Construction Materials Testing & Inspections

Construction Materials Testing And Inspections For Quality Assurance And Compliance

Hillis-Carnes is a full-service engineering firm that performs many types of materials testing and inspection services for the building and construction industries. We do it with qualified and experienced field staff and project engineers, including senior engineers with more than 35 years of field experience who are easily accessible for consultation. Our automated report distribution system allows us to turn around data within hours of completing field assignments.

Jurisdictions have been steadily adopting ‘Special Inspections’ from Chapter 17 of the Building Code since the early 2000’s. This requires that field staff are experienced/certified and all labs performing testing are accredited. Hillis-Carnes has adopted policies in line with Special Inspections Requirements, including final review of construction observation reports by recognized Principals of the firm.

Karl Higgins P.E., D.GE, Chief Operating Officer, Sr. Vice President

Our materials testing and observations to verify compliance with plans and specifications include documentation of soil compaction related to grade changes and utility backfill, reinforced concrete, structural steel, post-tensioned concrete, masonry, waterproofing (building envelope), and pavements (plus other less common tests/observations such as floor flatness and fireproofing). Testing of the materials associated with these activities is also performed to verify compliance with design standards for a project. Our field personnel are cross-trained to perform more than one type of inspection, reducing the number of inspectors required to visit a project site and providing better economy for our clients. We also have our own accredited construction material testing labs.

For our owner clients who we represent in the field, we strive to confirm that the contractor is doing the work per the plans/specifications while adhering to the local jurisdictional requirements and ultimately helping the owner confirm they are getting what they paid for. For general contractors who are required to provide Quality Control services, we assist them in this capacity through testing and observation services followed up by solid documentation. We keep the contractor informed of issues that need to be addressed and then provide both general guidance and specific solutions as needed.

Click here to see the other services we offer!