Soil Index Properties Testing
Before you start designing, understand how the soil will act
Ground and material decision-making based on reliable data
A visual inspection alone cannot show how a soil will behave under changes in moisture, loading or construction activity. Index Testing in out NATA accredited laboratory provides measurable evaluation criteria covering particle size, plasticity, moisture condition, soil pH and particle density.
Because Geotesta completes testing in-house, laboratory results can be correlated with field investigation findings and engineering interpretation. This gives project teams a clearer understanding of the materials encountered across the site.
Soil Testing
Laboratory Compaction Tests
- Standard Compaction
- Modified Compaction
- Rapid Compaction (Hilf Method)
Classification Tests
- Moisture Content
- Atterberg Limits
- Linear Shrinkage
- Sieve Analysis
- Hydrometer Test
- Particle Density
Permeability Tests
- Constant Head Permeability
- Falling Head Permeability
- Triaxial Permeability
Reactivity Tests
- Emerson Class Number
- Shrink Swell Index
Chemical Tests
- Soil pH and Electrical Conductivity
Strength and Penetration Tests
- California Bearing Ratio (CBR)
- In-situ CBR
- Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS)
- Unconsolidated Undrained (UU) Triaxial Compression
- Consolidated Undrained (CU) Triaxial Compression
- Consolidated Drained (CD) Triaxial Compression
- One Dimensional Consolidation
Stabilisation Tests
- Lime Stabilised Maximum Dry Density and Optimum Moisture Content
- Cement Stabilised Maximum Dry Density and Optimum Moisture Content
- Lime and Cement Stabilised CBR
- Lime and Cement Stabilised UCS
Earthworks and Compaction Control
- Sampling (AS 1289, AS 1141 and VicRoads Methods)
- Level 1 Supervision and Testing (AS 3798)
- Level 2 Testing (AS 3798)
- Nuclear Gauge Density Testing
- Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP)
- Ball Penetration Test
Aggregate Testing
- Sampling
- Sieve Analysis
- Average Least Dimension
- Flakiness Index
- Los Angeles Abrasion Value
- Material Finer Than 75µm
- Maximum Dry Compressive Strength
- Aggregate Quality
- Particle Density and Water Absorption
- Weak Particles
- Wet and Dry Strength Variation
- Aggregate Crushing Value
- Polished Stone Value
Rock Testing
- Unconfined Compressive Strength
- Point Load Strength Index
- Strength Testing
- Moisture Content
Concrete Testing
- Sampling
- Compressive Strength
- Slump
- Mass Per Unit Volume of Wet and Hardened Concrete
- Mass Per Unit Volume
- Compressive Strength of Concrete Cores
Testing capabilities
Moisture Content
Testing determines the amount of water present in a soil sample at the time it was received or sampled.
Atterberg Limits
Liquid and plastic limit testing determines the moisture-content range over which fine-grained soil changes in consistency, helping engineers assess its likely behaviour and performance.
Particle size distribution
Sieve or sedimentation analysis will determine the percentage of gravel, sand, silt, and clay sized particles present in the tested material.
Linear shrinkage
This method evaluates the decrease in length of a prepared soil sample as it dries under controlled laboratory conditions.
Soil classification
Lab results will be evaluated and used to classify and describe soils consistent with the specific engineering assessment requirements.
Sample preparation
All samples are inspected for integrity, then prepared and conditioned according to the required test method and their physical condition.
Accreditations
Trusted. Certified. Backed by Industry Leaders.
Fast report turnaround sets Geotesta apart, giving your team the evidence needed to keep decisions and projects moving. You will receive an obligation-free, transparent quote with the scope, costs and expected delivery timeframe clearly defined. NATA-accredited laboratory testing, ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certification, transport authority prequalification, supplier panel approval and relevant professional affiliations provide further confidence through procurement, technical review and regulatory scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Index properties help classify soils and provide information about particle-size distribution, moisture condition, plasticity and expected behaviour under varying environmental and construction conditions.
The tests required will depend on the material being assessed and the purpose of the engineering evaluation. Geotesta can review your project requirements and recommend an appropriate laboratory testing program.
The required sample quantity will depend on the tests being performed. Once Geotesta receives your testing request, the laboratory can confirm the volume needed for each test (call us on 03 9562 9135) before samples are collected or submitted, reducing the risk of insufficient material.
Geotesta can discuss suitable delivery options for your soil samples. Samples should be securely packaged in an appropriate container and clearly labelled with their contents. Please also include sufficient project information, testing requirements and any relevant supporting documentation.
Turnaround times will depend on the tests requested, the number of samples submitted, the laboratory’s current workload and whether preliminary results indicate that additional testing is required. Geotesta can provide an expected timeframe during the initial scoping discussions.