Concrete Cracking & Deterioration Investigation
Concrete cracks for many reasons — plastic and drying shrinkage, thermal effects, overload, corrosion of reinforcement, alkali-silica reaction, sulfate attack and freeze-thaw damage. An investigation combines field observation with cores tested for strength and examined petrographically, plus chemical tests (chloride, sulfate) to distinguish these mechanisms.
When is it used?
- Map cracking or unexpected cracking in slabs, walls or pavements
- Scaling and spalling
- Rust staining suggesting rebar corrosion
- Disputes over concrete quality
Sample considerations
- Take cores from both distressed and sound areas and record location, orientation and depth.
- Provide mix design, placement dates and exposure conditions.
Laboratories with relevant capabilities
No directory profile currently documents this specific capability. Submit a request and we will look for laboratories that cover it.