UK-Wide Soil Testing Services
Soil testing is a critical starting point when designing earthworks schemes. Fill materials must be classified to develop a specification tailored to the materials proposed for reuse as engineered fill and the engineering solution for the proposed development. As experts in soil testing, ETL can provide factual reports to ensure compliance and minimise risk at the earliest stage possible.
At ETL, we’re able to offer a wide range of soil tests both on-site and in our state-of-the-art laboratory, all within rapid turnaround times. From California Bearing Ratio (CBR) to compaction tests, our highly trained technicians are ready to test for suitability and compliance on your project.
Our most popular soil tests
The particle size distribution test detects the reports and size of particles of soil. There are two separate tests: firstly sieving a soil down to 63 µm, by either wet or dry sieve method.
The second test (if required) is a sedimentation test, and involves sieving materials that are finer than 63 µm. At ETL, this test is undertaken by the hydrometer method.
The moisture content test (also known as water content) is required as a guide for the classification of soils and a control in recompacted soils.
Water is almost always present in soils, and this test allows us to identify the percentage present in a sample using the Oven Drying Method. This test is vital when assessing other test results such as compactions and liquid/plastic limit tests.
The particle density test (also known as specific gravity) calculates the mass per unit volume of the solid particles of a soil.
We utilise the Gas Jar method to ascertain how much space soil particles take up when placed into a gas jar. This test is critical if percentage air voids are required to be calculated for fine-grained fill material.
Compaction tests determine the moisture content and dry density of a sample at varying moisture contents. When the test results are plotted on a graph, the optimum moisture content (OMC) and maximum dry density (MDD) of a sample can be determined relative to the compacting effort applied.
The 2.5 kg & 4.5 kg rammer methods are typically used for soils.
The MCV test is designed to provide an immediate moisture content assessment on site. Laboratory test results are used to develop the relationship between the moisture condition value and moisture content (moisture condition line).
The test can determine if the fill materials on site are suitable for placement ‘as-dug’ or if they require the addition of moisture (if the material is too dry) or the addition of powders (if the material is too wet).
Calculated by expressing the force on a piston at a given penetration as a percentage of a reference value, the CBR test is a laboratory-based test used to calculate the strength and bearing capacity of soils, particularly in relation to road construction and pavement design. This test is particularly important when assessing a material during the initial trial stage where an end product containing binder addition is required.
Customer Benefits
Catalysts for change before fully tested markets are maintain wireless scenarios after intermandated applications predominate revolutionary.
- We use the latest diagnostic equipment
- We are a member of Professional Service
- Automotive service our clients receive
Our Soil Testing services and standards
| Test Type | Standard |
|---|---|
| In-situ bulk density by nuclear density gauge (comparative, absolute & compliance) | BS 1377: Part 9: 1990 |
| In-situ density by sand replacement | BS 1377: Part 9: 1990 |
| In-situ density by core cutter | BS 1377: Part 9: 1990 |
| Calculation of nominal CBR value using the plate loading test | Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, IAN 73/06, Design of Pavement Foundations, Rev 1: 2009 |
| Vertical deformation and strength characteristics of soil by the plate loading test | BS1377-9: 1990 |
| Hand shear vane | Based on IAN 73/06 Cl. 895 |
| Determination of moisture content | BS1377-2: 1990 |
| Moisture condition value (natural moisture content) | BS EN 13286-46: 2003 |
| California bearing ratio, immediate bearing index and linear swelling | BS EN 13286-47: 2021 |
| Particle density by gas jar method | BS 1377-2: 1990 |
| Determination of liquid limit - One point cone penetrometer method | BS 1377-2: 1990 |
| Plastic limit | BS 1377-2: 1990 |
| Plasticity index | BS 1377-2: 1990 |
| Particle size distribution – Sieving method | BS 1377-2: 1990 |
| Particle size distribution – Hydrometer | BS 1377-2: 1990 |
| Determination of undrained shear strength in triaxial compression without measurement of pore pressure – single stage (definitive method) | BS 1377-7: 1990 |
| Determination of water content | BS EN 1097-5: 2008 |
| Water content | BS EN ISO 17892-1: 2014+A1: 2022 |
| Sampling of soils from stockpiles | In house method |
| Dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP - requires 2nd man) | In house method |
| Dynamic plate (LWD) | In house method |
Customer Benefits
Catalysts for change before fully tested markets are maintain wireless scenarios after intermandated applications predominate revolutionary.
- We use the latest diagnostic equipment
- We are a member of Professional Service
- Automotive service our clients receive