Report

Report

SAMPLING EXAMINATION AND 

CLASSIFICATION OF 

CONCRETE BUILDINGS 

IN CORNWALL AND DEVON 

Subject Property: 

Little Rock 

Perran Road 

Camborne 

Cornwall 

TR14 6RU 

Report Prepared By: 

Paul Davison FRICS 

DowlingDodd 

Chartered Surveyors 

2A River Street 

Truro Cornwall TR1 2SQ 

Tel: 01872 260555 

Fax: 01872 320084 

E-mail: surveyors@dowlingdodd.co.uk 

Website:www.dowlingdodd.co.uk

Little Rock Perran Road Camborne Cornwall TR14 6RU 

1. REFERENCE 

CT:0308/MBT:14590 

2. CLIENT DETAILS 

Client Name: 

Client Address: 

Mr and Mrs H Buyer 

18 The Crescent 

Falmouth 

Cornwall 

TR11 8PX 

We are instructed by Mr and Mrs H Buyer to inspect the above property, advise on the selection of 

samples commensurate with the RICS Guidelines on “The Mundic Problem” to a maximum number of 12 

samples for petrographic assessment by Petrolab Ltd, C Edwards Offices, Gweal Pawl, Redruth, Cornwall 

TR15 3AE. 

We confirm that there is no conflict of interest arising from our undertaking of this Concrete Screening 

Test Report. 

This report is prepared in accordance with the General Terms & Conditions enclosed and liability is 

extended to the Nationwide Building Society. 

3. GENERAL 

The procedure laid down by the RICS in March 1994, together with the subsequent amendment in April 

1997, follows partial research into the problem of concrete walls and footings in the locality. 

The guidelines are believed to represent much improved sample selection and assessment procedures 

compared with those previously available. 

Further research and experiences may allow improvement in technique to be developed and the situation 

may modify over the years as understanding improves. 

Enclosed foundation material is not covered by the Guidance Note and is beyond the scope of this 

examination and report. 

Testing of footings concrete will be carried out where those footings are exposed and above ground level 

whether that exposure is internal or external or both. 

All low density concretes as used in most dwellings must be regarded like any other component in the 

building, as having a life limited by original quality, maintenance, etc. 

The purpose of this assessment is to try to address the premature deterioration relative to normal low 

density concrete dwellings. 

(The life of all concrete is likely to be improved by good render or other protection. Any cracks etc should 

be raked out and properly filled periodically. It is therefore essential that components such as rainwater 

goods, leadwork, joinery etc, are very well maintained at all times.) 

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Limitation 

This is not a structural survey and deals with the concrete element of the building. Comments on the 

condition are provided to help and advise on the maintenance of that concrete element. We have not 

carried out testing of the floor slab to the property, nor to concrete lintels internally or externally. 

Where we have not been able to gain access to sub-floor areas or roof space sections no inspection will 

have been made. The report will indicate where such circumstances have occurred. 

It is considered that concrete lintels, although possibly constructed of a deleterious material, can easily be 

replaced as with timber lintels in older structures. 

This report is prepared in accordance with our general Terms and Conditions and Fee Scales relating to 

defective concrete and concrete products sent on 10 June 2013 and in compliance with the RICS model 

conditions, a copy of which was sent to you for signature. 

The task is to be accomplished in accordance with the RICS Guidance Note "The Mundic Problem" dated 

1994 and subsequently amended April 1997. 

4. DATE OF INSPECTION 

We carried out our inspection of the property on 7 Feb 2014 when samples were taken. 

5. WEATHER 

At the time of taking samples the weather was fine and dry but cold. 

6. DESCRIPTION OF BUILDINGS 

Type: 

This is a semi-detached dormer bungalow. 

Extension: 

There is a modern conservatory on the western side of the building. 

An original integral garage has now been incorporated within the main 

accommodation. A dormer has been constructed on the western side. 

Substantial Outbuildings: 

Not applicable. 

7. ORIENTATION 

The front elevation of the building is described as having an easterly aspect. 

8. MATERIAL LOCATION AND CLIMATIC FACTORS 

The property is to be found on the outskirts of Camborne town centre. 

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9. AGE OF PROPERTY 

It is estimated the original house probably dates back to the 1930s. 

10. LIMITS OF INSPECTION 

At the time of our inspection, the property was fully furnished with closely fitted carpets and floor 

coverings laid throughout. 

11. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE 

A. External: 

1. Main Building: The walls of the building measure some 270mm in thickness 

and are of rendered cellular concrete blockwork. 

