Laboratory soil testing

Our Derby and Inverness laboratories are equipped to provide laboratory soil testing for the construction, engineering, agricultural, and environmental industries. We offer a variety of UKAS Accredited tests across Scotland, the Midlands and UK wide.

We can also collect samples on behalf of clients for dispatch to third party UKAS accredited laboratories for chemical and other testing.

Soil Testing

Our most popular services are

Los Angeles Abrasion (LA Abrasion) testing is a standard method used to evaluate the durability and wear resistance of aggregates, commonly used in road construction and other civil engineering applications. This test assesses the ability of the aggregate to withstand mechanical degradation under conditions of abrasion and impact.

The Maximum Density of Bituminous Mixtures test determines the theoretical maximum specific gravity (Gmm) of a bituminous paving mixture, assuming it has no air voids. This is crucial for evaluating the compaction level, void content, and overall quality of asphalt mixtures used in road construction.

Particle Size Distribution (PSD) testing is a laboratory analysis that determines the range and proportions of particle sizes in a sample of material, such as soil, sand, gravel, or other granular substances. It identifies the size distribution of particles, typically measured in micrometres or millimetres, and provides insights into the physical properties of the material.

Evaluates the strength of a soil subgrade or base course by measuring its resistance to penetration under standardized loading conditions. The CBR test is widely used in pavement design and construction to assess the load-bearing capacity and stiffness of soils and their suitability for supporting traffic loads. BS 1377–9:1990

Assess the strength and compaction characteristics of soil layers. It involves driving a metal cone into the soil using repeated impacts from a falling mass, and then measuring the depth of penetration for each blow. The test provides valuable information about the in-situ properties of the soil, such as its bearing capacity, stiffness, and density. Documented in house method.

Determines the vertical deformation and strength characteristics of soil beneath the surface. It is particularly useful for assessing the load-bearing capacity of soil subgrades and determining the suitability of a site for construction. BS 1377–9:1990

In situ bulk density – nuclear method: BS 1377–9:1990
In situ bulk density – compliance tests: BS 1377–9:1990

In situ bulk density – nuclear method: BS 1377–9:1990

In situ bulk density – nuclear method: BS 1377–9:1990

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Glasgow Office
MATtest Site Services Limited
19 Springburn Place
College Milton
East Kilbride
G74 5NU

Inverness Office
MATtest Site Services Limited
42a Seafield Rd
Inverness
IV1 1SG

Derby Office
MATtest Site Services Limited
Unit 6 Canal Gate Park
Spondon
Derby
DE21 7SN

  • Laboratory capabilities
  • UKAS accredited
  • Experienced team
  • On-site sampling

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