Laboratory Testing

Geotechnical Observations can arrange routine testing through a third party UKAS accredited laboratory and we undertake advanced laboratory testing of soil in our own laboratory.

Our principal areas of expertise are in the measurement of soil suction and the measurement of small strain stiffness.

You can deliver samples directly to our office in Weybridge or we can collect them from your site.

Routine testing:

Most routine tests are outsourced to a third party UKAS accredited laboratory. Water content, density and digital photography are undertaken in-house.

Specialist Testing:

Soil suction

Measurements of soil suction up to 1500 kPa are made using suction probe apparatus. Laboratory measurements of soil suction can be used in the assessment of sample quality, in the estimation of in situ stress and K₀, in the investigation of desiccation and for the assessment of compaction. Samples for testing can be delivered direct to our laboratory. Alternatively our engineers can make on-site measurements using portable equipment.

Soil stiffness

Small strain stiffness (G_max) can be measured using bender elements. G_max can be used in the assessment of sample quality and in finite element analyses of geotechnical structures. Samples for testing should be carefully wrapped using alternate layers of food-wrap, aluminium foil and paraffin wax. They should then be transported directly to our laboratory as carefully as possible.

Geotechnical Observations Limited
The Peter Vaughan Building
9 Avro Way, Brooklands, Weybridge
Surrey, KT13 0YF, United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)1932 352040
Fax: +44 (0)1932 356375
Email: info@geo-observations.com
Web: www.geo-observations.com