Our Testing Method
CBI’s testing quality control process revolves around accurate measuring. We measure:
- Applied loads placed on any component or structure.
- Loads as they pass though the element or assembly.
- All the reaction loads at each of the supports.
Measuring both load-in and load-out ensures we accurately account for all the forces exerted on and moving through the tested assembly.
Our modular testing bay approach is at the heart of CBI’s innovative testing environment, making us truly unique in the marketplace. We like to think of it as the world’s biggest erector set – we modify our lab to meet the needs of your test instead of you tailoring your test to our lab. Inside this highly versatile space, we can test anything from single elements (like an individual nail or fastener) to fully-assembled structures constructed with those elements to gain a complete understanding of the actual performance of each element as it resists the fully-assembled structural system loads.
To collect performance data and perform product load path resistance evaluations, we have constructed multi-story roof and floor systems, with and without the building envelope sheathing/windows.
New product creation, interative R&D and forensic investigation testing have taken place at CBI, where the structural behavior (i.e., load-deformation, deflection, design strength, and ultimate strength evaluation) is monitored with great accuracy.
Contact us for a free needs analysis to get started.
Inspection Services
Efficient Solutions for Cost-Effective Inspections
CBI is certified to perform quality assurance audits and/or special inspections validating conformity of your in-plant quality assurance program or building assemblies as a third party Approved Agency. CBI’s scope of work is listed in its ANAB Certificate of Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17020.
Our goal is to deliver the most efficient inspections possible by leveraging a variety of technologies. Our services can be performed using virtual/remote, in-plant, or in-field inspection procedures depending on the specific needs of each customer.
Quality Assurance (QA) Audits
QA is an important part of successful innovation. While the source of a QA requirement may vary (ISO 9000, evaluation reports, codes, etc.), the goal remains the same: Implementing a systematic process that determines whether a product or service meets specified requirements.
The value of CBI’s team goes beyond determining if a product passes or fails; our inspectors provide a detailed evaluation of every product or process we inspect. Following an audit, CBI staff will provide suggestions for achieving compliance in problem areas, improving processes to maximize efficiency, and pointing out areas of potential liability.
Special Inspections
The International Building Code defines a Special Inspection as: “The inspection of construction requiring the expertise of an approved special inspector to ensure compliance with code and the approved construction documents.”
CBI’s expertise in building industry innovation developments over the last 30 years makes us an obvious fit to perform required third party observations and tests. Our accredited scope for special inspections includes the following areas:
- Engineered Wood Products: Glue-Laminated Beams, I-Joists, and Structural Composite Lumber
- Trusses: Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses, Light Gauge Steel Trusses, and Heavy Timber Trusses
- Panel Products: Wood, Fiberboard, Composite, Gypsum, Foam Plastic Insulating Sheathing, and Magnesium Oxide
- Structural and Building Envelope Assemblies: Foundation, Floor, Wall, and Roof Assemblies; Connections; and Exterior Envelope and Covering
Ready for us to take a closer look? Contact us for a free needs analysis to get started.
CBI can help you leverage the other services provided by the Qualtim family of services for your continued success. Ask us how!
About Us
testing, CBI can wrap its capabilities
around your testing needs.
Innovation and Vision
CBI is one of the few facilities in North America that tests structural assemblies with the entire structure built on top of load cells. While challenging, this method is the best way to demonstrate the flow of loads through a structure. This approach provides in-depth knowledge about the products or connection systems being tested to allow for the development of design properties that accurately resist the necessary loads.
Whether it’s as small as a nail or as large as a 30x80 foot building, CBI is ready to test your product and provide the data you need. We will take the time to understand what test standards and methodology best suit your product and applications. From determining how to carry out your test plan to ensuring you have the most robust and valuable data sets available, CBI’s knowledgeable staff will be by your side to help you understand testing standards, reports, and data to obtain the certifications you need.
