Without regard to the building category, we are often tasked with selecting products in conjunction with our design specifications. For structural engineers, it might be a particular type of concrete enhancement such as polypropylene, glass or steel fibers. It might be a window that has to meet impact requirements.
In any case there is a myriad to materials and processes that we as engineers have to deal with. ESR’s and similar are available for assistance in evaluating material and installations.
Here is a link to the International Code Council’s Evaluation Service where numerous reports are available and categorized for convenience:
Take a look…you might be surprised how helpful this info can be.