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Materials Testing

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Materials Testing Laboratories

Materials Testing Services For Quality Control And Safety

Twining has been at the forefront of construction materials testing for over a century. Our network of seven state-of-the-art laboratories, complimented by our fleet of mobile laboratories, allows us to provide in-house testing for projects throughout California. Twining offers fast, reliable test results that our clients can count on.

Twining subscribes to the most stringent inspection and certification requirements in the industry. We are certified, accredited, and/or inspected by agencies including Caltrans, the Division of the State Architect (DSA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL), International Accreditation Service (IAS), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along with numerous cities and counties as a certified geotechnical, asphalt paving, materials testing, and inspection laboratory.

In accordance with our accreditation by the International Accreditation Service, we rigorously verify the calibration of all test equipment utilizing a controlled Quality Assurance Program meeting the specifications in ANS/ISO/IEC Standard 17025 and standards traceable to the National Institute for Standards and Technology. Apart from material testing services, we also maintain a rigorous training program for our experienced staff of testing technicians that is overseen by registered civil engineers.

Materials Testing Laboratories
Materials Testing Laboratories

Materials Testing Laboratories

Materials Testing Laboratories

Materials Testing Services For Quality Control And Safety

Twining has been at the forefront of construction materials testing for over a century. Our network of seven state-of-the-art laboratories, complimented by our fleet of mobile laboratories, allows us to provide in-house testing for projects throughout California. Twining offers fast, reliable test results that our clients can count on.

Twining subscribes to the most stringent inspection and certification requirements in the industry. We are certified, accredited, and/or inspected by agencies including Caltrans, the Division of the State Architect (DSA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL), International Accreditation Service (IAS), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along with numerous cities and counties as a certified geotechnical, asphalt paving, materials testing, and inspection laboratory.

In accordance with our accreditation by the International Accreditation Service, we rigorously verify the calibration of all test equipment utilizing a controlled Quality Assurance Program meeting the specifications in ANS/ISO/IEC Standard 17025 and standards traceable to the National Institute for Standards and Technology. Apart from material testing services, we also maintain a rigorous training program for our experienced staff of testing technicians that is overseen by registered civil engineers.

Materials Testing Laboratories

Twining has been at the forefront of construction materials testing for over a century. Our network of seven state-of-the-art laboratories, complimented by our fleet of mobile laboratories, allows us to provide in-house testing for projects throughout California. Twining offers fast, reliable test results that our clients can count on.

Twining subscribes to the most stringent inspection and certification requirements in the industry. We are certified, accredited, and/or inspected by agencies including Caltrans, the Division of the State Architect (DSA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL), International Accreditation Service (IAS), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along with numerous cities and counties as a certified geotechnical, asphalt paving, materials testing, and inspection laboratory.

In accordance with our accreditation by the International Accreditation Service, we rigorously verify the calibration of all test equipment utilizing a controlled Quality Assurance Program meeting the specifications in ANS/ISO/IEC Standard 17025 and standards traceable to the National Institute for Standards and Technology. Apart from material testing services, we also maintain a rigorous training program for our experienced staff of testing technicians that is overseen by registered civil engineers.

Materials Testing Laboratories

Twining has been at the forefront of construction materials testing for over a century. Our network of seven state-of-the-art laboratories, complimented by our fleet of mobile laboratories, allows us to provide in-house testing for projects throughout California. Twining offers fast, reliable test results that our clients can count on.

Twining subscribes to the most stringent inspection and certification requirements in the industry. We are certified, accredited, and/or inspected by agencies including Caltrans, the Division of the State Architect (DSA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL), International Accreditation Service (IAS), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along with numerous cities and counties as a certified geotechnical, asphalt paving, materials testing, and inspection laboratory.

In accordance with our accreditation by the International Accreditation Service, we rigorously verify the calibration of all test equipment utilizing a controlled Quality Assurance Program meeting the specifications in ANS/ISO/IEC Standard 17025 and standards traceable to the National Institute for Standards and Technology. Apart from material testing services, we also maintain a rigorous training program for our experienced staff of testing technicians that is overseen by registered civil engineers.