CBI is also certified to perform a variety of third party inspection services to validate conformity of your in-plant quality assurance program or building assemblies. In order to deliver the most efficient QA audits and special inspections, we employ a number of technologies to provide virtual/remote, in-plant, or in-field inspection procedures depending on your needs.
Leveraging the Qualtim Family of Services for Your Success
CBI’s extensive background in product development, testing, calibration, engineering, quality assurance, and the construction industry lay the foundation for effective collaboration and project success.
In conjunction with our exceptional capabilities, the other companies in our larger organization use their technical, building code, and market development expertise to:
- Analyze your innovation through the eyes of the specifier and installer to address potential complications before they arise in the field.
- Optimize product performance through greater understanding of load paths.
- Create economical design through system effect knowledge.
- Provide the data needed for code compliance and Professional Engineering certifications.
- Recommend steps to sell your product the day after testing.
- Identify key performance attributes to emphasize in market development efforts.
- Explore opportunities to expand your technical service capabilities and sales potential.
We look forward to introducing you to the other companies in our family of services that complement CBI’s expertise and can help streamline your pathway to success!
Contact us for a free needs analysis to get started.
Learn more about the Qualtim Family of Services and how our expertise can help bring your innovation to market.
Test Standards
Search below by test standard or material type. If you are looking for a specific test standard that is not listed, please contact us at 608-310-6739 for more information as we continue to add new standards.
Standard | Description | Material Type |
---|---|---|
ASTM C1717 | Standard Test Method for Conducting Strength Tests of Masonry Wall Panels | Concrete/Masonry |
ASTM E72 | Standard Test Methods of Conducting Strength Tests of Panels for Building Construction | Wood/Lumber, Concrete/Masonry, Steel/Metal, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
ASTM E73 | Standard Practice for Static Load Testing of Truss Assemblies | Wood/Lumber, Steel/Metal, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
ASTM E330 | Standard Test Method for Structural Performance of Exterior Windows, Doors, Skylights and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference | Wood/Lumber, Concrete/Masonry, Steel/Metal, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
ASTM E455 | Standard Test Method for Static Load Testing of Framed Floor or Roof Diaphragm Constructions for Buildings | Wood/Lumber, Steel/Metal, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
ASTM E519 | Standard Test Method for Diagonal Tension (Shear) in Masonry Assemblages | Concrete/Masonry |
ASTM E564 | Standard Practice for Static Load Test for Shear Resistance of Framed Walls for Buildings | Wood/Lumber, Steel/Metal, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
ASTM E935 | Standard Test Methods for Performance of Permanent Metal Railing Systems and Rails for Buildings | Wood/Lumber, Concrete/Masonry, Steel/Metal, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
ASTM E1592 | Standard Test Method for Structural Performance of Sheet Metal Roof and Siding Systems by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference | Steel/Metal |
ASTM E2126 | Standard Test Methods for Cyclic (Reversed) Load Test for Shear Resistance of Vertical Elements of the Lateral Force Resisting Systems for Buildings | Wood/Lumber, Concrete/Masonry, Steel/Metal, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
ASTM E2127 | Standard Methods of Static Load Test for Combined Tensile and Transverse Load Resistance of Paneled Wall Systems in Building Construction | Wood/Lumber, Concrete/Masonry, Steel/Metal, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
ASTM E2322 | Standard Test Method for Conducting Transverse and Concentrated Load Tests on Panels used in Floor and Roof Construction | Wood/Lumber, Concrete/Masonry, Steel/Metal, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
