Council Bluffs, Iowa – When it comes to construction, confidence starts with what’s beneath the surface and continues with the quality of materials above the surface. At Schemmer, our Construction Materials Testing (CMT) lab plays a crucial role in ensuring that what’s been engineered and designed is built to meet project design requirements.

So, what kind of testing is happening behind the scenes? Quite a bit, actually.

Our certified team of experienced lab technicians, supported by licensed geotechnical, structural, and civil engineers, perform a wide range of testing methods for private clients and public agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. We’re equipped to handle the unique needs of each project with the responsiveness and reliability that only local expertise can deliver.

A Closer Look at What We Test:

From the ground up, our personnel handle testing within the laboratory and at construction sites for the following:

• Soil and Bedrock Subgrade – Test for all portions of design and construction:
  • Design Assistance:
    • Sample soil and rock as directed by geotechnical engineers
    •  Measuring physical properties required by engineers for designing structure supports.
  • During Construction:
    • Sample soil and rock aggregates
    • Determine the materials meet project requirements
    • Determine materials are properly installed
  • Post Construction:
    • Sample within building and below structures.
    • Measure properties of soil and rock for forensic analyses by engineers.
• Embankments and Excavations:
  • Soil and other materials meet specifications
  • Materials are properly placed
• Foundation Installation:
  • Deep, intermediate, and shallow
  • Check size, materials, and correct placement position
• Construction Building Materials: Determine correct materials are used, materials meet project requirements, and materials are properly installed.  Materials tested include:
  • Concrete, Grout, and Mortar – Mix design and strength testing.
  • Concrete reinforcement steel – Proper size and position.
  • Structural framing steel – proper size and position
  • Structural steel and structural concrete joints.
    • Welds
    • Bolts.
  • Structural masonry – Strength and installation
  • Brick
  • Tilt up walls – fasteners to structure steel and wall materials.
  • Fireproofing – proper thickness
  • Damp proofing
  • Base materials below floors – proper materials and installation
  • Synthetic (plastic or other) inclusions within soil and concrete
• Pavement: Portland Cement and Asphalt
  • Verifying materials properties
  • Verify correct thickness quality
• Pre-Manufactured Products: Confirming materials delivered to site have paperwork meeting specifications before they’re installed
• Specialized Services: Inspections and materials testing for
  • Pile driving,
  • Auger placed piles,
  • Rammed aggregate piers,
  • Mini piles,
  • Geosynthetics (placement of plastics and polymers into soil and concrete)
  • Soil retaining walls
    • Segmental block with structural backfill
    • Free-standing block
    • Reinforced concrete
  • Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) inspections
  • Levee embankments and levee control structures
  • Proper sampling of potentially contaminated soil and groundwater for analysis by an outside chemical laboratory
  • Floor slab moisture condition testing – for flooring coatings and adhesives.
  • Assisting Engineers in materials testing for forensic evaluations

Insights From the Field: A Conversation With Loras Klostermann

We asked Loras Klostermann, Schemmer’s Manager of Geotechnical Engineering, to give us a deeper look at why this work matters and what it looks like in action.

Q: What’s one thing most people don’t realize about material testing?

“There’s a misconception that material testing slows down the Contractor or adds red tape. But in reality, our testing protects everyone: Owner, Designer, and Contractor by proving the work was done according to the plans. In fact, our testing has cleared Contractors from blame when issues arose, because the documentation showed they did everything right.”

Q: Can you share a real-world example where testing caught an issue early?

“We were testing mortar strength on a new masonry wall at Iowa Western Community College when results came back much too low. Turns out, there was a problem with one of the mortar ingredients. Because our testing was routine and timely, we caught the issue before additional construction happened on top of that wall. Only part of it had to be replaced—saving time, cost, and potentially even safety down the line.”

Q: What are you looking for in the field to know a material will perform?

“It depends on the material, but experienced technicians know what’s normal. For example, we know soil density around here typically ranges from 80 to 115 pounds per cubic foot. We also observe with more than instruments: moisture content, how the soil feels when rolled between the fingers, how equipment behaves on it. And no, we don’t taste the soil anymore. That ended about 60 years ago!”

Certified for Excellence

Our lab is validated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and certified by both the Nebraska Department of Transportation and Iowa Department of Transportation. Our technicians hold professional certifications from ACI, ICC, and state agencies, covering all the testing procedures performed by Schemmer’s Construction Materials Testing (CMT) personnel. We also participate in annual nationwide proficiency sample testing as part of our commitment to quality and certification requirements.

At Schemmer, we don’t just test materials, we verify that every part of your project is built with integrity. That’s how you build with confidence.

SCHEMMER – DESIGN WITH PURPOSE. BUILD WITH CONFIDENCE.

At Schemmer, we believe that great design goes beyond structures, it strengthens communities. As a full-service architecture, engineering, and construction field services consultant, we deliver innovative solutions that enhance the built environment and improve lives.

Since 1959, we have been shaping the future while honoring our legacy. With eight offices across five states in the Midwest, our expertise reaches coast-to-coast, bringing thoughtful, sustainable, and impactful solutions to every project.

Our Comprehensive Services:

• Architecture
• Structural Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Site/Civil Engineering
• Transportation Engineering
• Water/Wastewater Engineering
• Surveying
• Interior Design
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Field Services

At Schemmer, we don’t just design—we create lasting impact. Let’s design a better future together.

Contact Us Today!