PETROGRAPHY ANALYSIS OF CONCRETE

MATERIALS
 ANALYSIS RESULTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Six (6) concrete samples labelled as per listed in Table 1 were submitted by
Structural Repairs (M) Sdn Bhd (hereinafter referred to as “SRSB”) for
petrographic examination. According to SRSB, these 6 core samples were
extracted from LRT pillars in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia were sliced into thin
section specimen for petrographic evaluation.

Table 1 : List of concrete samples

Pier Sample Reference

P7/11 P7/11-PT1
P8/15 P8/15-PT2
P9/22 P9/22-PT1
P10/24 P10/24-PT2
P10/25 P10/25-PT1
P21/7 P21/7-PT2

2.0 METHODOLOGY

2.1 VISUAL EXAMINATION

This was performed to obtain a first impression of the homogeneity of the

samples and its constituents, to look for symptoms of damage and secondary
reaction, and also to select an area on the samples for preparation of ground
and polished thin section.
2.2 MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS & PETROGRAHIC EXAMINATION

The petrographical variation of each concrete samples were determined by

means of ASTM C856 test method via Fluorescent and Petrographic
Microscope (PFM) (Figure 1 & 2).

For preparation of the ground section, a small block of the sample was cut and
ground to attain a smooth finish. For preparation of a thin section, a small block
was sawn from the core sample, glued to an object glass and impregnated with
an epoxy resin containing a fluorescent dye.

In combination with physical description, the petrography evaluation of concrete

is not only able to provides detailed information about coarse / fine aggregate
type and size, evidence of defects such as microcracking, DEF, ASR but it is
also therefore help establish the quality of the concrete.

Figure 1 : Thin Section prepared from Figure 2 : Petrographic Microscope is used

concrete sample for evaluating the petrography features

3.0 RESULTS

Refer to the Attachment A.

4.0 CLOSING REMARKS

Hopefully this report suite best to your requirements and looking forward to
providing you with the best Scientifics services. Please do not hesitate to
contact us for further clarifications.

Yours Truly,

(Prof Madya Dr Azimah Hussin)

Geology Programme
Faculty of Science & Technology
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Bangi 43650 Selangor.
(Tel: 019 214 7090, Email : haqqim@ukm.edu.my)
 APPENDIX A

PETROGRAPHY EVALUATION RESULTS

 Sample No.: P7/11-PT1
PETROGRAPHIC DESCRIPTION OF HARDENED CONCRETE
(ASTM C856)

SAMPLE NO: P7/11-PT1

The results of visual inspection and microscopic analysis for core sample P7/11-PT1
(Figure 1) are exhibited in Table 1 and Table 2.

Visual Inspection

General description: The concrete is a good and strong concrete. Identified as P7/11-
PT1. Has a core diameter of 7.5cm. The top is a flat weathered surface. A 6cm crack is
present at the site of the core and the crack is filled with dirt and debris to a depth of
1mm.

Coarse Aggregates: Their shapes are highly angular and sizes vary mainly between 20
- 25mm. They show uniform grading and distribution.

Fine Aggregates: The fine aggregates made up predominantly of quartz sand, with
minor amount of rock fragments.

Cracks: The concrete appears intact in the core sample, with visible 6cm length of
cracks at the site of the core and the crack is filled with dirt and debris to a depth of
1mm.

Cement paste: The cement paste is dull and light grey in colour.

Air voids: In the hand specimen, sub-spherical voids up to 5mm across are present.
These larger voids probably formed due to entrapped water.

Microscopic Analysis

Coarse Aggregates: The cement-aggregate bond is generally very good. The coarse
aggregate is made up essentially of granitic rocks, with very minor amount of
metamorphosed rocks and strained quartz. No reaction rims or gel were observed
around the aggregates.

Fine Aggregates: The fine aggregates mainly angular to sub-angular in shape, with
even distribution and grading. The grain size varies between 0.15 – 3 mm, with an
average between 0.5 -1.5mm. No preferred alignment was observed in both the fine and
coarse aggregates.

Page 1 of 5
 Sample No.: P7/11-PT1

Cracks: In the thin section, very tight (<0.02mm), irregular microcracks can be found
within the cement paste. The microcracks do not go through the aggregate particles. The
path of the microcracks is usually quite tortuous because it is deflected by each piece of
aggregate. Their continuity is very low (often less than few mm in length) and distribution
is also very limited. In cases, the microcracks appeared to be propagated out from a
circular small void (<1 mm) and then gradually dies out within the cement paste or when
abutting against the aggregate particle. All these features probably suggest that the
microcracks are shrinkage drying microcracks. Intragranular microcracks (or cleavage
cracks) is also quite common in some of the aggregate particles, notably quartz and
plagioclase, but not in the granitic aggregates. These microcracks are only limited within
the individual aggregate.

Cement paste: The cement paste formed a strong matrix with good cement-aggregate
bonding.

Air voids: The voids are quite excessive in certain part of the concrete (about 7-10% of
the volume). In the thin section, they appear as well spherical voids between 0.02-2.0mm
in diameter.

