Corrosion of concrete was a major issue in the design of the Boston Harbour Clean-Up Project
Mott MacDonald has extensive experience in the field of materials technology for tunnelling including the evaluation of materials and assessment of durability.

Our materials technology team of over 30 staff comprises civil and structural engineers from a diversity of design, construction and research backgrounds as well as materials engineers and scientists – including those with skills in geology, geochemistry, cement and concrete technology, polymer technology and metallurgy.

Keeping abreast of the latest developments and ensuring we offer services of the highest quality, we often work with universities and other research bodies and have established relationships with other sources of expertise throughout the industry


The capability and range of work undertaken falls into four broad categories:

• materials evaluation and durability assessment
• structural investigation and assessment
• remedial works, design and management
• specialist analysis/design and forensic engineering

MacDonald's materials technology experts provide a specialist technical service which includes the evaluation and durability assessment of materials used within all sections of the construction industry. This extensive expertise covers the full range of construction materials and evaluation services including:

• concrete, cements and cementitiuos materials, concrete repair materials,
• aggregates, rock, quarry evaluation
• masonry
• durable reinforcement, ferrous/non-ferrous metals,
• corrosion resistant alloys (CRA), electrochemical corrosion protection
• high performance coating and lining systems
• thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, composites
• de-icing chemicals

Major projects include:
Channel Tunnel, UK/France
Heathrow Express Tunnels, UK
Mohale Tunnel, Lesotho
Great Belt eastern rail tunnel, Denmark
St Clair River Tunnel, USA/Canada
Boston Outfall, USA
Medway Tunnel, UK
A20 Roundhill Tunnels, UK