Soil chemical analysis and aggressiveness

Foundations and buried structures remain in contact with the ground for decades. When the soil contains high levels of sulphates, chlorides or other soluble salts, concrete gradually deteriorates and reinforcement and steel pipes corrode. Chemical analysis of the soil allows this risk to be assessed at the design stage and the right protection measures to be selected.

Soils on the Absheron peninsula and along the Caspian coast are frequently saline, and some areas around Baku are also affected by petroleum contamination. Designing without analysis in such conditions leads either to premature foundation failure or to unnecessarily expensive protection.

In the laboratory, a water extract is prepared from the soil sample and tested for dry residue, sulphate (SO4), chloride (Cl) and bicarbonate ions, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium, pH and total salinity. Where required, soil resistivity, organic matter and carbonate content are also measured. Results are evaluated against current codes (AzDTN/SNiP) as degrees of aggressiveness towards different concrete grades and steel structures.

Alongside the aggressiveness rating, the report gives general recommendations on cement type, concrete grade and waterproofing.

When you need it

• Foundation design in saline soils
• Construction on the Caspian coast and Absheron
• Buried pipelines and steel structures
• Investigating deterioration of existing foundations
• As part of a geotechnical report

What's included

• Preparation of water extract
• Dry residue and total salinity
• Sulphate, chloride and bicarbonate ions
• Cation content (Ca, Mg, Na, K)
• pH measurement
• Aggressiveness rating for concrete and steel

How we work

1. Sampling or sample receipt
2. Sample preparation and extraction
3. Chemical analyses
4. Aggressiveness assessment against codes
5. Issue of certificate and recommendations

Deliverables

• Chemical analysis certificate
• Aggressiveness rating for concrete and reinforcement
• Corrosion risk assessment for steel
• General recommendations on protection