Conclusions

A 0.1 to 0.2 mm wide crack found on the site of the core seems to pass through the
paste. The cracks are lined with calcium carbonate, hydrate minerals and alkali gel. The
likely source of the alkali-silica gel is due to reaction between the cement paste and
coarse aggregate fraction.

Page 2 of 5
 Sample No.: P7/11-PT1

Figure 1 : Core sample of P7/11-PT1

Table 1 : Summary results of concrete description

CONCRETE DESCRIPTION:

(1) Appearances:
Hit with Hammer: Ring ¨ Dull þ
Break With Fingers: Powdery ¨ Friable ¨ Particles not dislodge þ
Strength: Very Strong ¨ Strong þ Weak ¨ Very Weak •
During Sawing: Clean Cut þ Tears Easily ¨
Cement/Coarse aggregate Bond: Good þ Bad ¨
Cement/Fine Aggregate Bond: Good þ Bad ¨

(2) Coarse Aggregate:

Source: Rock ( Mainly granitic)
% of Total: ± 35%
Material Type: Gravel ¨ Quarried þ Mixture ¨
Shape: Rounded ¨ Partly Crushed ¨ 100% Crushed þ
Distribution: Even þ Uneven ¨
Grading Even þ Uneven ¨
Maximum Size (mm): 10 • 15 • 20 • 25 þ ¨ more than 45mm
Preferred Orientation: Present • Not Observed þ

(3) Fine Aggregate:

Source: Quartz sand
% Total : ± 30%
Material Type: Natural þ Manufactured • Mixture þ
Shape: Rounded þ Subangular þ Angular •
Distribution Even þ Uneven ¨
Grading; Even þ Uneven ¨
Preferred Orientation: Present • Not Observed þ

Page 3 of 5
 Sample No.: P7/11-PT1

(4) Cement Paste:

% Total: ± 20%
Appearance in Broken Concrete: Subtranslucent Dull þ Chalky ¨
Colour: Grey þ Light Grey þ White Blue Green
Colour Distribution: Even Mottled Gradational þ
Strength: Strong þ Friable Powdery
Bleeding: Observed Not Observed þ
Carbonation: Outer Skin only Along Fracture Partial Total
Slag Cement (Greenish Blue, Greenish): Observed Not Observed þ
Evidence of Retempering: Yes No þ

(5) Voids:
% Total: ± 7-10%
Grading: Even Uneven þ V. Large Well Air-Entrained þ Poorly Air-Entrained
Interior Lustre: Dullþ Shining
Interior Condition: Empty þ Lined Partly Filled Filled
% Voids with Mineralization: Most About Half Few None þ
Mineralization: Alkali-Silica Gel þ Enringite Portlandite Calcium Carbonate þ
Other: Sizes vary between 0.02 – 0.5mm in thin section, up to 5mm in hand specimen.
(6) Cracks:
Amount: Frequent Occasional None V. Rare þ
Continuity & Distribution : Low continuity, rare & commonly restricted in the aggregates.
Location: Throughout Aggregate Particles Around Aggregate Particles
Width (mm): Up to 0.04 mm wide.
Filling
Alkali-Silica Gel þ Enringite Portlandite Calcium-Carbonate þ
Materials:
Associated with Embedded Items: Yes ¨ No þ
Other: No cracks were found in the hand specimen.
(7) Embedded Items: None
Description:
Location:
Condition: Clean ¨ Corroded Decayed
Size (mm):
Associated Voids, Cracks, Mineralization, Etc.:
Other:

Page 4 of 5
 Sample No.: P7/11-PT1

Table 2 : Microscopic analysis for core sample P7/11-PT1

Petrographic textures of the sample Remarks

Plane polarized view of

the cored sample.
Fieldview is 3.5mm

Hard-densed cement
paste

Strained aggregates
composed of
microcracks

Voids

Field view is 3.5mm

The fluorescent dye allows

for easier observation of
cracks, voids, and porosity.
The non reactive
aggregate is more dense
where in contact with the
cement paste.

The white areas represent

the compressive stress-
induced microcracks in
concrete.

Page 5 of 5
 Sample No.: P8/15-PT2
PETROGRAPHIC DESCRIPTION OF HARDENED CONCRETE
(ASTM C856)

SAMPLE NO: P8/15-PT2

The results of visual inspection and microscopic analysis for core sample P8/15-PT2
(Figure 1) are exhibited in Table 1 and Table 2.

Visual Inspection

General Description: Consist of concrete core identified as P18/15-PT2. The core has
diameter of 7.5cm and the top has showed that some fine aggregates are partially
exposed .The core bottom is a flat surface.

Cracks: The core was received with distinct cracks (0.07- 0.10mm) and the cracks are
stained gray by secondary deposits, dirt and debris.

Coarse Aggregates: Aggregates particles are fairly well graded, uniformly dispersed
and maximum aggregate size is as measured 20mm. Coarse aggregate particles are
light to dark gray with a few particles brownish.

Fine aggregate: Fine aggregate is natural sand containing a variety of particles

including quartz, feldspar, granite, mica and carbonate.

Cement paste: The cement paste is medium gray, showed a vitreous luster, micro
granular texture and hackly fracture.

