Concrete Structures
Concrete structures are divided into four main areas
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Mass concrete
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Reinforced concrete
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Post tensioned concrete
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Prestressed concrete
Reinforced Concrete
BGA Structural Testing have investigated numerous
reinforced concrete structures and have been able to produce working drawings to enable the engineers to assess the capacity of the members when no construction drawings are available.
From our structural design experience we recognise the importance of determining accurately the bar type, size and cover, the effectiveness, spacing and number of shear link legs, the requirement to ascertain the position of bar curtailment and inclined bars to enhance shear capacity. The requirement to investigate multiple layers of reinforcement in areas of both sagging and hogging.
The structural investigations are frequently undertaken in conjunction with materials testing for both strength and durability considerations.
Post Tensioned Concrete
BGA Structural Testing have investigated numerous longitudinally and transversely post tensioned structures. Grouted ducts can be exposed to inspect and measure the tendons and to enable stress measurements to be taken. Samples of grout for analysis of cement and chloride content can be obtained and analysed. Anchorages can been exposed to enable an inspection to be carried out.
Mass Concrete
BGA Structural Testing are able to obtain the thickness and foundation depth of mass concrete structures and also to determine the strength of the concrete by extracting cores and checking the consistency of the concrete by rebound hammer testing. The rebound hammer can be a useful tool but should not be considered a substitute for the extraction and compression testing of the concrete
Prestressed Concrete
BGA Structural Testing have wide experience in the investigation of precast prestressed concrete beams including bridge and HAC beams. Ballast walls can be removed to expose the ends of bridge beams to inspect the strand/wire arrangement non-destructively. The positions of shear links across the span can be located with a covermeter with localised breakouts to determine the bar diameter and type.