Aggregate Petrography
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Not all rocks or aggregates are created equal.
The petrographic examination of aggregates provides valuable data on the durability and/or potential deleterious effects of the aggregate when used in concrete. The evaluation is often performed in conjunction with physical testing. Our petrographic laboratory can perform evaluations on both manufactured and natural materials to meet your project needs.
By performing a full comprehensive petrographic evaluation of the aggregates, we are able to:
- Fully characterize the mineral constituents and quantify the various rock type present
- Identify the potential for alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) or alkali-carbonate reactivity (ACR)
- Identify other potentially deleterious components; this may include: reactive silica, sulfides such as pyrite or pyrrhotite, as well as shale, micas, clays, etc.
Depending on the nature of the project, we may also use analytical methods (eg. XRF, XRD) as well as other physical testing in order to fully characterize the material.
Petrographic examination of rock or aggregate may also be performed for these purposes:
- Exploration for new or existing viable sources
- Quality control of source
- Durability information for riprap and erosion control stone
- Micro and macroscopic description of rock for geotechnical, environmental, or mining purposes
The ASTM standards that we commonly perform in the petrography lab in relation to rocks and aggregate are:
