CERTIFICATION SUPPORT FOR STRUCTURAL PRODUCTS

The Structures and Materials Lab (SML) provides ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing and engineering documentation that supports product certification and code approval.

Final certifications (such as ICC-ES Evaluation Reports or DOT approvals) are issued by the governing authority. However, our testing programs and technical reports are structured specifically to meet the requirements of:

• ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria

• International Building Code (IBC) pathways

• State and transportation agency approval programs

• Project-specific performance specifications

We work closely with manufacturers to ensure their testing aligns with the intended certification pathway from the start.

Yes. One of our primary roles is to assist manufacturers in identifying:

• The correct acceptance criteria

• Applicable ASTM or ACI standards

• Required seismic or durability protocols

• Statistical data requirements

• Documentation needed for submittal

Before testing begins, we conduct a technical review to reduce the risk of incomplete or non-compliant test programs.

Yes. We provide accredited testing aligned with ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria, including:

• FRP reinforcement systems

• Anchor systems (mechanical and adhesive)

• Strengthening systems

• Post-tensioning anchorages

• Structural connectors

Our reports are formatted and structured to facilitate submittal to ICC-ES and similar evaluation agencies.

Yes. We perform accredited anchor system qualification testing under standards such as ACI 355.2, ACI 355.4, and ASTM E488.

Testing may include:

• Tension and shear capacity

• Cracked and uncracked concrete evaluation

• Seismic simulation

• Sustained load (creep) testing

• Elevated temperature conditioning

• Installation sensitivity studies

Our engineering team ensures that anchor testing programs align with building code and evaluation agency requirements.

Yes. SML is nationally recognized for FRP bar and composite system testing, including:

• Tensile and bond performance

• Creep rupture and fatigue

• Alkali resistance

• Durability and environmental conditioning

• Bent bar strength and splice behavior

We support domestic and international manufacturers seeking U.S. market entry and code compliance.

Yes. We are an FDOT-recognized laboratory and regularly support transportation product qualification programs.

We assist manufacturers with:

• Product performance validation

• Laboratory qualification testing

• Documentation preparation

• Ongoing verification requirements

Our experience in infrastructure and marine environments is particularly valuable for transportation-related systems.

Yes. We frequently work with manufacturers developing new or proprietary structural systems.

We provide:

• Pilot testing and feasibility studies

• Custom test protocol development

• Performance benchmarking

• Failure mode evaluation

• Engineering-based recommendations

Our university-based research environment allows us to support technically complex or non-traditional products.

In certain cases, yes. Some test methods within our ISO 17025 scope are approved for off-site (witness) testing.

Additionally, as an ISO 17020 accredited inspection body, we can perform:

• In-plant quality audits

• Manufacturing verification inspections

• Follow-up compliance reviews

• Sampling and traceability assessments

This integrated model helps streamline certification and ongoing compliance.

• ISO 17025 accredited testing laboratory

• ISO 17020 accredited inspection body

• University-based engineering expertise

• National leadership in FRP and advanced materials

• Integrated laboratory + inspection capability

• Research-informed methodologies

• Licensed Professional Engineers

We combine academic rigor with practical engineering application to support defensible, approval-ready documentation.