In Ireland, homes built with concrete blocks containing deleterious minerals, mainly pyrite and pyrrhotite, have suffered widespread structural damage, including extensive cracking and crumbling.
Irish Standard I.S. 465:2026
The recently revised Irish Standard, IS 465:2026, provides a robust framework for the assessment of dwellings potentially affected by defective concrete blocks. The Standard defines the procedures for building inspection, sampling, and laboratory testing.
Sandberg has a long-established track record in the testing and assessment of concrete block core samples in accordance with both the former and revised IS 465 methodologies. Using the staged assessment process, our investigations progressively gather the information required to evaluate risk factors and assess the likelihood of future deterioration.
I.S. 465: 2026 – Laboratory Testing (Test Suites A and B)
Sandberg offers a range of analytical, consultancy, and expert witness services to investigate and advise on the deterioration of concrete blocks associated with deleterious minerals such as pyrite and pyrrhotite. Our services extend from laboratory testing and condition assessment through to specialist consultancy and expert witness support.
We provide a full suite of in-house testing services in accordance with IS 465:2026, including petrographic examination to UKAS-accredited standards, chemical analysis, and compressive strength testing. These services are supported by advanced analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray microanalysis (EDS), and phase mapping, enabling detailed assessment of the condition and deterioration mechanisms affecting concrete blocks.
Through many years of working with organisations across Ireland, Sandberg has developed extensive expertise in the investigation of defective concrete blocks and is UKAS accredited for procedures specified within IS 465, including:
- Visual examination of concrete block samples.
- Petrographic examination of thin sections for detailed evaluation of deterioration mechanisms.
- Classification of the risk of future deterioration in accordance with IS 465.
- Chemical testing, including determination of cement content, total sulfur content, and acid-soluble sulfate and sulfide content.
- Compressive strength testing.
By combining accredited testing with specialist interpretation, Sandberg provides clients with the information required to assess the condition of affected buildings, identify the causes of deterioration, and evaluate the potential for future damage.
Laminated meta-argillite aggregate undergoing expansion as a result of gypsum growth
