Construction Materials Engineering & Testing
Accurate sampling and accurate testing in a quality laboratory are two of the keys to making sure your construction materials meet what the project engineers specify.
Materials Engineering
Engineering firms depend on accurate materials data to develop reliable designs, verify construction quality, and ensure long-term infrastructure performance. Kiwa’s Construction Materials Engineering and Testing (CoMET) services provide engineering consultants with the testing, inspection, and quality assurance resources needed to support both design and construction activities.
Our teams work closely with engineering firms to evaluate material characteristics, verify compliance with project specifications, and help ensure that construction materials perform as intended throughout the life of a project.
What We Do
Kiwa provides comprehensive CoMET services that support engineering design, construction oversight, and quality management. Our capabilities include field and laboratory testing of soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, reinforcing steel, structural steel, and foundation systems. We perform earthwork observation, pavement evaluations, non-destructive testing, concrete strength testing, and construction inspections to help engineering firms verify compliance with project requirements.
Our advanced materials evaluation services include alkali-silica reactivity testing, chloride ion permeability testing, freeze-thaw durability testing, Superpave asphalt mix design, concrete admixture evaluations, and material failure investigations. We also provide specialty laboratory services such as triaxial, direct shear, consolidation, and chemical testing, along with geotechnical and environmental drilling support and Cone Penetrometer Testing (CPT).
Why Materials Engineering Matters
Engineering firms rely on accurate materials data to support design assumptions and construction quality objectives. Poor material performance can result in structural deficiencies, premature deterioration, increased maintenance costs, and construction disputes. Reliable testing and inspection services help project teams identify issues early and take corrective action before they affect project schedules, budgets, or long-term performance.
Kiwa’s CoMET services provide engineering firms with objective information that supports quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and informed decision-making throughout project delivery.
How Kiwa Delivers Value
Kiwa combines accredited laboratory capabilities, certified field personnel, and advanced testing technologies to provide engineering firms with accurate and defensible materials data. Our multidisciplinary teams integrate materials engineering with geotechnical engineering and construction quality management to help clients achieve greater consistency between design intent and field performance.
By tailoring quality assurance and testing programs to project-specific requirements, we help engineering firms reduce construction risk, improve durability, and support long-term asset performance.
Who We Serve
Kiwa partners with engineering firms across a wide range of markets and project types, providing specialized expertise that complements internal design and engineering resources.
Whether supporting new construction, rehabilitation, forensic investigations, or long-term asset management programs, Kiwa provides the technical resources engineering firms need to successfully execute complex projects.
Structural engineering firms
Civil engineering firms
Transportation engineering consultants
Architecture and engineering (A/E) firms
Design-build teams
Infrastructure engineering organizations
Industrial and energy engineering firms
Municipal engineering consultants
Program and construction management teams
Owners' representative and technical advisory teams
Our services include
Building Envelope Consulting
The building envelope is often the most expensive part of a construction project, so having trustworthy information is critical for managing risk.
Construction Engineering and Inspection
Raba Kistner has provided successful construction project administration and coordination for clients throughout the Southwestern United States and beyond since 1968.
Construction Materials Recycling
Raba Kistner consultants’ innovative approaches and technologies help clients eliminate some of their environmental liability by reducing landfill waste from construction projects.
Engineering
Kiwa PPI provides specialized engineering and technical services to support customers in designing and operating assets that are safe, reliable and compliant.
Pavement Design
Raba Kistner’s knowledge of subsurface conditions, pavement design, and materials testing allows us to develop unique solutions for both flexible and rigid pavement systems, as well as newer permeable pavement systems.
FAQs about Materials Engineering
Can Kiwa support engineering firms during both design and construction?
Yes. Kiwa provides testing, inspection, and quality assurance services that support engineering firms throughout planning, design, construction, commissioning, and asset management phases.
What types of construction materials can Kiwa test?
Kiwa tests a wide range of materials, including concrete, asphalt, soils, aggregates, reinforcing steel, structural steel, precast elements, and chemical admixtures.
Are Kiwa’s laboratories accredited?
Yes. Kiwa’s laboratories meet rigorous accreditation standards and are affiliated with organizations such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, TxDOT, AASHTO, and NIST.
