TESTING SERVICES
ISO 17025 accredited materials testing delivering traceable, impartial results for regulatory compliance, manufacturing QC, product certification, and research applications.
UNDERSTANDING ACCREDITATION
What ISO 17025 Means for Your Project
ISO/IEC 17025 is the global benchmark for testing laboratory competence. As an IAS-accredited laboratory (TL-478), the Structures and Materials Lab operates under a comprehensive quality management system that ensures:
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Technical Competence
Personnel, equipment, and methodologies independently verified
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Traceability
Measurements traceable to national/international standards
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Impartiality
Independent operation free from conflict of interest
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Global Recognition
Results accepted by ILAC signatories worldwide
CORE TESTING CAPABILITIES
Comprehensive testing services supporting structural engineering, materials qualification, and regulatory compliance across concrete, composites and advanced materials.
MATERIALS TESTING AND ANALYSIS
Comprehensive characterization of construction materials, composites, and non-metallic systems using ASTM-compliant test methods.
- Concrete compressive, tensile, and flexural strength testing
- FRP and composite tensile, compressive, and shear properties
- Elastic Modulus and Poisson's ratio determination
- Material constituent analysis (fiber/matrix content)
- Durability testing (freeze-thaw, moisture absorption)
- Pultruded profiles and FRP reinforcing bar qualification
- Polymer matrix composite characterization
- FDOT product approval testing for non-metallic materials
STRUCTURAL TESTING AND ANALYSIS
Full-scale and component-level structural performance testing to validate design assumptions and verify code compliance.
- Full-scale structural member testing (beams, columns, slabs)
- Lod-deflection performance characterization
- Connection and anchorage testing
- Cyclic and fatigue loading protocols
- Post-installed anchor testing (ACI 355.2)
- Fiber-reinforced concrete flexural performance (ASTM C1609)
- Structural component qualification testing
- Hybrid structural system evaluation
NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING (NDT)
Non-invasive evaluation techniques for in-situ material characterization and condition assessment without damaging the structure.
- Dynamic modulus testing (ASTM E1876)
- Ultrasonic pulse velocity testing
- Rebound hammer testing
- Concrete core extraction and testing (ASTM C42)
- Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for rebar location
- Infrared thermography
- Crack mapping and deterioration assessment
- Field testing coordination with laboratory analysis
ASTM TESTING
Extensive portfolio of ASTM International test methods within our ISO 17025 scope of accreditation.
- ASTM C39 - Concrete compressive strength
- ASTM C78/C293 - Concrete flexural strength
- ASTM C3039 - Tensile properties of composites
- ASTM D7205 - FRP reinforcing bar tensile properties
- ASTM E8 - Metallic materials tensile testing
- ASTM D570 - Moisture absorption
- ASTM 2584 - Fiber content
- ASTM E2160 - Degree of cure
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Collaborative R&D support for innovative materials, novel structural systems, and cutting-edge construction technologies.
- Custom test protocol development
- Advanced materials characterization
- Long-term durability and accelerated aging studies
- Failure analysis and forensic investigation
- Sustainable infrastructure material development
- High-performance concrete mix optimization
- FRP and composite system innovation
- Resilient construction technology validation
- University and industry R&D partnerships
- Technical consulting and expert analysis
OUR TESTING PROCESS
FAQ
Common Questions
Get answers about our testing services.
The Structures and Materials Lab (SML) at the University of Miami is an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited testing laboratory (IAS TL-478).
This accreditation confirms technical competence, validated ASTM and ACI test methods, calibrated equipment, and strict quality control procedures.
We also operate as an ISO/IEC 17020 accredited inspection body, allowing us to integrate testing and inspection under one quality system.
We provide comprehensive construction materials testing and structural materials testing, including:
Concrete (fresh and hardened)
Cement and aggregates
Masonry materials
Structural steel
Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bars and composites
Polymer matrix composites
Anchors and strengthening systems
Nonmetallic reinforcement systems
Our laboratory supports infrastructure, transportation, commercial, and marine projects.
Yes. We perform extensive ASTM-accredited testing, including (but not limited to):
ASTM C39 – Compressive Strength of Concrete
ASTM C42 – Concrete Core Testing
ASTM C143 – Slump Testing
ASTM C231 – Air Content
ASTM D7205 – Tensile Properties of FRP Bars
ASTM D7913 – Bond Strength of FRP Bars to Concrete
ASTM C666 – Freeze-Thaw Resistance
ASTM C1583 – Pull-Off Bond Strength
All methods are performed under our ISO 17025 scope of accreditation.
This accreditation is globally recognized through the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (ILAC MRA), to which SML is a signatory, providing international acceptance of test results.
Yes. We are nationally recognized for FRP bar testing and composite materials evaluation, including:
Tensile strength and modulus testing
Creep rupture testing
Alkali resistance testing
Bond strength testing
Fatigue performance
Durability and environmental exposure
We also support ICC-ES evaluation reports and product approval testing for FRP systems.
Yes. SML is an FDOT-recognized laboratory for product approval and evaluation of non-metallic materials and systems.
We regularly support transportation and infrastructure projects throughout Florida and beyond.
Yes. Our structural testing services include:
Tension, compression, and flexural testing
Structural component performance testing
Anchor qualification testing (ACI 355.2 / 355.4)
Seismic qualification testing (IEEE standards)
Sandwich panel and composite beam testing
We support engineers, manufacturers, and infrastructure owners requiring performance validation.
Yes. We provide non-destructive testing (NDT) services, including:
Ultrasonic pulse velocity
Pull-off testing
Surface hardness testing
Bond strength testing
Condition assessment support
NDT services can be integrated with inspection or performed as standalone testing.
Yes. We support:
ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria testing (AC454, AC125, AC178, and others)
Manufacturer qualification programs
Code compliance verification
Product research and development
Custom test protocol development
As part of the University of Miami College of Engineering, we bridge academic research with real-world infrastructure applications.
Yes. Certain methods within our ISO 17025 accreditation are approved for off-site (witness) testing.
Contact us to confirm eligibility for your specific test program.
ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
ISO 17020 accredited inspection body
University-based research expertise
Advanced FRP and nonmetallic reinforcement specialization
State-of-the-art facilities and equipment
Licensed Professional Engineers
Documented and traceable reports
We combine academic rigor with industry-grade performance validation.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you need a single test or a comprehensive testing program, our team is ready to help.