Air voids: Contains numerous air voids but mostly are very fine.

Microscopic Analysis

Cracks: The cracks pass both around and through aggregate particles. Several random
microcracks occur throughout the core. Crack surface are coated with silica gel as are
voids lined with alkali-silica gel. The crack pass through and radiate from several fine
aggregates particles containing rims along its outer periphery. The cracks appears to be
related to alkali-silica reaction.

Page 1 of 5
 Sample No.: P8/15-PT2

Coarse Aggregates: Coarse aggregate is hard but dense in its background, angular –
equant shaped and the outer surfaces of the fragments have a rough texture. Generally
composed of granitic rock, carbonate and also siliceous deposits. Some of the
aggregates appeared to have chemical rims and coating.

Fine aggregate: The fine aggregates are coloured from white to grayish, hard-dense,
subrounded to well rounded in shape and having smooth outer surface texture.

Cement paste: This binder is dense, hard and tightly bonded to aggregate particles.
Cement paste is carbonated to a depth of 1-2mm below the wearing surface. Residual
cement are abundant and is estimated to be around 10-12% by volume of paste.
Supplementary binders are not detected.

Air voids: The voids are spherical (entrained air) with irregular shape voids (entrapped
air). The air voids are uniformly dispersed and estimated to be 4-6%. Alkali silica gel,
calcium hydroxide, ettrigite and calcium carbonate are present as linings of voids.

Conclusions

The coarse and fine aggregates consist some amount of strained quartz minerals. These
kinds of minerals are considered to be potentially reactive in to developments of
deleterious alkali-silica reaction. Minor evidence of this reaction was observed
associated with surface texture of aggregates.

Page 2 of 5
 Sample No.: P8/15-PT2

Figure 1 : Core sample of P8/15-PT2

Table 1 : Summary results of concrete description

CONCRETE DESCRIPTION:

(1) Appearances:
Hit with Hammer: Ring ¨ Dull þ
Break With Fingers: Powdery ¨ Friable ¨ Particles not dislodge þ
Strength: Very Strong ¨ Strong þ Weak ¨ Very Weak •
During Sawing: Clean Cut þ Tears Easily ¨
Cement/Coarse aggregate Bond: Good þ Bad ¨
Cement/Fine Aggregate Bond: Good þ Bad ¨

(2) Coarse Aggregate:

Source: Rock ( Mainly granitic and undulosed quartz aggregates)
% of Total: ± 35%
Material Type: Gravel ¨ Quarried þ Mixture ¨
Shape: Rounded ¨ Partly Crushed ¨ 100% Crushed þ
Distribution: Even þ Uneven ¨
Grading Even þ Uneven ¨
Maximum Size (mm): 10 • 15 • 20 • 25 þ ¨ more than 45mm
Preferred Orientation: Present • Not Observed þ

(3) Fine Aggregate:

Source: Quartz sand
% Total : ± 30%
Material Type: Natural þ Manufactured • Mixture þ
Shape: Rounded þ Subangular þ Angular •
Distribution Even þ Uneven ¨
Grading; Even þ Uneven ¨
Preferred Orientation: Present • Not Observed þ
Page 3 of 5
 Sample No.: P8/15-PT2

(4) Cement Paste:

% Total: ± 30%
Appearance in Broken Concrete: Subtranslucent Dull þ Chalky ¨
Colour: Grey þ Light Grey þ White Blue Green
Colour Distribution: Even Mottled Gradational þ
Strength: Strong þ Friable Powdery
Bleeding: Observed Not Observed þ
Carbonation: Outer Skin only Along Fracture þ Partial Total
Slag Cement (Greenish Blue, Greenish): Observed Not Observed þ
Evidence of Retempering: Yes No þ

(5) Voids:
% Total: ± 4-6%
Grading: Even Uneven þ V. Large Well Air-Entrained þ Poorly Air-Entrained
Interior Lustre: Dull þ Shining
Interior Condition: Empty Lined þ Partly Filled Filled
% Voids with Mineralization: Most About Half Few þ None
Mineralization: Alkali-Silica Gel þ Enringite Portlandite Calcium Carbonate þ
Other: Sizes vary between 0.02 – 0.5mm in thin section, up to 5mm in hand specimen.
(6) Cracks:
Amount: Frequent þ Occasional None V. Rare
Continuity & Distribution : poor continuity, commonly restricted in the binders unto aggregates.
Location: Throughout Aggregate Particles þ Around Aggregate Particles
Width (mm): Up to 0.02 mm wide.
Filling
Alkali-Silica Gel þ Enringite Portlandite Calcium-Carbonate þ
Materials:
Associated with Embedded Items: Yes ¨ No þ

(7) Embedded Items: None

Description:
Location:
Condition: Clean ¨ Corroded Decayed
Size (mm):
Associated Voids, Cracks, Mineralization, Etc.:
Other:

Page 4 of 5
 Sample No.: P8/15-PT2

Table 2 : Microscopic analysis for core sample P8/15-PT2

Petrographic textures of the sample Remarks

Plane polarized view of

the cored sample and
field view of 3.5mm

Cracks originating from

paste and extend pass
through aggregate
particles

Random microcracks in
strained aggregates

Uneven voids

Chemical rims lining the

aggregates peripheral

Evidence of microcracks
found in fine and coarse
aggregates

Page 5 of 5
 Sample No.: P9/22-PT1
PETROGRAPHIC DESCRIPTION OF HARDENED CONCRETE
(ASTM C856)

SAMPLE NO: P9/22-PT1

The results of visual inspection and microscopic analysis for core sample P9/22-PT1
(Figure 1) are exhibited in Table 1 and Table 2.

