Groundwater chemical analysis
Ionic composition, mineralisation, pH and aggressive CO2 in groundwater samples, with an assessment of the water's effect on concrete and steel.
Licensed service · EL-845/2026
Groundwater is in constant contact with foundations, basements, underground car parks and utility ducts, and can affect their durability even more than the soil itself. Its chemistry determines which type of cement the concrete needs, which waterproofing system to choose and how steel elements should be protected.
In many districts of Baku and along the Absheron coast the water table is shallow and mineralisation is high. Sulphate- and chloride-rich waters cause crystallisation damage in concrete and corrosion of reinforcement, while aggressive carbon dioxide leaches lime out of the cement paste.
Water samples are taken from geotechnical or hydrogeological boreholes into clean containers, preserved and delivered to the laboratory promptly. The analysis covers pH, total mineralisation, hardness, sulphate, chloride, bicarbonate and carbonate ions, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium, free and aggressive CO2, ammonium and, where required, petroleum products.
Results are evaluated against current codes (AzDTN/SNiP) as degrees of aggressiveness towards concrete of different watertightness grades and towards steel, and are included in the report together with a description of groundwater conditions.
When you need it
- Design of basements and underground car parks
- Selecting a waterproofing system
- Construction in areas with a high water table
- Design of drainage and dewatering systems
- Investigating dampness and deterioration of existing foundations
What's included
- Water sampling from boreholes
- pH, mineralisation and hardness
- Anion and cation composition
- Free and aggressive CO2
- Ammonium and petroleum products where required
- Aggressiveness rating for concrete and steel
How we work
- Selecting sampling points
- Sampling and preservation
- Laboratory analyses
- Assessment against codes
- Issue of certificate
Deliverables
- Water chemical analysis certificate
- Description of the water's chemical type
- Conclusion on aggressiveness to concrete and reinforcement
- Recommendations on waterproofing and protection