Materials Testing Laboratories

We Use The Following Techniques

Materials Testing Laboratories

Twining has been at the forefront of construction materials testing for over a century. Our network of seven state-of-the-art laboratories, complimented by our fleet of mobile laboratories, allows us to provide in-house testing for projects throughout California. Twining offers fast, reliable test results that our clients can count on.

Twining subscribes to the most stringent inspection and certification requirements in the industry. We are certified, accredited, and/or inspected by agencies including Caltrans, the Division of the State Architect (DSA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL), International Accreditation Service (IAS), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along with numerous cities and counties as a certified geotechnical, asphalt paving, materials testing, and inspection laboratory.

In accordance with our accreditation by the International Accreditation Service, we rigorously verify the calibration of all test equipment utilizing a controlled Quality Assurance Program meeting the specifications in ANS/ISO/IEC Standard 17025 and standards traceable to the National Institute for Standards and Technology. Apart from material testing services, we also maintain a rigorous training program for our experienced staff of testing technicians that is overseen by registered civil engineers.

Twining has been at the forefront of construction materials testing for over a century. Our network of seven state-of-the-art laboratories, complimented by our fleet of mobile laboratories, allows us to provide in-house testing for projects throughout California. Twining offers fast, reliable test results that our clients can count on.

Twining subscribes to the most stringent inspection and certification requirements in the industry. We are certified, accredited, and/or inspected by agencies including Caltrans, the Division of the State Architect (DSA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL), International Accreditation Service (IAS), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along with numerous cities and counties as a certified geotechnical, asphalt paving, materials testing, and inspection laboratory.

In accordance with our accreditation by the International Accreditation Service, we rigorously verify the calibration of all test equipment utilizing a controlled Quality Assurance Program meeting the specifications in ANS/ISO/IEC Standard 17025 and standards traceable to the National Institute for Standards and Technology. Apart from material testing services, we also maintain a rigorous training program for our experienced staff of testing technicians that is overseen by registered civil engineers.

Materials Testing Laboratories
Materials Testing Laboratories
  • Petrographic examination of concrete and cementitious materials (ASTM C856) including visual examination of specimens in as-received condition, stereomicroscopy of polished cross-sectional surfaces, thin section analysis using fluorescence microscopy, and phenolphthalein staining to characterize the composition and condition as well as causes of deterioration or distress in submitted samples,

  • Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDS) analysis (ASTM C1723) for elemental composition of concrete, cementitious materials, aggregate and secondary deposits,

  • Chloride analysis to measure acid-soluble chloride content (ASTM C1152) or water-soluble chloride content (ASTM C1218) within a material to evaluate for corrosion potential and external chloride exposure,

  • Hardened air void system analysis (ASTM C457) to evaluate for total air content and air void system parameters for freeze-thaw durability,

  • Volumetric proportioning testing (ASTM C457) to quantitatively assess proportioning of concrete in comparison with mix design or specifications,

  • Bulk resistivity testing (ASTM C1876) to characterize the capillary porosity of concrete mixture(s),

  • Petrographic examination of aggregates (ASTM C295) to identify potentially deleterious materials with potential for alkali-aggregate reactivity, staining, and/or pop-outs,

  • and more!

Materials Testing Laboratories
Materials Testing Laboratories

Why Choose Us?

Our laboratory technicians are highly experienced with testing requirements of different pavement preservation materials. Twining laboratories consistently help public works agencies and contractors to test materials such as:

  • Slurry Seal

  • Microsurfacing

  • REAS

  • Chip Seal

The typical tests that we perform for such materials are:

  • Wet Track Abrasion

  • Asphalt content

  • Emulsion content

  • Aggregate gradation

  • Sand Equivalent

  • Consistency test (field test)

Our Balcony Inspection Services

Twining offers a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of property owners and managers. Our services include:

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E3s Housing Balcony Inspections (CP1481)

We specialize in conducting thorough inspections in compliance with CP1481 requirements, ensuring the safety of residents and compliance with local regulations.

Structural Integrity Assessments

Structural Integrity Assessments

Our team assesses the structural integrity of your balconies, identifying potential issues related to materials, connections, and load-bearing capacity.

Safety Audits

Safety Audits

We conduct safety audits to ensure that your balconies meet the highest safety standards, including railings, guardrails, and fire safety measures.

