Structural Testing

Working with its sister companies, GAO Tek Inc., GAO RFID Inc., and partners, GAO Research Inc. has developed cloud systems, on-premises systems, cloud software, on-premises software, and hardware devices for structural testing.

Together, in addition to cloud and on-premises systems, we have developed a variety of structural testing instruments, including coating & material thickness gauges, crack detectors, flaw detectors, gloss meters, hardness testers, manometers, other material analyzers, surface roughness gauges & testers, thermal imagers & industrial endoscopes, thickness gauges, ultrasonic & mass flow meters, and vibration meters.

Cloud Systems for Structural Testing:

Overview:

Cloud-based structural testing systems leverage remote servers and computing resources to provide scalable, accessible, and collaborative testing solutions. These systems offer several advantages for structural testing applications, including enhanced flexibility, real-time monitoring, and cost-effectiveness.

Hardware Devices:

• Data Acquisition Sensors: These sensors capture real-time data on structural behaviour, including strain, displacement, and vibration, and transmit it to cloud servers for analysis.
• Wireless Monitoring Devices: Wireless monitoring devices enable remote monitoring of structural health, allowing engineers to assess performance and detect anomalies without physical access to the structure.
• Remote Actuators: Remote actuators control structural loading conditions during testing, providing precise control over applied forces and facilitating dynamic structural analysis.

Benefits:

• Scalability: Cloud systems enable users to scale up or down their testing infrastructure based on project requirements, eliminating the need for large upfront investments in hardware.
• Accessibility: With cloud systems, structural testing data can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, facilitating remote monitoring and analysis.
• Collaboration: Cloud platforms provide centralized data storage and collaborative tools, allowing project teams to share test results, insights, and models in real time.

On-Premises Systems for Structural Testing:

Overview:

On-premises structural testing systems are installed and operated within the user’s facility, providing greater control over hardware, software, and data management. These systems offer advantages in terms of data security, customization, and performance.

Hardware Devices:

• Load Frames: Load frames provide the mechanical loading capacity for structural tests, allowing engineers to apply forces and measure responses under controlled conditions.
• Instrumentation: Instrumentation devices, such as strain gauges, accelerometers, and displacement transducers, provide precise measurements of structural responses during testing.
• Data Acquisition Systems: Data acquisition systems collect and process data from instrumentation devices, enabling real-time monitoring and analysis of structural behaviour.

Benefits:

• Data Security: On-premises systems offer enhanced data security and compliance with regulatory requirements, as testing data remains within the user’s infrastructure.
• Customization: Users have full control over system configuration, allowing for customized testing protocols, integration with existing infrastructure, and proprietary algorithms.
• Performance: On-premises systems often offer higher performance and lower latency compared to cloud-based solutions, making them suitable for high-throughput testing applications and real-time analysis.

Cloud Software for Structural Testing:

Overview:

Cloud software for structural testing encompasses a wide range of applications, including data acquisition, analysis, simulation, and reporting. These software solutions leverage cloud computing resources to provide scalable and collaborative testing environments.

Key Features:

• Data Acquisition: Cloud software facilitates real-time data acquisition from sensors, instruments, and testing equipment, enabling comprehensive monitoring of structural behaviour.
• Data Analysis: Advanced analytics tools and algorithms available in cloud software allow for in-depth analysis of testing data, including statistical analysis, machine learning, and predictive modelling.
• Simulation and Modeling: Cloud-based simulation software enables virtual testing of structural designs, materials, and components, helping engineers optimize performance and durability.
• Reporting and Visualization: Cloud software offers intuitive reporting tools and interactive visualization capabilities, making it easier to communicate test results and insights to stakeholders.

On-Premises Software for Structural Testing:

Overview: On-premises software for structural testing provides users with full control over software installation, configuration, and customization. These software solutions are often tailored to specific testing requirements and integrate seamlessly with on-premises hardware and infrastructure.

Key Features:

• Customization: On-premises software can be customized to meet the unique testing needs of different industries, applications, and regulatory standards.
• Integration: On-premises software seamlessly integrates with on-premises hardware, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems, ensuring compatibility and interoperability.
• Performance: On-premises software offers high performance and low latency, enabling real-time data processing, analysis, and visualization for critical testing applications.
• Data Security: With on-premises software, testing data remains within the user’s infrastructure, ensuring data security, privacy, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Hardware Devices for Structural Testing

1. Coating & Material Thickness Gauges

Coating and material thickness gauges are essential tools for measuring the thickness of coatings and materials. They are commonly used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing to ensure quality control and compliance with specifications.

