Our Clients Include
- Owners (commercial and government agencies)
- Structural engineers and architects
- Concrete producers (QC and technical services)
- Contractors
- Universities
- Concrete Durability
Concrete Strength and Durability
Concrete strength is essential, but it's not the only factor. Durability matters to maintain properties over time. Issues can manifest years after construction. Laboratory investigations are vital to determine root causes and mechanisms, helping engineers design repairs and estimate service life.
Petrographic Analysis and More
Our experts use standard methods, including optical and modern scanning electron microscopy techniques, to quickly identify root causes of concrete failures and distress.
With petrographic analysis, we can help you:
- Identify common causes of concrete failure.
- Determine the "as-built" concrete mix design.
- Analyze aggregates prior to construction.
- Characterize petrographic properties.
- Conduct total sulfur analysis.
- Assess iron staining potential of lightweight aggregates.
Related Services
Our industrial forensics approach combines corrosion and concrete expertise to support engineering firms. We offer:
- Chemical analysis of construction materials.
- Analysis of cement and fly ashes.
- Evaluation of architectural coatings, membranes, and paints.
- In-house physical tests for durability and porosity.
- In-situ nondestructive testing of concrete structures.
Forensic Investigations and Litigation Support
Our concrete materials experts have extensive experience in forensic investigations and legal disputes. We provide:
- Site visits and sample collection.
- Forensic laboratory investigations.
- Evidence preservation and chain of custody.
- Expert report preparation.
- Pre-trial discovery and document review.
- Mediation, arbitration, expert deposition, and courtroom testimony.
Innovation and Professional Service
We actively partner with universities on cutting-edge research projects. Recent projects include:
- Vibro-acoustic NDE of ASR-Affected Concrete.
- Online Monitoring System for Concrete Structures Affected by Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR).
- Boron Concrete for Active Formation of Lithium.
Our experts hold leadership roles and actively contribute to technical organizations like the American Concrete Institute (ACI), ASTM International, and RILEM, developing industry standards and best practices guides.
Expert Spotlight
Michael Baker
Construction Materials Laboratory Manager
Michael Baker serves as the Department Manager of the Concrete Materials Laboratory and has nearly a decade of experience in concrete petrographic studies at RJ Lee Group. In addition to managing the concrete materials laboratory operations, he directs and conducts petrographic evaluations, in combination with chemical and physical testing, to identify failure and distress mechanisms in concrete and cementitious materials.
Case study
How AeroTech Secured Its Future
When AeroTech Industries faced recurring defects in a crucial aircraft component, they were at risk of losing multi-million dollar contracts and jeopardizing the jobs of hundreds of employees. They enlisted the help of RJ Lee Group, who quickly deployed a team of technical experts. Through state-of-the-art forensic analysis, RJ Lee Group identified and rectified the root cause—a flaw in the casting process—eliminating the defect and preserving AeroTech's contracts.