Concrete Testing and Special Inspection

SK Geotechnical Corporation provides special inspection, placement, and post-placement field and laboratory tests of concrete. These tests assist the owner and contractor in evaluating the quality of concrete being placed in the structure. These tests are performed in accordance with the American Concrete Institute (ACI), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and American Association of State and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) testing and inspection methods and procedures. Personnel are based in Billings and Missoula, Montana, but will travel anywhere in Montana and surrounding areas.

Special Inspection

Prior to concrete placement, SK Geotechnical provides inspection of lines and grades, concrete forms, reinforcing steel, and other items critical to assuring quality workmanship and conformance to the project documents. These special inspections are a required construction submittal by the International Building Code (IBC).

SK Geotechnical can also perform concrete mix designs to determine the appropriate "recipe" for the concrete given the proposed application. Determining the appropriate mix design and material quality are of paramount importance when evaluating the life expectancy of the concrete.

On-site field testing during placement of fresh concrete is needed to evaluate compliance with the project specifications. These tests include slump, air content, unit weight, observations of concrete and air temperatures, and the casting of concrete compressive and/or flexural strength test cylinders or beams. Inspections regarding conveyance, placement and consolidation of concrete can also be performed. Testing is performed by American Concrete Institute (ACI) certified technicians.

The information and documentation obtained through special inspection and testing allows SK Geotechnical to provide accurate, reliable results to the owner and contractor. This information is critical to ensure concrete meets plans and specifications as well as building code requirements.

Once the concrete has been placed, SK Geotechnical provides post-placement inspection of concrete finishing, curing, forms, and shoring removal. Testing of hardened concrete to determine floor flatness/levelness, compressive and/or flexural strength may also be performed. Forensic evaluation of distressed concrete is also available. These evaluation services include obtaining core specimens of in-place concrete for compressive strength tests and petrographic analysis tests to determine composition and quality of the in-place concrete.

SK Geotechnical is committed to providing the highest quality services. We understand the unique relationship between all parties involved with a construction project. Cooperation with the various parties that is consistent with the owner's interests, leads to a reduction in costs along with an increase in quality. SK Geotechnical's involvement in the project will assist in producing the best structure possible.