Visual Inspection

General description: The sample is identified as P9/22-PT1, has a core diameter of

10cm.

Cracks: The concrete intact in the core sample with no major crack.

Coarse Aggregates: The coarse aggregate is abundant with angular-subangular

granitic particles and quartz phenocrysts.

Fine Aggregates: The fine aggregates made up of quartz sand, minor amount of
plagioclase and rock fragments.

Cement paste: The cement paste is grayish, showed a vitreous luster and hackly
fracture.

Air voids: The amount of entrained air voids are generally low and normally clustered.

Microscopic Analysis

Cracks: The concrete intact in the core sample with no major carbonation of the cement
paste. Microcracks are found occasionally in aggregates but it’s less abundant.

Coarse Aggregates: The coarse aggregate fraction in this concrete has no potential for
alkali reaction. The coarse aggregate is abundant with very minor amount of iron
sulphide. No reaction rims or gel were observed around the aggregates.

Fine Aggregates: The fine aggregates are presents as angular-subangular fractions.

Show uniform distribution and grading. The grain size varies between 0.5-3mm.

Page 1 of 5
 Sample No.: P9/22-PT1

Cement paste: The binder is dense and tightly bonded to aggregate particles.

Air voids: Contains an estimated air voids in ranges of 3-5%. The entrapped is observed
but again it is very small and scattered. The cement paste formed a strong matrix with
good cement-aggregate bonding. The estimated water-cement ratio is low (0.3-0.4).

Conclusions

The concrete also show less evidence of alkali-silica reaction but very small clustered of
quartz phenocrysts has shown it incipient reaction (zonal degradation).

Page 2 of 5
 Sample No.: P9/22-PT1

Figure 1 : Core sample of P9/22-PT1

Table 1 : Summary results of concrete description

CONCRETE DESCRIPTION:

(1) Appearances:
Hit with Hammer: Ring ¨ Dull þ
Break With Fingers: Powdery ¨ Friable ¨ Particles not dislodge þ
Strength: Very Strong ¨ Strong þ Weak ¨ Very Weak •
During Sawing: Clean Cut þ Tears Easily ¨
Cement/Coarse aggregate Bond: Good þ Bad ¨
Cement/Fine Aggregate Bond: Good þ Bad ¨

(2) Coarse Aggregate:

Source: Rock ( Mainly granitic and very minor od limestone and slate)
% of Total: ± 35%
Material Type: Gravel ¨ Quarried þ Mixture ¨
Shape: Rounded ¨ Partly Crushed ¨ 100% Crushed þ
Distribution: Even þ Uneven ¨
Grading Even þ Uneven ¨
Maximum Size (mm): 10 • 15 • 20 • 25 þ ¨ more than 45mm
Preferred Orientation: Present • Not Observed þ

(3) Fine Aggregate:

Source: Quartz sand
% Total : ± 30%
Material Type: Natural þ Manufactured • Mixture þ
Shape: Rounded þ Subangular þ Angular •
Distribution Even þ Uneven ¨
Grading; Even þ Uneven ¨
Preferred Orientation: Present • Not Observed þ
Page 3 of 5
 Sample No.: P9/22-PT1

(4) Cement Paste:

% Total: ± 25%
Appearance in Broken Concrete: Subtranslucent Dull þ Chalky ¨
Colour: Grey þ Light Grey þ White Blue Green
Colour Distribution: Even Mottled Gradational þ
Strength: Strong þ Friable Powdery
Bleeding: Observed Not Observed þ
Carbonation: Outer Skin only Along Fracture Partial Total
Slag Cement (Greenish Blue, Greenish): Observed Not Observed þ
Evidence of Retempering: Yes No þ

(5) Voids:
% Total: ± <7%
Grading: Even Uneven þ V. Large Well Air-Entrained þ Poorly Air-Entrained
Interior Lustre: Dullþ Shining
Interior Condition: Empty þ Lined Partly Filled Filled
% Voids with Mineralization: Most About Half Few None þ
Mineralization: Alkali-Silica Gel Enringite Portlandite Calcium Carbonate
Other: Sizes vary between 0.02 – 0.5mm in thin section, up to 5mm in hand specimen.
(6) Cracks:
Amount: Frequent Occasional None V. Rare þ
Continuity & Distribution : Low continuity, rare & commonly restricted in the aggregates.
Location: Throughout Aggregate Particles þ Around Aggregate Particles
Width (mm): Up to 0.02 mm wide.
Filling
Materials: Alkali-Silica Gel Enringite Portlandite Calcium-Carbonate
Associated with Embedded Items: Yes ¨ No þ

(7) Embedded Items: None

Description:
Location:
Condition: Clean ¨ Corroded Decayed
Size (mm):
Associated Voids, Cracks, Mineralization, Etc.:
Other:

Page 4 of 5
 Sample No.: P9/22-PT1

Table 2 : Microscopic analysis for core sample

Petrographic textures of the sample Remarks

Plane polarized view of the

cored sample.Field view
=3.5mm

Subangular crushed
aggregates. Some of the
aggregates showed some
internal alterations but
most of its still free from
chemical rim perimeter.

