A Resilient Massachusetts ensures high quality concrete for lasting structures
Pyrrhotite is an iron sulfide that can be found naturally in aggregates, or rocky materials such as gravel, sand, or stone that are added to cement to make concrete. When iron sulfides are exposed to oxygen and water, a series of chemical reactions convert the iron sulfides into other compounds. These other compounds are expansive – take up more space than the original iron sulfides – and ultimately lead to cracks or holes in the concrete. The cracks in the concrete foundations grow over time, putting the inhabitants of the homes and structures at risk.
Reports of crumbling foundations first began in 2015 in Connecticut, and quickly spread to portions of south central Massachusetts, especially are
as close to Willington, CT, where a now closed quarry inadvertently added pyrrhotite-rich rock to concrete mix for several years.
What is MGS doing?
MGS has worked closely with Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to write regulations that will dramatically reduce the likelihood of corrosive sulfide minerals like pyrrhotite making their way into concrete mixes used for structures like bridges and home foundations. The State Geologist (link to Brian bio page) is responsible for reviewing Geologic Site Reports for all gravel quarries in the state that sell material to MassDOT.