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Looking for an independent, reputable third-party to assess the condition of concrete? M+P Labs performs petrographic analysis to evaluate the integrity of concrete cores, determines the root causes for defects and provides recommendations for remediation or replacement. Investigations are performed on concrete cores from bridge decks and columns, roads, sidewalks, parking lots and structures, manufacturing floors, concrete/terrazzo floors, dams and more.

M+P Labs can help you determine why failures, such as cracking, delamination, spalling, discoloration and pitting, have occurred. Through materials testing, we can answer the following questions:

· Did the materials used match the concrete mix design?

· Were there any compatibility issues between the materials or environment?

· What was the water-to-cement ratio?

· Was the concrete placed properly?

· Was it finished properly?

· Did it cure properly?

CONCRETE TESTING SERVICES INCLUDE:

Density, absorption and voids in hardened concrete (ASTM C642)

This will help determine if there was a discrepancy between the mix design and what was placed.

Water-soluble chloride content (ASTM C1218)

Chlorides promote the corrosion of reinforcement and may induce concrete to crack or spall.

Air Void Analysis (ASTM C457)

Performed on polished core cross-sections using state-of-the-art calibrated image analysis software. This analysis provides detailed information about the percent composition and distribution of coarse and fine aggregate, cement paste, entrained and entrapped air. Data from this analysis is also used to estimate the water-to-cement ratio.

Water-to-cement ratio by capillary porosity (British Standard BS-1881, Part 124)

There is no equivalent ASTM test method. If the mix design information is not available to utilize to estimate the ratio, the water-to-cement ratio may be measured by this method.

Petrographic analysis (ASTM C856)

This analysis includes performing a microstructural examination by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the paste and aggregate on a prepared sample of concrete to look for features such as degree of cement hydration, microcracking, reaction products, breakdown of aggregate and evidence of poor freeze-thaw performance. A mineralogical assessment of the aggregate is also performed to determine if appropriate aggregate was used and if it caused any deleterious reactions.

FTIR analysis

Utilized to identify contaminants and verify the composition of binders, epoxies and coatings present.

Reports

Detailed reports provided by M+P Labs include an assessment of the concrete based on the information provided by the client, laboratory testing results, high-quality photographs and photo micrographs depicting features, SEM images, and recommendations for remediation or replacement.

Additional Service Offerings
For clients local to our Schenectady, NY laboratory, we also offer the following services:

· On-site inspection

· Core location selection

· Coring services

· Expert witness services

· Delamination surveys

· Covermeter surveys

· Half-cell potential surveys

Additional analysis and testing capabilities available at M+P Labs include:

The chemical and thermal analysis capabilities available at M+P Labs can be used in conjunction with mechanical, metallurgical, microstructural and electrical property evaluation capabilities to help solve your most challenging materials and processing problems or qualify products for use or sale.

· Chemical & compositional characterization

· Electrical testing (insulating materials)

· Failure analysis

· Mechanical testing

· Metallographic preparation

· Metallurgical evaluation

· Microscopy & image analysis

· Scanning electron microscopy/electron microprobe

· Specimen extraction & machining

· Thermal analysis

M+P Labs Quality Assurance:

The rigorous quality assurance requirements mandated by these industry quality standards: ISO 17025, Nadcap (aerospace and defense industry) and 10 CFR 50 Appendix B (nuclear utility industry) are applied to each and every job we perform, regardless of whether it requires conformance to any of these accreditations. The accuracy of the results produced by our staff of highly-experienced analysts allows our clients to make critical decisions based on precise and reliable information.

Contact Information:

For additional information or to discuss your materials testing needs, please contact us at (518) 382-0082, via email at info@mandplabs.com, or visit us on the web at www.mandplabs.com.