Fieldview =3.5mm

Microcracks in the
aggregates were not very
obvious and the cracks
had not propagated
through the paste.

Page 5 of 5
 Sample No.: P10/24-PT2
PETROGRAPHIC DESCRIPTION OF HARDENED CONCRETE
(ASTM C856)

SAMPLE NO: P10/24-PT2

The results of visual inspection and microscopic analysis for core sample P10/24-PT2
(Figure 1) are exhibited in Table 1 and Table 2.

Visual Inspection

General description: The sample consists of a concrete core identified as P10/24-PT2.

The core has a diameter of 7.5cm. The core top is weathered and some fine aggregates
seems to be partially exposed.

Cracks: Cracks occur at the wearing surface. Surface cracks extend to a depth of 5cm.
Several random microcracks occur within the top of the core.

Coarse Aggregates: Are uniformly dispersed. Maximum size is measured 2.5cm and it
is fairly well graded.

Fine Aggregates: Fine aggregate is variously texture coloured from white to pinkish to
translucent.

Cement paste: The paste is grayish, exhibit a vitreous luster and micro-granular texture.

Air voids: Contains numerous air voids, mostly very fine to occasionally coarse.

Microscopic Analysis

Cracks: The cracks are at oblique angles and filled with calcium carbonate. The cracks
pass through coarse aggregates particles suggesting crack formation after the
development of paste-aggregate bond. The cracks radiate outward from coarse
aggregate into the cement paste. The cracks are lined with secondary deposits (hydrate
minerals, calcium carbonate and an amorphous).

Page 1 of 5
 Sample No.: P10/24-PT2

Aggregates: Coarse aggregates is composed of strained quartz fragments, granitic

aggregates, metamorphic grains and limestone. Coarse aggregates particles are
grayish, hard, dense, angular-subangular in shape, equant to slightly elongated and
rough texture. Some of the coarse grains contain darkened rims along the outer
periphery. Fine aggregates is natural sand containing a variety of rock and minerals
including quartz, feldspar, granite, Meta quartzite and others mineral.

Fine aggregate: The fine aggregates appeared to be hard-densed, subrounded to

rounded and having a smooth outer surface.

Cement paste: Exhibit a vitreous luster, microgranular texture and tightly bonded to
aggregate particles. Cement paste is carbonated to a depth of 2mm below the top
surface. Residual cement particles are present in a small volume (< 2%). The
supplementary cementitious materials is not present in this concrete. There is also very
little microcracking of the paste found.

Air voids: The contain voids are generally spherical (entrained air) with irregular shaped
voids (entrapped air). Air content is estimated to be 4-6%. The air voids are not uniformly
dispersed throughout the concrete and are frequently clustered together. Some of the
voids lined with secondary deposits (hydrate minerals and calcium carbonate).

Conclusions
Granitic fragments considered as the dominant composition of the coarse aggregates in
this concrete. However the examined sample showed some of the coarse aggregates
(strained quartz and recrystallized quartz) has potential for alkali reaction. The samples
also show evidence of cracking and carbonation of the cement paste. The cracks and
voids are lined to fill with alkali-silica gel and secondary deposit.

Page 2 of 5
 Sample No.: P10/24-PT2

Figure 1 : Core sample of P10/24-PT2

Table 1 : Summary results of concrete description

CONCRETE DESCRIPTION:

(1) Appearances:
Hit with Hammer: Ring ¨ Dull þ
Break With Fingers: Powdery ¨ Friable ¨ Particles not dislodge þ
Strength: Very Strong ¨ Strong þ Weak ¨ Very Weak •
During Sawing: Clean Cut þ Tears Easily ¨
Cement/Coarse aggregate Bond: Good þ Bad ¨
Cement/Fine Aggregate Bond: Good þ Bad ¨

(2) Coarse Aggregate:

Source: Rock ( Mainly granitic and undulosed quartz aggregates)
% of Total: ± 35%
Material Type: Gravel ¨ Quarried þ Mixture ¨
Shape: Rounded ¨ Partly Crushed ¨ 100% Crushed þ
Distribution: Even þ Uneven ¨
Grading Even þ Uneven ¨
Maximum Size (mm): 10 • 15 • 20 • 25 þ ¨ more than 45mm
Preferred Orientation: Present • Not Observed þ

(3) Fine Aggregate:

Source: Quartz sand
% Total : ± 30%
Material Type: Natural þ Manufactured • Mixture þ
Shape: Rounded þ Subangular þ Angular •
Distribution Even þ Uneven ¨
Grading; Even þ Uneven ¨
Preferred Orientation: Present • Not Observed þ
Page 3 of 5
 Sample No.: P10/24-PT2

