In addition to applied research into areas specific to the region, the Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory (LREC) also has certain overall responsibilities defined by Regional Implementing Decree no.12/98/A, namely to provide technical support for civil engineering projects and quality control for construction materials. It is also responsible for the dissemination of scientific and technical developments within the field of civil engineering. Its work essentially consists of providing laboratory services – testing, studies and expert opinions – to public and private entities on request. It may therefore be said that the LREC is a Regional Government of the Azores/Regional Secretariat for Housing and Infrastructures body which serves as a mechanism for evaluating and controlling quality in construction on a regional level.

LREC was established in 1980 and operates in the areas of geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, materials engineering, seismic engineering, road engineering and engineering geology.

It is the policy of LREC to achieve and maintain high quality standards for all its work and it aims to contribute towards civil construction and public works sectors in the Autonomous Region of the Azores by making available a range of laboratory and quality control services which guarantee competence and impartiality and aspire to excellence.