As a UK registered expert witness in the field of Building and Construction, CERAM was approached by a well known building developer when it became apparent that the mortar used on one of its developments was beginning to crumble and spall. The developer suspected that the poor performance of the mortar was the result of negligence on the part of the sub-contracted bricklayers.

To establish whether or not this was the case, a full mortar analysis from site samples was carried out using specially developed technology to find the exact mortar content, mix ratio and other influential factors. Such techniques are often called in where it is suspected that incorrect mortar mix is to blame for structural failure.

Following detailed sampling of the properties in question, the tests revealed that the mortar in question actually contained over twice the amount of air entrainment than should have been present. Further analysis revealed that while the cement and sand had been followed as specified, the bricklayers had added extra entrainer admixture to the mortar, which already contained the correct chemical blend as part of the masonry cement.

Through being able to provide such detailed chemical and structural analysis, and present such information within a digestible legal format, a case for negligence on the part of the bricklayers was made possible – an important fact when you consider that the developer was forced to demolish existing brick and blockwork and rebuild three homes worth approximately £1.2 million each.