CMC Steel Oklahoma
Geotechnical and Materials Testing for Industrial Projects: Behind the Build of CMC’s Durant Steel Mill
Located just east of Durant, Oklahoma, the CMC Steel Micro Mill was only the second of its kind in the U.S.—a $300+ million, state-of-the-art facility designed to produce millions of tons of rebar from recycled scrap metal. Built on a 300-acre site, the project peaked with over 500 workers on-site, reflecting its scale and complexity.
Geotex Engineering served as the geotechnical Engineer of Record (EOR), delivering recommendations for a wide range of conditions—from industrial buildings to heavily loaded steel mill equipment. Our scope included foundation design, extensive below-grade structures, mat foundations, deep backfilling, mass earthwork, and utility excavations, as well as building, pavement, and rail spur subgrade preparations. Drilled shaft foundations ranged from 24 to 84 inches in diameter, many requiring temporary steel casing. Mat foundations were designed and placed at depths between 8 and 26 feet below final exterior grade.
To improve site constructability and optimize soil behavior, Geotex initiated two soil modification protocols to evaluate the effectiveness of different chemical treatments. These protocols informed soil stabilization recommendations critical to large-scale grading and foundation activities.
Throughout construction, Geotex provided full-time Construction Materials Engineering & Testing (CMET) services. Our on-site project manager oversaw a team of 3–4 technicians daily, coordinating closely with multiple subcontractors, site engineers, and the client to ensure responsive, real-time support. Our engineers remained engaged on-site to address design modifications, propose solutions, and resolve construction challenges as they arose.
Testing services included soil characterization (over 30 proctors), lime and cement-treated materials, aggregate and slag testing, and gradations both in the lab and the field. Drilled pier observation and structural concrete testing formed a significant portion of our work, including inspection of piers up to 96 inches in diameter and 50 feet deep, as well as mass concrete placements for foundations, equipment pads, pier caps, and suspended concrete basement slabs. Over 5,700 compressive strength cylinders were cast, supporting nearly 100,000 cubic yards of concrete placed on-site.
On the civil side, we supported the construction of 11-inch-thick, 30-foot-wide concrete drives surrounding the facility. Toward project closeout, we provided asphalt field and lab testing for loading areas, parking lots, and drives—conducted in compliance with Oklahoma DOT standards.
Key Testing Standards Used On-Site
Our testing program followed ASTM standards to ensure data integrity and quality assurance throughout construction. Highlights included:
- ASTM C39 – Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
- ASTM C231 – Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete (Pressure Method)
- ASTM D1557 – Modified Proctor Compaction of Soils
- ASTM D1586 – Standard Penetration Test (SPT) for Soil Classification
- ASTM C136 – Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
These standards helped ensure structural performance, material consistency, and compliance with project specifications. Need a full list of test methods or capabilities? Contact us and we’ll send you our complete scope of services.
We also coordinated third-party structural steel inspection services, including visual, ultrasonic, and x-ray testing for critical components such as the ladle turret’s tilt platform.
Geotex delivered high-level geotechnical, civil engineering, and materials testing services from start to finish—earning client trust through responsiveness, technical excellence, and a hands-on, problem-solving approach. Our team was proud to be an integral part of the project’s success.
Planning a large-scale industrial or infrastructure project?
Our team is ready to support you with responsive, expert geotechnical and materials testing services. Contact us today to start the conversation.