Lab ServicesChemical Testing

Chemical analysis is required for comparison with specification limits for many materials. Chemical composition helps identify materials and is useful in analyzing distressed samples. XRF is qualified as an AASHTO T 105 / ASTM C 114 rapid method for portland cement.

Specification limits in concrete are intended to minimize rebar corrosion. Chloride content is needed for evaluation of use as a mix waster and for the determination of corrosion potetential.

To assess corrosion potential of water in contact with concrete pipe or slabs. To determine suitability for use as concrete mix water.

Specification limits in concrete are intended to minimize rebar corrosion. Penetration of deicer salt and seawater can be assessed by profiling chloride concentration at various positions in the sample.

Chloride limits are intended to minimize corrosion.

For evaluation of trace elements, especially environmentally regulated elements.

If a reference standard can be supplied, a quantitative analysis can be performed. Determines the presence of: 1) air entrainers, water-reducers, or superplasticizers in concrete; 2) latex polymer modifiers in mortar and tile grout; 3) grinding aids in cement.

Determination of purity for food or medical applications.

To assess corrosion potential of water in contact with concrete pipe or slabs. To determine suitability for use as concrete mix water.

Used to determine uniformity of admixture for use in producing flowing concrete. Used when a comparison to control or chemical specification is needed. Assists in determinations of set time issues in concrete.

Specification limits in concrete are intended to minimize rebar corrosion. Penetration of deicer salt and seawater can be assessed by profiling chloride concentration at various positions in the sample.

Chemical analysis is required for comparison with specification limits for many materials. Chemical composition helps identify materials and is useful in analyzing distressed samples. XRF is qualified as an ASTM C 114 rapid method for portland cement.

High levels of free lime in cement or fly ash can cause deleterious expansions in portland cement concretes.

Sulfides in soil or water are aggressive toward concrete. Sulfide contaminants in aggregates can cause staining.

Loss-on-ignition is performed prior to XRF analysis. ASTM C114 sulfate or alternatively sulfide analysis is conducted on an as recieved and ignited sample. The loss-on ignition is then corrected based on the sulfate / sulfide content as directed in ASTM C114.

Sulfate environments are aggressive toward some concretes. Sulfate in cement plays a critical role in setting and strength development. Extraction is usually conducted according to the ASTM C114 water alkali method.

Testing to meet alkali specification limits; investigations about exposure to various waters or solutions; alkali-aggregate reactivity.

Specification limits in concrete are intended to minimize rebar corrosion. Penetration of deicer salt and seawater can be assessed by profiling chloride concentration at various positions in the sample.

Specification limits in concrete are intended to minimize rebar corrosion. Penetration of deicer salt and seawater can be assessed by profiling chloride concentration at various positions in the sample.

Determination of percentage of lightweight particles (coal and lignite) in aggregate by means of sink-float separation in heavy liquid of up to 2.0 specific gravity. Potential deleterious aggregate.

The apparent chloride diffusion coefficient is used to estimate chloride penetration into cementitious mixtures that are in a saturated condition. The calculation procedure described in C1556 is only applicable to specimens exposed to a sodium chloride solution as described in C1556, not to specimens exposed to chloride ions during cyclic wetting and drying.

Sulfate environments are aggressive toward some concretes.

Testing to meet optional specification limits in ASTM C150, ASTM C595 and ASTM C 1157

"Blaine" fineness is the most commonly used fineness test in the cement industry. It is sensitive to the finest particles and a general indicator of overall fineness. "Blaine" values are relative, not absolute, surface area values.

"Blaine" fineness is the most commonly used fineness test in the cement industry. It is sensitive to the finest particles and a general indicator of overall fineness. "Blaine" values are relative, not absolute, surface area values.

Sulfate environments are aggressive toward some concretes. Sulfate in cement plays a critical role in setting and strength development.

Available lime index of high-calcium quicklime and hydrated lime designates those constituents that enter into the reaction under the conditions of this specified test, otherwise known as the ?rapid sugar method?.

To prepare samples for testing in accordance with ASTM C 289.

Available Alkalies in Fly Ash

To determine the sulfate content in gypsum and gypsum related products.

Determine the amount of SiO2 and other insoluble matter.

This test method is applicable in the determination of the nonvolatile content to the nearest 0.1%.It can be used to calculate the volatile organic compound (VOC) content for applicable products.

This test method covers the determination of the oil absorption of pigments by the spatula rub out technique

Evaluation of Coal

This test method is used to determine the nonvolatile content of silanes, siloxanes and silane-siloxane blended materials in masonry water-repellent treatments.

Specification limits in concrete are intended to minimize rebar corrosion. Chloride content is needed for evaluation of use as a mix water and for the determination of corrosion potetential.

AAS analysis is best suited for determining low concentrations of metals such as trace heavy metals. Water samples can be quickly and accurately analyzed for many soluble elements. Alkalies in cement or aggregate are determined to high accuracy.

This test is often written in specifications for mortar-lined pipe manufacture.

Part 2. Is used to determine the chlorides content in soil.

Determines total heat produced (calories per gram) and rate of heat evolved (calories per gram per hour) for chemical reactions such as cement hydration. Can help solve cement hydration reaction problems which occur in the first 24 to 72 hours (low strengths, admixtures, setting times, admixture incompatability).

Identify the chemical composition of organic compounds used on construction jobs as part of an investigation to determine why materials did not perform as expected.

Specification limits in concrete are intended to minimize rebar corrosion.

