Soil Testing

Soil Testing solutions offered help in testing overall health of the soil. Among many tests, one that is done includes testing of Chloride content. Here, the negative effect of chloride concentration as present in soil on corrosion of reinforcing steel was done through measuring corrosion potentials as well as corrosion current density in soil testing. In the situation pertaining to presence of concrete in contact with soil can lead to corrosion of embedded reinforcement. Further, chloride levels in soils are also undertaken for checking of soil adjacent to concrete is suitable. The test method employed is meets IS:4032-1985. Apart from this, other tests that are done for soil testing include:
Electrical Resistivity –

• It helps in determining if inferior/cheaper substance has electrical resistivity of soil
• This is performed through testing soil physical properties like its structure, fluid composition and water content
• It is also an attractive tool for describing subsurface properties without digging

Test Method: IS:15736-2007
Linear Shrinkage –

• The test is used for determining percentage measurement of decrease in dimension of fine fraction of soil upon drying after been moulded in wet condition approximately at its liquid limit
• The test is useful for soils with low clay content where liquid and plastic limits allows difficulty oi measuring plasticity index

Test Method: IS:2720 (P-6) 1972
Modified Procter Compaction Test

• This test plays significant part in the construction sector
• Mechanical compaction techniques are utilized by most of building sites as well as construction projects

Test Method: IS:2720 (P-3,7)1980
Organic Matter Content –

• The test helps in analyzing stable organic matter as present in soil

Test Method: IS:2720 (P-22)1972
Particle Size Distribution by Sieve Analysis –

• This test helps in determining relative proportions of different granular sizes as these are made to pass through certain sieve sizes
• Percentage of silt, sand, gravel and clay is obtained through the sieve analysis test and is used in classification of soils
• Data obtained finds usage in –
  - Designing filters for earth dams
  - To determine suitability of soil for road/highway construction
  - Suitability for embankment fill of dam
  - Suitability for airport runway/taxiway

Test Method: IS:2720 (P-4)1985
Particle Size Distribution by Hydrometer –

• This test helps in determining particle-size distribution in soil for fraction that is finer than sieve size of 0.075 mm
• Lower limit of particle size which is determined through this procedure is around 0.001 mm

Plasticity Index –

• It helps in measuring of cohesive qualities of binder that results from clay content
• It also helps in providing indication of amount of swelling and shrinkage as a resultant of wetting and drying of fraction tested

Test Method: IS:2720 (P-5)1985
Sulphate Content –

• This testing process assists in determining soluble sulfate content of soil through use of turbidimetric techniques
• Results achieved are used for determining whether chemical stabilization (with cement kiln dust, lime, fly ash) of tested soil is appropriate

Test Method: IS:2720 (P-27)1977

Soil Testing-contamination
Soil Testing-contamination solutions offered find application as an important requirement in areas of land for retail, office, housing and industrial development. Here, real estate developers need to check soil constitution of the sites that were previously used for industrial applications. With possibility of these sites not having subjected to rigorous environmental legislation in application today, this can result in possibility of different levels of contamination present in soil. Hence, it is important for conducting contaminated land survey for these sites.
The testing services offered include:

• Desktop study including previous uses
• Visual inspection of site
• Assessing site’s geology and hydrology
• Carrying out sampling as per methods/procedures agreed with client
• Laboratory analysis of samples

Soil-geo Technical Investigation
Soil-geo Technical Investigation solutions offered comprises a wide range of tests that are performed for testing soil geo-technical parameters. Some of the tests that are carried out include –
Load Bearing Capacity –

• The test assists in determining maximum load soil can withstand

Shear Strength –

• The test assists in determining magnitude of shear stress soil can sustain
• The shear resistance of soil is resultant of –
  - Friction as well as interlocking of particles
  - Cementation/bonding at particle contacts

Test Method: ASTM D3080
Dynamic Core Penetration Test –

• The test assists in determining compactness of sub soil layer without requirement of making bore hole
• Data obtained through test helps in providing continuous record of soil resistance
• As in-situ dynamic penetration test, it is developed for providing information on soil’s geotechnical engineering properties

Test Method: BS EN ISO 22476-3 / ASTM D1586 / AS 1289.6.3.1.
Triaxial Compression Test –

• The test assists in determining shear testing of soils

Test Method: ASTM D4767 – 11 / D2850
Plate Bearing –

• This test allow design engineers to know bearing capacity of soil underneath especially in cases of shallow foundation/traffic surface
• This test is carried out in field to serve the purpose demands
• Results from test are used as design parameter/ used to confirm design assumption

Test Method: BS 1377 Part 9 : 1990 Standards.