Building Sciences
Materials Analysis
MZA's capabilities in materials evaluation and testing include items such as thermal insulation, sprayed-on fireproofing, adhesives, coatings, encapsulants, drywall, joint compound, plaster, masonry products, and other materials.
MZA develops material classification systems to document building materials in place at a particular site. For example, MZA conducted a study of all of the different types of plaster in use at an old and distinguished university, taking over 5,000 samples and developing a detailed plaster classification system that included a variety of plaster types.
MZA conducts microscopic investigations in the lab. As part of these analyses, MZA often provides photo documentation of materials investigations. We provide both microphotography and macrophotography as litigation support documentation.
MZA also conducts on-site microbiological sampling and microscopy to allow for timely monitoring and clearance testing on remediation projects. This gives the building owner the ability to closely monitor his remediation project and allows the building to remain occupied during the remediation.
MZA has been involved on a national level on a number of initiatives relating to analytical methods. For example, MZA was a member of the select committee convened by the USEPA and the National Bureau of Standards (now NIST) to develop the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) asbestos abatement clearance protocol that is now required by the AHERA regulation. MZA is a member of several ASTM committees on building materials and environmental sampling.