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Durability in every detail with concrete Inspection
Every detail of the construction meets the standard for long-term durability
Durability in every detail with concrete Inspection
Every detail of the construction meets the standard for long-term durability
Concrete Inspection
Inspection and testing of concrete for durable construction.
A qualified condition assessment, or concrete inspection, is the key to cost savings through reduced maintenance expenses and an extended facility lifespan.
Our concrete inspection services are tailored to meet our clients' diverse needs. We offer a holistic approach.
Concrete Inspections Comprehensive Solution
- Condition Assessment: Evaluating the condition of your concrete structures.
- Concrete Sampling: Analyzing to ensure concrete quality and integrity.
- Concrete Inspection
- Concrete Consultation and Action Recommendations: Expert guidance on necessary repairs.
In a world where concrete forms the backbone of industries and infrastructure, its exceptional properties have made it the cornerstone of construction. However, our structures often face challenges related to quality, workmanship, and environmental concerns. This is where systematic concrete inspection emerges as a central and critical solution to ensure the safety and longevity of construction projects.
Why Concrete Inspection is Crucial
The lifespan of reinforced concrete structures can vary significantly depending on construction methods and various deteriorating factors. A qualified condition assessment, or concrete inspection, is the key to cost savings through reduced maintenance expenses and an extended facility lifespan.
It is crucial to measure critical parameters such as pH value, chloride content, thickness, concrete quality, and concrete cover to assess concrete's ability to resist corrosion.
Our commitment to delivering quality concrete inspection is unique.
Factors Affecting Concrete
Several factors influence the status and lifespan of concrete, categorized into chemistry, external influences, and physics. These include chloride content, carbonation, sulfates, ACR activity, resistivity, environment, loads, impact, and cracks, among others.
Common Testing Methods
Various testing methods are employed in concrete inspection, including visual inspection, thickness measurement, analysis of chloride levels, assessment of calcium and cement content.
Why Choose DEKRA?
Our commitment to delivering quality concrete inspection is unique. With a reliable track record and expertise, DEKRA is the partner you can trust to secure the future of your concrete buildings. Ensure the longevity and safety of your infrastructure – book a pre-inspection with DEKRA today to take advantage of the customized benefits our services offer.
Services and specific areas within concrete inspection
If you want to know more about how concrete inspection works in a specific area or read about the difference between condition control and destructive and non-destructive testing, you can read more below. If you have any questions, you can always contact us.
Services under Concrete Inspection
Materials and construction in focus: analyze and evaluate with precision.
Destructive testing (DT) is carried out when you want to investigate the concrete's properties, there are several different testing methods. Everything from the concrete's mechanical properties, such as strength, to the concrete's chloride content can be investigated.
How is Destructive Testing, DT, conducted? To make an accurate and realistic assessment of a concrete structure, it often requires testing the properties of the concrete through various destructive tests. Testing can be performed either directly in the structure in the field or by drilling a sample from the structure for further testing in the laboratory.
| DT concrete can be divided into four main areas: |
1. Mechanical testing of concrete - Compressive strength (SS-EN 12930-3). A compressive strength test measures the concrete's ability to resist compression. The result is read in MPa. The method undergoes destructive testing and is performed to assess the strength of the concrete, which is crucial to understanding the overall strength of the concrete. - Tensile testing (SS 137243 - Concrete testing - Hardened concrete, shotcrete and plaster - Adhesion strength & SS-EN 1542 Concrete constructions - Testing of products and systems for protection and repair - Adhesion strength (pull-out test). - Surface tensile strength: The test is carried out in order to obtain a value for the strength of a concrete surface. Normally carried out before pouring new concrete on an old existing concrete surface, e.g. when spraying concrete. - Adhesion strength: The test is carried out to investigate the adhesion strength between two layers of concrete, for example between shotcrete and a water-treated counter-casting surface. - Tensile strength. For example, test drawing of bolt groups, casting materials or reinforcing bars. The test is done to check that the required strength is achieved. - Splitting tensile strength (SS-EN 12390-6): A test to measure the concrete's ability to resist cracking. |
2. Mechanical testing of reinforcement and fastenings - Tensile testing of reinforcement & fastenings (BS 8539:2012). |
3. Corrosion-aggressive damage mechanisms - Testing and analysis of concrete chloride content in the laboratory, Rapid Chloride Test, "RCT method." - Carbonation depth (SS 137242). |
4. Visual analysis - Normally conducted under a microscope or macroscope to study concrete components in magnification and investigate ongoing damage mechanisms such as alkali-silica reactions, delayed ettringite formation, or spalling related to, for example, fire. |
Concrete structures are subjected to various stresses, such as gravity loads, climatic conditions, and other external factors. These stresses lead to cracking in the concrete, which can reduce its strength and impact the functionality of the structure.
