Mineralogical Analysis for Civil Engineering Projects
When ground conditions don’t behave as expected, the cost comes later
Unexpected ground behaviour, sulphate risk, or material failure can derail timelines and budgets, even when standard ground investigations have been completed.
The issue is often hidden in the mineralogy.
Clay transformations, reactive minerals, and sulphate-bearing phases are not always fully understood through routine testing, but they can significantly impact performance, stability, and durability.
How we support civil engineering projects
Using X-ray diffraction (XRD), we provide a clear understanding of the mineral composition of soils, rocks, and construction materials which helps you make informed decisions earlier in the project lifecycle.
We support teams to:
- Identify problematic clay minerals that may affect stability or volume change
- Detect sulphates and reactive phases that could impact concrete durability
- Resolve uncertainty where standard ground investigation data is inconclusive
- Investigate failures or unexpected behaviour during construction
Why work with us
Access to wider expertise in soils, crop systems, and environmental interactions where needed
Backed by The James Hutton Institute internationally recognised expertise in soils, land use, and environmental science
30+ years of analytical experience supporting industry and infrastructure projects
Clear, practical outputs not just data, but insight you can act on
Request a quick review of your project
If you’re working on a project where ground conditions are uncertain, we can provide a rapid initial view on whether mineralogical analysis could add value.
