Forensic works and testings

MCS is familiar with forensic works and methodologies as well as in interpretation of in-situ non-destructive test(s) conducted and laboratory destructive test(s). However, it is important to conduct a thorough investigation from various range in ensuring the methods as specified in EN 1504: Part 9 could be executed orderly. Aside that, this would determine the actual culprit and active inhabitant(s)  which caused the degradation of concrete and it's reinforcement bars and the variables which will contribute and are the attributes to the fundamental cause. For further advice, kindly contact MCS for guidance and consultation.

Petronas Tower, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

A. Desktop investigation

Desktop investigation is another  form of investigation through data compilation in regards to the suspected areas where design & calculations, history records  of structural purpose/usage, exposure, weathering and all relevant data which includes geographical information, past renovations and etc. This investigation is done remotely from the suspected site.

B. Site investigation

During the site investigation, visual inspection is to be carried out while testing can be done during the visit or after visual inspection and defect mapping in order to capture better sampling at suspected areas.

B1. Visual inspection

Visual inspection is usually the best method in early detection and determination in most case and therefore it should be treated as formal initial appraisal or even inquest initiator. Among the visible and identifiable tale-tell signs of defects, deficiencies or degradation can be seen such as spalling and/or popouts, crackings and honeycombs, pitting, crazing, exudation, flaking and peeling, flow lines, deformations, changes of colors and texture; and wear and tear after a period of lifespan and serviceability limit.

All these does not mean a structure repair work ought to be perform on the suspected structures instead it should be determine after close examination and coupled with knowledge and signs from other fields and disciplines. This would be relatively compared through American Concrete Institute ACI 201.1 R-92:1997 specification.

B2. Testings

The best way of determining the actual conditions and characteristics of the concrete at the suspected areas are by conducting in-situ Non-destructive test(s) or to extract samples in order to perform destructive test(s).

Non-destructive test(s)

Among the non-destructive test(s) which will assist in making selection based on the eleven principals to provide the effective and appropriate repair work for reinforced concrete are;-

• Half-Cell electrical Potential Methods

• Schmidt Rebound Hammer Test

• Carbonation Depth Measurement Test

• Permeability Test

• Penetration Resistance or Winsor Probe Test

• Resistivity Measurement

• Electromagnetic Methods

• Radiographic Testings

• Ultrasonic Testings

• Infrared Thermography

• Ground Penetrating Radar

• Radioisotope Gauges

Destructive test(s)

The following tests can be performed by extracting concrete sample(s) out from the suspected area(s). To ensure there is no reinforcement bars on the sample(s), ferrous scanning should be done within the area of 600mm x 600mm prior to coring or extraction of sample(s).

• Concrete Compression Strength Test

• Concrete Tensile Strength Test

• Concrete Flexural Strength Test

The last part of the forensic work be providing interpretation of these findings and to conclude the possibilities of degradation and to provide recommendations for the client.

Past Projects

The followings are some of our previous projects.

Structure Integrity Check for SK Pekan, Semporna, Sabah

Structure Integrity Check for a proposed lodging house, Kampung Air, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Structure Integrity  Check Post Earthquake for Kinabalu International School, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Structure Integrity Check for PUSPAKOM, Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

SMK Agama Ranau, Ranau, Sabah