Laboratory Testing

South West Geotechnical Ltd is one of the largest providers of UKAS accredited in-situ and laboratory geotechnical testing services in the South West of England.  Our modern testing facilities paired with qualified and experienced staff enables our clients to choose independent testing services, or testing as part of the overall site investigation package.  

 

We also offer accredited on-site/in-situ testing such as plate bearing tests, CBR tests and earthworks monitoring, bringing confidence during the construction phase.

Laboratory Testing

 

SITE             INVESTIGATION

SITE INVESTIGATION

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Geotechnical  Consultancy

Geotechnical Consultancy

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In-situ Testing  Earthworks

In-situ Testing Earthworks

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Laboratory  Testing

Laboratory Testing

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Contaminated Land

Contaminated Land

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 Sectors

Sectors

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Lab Testing

Aside from the formalities, we take pride in offering what we consider to be a personal service and management style.  We will always be as helpful as we can to our clients, adding value with considered advice throughout the process.

 

Quality

Our laboratory is accredited be the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for compliance with ISO/IEC: 17025.  UKAS provides the assurance that our technical and management procedures are managed and maintained to the highest standards.  In order to maintain accreditation, the laboratory must regularly demonstrate compliance through external audits, with annual participation in formally recognised proficiency testing schemes in order to show continued and consistent competency in specific testing procedures.  As part of this process we also monitor our performance and always consider feedback from our client base.

 

In-house testing capabilities encompass: 

 

  • Natural moisture content*

  • Atterberg limits (plasticity index)*

  • Sieve analysis* 

  • Pipette Analysis*

  • Saturated moisture content/density of chalk 

  • Drained and undrained shear box* 

  • Quick undrained triaxial*

  • Oedometer consolidation* 

  • Unconfined compressive strength (Rock & Soil)

  • Point load tests 

  • California Bearing Ratio* 

  • Moisture condition value* 

  • Moisture content/dry density relationship* 

 

*Denotes UKAS accredited tests

 

We offer a free collection service from Exeter, Plymouth, Taunton, Bristol

UKAS Schedule - Accreditation

PROJECTS

Area 4 South VSC

Soakaway Testing

BRE Digest 365 Soakaway and BS6297 Percolation Testing, Devon To assist with planning for the redevelopment of a single residential property SWG undertook Soakaway testing in accordance with BRE Digest 635 for storm water drainage design and Percolation testing in accordance with BS6297 for septic tank soakaway design.  It was a small side and so a small tracked excavator was used to access the site.  Unfortunately the very low permeability clayey ground meant that soakaways were not suitable this time and an alternative drainage strategy was required.  ​

Area 4 South VSC

Ground Gas Desk Study

Phase 1 Ground Gas Desk Study for redevelopment of a residential property Following submission of a Planning Application, the Local Authority expressed concern about a former quarry being a potential source of ground gas which could impact the proposed development.  SWG undertook a Phase 1 contamination desk study and walkover survey to assist with planning conditions to and to produce a Conceptual Model of the site and identify the Source-Pathway-Receptor linkages between the quarry (source) and the proposed dwelling (receptor).  ​The old quarries and associated pond located 25m south west of the site have been backfilled, in part, therefore, these features presented a theoretical source of ground gas.  It was determined that as the quarries are not capped, any gasses generated would vent to the atmosphere rather than migrating laterally through the ground towards the development site.  SWG argued that the use of modern construction techniques and a damp proof membrane with good sealing around pipes and floor structure will provide inherent gas protection measures.  The desk study was accepted by the Local Authority and relevant warranty providers, subsequently planning was granted, saving the Client time and money. 

Area 4 South VSC

Desk Study

Phase 1 desk study for conversion of barn to residential property SWG undertook a Phase 1 contamination desk study and walkover survey to assist with planning conditions to identify any potential contamination on a small a small barn site that is to be converted in to a residential dwelling.   ​ A series of historic maps were reviewed along with information on industrial land use, landfills, radon and subsidence.   A conceptual model was developed which did not identify any significant sources of contamination.  On this basis SWG recommended the ground suitable for use for a residential property without the need for a Phase 2 contamination investigation.  The desk study was accepted by the Local Authority and relevant warranty providers, subsequently planning was granted, saving the Client time and money. 

Area 4 South VSC

Coal Workings

Investigation for industrial development above known coal workings, Bristol SWG undertook an investigation to assist with the purchase of an industrial estate in Bristol.  The Client wanted to understand the risks associated with former coal workings beneath the site. SWG undertook a series of rotary cored boreholes with our very own Commachio 205 drilling rig to identify where coal seams has been worked. ​  SWG produced a cross section through the site identifying areas of known workings and provided the client with advice on foundation design and recommendations, plus preliminary costs for remediation works for the future development.       

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Laboratory Testing
Laboratory Testing
South West Geotechnical

We would be happy to discuss your project, so please get in touch.

Get in touch! 01884 252444

 

South West Geotechnical
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South West Geotechnical
South West Geotechnical
South West Geotechnical