TPI 2 | Standard for Testing Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses | Wood/Lumber, Concrete/Masonry, Steel/Metal, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
ASTM E331 | Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference | Wood/Lumber, Concrete/Masonry, Steel/Metal, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
ASTM E1105 | Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Doors and WindowsStandard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls, by Uniform or Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference | Wood/Lumber, Concrete/Masonry, Steel/Metal, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
ASTM E783 | Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors | Wood/Lumber, Concrete/Masonry, Steel/Metal, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
ASTM E2273 | Standard Test Method for Determining the Drainage Efficiency of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) Clad Wall Assemblies | Wood/Lumber, Concrete/Masonry, Steel/Metal, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
ACI 355.2 | Qualification of Post-Installed Mechanical Anchors in Concrete | Concrete/Masonry, Steel/Metal |
AISI S904 | Standard Test Methods for Determining the Tensile and Shear Strength of Screws | Steel/Metal |
AISI S905 | Test Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Connections | Steel/Metal |
AISI S912 | Test Standard for Determining the Strength of a Roof Panel-to-Purlin-to-Anchorage Device Connection | Steel/Metal |
AISI S913 | Test Standard for Determining the Strength and Deformation Behavior of Hold-Downs Attached to Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing | Steel/Metal |
AISI S914 | Test Standard for Determining the Strength and Deformation Behavior of Joist Connectors Attached to Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing | Steel/Metal |
AISI S915 | Test Standard for Through-the-Web Punchout Cold-Formed Steel Wall Stud Bridging Connectors | Steel/Metal |
ASTM D1761 | Standard Test Methods for Mechanical Fasteners in Wood and Wood-Based Materials | Wood/Lumber, Steel/Metal, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
ASTM D5652 | Standard Test Methods for Bolted Connections in Wood and Wood-Based Products | Wood/Lumber, Steel/Metal, Composites |
ASTM D7147 | Standard Specification for Testing and Establishing Allowable Loads of Joist Hangers | Wood/Lumber, Concrete/Masonry, Steel/Metal, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
ASTM D7332 | Standard Test Method for Measuring the Fastener Pull-Through Resistance of a Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite | Steel/Metal, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
ASTM E894 | Standard Test Method for Anchorage of Permanent Metal Railing Systems and Rails for Buildings | Wood/Lumber, Concrete/Masonry, Steel/Metal, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
TPI 1 | National Design Standard for Metal Plate Connected Wood Truss Construction | Wood/Lumber, Steel/Metal |
ASTM D143 | Standard Test Methods for Small Clear Specimens of Timber | Wood/Lumber |
ASTM D198 | Standard Test Methods of Static Tests of Lumber in Structural Sizes | Wood/Lumber |
ASTM D1037 | Standard Test Methods for Evaluating Properties of Wood-Base Fiber and Particle Panel Materials | Wood/Lumber |
ASTM D2395 | Standard Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Wood and Wood-Based Materials | Wood/Lumber |
ASTM D2718 | Standard Test Methods for Structural Panels in Planar Shear (Rolling Shear) | Wood/Lumber |
ASTM D2719 | Standard Test Methods for Structural Panels in Shear Through-the-Thickness | Wood/Lumber |
ASTM D3043 | Standard Test Methods for Structural Panels in Flexure | Wood/Lumber |
ASTM D3500 | Standard Test Methods for Structural Panels in Tension | Wood/Lumber |
ASTM D3501 | Standard Test Methods for Wood-Based Structural Panels in Compression | Wood/Lumber |
ASTM D4442 | Standard Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Based Materials | Wood/Lumber |
ASTM D4761 | Standard Test Methods for Mechanical Properties of Lumber and Wood-Base Structural Material | Wood/Lumber |
ASTM D5055 | Standard Specification for Establishing and Monitoring Structural Capacities of Prefabricated Wood I-Joists | Wood/Lumber |
ASTM D5456 | Standard Specification for Evaluation of Structural Composite Lumber Products | Structural Composite Lumber |
