Testing Process
1. Booking
2. Visual Inspection
2. Visual Inspection
At the booking stage, we will have an initial discussion with the client to understand the history of the property and level of damage to ensure our proposal aligns with clients requirements and expectations.
2. Visual Inspection
2. Visual Inspection
2. Visual Inspection
At the outset site operations, our Chartered Civil Engineer will visually inspect the property to determine the most appropriate sampling locations, whilst also considering any circumstantial evidence.
N.B. For conveying purposes, this visual inspection is not a Building Condition Assessment to determine the level of damage in line with IS 465. We also provide Building Condition Assessments for the purpose of accessing the statutory scheme.
3. Coring
2. Visual Inspection
4. Reinstatement
Once the sampling locations have been identified, we will commence coring of between 4 and 8 x 100mm diameter samples. Our drilling equipment uses vacuum extraction to keep dust and debris to a minimum.
4. Reinstatement
5. Laboratory Analysis
4. Reinstatement
Following coring, we will reinstate the core holes using sand and cement in accordance with IS 465. The image above illustrates one of our typical repairs following coring.
5. Laboratory Analysis
5. Laboratory Analysis
5. Laboratory Analysis
We are affiliated with leading laboratories across the UK and Ireland. Our typical testing and analysis package includes, simple petrographic examination (IS 465 – Suite A), detailed petrographic examination (IS 465 – Suite B), compressive strength (IS 465 - Suite B), chemical analysis (total sulfur, total sulfide, acid soluble sulfate, cement content) (IS 465 - Suite B), and Scanning Electron Microscope examination (IS 465 – Suite C).
6. Reporting
5. Laboratory Analysis
5. Laboratory Analysis
Finally, we will provide a Chartered Civil Engineer report summarising the investigative process and its findings. The detailed laboratory report will be included as an appendix. The key conclusion of the report will be a risk classification in relation to free muscovite mica and iron sulfide (e.g. pyrite / pyrrhotite) in line with IS 465. From initial sampling to final reporting generally takes approximately 6 weeks. If you require testing more quickly, please have a discussion with us and we may be able to provide an alternative testing package that suits your needs.