Uncovering Geotechnical Engineering: The First Line of Structural Defense
Geotechnical engineering, or geotech, focuses on soil and rock behavior for construction projects, ensuring stability and safety through expert analysis.
CMT Services Exposed: The Silent Defenders of Construction Quality
About CMT Services
CMT Services by Construction Materials Testing (CMT) services are essential for ensuring the safety, durability, and compliance of any project site—whether it’s a towering high-rise, a highway expansion, or a industrial development.
Our certified technicians and seasoned engineers don’t just follow the standards—they challenge them, bringing precision, innovation, and a passion for quality to every test and inspection. We thrive on pushing boundaries and solving complex site challenges with clarity and confidence. To help you better understand how CMT fits into your project, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions below.
Can you provide on-site lab services if needed?
Yes. We offer:
•Mobile labs or jobsite trailers
•Satellite curing facilities
•On-site CMT services for testing on fast-paced projects
Do you have enough staff and equipment to handle a project of this size?
Yes. We maintain:
•Scalable field and lab technician teams
•Redundant equipment for surge capacity
•Regional support to ensure uninterrupted coverage
What is your availability for field testing (nights, weekends, remote areas)?
CMT services are Available 24/7, including:
•Night pours or weekend shifts
•Emergency mobilization
•Remote and rural site coverage
How do you track and archive CMT services data for future audits or disputes?
•All test data is digitally archived with metadata
•Secure cloud-based storage or internal servers
•Easily retrievable for project closeouts, litigation, or QA audits
How are test results for CMT services communicated and how quickly?
•Preliminary results: often same-day (e.g., slump test, field density)
•Final reports: typically within 24–48 hours
•Results are sent via email or uploaded to client portals
Additional CMT Services Frequently Asked Questions
Can test reports be integrated with project management software or shared digitally?
Yes. We can:
•Export PDF or Excel reports
•Integrate with systems like Procore, e-Builder, or SharePoint
•Set up automated report distribution
How do you test for core extraction or compaction?
Cores are drilled from the pavement, trimmed, and weighed. Density is calculated and compared to design or target compaction specs.
What tests are done to verify asphalt mix design (e.g., Marshall, Superpave)?
•Marshall: Stability, flow, density, air voids
•Superpave (Gyratory Compactor): VMA, VFA, binder content, aggregate gradation
•Performance tests (rutting, cracking) may also be included
How do you measure asphalt density and thickness?
•Density: Core samples (ASTM D2726) or nuclear gauge
•Thickness: Measured directly from extracted core depths
Laboratory Test Data
What is a sieve analysis, and why is it done?
Sieve analysis (ASTM C136) determines the particle size distribution of soils or aggregates. It’s crucial for assessing gradation for concrete, asphalt, or base materials.
What is a sieve analysis, and why is it done?
Sieve analysis (ASTM C136) determines the particle size distribution of soils or aggregates. It’s crucial for assessing gradation for concrete, asphalt, or base materials.
What is the difference between Proctor and modified Proctor tests?
•Standard Proctor (ASTM D698): Simulates light compaction
•Modified Proctor (ASTM D1557): Uses higher energy to simulate heavy compaction, commonly used for roadway embankments
How do you determine soil compaction and density in the field?
Using a nuclear density gauge (ASTM D6938) to measure:
•Dry density
•Moisture content
Results are compared against Proctor values to determine percent compaction.
What is the acceptable strength deviation or tolerance range?
Typically:
•Average of 3 consecutive tests: ≥ f’c (design strength)
•Individual tests: no more than 500 psi below f’c for strengths > 5000 psi
•Projects may have stricter tolerances.
What’s the typical turnaround time for 7-day and 28-day break results?
•7-day breaks: within 24 hours after the 7th day
•28-day breaks: within 24–48 hours after the 28th day
Same-day reporting is often available upon request.
How is compressive strength determined?
Per ASTM C39, cured cylinders are placed in a hydraulic testing machine and loaded until failure. The max load is divided by the cross-sectional area to determine compressive strength.
Field Test Data
What is the procedure for casting and curing concrete cylinders?
Cylinders are cast in standard 6”x12” molds per ASTM C31. They’re stored in a curing box on-site for initial 24 hours, then transported to a lab for curing at 73°F ±3°F until break testing.
What is the procedure for casting and curing concrete cylinders?
Cylinders are cast in standard 6”x12” molds per ASTM C31. They’re stored in a curing box on-site for initial 24 hours, then transported to a lab for curing at 73°F ±3°F until break testing.
How do you handle failed tests or non-conforming materials?
•Immediate notification to the client/engineer
•Retesting or resampling if needed
•Non-conformance reports (NCRs)
•Root cause analysis and recommendations
Can you provide sample test reports or templates?
Yes, we provide standardized test report templates with:
•Sample ID, test type, method
•Results, specifications, remarks
•Technician and reviewer signatures
Complies with individual ASTM recommendations
How do you determine the frequency of testing on a project?
Based on:
•Project specifications
•Contract documents
•DOT or industry standards
•Engineer or owner’s quality control plan
What types of tests do you perform on concrete, asphalt, soil, and aggregates?
•Concrete: Slump, air content, unit weight, temperature, compressive strength
•Soil: Proctor density, Atterberg limits, sieve analysis, field density (nuclear gauge)
•Asphalt: Core density, Marshall/Superpave, binder content, gradation
•Aggregates: Sieve analysis, specific gravity, absorption, LA abrasion
Accreditations
Are your tests accepted by local or federal agencies?
Yes, all tests are performed to standards recognized by local, state, and federal agencies, including DOTs, municipalities, and regulatory authorities.
Do you participate in any proficiency or accreditation programs?
Yes, we participate in:
•AASHTO re:source proficiency sample programs
•CCRL inspections
•USACE – United States Corp of Engineers
•State DOT accreditations ensures quality and consistency.
How do you ensure your lab and technicians are certified?
Labs are certified through programs like A2LA, AASHTO Accreditation and CCRL.
Technicians hold certifications such as:
•ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician
•NICET (Soils, Asphalt)
•WAQTC or state DOT certifications
What standards or specifications do you follow (e.g., ASTM, AASHTO, DOT)?
We follow industry-recognized standards, including:
•ASTM International (e.g., ASTM C39 for concrete compression)
•AASHTO standards (common in DOT work)
•Project-specific specs (TxDOT, FAA, Army Corps, etc.)
When should material testing be performed during a construction project?
Testing occurs throughout the project lifecycle:
•Pre-construction: material submittals and mix designs
•During construction: field sampling and lab testing
•Post-construction: final testing for as-builts and quality verification
Responsibility
Who is responsible for performing material testing on a project?
A certified third-party testing agency typically performs the tests, though sometimes the contractor or the owner hires the testing firm. Engineers and inspectors review results for compliance.
Which materials are typically tested on construction projects?
Common materials include:
•Concrete (compressive strength, air content, slump)
•Soil (compaction, classification, density)
•Asphalt (density, gradation, binder content)
•Aggregates (sieve analysis, specific gravity)
•Steel/Rebar (tensile strength, bend tests)
What is construction material testing and why is it important?
Construction Material Testing (CMT) ensures that the materials used in construction (concrete, soil, asphalt, steel, etc.) meet required quality, strength, and performance standards. It helps verify compliance with project specifications and ensures long-term structural integrity and safety.