Late in 2019 Infrastruct was instructed by our Client to carry out testing and investigations on an old multi-storey building which was showing evidence of significant distress and deterioration. The goal of the structural testing and material investigation works was to conclusively determine the cause of the distress and deterioration.
The testing and investigation works included:
1. Reinforcement cover and layout surveys
2. Half-Cell Potential surveys
3. Carbonation depth measurements
4.Concrete dust sampling for chloride content analysis (laboratory testing)
5.Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) testing on concrete beams and columns
6. Coring for:
a) Compressive strength and estimation of the characteristic compressive strength of the concrete
b) Petrographic examination of the concrete.
Photographs 1 and 2 below show the testing on the columns to determine the cover to the reinforcement and the UPV results for in-situ concrete quality assessment.
The results of the testing were recorded on-site by our staff and a comprehensive report, with interpretation, was prepared for our Client. The cause of the deterioration in the concrete was determined by the testing programme.
For more information on structural testing and investigations on buildings or other structures, please contact Dr Thomas Callanan in Infrastruct Asset Management Services Limited.
