• Petrographic microscope with thin section
  • Photograph showing a beam of Nevada sandstone in a 4-point bend fixture for flexural strength testing

Highbridge brings laboratory expertise to historical and modern masonry and concrete investigations.

  • Our staff specializes in petrography and chemical analysis of concrete, mortar, building stone and associated materials. We also perform a wide variety of specialty tests focused on mechanical and hygrothermal properties, and durability assessment.

  • Analytical support for

    Building envelope studies
    Historic preservation work
    Existing condition surveys
    Failure analysis
    Hygrothermal assessments

Featured topics

  • Compositional analysis of historical brick masonry mortar via C1324

    Historical mortar analysis

    Highbridge is perhaps best known for our expertise in historical mortars. Our analysis identifies original materials, estimates proportions, and assesses performance characteristics.

  • Granite from Denver Union Station

    Building stone evaluation

    Laboratory testing can measure performance characteristics and durability of existing stone or new production material.

  • Freeze-thaw testing

    Standardized and custom tests to evaluate the performance of stone, concrete, cast stone, brick, and more.

  • Concrete petrography

    Petrographers use microscopy to understand concrete performance, deterioration, and durability.

  • Weathered Indiana limestone at the Washington National Cathedral

    Masonry performance

    Tailor-made testing programs to support on-site masonry investigations.

  • Highbridge as a classroom

    Hosting students and professional alike to help demystify materials science.