Geotechnical Laboratory Testing -
Over 50 Years of Expertise
The SOCOTEC geotechnical laboratory has been established for over 50 years, offering a large range of UKAS accredited testing methods to BS1377, EN17892 and ISRM standards, with reporting to AGS 3.1 & 4.0 as standard.
From routine soil and rock classification testing, to more sophisticated techniques, the SOCOTEC geotechnical laboratory has the expertise to perform a wide range of tests, using a variety of geotechnical applications, some of which include:
Soil Classification
Water / Moisture Content: 90% of all soil testing relates to the moisture content at the time of test with this test used to correlate other test parameters such as Atterberg limits, CBR value and Shear strength
Plasticity Index / Atterberg Limits (Liquid and Plastic Limit testing): Obtains the basic characteristics of soils in terms of sensitivity to moisture change
Particle Size / Sieve Analysis & Sedimentation: Can be carried out for the evaluation of grain size and proportions of sand, gravel and fine materials. Sedimentation by either Hydrometer or Pipette methods will split the material less than 63micro further to show the CLAY and SILT as separate fractions
Soil Suction: Undertaken to evaluate the desiccation of soils often caused by tree roots drawing moisture from soil and potential subsidence
Bulk/Dry and Particle Density Testing: Measurements used for obtaining the unit weight of soils
Saturated Moisture Content of Chalk: Will show how well saturated chalk material is, often tested with intact dry density and natural moisture content
Earthworks Testing
Compaction Testing (2.5kg / 4.5kg) - often known as MDD/OMC: Undertaken to obtain the Maximum Density and Optimum Moisture content of materials to be used for Earthworks bulk fill. Used for relating field density testing to prove fill is adequately compacted.
California Bearing Ratio (CBR): Used for evaluation of soils for road bearing capabilities
Moisture Condition Value (MCV) / Moisture Condition Relationship: Used to access the work-ability of soils for moving / placing bulk fills, often for instant results to allow fill monitor ongoing placement
Chalk Crushing Value (CCV): Similar to MCV but bespoke to projects where chalk is being used as a fill material
Shear Strength
Quick Undrained Triaxial Testing - also known as UUT/QUT: Obtains the undrained shear strength (cu) value for soil stiffness which is used in the foundation design
Shear Box Testing (60mm and 300mm): Aids the design of embankments, slopes and retaining walls with results showing the friction angle that a slope can be cut to and, in the case of cohesive soils, the shear stress
Ring Shear for Residual Shear Strength: Used to get the lowest shear angle that a cohesive soil will obtain post failure
Laboratory and Hand Shear Vane: Both quick methods for a basic strength (cu) value
Effective Stress (Consolidated Drained and Undrained Triaxial): Similar to UUT/QUT but with a number of additional elements including saturation and consolidation prior to the shear stage. The rate of Shear is much slower than the QU test with rates of strain calculated from the consolidation properties
Rock Testing
Point Load Test: Provides a very quick indicator of rock strength
Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS): A direct strength test on a Rocks strength under compression
Young’s Modulus of Elasticity & Poisson’s Ratio: A localised strain measurement in addition to compressive strength
Cherchar Abrasion Index: Indicates of a rocks abrasiveness against cutting tools for excavation
Consolidation & Permeability Testing
Constant Head Permeability: Measures the rate of flow of water through granular soils
Triaxial Permeability: Provides the measurement of low permeability soils, for example; landfill mineral liners and flood embankments
Falling Head Permeability: Quicker method for lower permeability materialsLa
Oedometer Consolidation and Swelling: The One dimensional consolidation test is used to obtain the settlement characteristics of fine grained soils. Mv & Cv reports show the rate and amount of settlement under loading. Swell and swelling pressure tests can be undertaken where heave is expected through excavation or removal of overburden
Isotropic Consolidation: A similar test to effective stress without the shearing stages
Rowe Cell Consolidation & Rowe Cell Permeability: Hybrid testing method of the oedometer and effective stress tests - where drainage conditions can be altered to either vertical or horizontal. Tests are often on soft, organic & peaty soils
CRS (Constant Rate of Strain) Testing: A specialist test where loads are controlled and applied over a longer period of time, often used for off shore wind-farms or similar projects
Electrochemical Testing
Soil Resistivity (Wenner Probe Method): Measures a soil’s resistance to electrical current
Thermal conductivity/Resistivity (Needle Probe Method): Measures thermal properties of soil
Geotechnical Laboratories
Hazardous and Contaminated Soil Testing
The capabilities of SOCOTEC’s ‘red’ laboratory allows soils that are potentially contaminated with certain hydrocarbons, heavy metals or asbestos to be safely tested. Some contaminated sites are classified as ‘yellow or red’ by the British Drilling Association.
Our 'red' laboratory is designed so our team of 40 technicians can work in a safe environment to prepare samples, and undertake a full suite of testing on potentially hazardous or contaminated samples which would otherwise be unable to be tested. This requirement is now becoming more prevalent as contractors are under greater pressure from local authorities to keep materials on site rather than removing to landfill and having to use imported materials.
The capabilities of SOCOTEC’s ‘red’ laboratory allows soils that are potentially contaminated with certain hydrocarbons, heavy metals or asbestos to be safely tested. Some contaminated sites are classified as ‘yellow or red’ by the British Drilling Association.
Our 'red' laboratory is designed so our team of 40 technicians can work in a safe environment to prepare samples, and undertake a full suite of testing on potentially hazardous or contaminated samples which would otherwise be unable to be tested. This requirement is now becoming more prevalent as contractors are under greater pressure from local authorities to keep materials on site rather than removing to landfill and having to use imported materials.
Want to find out more about SOCOTEC's Site Investigation services?
You might also be interested in:
Other news
An Introduction to Environmental and Structural Geophysical Surveys
Read +
the future of upskilling in Ground Investigation
Read +
SOCOTEC UK’s Geotechnical Engineer announced this year’s winner for AGS Geotechnical Working Group Award 2023
Read +
New Coordination Centre opens in Acton to support the Joint Venture between Geo-Instruments and SOCOTEC Monitoring UK, London Borough of Ealing
Read +
SOCOTEC UK Selects Spectra QEST's Platform
Read +
Shortlisting Success for SOCOTEC at Ground Engineering Awards 2021
Read +