2. Extension: Not applicable. 

B. Internally: Internal partition walls at ground level are of masonry and at 

first floor level they are of timber stud. 

C. Wall finishes: External elevations are rendered with a sand and cement finish. 

D. Chimneys: The chimney is of stonework externally but built off block. 

E. Footings/Foundation: These were found to be of concrete. 

F. Floors: The ground floors were of solid concrete, upper floors are 

timber. 

G. Party Walls: The party wall is of solid concrete block. 

12. APPARENT CONDITION OF EXPOSED RELEVANT SURFACES 

A. Finishes: 1. External plaster finishes show no sign of craze cracking or 

hollowness indicative of concrete problems. 

2. Internally, the plaster shows no sign of craze cracking or 

hollowness indicative of concrete problems. 

B. Walls: The elevations were found to be showing no signs of any 

significant movement. 

C. Partitions: These were found to be in serviceable condition. 

D. Chimneys: The chimney is in reasonable repair. Some slight fretting has 

occurred to the blockwork to the top of the chimney within the 

roof void. 

E. Foundations/Footings: These were found to be of concrete. 

F. Structural Movement: Our inspection revealed no evidence of any significant structural 

movement but we have not carried out a building survey. 

G. Windows: The windows are a mixture of UPVC double glazed and timber in 

fair condition. 

3


H. Gutters: These are of plastic and in serviceable repair. 

I. Roof: The roof is of pitched construction clad with man-made tiles 

although there is a mineral felt roof over the western dormer. 

The roofs appear to be serviceable. 

J. Damp: 

Apparent defects allowing excessive moisture penetration: (this comment is made upon a brief 

inspection of the property and is not intended to confirm that the property is not suffering from 

damp penetration or rising damp for which you should obtain your own independent report). 

There was no evidence of any significant damp penetration noted likely to cause significant 

problems to the concrete. 

13. SAMPLES 

The positions were selected by us following our initial site inspection on 7 February 2014 and removed by 

Mr S Pascoe of Cornwall Consultants Limited. 

Samples were taken from the following locations: 

Sample 

No. 

Location: 

Core size or 

chisel 

Depth 

Classification 

1. Northern party wall from within the roof void. Chisel N/A A 

2. Top of internal concrete block partition wall 

taken from within roof void. 

Chisel N/A A 

3. Concrete block chimneystack within roof void. Chisel N/A A 

4. Western elevation approximately 300mm 

above ground level. 

5. Southern elevation approximately 900mm 


6. Eastern elevation approximately 1,100mm 


50 160 A 

50 70 A 

50 130 A 

7. Eastern footings at low level. 75 160 A 

8. Western footings at low level. 75 130 A 

Photographs attached to the end of this report indicate the positions from which samples were taken. 

14. PETROGRAPHER’S REPORT 

The Petrographer’s Report is annexed to the end of this report. 

A. Reference No. MBT: 14590. 

B. The Petrographer indicates that all samples removed from the property contain Group 1 

aggregates and the concrete is therefore classified as Class A concrete. 

4


C. We consider that the report satisfactorily describes the construction of the building in accordance 

with the samples taken and we consider that the concrete is of a Class A grouping and is 

therefore satisfactory. 

15. DECLARATION 

We confirm that we have carried out an inspection of the above property and directed the location from 

which samples should be taken. We have commissioned a laboratory test and have considered the results 

and reported in compliance with the RICS document headed "The Mundic Problem and Guidance Note" 

the second edition. 

We trust that in the foregoing we have set out sufficient information for your present purposes, but if we 

can be of any further assistance please let us know. 

16. CONCLUSION 

The concrete has been Classified as ‘A’. 

Comments on Mortgageability 

You must consult with your lender and ensure that you have a satisfactory offer prior to exchange of 

contracts as individual lenders and cases will differ. The advice below is given for general guidance only 

and with regard only to the concrete element of the building. 

Class A 

Properties of concrete material grouped into Class A are considered to be mortgageable subject to normal 

factors. 

Effect on Marketability 

As a result of the analysis of the concrete, we do not consider that there is any effect on the marketability 

caused by deleterious concrete. Under normal circumstances the property should be satisfactorily 

marketable and satisfactorily mortgageable. 

The marketability of the property is not impaired by the above Classification. 

....................................................................... 


DOWLING DODD CHARTERED SURVEYORS 

8 May 2013 

Encs: Copy of Petrographer's Report 

5


6


7


8


9


APPENDIX 

INTERPRETATION OF CLASSIFICATION 

Various definitions and interpretations are contained in the RICS Guidance Note but can be briefly 

summarised as follows:- 

Group 1 

Group 2 

aggregate has no known deleterious properties 

aggregate is considered potentially deleterious 

Classes A & C may be determined after a Stage 1 or 2 examination 

Classes AB and B can only be determined after Stage 2 examination. 

Class A 

Sound concrete with only Group 1 aggregates. 

Class AB 

Concrete appears sound and likely to remain so having more than 70% Group 1 aggregate with less 

than 30% Group 2 aggregate. Regular protective maintenance to prevent water/damp ingress and 

preserve durability and stability of all areas essential. 

Class B 

Concrete currently appearing sound but owing to high percentage of Group 2 aggregate it retains the 

potential for degradation and consequent loss of structural strength and integrity. Regular protective 

maintenance to prevent water/damp ingress essential but may not be effective. 

Class C 

Clearly unsound concrete. 

Class A and C may be determined after a Stage 1 or II examination. Class AB and B can only be 

determined after a Stage II examination. 

High Density Concrete 

This is a concrete with a density in excess of 2000 kilogrammes/metre cubed used in foundations and 

footings. Concrete from foundations and footings must be subjected to a stage I examination. Those 

not classed as A or C must be subject to further examination. The cheapest test is to establish a 

density of the concrete which if in excess of 2000 kilogrammes per metre cubed is placed into a Class 

AB dense concrete. Samples with a density less than 2000 kilogrammes per metre cubed have to be 

subjected to a stage II examination to establish the appropriate Classification. 

Copies of the RICS Guidance Notes can be purchased from the RICS Books, Surveyor Court, Westwood 

Business Park, Westwood Way, Coventry. CV4 8JE. 

10

Stage 1 Concrete Screening Test 

Property Address 

Little Rock, Perran Road, Camborne 

Test Details Samples 

Summary Sheet 

Postcode 

TR14 6RU 

TEST 

REFERENCE 

SURVEYOR 

SAMPLES 

RECEIVED 

EXAM STAGE 

MBT14590 

DowlingDodd 

Property Services Ltd 

14/02/2014 

TEST DATE 15/02/2014 

STAGE 1 TEST 

REF TYPE CONDITION LENGTH (mm) MASS (g) 

1 chisel 385 

2 chisel 649 

3 chisel 127 

4 core (50 mm) broken 400 

5 core (50 mm) intact 75 181 

6 core (50 mm) broken 330 

7 core, angled (75 mm) broken, damp 981 

8 core, angled (75 mm) broken, damp 1,215 

EXAMINED 

BY 

NO. OF 

SAMPLES 

Petrolab Ltd 

8 

NO. OF 

CONCS. 

JF 

3 

This report should not be reproduced except in full 

without written permission from Petrolab Ltd. 

Concrete Classification 

CONCRETE CLASS ABBREVIATIONS USED 

A : SOUND – Contains only Group 1 aggregates and shows no significant signs of unsoundness. 

C1 : UNSOUND – Mainly Group 2 aggregates. C2 : UNSOUND – Mainly Group 1 aggregates. 

STAGE 2 required – Concrete cannot be classified by Stage 1 examination. Concrete apparently sound, wholly or partly contains Group 2 aggregates. 

UC : UNCLASSIFIED - Stage 1 examination could not be completed on the sample provided (for reasons noted). 

CONCRETE 1 

AGGREGATE(S) GROUP 

1-2 

1 

3 

5 

6 

SAMPLE A C1 C2 STAGE 2 UC 

The aggregate has no known harmful properties. The concrete appears sound. 

RECOMMENDATIONS >> 

STAGE 2 PETROGRAPHY 

STAGE 2 DRY DENSITY 

STAGE 2 SULPHIDE CONTENT 

RESAMPLE / S.I. 

CONCRETE 2 

AGGREGATE(S) GROUP 

1-3 (1-1) 

2 


Neither aggregate has any known harmful properties. The concrete appears sound. 

RECOMMENDATIONS >> STAGE 2 PETROGRAPHY STAGE 2 DRY DENSITY STAGE 2 SULPHIDE CONTENT RESAMPLE / S.I. 

CONCRETE 3 AGGREGATE(S) GROUP 1-5 

4 

7 

8 


The aggregate has no known harmful properties. The cement matrix in samples 7 & 8 is 

locally soft and granular. However, the concrete remains sound in bulk. 

NOTE: Sample 8 also contains a piece of red brick. 