Exterior Elevated Elements (E3s) Housing Balcony Inspection (CP1481)

An Exterior Elevated Elements (E3s) Housing Balcony Inspection (CP1481) is a comprehensive inspection of the balcony structure, including the railings, decking, and supports. The inspection is performed to identify any potential hazards or defects that could compromise the safety of the balcony.

The CP1481 inspection is based on a set of standards developed by the Canadian Construction Association (CCA). The standards cover a wide range of topics, including:

  • Design and construction requirements
  • Materials and workmanship requirements
  • Inspection and testing requirements

We are certified E3s inspector, and we have the experience and expertise to perform comprehensive Balcony Bill Inspections. Our team is well-versed in the local, state, and national building codes, including the requirements outlined in CP1481. We provide a thorough assessment of your balcony's structural integrity, materials, and overall safety, identify potential hazards, and recommend necessary repairs or improvements.

Mobile Laboratories

Mobile Laboratories

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) allows our team to examine materials at higher magnifications and with superior resolution than optical microscopes. When equipped with energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometers (EDS), the electron microscope allows in situ determinations of the chemical composition of an area of interest. Our Concrete Insight experts possess extensive experience in the use of SEM/EDS methods to study microstructural aspects of cement hydration and strength development, fly ash quality and characteristics, and durability mechanisms that include sulfate attack, alkali-aggregate reactions, salt weathering and freeze-thaw damage as influenced by deicers.

Asphalt Testing Laboratories

Asphalt Testing Laboratories

Twining’s asphalt testing laboratories house the most cutting-edge testing equipment and are staffed with experienced technicians certified by Caltrans under the independent assurance program. Our testing equipment enables us to perform design, quality assurance/quality control, and research testing services, and includes:

  • Hveem California kneading compactor and Cox and Sons fully automated axial testing systems
  • Marshall mix design and testing
  • Superpave gyratory testing equipment and design
  • Pavement profilograph
  • Moisture sensitivity
  • Rubber binder design profile testing

pavement preservation materials, including bonded wearing courses, open-grade asphalt concrete, chip seals, slurry seals, and cape seals. Twining is also capable of testing emulsion for specification compliance.The asphalt pavement division at Twining often depends on its laboratory to provide accurate and quick turnaround for some of the most critical projects. On the occasion that a project requires on-site testing, the asphalt pavement division maintains a fleet of mobile laboratories that are custom-designed for each project’s needs.

Geotechnical Engineering Laboratories

Geotechnical Engineering Laboratories

Our fully accredited geotechnical engineering laboratory is equipped to perform the standard tests needed in geotechnical engineering evaluations, including but not limited to:

  • In situ density and moisture content
  • Atterberg limits
  • Sieve Analysis
  • Maximum Dry Density
  • Direct Shear
  • Consolidation
  • Expansion Index
  • Sand Equivalent
  • Cleanness Value
  • Soundness
  • R-value

Materials tested are typically obtained from bulk or driven (SPT and Modified California) samples. All laboratory testing operations are overseen by a registered geotechnical engineer. With the large amount of construction-related, time-sensitive work that Twining performs, our laboratory understands the importance of and effectively accomplishes efficient turnaround times for testing.

Construction Materials Testing Laboratories

Construction Materials Testing Laboratories

Our construction materials testing laboratory is capable of testing virtually any structural material utilized in modern construction. Testing is performed by trained and certified technicians per the relevant American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), or California Test Methods (CTM). In addition, custom or modified test procedures can be performed upon request. Some of our testing equipment and capabilities include:

  • Up to 600,000-pound universal test machines
  • Charpy V Notch test apparatus
  • Rockwell hardness testing machines
  • Welding procedure qualification record and welder qualification testing
  • Full range of concrete masonry unit block testing
  • Facilities for chemical and physical analysis of cementitious materials, chloride permeability, and a vast range of specialized tests

In support of steel and metal testing equipment, Twining maintains a complete machine shop. This allows us to make standard test specimens from submitted items. We are capable of testing everything from the size of reduced section coupons to full-scale beam-column connections. The company also has the unique ability to manufacture special fixtures, jigs, and other apparatus as may be required for unique test requirements as they arise.