Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail
Apple Valley, MN · Sports & Recreation · 2025 · Client: Minnesota Zoo
Project details
Construction observation, inspection, and testing for an innovative elevated trail feature at the Minnesota Zoo.
Critical investigations, testing, analysis, and design for a more certain world
American Engineering Testing, Inc. (AET) is a multi-office consulting practice headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, with more than 50 years of experience providing geotechnical, pavement, forensic, environmental, and construction-materials testing services. AET operates 19 independent construction-materials testing laboratories across Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, several of which are AASHTO accredited and USACE validated, and can mobilize teams to most US states. AET's Petrography Group is the largest in North America. AET is a national leader in research-based construction-materials testing standards and has provided construction materials testing, pavement engineering, and forensic services internationally.
AASHTO Accredited Laboratories · USACE Validated Laboratories
Rita ZinnVice President of Strategy & Growth
Matthew SemeradPrincipal Project Manager, Construction Services
Zachary AnunsonDirector of Field Services, MN
Kristen YatesWestern Dakotas Area Manager
Chris BraatenSenior Petrographer
Construction observation, testing, inspection, and quality-assurance support for buildings and infrastructure across all 50 states, including pre-planning, material verification, special inspections, and project-closeout documentation.
Field and laboratory testing, workmanship observation, and special inspections to verify compliance with design documents and project specifications.
Operation of 19 independent laboratories testing soils, aggregates, asphalt, concrete, mortar, cementitious materials, sealants, coatings, and admixtures.
Providing steel and concrete inspections, field density testing, proof rolling, and floor flatness testing to verify conformance with approved design criteria.
Supporting roadway and heavy civil construction projects through earthwork and utility observation, rebar inspections, and concrete testing on bridges, dams, levees, and utility projects.
Providing testing, inspection, and management support for design-build, CMAR, CMGC, and public-private partnership contracts.
Geotechnical investigations, in-situ testing, laboratory testing, engineering design, and consultation to evaluate subsurface conditions and reduce construction risk. Notable project experience includes major sports arenas, high-rise buildings, major river bridges, and large transportation projects across the upper Midwest.
Evaluating subsurface conditions, soil characteristics, and geological hazards to assess site suitability and identify potential constructability risks.
Analyzing retaining walls, embankments, and slopes to develop design recommendations for stabilization and landslide risk mitigation.
Providing recommendations and design support for shallow and deep foundations, pile testing, and ground improvement techniques.
Installing and managing monitoring systems to track structural movements, vibrations, and site conditions during nearby construction projects.
Conducting field drilling, in-situ testing, and laboratory soil testing to gather critical geotechnical design data.
Consulting on roadway and pavement performance supported by asphalt and concrete testing, mix design, and research.
Analyzing and designing pavements for roadways and infrastructure, backed by research and industry software.
Testing materials and developing mix designs to optimize pavement longevity, suit material availability, and meet project budgets.
Evaluations, structural inspections, testing, and design services for both existing and new structures.
Investigating and testing building facades, roofing, and waterproofing systems to maximize performance and prevent failures.
Assessing structural integrity and conducting testing and design for renovations, repairs, or redevelopments.
Site-condition, contaminant, compliance, and remedial-action support for environmental risk management.
Evaluating site history, potential contaminants, and environmental liabilities to support property acquisitions and redevelopments.
Assisting facilities with regulatory permitting, compliance audits, and ongoing environmental reporting requirements.
Measuring stack emissions and conducting air quality testing to demonstrate regulatory compliance.
Investigational consulting and analysis to identify root causes of material performance issues, structural defects, and construction disputes.
Providing technical investigations, clear analysis, and expert testimony to help resolve construction-related legal disputes.
Evaluation methods used to assess structural materials, weld integrity, and concrete internal conditions without causing damage.
Applying ultrasonic, magnetic particle, radiographic, and other advanced testing methods in the field to inspect infrastructure.
Testing services supporting construction materials, geotechnical, petrographic, chemistry, and product-performance investigations.
Utilizing microscopical and mineralogical techniques to unlock the reasons for performance deficiencies in aggregates, concrete, and construction materials.
Performing chemical testing on building materials, coatings, admixtures, and environmental samples.
Analyzing soil, water, and waste samples for potential environmental contaminants and hazardous substances.
Evaluating physical and mechanical properties of aggregates to verify compliance with DOT and industry standards.
Testing cementitious materials, mortar, and concrete specimens to assess strength, durability, and performance.
Testing asphalt binders, mixtures, and aggregates to support pavement design and quality control.
Performing permeability, consolidation, and shear testing on soils and rock to support engineering design.
Agriculture · Commercial · Transportation · Highways & Roads · Bridges · Rail · Transit · Airports · Infrastructure · Government · Defense · Industrial · Telecommunications · Oil & Gas · Wind · Biomass & Bioenergy · Historic Preservation · Sports & Recreation
Apple Valley, MN · Sports & Recreation · 2025 · Client: Minnesota Zoo
Construction observation, inspection, and testing for an innovative elevated trail feature at the Minnesota Zoo.
Blue Earth, MN · Highways & Roads
Pavement engineering and materials support for a concrete pavement overlay project near Blue Earth, Minnesota.
Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands · Defense · Client: US Military
Geotechnical and construction materials support for the US military restoration of North Field on Tinian.