Material Testing
Concrete coring and laboratory analysis - strength, chloride content, carbonation depth and cover - to put measured values behind engineering judgement.
Quick Answer
Material testing takes physical samples from a structure and measures their properties in the laboratory. It provides direct values for concrete strength, chloride content, carbonation depth and related characteristics that non-destructive methods can only indicate.
Sample locations and test suites are chosen to answer a defined question and are reported with their limitations, so the results can be used with confidence in assessment or design.
Who This Is For
- - Building owners & facility teams
- - Consultants & designers
- - Contractors
- - Developers
When It Is Needed
- - Verifying concrete strength
- - Corrosion investigation
- - Before strengthening or alteration
- - Quality disputes
What Problems This Service Solves
Assumed material properties are a common source of uncertainty in existing buildings. Measured values replace assumption with evidence.
Unknown Concrete Strength
Original test records are often unavailable. Cores tested in the laboratory provide measured strength for the locations sampled.
Chloride Contamination
Chloride at the level of the reinforcement can lead to corrosion. Profiles taken at depth help show how far it has penetrated.
Carbonation
Carbonation can reduce the protection concrete offers to steel. Measured depth is compared with the cover to the reinforcement.
Verifying Cover & Mix Properties
Cover and composition influence durability. Sampling can confirm whether the as-built condition matches what was intended.
Calibrating NDT Results
Non-destructive readings are comparative. A limited number of cores can help calibrate and interpret them.
Disputed Quality
Questions about concrete quality are best settled with documented sampling, clear locations and traceable laboratory results.
The Testing Process
Test Plan
Agree the question, sampling locations and test suite
Sampling
Extract cores or samples with minimal disturbance
Laboratory Tests
Carry out the agreed tests on the samples
Interpretation
Assess results alongside other investigation data
Report
Results, limitations and recommendations
Methods & Techniques
The test suite is selected for the assignment. Typical tests are listed below; not every assignment needs all of them.
Core Compressive Strength
Measures the strength of cores taken from the structure.
Chloride Content
Determines chloride levels at different depths from the surface.
Carbonation Depth
Measures how far carbonation has advanced from the exposed surface.
Cover Depth
Confirms the concrete cover to reinforcement at sampled locations.
Petrographic or Chemical Analysis
Specialist analysis where composition or deterioration mechanisms are in question.
Reinforcement Sampling
Where justified, bar samples to check condition or properties.
What You Receive
Deliverables are agreed for each assignment and shaped around the project's stage, available information and the question to be resolved. Findings are recorded with their basis and limitations, so decisions can follow the evidence.
Laboratory Test Report
Results for each sample with locations, methods and limitations
Interpreted Summary
What the results mean for the structure and the question asked
Sampling Record
Location plans and photographs for every core or sample
Strength Assessment
Measured strength reviewed against the information available
Durability Indicators
Chloride and carbonation results compared with cover depth
Recommendations
Suggested next steps for repair, design or further investigation
Why New Nordic
Defined Scope
Each assignment starts with a clear question, an agreed scope and a stated reporting format.
Site-Specific Approach
Location, building use and available records shape the work, not assumptions from another market.
Evidence-Led Findings
Observations are recorded with their location and context, with limitations stated plainly.
One Connected Team
Planning, design, supervision and review can be discussed together, with responsibilities agreed from the outset.
Related Services
NDT Testing
Non-destructive testing selected around the engineering question and interpreted alongside inspection findings and records.
Durability Engineering
Assessment of corrosion risk and long-term performance based on actual exposure, construction information and maintenance records.
Structural Service Life
Evidence-based assessment of long-term performance to support maintenance planning and investment decisions, without guaranteed lifespans.
Frequently Asked
Why take samples as well as use NDT?
NDT is fast and covers large areas but gives indicative readings. Samples give direct measured values and help interpret the NDT results.
How much damage does coring cause?
Cores are small and locations are agreed in advance, avoiding reinforcement and critical zones where possible. Holes are made good after sampling.
Which tests will I need?
That depends on your question. Strength verification, corrosion investigation and pre-alteration checks each call for different suites, which we agree before work starts.
How many samples are needed?
The number and location depend on the size of the structure, the variability expected and the decision to be informed. We explain the reasoning in the test plan.
Can results be used for design?
Yes. Measured properties can be used as input to assessment, strengthening or modification design, within the limits stated in the report.
Start a Conversation
Talk to Us About Material Testing
Tell us where the project is, what stage it has reached and the questions you need to resolve. We will discuss the scope of support required.