construction materials testing laboratory

Construction Materials Testing Services

SOCOTEC ensures structural integrity and compliance of construction projects through comprehensive construction materials testing services across the United States.

Every construction project—from residential buildings to large-scale infrastructure—depends on materials that meet stringent quality and safety standards—and SOCOTEC delivers this expertise through a national network

At SOCOTEC, we provide end-to-end construction materials testing, laboratory, inspection, and quality management services, combining accredited construction materials testing labs, experienced field teams, and a staff of professional engineers to support owners, developers, contractors, and public agencies.

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Talk to our experts

Mark REESER construction inspection testing expert

Mark REESER

Principal / Director of Construction Services

Principal / Director of Construction Services

mreeser@ninyoandmoore.com +1 (858) 576-1000
John Rivera

John RIVERA

Principal

Principal

john.rivera@socotec.us +1 516 918 2981
Casey M WARD professional engineer, building envelope, forensic

Casey M. WARD

Principal, Regional Director

Principal, Regional Director

Casey.Ward@socotec.us +1 239 514 4100

Why SOCOTEC Stands Out Among Construction Materials Testing Companies

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25+ Construction Materials Testing Labs Across the US

Our extensive network is strategically located in major markets including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, New York, and many more.

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National Reach with Local Knowledge

While we operate at a national scale, our regional teams understand local regulations, environmental conditions, and building codes specific to your area. 

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Certifications and Accreditations

Our construction materials testing labs hold industry-leading certifications, including AASHTO and ASTM, as well as other relevant accreditations. 

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Comprehensive Testing Equipment and Technology

SOCOTEC invests continuously in advanced CMT equipment, enabling us to perform the most sophisticated analyses with precision and efficiency.

Industries We Serve and Project Types

Whether supporting a local building project or a multi-state infrastructure program, our construction materials testing services scale to meet the demands of each project. SOCOTEC supports a wide range of projects, including:

  • Residential and commercial buildings: high-rise, office buildings, residential developments, mixed-use, etc.
  • Transportation and infrastructure assets: highway projects, bridges, airports, transit systems, etc.
  • Industrial and energy facilities: manufacturing plants, power plants, renewable energy installations, etc.
  • Institutional and public sector projects: schools, hospitals, water treatment facilities, community infrastructure, etc.

Our CMT Projects

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    Arthrex Administrative Campus, FL

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    Kalea Bay, FL

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    SoCe Flats, FL

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    SDSU Snapdragon Stadium Reconstruction, CA

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    Gemini Solar and Storage Project, NV

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    The Gateway Project for UC Berkeley, CA

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    Oroville Dam Emergency Spillway Recovery, CA

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    Mount Soledad Landslide Evaluation, CA

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When Should You Hire a Construction Materials Testing Consultant?

It is important that owners, designers, and contractors can determine when construction materials testing is required for a project. SOCOTEC can step in at any stage, providing a coordinated construction materials testing solution.

Early involvement helps reduce risk and align specifications with real-world conditions.

  • Review of material specifications and testing requirements
  • Soil test for building construction and geotechnical data validation
  • Evaluation of proposed concrete mixes, aggregates, and building materials
  • Input from materials testing consultants to align design intent with code requirements

Many jurisdictions require certified construction materials testing before permits are issued.

  • Verification of construction materials testing certification requirements
  • Coordination with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs)
  • Confirmation of applicable construction materials testing procedures and codes
  • Documentation from accredited construction materials testing labs

This is where construction materials testing plays a critical role in quality control.

  • Field inspection services and sampling by a construction material testing technician
  • Compaction testing for soils and fill materials
  • Concrete testing services, including fresh and hardened concrete
  • Verification of reinforcing steel, aggregates, and other CMT materials
  • Real-time reporting to keep construction projects moving

Unexpected conditions or substitutions require immediate technical validation.

  • Additional laboratory materials testing for alternative materials
  • Engineering evaluation of nonconforming results
  • Root-cause analysis supported by construction materials engineering and testing
  • Recommendations to maintain compliance without delaying schedules

Final testing confirms long-term performance and supports acceptance.

  • Final verification testing before project closeout
  • Review of construction materials testing reports for compliance
  • Performance monitoring and assessment of critical materials
  • Forensic investigation and building material testing if issues arise

Engage a construction materials testing firm at key stages of a project, including when:

  • Breaking ground on new construction projects
  • Renovating or rehabilitating existing structures
  • Regulatory requirements mandate third-party verification
  • Quality concerns arise during construction
  • Long-term performance data is needed

construction materials testing and field inspection

Construction Materials Testing Solutions Across the US

SOCOTEC provides construction materials testing, laboratory, field and inspection services throughout the United States, with 25+ laboratories strategically located in major metropolitan areas and regional markets.

Our presence in states like California, Washington, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, New York, Massachusetts, Georgia and Florida ensures accessible, responsive service nationwide. Consult the SOCOTEC offices list.

Need reliable construction materials testing services for your next project?

SOCOTEC's expert team is ready to support your construction, infrastructure, or building project.

FAQ - Building Material Testing

Construction materials testing is the systematic evaluation of building materials—including concrete, soil, aggregate, asphalt, steel, and masonry—to verify they meet specified standards for strength, durability, composition, and performance. These tests ensure materials will perform as intended in the completed structure.

A construction material testing technician conducts laboratory and field tests on construction materials, collects samples following proper procedures, operates testing equipment, documents results, and reports findings to engineers and project managers. Technicians must maintain current certifications and follow standardized testing protocols.

Construction materials testing procedures must comply with standards established by organizations including ASTM International, AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials), ACI (American Concrete Institute), ICC (International Code Council) and local building codes. Specific requirements vary by jurisdiction, project type, and material.

Construction materials testing is generally part of the quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) function, supporting structural, geotechnical, and civil disciplines.

Field testing occurs on-site during construction and provides real-time quality control (e.g., compaction testing, fresh concrete properties). Laboratory testing offers more comprehensive analysis in controlled environments with specialized equipment. Both are essential components of construction materials engineering and testing programs.

Many jurisdictions and project specifications require independent third-party verification to ensure objectivity and compliance. SOCOTEC's role as an independent construction materials testing company provides unbiased results that protect all project stakeholders.

Proactive materials testing actually reduces costs and delays by identifying quality issues early, preventing expensive failures, and ensuring work meets specifications the first time. SOCOTEC's efficient processes and strategic laboratory locations minimize impact on construction schedules.

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Talk to our experts

Mark REESER construction inspection testing expert

Mark REESER

Principal / Director of Construction Services

Principal / Director of Construction Services

mreeser@ninyoandmoore.com +1 (858) 576-1000
John Rivera

John RIVERA

Principal

Principal

john.rivera@socotec.us +1 516 918 2981
Casey M WARD professional engineer, building envelope, forensic

Casey M. WARD

Principal, Regional Director

Principal, Regional Director

Casey.Ward@socotec.us +1 239 514 4100