Why do structural testing?
BRANZ structural tests demonstrate how building products and systems perform when subjected to external forces. Our in-depth tests help ensure that your products are fit for purpose and align with relevant international and domestic standards.
Turn uncertainty into evidence
Produce results that support design decisions, specifications and Alternative Solution pathways.
Refine details before they hit site
Test fixings, connections and systems to improve constructability and performance.
Support research and development
Collaborate with you to plan and action a programme of bespoke testing to bring your product to market.
Demonstrate fitness for purpose and compliance
Generate independent data to support New Zealand Building Code and/or international requirements.
Build robust evidence to support certifications
Strengthen applications for a BRANZ Appraisal or CodeMark.
Testing your products and systems
We can test a wide variety of structural products, components and systems – from small-scale connection tests through to full-scale assemblies.
- Structural elements and connections – small-scale tests to check strength and security of fixings, adhesives and different types of joints.
- Large-scale structural testing – we test big structures like multi-storey buildings or heavy connections in our specifically designed lab.
- Non-structural components testing – we test suspended ceilings, wall panels and partitions to see how they handle different forces.
- Wind pressure testing – we test how well walls and roofs stand up to strong wind pressures in our test chambers.
- Impact resistance – we check how well wall linings, windows, doors and grates can resist hits and impacts.
- Fast-response field testing – we can quickly test buildings or parts of buildings on site to see how strong and stable they are, even under heavy foot traffic or strong winds.
- Dynamic system response – we can use shake tables and dynamic actuators (specialised devices designed for high-speed, high-frequency and precise motion control) to shake building parts to see how they react to earthquakes, meeting New Zealand’s standards.
- Prototype testing – we test new or unique building ideas, either in the lab or on site, to make sure they meet New Zealand’s building rules.
Standards we meet for assurance and trust
Testing pathways and standards vary depending on the product type, intended use and the decisions the results need to support. Where appropriate, we align test programmes with relevant New Zealand and international standards and accepted engineering practice.
If you’re unsure what you need to test to, we’ll guide you to the most appropriate method based on your product, intended scope of use and audience for the results such as design verification, consent support, quality control or market assurance.
Why trust BRANZ?
BRANZ structural testing provides reliable, consistent test data and evaluates a specimen’s suitability for a specific application – from individual elements through to full building systems.
We can support product R&D through tailored programmes of testing, helping you iterate designs, validate performance and build the evidence needed for market readiness.
Our purpose-built structural engineering laboratory is designed to test complex structures at scale and in controlled conditions. We can also design and deliver custom test arrangements to suit project-specific questions.
BRANZ operates under established quality systems, and BRANZ test reporting is recognised internationally through ILAC arrangements (via IANZ accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 for relevant laboratories). We also operate a management system conforming to AS/NZS ISO 9001 and are a registered testing authority under the provisions of the Building Codes of New Zealand and Australia.
Our accreditations
BRANZ holds different accreditations covering the products and systems we test.
Unsure what to test to?
Additional methods are available on request. If you’re unsure what you need to test to, we’ll guide you to the most appropriate method based on your product, intended use and audience for the results.