Materials Evaluation

The durability, performance and service life of earth reinforcements depend upon the materials selected for construction. In general either: (1) relatively nonaggressive fill materials are selected for construction, or (2) metal elements are isolated from direct contact with the ground via corrosion protection systems. The former is the general rule for MSE systems, and fill materials must be carefully selected along with appropriate empirical models for anticipating metal loss, service life and sacrificial steel requirements during design. ERTesting has developed an extensive database documenting the performances of various fill materials, and can evaluate potential fill sources for their effects on durability and service life. 

Corrosion protection systems are often applied to installations of rock bolts and ground anchors that employ high strength prestressing  steel elements that are vulnerable to special forms of corrosion including stress crack corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement. Most suppliers incorporate corrosion protection systems into the design of ground anchors and rock bolts, however it is very important to pay particular attention to details and workmanship during installation. ERTesting can apply nondestructive testing for quality assurance during construction, or to evaluate the existing condition of corrosion protection systems from in service reinforcements.