Laboratory Testing

Laboratory Testing of Soil and Construction Materials:

Laboratory testing is a critical component of geotechnical and construction material investigations. It provides quantitative data on the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of soils and construction materials under controlled conditions. These tests are indispensable for accurate design of foundations, pavements, structures, and other civil engineering works, allowing engineers to predict performance, assess stability, and ensure compliance with design standards.

We offer a wide range of laboratory testing services to evaluate the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of soils, aggregates, and construction materials. These tests are essential for designing safe, durable, and cost-effective foundations, pavements, and structures. 

1. Laboratory Testing of Soils

Laboratory soil testing evaluates the engineering properties of soil, including strength, compressibility, permeability, density, and classification. Soil samples are typically obtained from boreholes, trial pits, or undisturbed sampling. Key laboratory tests include

  • Grain Size Analysis (Sieve & Hydrometer Analysis): Determines the particle size distribution and classifies soil as gravel, sand, silt, or clay.
  • Atterberg Limits: Measures Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index for cohesive soils to assess plasticity and compressibility.
  • Specific Gravity Test: Determines the specific gravity of soil solids for compaction and settlement analysis.
  • Compaction Test (Standard & Modified Proctor Test): Determines optimum moisture content (OMC) and maximum dry density (MDD) for compaction control.
  • Consolidation Test: Evaluates soil compressibility and predicts settlement under static loads.
  • Direct Shear Test: Determines the shear strength parameters (cohesion and internal friction angle) of soils under drained conditions.
  • Triaxial Compression Test: Measures shear strength under varying confining pressures; includes unconsolidated-undrained, consolidated-undrained, and consolidated-drained tests.
  • Unconfined Compression Test: Determines compressive strength of cohesive soils without lateral confinement.
  • Permeability Test (Constant & Falling Head): Measures the coefficient of permeability to assess groundwater flow and drainage characteristics.
  • California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test: Evaluates subgrade strength for flexible pavement design.

Swelling & Shrinkage Tests: Assess expansive behavior of clayey soils.

2. Laboratory Testing of Construction Materials

Construction material testing ensures compliance with engineering standards, verifies strength and durability, and supports optimization of material usage. Key tests include:

  • Cement:

    • Fineness Test (Blaine or Sieving)
    • Initial and Final Setting Time
    • Soundness (Le Chatelier or Autoclave)
    • Compressive Strength of Mortar Cubes

    Aggregates:

    • Specific Gravity and Water Absorption
    • Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV)
    • Aggregate Impact Value (AIV)
    • Los Angeles Abrasion Value
    • Shape and Gradation Analysis

    Concrete:

    • Workability (Slump, Compaction Factor, Vee-Bee Test)
    • Compressive Strength (Cube/Cylinder Testing)
    • Flexural Strength (Beam Testing)
    • Density and Air Content
    • Durability Tests (Permeability, Rapid Chloride Penetration)

    Bituminous Materials:

    • Penetration Test
    • Softening Point
    • Ductility
    • Specific Gravity
    • Marshall Stability & Flow Test

    Steel and Reinforcement:

    • Tensile Strength, Yield Strength, and Elongation
    • Bend Test
    • Hardness Test
    • Fatigue and Impact Tests (for critical applications)

    By combining field investigations with comprehensive laboratory testing, SoilGlobe Engineering provides complete geotechnical and material evaluation services, helping engineers and contractors make informed, confident decisions for all types of construction projects..