Our soil testing laboratory is an integral part of the geotechnical investigation and geological study. AKMG laboratory has been managed by highly qualified material engineers and laboratory technicians for carrying out the routine and special tests according to ASTM & AASHTO standards. Our laboratories are equipped to provide comprehensive soil tests, rock tests, aggregates and concrete tests.

AKM Geotechnical is a company that provides a wide range of soil testing laboratory services services. The company specializes in soil, rock, and construction materials testing for a variety of industries, including construction, mining, oil and gas, and civil engineering.

Through our in-house laboratory we are able to perform following tests:

1. SIEVE ANALYSIS (PSD) TEST (ASTM) C 136

A sieve analysis (or gradation test) is a practice or procedure used (commonly used in civil engineering) to assess the particle size distribution (also called gradation) of a granular material by allowing the material to pass through a series of sieves of progressively smaller mesh size and weighing the amount of material that is stopped by each sieve as a fraction of the whole mass.

2. ATTERBERG’S LIMIT (PI) TEST (ASTM) D4943

The Atterberg limits are a basic measure of the critical water contents of a fine-grained soil: its shrinkage limit, plastic limit, and liquid limit. Depending on its water content, a soil may appear in one of four states: solid, semi-solid, plastic and liquid. In each state, the consistency and behaviour of a soil is different and consequently so are its engineering properties. These limits were created by Albert Atterberg , a Swedish agriculturist in 1911. They were later refined by Arthur Casagrande.

• Shrinkage limit
• Plastic limit
• Liquid limit

3. SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST

Specific gravity is the ratio of the density (mass of a unit volume) of a substance to the density of a given reference material.

For fine aggregates: (ASTM C128 – 15)

The test methods cover the determination of the specific gravity of soil solids that pass the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve, by means of a water pycnometer. The OD specific gravity is determined after drying the aggregate. The SSD relative density and absorption are determined after soaking the aggregate in water for a prescribed duration.

For coarse aggregates: (ASTM C 127)

Aggregate specific gravity is a measure of a material’s density (mass per unit volume) as compared to the density of water at 73.4°F (23°C). Therefore, by definition, water at a temperature of 73.4°F (23°C) has a specific gravity of 1.

The mass of a coarse aggregate sample is determined in SSD, oven-dry and submerged states. These values are then used to calculate bulk specific gravity, bulk SSD specific gravity, apparent specific gravity and absorption.

4. CONSOLIDATION TEST (ASTM) D2435

Consolidation Test is used to determine the rate and magnitude of settlement in soils. The settlement values obtained by this test are due to primary consolidation only which is 90% of the total consolidation. The results of the consolidation test are very much helpful in the design of foundations. The testing is usually done with consolidometer or odeometer.

5. DIRECT SHEAR TEST (ASTM) D3080

A direct shear test is a soil testing laboratory service or field test used by geotechnical engineers to measure the shear strength properties of soil or rock material, or of discontinuities in soil or rock masses.

A Direct shear test or Box shear test is used to determine the shear strength of the soil. It is more suitable for cohesionless soils.

For coarse aggregates: (ASTM C 127)

Aggregate specific gravity is a measure of a material’s density (mass per unit volume) as compared to the density of water at 73.4°F (23°C). Therefore, by definition, water at a temperature of 73.4°F (23°C) has a specific gravity of 1.

The mass of a coarse aggregate sample is determined in SSD, oven-dry and submerged states. These values are then used to calculate bulk specific gravity, bulk SSD specific gravity, apparent specific gravity and absorption.

6. UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST

For Rocks ASTM D7012-14e1, (2014)

The Unconfined Compression Test is a soil testing laboratory service used to derive the Unconfirmed Compressive Strength (UCS) of a rock specimen. Unconfirmed Compressive Strength (UCS) stands for the maximum axial compressive stress that a specimen can bear under zero confining stress. Due to the fact that stress is applied along the longitudinal axis, the Unconfined Compression Test is also known as Uniaxial Compression Test. UCS is a parameter widely used in geotechnical design, but may not represent the strength in-situ. On a large scale, the rock mass properties are highly affected by other factors including discontinuities, faults and weathering.

During the test, apart from the axial load, axial and lateral deformation are commonly measured to derive the sample’s elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio.

7. POINT LOAD TEST (ASTM D5731 – 16)

The Point load test is an index test by which the rock is classified according to the strength. The test can be used to estimate other characteristics of intact rocks with which it correlates, such as uniaxial compressive and tensile strength. After certain sample dimensions are determined, the sample is loaded with uniformly increasing force so that the brake occurs within a period of between 10 and 60 seconds. Usually, no preparation of samples for testing is required which allows for on site testing. The orientation of anisotropic samples of intact rocks during the test in relation to the load direction can be:

• Vertical to debilitation surfaces Parallel to debilitation surfaces, in situations where an irregular break occurs due to sample inhomogeneity, the test should be considered invalid.
• The Point load test (PLT) is an extremely fast and efficient way to determine and classify the strength of an intact rock.