ASTM D5764 | Standard Test Method for Evaluating Dowel-Bearing Strength of Wood and Wood-Based Products | Structural Composite Lumber |
ASTM D7672 | Standard Specification for Evaluating Structural Capacities of Rim Board Products and Assemblies | Rim Board Products |
ASTM E661 | Standard Test Method for Performance of Wood and Wood-Based Floor and Roof Sheathing Under Concentrated Static and Impact Loads | Wood-Based Sheathing |
DOC PS 2 | Performance Standard for Wood-Based Structural-Use Panels | Wood-Based Panels |
ASTM C39 (informational, not for acceptance testing) | Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens | Concrete |
ASTM C78 | Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Concrete (Using Simple Beam With Third-Point Loading) | Concrete |
ASTM C109 | Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in Cube Specimens) | Mortar |
ASTM C143 | Standard Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement Concrete | Concrete |
ASTM C293 | Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Concrete (Using Simple Beam With Center-Point Loading) | Concrete |
ASTM C1019 | Standard Test Method for Sampling and Testing Grout for Masonry | Grout for Masonry |
ASTM C1609 | Standard Test Method for Flexural Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (Using Beam With Third-Point Loading) | Fiber-Reinforced Concrete |
ASTM C1611 | Standard Test Method for Slump Flow of Self-Consolidating Concrete | Self-Consolidating Concrete |
ASTM E518 | Standard Test Methods for Flexural Bond Strength of Masonry | Masonry |
AISI S907 | Test Standard for Determining the Strength and Stiffness of Cold-Formed Steel Diaphragms by the Cantilever Test Method | Steel/Metal, Wood/Lumber, Concrete/Masonry, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
AISI S909 | Test Standard for Determining the Web Crippling Strength of Cold-Formed Steel Flexural Members | Steel |
AISI S910 | Test Standard for Determining the Distortional Buckling Strength of Cold-Formed Steel Hat-Shaped Compression Members | Steel |
AISI S911 | Test Standard for Determining the Flexural Strength of Cold-Formed Steel Hat-Shaped Members | Steel |
AISI S916 | Test Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing - Nonstructural Interior Partition Walls with Gypsum Board | Steel, Gypsum Board |
AISI S917 | Test Standard for Determining the Fastener-Sheathing Local Translational Stiffness of Sheathed Cold-Formed Steel Assemblies | Steel/Metal, Wood/Lumber, Concrete/Masonry, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
AISI S918 | Test Standard for Determining the Fastener-Sheathing Rotational Stiffness of Sheathed Cold-Formed Steel Assemblies | Steel/Metal, Wood/Lumber, Concrete/Masonry, Composites, Polymers/Foam/Adhesives |
ASTM A370 | Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products | Steel |
ASTM A931 | Standard Test Method for Tension Testing of Wire Ropes and Strand | Wire Ropes and Strand |
ASTM A1023 | Standard Specification for Stranded Carbon Steel Wire Ropes for General Purposes | Wire Ropes and Strand |
ASTM E8 | Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials | Metal |
ASTM F1575 | Standard Test Method for Determining Bending Yield Moment of Nails | Steel/Metal |
ANSI/ABTG FS100 | Standard Requirements for Wind Pressure Resistance of Foam Plastic Insulating Sheathing Used in Exterior Wall Covering Assemblies | Foam Plastic Sheathing |
ASTM C165 | Standard Test Method for Measuring Compressive Properties of Thermal Insulations | Thermal Insulations |
ASTM C203 | Standard Test Methods for Breaking Load and Flexural Properties of Block-Type Thermal Insulation | Thermal Insulations and Cellular Plastics |
ASTM D638 | Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics | Plastics |
ASTM D903 | Standard Test Method for Peel or Stripping Strength of Adhesive Bonds | Adhesives |
ASTM D1621 | Standard Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid Cellular Plastics | Rigid Cellular Plastics |
ASTM D1622 | Standard Test Method for Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular Plastics | Rigid Cellular Plastics |
ASTM D1623 | Standard Test Method for Tensile and Tensile Adhesion Properties of Rigid Cellular Plastics | Rigid Cellular Plastics |
ASTM D1781 | Standard Test Method for Climbing Drum Peel for Adhesives | Adhesives |