To deterrmine the mineral composition of whole coal and ash. Inlcudes Si, Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, S, Na, K, Ti, P and Cl in whole coal. Ash analysis includes SI, Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, S, Na, K, Ti, P, Mn, Sr, Cr, and Zn. % LOI and ash content. Moisture, Btu value and total carbon. Hardgorve index for grindability

Sulphate environments are aggressive toward some concretes.

Chemical analysis is required for comparison with specification limits for many materials. Chemical composition helps identify materials and is useful in analyzing distressed samples. XRF is qualified in accordance with CSA A3003 / ASTM C 114 rapid methods.

High insoluble residue in portland cement may indicate contamination. CSA A3001 limits for Portland Cement types GU and HE are 1.5%, other CSA Portland cements have a limit of 0.75% as does the Portland Cements specified in ASTM C 150. Slag containing blended cements and supplementary cementing materials also require the insoluble residue test be conducted to prove compliance with CSA A3001.

Sieve residue provides a rough indication of cement mill grinding efficiency. The test is also commonly used as a measure of fineness for materials other than cement and is a requirement for ASTM C 618.

Testing to meet optional specification limits in CSA A3001

Determines the hexavalent chromium content in a sample following TCLP (EPA 1311) extraction. The selection of which extraction is performed can assist the user in determining the total amount of hexavalent chromium in a sample, the potential worker exposure or the potential for leachability. The presence and amount of hexavalent chromium in cement by RCRA (Resources Carbonation Recovery Act).

Determines the hexavalent chromium content in a sample following a water extraction. The selection of which extraction is performed can assist the user in determining the total amount of hexavalent chromium in a sample, the potential worker exposure or the potential for leachability. The presence and amount of hexavalent chromium in cement by RCRA (Resources Carbonation Recovery Act).

Wide range elemental scan to determine the elements present in the sample

Calcium chloride is added as a concrete accelerator. Test can measure if chloride was added . The results can be used to calculate the amount of calcium chloride present in the sample or by weight percent of the cement content. Specification limits in concrete are intended to minimize rebar corrosion. Penetration of deicer salt and seawater can be assessed by profiling chloride concentration at various positions in the sample. Tests taken at different levels or areas can be helpful in determining if chloride was added in the mix or if the sample was exposed to chloride salts.

Determine percent of crystalline silica (alpha-quartz and / or cristobalite) cement and related materials. Crystalline silica is (listed by OSHA as) a I-A carcinogen.

Determine the total amount of sulfur regardless of valence or form.

Specification limits in concrete are intended to minimize rebar corrosion.

For evaluation of leachability of toxic metals. To determine compliance to environmental regulations.

For evaluation of mercury.

Determine Bond Grindability Index to help in grinding circuit design and problem solving.

The acid insoluble inerts may be determined as a portion of the complete sulfur analysis. This test in its completion is used to determine the total sulfur as sulfate in in FGD Liquors and solids. It is more suitable to solid samples as the liquid samples often contain interferences. Sulfate values in liquid samples may be used by the species distribution model (FGDLIQEQ) to calculate sulfur dioxide partial pressure and gypsum relative to saturation. Sulfate values for solids may be used to calculate reagent utilization and oxidation fraction.

Products tested to meet acceptance criteria of not more than 1% absorption.

Free moisture, combined water, and carbonate can be determined by thermogravimetry (TGA).

For acceptance testing of materials applied to concrete, mortar and masonry.

To determine if an accelerating admixture containing nitrite is present in a sample.

PSD is important to material performance properties such as workability, strength gain, and water demand of cement. PSD is also important in transportation/conveying systems and to monitor grinding efficiency.

PSD is important to material performance properties such as workability, strength gain, and water demand of cement. PSD is also important in transportation/conveying systems and to monitor grinding efficiency.

To access corrosion potential of water in contact with concrete pipe or slabs. To determine suitablility for use as concrete mix water.

Confirmation of the presence or absence of a polymer additive.Quantification of polymer is reported after a chemical digestion of the sample and loss on ignition.

Sieve residue provides a rough indication of cement mill grinding efficiency. The test is also commonly used as a measure of fineness for materials other than cement and is required for ASTM C 618.

Specimens are extracted with extraction fluids prepared by adjusting the pH value specified in EPA 1312.with a sulfuric acid / nitric acid (60/40 weight percent mixture) H2SO4/HNO3. Solution can them be analyzed for arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, silver, selenium, beryllium, antimony, nickel and thallium.

Provides acetic acid extraction solution TCLP for evaluation of leachability of toxic metals. Solution can them be analyzed for arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, silver, selenium, beryllium, antimony, nickel and thallium.

Determination of inorganic carbon content in percent of the initial mass is important when dealing with the potentials of Total Hydrocarbon (THC) emissions in the kiln. Mettler TGA can accommodate samples up to 250 mg.

Determination of volatile content in percent of the initial mass is important when dealing with decomposition reactions of unknown samples. TGA is applied in analysis of some mixtures, soils, and coals (ash content). LECO TGA can utilize up to 5 grams of sample. Alternate test uses a Mettler TGA can accommodate samples up to 250 mg.

Determine the total amount of sulfur regardless of valence or form.

To determine the unit weight of concrete in pounds per cubic foot

To assess corrosion potential of water in contact with concrete pipe or slabs.

Specification limits in concrete are intended to minimize rebar corrosion. Penetration of deicer salt and seawater can be assessed by profiling chloride concentration at various positions in the sample. Soxhlet extraction is performed on non-pulverized sample.

XRD is used to identify substances based on their crystalline atomic structures. Often useful in assessing causes of deteriorated concrete and troubleshooting cement performance.