Aggressivity testing is a critical geochemical assessment used to evaluate how soil and groundwater conditions may affect buried concrete and steel. If your site contains aggressive ground conditions, it can lead to early corrosion of footings, pipes or reinforcement. Ideal Geotech provides fast and reliable aggressivity testing to support structural design, protect your materials, and meet compliance requirements for councils and engineers.
1. Understanding Aggressivity in Soils and Groundwater
Aggressivity refers to the chemical properties of soil or groundwater that have the potential to degrade or corrode concrete and steel. This includes factors such as acidity, salinity, sulphate content, chloride concentration and electrical conductivity.
When aggressive conditions exist, they can significantly reduce the lifespan of footings, screw piers, retaining walls, stormwater pipes and other buried infrastructure. For this reason, many councils and structural engineers require aggressivity testing before approving footing designs, especially for large residential, commercial or infrastructure projects.
2. What Aggressivity Testing Involves
Ideal Geotech performs aggressivity testing by collecting soil and groundwater samples from site during borehole investigations or geotechnical assessments. These samples are then analysed in accredited laboratories for a range of chemical parameters.
Typical tests include pH, electrical conductivity, soluble sulphate content, chloride concentration and acidity or alkalinity. The results are compared against standards such as AS 2159 for piles or AS 3600 for concrete durability. Based on these findings, we provide advice on material selection, protective coatings, or design changes where required.
Our reports are clear, concise and ready for submission to councils, engineers or certifiers.
3. Why This Test Is Important
Without aggressivity testing, you risk designing foundations or underground services that are vulnerable to chemical attack. In aggressive environments, corrosion or deterioration can begin within just a few years — leading to expensive repairs, early structural failure and safety risks.
From a compliance perspective, councils and engineers may refuse to certify a structural design if there is no evidence of durability testing. In some cases, extra concrete cover, alternative materials, or corrosion protection may be required, and these decisions rely on accurate testing data.
Aggressivity testing protects both your investment and the long-term performance of your construction.
4. Why Choose Ideal Geotech
Ideal Geotech delivers reliable, cost-effective aggressivity testing with a strong understanding of structural and environmental requirements. Our team works closely with structural engineers, builders and developers to ensure our test results are practical, relevant and delivered on time.
We offer sampling during standard geotechnical investigations, minimising delays and simplifying the process. All reports are tailored to your project and comply with Australian standards and local council requirements.
Whether you are working on a residential subdivision, commercial foundation, infrastructure project or stormwater design, we provide the data and advice you need to make informed, safe design decisions.
5. When You Need Aggressivity Testing
You may require this test when:
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Designing footings, piers, or piles in reactive or saline environments
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Building near coastal areas, reclaimed land or fill
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Installing concrete or steel pipes, tanks or services underground
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Council or engineer requires durability assessment prior to certification
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Redeveloping industrial or brownfield sites where soil chemistry is uncertain
Ideal Geotech provides testing services across Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and surrounding areas in NSW and QLD.
6. Request Your Test Today
If you need aggressivity testing for your next project, Ideal Geotech is ready to help. We provide timely service, accurate data and clear advice that keeps your design and approvals moving forward.
- Call our NSW team on (02) 9725 5522 or QLD office on (07) 5537 8167
- Or request a quote online at https://idealgeotech.com.au
7. Final Word
Aggressivity testing may be invisible to the eye, but it is vital for protecting the strength, safety and longevity of your foundations. With Ideal Geotech, you gain the information you need to build with confidence — above ground and below it.
