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Investigations and laboratory tests

Identify the nature and seriousness of structural faults

During its life cycle, a building or engineered structure is likely to be affected by changes in its materials or the emergence of structural faults caused by a range of different factors, including construction defects, earthquake, fire, explosion and changes in operating conditions.

These events can reduce the service of a structure, compromise its durability or threaten the safety of users.

Where this is the case, contracting authorities and/or contractors will have to assess the condition and performance of the structure in light of the faults detected.

 

Expert appraisal of structures and fault cause identification

Our expertise at the service of your infrastructures

The experience we have gained over many years on all types of infrastructure enables us to carry out effective tests on structures suffering from specific material pathologies or affected by structural deficiencies. This is based on our mastery of investigation and analysis methodologies, combining auscultation techniques on site, tests in our laboratories and calculation software. Working in partnership with our experts and laboratories, in accordance with standards and best practice, we place all our expertise at the disposal of project owners, design offices, project managers and contractors to better define the state of preservation of a structure, estimate the extent of its deterioration, identify the origin of its defects and assess the quality of the materials used.

On-site intervention

  • Visual inspection and fault measurement
  • In-situ auscultation and non-destructive testing:
    • Structural surveys
    • Characterisation of materials and coatings
    • Diagnosis of pathologies
    • Evaluation of prestressing

Laboratory analysis and testing

  • Mechanical and physical tests
  • Physical, chemical and microstructural characterisation
  • Pathology identification
  • Identification of fault causes and extent
  • Durability and endurance parameter studies

Our tools

Analytical and test laboratories

Materials characterisation (for concrete, steel and masonry) and pathology identification

Read more Analytical and test laboratories

Testing tools

Structures and materials

Read more Testing tools

Assessment of the integrity of prestressing tendons
using the crossbow method

A reliable assessment of the durability of a prestressed structure requires a thorough diagnosis of the condition of the prestressing tendons, in particular an evaluation of the residual prestressing force in the tendons.

The crossbow is an inspection tool used to measure the tension of prestressing tendons in structures in service, using wire or strand methods.

This test, which is the subject of numerous references throughout the world for the diagnosis of prestressed structures, covers a wide range of applications:

  • Internal prestressing of precast or cast-in-place elements
  • Prestressed or post-tensioned structures
  • Prestressed wire or strand cables
  • Bridges and viaducts (girder bridges, slab bridges, box girders)
  • Residential buildings, industrial buildings, car parks, stadiums
  • Dams, storage tanks

Our specialists will visit your facilities and provide you with a detailed analysis of the condition of your installations (whether in service or damaged).