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At Big Apple Group, our construction materials testing laboratory stands as a pillar of quality assurance and quality control in the construction industry. Our comprehensive testing capabilities encompass a wide range of materials including soils, concrete, masonry, asphalt, and aggregates. We are dedicated to ensuring that all design criteria are met, thereby preventing costly delays and setbacks. Our laboratory is equipped to perform a variety of tests, including permeability, strength, consolidation, and index/identification. We also specialize in specialty testing services like window testing, ensuring a thorough examination of construction materials.
Big Apple Group has extensive project experience throughout the Northeastern United States testing construction materials while including everything from routine classification and index tests to sophisticated triaxial shear, permeability, and consolidation tests. Our services also include specific gravity testing, compaction testing, concrete compression test, infiltration test, foundation testing, and testing construction materials and many more.
At Big Apple Group, we offer a broad spectrum of material testing and inspection services during the construction phase. Our goal is to ensure complete compliance with plans, specifications, and industry standards. Our team’s quality assurance and quality control inspections are integral to the successful construction of roads, airports, buildings, and other vital civil infrastructure projects. The expertise of our testing engineers provides an accurate assessment of soil, bedrock, and groundwater conditions, crucial for the foundational strength and integrity of any construction project.
Our commitment to excellence in the field of construction materials testing is unwavering. We utilize state-of-the-art techniques and equipment to provide reliable, detailed analyses of construction materials. Trust Big Apple Group to deliver unparalleled testing services, ensuring that your construction projects are built on a foundation of quality, safety, and compliance.
Equipment and Facilities
Our facility is equipped with state of the art furnaces, sieve shakers, compactors and other equipment that allows the Big Apple Group to provide full-service construction materials testing for both public and private projects.
Big Apple’s lab is fully accredited and licensed to provide construction testing services of concrete, aggregate, soil, asphalt, masonry, and fire resistive materials.
Aggregate quality is established and monitored by performing such laboratory tests as gradation analysis, specific gravity, absorption, soundness, freeze/thaw, abrasion, deleterious substances, and acid solubility.
Asphalt testing is essential in modern construction practices which today require consideration of such factors as durability and adaptability to fast track construction and proper performance under specialized applications. Asphalt concrete mixes can be designed using local materials that best fit roadway and airport needs.
Soil strength and compressibility necessary to support buildings and pavements are highly dependent on the soil plasticity, density, and moisture content. Construction testing services including laboratory tests are performed to define soil properties and identify those soils that do not conform to project specifications. For moisture content, strength and stability, the early identification of issues helps avoid future problems and allows for the correction of problems during construction.
Soil Testing
Environmental Testing
Concrete being poured at any building under construction within New York City is required to be tested to ensure compliance with the project’s structural design requirements. The Big Apple Group provides both onsite concrete inspections and further services at our concrete testing lab. TR2 Technical Reports are submitted to the New York City Department of Buildings prior to the issuance of a building permit. This Technical Report identifies the Big Apple Group as an inspection agency that will perform the concrete testing and inspections. With each inspection, a new TR2 is submitted with accompanying test results to the DOB. This report is also required prior to sign off to certify completion of concrete pouring, sampling and concrete cylinder testing.
When it comes to servicing the needs of the construction industry, no other company is better equipped to provide you a full service Concrete Testing solution than the Big Apple Group.
Concrete mix design is the process of finding right proportions of cement, sand and aggregates for concrete to achieve target strength in structures. The standard for designing a concrete mix is ACI 211.1, Proportions for Normal, Heavyweight, and Mass Concrete.
TR-3 Technical Forms are required to be filed in order to certify the mix designs with the New York City Department of Buildings before your project can begin. The Big Apple Group provides will ensure that concrete mix designs meet your specific requirements while providing a clear cut and efficient certification process throughout the project.
Advanced Technology for Comprehensive Construction Materials Testing
At Big Apple Group, our facilities are outfitted with cutting-edge technology, including advanced furnaces, precision sieve shakers, high-efficiency compactors, and a range of other specialized equipment. This array of modern tools enables us to offer full-scale construction materials testing services, catering to both public and private sector projects with unparalleled efficiency and accuracy.
Fully Accredited and Licensed Laboratory
Our laboratory stands as a beacon of excellence in the construction testing industry, fully accredited and licensed to conduct a wide range of testing services. We specialize in assessing the quality and compliance of various construction materials, including concrete, aggregate, soil, asphalt, masonry, and fire-resistant materials. Our accreditation is a testament to our commitment to upholding the highest standards in construction material testing.
Utilizing our state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, Big Apple Group is dedicated to delivering precise, reliable results. We ensure that all construction materials meet the required safety, quality, and performance standards, thereby contributing to the integrity and success of your construction projects.
Big Apple’s lab is fully accredited and licensed to provide construction testing services of concrete, aggregate, soil, asphalt, masonry, and fire resistive materials.
Aggregate Testing: Ensuring Optimal Material Quality
In the realm of construction, the quality of aggregates plays a pivotal role in determining the integrity and longevity of various structures. At Big Apple Group, we specialize in conducting comprehensive aggregate testing to ensure that these crucial materials meet the highest standards of quality and safety.
Our laboratory is adept at performing a wide range of tests to evaluate the quality and suitability of aggregates for construction purposes. These tests include:
Gradation Analysis: This test determines the particle size distribution of aggregates. It’s essential for ensuring that the aggregates have the correct gradation to achieve the desired compactness and strength in construction projects.
Specific Gravity Testing: By measuring the specific gravity of aggregates, we assess their density compared to water. This test is crucial for understanding the weight and volume properties of the aggregates, impacting the overall stability of the construction.
Absorption Testing: This test measures the amount of water absorbed by aggregates. It’s vital for evaluating the porosity of aggregates, which can influence the durability and strength of the construction materials.
Soundness Testing: Through this test, we determine the aggregate’s resistance to weathering and disintegration, particularly important in ensuring long-term structural integrity.
Freeze/Thaw Testing: This test assesses the aggregate’s ability to withstand freeze-thaw cycles, an essential factor in maintaining the durability of structures in climates with temperature fluctuations.
Abrasion Testing: We evaluate the resistance of aggregates to wear and tear, a key aspect in determining their suitability for high-traffic areas and surfaces.
Testing for Deleterious Substances: This test identifies harmful substances within aggregates that could compromise the quality and safety of the construction.
Acid Solubility Testing: By determining the solubility of aggregates in acid, we can assess their purity and potential reactivity, which are crucial for the structural integrity of construction projects.
Our approach to aggregate testing is meticulous and adheres to the industry’s highest standards, ensuring that all aggregates used in construction projects are robust, durable, and reliable. Trust Big Apple Group for comprehensive aggregate testing services, where quality and precision are at the forefront of our mission.
Asphalt Mixture Testing: Ensuring Durability and Performance in Construction
In the dynamic field of modern construction, asphalt testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the durability, adaptability, and overall performance of construction materials, especially in fast-paced and specialized applications. At Big Apple Group, we understand the importance of designing asphalt concrete mixes that are tailored to local materials, thereby optimally meeting the specific needs of roadways and airports.
Our comprehensive asphalt mixture testing services include:
Extraction/AC Content Testing: This test determines the asphalt cement content in the mixture, an essential factor for ensuring the mix’s stability and longevity. Proper AC content is crucial for the asphalt’s binding and waterproofing properties.
Bulk Specific Gravity Testing: By measuring the bulk specific gravity of the asphalt mixture, we assess its density and compactness. This test is vital for understanding how the asphalt will perform under various loads and traffic conditions.
Maximum Specific Gravity Gradation Testing: This analysis evaluates the maximum theoretical density of the asphalt mixture. It’s a key factor in understanding the void content and the potential for compaction of the asphalt mix.
Air Voids Testing: Determining the air voids in the asphalt mixture is critical for assessing its potential to withstand traffic loads and weather conditions. Proper air void content is necessary to ensure durability and prevent premature deterioration.
At Big Apple Group, our asphalt mixture testing services are designed to provide a thorough analysis of the asphalt’s properties, ensuring that it meets the rigorous demands of modern construction practices. With our focus on quality and precision, you can trust us to deliver asphalt testing solutions that contribute to the creation of durable, high-performance roadways and airport surfaces.
Laboratory Services
In the construction industry, the analysis of soil properties is fundamental to the success and longevity of any project. Big Apple Group’s Laboratory Services are dedicated to providing comprehensive soil testing, utilizing advanced techniques and methodologies to ensure accurate and reliable results. Our array of services includes key tests vital for assessing the suitability of soil for construction projects.
Soil Classification: This fundamental test categorizes soil based on its physical properties, such as size, shape, and texture. Understanding soil classification is crucial for determining its behavior under various construction scenarios.
Strength Parameters Testing: We measure the strength of soil, including its shear strength, which is essential for understanding how soil will bear loads and pressures from structures.
Consolidation Testing: This test assesses the soil’s ability to settle and compress over time under load, a critical factor in evaluating the potential for foundation settlement.
Compaction Testing: We determine the soil’s optimal moisture content and density required for achieving maximum compaction, ensuring a stable and robust foundation for construction.
Permeability Testing: Assessing the rate at which water passes through soil layers, this test is crucial for understanding drainage characteristics and the potential for soil erosion.
Soil Cement Testing: Evaluating the soil’s compatibility with cement, this test is essential for projects involving soil stabilization and soil-cement mixtures.
Triaxial Testing: This advanced test measures the mechanical properties of soil under simulated conditions, providing insights into its behavior under different stress states.
Relative Density Testing: We determine the relative density of granular soils, essential for assessing their compactness and stability in construction applications.
Our Laboratory Services are designed to provide in-depth insights into soil properties, ensuring that every construction project is built on a solid and secure foundation. With Big Apple Group’s expertise in soil testing, you can confidently proceed with your construction projects, knowing that the ground beneath is thoroughly analyzed for quality, safety, and compliance with industry standards.
Soil & Environmental Testing: Comprehensive Analysis for Construction and Environmental Safety
At Big Apple Group, we recognize the critical role that soil and environmental testing play in ensuring the safety, stability, and compliance of construction projects. Our testing services are designed to thoroughly assess soil characteristics and environmental factors, providing vital information necessary for successful project completion.
Soil Testing Services
ASTM D422 – Hydrometer Analysis: Determines the particle size distribution of fine-grained soils, essential for understanding soil gradation and composition.
ASTM D4318 – Soil Cohesion Testing: Assesses the cohesive properties of soil, crucial for evaluating its ability to support structures.
Atterberg Limits Testing: Determines the plasticity and consistency limits of soil, indicating its behavior under varying moisture conditions.
ASTM D698 – Standard Proctor Test: Establishes the soil compaction parameters, critical for achieving optimal soil density and strength.
ASTM D1557 – Modified Proctor Test: Determines the maximum soil compaction level for heavier and larger construction projects.
ASTM C40 – Organic Impurities Test: Identifies organic impurities in soils, which can affect soil strength and stability.
ASTM C114 – Loss on Ignition Test: Measures the organic matter content in soils, crucial for understanding soil composition and quality.
ASTM C142 – Clay Lumps and Friable Particles Test: Assesses the presence of undesirable particles in soils, impacting soil quality and performance.
ASTM C136 – Sieve Analysis with Wash: Determines the gradation of soils, essential for understanding soil structure and suitability for construction.
ASTM C29 – Loose Bulk Density Test: Measures the bulk density of soils, indicating compaction and load-bearing capacity.
ASTM C127 – Specific Gravity Test: Assesses the density of soils compared to water, crucial for understanding soil properties.
ASTM C88 – Soundness Test: Evaluates the durability of aggregates within the soil under weathering conditions.
ASTM C131 – LA Abrasion Test: Determines the abrasion resistance of aggregates, indicative of soil wear and degradation potential.
ASTM D4791 – Flat and Elongated Particles Test: Assesses the shape characteristics of soil particles, impacting soil behavior and performance.
ASTM D3080 – Direct Shear Test: Measures the shear strength of soil, a critical factor in soil stability and support.
ASTM D4972 – PH Testing: Determines the acidity or alkalinity of soil, affecting nutrient availability and metal mobility.
ASTM F1647 – Organic Content Test: Measures the amount of organic matter in soil, essential for understanding soil health and composition.
ASTM D5856 – Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity Test: Assesses the rate of water movement through soil, crucial for drainage and erosion control.
Environmental Testing Services
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Testing: Identifies the presence of VOCs, which can have significant health and environmental impacts.
Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) Testing (including PAHs): Determines the concentration of SVOCs like Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, crucial for environmental and health assessments.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Metals Testing: Assesses the presence of hazardous metals as defined by RCRA regulations.
Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) Metals Testing: Evaluates the potential for metals to leach from soils and pose environmental risks.
R-I-C and PCBs Testing: Detects restricted, banned, and controlled substances, including Polychlorinated Biphenyls, in soils.
Our Soil & Environmental Testing services at Big Apple Group are designed to provide comprehensive and accurate assessments, ensuring that your construction projects meet all regulatory requirements and environmental safety standards. Trust us for detailed and reliable testing services that support the integrity and sustainability of your projects.
Concrete Testing TR-2 (NYC): Ensuring Compliance and Quality in Construction
In the fast-paced and stringent construction landscape of New York City, concrete testing is a critical component, mandated to ensure that all concrete work aligns with the project’s structural design requirements. Big Apple Group stands at the forefront of this sector, providing comprehensive onsite concrete inspections and advanced testing services at our specialized concrete testing laboratory.
TR2 Technical Reports: A Key Compliance Tool Our services include the preparation and submission of TR2 Technical Reports to the New York City Department of Buildings. These reports are crucial for obtaining building permits and are a testament to Big Apple Group’s role as an approved inspection agency responsible for conducting thorough concrete testing and inspections. With each inspection, we update the TR2 with the latest test results, ensuring ongoing compliance and transparency with the DOB. This report is also a mandatory requirement for the final certification of concrete pouring, sampling, and concrete cylinder testing, marking the completion of this critical construction phase.
Comprehensive Concrete Testing Services Big Apple Group’s concrete testing solutions encompass a wide range of tests, adhering to ASTM standards, to ensure the highest quality and safety of concrete used in construction projects:
ASTM C42 – Compressive Strength Testing: This test determines the compressive strength of concrete, a fundamental property for assessing its load-bearing capacity.
ASTM C457 – Air Content Testing: Evaluates the air content in concrete, crucial for understanding its durability and resistance to freeze-thaw cycles.
ASTM C1218 – Chloride Testing: Determines the chloride content in concrete, essential for assessing the risk of corrosion in steel reinforcements.
ASTM C666 – Freeze-Thaw Testing: Assesses concrete’s durability under freeze-thaw conditions, ensuring its longevity and structural integrity in variable climates.
ASTM C1202 – Carbonation Testing: Measures the concrete’s susceptibility to carbonation, a process that can affect its durability and strength.
ASTM C856 – Petrographic Analysis: Provides a detailed analysis of concrete’s microscopic composition, crucial for identifying potential issues in its makeup.
At Big Apple Group, we pride ourselves on being the industry leader in providing end-to-end Concrete Testing solutions, tailored to meet the rigorous demands of New York City’s construction industry. Our commitment to precision, compliance, and excellence ensures that your construction projects are built on a foundation of quality, meeting all necessary standards and requirements. Trust us for unparalleled concrete testing services, where accuracy and compliance are our top priorities.
Concrete Mix Design TR-3 (NYC): Precision and Compliance in Construction
In the realm of modern construction, particularly in the demanding environment of New York City, the creation of a concrete mix that meets specific strength and durability requirements is crucial. Big Apple Group specializes in the art and science of concrete mix design, ensuring each blend of cement, sand, and aggregates is perfectly proportioned to achieve the desired strength in various structures. Our approach adheres to the ACI 211.1 standard, which outlines the guidelines for Proportions for Normal, Heavyweight, and Mass Concrete, ensuring every mix meets the highest industry standards.
TR-3 Technical Forms: Your Gateway to Project Commencement To initiate any construction project in New York City, filing TR-3 Technical Forms is a mandatory step. These forms serve as a certification of the concrete mix designs with the New York City Department of Buildings. Big Apple Group excels in streamlining this certification process, guaranteeing that your concrete mix designs not only meet your specific project requirements but also comply fully with NYC building regulations.
Ensuring Mix Design Excellence and Efficiency Our expertise in concrete mix design encompasses:
Customized Mix Proportions: Tailoring the mix of cement, sand, and aggregates to achieve the target strength and durability for your specific construction needs.
ACI 211.1 Standard Compliance: Adhering to the rigorous standards set forth by ACI for various types of concrete, ensuring quality and consistency.
Efficient Certification Process: Guiding you smoothly through the TR-3 technical form filing and certification process, ensuring no delays in your project commencement.
Expert Consultation: Providing expert advice and solutions to meet the unique challenges of your construction project, from start to finish.
At Big Apple Group, we are committed to delivering concrete mix designs that not only meet the stringent requirements of the New York City Department of Buildings but also enhance the strength, durability, and sustainability of your construction projects. Our meticulous approach to concrete mix design TR-3 certification ensures that your project is built on a solid foundation, ready to withstand the test of time and conditions. Trust us to be your partner in achieving construction excellence.
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