcracking
• Crack age
• Alkali silica reaction (ASR)
• Alkali carbonate reaction (ACR)
• Sulphate attack (Ettringite & Thaumasite)
• Delayed Ettringite formation (DEF)
• Chemical attack
• Bomb damage
• Fire damage
• General concrete assessment

Sandberg can offer independent expert advice on concrete sampling, and can provide concrete sampling services if required, for concrete petrography to ensure that representative samples are obtained and correctly protected for concrete petrography in the laboratory.

On completion of concrete petrography, Sandberg is able to provide an independent expert opinion on the results and if necessary supply expert witness services in concrete petrography.