DEFECTIVE concrete has been detected in up to 16 counties, a new research document from an expert UK minerals consultancy has revealed.
The report is calling on the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) to update their testing of aggregates going into concrete products to prevent a repeat of what is happening in Ireland.
This new research has questioned the future of a European certification and safety standard for building materials.
Experts have warned the defective concrete could appear in more parts of the country.
There is early evidence of defective concrete in Carlow, Wexford, Monaghan, Wicklow and Kerry, according to a report by UK-based minerals consultancy expert Petrolab. Among them is a case where pyrrhotite, the mineral devastating homeowners in Donegal, was found in a “new build” home in another county.
Petrolab principal consultant mineralogist Dr Christopher Brough said the findings need to be given serious consideration.
“In Kerry and Wicklow the occurrences of deleterious concrete block likely relate to transportation of blocks from adjacent counties,” Dr Brough said.
“The concrete block occurrence in Kerry looks exactly the same as that used in Clare and we have assumed for now that it therefore originated from there.
“It is possible similar cases could be repeated in other counties and determining the extent and scale of this should be given consideration,” he added.
Petrolab’s report said there are separate cases in Louth, Meath and Dublin where “deleterious concrete” was also found.
The company identified cases in at least 13 counties.
Petrolab’s findings were published in a report assessing a European certification standard for concrete and aggregates.
The materials must conform with the certification, known as EN 12620, if used in homes and buildings.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)