Geomaterials Under the Microscope (eBook)

Contents
1 Introduction, Overview of geomaterials and petrography, Petrographic techniques, Sampling and specimen preparation
2 Building stone, Introduction to building stone, Testing building stone, Stone from igneous, sedimentary & metamorphic rocks, Petrography of stone defects and decay
3 Roofing slate, Introduction to roofing slate, Testing roofing slates, Properties of roofing slate, Weathering and deterioration of roofing slate, Interpretation of slate test results
4 Aggregates, Introduction to aggregates, Aggregate type, Aggregate grading, shape and surface texture, Soundness, impurities and undesirable constituents of aggregates, Potential alkali-reactivity of aggregate for concrete, Matching aggregates for conservation
5 Concrete, Introduction to concrete, Assessment of concrete structures, Investigating the composition and quality of concrete, Concrete aggregates, Portland-type cements, Additions and admixtures, Water/cement ratio, Air voids, Modal analysis of concrete, Workmanship, Examining deteriorated and damaged concrete, Carbonation and reinforcement corrosion, Cracking, Weathering, Sulfate attack, TSA, DEF, Sea water attack, Attack by acids and alkalis, Pop-outs, Alkali-aggregate reactions, Fire-damaged concrete, High-alumina cement concrete
6 Concrete products, Architectural cast stone, Aircrete, Calcium silicate, Asbestos-cement
7 Flooring materials, Screed, Terrazzo, Synthetic resin
8 Mortar, plaster and render, Gypsum plaster, FGD gypsum plaster, plasterboard, Plaster defects, Lime mortar ingredients & defects, Portland cement mortar ingredients & defects, Specialist mortars
9 Bricks, terracotta & other ceramics, Introduction to ceramics, Clay brick, Terracotta, Ceramic tile, Architectural glass
10 Bituminous mixtures, Introduction to bituminous mixtures,
Microscopy of bituminous mixtures
Appendix A: Staining techniques for geomaterials petrography, Etching and staining techniques for cement minerals and slags
Appendix B: Suppliers of petrographic equipment, training and
literature
Index

...a worthy contribution to this growing area, which bridges the earth and materials sciences with significant reference to the underlying chemistry and crystallography. In doing so, its relevance to the practice of civil engineering is emphasised through well-chosen examples of materials in service and of their failure, induced by numerous mechanisms. Aimed at the practicing materials specialist, this book will also be of considerable value to those whose role involves interpreting expert opinion on geomaterials and to students of this field... illustrated with carefully selected micrographs and photographs... the faithful reproduction of the colour plates are a great credit to the publishers and printers... clear and succinct, yet contain[s] a wealth of valuable information, all richly illustrated... a worthy contribution to the literature in applied mineralogy and microscopy and is highly recommended. It will undoubtedly become an essential addition to the reference shelf of those working in this field.

When I embarked upon my career as a construction materials petrographer I found that there were no specific books available to help me learn the trade. Instead, like many others my knowledge was gained directly from an experienced expert who guided and supervised my early work. I have since been fortunate enough to have enjoyed a broad range of industrial and research experience that has enabled me to compile this guidebook, the process of which has taken 12 years. By providing the first comprehensive guide to the petrography of geomaterials I have attempted to make the specialized knowledge of the petrographer available to all. It is intended not only for microscopists but for anyone with an interest in modern and historic construction materials from the fields of geology, architecture, surveying, engineering, construction, archaeology, conservation, materials science, and forensic science. The format of the book is a combination of an atlas of high-quality colour photomicrographs of geomaterials, along with explanations of their petrographic properties and how to interpret them. An introductory chapter provides an overview of geomaterials practice and a state-of-the-art review of petrographic techniques. Each of the subsequent chapters covers a different group of construction materials and includes an explanation of their history, manufacture, and use in construction. The length of each of the individual materials chapters reflects the relative importance of the material as an area of commercial petrographic study. As a discipline, construction materials petrography is relatively young and dynamic. I intend to update this book at regular intervals to reflect the growth in knowledge and changes to the state of practice. I would welcome any contributions and case study examples to be considered for inclusion in subsequent editions.