Construction Materials Engineering
Solutions & Consulting
Construction Materials Engineering, or CME, tests the structural materials used in construction projects and ensures that they meet all applicable codes and quality control benchmarks. Material testing is a critical step in the construction of any new building or structure, as it’s an integral part of maintaining safety and structural integrity.
Some firms like to point out problems and leave it up to the contractor and engineer to figure out solutions. SGS takes the opposite approach. We find solutions that work for both the contractor and engineer so your project can be on time and within budget. Depending on which service or services your project requires, Construction Materials Engineering can be conducted at any phase of the construction process.
Steel
Steel is one of the most common building materials, as well as one of the easiest to get wrong. SGS inspectors verify that member size, grade, and placement conform with contract documents. SGS will also inspect the bolted connections to ensure the correct grade, size, and type of bolt was used. When specified in the contract, SGS also ensures bolts are tightened to the proper specifications.
Soil
Whether it’s sand, clay, or rock, every structure is supported by some form of soil. If recommendations in the Specifications and Geotechnical Report are not followed, serious structural issues could compromise the integrity of a structure. SGS inspectors have the experience to monitor structural fills, observe site grading, verify bearing capacity, and test soil compaction.
Certified Welding Inspection
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for structures to contain missing, misplaced, or inadequate welds. SGS inspections ensure all welds are of proper location, length, and size, as specified by the Engineer of Record (EOR). We test quality and construction against standards determined by the American Welding Society Structural Welding Code-Steel, AWS D.1.1.
Our Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) provide welders with supervision and ongoing support backed by decades of combined experience and knowledge. SGS staff can work in remote, difficult-to-access areas, at any elevation, and assist welders before, during, and after the modification to improve quality and processes.
Non-Destructive Testing
With Non-Destructive testing methods, we can detect surface and subsurface weld flaws and discontinuities that are not visible to the naked eye. While these discontinuities may be small, they pose significant risks to structural integrity and safety.
Any time a construction project calls for non-destructive testing, we can perform Magnetic Particle, Dye Penetrant, and Ultrasonic testing on any structural component, in any location, at any elevation. All SGS inspectors performing this service are ASNT SNT-TC-1A level II technicians, and each inspection is photo documented with in-depth reports.
Foundation Inspection
Once a foundation has been filled with concrete, it is near impossible to make adjustments without starting from scratch. This is why a Foundation Inspection is performed, ensuring proper steel, concrete, and rebar reinforcement, as well as slump and break tests, prior to a concrete pour. As this inspection records the existing layout of the rebar, it can be especially useful for future modifications.
Once the inspection is complete and the structure is determined to be in passing condition, SGS will provide a report sealed by a Professional Engineer, complete with photos, material certifications, concrete tickets, engineering drawings, and a list of approvals.
Additional Information About SGS CME Services
All SGS crews are drug tested, OSHA 10/30, CPR, and first aid.
Our crew members have the certifications and experience necessary to provide the most accurate testing and thorough inspections. SGS has in-house crew members with the following certifications:
- ICC Certified Reinforced Concrete Special Inspector
- ICC Certified Soil Special Inspector
- ASNT NDT Level III and II in the Liquid Penetrant, Magnetic Particle, Radiography, Ultrasonics and Visual Testing Methods
- CWI
- ACI Level I Field Testing Technician for Concrete Testing
SGS follows all applicable building codes and procedures as outlined by your job’s specifications.
SGS is able to perform foundation inspections on concrete, asphalt, and masonry.
SGS has worked with contractors on all types of projects, including airports, railroads, hospitals, residential, farms, hotels, highrises, and bridges.
Because of our breadth of knowledge, we have been asked to do many obscure inspections. Chances are if it’s on your contract documents we have done it.
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