2. Crack Detectors

Crack detectors are crucial for identifying and analyzing cracks in various materials. These devices use different techniques such as visual inspection, dye penetrant testing, and magnetic particle inspection to detect cracks accurately.

3. Flaw Detectors

Flaw detectors are used to identify and evaluate flaws in materials, including defects such as porosity, inclusions, and voids. They utilize ultrasonic, eddy current, or magnetic techniques to detect flaws with high accuracy.

4. Gloss Meters

Gloss meters measure the gloss or shine of a surface, which is essential for evaluating the appearance and finish of materials. They are widely used in industries such as automotive, furniture, and cosmetics to ensure consistent quality and aesthetic appeal.

5. Hardness Testers

Hardness testers measure the resistance of a material to indentation, which is indicative of its hardness and mechanical properties. These devices are essential for assessing the quality and durability of materials in manufacturing and engineering applications.

6. Manometers

Manometers are instruments used to measure pressure, typically in gases and liquids. They are crucial for monitoring pressure variations in industrial processes, HVAC systems, and fluid mechanics experiments.

7. Surface Roughness Gauges & Testers

Surface roughness gauges and testers measure the texture and irregularities of a surface, which is crucial for evaluating the quality of machined parts and surfaces. They are commonly used in manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace industries.

8. Thermal Imagers & Industrial Endoscopes

Thermal imagers and industrial endoscopes are inspection tools used for non-destructive testing and visual inspection of hard-to-reach areas. They are valuable for detecting defects, anomalies, and temperature variations in industrial equipment and structures.

9. Thickness Gauges

Thickness gauges measure the thickness of materials such as metals, plastics, and composites. They are essential for quality control, material testing, and compliance with industry standards in various manufacturing and construction applications.

10. Ultrasonic & Mass Flow Meters

Ultrasonic and mass flow meters are used to measure flow rates and velocities in fluids and gases. They are crucial for monitoring and controlling fluid flow in industrial processes such as oil and gas, water treatment, and HVAC systems.

11. Vibration Meters

Vibration meters measure the vibration levels of machinery and structures, which is essential for identifying potential faults, imbalance, and misalignment. They are widely used in predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, and troubleshooting of rotating equipment.

Below are some of GAO’s partners or customers in the U.S. and Canada: 

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE), CTLGroup, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH), Applied Technical Services (ATS), Element Materials Technology, Intertek Group plc, Braun Intertec Corporation, Terracon Consultants, Inc., Mistras Group, Inc., Bureau Veritas SA, Acuren, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc., Braun Intertec, E4H Environments for Health Architecture, Thornton Tomasetti, Applus+, The Structures Company, CMT Engineering Laboratories, Stress Engineering Services, Inc., MTS Systems Corporation, Aegis Technical Services, Quanta Subsurface LLC, Kleinfelder, Professional Service Industries, Inc. (PSI), ARUP, Advantech Industries, Shive-Hattery, Engineering Systems Inc., NOVA Engineering and Environmental, LPI, Inc., Element, Trinity Bridge, Empire City Laboratories, Zeeco, Inc., CDM Smith, Aetos Group, Inc., Thomas & Hutton, HDR Engineering, Inc., PSI, T.Y. Lin International, Stantec Consulting, Foundation Test Group, Weidlinger Associates Inc., Braun Intertec Corporation, Stanley Consultants, Inc., Degenkolb Engineers, Balfour Beatty US, Golder Associates, F&R Professional Services, Inc., Terracon Consultants, TRC Companies, Inc., Terracon, Enercon Services, Inc., Fugro, NV5 Global, Inc., Exponent, Inc., Rincon Consultants, Inc., ECS Limited, Universal Engineering Sciences, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., Wood PLC, Paragon Engineering Services, Inc., Tensar International Corporation, WSP Global Inc., Stantec Inc., Structural Technologies LLC, CDI Corporation, Trinity Consultants, Inc., Kleinfelder, Inc., Universal Engineering Sciences, Inc., Shield Engineering Group, Ground Engineering Consultants, Inc., American Engineering Testing, Inc., EnTech Engineering, P.C., Soil & Material Engineers, Inc., National Testing & Inspection, Inc., M&N Testing, Atlas Geotechnical Group, Terracon Consultants, Earth Engineering Incorporated, ECS Limited, CTL Engineering, Inc., Ninyo & Moore, Fehr Graham, Braun Intertec Corporation, Viking Engineering & Construction, Professional Service Industries, Inc. (PSI), QORE Property Sciences, San Juan Construction, HNTB Corporation, Professional Service Industries, Inc. (PSI), GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc., NV5 Global, Inc., Geotechnology, Inc., JQ Engineering, and Professional Service Industries, Inc. (PSI).