In many cases petrographic examination provides the basis for understanding the behavior and performance of construction materials. This understanding becomes a lynchpin in allowing our clients to formulate effective solutions to their problems.
Petrography is taken from the greek petro (rock) and graphic (picture or writing). It is the branch of geology that deals with the systematic description of rocks and minerals.
Concrete petrographers use petrographic methods to gain important information on the composition and microstructure of cement-based materials such as concrete. These properties ultimately underlie the performance of the material in the field.
Petrographers evaluate the composition of cement-based materials by identifying different components of the mixture. In concrete and other cement-based materials these components may include aggregates, cement hydration products, mineral admixtures, secondary deposits, and voids.
Concrete petrographers evaluate microstructure by examining the texture of the material. This may involve documenting characteristics such as grain size, the orientation of cracks and other notable features, the distribution of components, and cross-cutting relationships.