(4) Cement Paste:

% Total: ± 30%
Appearance in Broken Concrete: Subtranslucent Dull þ Chalky ¨
Colour: Grey þ Light Grey þ White Blue Green
Colour Distribution: Even Mottled Gradational þ
Strength: Strong þ Friable Powdery
Bleeding: Observed Not Observed þ
Carbonation: Outer Skin only Along Fracture Partial Total
Slag Cement (Greenish Blue, Greenish): Observed Not Observed þ
Evidence of Retempering: Yes No þ

(5) Voids:
% Total: ± 4-6%
Grading: Even Uneven þ V. Large Well Air-Entrained þ Poorly Air-Entrained
Interior Lustre: Dullþ Shining
Interior Condition: Empty þ Lined Partly Filled Filled
% Voids with Mineralization: Most About Half Few þ None
Mineralization: Alkali-Silica Gel Enringiteþ Portlandite Calcium Carbonate þ
Other: Sizes vary between 0.02 – 0.5mm in thin section, up to 2mm in hand specimen.
(6) Cracks:
Amount: Frequent Occasional þ None V. Rare
Continuity & Distribution : poor continuity, commonly restricted in the aggregates.
Location: Throughout Aggregate Particles þ Around Aggregate Particles
Width (mm): Up to 0.02 mm wide.
Filling
Alkali-Silica Gel þ Enringite Portlandite Calcium-Carbonate þ
Materials:
Associated with Embedded Items: Yes ¨ No þ

(7) Embedded Items: None

Description:
Location:
Condition: Clean ¨ Corroded Decayed
Size (mm):
Associated Voids, Cracks, Mineralization, Etc.:
Other:

Page 4 of 5
 Sample No.: P10/24-PT2

Table 2 : Microscopic analysis for core sample P10/24-PT2

Petrographic textures of the sample Remarks

Plane polarized view of

the cored sample. (Field
of view 3.5mm)

The quartz grains

showed strained
features

Microcracks observed in
the aggregates

Infilled cracks

The microcracks found

obviously in
coarse aggregates

Page 5 of 5
 Sample No.: P10/25-PT1
PETROGRAPHIC DESCRIPTION OF HARDENED CONCRETE
(ASTM C856)

SAMPLE NO: P10/25-PT1

The results of visual inspection and microscopic analysis for core sample P10/25-PT1
(Figure 1) are exhibited in Table 1 and Table 2.

Visual Inspection

General description: The sample consists of a concrete core identified as P10/25-PT1.

The core has a core diameter of 10cm.

Cracks: The concrete appears intact with no visible surface cracks. The aggregate-paste
bond appeared to have a good bond with very minor openings and few of aggregates
were found showed an increased calcium hydroxide in the perimeter. The microcracks
were rarely found within the paste but were originate within the coarse aggregates. The
continuity and distribution of the microcracks is very low and probably associates with
shrinkage drying microcracks. No intragranular cracks found. No secondary deposits
observed.

Coarse Aggregate: The coarse aggregates were dominantly occupied by granitic

aggregates, quartz phenocryst with minor amounts of metamorphosed rock that showed
deformation texture. Most of the coarse aggregates were free from coatings or rims. The
minor amounts of metamorphosed fraction can be classified as potentially alkali-reactive
aggregate.

Fine Aggregates: The fine aggregates composed mainly the quartz sands with minor
amount of fine grained sandstone, metaquartzite and others. Most of the fine grains
present as sub rounded to sub angular shape. Showed an even distribution and none of
its appeared with coatings or contamination marks.
.

Cement paste: The binders is light gray, micro-granular texture and showed a vitreous
luster.

Air voids: Air voids distributions are moderately uneven throughout the concrete.

Page 1 of 5
 Sample No.: P10/25-PT1

Microscopic Analysis

Cracks: The cement paste formed a strong matrix with good cement-aggregate bonding.
The concrete intact in the core sample with carbonation of the cement paste.
Microcracks are usually found in some aggregates but less abundant

Coarse Aggregate: The coarse aggregate fraction in this concrete has no potential for
alkali reaction. The coarse aggregate is abundant with very minor amount of iron
sulphide. No reaction rims or gel were observed around the aggregates.

Fine Aggregates: The fine aggregates are presents as angular-subangular fractions.

Show uniform distribution and grading. The grain size varies between 0.5-3mm.

