Construction Materials Testing
S.W.COLE provides cost-effective laboratory and field testing services to measure the conformance of the materials and construction of your project to the project specifications. We perform independent testing at project sites and in our nine regional laboratories, with most tests completed in‑house to support efficient project timelines. We also use electronic report transmittals and a purpose‑built laboratory data management system to support today’s fast-moving construction schedules.
Our Laboratories
Seven of our laboratories have been accredited through the AASHTO Accreditation Program.
Current scopes of accreditation are available for each location:
Testing Capacity & Experience
We complete a wide range of field and laboratory procedures each year to support project teams throughout New England. Approximately 90,000 total field and laboratory test procedures, including:
- About 5,000 laboratory soil sieve analyses
- Approximately 2,100 laboratory soil moisture density tests
- About 25,000 field density tests
- Nearly 50,000 concrete compressive strength specimens cast and tested
Materials Testing Services
We provide testing and observations for materials used in commercial, transportation, energy, and aviation projects.
Concrete Testing
Testing of fresh and hardened concrete to document properties such as slump, air content, and compressive strength. Learn more: Concrete Testing
Soil Testing
Laboratory and field testing to evaluate soil behavior and compaction. Learn more: Soil Testing
Asphalt Testing
Testing mixtures and cores to assess binder content, gradation, density, and related properties, as well as plant and field services. Learn more: Asphalt Testing
Masonry Testing
Field observation and laboratory testing of mortar, grout, CMU, and masonry prisms. Learn more: Masonry testing
Specialized & Advanced Testing Services:
- Structural Steel Construction and Weld Inspection Services
- Spray-Applied Fireproofing Testing and Observations
- Floor Flatness Testing
- Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR) Testing
- In-Service Concrete Foundation and Slab Studies
- In-place Compressive Strength using concrete cores
- Reinforcement Location using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
- Pull-Off Testing
- Impact-Echo Testing
- Concrete Slab Moisture Vapor and Relative Humidity Testing
Complete List of Laboratory Tests
Click the button below to access detailed information about the laboratory tests we perform.
Quality Control vs. Quality Assurance
We support both Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) programs. QC testing is done on behalf of contractors and suppliers and involves more frequent testing to provide timely information during construction. QA testing is done on behalf of project owners to help the owner assess whether materials align with project specifications.
Our Technicians
Our field and laboratory technicians follow established protocols for sampling and testing for a wide range of materials. All field technicians earn ACI Level I Concrete Technician and nuclear density gauge certifications, with many maintaining additional credentials through NETTCP, PCI, AWS, ACI, and ICC.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend at least 24 hours’ notice to help us coordinate staffing and accommodate schedule changes.
Please share project plans, specifications, schedules, geotechnical reports, mix designs, and the testing scope.
Technicians communicate preliminary information on site whenever possible. Written reports are typically provided within a few days. For these common laboratory tests, typical turnaround times are as follows:
– Concrete compressive strength (cylinder) testing: Results are usually sent out within a couple of days after the cylinders are broken.
– Gradations: Results are typically available within 2–3 days.
– Moisture–Density Relationship testing (commonly referred to as Proctor testing): It typically takes 3–4 business days to receive results.
Outcomes depend on the type of material and test results. Some issues can be addressed quickly, while others may require engineering input or design adjustments. Our technicians communicate findings promptly, and we work to deliver written reports quickly to help your team respond effectively.