ASTM D2344 | Standard Test Method for Short-Beam Strength of Polymer Matrix Composite Materials and Their Laminates | Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites |
ASTM D5961 | Standard Test Method for Bearing Response of Polymer Matrix Composite Laminates | Polymer Matrix Composite Laminates |
ASTM D7031 | Standard Guide for Evaluating Mechanical and Physical Properties of Wood-Plastic Composite Products | Wood-Plastic Composites |
ASTM D7032 | Standard Specification for Establishing Performance Ratings for Wood-Plastic Composite and Plastic Lumber Deck Boards, Stair Treads, Guards, and Handrails | Wood-Plastic Composite and Plastic Lumber |
ASTM D7568 | Standard Specification for Polyethylene-Based Structural-Grade Plastic Lumber for Outdoor Applications | Polyethylene-Based Structural-Grade Plastic Lumber |
ASTM E2954 | Standard Test Method for Axial Compression Test of Reinforced Plastic and Polymer Matrix Composite Vertical Members | Reinforced Plastic and Polymer Matrix Composite Materials |
ASTM E18 | Standard Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials | Steel/Metal |
Testing Services
Engineered Solutions Through Testing
Whether it’s something as small as a fastener or as large as a 1,200 sq. ft. roof system, every new project at CBI begins with a detailed needs analysis to ensure we understand your goals and challenges, allowing us to successfully identify and implement the best technical solutions for your innovation.
The CBI team works with an unparalleled attention to detail and dedication to accuracy to provide thorough testing that reflects true-to-life installation. Our focus is on knowing how a product performs in the real world to aid in determining accurate design values to resist building code loading conditions. CBI’s ultimate goal is to ensure you have superior knowledge that your product or service offering is equivalent to comparable applications for the purpose intended in quality, strength, effectiveness, durability, and safety.
CBI’s expertise includes but is not limited to installed structural assembly R&D and testing, calibrating test data to establish material properties for use in finite element design programs, and forensic investigations. Our focus is on light-frame commercial (up to and including mid-rise) and residential construction market segments, with testing that specializes in:
- Single elements (nails, fasteners, connectors, etc.)
- Building components (panels, trusses, beams, etc.)
- Full-scale systems and in situ structures
Our testing method uses both traditional standards and our own proprietary approach for application-specific testing. As ASTM E564 states, credible testing “reflects the use of the assembly in actual building constructions.”
And once your testing is complete, CBI can help you leverage the Qualtim family of services for continued success!
Testing Method Get StartedSingle Element Testing
Component Testing
Full-System Testing
Testing Projects
Our Accreditation
The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) is an international accreditation body that has certified that CBI is objective, competent and independent to perform the services as an accredited ISO/IEC 17020 Type A (Third Party) Inspection Body and ISO/IEC 17025 calibration and testing laboratory. As such, CBI is an Approved Agency as defined by the building code.
What does this mean for you?
CBI’s approach to testing uses both traditional standards and our own proprietary approach for application specific testing. As ASTM E564 states, credible testing “reflects the use of the assembly in actual building constructions.”
We test both “building systems” and individual “building elements,” where testing includes:
- Compression
- Deflections
- Tension
- Flexure
Our inspection services use both traditional boots on the ground and our own proprietary approach to the International Code Council’s “Recommended Practices for Remote Virtual Inspections (RVI).”
Services include:
- Client Quality Assurance Program Compliance
- Structural and Building Envelope Assemblies
- Engineered Wood Products
- Trusses
- Panel Products
Inspection Services
CBI continues to grow testing and inspection service expertise where our accreditation is focused on meeting customer needs. Greater detail can be found here:
CBI Accredited Standards Download PDF: CBI ANAB 17025 Accreditation (PDF) Download PDF: CBI ANAB 17020 Accreditation (PDF)