Cement paste: The cement paste is light gray, exhibits microgranular texture and have a
virtuous luster. The paste is hard, dense and tightly bonded to aggregate particles. No
evidence of microcracking of the cement paste. Mineral admixtures was not observed

Air voids: Appeared to have some air entrainment but the volume appeared to be less
than 2%. The air voids mostly small, spherical but at some aggregates some voids were
clustering around and was moderately un-even. No bleeding and segregation were
found. Very few irregular entrapped air voids were observed

Conclusion

Cracks are unusually abundant, some microcracks are seen in to the aggregate particles
but can be considered insignificant and not affect the overall strength of the concrete

Page 2 of 5
 Sample No.: P10/25-PT1

Figure 1 : Core sample of P10/25-PT1

Table 1 : Summary results of concrete description

CONCRETE DESCRIPTION:

(1) Appearances:
Hit with Hammer: Ring ¨ Dull þ
Break With Fingers: Powdery ¨ Friable ¨ Particles not dislodge þ
Strength: Very Strong ¨ Strong þ Weak ¨ Very Weak •
During Sawing: Clean Cut þ Tears Easily ¨
Cement/Coarse aggregate Bond: Good þ Bad ¨
Cement/Fine Aggregate Bond: Good þ Bad ¨

(2) Coarse Aggregate:

Crushed Rock ( Dominatly composed of Granitic aggregate and
Source:
microcrystalline rocks)
% of Total: ± 35%
Material Type: Gravel ¨ Quarried þ Mixture ¨
Shape: Rounded ¨ Partly Crushed ¨ 100% Crushed þ
Distribution: Even þ Uneven ¨
Grading Even þ Uneven ¨
Maximum Size (mm): 10 • 15 • 20 • 25 þ ¨ more than 45mm
Preferred Orientation: Present • Not Observed þ

(3) Fine Aggregate:

Source: Quartz sand
% Total : ± 30%
Material Type: Natural þ Manufactured • Mixture þ
Shape: Rounded þ Subangular þ Angular •
Distribution Even þ Uneven ¨
Grading; Even þ Uneven ¨
Preferred Orientation: Present • Not Observed þ
Page 3 of 5
 Sample No.: P10/25-PT1

(4) Cement Paste:

% Total: ± 30%
Appearance in Broken Concrete: Subtranslucent Dull þ Chalky ¨
Colour: Grey þ Light Grey þ White Blue Green
Colour Distribution: Even Mottled Gradational þ
Strength: Strong þ Friable Powdery
Bleeding: Observed Not Observed þ
Carbonation: Outer Skin only Along Fracture Partial þ Total
Slag Cement (Greenish Blue, Greenish): Observed Not Observed þ
Evidence of Retempering: Yes No þ

(5) Voids:
% Total: ±< 5%
Grading: Even Uneven þ V. Large Well Air-Entrained þ Poorly Air-Entrained
Interior Lustre: Dullþ Shining
Interior Condition: Empty þ Lined Partly Filled þ Filled
% Voids with Mineralization: Most About Half Few þ None
Mineralization: Alkali-Silica Gel Enringite Portlandite Calcium Carbonate
.
(6) Cracks:
Amount: Frequent Occasional None V. Rare þ
Continuity & Distribution : Low continuity, rare & commonly restricted in the aggregates.
Location: Throughout Aggregate Particles þ Around Aggregate Particles
Width (mm): Up to 0.02 mm wide.
Filling
Alkali-Silica Gel Enringite þ Portlandite Calcium-Carbonate þ
Materials:
Associated with Embedded Items: Yes ¨ No þ

(7) Embedded Items: None

Description:
Location:
Condition: Clean ¨ Corroded Decayed
Size (mm):
Associated Voids, Cracks, Mineralization, Etc.:
Other:

Page 4 of 5
 Sample No.: P10/25-PT1

Table 2 : Microscopic analysis for core sample

Petrographic textures of the sample Remarks

Plane polarized view of the

cored sample . Field view is
3.5mm.
Subangular –angular granitic
fractions as the main coarse
aggregates.
The metamorphosed quartzite
also found as minor
compositions and its showed
an alterations ( the grains
appeared with polysynthetic
texture ) .

Air voids

Field view is 3.5mm.

Visual texture of the sample

as taken via fluorescence
microscope

Microcracking radiates
through some aggregates

Cement paste that composed

with normal hydration
product

Page 5 of 5
 Sample No.: P21/7-PT2
PETROGRAPHIC DESCRIPTION OF HARDENED CONCRETE
(ASTM C856)

SAMPLE NO: P21/7-PT2

The results of visual inspection and microscopic analysis for core sample P21/7-PT2
(Figure 1) are exhibited in Table 1 and Table 2.

Visual Inspection

General Description: The sample consists of a concrete core identified as P21/7-PT2.

The core has a diameter of 6.5cm and is 8cm long. The core wearing surface is a flat
weathered surface. There are remnants of ridges on the surface.

Cracks: A 4-6 cm wide crack is present at the wearing surface. The crack narrows with
depth to 3cm immediately below the wearing surface.

Coarse Aggregates: Aggregates particles are dispersed uniformly throughout the

concrete. Maximum aggregate size is measured as 25mm and its fairly well-graded.

Fine aggregates: Is natural sand containing a variety of rock and mineral types including
quartz, feldspars, Meta quartzite, granite and other mineral types.

Cement paste: Is light gray, showed vitreous luster, microgranular texture and hackly
fracture.

Air Voids: The concrete contains numerous air voids, ranging from mostly very fine to
occasionally coarse.

Microscopic Analysis

Cracks: The cracks filled with surface dirt and debris. The crack tends to passes around
aggregates and these characteristics are typically formed during early life of the
concrete. Some of the cracks filled with silica gel.

