NATA-accredited laboratory services backed by specialist industry expertise.
SAMI’s Independent Testing Laboratory is a NATA-accredited facility and forms a key part of the broader SAMI Technical Centre (STC) in Seven Hills, NSW.
The laboratory delivers advanced testing, research and technical insight for bitumen and asphalt materials used in modern infrastructure.
Unlike general laboratories, the STC is highly specialised in bitumen and asphalt, offering deep expertise across binder technologies, asphalt performance and pavement-related materials. All testing is conducted with strict professional confidentiality and technical independence.
Better Roads Start with Better Decisions
When material performance is uncertain, project risk increases. Our laboratory helps validate materials, resolve technical questions and support confident infrastructure decisions.
Who We Support
SAMI provides a dedicated environment for material validation, performance evaluation and innovation — supporting:
Industry
- Asphalt producers
- Contractors
- Suppliers
Owners
- Councils
- Authorities
- Asset managers
Technical
- Consultants
- Researchers
- Universities
A Specialist Facility for Bitumen and Asphalt Performance
The SAMI Technical Centre is a purpose-built, around 700m² facility in Seven Hills, NSW integrating our Independent Testing Laboratory, product development and collaborative research. The laboratory operates as an independent, NATA-accredited facility, ensuring all results meet recognised national standards for accuracy, repeatability and industry compliance.
The SAMI Independent Testing Laboratory offers:
- Advanced bitumen and asphalt testing
- Material performance evaluation
- Product development and optimisation
- Research and innovation programs
From binder behaviour to full asphalt system performance, our testing services strengthen how materials are understood, validated and applied in the field.
Our Advanced Testing Capabilities
The laboratory is structured across four core areas:
- Binder laboratory
- Asphalt laboratory
- Binder advanced laboratory
- Asphalt advanced laboratory
Binder Testing
Main capabilities include:
- Rheological testing (DSR, BBR)
- Viscosity and elasticity analysis
- Ageing simulations (RTFO, PAV)
- Emulsion and spray seal testing
- Microsurfacing and particle analysis
Testing supports:
- Product development
- Quality control
- Performance evaluation
- Research and innovation
Asphalt Testing
Main capabilities include:
- Fatigue and wheel tracking testing
- Tensile strength and resilient modulus
- Mix design and compaction
- Volumetric and stability testing
- Interface shear strength and aggregate analysis
- IDEAL-CT and Hamburg Wheel Tracking tester
Why Use the SAMI Independent Testing Laboratory
- Independent and confidential
- NATA-accredited results
- Specialist bitumen and asphalt expertise
- Producer and supplier real-world insight
- Global R&D backing
- Innovation partnerships
Backed by Industry and Global Expertise
The STC combines local industry experience with global R&D capability.
As part of the COLAS Group, the STC is supported by international research collaboration, including:
- The Colas Core Centre in France
- Tipcoʼs advanced R&D laboratory in Thailand
- Advanced bitumen and asphalt laboratories of Colas USA
- McAsphalt advanced bitumen and asphalt research centre in Canada
The centre also partners with universities and research institutions, supporting ongoing innovation, including active PhD research programs.
Partner with SAMI for Independent Testing and Technical Insight
Talk to Our Technical Team About Your Project
Engineers, asset owners, researchers and infrastructure teams can access independent, NATA-accredited testing and expert technical support through the SAMI Technical Centre. For full testing capabilities, download our brochure. Or speak with our team to discuss your testing requirements and project objectives.
Contact us at stc@sami.com.au
