Recent content by Kenton54

Aodh, I would very much like information on both the re-bound hammer and ultra sound testing. Did you test for carbonation and conditions which might lead to loss of passivation by testing PH? Thanks -Kent

1. What type of structure is it? (materials, configuration, use) 2. Why does it need structural renovation?

I'm liking concrete inspection more all the time...

Simplicity, laxative, Johnie Walker. Yes, all the ingedients are there. Thank you.

To experiment with I don't need much phenolphthalein. Sounds like it's available in smaller amounts at pharmacies. Can anyone simplify this for me a little by providing a recipe? What measure of phenolphthalein to what measure of what type of alcohol to make say... a pint of testing solution?

Can it be mixed with isopropyl alcohol, also from the pharmacy?

Ingenuity, Did you mean phenopthalien or phenolphthalein? -Kent

I'm trying to figure out the best way to expose material for testing without knocking a chunk out of someone's home. If there is a crawlspace... no problem. In Mexico they're mostly slab-on-grade. Too bad drill tailings won't work. Is there a minimum surface area that should be exposed?

I am interested in inspecting homes in Mexico, many of which are built of concrete. Will testing the PH level of concrete walls in a home built say..5 years ago tell me anything useful? In other words, if I drill a small hole in the walls, mix the particles from the hole with water and then...

So it sounds like a two-part process. ASR is a reaction between alkaline material and aggregate that causes axpansion and spalling, which may lead to exposure of embedded steel and expansion of iron oxide caused by oxidation of the steel also causes spalling.

Do the alkaline properties of concrete help protect or promote corrosion of steel embedded in concrete? I've read it both ways. Who's right? -Kent

Great explanations, guys. Exactly what I was looking for, Thanks. Kent

I'm working on a Home Inspection book and I'd like to know (in laymen's terms more or less) why water corrodes steel. What is the chemical process? Oxidation? -Kent

I've been looking online for expatriot Inspectors working in Mexico or even Inspectors working out of the US and flying down with absolutely no luck. I did find one Inspector online near Guadalajara, but the e-mail address is no good. I'm 30 years in residential construction so I have a pretty...

Some of them may be, there are starting to be some high-end developments down there, but I expect most to be custom and complete.