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X-Ray Diffraction

A rapid analytical technique used to identify and quantify the crystalline phases present in a material. XRD analyses are most commonly applied to cementitious material such as cement (ASTM C1365), fly ash, and slag and geologic samples such as sand, raw minerals, and aggregates, but it can be applied in some capacity to nearly all materials.

Our experienced team of professional geologists, petrographers, and professional engineers utilize XRD analysis employing the International Centre for Diffraction Data (ICDD) PDF 4+ database within our ISO 17025, AASHTO R18, and Army Corps of Engineers accredited laboratory to determine the  following

  • Mineral / Phase Identification Quantification
  • Crystallinity Percentage
  • Crystallite Size and Strain
  • Amorphous Content
  • Lattice Parameter
  • Cell Refinement

XRD can often answer the following questions:

  • Is the belite and alite content of my cement
    typical or abnormal?
  • Are contaminants in my cementitious material?
  • What minerals are present in my aggregate
  • Are the mineral ratios in my aggregate prone to
    develop deleterious issues
  • What is the leachate coming out of my concrete?

Brian J. Wolfe, P.E.
Principal Engineer
Petrography Group Manager

Phone: +01 770 995 8000
Direct: +01 770 817 2518
E-mail: Brian.Wolfe@sgs.com

Professional Geologist Registrations: GA, AL
Professional Engineer Registrations: GA, AL, SC, NC, FL, MS, TN, TX, IL, PA