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
Materials engineering is critical to understanding how materials perform under operational, environmental, and mechanical stresses. The selection, testing, and evaluation of materials directly affect safety, durability, and reliability. Kiwa supports organizations with independent materials engineering expertise that helps verify material performance, identify degradation mechanisms, and support informed design and lifecycle management decisions.
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
Manufacturers
Industrial operators
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
Does Kiwa support failure analysis?
Yes.