Each of our offices operates an in-house construction materials testing laboratory that is equipped to perform routine laboratory tests on soils, aggregates, asphalt, concrete, and masonry materials. Our Asheville office laboratory has a Certificate of Accreditation from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in the following:
- Quality Management System – R18, D3740 (Soil)
- Soil – D421, D698, D1140, D1556, D1557, D2216, D2487, D2488, D2937, D4318, D6938
- Aggregate – C136
Our Asheville office laboratory also participates in the AASHTO re:source Proficiency Sample Program for Soil Classification and Compaction, Aggregate Gradation and Gravity, and the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL) Proficiency Sample Program for concrete.
Along with being trained for various field testing, Kessel Engineering Group technicians are trained to perform the routine tests conducted in the laboratory. Turn-around time for laboratory test results is dependant on the in-situ moisture content of the collected samples, but will not take longer than 72 hours and in most cases will take just 36 hours. These tests include:
- Soil Classification (USCS and AASHTO)
- Moisture content
- Specific gravity
- Grain-size distribution
- Fine and coarse aggregate gradations
- Atterberg limits
- Compaction characteristics of soils and aggregates
- Standard and Modified Proctors
Our laboratories are also equipped to perform tests on plastic and hardened concrete. Our facilities are equipped with testing machines with the capability to break 6” x 12” cylinders, 4” x 8” cylinders, grout specimens, 2” x 2” specimens, cores, and beams. Our laboratory capabilities also allow us to perform mix design verifications for concrete, grout, and mortar. Compression results are issued within 24 hours of their testing.
Testing performed in each laboratory facility is overseen by designated laboratory managers who are certified by industry organizations including NICET, ACI, and NCMA. The equipment used for laboratory testing is checked and calibrated following the frequencies and procedures outlined in applicable ASTM standards. All testing, equipment management, sample management, and recording are performed in accordance with applicable ASTM standards and guidelines outlined in Kessel Engineering Group’s quality system.
Each aspect of our construction materials testing operation is performed in accordance with the guidelines established by our quality system. Our quality system outlines operating procedures and processes including organizational structure, staff responsibilities, employee training, equipment policies, sample management, test records and reporting. Our quality system has been developed based on guidelines established in AASHTO R-18 and applicable ASTM standards including ASTM D 3740, C 1077, C 1093, and E 329.
