OVERVIEW OF CONCRETE TESTING

The New York City Department of Buildings requires structural concrete, used at any building under construction in NYC to be tested in a licensed laboratory. To verify the quality of the concrete, technical professionals test the sample and determine if strength, composition, and components meet the design requirements.

Requirements

Before receiving a permit, applicants must complete two Technical Reports, the TR2 and TR3, to record and identify characteristics of the concrete being used. The TR2 contains information denoting the concrete pouring, sampling, and compression test cylinders, along with the name of the laboratory that will be responsible for performing the testing services. It is necessary to submit the final TR2 prior to signoff to confirm that the test cylinders have been properly tested and meet the design criteria. The TR3 provides information regarding the concrete mix that will be used for the project. This report must be signed by the Design Applicant, Building Owner, and Concrete Producer.

Quality Control and Regulation

All concrete testing results must be conclusive for that concrete to be used on a job site. If the concrete test results are inconclusive, it is necessary to have the concrete retested. Once the sample is determined to meet the design requirements, a construction signoff can be provided. The New York City Department of Buildings is dedicated to safety and service of the workers, builders, and inhabitants of buildings across New York City. The New York City Department of Buildings regulates the lawful use of buildings and construction sites by analyzing and reviewing building plans to ensure compliance with regulations. Offering education and outreach programs, the organization focuses on continuing development to demonstrate how all New Yorkers, including visitors and commuters, are being provided efficient and safe service.

concrete testing

Frequently Asked Questions

The concrete mix information is provided by the concrete testing laboratory that designed the mix.
The TR2 and TR3 must be signed by two separate licensed concrete testing laboratories, each certified and qualified to provide the service. The same laboratory that designed the mix (TR3) cannot perform the field testing (TR2).
Testing required may be waived by the registered design professional who prepared the approved structural construction documents when such waiver is specifically indicated on such construction documents in the following cases: Where the total concrete placement on a given project is less than 50 cubic yards (38.2 m3). Isolated spread concrete footings of R-3 buildings three stories or less above grade plan that are fully supported on earth or rock. Continuous concrete footings supporting walls of R-3 buildings three stories or less above grade plan that are fully supported on earth or rock where the structural design of the footing is based on a specified compressive strength, f’c, no greater than 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi) (17.2 Mpa), and the compressive strength used in the footing construction is at least 4,000 psi (27.6 Mpa).
The initial TR2 and the TR3 must be submitted prior to obtaining the permit. The final TR2 must be submitted prior to sign-off.
All testing and sampling must be performed by a licensed laboratory. The contractor cannot make the cylinders, nor can a third-party bring the cylinders to the laboratory. Chain of custody must be maintained throughout the testing process.