American Engineering Testing, Inc.

Critical investigations, testing, analysis, and design for a more certain world

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About the firm

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.

Established
1976
Firm type
Geotechnical Engineering · Environmental Engineering · Transportation Engineering · Forensic Engineering · Materials Testing

Credentials

AASHTO Accredited Laboratories · USACE Validated Laboratories

People

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

Capabilities

Construction Services

Service website

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.

  • Construction Materials Testing & Special Inspections

    Field and laboratory testing, workmanship observation, and special inspections to verify compliance with design documents and project specifications.

  • Construction Materials Testing Laboratories

    Operation of 19 independent laboratories testing soils, aggregates, asphalt, concrete, mortar, cementitious materials, sealants, coatings, and admixtures.

  • Building and Structural Inspections

    Providing steel and concrete inspections, field density testing, proof rolling, and floor flatness testing to verify conformance with approved design criteria.

  • Roadway and Heavy Civil Support

    Supporting roadway and heavy civil construction projects through earthwork and utility observation, rebar inspections, and concrete testing on bridges, dams, levees, and utility projects.

  • Alternative Project Delivery Services

    Providing testing, inspection, and management support for design-build, CMAR, CMGC, and public-private partnership contracts.

Geotechnical Engineering

Service website

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.

  • Subsurface Site Characterization

    Evaluating subsurface conditions, soil characteristics, and geological hazards to assess site suitability and identify potential constructability risks.

  • Slope Stability and Landslide Analysis

    Analyzing retaining walls, embankments, and slopes to develop design recommendations for stabilization and landslide risk mitigation.

  • Foundation Assessment and Design

    Providing recommendations and design support for shallow and deep foundations, pile testing, and ground improvement techniques.

  • Structural Instrumentation and Monitoring

    Installing and managing monitoring systems to track structural movements, vibrations, and site conditions during nearby construction projects.

  • Geotechnical Drilling and Laboratory Testing

    Conducting field drilling, in-situ testing, and laboratory soil testing to gather critical geotechnical design data.

Pavement Engineering

Service website

Consulting on roadway and pavement performance supported by asphalt and concrete testing, mix design, and research.

  • Pavement Engineering and Design

    Analyzing and designing pavements for roadways and infrastructure, backed by research and industry software.

  • Asphalt and Concrete Mix Design

    Testing materials and developing mix designs to optimize pavement longevity, suit material availability, and meet project budgets.

Building Technology

Service website

Evaluations, structural inspections, testing, and design services for both existing and new structures.

  • Building Envelope Evaluation

    Investigating and testing building facades, roofing, and waterproofing systems to maximize performance and prevent failures.

  • Structural Inspection and Design

    Assessing structural integrity and conducting testing and design for renovations, repairs, or redevelopments.

Environmental Consulting

Service website

Site-condition, contaminant, compliance, and remedial-action support for environmental risk management.

  • Environmental Due Diligence

    Evaluating site history, potential contaminants, and environmental liabilities to support property acquisitions and redevelopments.

  • Environmental Compliance and Permitting

    Assisting facilities with regulatory permitting, compliance audits, and ongoing environmental reporting requirements.

  • Air Emissions and Stack Testing

    Measuring stack emissions and conducting air quality testing to demonstrate regulatory compliance.

Forensic Engineering

Service website

Investigational consulting and analysis to identify root causes of material performance issues, structural defects, and construction disputes.

  • Expert Witness and Litigation Support

    Providing technical investigations, clear analysis, and expert testimony to help resolve construction-related legal disputes.

Nondestructive Testing

Service website

Evaluation methods used to assess structural materials, weld integrity, and concrete internal conditions without causing damage.

  • Field Nondestructive Evaluation

    Applying ultrasonic, magnetic particle, radiographic, and other advanced testing methods in the field to inspect infrastructure.

Laboratory Services

Service website

Testing services supporting construction materials, geotechnical, petrographic, chemistry, and product-performance investigations.

  • Petrographic Analysis

    Utilizing microscopical and mineralogical techniques to unlock the reasons for performance deficiencies in aggregates, concrete, and construction materials.

  • Analytical Chemistry Laboratory

    Performing chemical testing on building materials, coatings, admixtures, and environmental samples.

  • Environmental Chemistry Testing

    Analyzing soil, water, and waste samples for potential environmental contaminants and hazardous substances.

  • Aggregate Laboratory Testing

    Evaluating physical and mechanical properties of aggregates to verify compliance with DOT and industry standards.

  • Cement and Concrete Testing

    Testing cementitious materials, mortar, and concrete specimens to assess strength, durability, and performance.

  • Asphalt Laboratory Testing

    Testing asphalt binders, mixtures, and aggregates to support pavement design and quality control.

  • Geotechnical Laboratory Testing

    Performing permeability, consolidation, and shear testing on soils and rock to support engineering design.

Industries

Agriculture · Commercial · Transportation · Highways & Roads · Bridges · Rail · Transit · Airports · Infrastructure · Government · Defense · Industrial · Telecommunications · Oil & Gas · Wind · Biomass & Bioenergy · Historic Preservation · Sports & Recreation

Projects

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.

I-90 Concrete Pavement Overlay

Blue Earth, MN · Highways & Roads

Project details

Pavement engineering and materials support for a concrete pavement overlay project near Blue Earth, Minnesota.

North Field Restoration, Tinian

Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands · Defense · Client: US Military

Project details

Geotechnical and construction materials support for the US military restoration of North Field on Tinian.

American Engineering Testing, Inc. - Engineering Firms