Our Derby laboratory is a UKAS‑accredited facility offering a full suite of materials testing services tailored to support highways, civil engineering, and construction projects throughout the Midlands. Designed to deliver precision, compliance, and swift turnaround, our laboratory serves as a central hub for concrete, soil, aggregate, and asphalt testing. Our laboratory operates under strict quality control procedures, supported by experienced technicians and calibrated equipment. Whether for quality control, compliance, or investigative purposes, MSS Derby delivers the data you need with confidence and clarity. Speak to one of our experts today.
Controlled curing: Concrete cubes are stored in purpose-built curing tanks maintained at standard temperature and humidity conditions, ensuring consistent results at specified ages (typically 7, 14 and 28 days).
Compressive strength testing: Performed using calibrated compression machines, tested cubes are crushed to determine their load-bearing capacity in N/mm².
Compliance assurance: All testing is carried out in line with BS EN 12390 standards, providing clients with dependable, traceable results for quality assurance and certification.
Particle size distribution (PSD): Determines the grading of soil using sieve and hydrometer analysis, vital for identifying soil behaviour and drainage characteristics.
Water content determination: Accurate measurement of moisture content is essential for compaction control and geotechnical assessments.
Compaction testing (Proctor tests): Standard and modified Proctor compaction tests are carried out to establish the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density, supporting CBR design and fill specification.
Sample reduction: Representative sub-sampling techniques ensure that only appropriately sized and consistent samples are tested.
Particle size distribution (PSD): Sieve analysis is used to confirm compliance with grading specifications and suitability for intended use.
Water content: Moisture measurement helps determine the correct proportions and consistency required in mix designs.
LA abrasion testing: A key test for evaluating the resistance of aggregates to wear and fragmentation under load. Results help assess long-term performance in road and structural applications.
Bulk density of cores: Extracted asphalt cores are measured and weighed to determine their bulk density, which reflects how well the material has been compacted on site.
Maximum theoretical density: Using standard laboratory procedures, we determine the maximum possible density of the asphalt mix to calculate air void content.
Air void calculation: The percentage of air voids is calculated by comparing bulk and theoretical densities, providing a clear measure of compaction quality and long-term performance expectations.
With over 30 years of experience in the materials testing industry, MSS combines deep technical knowledge with a practical, solutions-focused approach. Our Derby laboratory operates under UKAS accreditation, ensuring every test is carried out to the highest standards of accuracy and consistency. We understand the pressures of modern construction and provide fast, reliable results backed by expert advice. Our experienced team supports clients across highways, infrastructure, and building projects always delivering the trusted data you need to build with confidence.
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