Materials Testing Consultants

When people think of subsurface investigations, they usually picture drilling rigs and boreholes. But modern geotechnical engineering also uses advanced geophysical tools like a land streamer to “see” beneath the surface faster and more efficiently.

A land streamer is a mobile seismic data collection system equipped with sensors (geophones) that are pulled along the ground surface. It allows engineers to rapidly gather subsurface information without stopping to plant individual sensors at every location.

Why it matters:
Land streamers help geotechnical teams identify:
• Soil and rock layering
• Depth to bedrock
• Weak zones or voids
• Groundwater-related features
• Subsurface variability across large sites

Benefits in the field:
✔ Faster data acquisition
✔ Reduced site disturbance
✔ Improved project efficiency
✔ Better-informed design decisions
From transportation corridors to renewable energy projects, land streamers are helping engineers make smarter, data-driven decisions below the surface before construction even begins.

We're excited to welcome Robert Carswell to MTC as a Civil Engineering Intern for the summer! Currently studying at Michigan State University, Robert is gaining hands-on industry experience while working alongside our team. We're glad to have him on board and look forward to a great summer together!

Our Southeast Michigan team recently came together for our annual Season Kickoff Party and enjoyed a cookout to celebrate the start of another busy season. Here are a few snapshots from the afternoon!

Our West Michigan team recently gathered for our annual Season Kickoff Party!

One of our favorite traditions each year, this event gives us the opportunity to welcome new team members, enjoy food and games, and connect with team members from across the office before the busy summer season gets underway.

We're excited to have several new faces joining the team and look forward to a successful season ahead! ☀️

This Memorial Day, we pause alongside our teams, clients, and communities to remember those who gave everything in service to our country.

We had a great time connecting at a recent Lunch & Learn with Asphalt Plus LLC, learning more about rubberized asphalt and sustainable paving solutions. We appreciated the insights Red shared on how innovative materials can improve durability while supporting environmental goals. It’s been exciting to see this approach gaining traction across our work. Conversations like this highlight the value of collaboration across our industry, and we look forward to continuing to put these ideas into practice this summer!

Road construction season is officially back. Orange barrels, lane shifts, and “expect delays” signs are everywhere again. 🚧

But long before pavement is placed, roadway infrastructure starts with understanding what’s happening below the surface.

During Infrastructure Week, we’re highlighting the geotechnical engineering work that helps support roadway and pavement projects across the Midwest. From subsurface investigations and soil borings to pavement evaluations, groundwater analysis, and rehabilitation recommendations, these services help teams make informed decisions before construction begins.

Our team provides geotechnical and pavement management solutions designed to support long-term performance, reduce risk, and help extend the life of paved surfaces.

Completed in 2024, the Alma College Fieldhouse project in Alma, Michigan brought together multiple MTC service lines throughout construction and post-construction support.

Our teams provided construction testing and observation services throughout the project, including concrete, asphalt, density, reinforcing steel, and structural steel testing. Our Geotechnical team also helped address challenging soil conditions related to the foundation system and interior grade beams.

Following construction, our Environmental team was brought in to investigate an unusual interior staining issue within the facility, adding another layer of technical support to the project.

We always appreciate opportunities where multiple departments within MTC can work together to support a project from different angles!

Over the weekend, our team attended the contractor appreciation music festival celebrating the grand opening of the Acrisure Amphitheater! 🎶 A great night to get out, enjoy the new space, and celebrate a project our team was proud to be part of!