Materials Science Lab

MaterialsScienceLab MicroscopePLM

Consulting on the Correlation Between Material Properties and Performance

In today’s rapidly evolving world, maintaining and improving the built environment is more important than ever. From aging infrastructure to the preservation of historic buildings, the materials that form the foundation of our cities—such as concrete, masonry, timber and metals—must be carefully understood and managed to support long-term safety, performance and sustainability.

The ECS Materials Science Lab offers advanced materials testing and consulting services to help clients make informed decisions for the integrity of new and existing structures.

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In today’s rapidly evolving world, maintaining and improving the built environment is more important than ever. From aging infrastructure to the preservation of historic buildings, the materials that form the foundation of our cities—such as concrete, masonry, timber and metals—must be carefully understood and managed to support long-term safety, performance and sustainability.

The ECS Materials Science Lab offers advanced materials testing and consulting services to help clients make informed decisions for the integrity of new and existing structures.

CONTACT US

MaterialsScienceLab MicroscopePLM

Why ECS for materials testing services

The materials used in construction degrade over time due to environmental exposure, loading and other external factors. Their long-term performance is tied to their properties, such as durability, corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. Understanding these properties supports ongoing maintenance and preservation of the built environment.

Our expert team is dedicated to advancing the understanding of material properties and their impact on the performance of structures. Through cutting-edge analysis and forensic evaluation, we provide insights that help safeguard the buildings and infrastructure we rely on daily.

ECS’ materials science lab complements our construction materials testing capabilities with microanalysis and analytical chemistry for detailed condition assessment and material failure evaluations.

Benefits of investing in solutions with our lab include:

  • A one-stop-shop, removing the need to engage with multiple service providers.
  • Streamlined testing, results and consulting from experts to help you identify the most cost-effective testing program targeted to your specific project needs.
  • Results-based analysis and technical support to help you make data-driven decisions.

Why ECS for materials testing services

The materials used in construction degrade over time due to environmental exposure, loading and other external factors. Their long-term performance is tied to their properties, such as durability, corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. Understanding these properties supports ongoing maintenance and preservation of the built environment.

Our expert team is dedicated to advancing the understanding of material properties and their impact on the performance of structures. Through cutting-edge analysis and forensic evaluation, we provide insights that help safeguard the buildings and infrastructure we rely on daily.

ECS’ materials science lab complements our construction materials testing capabilities with microanalysis and analytical chemistry for detailed condition assessment and material failure evaluations.

Benefits of investing in solutions with our lab include:

  • A one-stop-shop, removing the need to engage with multiple service providers.
  • Streamlined testing, results and consulting from experts to help you identify the most cost-effective testing program targeted to your specific project needs.
  • Results-based analysis and technical support to help you make data-driven decisions.

Our process

Our expert geologists and materials scientists collaborate with in-house structural engineers and architects as well as the staff local to your project to outline a testing program, collect samples, interpret testing data, report on current conditions, advise on future viability of your structures and assist with remedial design solutions, when requested. ECS functions as your single point of contact for materials testing. Using state-of-the-art equipment and an integrated approach, your project is seamlessly managed.

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Analytical material testing program consulting

Our experts can help you develop a performance-based analytical program to evaluate your materials based on the scope and requirements of your projects.  We work with clients to understand short- and long-term performance goals and advice on the pros and cons of various approaches from a cost, time and relevancy perspective.

Conduct

Petrographic examination

Our petrographic examination service covers hardened concrete, aggregate, masonry mortar and more. Examination is needed for failure analysis, quality control, materials identification and scope development of materials evaluations.

Air-void content analysis

This analysis helps test the performance of hardened concrete structures. Understanding air-void content is important for assessing durability and resistance to freeze-thaw cycles.

Chloride profile testing of concrete

We conduct chloride profile testing to assess concrete’s susceptibility to chloride-induced corrosion. The data provides insights into its long-term durability.

Aggregate analysis

This service analyzes rock types in aggregates to assess performance and durability factors. These include freeze-thaw susceptibility, potential deleterious material content and alkali aggregate reaction potential. This analysis clarifies the suitability of aggregate for intended use.

Consult

Failure analysis and condition assessment

Our experts identify probable causes of concrete deterioration or defects through visual assessments, sounding, non-destructive testing, core sampling, petrographic analysis and chemical and mechanical testing. We are then able to evaluate the severity and work with our engineers to recommend repair, reinforcement or restorative measures.

Alkali aggregate reaction assessment

Using a combination of petrographic evaluation with aggregate testing data and history, we can assess the extent of damage and predict potential further deterioration. This enables you to make informed decisions for repair and maintenance.

Our process

Our expert geologists and materials scientists collaborate with in-house structural engineers and architects as well as the staff local to your project to outline a testing program, collect samples, interpret testing data, report on current conditions, advise on future viability of your structures and assist with remedial design solutions, when requested. ECS functions as your single point of contact for materials testing. Using state-of-the-art equipment and an integrated approach, your project is seamlessly managed.

Connect

Analytical material testing program consulting

Our experts can help you develop a performance-based analytical program to evaluate your materials based on the scope and requirements of your projects.  We work with clients to understand short- and long-term performance goals and advice on the pros and cons of various approaches from a cost, time and relevancy perspective.

Conduct

Petrographic examination

Our petrographic examination service covers hardened concrete, aggregate, masonry mortar and more. Examination is needed for failure analysis, quality control, materials identification and scope development of materials evaluations.

Air-void content analysis

This analysis helps test the performance of hardened concrete structures. Understanding air-void content is important for assessing durability and resistance to freeze-thaw cycles.

Chloride profile testing of concrete

We conduct chloride profile testing to assess concrete’s susceptibility to chloride-induced corrosion. The data provides insights into its long-term durability.

Aggregate analysis

This service analyzes rock types in aggregates to assess performance and durability factors. These include freeze-thaw susceptibility, potential deleterious material content and alkali aggregate reaction potential. This analysis clarifies the suitability of aggregate for intended use.

Consult

Failure analysis and condition assessment

Our experts identify probable causes of concrete deterioration or defects through visual assessments, sounding, non-destructive testing, core sampling, petrographic analysis and chemical and mechanical testing. We are then able to evaluate the severity and work with our engineers to recommend repair, reinforcement or restorative measures.

Alkali aggregate reaction assessment

Using a combination of petrographic evaluation with aggregate testing data and history, we can assess the extent of damage and predict potential further deterioration. This enables you to make informed decisions for repair and maintenance.

Backscattered electron images with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy elemental maps and component phase map of a sand grain in concrete
A scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of concrete sample from ECS Materials Science Lab. Image of a C1 blended component map of concrete sample from ECS Materials Science Lab.
MaterialsScienceLab Component Map Blended C3 Image of a C3 blended component map of concrete sample from ECS Materials Science Lab. A blended image of concrete sample from ECS Materials Science Lab.
Backscattered electron images with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy elemental maps and component phase map of a sand grain in concrete
A scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of concrete sample from ECS Materials Science Lab. Image of a C1 blended component map of concrete sample from ECS Materials Science Lab.
MaterialsScienceLab Component Map Blended C3 Image of a C3 blended component map of concrete sample from ECS Materials Science Lab. A blended image of concrete sample from ECS Materials Science Lab.
Cross-section view of building materials from ECS materials science lab.

The ECS Materials Science Lab offers the expertise and technology needed to address the challenges of new and aging infrastructure. We provide actionable insights to support informed decision-making and strategic maintenance.

The ECS Materials Science Lab offers the expertise and technology needed to address the challenges of new and aging infrastructure. We provide actionable insights to support informed decision-making and strategic maintenance.