3 Types Of Information You Can Learn From A Petrographic Inspection Service
A petrographic inspection is designed to provide you with a structural analysis regarding the conditions of concrete structures. It is used on concrete structures such as buildings and bridges. A petrographic inspection can provide you with a range of different information.
1. Air Content & Distribution
When concrete is poured, there are often small air bubbles included in the concrete. These tiny air bubbles are designed to help protect the concrete against damage from the freeze-thaw cycles.
With a petrographic review, the inspector will analyze the air voids and how they are distributed throughout the concrete. They will figure out if the air bubbles provide the proper protection from the freeze-thaw cycles and if any water goes into space where the air bubbles are present.
2. Cracking
Cracking is really common with concrete as it settles. Not all cracks are harmful, but some are. With cracks, they have to be measured and tracked, using methods such as visually checking the concrete and even using microscopic tools to check the quality of the crack. Then, the inspector will analyze and compare the crack characteristics to figure out what the cause of the crack is. It could be a range of things, such as chemical reaction, settlement, thermal contraction, applied loads, drying shrinkage, or plastic shrinking.
It is essential to identify the cause of the crack so that you can determine if it needs to be left alone or repaired. In addition, identifying the cause of the crack will allow you to figure out the best way to repair this damage.
3. Steel Reinforcement
Most structures are reinforced with concrete. With a petrographic inspection, you are going to learn about the integrity of the steel. In addition, you will learn if the steel supports are placed in the right places or if the integrity of the steel has started to become compromised. In addition, this service will let you know if there are any corrosion or thermal contractions that have impacted the steel that is reinforcing the concrete.
With a petrographic inspection, you will be provided with a lot of in-depth information about the concrete used in the structure, such as the air content and distribution throughout the concrete. They will analyze and provide you with detailed information about the cracks in the structure so you can understand if the cracks are harmful or harmless. You will also get information about the steel that is inside of the concrete. Further, you will get additional in-depth information that will help you to know how to treat the concrete structures and will allow you to know how to repair the structure. Contact a petrographic inspection service for more information.
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