We provide our clients with fast, detailed, and confidential petrographic examinations and industry specific testing from our NATA accredited modern geotechnical laboratory.

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The Brendale facility is fitted out with new equipment and a temperature-controlled laboratory which covers aggregate, soils dimensional stone specific testing and petrographic analysis.

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The laboratory is managed by a professional team with over 40 years of combined experience in laboratory services, whilst our petrographic team comprises over 20 years of hands-on quarry resource evaluation and petrographic knowledge.

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Our scope of work includes a range of testing and sampling to AS, QTMR, ASTM, AS/NZS, EN and Inhouse methods.

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Aggregate Tests Services:

• Degree of precoat

• Organic impurities other than sugar

• Weak particles (including clay lumps, soft and friable particles) in coarse aggregates

• Clay and fine silt

• Wet/dry strength variation

• ACV

• Particle shape by proportional calliper

• Average least dimension

• Materials finer than 75 microns in aggregates (by washing)

• Flakiness index

• Bulk density of aggregate (unit mass)

• Particle size distribution

• Particle density and water absorption – fine/coarse aggregates

• Aggregate soundness – evaluation by exposure to sodium sulphate solution

• Crushed particles in coarse aggregate derived from gravel

• Degradation factor – source rock and coarse aggregate

• PAFV Polished aggregate friction value – vertical wheel

• Point Load

• Coarse Aggregate Quality by Visual Assessment

• Acid Solubility

• Caking

• Foreign Materials

Soil Tests Service:

• California bearing ratio (CBR)

• Maximum density ratio compactions (MDR)

• Particle size distribution

• Fines Ratio

• Atterberg limits

• Moisture content

• Emerson Class

Dimensional Stone Services:

• Water Absorption and Bulk Specific Gravity

• Modules of Rupture Compressive Strength

• Flexual Strength of Dimensional Stone

• Abrasion Resistance

• Strength of Individual Stone Anchorages in Dimensional Stone

• Potential to Effloresce / Rust from Free Iron

• Resistance to Salt Attack

• Impact Resistance / Rupture Energy

• Stain Resistance

• Change of Gloss

• Thermal Expansion

• Slip Resistance

Petrology Services:

• Thin section and polished thin section preparation of geological materials including concrete and quarry products.

• Petrographic investigation of natural rock and quarry materials including aggregates and manufactured sand.

• Petrographic consultancy services and expert technical advice on the compliance, performance and durability of construction materials, and assessment services, technical troubleshooting available upon request.

• Petrographic reports for Department of Transport and Main Roads quarry certification and recertification (QTMR Test method Q188).

• Petrology reports prepared to ASTM C1276

• Secondary Mineral content analysis conducted according to Australian Standard 1141.26.

Additional analysis using advanced microscopic techniques, including:

• X-ray diffraction (XRD)

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

• Probe and X-ray Mapping with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy

• X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy