Laboratory and Technician Certification

The interests of the public are best served when materials and workmanship critical to the structural integrity of structures are monitored through the process of Special Inspections. A Special Inspector is qualified to identify and communicate required corrections or Owner-directed changes before they are built into the structure, to provide prompt responses to contractor's field questions, to expedite corrective measures to address contractor errors, to help build and maintain team communication and working relationships with the contractor, and to reduce misinterpretation of the structural design intent. The extensive on-site presence of one or more Special Inspectors on a construction project is the best means to protect the public, control claims and losses, and improve quality of the completed project.

The International Code Council (ICC) is the predominant organization that provides training and certification for Special Inspectors. GEM is a member of the ICC. Several of our engineers and technicians are ICC certified “Special Inspectors” in the categories of:

1. Spray-applied Fireproofing
2. Structural Masonry
3. Reinforced Concrete
4. Structural Steel and Bolting.

Our policy is that each member of the GEM construction monitoring and engineering staff earns certification in at least one category within their first year of employment.

GEM participates in the AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory (AMRL) and Concrete & Cement Reference Laboratory (CCRL) proficiency sample programs. These two programs involve the delivery of pairs of soil, aggregate and concrete material samples to participating laboratories throughout the country to perform ASTM/AASHTO tests such as standard Proctor, CBR, soil classification, sieve analysis, absorption/specific gravity, and concrete slump, air content, unit weight, temperature, and compressive strength tests. The test results are compiled from all the labs submitting results and then each lab is graded upon the average result of each test method.

GEM is on track to have our testing laboratory inspected and assessed by AMRL and CCRL personnel over the next 12 months to become an accredited lab within these organizations for specific ASTM and AASHTO test methods requested.