A petrographic examination can help answer questions such as:

• Why are my compressive strength values less than the design?
• How do I know the provided concrete matches the mix design?
• Was too much air entrainment added to the concrete?
• Is it time to remove and replace the existing concrete slab?
• Why do I have so much efflorescence on my concrete?
• Did the material quality contribute to the building collapse?
• What is the condition of the concrete in the old building?
• What is the probable future performance of my concrete?
• Why is my slab surface color blotchy?
• How much surface preparation is required?
• Why are there so many cracks in my slab?
• Why did the surface of the concrete flake off?
• What materials were used in the historic mortar?
• Can this aggregate be used in concrete?
• Why is this concrete cracking?
• Is the aggregate causing deterioration?
• Was the concrete made according to the specified mix design?
• Is there evidence of poor workmanship or improper curing?
• Is this an alkali-silica reaction (ASR)?
• Has freeze-thaw damage occurred? • Is sulfate attack present?
• Are there signs of delayed ettringite formation (DEF)?
• Why did this pavement, bridge deck, or structure fail prematurely?
• What minerals are present in the aggregate?