Construction Materials

Common materials utilized in construction include concrete, steel, wood, masonry, bituminous, and polymers. The experts at Forensix have extensive experience in the evaluation of these construction materials that have undergone various types of failures.

Specific to concrete, Forensix has evaluated concrete structures and components for material and construction defects such as alkali-silica reaction (ASR), including near-surface ASR, delayed ettringite formation (DEF), sulfate attack, spalling, reinforcement corrosion, insufficient strength and porosity, incorrect material choice, and improper placement, among others.

Flooring over concrete flatwork is often affected by concrete material and construction defects. Forensix has assessed numerous flooring failures, such as delamination, degradation, osmotic blistering, and adhesive failure on flooring systems such as impervious coverings and vinyl composition tile (VCT). Forensix is experienced with performing multiple test methods in determining the cause of concrete material defects and flooring failures, including in-situ relative humidity probes, calcium chloride, half-cell corrosion mapping, pH level, and the analysis of petrographic findings.

Forensix has also assessed and provided repair recommendations for other types of construction materials failures, such as corrosion of steel, deterioration of wood and masonry, fracturing and weathering of bituminous roofing systems (ie. composition shingles, mod-bit and BUR), and deformation and weathering of polymer roof systems (ie. PVC, TPO and EPDM).