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Clients from markets and industries across the built world rely on our interdisciplinary team of engineers, architects, and materials scientists to develop an all-around understanding of their needs, provide expert consultation on available options, and develop solutions that deliver lasting value.
Laboratories
Our extensive in-house laboratory and testing capabilities are second to none. With laboratories in our Austin and Cleveland offices as well as a 70,000-square-foot state-of-the-art testing and applied research facility at our Northbrook, Illinois, headquarters, we have the advanced testing and forensic capabilities to solve virtually any problem related to structures, construction materials, or manufactured components.

People

We strive to make a positive difference in the world by consistently setting the standard in every key aspect of our business, starting with the extraordinary people we employ. Connect directly with an expert on our team.

Projects
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    WJE PROJECTS
    Our team has investigated, tested, and innovated on more than 175,000 projects involving almost every type of construction material, structural system, and manufactured component. We take a hands-on, empirical, and investigative approach to every assignment. Although materials, technologies, and structures change, our basic philosophy doesn’t. Founder Jack Janney’s advice to “ask the structure” continues to guide our project work today.
Knowledge
- - Articles
    We’re passionate about our work and believe it is our responsibility to share our experiences and lessons learned for the enrichment of our clients and the advancement of our industry. We hope you learn something new that helps you better understand and address a challenge you face in your own work.
  - Webinars
    We regularly host webinars on interesting topics and challenges related to the built world. We encourage you to search through our library for subjects of interest to you. Watch, listen, and share with others.
  - Videos
    Experience our capabilities, project work, laboratories, and company culture as told by our staff and clients in this selection of videos.
  - Presentations
    Our professionals are leaders in key industry organizations and technical committees and regularly contribute to the ongoing dialogue of the built world at conferences and other educational forums. Check back soon to see where our experts will be speaking next.
  - Websites
    Learn the “what” and “why” and “when” of facade and seismic ordinances in various cities throughout the United States. Find out if your building is affected, what upgrades may be required, and relevant deadlines for compliance.
    
    FACADEORDINANCE.COM
    
    SEISMICORDINANCES.COM
Careers
- - Careers at WJE
    A career at WJE means working alongside industry gurus to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems of the built world. Whether you'd bring years of experience to our team or you're just out of school, a career at WJE may be the right choice for you.
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Offices
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    With hundreds of professionals in North America and Europe, WJE can respond quickly to assignments around the world. No matter where you are, we can help.
    AMERICAS
    
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    EUROPE
    
    London

KNOWLEDGE // ARTICLES

WJE Primer: Concrete Carbonation: Significance and Proper Testing

Xiaoqiang Hou, Senior Associate, Northbrook
George Reo, Associate III, Northbrook

Moderately alkaline pore solutions migrating through carbonated portland cement paste in contact with embedded steel can destabilize the protective passive film on the surface of steel and initiate corrosion.

Pore solutions in portland cement paste are naturally highly alkaline, with pH typically between 12 and 13. Highly alkaline pore solutions in concrete, mortars, and grouts are predominantly maintained by dissolution of calcium hydroxide—Ca(OH)2 which is commonly referred to as portlandite—in hydrated portland cement paste. These solutions promote the formation of a passive and protective film on the surface of embedded steel.

In this WJE Primer, petrographers Hugh Hou and George Reo discuss the significance of concrete carbonation and how to accurately measure carbonation levels.

READ ARTICLE (PDF)

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates is committed to helping our clients solve, repair, and avoid problems in the built world. Supported by unparalleled laboratory and field testing capabilities, our team of engineers, architects, and materials scientists brings an enthusiasm for problem solving and a hands-on technical approach to every challenge.

Ask the Structure and Solutions for the Built World are trademarks of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.

© COPYRIGHT WISS, JANNEY, ELSTNER ASSOCIATES, INC., NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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KNOWLEDGE // ARTICLES

WJE Primer: Concrete Carbonation: Significance and Proper Testing

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KNOWLEDGE // ARTICLES

WJE Primer: Concrete Carbonation: Significance and Proper Testing

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