Concrete Carbonation Testing Service
Ensure Structural Safety and Compliance with BS EN 14630
At CCWC Services, we provide professional carbonation testing for concrete structures to assess the depth of carbonation and the condition of reinforced concrete. This service helps clients identify potential risks to structural integrity, particularly where concrete is used to support eye bolts, anchor systems, and high-access safety devices.
🔍 What Is Carbonation Testing?
Concrete carbonation is a natural ageing process where carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air reacts with the alkaline cement paste in concrete, reducing its pH. Over time, this leads to the corrosion of embedded steel reinforcement — often hidden until damage occurs.
Our testing service follows BS EN 14630, the British Standard for determining the carbonation depth in hardened concrete.
When Do You Need Carbonation Testing?
When Do You Need Carbonation Testing?Carbonation testing is recommended when:
Installing or certifying eye bolts or anchor points in concrete
Conducting structural surveys or building assessments
Investigating cracks, spalling, or corrosion in concrete surfaces
Assessing aged, weather-exposed, or poorly maintained concrete
As part of a Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) strategy
Eye Bolt Testing – BS 7883 & BS EN 795
CCWC Services also provides annual anchor and eye bolt inspections, required by UK safety regulations and industry best practices.
We test to the latest standards:
BS 7883:2019 – Personal fall protection systems – Anchor system design and inspection
BS EN 795 – Anchor devices – Requirements and testing
We strongly recommend carbonation testing before installing or re-certifying anchor devices in concrete, especially in aged or external environments.
Key Facts & Industry Statistics
40+ years: Typical time it takes for carbonation to reach reinforcement depth in untreated OPC concrete (MDPI, 2024)
964 case studies: Analysed showing carbonation is a key cause of reinforcement corrosion (Bath University)
BS 7883:2019 requires all fixed anchors to be tested by a competent person at least annually
Carbonated concrete cannot reliably secure mechanical or resin-fixed anchors — anchor failure may occur under load if steel corrosion is active
Failing to assess the substrate may invalidate insurance, especially for fall-protection systems
Legal & Compliance Guidance
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and PUWER 1998, duty holders must:
Ensure that any fall-protection equipment, including anchor systems, is safe and fit for use
Conduct regular inspections and testing by a competent provider
Ensure any supporting structure (i.e. concrete substrate) is in sound condition
Neglecting to confirm the substrate condition, particularly in aged or exposed structures, may result in enforcement action or liability in the event of an incident.
While no direct court cases exist citing carbonation as the cause of anchor failure, engineers widely acknowledge it as a latent structural risk. Responsible operators treat substrate testing as part of their duty of care.
Our Carbonation Testing Process
Onsite Site visit and Test onsite (same day result)
Laboratory test for detailed penetration analysis (5 working days)
All testing is performed in accordance with BS EN 14630.
What You Receive
Carbonation depth report and condition summary
Anchor compliance certificates (if tested in same visit)
Location-specific recommendations
RAMS provided prior to all testing
Optional follow-up for roof repairs, restoration, or cleaning
Who Uses This Service?
Facilities managers
Building surveyors & consultants
Property owners & landlords
Anchor installation firms
Rope access companies
Local authorities, hospitals, schools
📍 Book Your Carbonation Test Today
Ensure your anchor systems and concrete structures are safe, compliant, and documented.
