An expert in the ageing process of materials and structures

Corrosion and material deterioration

Oxand is known as an incontrovertible expert in the ageing process of materials (concrete, steel, polymers, etc.) and structures.

Our team is building up several decades of know-how on the ageing process of infrastructure, using the experience feedback on many structures made of concrete, steel or any other materials. Oxand knows all about the failure modes of bridges, tunnels, dykes, wharfs, dams or pipe networks.

Here are a few examples of ageing phenomenons on concrete structures, for which Oxand has the know-how :

Alkali-aggregate reactions

Alkali-aggregate reactions are chemical reactions within the concrete, which generate swellings that can lead to cracking. The consequences are strains, displacements, spallings as well as mechanical strength loss.

Several of our experts, thanks to their scientific contribution, have specific competences on this matter for assessing and simulating the changes, and finally providing an optimal decision support.

Chloride penetration

A rapid phenomenon taking place in marine environments or with the use of de-icing salts, chloride penetration within the concrete leads to a rapid deterioration process by corrosion of the steel rebars of structures.

Specializing in coastal infrastructure, among other fields, Oxand has a large experience feedback on this matter.

Carbonation

Carbonation is due to carbon dioxide getting into the concrete, mainly in urban and industrial areas. This penetration leads to a general corrosion of the reinforcements.

Steel corrosion within reinforced concrete

Mesure de la fissuration par carottages

Steel corrosion within reinforced concrete has many consequences, in terms of structural failures and economical impact :

  • cracking
  • swelling
  • spalling
  • steel section reduction
  • bearing capacity reduction

In order to face these consequences, Oxand's risk analysis linked to ageing gives a better understanding of the ageing process and therefore helps anticipating it.

Moreover, establishing a predictive diagnosis of ageing processes and thus assessing their impact on the whole structure is finally possible thanks to Oxand's SIMEO™, a software plateform for simulating ageing process.

The delivered solutions in terms of modeling and simulation are key « stones » to build sustainable management strategies.