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Construction Materials Testing for Quality Outcomes on Transportation Projects

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By Charles M. Cadenhead, PE, Andrew Valerius | January 20, 2022

Everyone uses the transportation system at one time or another. Even if you don’t personally commute or travel, consumers everywhere rely on the seamless operation of our transportation infrastructure to receive goods and services. Any disruption to these structures functioning properly could have significant economic or social impacts – which raises questions about the reliability and durability of its materials. When should transportation systems require repairs and replacement? How can materials selection and testing reduce the cost and risks to the public? And how can owners prolong the life cycles of these vital structures and protect their investment? The good news is there are many activities professional consulting engineers can assist owners with to confirm their construction materials meet specific criteria. Let’s discuss construction materials testing for transportation projects.


Testing for Durability of Construction Materials

Longevity of infrastructure systems depends on many factors including materials, traffic volumes, weather, and construction methods. Materials used for roadways, bridges, walls, and other items used to construct our infrastructure are under constant research and development for better performance and efficiency. Scientists and researchers run many tests to judge how the materials stand up to the rigor of daily traffic and environmental effects. Test sections within areas of pavement are studied over long periods of time. These approaches aid in the materials selection.

Quality Control and Quality Assurance of Materials

Of course, evaluating how elements of transportation infrastructure can perform to reasonable expectations requires testing the quality of the material. Once the material is deemed to be “as good” or “better”, it can be accepted as a material to be used regularly for roadway, bridge, or other infrastructure needs. That is when Braun Intertec can assist owners and contractors to achieve a quality outcome on their projects.

The Approved Products List

There are some materials that are on an ‘Approved Product list’, and others that are manufactured by blending materials from a mining pit, bituminous plant, or concrete plant. Each material that is used on site has a set of criteria that is developed by the people that are paying for the infrastructure to be constructed. The is a long and expansive list of materials and tests that need to be completed to make sure the infrastructure will last for the time frame and intended use. Braun Intertec has a long history of assisting clients with construction materials testing (CMT). If you are an owner, representative, contractor or engineer, our CMT group can help you determine if your project will meet your design plans and specifications.

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