Concrete & Aggregate Petrographic Analysis

AME provides petrographic analysis of concrete, aggregate, and cementitious materials to support failure investigations, durability evaluations, and quality control. Using microscopic and optical examination—supplemented by XRD and FTIR when needed—we identify material composition, distress mechanisms, and environmental influences that affect long-term performance. Our findings help owners, engineers, and contractors make confident repair, replacement, and specification decisions.

Concrete & Aggregate Petrography ASR / Sulfate / Durability Focus XRD + FTIR Support Forensics & QC Applications
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Microscopic Root-Cause Clarity
We reveal what’s happening inside the material—reactivity, microcracking, voids, and paste condition.
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Durability & Service-Life Insight
Petrography helps predict performance and confirm deterioration mechanisms.
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Optical + Analytical Tools
Optical microscopy supported by XRD for minerals and FTIR for organics.

What Our Petrographic Analysis Covers

We tailor each analysis to the concern at hand—whether you need confirmation of a suspected reaction, durability benchmarking, or documentation for dispute or insurance support.

Concrete Microstructure & Paste Evaluation

  • Estimation of water-cement ratio
  • Identification and volumetric estimation of pozzolanic materials
  • Alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) indicators
  • Chemical and physical sulfate attack features
  • Wood framing & engineered wood products
  • Degree of carbonation and other environmental influences

These findings clarify why concrete is performing the way it is—and what repair or mitigation strategy makes sense.

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Aggregate Quality & Material Identification

We evaluate aggregate properties and air/void characteristics that directly control durability and strength.

  • Aggregate quality, soundness, and lithology
  • Maximum aggregate size and gradation verification
  • Entrapped and entrained air contents
  • Characterization of overall material quality and uniformity
  • Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD) for inorganic compounds
  • FTIR analysis for organic compounds (coatings, polymers, paints)
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Petrographic Analysis – FAQs

When is petrography the right tool?

When concrete or aggregates show unexpected deterioration, cracking, or durability loss, petrography identifies the true mechanism—ASR, sulfate attack, carbonation, paste issues, or aggregate defects.

Do you support both forensic cases and quality control?

Yes. Petrographic analysis is used for failure investigations, service-life studies, and QC confirmation of mix design, aggregate quality, and paste performance.

Can you run XRD or FTIR if microscopy isn’t enough?

Absolutely. We add XRD to confirm minerals/cement phases and FTIR to identify organic compounds such as coatings or polymers.

Petrographic Analysis Projects

Kerckhoff Reservoir Dam

San Joaquin River, CA

Concrete core samples removed from the dam were analyzed to determine the condition of the concrete to assist engineers in restoration and repairs of the dam.

Sunol Water Temple Gateway

Sunol, CA

Applied Materials & Engineering, Inc., analyzed the materials used in the temple gateway to assist the architects in reconstruction and preservation of the gateway.

Tule Lake Segregation Center Jail

Newell, CA

AME was asked to evaluate the concrete jail house to determine the cause of cracking in the concrete walls, slab and roof using petrographic techniques.

Explore our Services

Special Investigations

Special Investigations

Independent special inspections for concrete, masonry, steel, wood and anchors, verifying code compliance and structural life-safety.

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Structural Investigations

Structural Investigations

Structural investigations and forensic assessments to identify distress causes, document conditions, and guide safe, durable repair strategies.
Building Envelope & Consulting

Building Envelope & Consulting

Building envelope and roofing consulting to prevent leaks, diagnose moisture issues, and improve long-term exterior performance.
Infrastructure

Infrastructure

Materials testing and construction inspection for bridges, roadways and public works, supporting quality, safety, and agency compliance.
Laboratory Testing

Laboratory Testing

Accredited construction materials laboratory testing for concrete, soils, asphalt, steel and masonry, delivering reliable, defensible results.
Petrographic Analysis

Petrographic Analysis

Petrographic and microscopic materials analysis for concrete and aggregates, evaluating durability, quality, and failure mechanisms.