8. CONCRETE COMPRESSION TEST (ASTM Designation: A 370 – 03)

The compression test is also a soil testing laboratory service which shows the best possible strength concrete can achieve in perfect conditions. The compression test measures concrete strength in the hardened state. Field concrete samples are prepared, cured and tested according to ASTM standard procedures. Specimens are prepared from concrete taken from different construction sites. Following processes and calculations are used for measuring compressive strength of cylindrical concrete specimens.

9. TRIAXIAL TEST (ASTM) D7181-11 •

Triaxial tests are widely used in geotechnical engineering both in soil and rock mechanics. Specimens are axially loaded to failure while a confining pressure is constantly applied. As a result, the behaviour of geomaterials is investigated in a three-dimensional stress state. The principal stresses (the maximum and minimum normal stresses acting on a plane at which the shear stress is zero) in 3-dimensional objects are three (σ1> σ2> σ3). In nature, the principal stresses may differ. However, in laboratory triaxial tests, the intermediate stress σ2 is equal to σ3. Conducting laboratory tests in which all applied principal stresses differ is challenging and is not widely used. Such a procedure would be referred to as a polyaxial or true triaxial test. Moreover, research has shown that the effect of the intermediate stress is minor. There are several variations of the triaxial test:

Consolidated drained (CD)

In a ‘consolidated drained’ test the sample is consolidated and sheared in compression slowly to allow pore pressures built up by the shearing to dissipate. The rate of axial deformation is kept constant, i.e., strain is controlled. The idea is that the test allows the sample and the pore pressures to fully consolidate (i.e., adjust) to the surrounding stresses. The test may take a long time to allow the sample to adjust, in particular low permeability samples need a long time to drain and adjust strain to stress levels.

Consolidated undrained (CU)

In a ‘consolidated undrained’ test the sample is not allowed to drain. The shear characteristics are measured under undrained conditions and the sample is assumed to be fully saturated. Measuring the pore pressures in the sample (sometimes called CUpp) allows approximating the consolidated-drained strength. Shear speed is often calculated based on the rate of consolidation under a specific confining pressure (whilst saturated). Confining pressures can vary anywhere from 1 psi to 100 psi or greater, sometimes enquiring special load cells capable of handling higher pressures.

Unconsolidated undrained (UU)

In an ‘unconsolidated undrained’ test the loads are applied quickly, and the sample is not

allowed to consolidate during the test. The sample is compressed at a constant rate

(strain-controlled).

10. CHEMICAL TESTING

The following chemical tests are carried out on soil and ground-water samples,

• Total dissolved solids (TDS)
• Chloride content
• Sulphate content
• pH
• Organic matter

Here are some of the other soil testing laboratory services

provided by AKM Geotechnical:

Soil Testing:

AKM Geotechnical provides a comprehensive range of soil testing services, including tests for soil classification, strength, density, and moisture content. These tests can help determine the suitability of soil for construction or mining projects, and can also help identify potential soil-related hazards.

Rock Testing:

The company also offers rock testing services, including tests for rock strength, durability, and abrasion resistance. These tests can help determine the suitability of rock for construction or mining projects, and can also help identify potential rock-related hazards.

Construction Materials Testing:

AKM Geotechnical provides testing services for a variety of construction materials, including concrete, asphalt, and masonry. These tests can help ensure that construction materials meet industry standards and specifications, and can also help identify potential issues with materials before they are used in construction projects.

Geotechnical Instrumentation:

AKM Geotechnical also provides geotechnical instrumentation services, including installation and monitoring of various sensors and instruments used to measure soil and rock behavior. This can include the installation of tilt meters, piezometers, and inclinometers, among others.

Environmental Testing:

The company offers environmental testing services, including soil and water testing for contaminants. These tests can help identify potential environmental hazards and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Pavement Design and Analysis:

AKM Geotechnical provides pavement design and analysis services, including the use of computerized pavement design models to analyze and optimize pavement designs for specific projects.

Quality Control and Quality Assurance:

The company also offers quality control and quality assurance services for construction projects, including testing and inspection of construction materials and monitoring of construction activities to ensure compliance with industry standards and specifications.Our soil testing laboratory services are extremely professional and display amazing results.

In conclusion, AKM Geotechnical provides a wide range of soil testing laboratory services for a variety of industries. These services can help ensure the safety, quality, and compliance of construction, mining, and environmental projects. Consult with AKM Geotechnical for guidance on which testing services are appropriate for your specific project.

Through our in-house laboratory we are able to perform following tests: