The main area of responsibility of this department is testing and monitoring of reinforcement of all forms (concrete steel, steel meshes, three-dimensional reinforcing elements and tension wires).  Furthermore the institute monitors bending companies to ensure their compliance with the checklist of the Austrian Institute of Construction Engineering (“Baustoffliste ÖA since May 2002). Also the TVFA is equipped with devices for extensive aptitude tests on reinforcing steel according to the ÖN B 4200-7. This contains tension and bending-tensile strength tests as well as fatigue and bond tests on reinforced concrete beams. Beginning with the standard-conform production of the sample and ending with test and interpretation of the results all steps are carried out by the institute. This aptitude test combined with ongoing monitoring of the product is the basis for the certification of a product. Through the institutes close co-operation with the certification authority of the province of Styria as a additional service, the institute offers guidance throughout the entire process of certification.