Services

BCRC are specialist consultants in materials for concrete construction. Our experts provide advice in concrete and concrete materials, grouts and mortars, steel, timber, brickwork and coatings.

Durability Consultancy

On major projects the use of an independent Durability Consultant ensures that an expert will develop the Durability Plan, a blue print for how serviceability will be attained over the structures design life. An assessment of the exposure, analysis of deterioration mechanisms and specification of materials is undertaken.

BCRC has developed specialist durability design models for thermal analysis, cracking assessment, tunnel & tank corrosion, chloride penetration, permeability, sorptivity, physical properties, corrosion rate, carbonation, sulphate attack and alkali silica reactivity

BCRC have worked for major contractors and designers on industrial floors, building facades, wharfs, power stations, tanks, reservoirs, dams, offshore platforms, railways, mines and bridges.

Specifications

These are used, with an assessment of exposure to define materials and workmanship requirements. BCRC commonly assist contractors resolve issues where construction is not in accord with specifications or where repairs are required.

Product Development

BCRC’s undertake market assessments, provide technical review and assist in developing product and marketing literature for admixtures, additives, repair materials, SCM’s, fibres, cement systems, grouts, mortars, concretes, construction systems & light weight products. BCRC are leaders in Geopolymers and can manage a company’s rapid development of geopolymer products. BCRC combine technical, construction and marketing expertise to assess product development requirements.

Concrete Inspection

BCRC’s team have undertaken structural and durability surveys of mines, railways, floors, building, wharfs, tunnels and tanks. BCRC have one of the most advanced ranges of inspection equipment in Australia and have developed detailed standards for all of our work. We combine test results, analytical methods and years of research in areas such as patch materials, coatings and cathodic protection to assess and specify repair methods

•Audits (condition, integrity, and safety) •Condition Surveys (steel corrosion, concrete, timber, brickwork, coatings) •Structural (load testing, structural health monitoring) •Location of buried objects (rebar, services, conduits, prestress, cables) •Cracking surveys Concrete Repair After undertaking condition assessments BCRC can prepare repair specifications and work with the contracts managers to ensure proper repair. BCRC can provide expert advice on: •Audits (condition, integrity, and safety) •Condition Surveys (steel corrosion, concrete, timber, brickwork, coatings) •Structural (load testing, structural health monitoring) •Location of buried objects (rebar, services, conduits, prestress, cables) •Cracking surveys Cracking In Concrete Cracking continues to be one of the least understood but most common occurrences in concrete. BCRC offer various services related to concrete •Analysis of thermal, drying and autogenous shrinkage to assess risk of cracking due to internal, edge and end restraint •Assessment of bleed and evaporation to predict plastic settlement and shrinkage cracking •Review of placing methods and mix designs to assess the risk of blistering and delaminations •Survey to determine cause of cracking and suitable repair methods including. •Crack mapping •Drummy surveys using specialist tapping devices •Monitoring of strain using strain gauges in one two and three dimensions •Assessment of crack movement using movement gauges, demec studs or transducers •Impulse response and impact echo to assess delaminations •Ultrasonics to determine crack depth Timber Inspection BCRC have teamed with the Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) of the UK to offer construction, survey and repair consultancy services for timer structure. Using a wide range of testing methods and field experience BCRC can inspect timber buildings, civil and historic structures. Steelwork Services BCRC’s in house and international consultants in corrosion and materials can advise on durability related issues for most materials used in building and construction. Brickwork BCRC also have specialist in brick and can advice on problems such as rising damp, brick growth and fretting. Thermal Analysis & Monitoring On thick concrete sections durability can be compromised by high temperature leading to DEF and strength loss, internal temperature differentials leading to internal cracking and external differentials leading to restraint cracking. Using mathematical models our team can advise on design and construction requirements to limit cracking and other damage. Site Testing BCRC has available a wide range of equipment for site testing of structures and our experienced testers and local and international experts ensure the highest level of data acquisition, presentation and interpretation. Laboratory Testing BCRC has an extensive range of laboratory testing equipment suitable for testing virtually any material, in any environment for any property. BCRC takes pride in its “working laboratory”. This Sydney facility was designed to provide answers. Staff are experienced in setting up the equipment to suit the needs of the project and can undertake most machining required for special rigs. Our consultants are also expert in undertaking research so a high level of confidence in technique can be expected. Concrete & Concrete Materials Supply Our team can give first rate advice on concrete mix design, concrete materials, trial mixes, and production. BRC can also undertake trial mixes and evaluation of materials.