Regular inspections of concrete structures are crucial to prevent significant damage or costly repairs in the future. By conducting tests on concrete, one can ensure that construction projects achieve the highest quality and comply with applicable standards.
Non-destructive Testing for durable concrete and infrastructure.
Concrete Inspection NDT services focus on delivering accurate and reliable results to ensure long-term performance and durability.
Concrete Inspection methods for non-destructive testing use different measurement techniques such as measurement of cover layers, measurement using ground radar, "GPR", ultrasound pulse echo and Rebound Hammer Test.
We provide the following NDT services: |
Cover layer measurement Measurement and evaluation of the thickness of the covering concrete layer over the reinforcement to ensure proper protection against external influences and corrosion. |
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Radar wave scanning to safely locate embedded objects such as reinforcement, plastic pipes, and cables – as well as identify concrete thickness and detect any changes or damage in concrete structures. |
Ultrasonic pulse-echo Ultrasonic scanning to measure the thickness of concrete and detect damages. |
Rebound Hammer Tests – Schmidt Measurement of concrete hardness by bouncing a hammer against the surface and measuring the resulting rebound. It provides indications of concrete quality and density. |
Measurement of concrete thickness Various techniques are employed to precisely measure the thickness of concrete and identify any variations or irregularities in the material. |
Localization of corroded reinforcement Identifying and mapping reinforcement with ongoing corrosion, which can be crucial in preventing damage to a concrete structure. |
Localization of embedded objects Detecting and mapping embedded objects is the process of locating and identifying objects embedded in concrete, such as reinforcement, high-voltage lines, sewer pipes, casing pipes, and tension wires for prestressed bridges. |
Localization of areas with lower strength Evaluation of areas on a concrete surface is conducted where the strength may be lower than expected. |
Non-destructive testing, or NDT, is a crucial component of concrete inspection. It comprises a set of testing methods focused on detecting damages and preserving concrete structures.
Our NDT services are popular among our clients, largely due to our ability to provide high expertise and excellent service at a reasonable cost. Customers simply get a great value for their money by choosing us.
Andreas Karlsson, Section Manager, Concrete Inspection, DEKRA Industrial AB.
DEKRA offers various services in non-destructive testing that can be instrumental in investigating potential deficiencies and concealed damages within a concrete structure. In some cases, these services are also employed to verify and ensure the quality post-casting.
Assessment and condition for constructions of concrete.
When investigating the status of a concrete structure, condition assessment is a crucial process for the safety and durability of concrete structures.
Concrete structures, from towering buildings to expansive bridges constitute the fundamental elements of modern civilization. Yet, over time, they are subjected to wear and tear. In concrete inspection, condition assessment is a crucial process for the safety and longevity of concrete structures.
Don't leave the future of your concrete structures to chance. DEKRA offers a comprehensive solution. By choosing us, you can benefit from a range of advantages.
Your Benefits with DEKRA Condition Assessment |
Safety Assurance: We ensure the structural integrity of your concrete structures and make sure they remain safe for all users. |
Sustained Functionality: We extend the lifespan of your concrete buildings and maximize your investment. |
Preventive Measures: We identify causes and implement recommended actions at an early stage, preventing further deterioration and costly repairs. |
What Does Condition Assessment for Concrete Entail? Condition assessment involves meticulous inspections and testing that form the basis for evaluating concrete's state, structure, strength, and integrity. It is a comprehensive evaluation that includes: |
In-Depth Analysis: Measurement and sampling methods are employed to provide a comprehensive picture of concrete's condition. This includes measuring concrete thickness and sampling for laboratory analysis. |
Identification of Causes: It establishes the underlying causes of any damage or deterioration, whether it's moisture ingress, chemical attacks, overloading, or construction-related issues. Identifying causes enables the implementation of preventive measures. |
Risk Assessment: A thorough evaluation includes assessing the risk of future problems and the potential consequences if actions are not taken. |
Action Recommendations: Based on the results of the condition assessment, action recommendations are formulated, including necessary repairs or maintenance measures aimed at extending the concrete's lifespan and preserving its functionality. |
Contact form for concrete Inspection
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