Page 1 of 5
 Sample No.: P21/7-PT2

Coarse Aggregates: Coarse aggregate is composed of granitic rock and quartz grains.
Coarse aggregate particles are slightly gray. It is moderately hard, dense, angular to
subangular, equant to slightly elongated and rough textured. Most of the coarse
aggregates still free from darken rims along its outer periphery and some of the
aggregates has developed microcracks.

Fine aggregates: The fine is predominantly composed of quartz, feldspar and Meta
quartzite. This fine aggregates are variously coloured from gray to translucent, hard
dense, sub-rounded to well rounded, generally spherical and having smooth outer
surface texture.

Cement paste: The paste is hard, dense and tightly bonded to aggregate particles.
Cement paste is carbonated to a depth of 1-2mm below the wearing surface.
Supplementary cementitious materials are not detected. There are very few random
microcracks present in the paste and pass primarily around aggregates and are deemed
to be due to normal, early drying shrinkage of concrete. No deterioration of the paste is
observed.

Air Voids: The air voids are uniformly dispersed throughout the concrete. Air content is
estimated to be 5%.

Conclusions

The examined samples show evidence of cracking and carbonation of the cement paste.
Alkali-silica gel has been positively identified and the likely source of the silica gel is due
to reaction between alkaline components in the cement paste and strained quartz
fragments.

Page 2 of 5
 Sample No.: P21/7-PT2

Figure 1 : Core sample of P21/7-PT2

Table 1 : Summary results of concrete description

CONCRETE DESCRIPTION:

(1) Appearances:
Hit with Hammer: Ring ¨ Dull þ
Break With Fingers: Powdery ¨ Friable ¨ Particles not dislodge þ
Strength: Very Strong ¨ Strong þ Weak ¨ Very Weak •
During Sawing: Clean Cut þ Tears Easily ¨
Cement/Coarse aggregate Bond: Good þ Bad ¨
Cement/Fine Aggregate Bond: Good þ Bad ¨

(2) Coarse Aggregate:

Source: Rock ( Mainly granitic and undulosed quartz aggregates)
% of Total: ± 30%
Material Type: Gravel ¨ Quarried þ Mixture ¨
Shape: Rounded ¨ Partly Crushed ¨ 100% Crushed þ
Distribution: Even þ Uneven ¨
Grading Even þ Uneven ¨
Maximum Size (mm): 10 • 15 • 20 • 25 þ ¨ more than 45mm
Preferred Orientation: Present • Not Observed þ

(3) Fine Aggregate:

Source: Quartz sand
% Total : ± 30%
Material Type: Natural þ Manufactured • Mixture þ
Shape: Rounded þ Subangular þ Angular •
Distribution Even þ Uneven ¨
Grading; Even þ Uneven ¨
Preferred Orientation: Present • Not Observed þ

Page 3 of 5
 Sample No.: P21/7-PT2

(4) Cement Paste:

% Total: ± 30%
Appearance in Broken Concrete: Subtranslucent Dull þ Chalky ¨
Colour: Grey þ Light Grey þ White Blue Green
Colour Distribution: Even Mottled Gradational þ
Strength: Strong þ Friable Powdery
Bleeding: Observed Not Observed þ
Carbonation: Outer Skin only Along Fracture þ Partial Total
Slag Cement (Greenish Blue, Greenish): Observed Not Observed þ
Evidence of Retempering: Yes No þ

(5) Voids:
% Total: ± 5-8%
Grading:
Interior Lustre:
Even Dull þþ
Uneven Shining Well Air-Entrained þ
V. Large Poorly Air-Entrained
Interior Condition: Empty Lined þ Partly Filled Filled
% Voids with Mineralization: Most About Half Few þ None
Mineralization: Alkali-Silica Gel þ Enringiteþ Portlandite Calcium Carbonate
Other: Sizes vary between 0.02 – 0.5mm in thin section, up to 5mm in hand specimen.
(6) Cracks:
Amount: Frequent Occasional þ None V. Rare
Continuity & Distribution : poor continuity, commonly restricted in the aggregates.
Location: Throughout Aggregate Particles þ Around Aggregate Particles
Width (mm): Up to 0.02 mm wide.
Filling
Associated with Embedded Gel þ Enringite
Items:
Alkali-Silica Yes þ
¨ PortlanditeNo þ Calcium-Carbonate
Materials:

(7) Embedded Items: None

Description:
Location:
Condition: Clean ¨ Corroded Decayed
Size (mm):
Associated Voids, Cracks, Mineralization, Etc.:
Other:

Page 4 of 5
 Sample No.: P21/7-PT2

Table 2 : Microscopic analysis for core sample P21/7-PT2

Petrographic textures of the sample Remarks

Plane polarized view of

the cored sample. (Field
of view = 3.5mm).

Microcracks partly
infilled found in the
aggregates.

Silica gel (pale green)

in microveins
surrounding the
aggregates

Voids partly infilled with

ettringite

The microcracks found

obviously in coarse
aggregates and infilled
with silica gel.

Page 5 of 5