RECOMMENDATIONS >> 

STAGE 2 PETROGRAPHY STAGE 2 DRY DENSITY STAGE 2 SULPHIDE CONTENT RESAMPLE / S.I. 

This report has been undertaken in accordance with the petrographic examination procedures 

in The 'Mundic' Problem – A Guidance Note 2 nd Edition, RICS 1997 and subsequent 

amendments. Any departures in this report from the Guidance are noted above. This report is 

issued to the named Surveyor for the benefit of the Surveyor and his/her client(s) at the time 

for the purposes for which is was prepared. It does not confer or purport to confer on any third 

party any benefit or any right pursuant to the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999. 

Signed for and on behalf of Petrolab Limited 

Directors: J Strongman Msci ARSM, J Fletcher BSc MSc 

Web · www.petrolab.co.uk Email · petrolab@petrolab.co.uk 

C Edwards Offices · Gweal Pawl · Redruth · Cornwall · TR15 3AE 

Petrolab Ltd · Registered in England & Wales No. 4777735 Page 1 of 3


Concrete 1 

SAMPLE REF(S) : 

MBT14590 

1·3·5·6 

Concrete Details Sheet 

AGGREGATE(S) var = variable – the relative proportions of the aggregates vary between samples ¦ not det = not determined due to small sample size relative to size of aggregate 

GROUP AGGREGATE TYPE DESCRIPTION APPROX SIZE EST % 

1-2 

Crushed igneous rock 

coarse-grained, two-mica granite + component minerals (quartz, feldspars, 

subordinate muscovite, biotite, chlorite, tourmaline) 

100 µm – 10 mm 

100 

AGGREGATE 

SHAPE 

angular 

AGGREGATE 

GRADING 

continuous, good 

SOUNDNESS ASSESSMENT n/a = not assessed – cannot be properly assessed because of severe fragmentation and/or degradation 

AGGREGATE 

REACTION 

SULPHIDE 

MINERALS 

MATRIX 

COLOUR 

DEGREE OF 

COATING 

CARBONATION 

MATRIX 

CRACKING 

VOIDS - SHAPE 

VOIDS - 

DISTRIBUTION 

the aggregate is weathered but there is no obvious in 

situ oxidation 

none seen 

cream to brownish cream 

> 50 % 

1,3 - completely carbonated 

5 - uncarbonated 6 - partly carbonated 

none seen 

sub-spherical – irregular 

moderate inter-connectivity 

continuous distribution 

AGG FRAG/ 

CRACKING 

SULPHIDE 

DETAILS 

MATRIX 

CONDITION 

BONDING 

NEAT CEMENT 

BALLS 

SECONDARY 

MINERALS 

VOID APPROX 

MAX SIZE 

VOID SEC'DRY 

MINERALS 

none seen 

uniform 

strong 

none seen 

2 mm 

calcite - traces 

Concrete 2 


MBT14590 

2 

AGGREGATE(S) var = variable – the relative proportions of the aggregates vary between samples ¦ not det = not determined due to small sample size relative to size of aggregate 

GROUP AGGREGATE TYPE DESCRIPTION APPROX SIZE EST % 

1-3 

(1-1) 

Crushed metabasic 

igneous rock 

Granite-derived china clay 

waste 

metadolerite, metagabbro + component minerals (east Lizard Peninsula) 

quartz, subordinate tourmaline, partly kaolinised feldspar, muscovite, pale brown 

mica, quartz-tourmaline veinstones 

5 mm - 15 mm 

100 µm – 5 mm, up 

to 10 mm – rare 

20 

80 

AGGREGATE 

SHAPE 

both angular 

AGGREGATE 

GRADING 

both continuous, moderate to good overall 


AGGREGATE 

REACTION 

SULPHIDE 

MINERALS 

MATRIX 

COLOUR 

DEGREE OF 

COATING 

CARBONATION 

MATRIX 

CRACKING 

VOIDS - SHAPE 

VOIDS - 

DISTRIBUTION 

no obvious in situ oxidation 

pyrite 

cream 

> 50 % 

AGG FRAG/ 

CRACKING 

SULPHIDE 

DETAILS 

MATRIX 

CONDITION 

BONDING 

none seen 

locked in metadolerite 

uniform 

strong 

completely carbonated NEAT CEMENT none seen 

BALLS 

none seen 

sub-spherical – irregular 

low to moderate interconnectivity 

slightly uneven distribution 

traces only 

SECONDARY 

MINERALS 

VOID APPROX 

MAX SIZE 

VOID SEC'DRY 

MINERALS 

3 mm 

calcite - traces 





Concrete 3 


MBT14590 

4·7·8 

Concrete Details Sheet 

AGGREGATE TYPE(S) var = variable – the relative proportions of the aggregates vary between samples ¦ not det = not determined due to small sample size relative to size of aggregate 

