Sandberg has been continuously involved with the diagnosis of AAR since before the earliest UK mainland example was publicised more than forty-five years ago. This experience embraces alkali-silica/silicate reaction (ASR) and alkali-carbonate reactivity (ACR) and extends to over thirty countries and more recently, has included the assessment of AAR risk and development in secondary and recycled aggregate materials. It covers both pre-construction AAR risk assessment of concrete constituents, its diagnosis and evaluation in existing structures and the provision of expert services where litigation ensues.
Concrete petrography remains the definitive technique for the detection of the AAR in concrete, and Sandberg’s UKAS-accredited thin section petrography, in conjunction with in-house scanning electron microscopy facilities, means that Sandberg is able to offer unrivalled capabilities in the investigation and detection of AAR in concrete.
Pre-Construction Evaluation of Constituents
- Desk Studies of potential aggregate resources and environmental factors.
- Source assessments and aggregate sampling by experienced geologists.
- Expert petrographical examinations of aggregates.
- Indicative chemical testing of aggregates and aggregate combinations.
- Alkali content analysis of cements, additives, water and aggregates.
- Full assessment of concrete mix proposals for AAR potential.
- Recommendations for minimising AAR risk and specification advice.
- Tests include: ASTM C1260, ASTM C227, BS812-123
Diagnosis and Evaluation of AAR in Concrete and Concrete Structures
- Expert inspection, in-situ testing and sampling of structures
- Visual and microscopical examination of concretes
- Chemical analysis of concrete, alkalis, chlorides, cement content
- Mineralogical and chemical analyses of reaction products
- Core expansion testing of concrete
- Diagnostic and remedial appraisals of potentially affected structures
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