Geotechnical Laboratory Testing Across the UK
The Testing Lab PLC (TTL) operates a specialist geotechnical laboratory providing a wide range of soil and materials testing to support construction, infrastructure and development projects across England, Scotland and Wales.
Our laboratory data helps engineers and contractors understand how the ground and earthworks materials will behave, so they can design safely, build efficiently and manage risk with confidence.
UKAS accredited geotechnical laboratory testing
Our geotechnical testing is carried out within a UKAS accredited quality framework, using recognised British and European standards and robust internal quality control.
We provide:
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Routine classification testing for soils and aggregates
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Earthworks and compaction testing for subgrades, capping and stabilised layers
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Strength, stiffness and deformation testing for design and verification
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Permeability and consolidation testing for foundations and infrastructure works
A detailed, up-to-date list of tests within our accredited scope can be found on our UKAS schedule of accreditation.
What is geotechnical laboratory testing?
Geotechnical laboratory testing determines the physical and mechanical properties of soils and other materials used in civil engineering and construction. Typical questions it helps to answer include:
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How strong and stiff is the soil?
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How will it behave when it gets wet or dries out?
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Can it be compacted to form a stable formation or capping layer?
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How quickly will water move through it or drain away?
Laboratory tests complement site investigation and in-situ testing, providing the hard data needed for design, specification and quality control.
To discuss geotechnical laboratory testing, sample requirements or turnaround times, please contact our experienced and dedicated team:
Tel: 0800 177 7264
Email: info@thetestinglab.eu
Or please complete our online call back form by clicking on the “Call Me” button, and we’ll respond promptly.
Soil and materials tests we offer
We offer a wide range of tests, including (but not limited to):
How geotechnical test results are used
The results from our laboratory tests are used to:
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Inform geotechnical design and selection of foundation solutions
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Classify soils and materials for earthworks specifications
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Define compaction targets and acceptance criteria for site works
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Support pavement design and assessment of subgrades and capping
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Evaluate settlement, stability and drainage performance
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Provide evidence for technical approvals and compliance with relevant standards
We can present data in a format that suits your needs and are happy to discuss results with designers and contractors.
Projects and sectors we support
Our geotechnical laboratory supports:
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Highways and transport infrastructure (roads, rail, airports, ports)
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Residential and commercial developments
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Industrial and logistics platforms
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Energy, utilities and renewables projects
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Local authority and public-sector schemes
From single investigations to large framework programmes, we provide consistent testing and reporting across your portfolio.
Why choose The Testing Lab PLC for geotechnical laboratory testing?
Specialist geotechnical laboratory
Dedicated soils and materials testing facility with a wide range of routine and advanced tests.
Experienced technical team
Technicians and engineers with extensive experience in ground investigation, earthworks and foundation design support.
Integrated services
Ability to combine geotechnical testing with asbestos in soils, WAC, radon and other specialist testing, as well as sample collection and contaminated sample handling through our Red Laboratory.
Independent. Accredited. Nationwide.
Serving consultants, contractors and developers across England, Scotland & Wales from our National Control Centre in Doncaster.
Areas we cover
From our National Control Centre, We provide geotechnical laboratory testing for projects throughout:
- Yorkshire & Humberside
- North East & North West
- East Anglia & East Midlands
- London, South East & South West
- West Midlands, Scotland & Wales
Samples can be sent to our laboratory by courier, haulier or our own coordinated collection service, subject to agreement.
Frequently asked questions about laboratory testing
Our Accredited Testing Services
Thank you very much for the air sampling results – and please accept our grateful thanks for resolving this issue so quickly and for the promptness of the report.
Your analyst, Lee, was very helpful and his suggestions and advice appreciated.
We would have no hesitation in recommending The Testing Lab and will be in touch soon with regards arrangements for a full asbestos survey for the rest of the site.
TTL have been working directly as my analyst for the last 12 months on a very complex asbestos removal scheme, they have achieved all of their KPI’s without fail and on a number of occasions surpassed their SLA in acting for us on planning issues associated with the demolition in regard to contamination which cannot be removed as part of the normal sequence of operation.
There reports are always issued within timescales and they have policed the reports by the Licensed asbestos contractor faultlessly sometimes in very difficult circumstances.