GROUP AGGREGATE TYPE DESCRIPTION SIZE EST % 

1-5 

Beach or river sands & 

gravels 

river gravel, contaminated by penecontemporaneous mine waste: quartz, various 

veinstones, pelitic rocks, stable silicates, furnace clinker, iron oxides 

200 µm – 10 mm, 

< 15 mm – rare 

100 

AGGREGATE 

SHAPE 

sub-angular to rounded 

AGGREGATE 

GRADING 

continuous, moderate to good 


AGGREGATE 

REACTION 

SULPHIDE 

MINERALS 

MATRIX 

COLOUR 

DEGREE OF 

COATING 

CARBONATION 

MATRIX 

CRACKING 

VOIDS - SHAPE 

VOIDS - 

DISTRIBUTION 

no obvious in situ oxidation 

none seen 

greyish white to brownish cream, discoloured by 

disseminated iron oxides from weathered aggregate 

> 50 %, high 

AGG FRAG/ 

CRACKING 

SULPHIDE 

DETAILS 

MATRIX 

CONDITION 

BONDING 

uncarbonated NEAT CEMENT 

BALLS 

closed peripheral cracks round some oxidised aggregate 

fragments 

SECONDARY 

MINERALS 

sub-spherical – irregular VOID APPROX 

MAX SIZE 

moderate inter-connectivity overall 

slightly uneven distribution 

VOID SEC'DRY 

MINERALS 

none seen 

generally uniform (locally soft and granular in samples 7 

& 8) 

strong in bulk 

none seen 

limonite 

6 mm 

none seen 




10 June 2013 

Ref: PD/tt/2014 

Mr and Mrs H Buyer 

18 The Crescent 

Falmouth 

Cornwall 

TR11 8PX 

Email: hbuyer@example.com 

Dear Mr and Mrs Buyer 

Re: 

CT:0308 – MBT:14590 


Further to your instructions to act as the surveyors in respect of the Concrete Screening Test to be carried out at 

above property, we enclose herewith our Terms and Conditions in respect of that report for your information. 

Would you kindly sign and return the attached sections confirming your acceptance of same. 

We confirm that our fee in the matter will be £0.00 plus VAT (£0.00). Payment can be made by cheque 

made payable to DowlingDodd Chartered Surveyor or by debit/credit card by contacting this office 

on 01872 260555. Cornwall Consultants Ltd will remove the samples in our presence and Petrolab will carry out 

the first stage examination of the samples. 

Once payment has been received and Terms and Conditions have been received from you and the 

vendor(s), we will endeavour to carry out the Concrete Test as soon as possible. 

In the event of a cancellation, our office will require a minimum of 24 hours notice without which the 

full fee will become payable. 

We must point out that if deleterious materials are detected, a second stage examination may possibly be required 

to classify the concrete. The additional fee for this work will start from £180 plus VAT but will only be undertaken 

with approval from the client. If deleterious materials are not detected, the report will be valid for six years, after 

which time the property will have to be inspected to ensure material change has not occurred. 

In the event of your requiring extra copies of the report, we shall make a supplementary charge of £10 plus VAT 

per copy. 

We will write to you with our results on receipt of the report from Cornwall Consultants Ltd and the Petrographer 

shortly. 

Yours sincerely 


DowlingDodd Chartered Surveyors

10 June 2013 

Ref: PD/tt/2014 

Mr and Mrs P Seller 

Little Rock 

Perran Road 

Camborne 

Cornwall 

TR14 6RU 

Email: pseller@example.com 

Dear Mr and Mrs Seller 

Re: 

CT:0308 – MBT:14590 


We have today been instructed by Mr and Mrs H Buyer to act as surveyors in respect of a Concrete Screening Test 

to be carried out on the above mentioned property. 

We enclose herewith a permission form for us to carry out the testing which we should be grateful if you, as owner 

of the above property, would sign granting us permission to remove samples. Once we have received the signed 

Terms and Conditions, we will endeavor to arrange an appointment as soon as possible. 

We are unable to carry out any sampling until signed Terms and Conditions have been received. 

Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact this office. 

Thanking you for your co-operation in this matter. 

Yours sincerely 


DowlingDodd Chartered Surveyors 

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