Compaction Testing at i2 Analytical

Compaction Testing at i2 Analytical

Compaction testing of soil is the process by which the solid particles are packed more closely together, usually by mechanical means, thereby increasing the dry density of the soil.

To determine the compaction criteria of a soil that will ultimately be used for the on site compaction process, a range of compaction related tests are undertaken. These tests enable the relationship between dry density and moisture content that will reduce the void content of a material. This in turn will increase its strength and reduce subsequent consolidation via moisture and soil particle movement under load.

Compaction testing in the laboratory is used on site to control the earthworks compaction process by the contractor and is known as ‘end product testing’. These tests will help determine the compaction plant and methodology on site and will help in highlighting changes of material as a project proceeds, generally via pass/fail criteria. Compaction testing in the field to ensure compliance is undertaken using a range of methods, all undertaken by i2 Analytical Site Services teams.

i2 Analytical are able to undertake all standard methods on earthworks and construction materials as well as other related tests such as Moisture Condition Value (MCV), lab CBR testing and plate load testing, including measurement of swelling characteristics.

Our UKAS accredited laboratory can carry out testing to British and European Standards including the following:

Test
Methodology
UKAS Accredited Test
Dry Density / Water Content Relationship - 2.5kg Rammer
BS1377:2022
Yes
Dry Density / Water Content Relationship - 4.5kg Rammer
BS1377:2022Yes
Dry Density / Water Content Relationship - Vibrating Hammer
BS1377:2022Yes
California Bearing Ratio - Lab CBR
BS1377:2022Yes
Swell Measurement of CBR Specimens
BS1377:2022Yes
Moisture Condition Value - MCV
BS1377:2022Yes
Moisture Condition Value/Moisture Content Relationship
BS1377:2022Yes
Stabilised Materials
Reference Density & Water Content 2.5kg - Proctor
BS EN13286:2010
Yes
Reference Density & Water Content 2.5kg - Large Proctor
BS EN13286:2010
Yes
Reference Density & Water Content 4.5kg - Proctor
BS EN13286:2010
Yes
Reference Density & Water Content 4.5kg - Large Proctor
BS EN13286:2010
Yes
Reference Density & Water Content - Vibrating Hammer
BS EN13286:2021
Yes
Lab CBR/Immediate Bearing Index on remoulded specimen @ NMC
BS EN13286:2021
Yes
Soaking and monitoring of Swell
BS EN13286:2012
Yes
Moisture Condition Value - MCV
BS EN13286:2003
Yes
Compressive Strength of stabilised cube specimen
BS EN13286:2003
No
Site Testing
Incremental Plate Load
BS1377:1990
Yes
In-situ California Bearing Ratio (Plate)
SHW IAN 73/06
Yes
In-situ California Bearing Ratio (Plunger)
BS1377:1990
Yes
Insitu Density by Nuclear Density Gauge
BS1377:1990
Yes
Insitu Density by Non-Nuclear Density Gauge
IHMYes
Insitu Density by Sand Replacement Method
BS1377:1990
Yes
Insitu Density by Core Cutter Method
BS1377:1990
Yes
Moisture Condition Value MCV
BS1377:1990
Yes
Shear Strength by Hand Shear Vane
NZ Geo Society 2001
Yes
Dynamic Cone Penetrometer
DMRB CD 229
Yes
Dynamic Plate Tests (LWD)
IHM
No