Local Thurso Geotechnical Engineers

GEOTECHNICAL TESTING Thurso

At Solmek, we provide a wide range of geotechnical testing services in Thurso, covering moisture content, linear shrinkage and much more. We are UKAS testing accredited, which means our laboratory has demonstrated competence and compliance with the BS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 standard.

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Solmek Ltd

Geotechnical Engineering Testing Thurso

We provide an extensive range of solutions to geotechnical problems in Thurso. As part of Phase 2 Site Investigation work and beyond including earthworks, remediation and validation, we can provide extensive geotechnical testing and geotechnical engineering services in Thurso. We have years of experience working in the industry and have worked with clients from across Thurso and throughout all sectors. Our team of geotechnical engineers and consultants undertake all types of projects, from small scale residential work to large industrial projects. We can analyse the physical properties of soils and rock and ensure the most appropriate, cost-effective, solutions are recommended. Should you require geotechnical testing in Thurso, then be sure to contact Solmek today.

Professional Laboratory testing

Geotechnical Soil Testing Thurso

Geotechnical soil testing comprises a variety of both laboratory and in-situ tests that are designed to analyse and assess the conditions and materials below the surface. The tests will help to determine both the physical and chemical properties of the soil materials collected. We offer a range of geotechnical soil testing methods and tests in Thurso, and we will ensure the right tests are utilised on your site.

Working across Thurso

Our Geotechnical Services in Thurso

Foundation Design

Determining the most suitable and economic foundation options based on the ground conditions and testing results. Calculating bearing capacities of soil and giving recommendations to the type, size and depth of foundation required.

Road & Pavement Design

Indicating the percentage California Bearing Ratio (CBR) for proposed hardstanding areas. The percentage can be used to determine the depth of sub grade required for roads, parking areas and pavements.

Insitu Soil & Rock Testing

Standard Penetration Tests (SPT), Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Tests (DCP) and Hand Shear Vanes are undertaken within the boreholes to give an accurate indication of the strength/density of the ground to obtain foundation design parameters.

Laboratory Soils & Rock Testing

A range of in-house laboratory tests including strength, shrinkability, pH, water soluble sulphate, CBR and particle size distribution to aid accurate interpretation of ground conditions.

Soakaway Testing

Insitu permeability testing within trial pits and boreholes to determine the use of natural soakaways in proposed developments. Water companies are increasingly enforcing soakaway drainage over piped drainage systems.

CBR Plate Loading Tests

Accurate insitu testing within trial pits to quickly determine the CBR values. Versatile equipment allows access to all types of site terrain. Used to aid design of piling platforms, roadways and other hardstanding areas.

Subsidence Investigations

Use of drilling and rotary rigs to determine sub surface ground conditions to provide solutions for foundation stability problems in relation to trees, clay soil shrinkage, ground dissolution and coal mining.

Slope Stability Analysis

Computer modelling combined with field and laboratory tests to determine stability problems and solutions.

geotechnical testing Thurso

UKAS ACCREDITATION

UKAS accreditation is the reassurance that the laboratory management and technical procedures are maintained to the highest standards. Accreditation is awarded to a testing laboratory only after demonstrating competence and compliance with the BS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 standard. Accreditation is maintained only through annual inspection by a team of industry experienced and professionally qualified experts who observe and examine the management system and laboratory procedures.

MATERIAL TESTING

Geotechnical Testing Services in Thurso

CLASSIFICATION

Test Name	Standard	Clause(s)
Moisture Content	BS 1377-2:1990	3.2
Atterberg Limits - Cone Penetrometer 4-Point	BS 1377-2:1990	4.3, 5.3, 5.4
Atterberg Limits - Cone Penetrometer 1-Point	BS 1377-2:1990	4.4, 5.3, 5.4
Linear Shrinkage	BS 1377-2:1990	6.5
Bulk and Dry Density - Linear Measurement	BS 1377-2:1990	7.2
Particle Density	BS 1377-2:1990	8.2, 8.3, 8.4
Particle Size Distributution - Wet Sieve	BS 1377-2:1990	9.2
Particle Size Distributution - Dry Sieve	BS 1377-2:1990	9.3
Sedimentation - Pipette	BS 1377-2:1990	9.4
Sedimentation - Hydrometer	BS 1377-2:1990	9.5

