From pavement coring and core logging to in-situ strength testing and specialist non-destructive surveys, our experienced teams provide the reliable data needed to understand pavement construction, assess condition, and support maintenance, rehabilitation, and resurfacing decisions.
With more than 30 years of materials testing experience, UKAS-accredited testing capabilities and teams operating across Scotland and England, we can support individual investigations and larger highway programmes throughout the UK.
Understanding the condition and construction of an existing pavement is essential when planning maintenance, repairs, resurfacing or infrastructure improvements.
MSS can develop an investigation programme around the requirements of your project, combining intrusive and non-intrusive techniques to build a clear picture of pavement construction and performance.
Our pavement investigation services include:
The appropriate combination of testing can be selected according to the pavement type, condition, project requirements and information already available.
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Our experienced site teams undertake pavement coring to establish the construction and condition of existing road and pavement layers.
Core samples can be logged and analysed to provide information including pavement composition, individual layer thicknesses and material condition. Where required, samples can then be submitted for further laboratory testing.
MSS is UKAS accredited for core logging in accordance with the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges CS 229, providing an important accredited capability for pavement investigation projects in Scotland and England.
Our wider UKAS-accredited bituminous testing capabilities include sampling of finished material by core cutting, core density, air void content and pavement thickness testing.
Our teams can undertake a range of in-situ tests to help assess the performance of pavement layers, unbound materials and the underlying formation.
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) testing can be used to assess the strength of pavement foundations, unbound materials and subgrade.
The results can help engineers understand changing ground conditions and inform pavement design, rehabilitation and maintenance decisions
Lightweight Deflectometer (LWD) testing provides a rapid assessment of the stiffness and bearing capacity of unbound pavement layers and formation materials.
Testing can be undertaken at multiple locations to help identify variations in pavement support and verify construction performance.
Where projects require more extensive non-destructive investigation, MSS can coordinate additional specialist pavement surveying capabilities through Celnor Group and our specialist partners.
Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) surveys provide a non-destructive method of assessing pavement structural response by applying a controlled load and measuring the resulting surface deflection.
The data can help identify variations in structural condition and provide valuable information for pavement assessment, maintenance planning and rehabilitation design.
3D Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) provides a rapid, non-intrusive method of investigating pavement construction across larger areas.
Used alongside targeted pavement coring, GPR data can help assess pavement layer thickness and identify variations or anomalies within the pavement structure while reducing the amount of intrusive investigation required.
Through Celnor Group member company LandScope Engineering, MSS can bring specialist surveying capability into wider pavement investigation programmes.
MSS undertakes pencil core sampling and logging of bridge joints to support the investigation, maintenance, and refurbishment of bridge infrastructure.
Our teams can work within highway environments and provide carefully recorded samples and investigation data to help engineers assess existing construction and determine appropriate next steps.
Site investigation can be supported by MSS’s laboratory testing capabilities, allowing samples collected during pavement investigations to be analysed efficiently and incorporated into the wider assessment.
Where pavement investigations require additional environmental or chemical analysis, we can also access specialist laboratory capabilities within Celnor Group.
This connected approach means clients can access site investigation, materials testing and specialist analysis through a coordinated service.
Good pavement investigation is about more than collecting data.
Following the site investigation and laboratory testing programme, MSS can provide clear reporting that brings together the findings from different investigation methods and test locations.
Reports can include core records, pavement construction information, testing results and supporting observations, giving engineers, consultants, and asset owners reliable information to inform their next stage of assessment or design.
Working on live highways requires experienced people, appropriate procedures, and careful planning.
Our teams include Street Works-accredited personnel and are trained in the use of CAT and Genny cable avoidance equipment, helping investigations to be undertaken safely while minimising disruption to road users and the surrounding public.
MSS has supported highways, civil engineering, and infrastructure projects for more than 30 years and works with contractors, consultants, local authorities and national infrastructure organisations.
Our clients and project experience include organisations operating across Scotland’s and the UK’s road networks, including Transport Scotland, BEAR Scotland, Amey and major contractors.
UKAS-accredited expertise
MSS provides UKAS-accredited materials testing and pavement investigation capabilities, including accredited core logging to DMRB CS 229 from East Kilbride.
More than 30 years of experience
Established in 1995, our teams bring decades of construction materials testing and site investigation experience to highway and infrastructure projects.
Site and laboratory capability
Combine pavement investigation, coring, in-situ testing and laboratory analysis through one experienced testing team.
Specialist Group capability
As part of Celnor Group, MSS can bring together complementary capabilities including specialist surveying, GPR and environmental laboratory analysis where required.
With teams operating from East Kilbride, Inverness and Derby, MSS supports pavement investigation projects throughout Scotland and England.
Clear, reliable results
We provide practical reporting and high-quality testing data designed to help consultants, contractors and asset owners make informed decisions about their pavement assets.
Our pavement investigation services support:
