Specialised Concrete Testing

Our specialised testing laboratory team perform tests on concrete samples not regularly offered by most materials testing facilities. When a project requires an unusual test method, this team can help. Specialist concrete testing services range from chloride ion permeability on hardened concrete samples through to depth of carbonation testing on concrete core and specialised material classification testing.

Concrete Direct Tensile Queensland Australia
Concrete Direct Tensile

Concrete Analysis and Engineering Investigations

Trilab’s laboratory team has led many in-depth engineering investigations in hardened concrete product failures and preventative research for leading construction and supply clients. We specialise in descriptive and predictive reporting to assess degradation risk and damage in critical infrastructure.

Trilab’s experienced technicians can test samples to help identify deleterious alkaline silica reactivity (ASR/AAR), sulphate attack, carbonation, and other causes for deteriorating hardened concrete structures such as bridges, roads and building products. We also provide expert evaluation of fire-damaged concrete, identifying mineralogical changes to estimate the maximum temperature the material was exposed to.

Forensic Petrographic Examinations

Our forensic petrographic examinations are carried out in accordance with ASTM C856 and involve:

  • Visual examination of cores and rock samples.

  • Preparation of polished slab cross-sections for macro-analysis.

  • Thin section preparation for microscopic examination.

  • Quantitative composition analysis based on a 100-point count to distinguish aggregate types and cement additives.

Advanced forensic capabilities include Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to image cement components, analyse fracture fills, and locate contaminants (such as chlorides) via micron-scale element mapping. We also perform air content estimation of hardened concrete in accordance with ASTM C457.

Submitting Samples – Working To Standards

Trilab is accredited to ASTM International, Standards Australia and standards associated with other jurisdictions. Trilab adheres to the testing methods defined by the standards.

For Trilab to complete tests to the appropriate standard, clients are required to provide samples consistent with the minimum quantities and parameters outlined in the Trilab Guide to Testing Sample Quantities.