COMPACTION

Test Name	Standard	Clause(s)
Compaction - 2.5kg Rammer	BS 1377-4:1990	3.3, 3.4
Compaction - 2.5kg Rammer	BS 1377-4:1990	3.3, 3.4
Compaction - 4.5kg Rammer	BS 1377-4:1990	3.5, 3.6
Compaction - Vibrating Hammer	BS 1377-4:1990	3.7
Maximum Density	BS 1377-4:1990	4.2, 4.3
Minimum Density	BS 1377-4:1990	4.4, 4.5
MCV - Single Point	BS 1377-4:1990	5.4
MCV/MC Relation - Multi Point	BS 1377-4:1990	5.5
California Bearing Ratio (CBR)	BS 1377-4:1990	7

CONSOLIDATION

Test Name	Standard	Clause(s)	UKAS Status
One-Dimensional Consolidation	BS 1377-5:1990	3
Swelling and Collapse Characteristics	BS 1377-5:1990	4

TOTAL STRESS

Test Name	Standard	Clause(s)	UKAS Status
Unconsolidated Undrained Triaxial	BS 1377-7:1990	8
Unconsolidated Undrained Triaxial - Multistage	BS 1377-7:1990	9

EFFECTIVE STRESS

Test Name	Standard	Clause(s)	UKAS Status
Consolidated Undrained Triaxial	BS 1377-8:1990	7
Consolidated Drained Triaxial	BS 1377-8:1990	8

INSITU TESTING

Test Name	Standard	Clause(s)	UKAS Status
In-Situ Density by Sand Replacement	BS 1377-9:1990	2.1, 2.2
In-Situ Plate Loading Test	BS 1377-9:1990	4.1

Geotechnical Testing Thurso

frequently asked questions

Should you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact Solmek and one of our team will be happy to assist you.

What is geotechnical testing?

Geotechnical testing is usually carried out by geotechnical engineers, geologists or technicians. The type of test is designed to help understand the characteristics and properties of the ground underneath the primary surface. These types of tests are usually carried out when construction work is required and lands needs to be developed or redeveloped. Geotechnical testing usually involves things such as test pits, boring, trenching and insitu testing.

When do I need a geotechnical soil test?

Geotechnical soil testing should be carried out on any land where you might be aware of a problem or suspect a problem with the soil or the subsurface. In addition to this, if you are developing on brownfield sites or ex-industrial sites, then geotechnical soil tests will also help to determine if there is any contamination in the area and if the subsurface is suitable for redevelopment.

How much does geotechnical testing cost?

The cost of geotechnical testing will depend on the nature of the site being tested, the methods we use and the number of tests that are carried out. We offer cost-effective geotechnical testing solutions.

What are the methods of geotechnical testing?

Geotechnical testing falls under two categories of both intrusive and non-intrusive testing. Intrusive geotechnical testing usually involves drilling, sampling and testing soil or rock directly and this is done using methods such as boreholes, trenching and test pits. However, if you want to prevent disturbance to the subsurface, then non-intrusive methods and techniques such as electrical sensing, magnetic sensing and radar can be considered.

How do geotechnical engineers investigate soil?

Geotechnical engineers investigate soil by carrying out both surface and subsurface checks and tests. This can cover a wide range of geotechnical testing methods and techniques to ensure accurate samples of soil and rock are taken.

Why Choose Us For Geotechnical Testing in Thurso?

20+

Years of Experience

5000+

Completed Projects

If you're searching for geotechnical testing in the Thurso, then be sure to contact Solmek today to see how we can help you with your project!

We have years of experience carrying out geotechnical tests in the Thurso and provide a comprehensive range of testing services. At Solmek, we work closely with our clients from start to finish to ensure all of their requirements are met. No matter what type of geotechnical testing in the Thurso you might need, we have you covered. For more information or to arrange a test on your land, be sure to get in touch with us today.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say...

"We have used Solmek for a number of years to carry out site investigations on a great number of sites and would have no hesitation recommending them to any Clients for this type of work. Solmek have always been reliable, trust worthy and pro-active dealing with issues as they arise on site in a truly professional manner."

Paul Winship
Partner, Billinghurst George And Partners

"Solmek have undertaken Phase 1 Desk Studies and Phase 2 Site Investigations across a large number of County Durham Housing Group’s (CDHG) sites. Solmek provided a quick and efficient service, they have been proactive in dealing with an queries arising and we look forward to working with them again in the future."

Tom Winter
Development Officer, County Durham Housing Group

Solmek - UK Experts in Geotechnical material testing

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